Toshiba Refreshes Satellite LaptopsToshiba Refreshes Satellite Laptops

Toshiba has refreshed its Satellite laptops, adding multimedia-related features to a couple models and introducing a couple of lightweight, ultra-low voltage models.

The 16-inch A665 and 14-inch M645 are entertainment laptops that include Toshiba's TruBrite high-definition displays. Both Satellites have LED backlighting for sharper images and more vivid colors.

Other multimedia features include DVD player software that converts standard-definition movies to a resolution that "looks and feels" more like high-definition, according to Toshiba. In addition, the laptop speakers can be used with an MP3 player by plugging the device into laptops' microphone jack.

The A665 and M645 come with Harman/Kardon stereo speakers and Dolby's audio technology to improve sound quality.

The systems are available with Intel Core i3, i5 or i7 processors, or Advanced Micro Devices' Phenom II quad-core chip. The laptops also include the option of a Nvidia GeForce 310M or GeForce GT330M graphics processor. Both chips include Nvidia's Optimus technology, which automatically direct workload to either the graphics processor or CPU, depending on which chip would be more efficient in processing the task.

The Satellite A665 has a starting price of $800, while the M645 starts at $730. Both systems are scheduled to be available through major retailers June 20.

Toshiba also introduced an A665 configuration that's ready to display 3D content. The A665 3D Edition includes a 15.6-inch TruBrite screen and Nvidia's 3D Vision software and hardware technologies.

The 3D edition comes with a Core i7 quad-core processor and a Nvidia GeForce GTS350M GPU with 1GB of video memory. The system also includes a 640 GB hard drive and 4 GB of DDR2 system memory.

The A665 3D Edition is scheduled for release June 20. The manufacturer suggested retail price is $1,600.

Finally, Toshiba launched two additions to its Satellite T200 series of "ultra-thin" laptops. The T235, which features a 13.3-inch display, weighs 3.9 pounds, and the T215, which sports an 11.6-inch screen, weighs 3.3 pounds.

The T215 is equipped with either an Athlon II Neo single- or dual-core processor from Advanced Micro Devices. The system also includes AMD's ATI integrated graphics. Other features include a 320 GB hard drive and 2 GB of DDR3 memory.

The T235 is available with an AMD Athlon II Neo or Turion II Neo, or with Intel's low-voltage Pentium dual-core chip. The laptop comes with a 320 GB hard drive and up to 4 GB of DDR3 memory.

The T215 and T235 have a starting price of $470 and are scheduled to be available June 20 at major retailers.