When it comes to hardcore multimedia rendering and manipulation, Apple computers are traditionally considered among the best fit for the job. But the Cupertino giant could soon see its position menaced by Toshiba's latest Satellite P500, a flagship, high-performance laptop that puts multimedia enthusiasts at the core of its target.
With a large 18.4" high resolution display, Blu-ray rewritable drive, NVIDIA graphics with up to 1GB VRAM, full-size backlit keyboard, Intel Core 2 Duo processor and up to 8GB of DDR2 RAM, this product will target high-end consumers that want the very best from their laptop experience and have more than a few bucks to spare.
An interesting feature is Resolution+, a proprietary algorithm developed by Toshiba that makes use of the laptop's processing power to convert videos with standard definition to near-HD levels in realtime. High-end stereo speakers and HDMI for high quality data transmission between the laptop and another device such as a TV, further enhance the user experience.
Finally, an eight-button remote control is also included in the package. Apart from the common video/audio reproduction functions, the remote provides quick access to the Toshiba Eco Utility, which is meant to quickly and easily reduce power consumption.
Of course, many of these features would be nearly useless without enough storage for your high-def media files, which is why the Satellite P500 features two HD drives for a total capacity of up to an impressive 1TB, enough to store tens of hi-def movies for the road.
But what's perhaps most impressing about the P500 are its expansion possibilities: ExpressCard, FireWire, eSATA, 5-in-1 memory card reader, and three USB ports with Sleep-and-Charge technology that will charge connected devices even when the computer is in sleep mode.
Toshiba will ship two different variants of the product: a first, cheaper version will feature a black LCD cover and LCD mask, a black hinge and a silver painted rim; the premium version will feature edge-to-edge display (Flush Screen) with a glass mask, chrome rim and hinge, and backlit keyboard.
Technical specifications:
- 18.4" TruBrite® LCD screen with 16:9 aspect ratio and a resolution of 1680 x 945 (HD) or 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
- Resolution+ algorithm for DVD realtime upscaling
- Embedded TV tuner for analog or digital DVB-T reception
- High-end Harman Kardon® stereo speakers
- Remote-controlled operation
- Blu-ray ReWritable drive supporting Blu-ray ROM, BD-R, BD-RE and DVD SuperMulti DL +/RW
- NVIDIA® GeForce® G210M with 512MB VRAM or a NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 230M with 1GB VRAM
The Satellite P500 will be available during the fourth quarter of 2009 throughout Europe, Middle East and Africa. At this time, there is no mention of when the product will be available elsewhere, or of what the retail price will be.