Toshiba unveils new Satellite Pro laptops

Toshiba has announced four new business laptops from its Satellite Pro range.

The company said that the new models are aimed at a range of business users, from home office users up to large enterprises.

First up is the Satellite Pro U500, which Toshiba said is aimed at the mobile worker, though the 2.1Kg starting weight isn't super-light. It's encased in a Luxe finish and sports Easy Touch controls above the keyboard.

It offers a 13.3in, 1,280 x 800 display and is Intel Core 2 Duo powered and features Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics and 4GB of RAM.

Standard features include Wireless-n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a DVD burner, and webcam, while the 400GB hard disk is protected by a 3D impact sensor.

Users can also charge their peripherals via USB even when the machine is off. The U500 will retail from 569 and is available now.

The more mainstream Pro L500 goes for a larger 15.6in display and a range of faster Core 2 Duo processors from 2GHz up to 2.53GHz. It also features an HDMI port, with prices starting at 469 ex VAT.

The larger Satellite Pro L550 pushes screen sizes up to 17.3in and offers the more advanced LED backlighting technology. Some 4GB of RAM is standard as is HDMI, eSata, Wireless-n, Bluetooth, 400GB of storage and a Steel Grey Fusion finish. The machine will retail from 729.

The Satellite Pro L450 and L450D machines are available with a wider range of processors taking in Intel's Core 2 Duo, Celeron or even AMD and 2GB of RAM is fitted as standard. The display is 15.6in and only 250GB of hard disk space is on offer, though that will likely be enough for most users.

The designs are a more basic silver and black but the lack of visual thrills is likely to be offset by the attractive 329 starting price. These will be available from this month.

All machines will run Windows 7, though if preferred, a Windows XP downgrade option is available.

Benny Har-Even

Benny Har-Even is a twenty-year stalwart of technology journalism who is passionate about all areas of the industry, but telecoms and mobile and home entertainment are among his chief interests. He has written for many of the leading tech publications in the UK, such as PC Pro and Wired, and previously held the position of technology editor at ITPro before regularly contributing as a freelancer.

Known affectionately as a ‘geek’ to his friends, his passion has seen him land opportunities to speak about technology on BBC television broadcasts, as well as a number of speaking engagements at industry events.