Toshiba's 12.1-inch Tecra M6 Core Duo-powered laptop

'Tis the season for ultraportables, and now yet another Core Duo-powered model has hit the market, the 12.1-inch Toshiba Tecra M6. Also available with either Celeron or Core Solo processors, the M6 seems like a slimmed-down version of the 14.1-inch M5 we spotted earlier this year, as the $1,059 base configuration only gives you 256MB of RAM, no WiFi, a 40GB hard drive, and that pokey 1.6GHz Celeron M. It costs a little over $1,600 to put together a decent system, which includes a 1.83GHz T2400 Core Duo chip, 1GB of RAM (which also gets you a free Vista-ready logo!), 100GB HDD, 802.11a/b/g, and Bluetooth, but only integrated graphics and no DVD burner. Targeted more towards the light-traveling businessperson than the hardcore gamer, the M6 also sports such security-conscious features as a fingerprint reader, Trusted Platform Module, and a Security Assist Console, as well as hard drive protection, a spill resistant keyboard, and shock absorbing design for turbulent plane rides.

[Via Core Duo News]

[boe @ May 17th 2006 12:49PM]

4+ lbs and 12"!?!?! Who TF cares? There are several models on the market from Asus, Sony, Dell etc that have a 14" screen, the same processor dedicated video, at that same weight. Now if Toshiba came out with a 15" with a duo 2+GHz, dedicated video and was about 4lbs that might get our attention. Toshiba has fallen terribly behind the times. For something 12" I think anything over 3lbs is unreasonable.

[DS @ May 17th 2006 1:07PM]

wow these guys have a*LONG* way to go b4 they catch up design wise to apple.

[ty @ May 17th 2006 1:20PM]

Apple has a looong way to go before they are a even a bit player in the business PC market. Their automatic 'Apple premium' doesnt go over so when the bottom line is on the line.

[bkessler @ May 17th 2006 1:22PM]

What sort of turbulent plane rides are they planning on?!?

[Craig M @ May 17th 2006 2:04PM]

erm, "premium"? Normally maybe, not so in this case. $1069 for a 1.6GHz M and no wifi? Makes the new Macbook 1.83GHz Duo look cracking value at $1099... And you can run windows on it if you lean that way.

[Sasha S. @ May 17th 2006 2:19PM]

Is business market really that important for Apple? Sure they buy machines by the container but the margins are much slimmer, manufacturer is forced to present road maps well in advance, multimedia facilities are not appreciated. That market does not stimulate innovation or design (or any kind - visual, technical or otherwise). And I am talking from the personal experience here.

In fact I am glad that Apple is not giving the attention to this market because taking into accounts the needs of large corporate clients would be a death trap for any innovative company.

Therefore I am sure the Toshiba will sell well to dumbass corporate puchasers.

just my $0,02

[bh @ May 17th 2006 4:34PM]

Well considering that Apple's new MacBook, even the "high-end" one at $1499 includes a 13" widescreen high-res display, bt, wifi, superdrive, runs XP with Bootcamp (if you have to), has a core duo at 2ghz, and more, it looks like a relative bargain compared to the $1600 config of the Tecra. And at $1299 for the middle tier MacBook, who can argue with that "bargain"?

[EnricoSwave @ May 17th 2006 6:56PM]

I think you missed the ultraportable point...

My Dell L400 is in dire need of an upgrade, and a SMALL screen with low weight is what I need. The L400 had a 733MhZ processor with 256MB of RAM and 4MB of Video, with a 20GB Hard Drive. Laughable by today's specs, but it runs Windows XP Pro well, so, even though this new Toshiba may seem lacking to some of you, this is a giant leap for me, and anyone else like me [Read - more than double the HD space and processing power... Not to mention that the built in graphics should be at least 64MB - a godsend from my super low 4MB], and the people who usually buy these don't typically need to run F.E.A.R. at max settings anyway.

[starwxrwx @ May 17th 2006 10:10PM]

Who would buy this ugly underpowered thing?

Is TCM supposed to be a bonus? How is hard drive protection different from shock absorbent design? Unless you mean with an accelerometer ?

[Sasha S. @ May 18th 2006 1:59AM]

EnricoSwave,

you should consider getting yourself a MacBook - It is small - VERY sturdilly made and it can run Windows XP perfectly.

Added bonus, you bet the best operating system (OSX) and the best of its class - suited of applications iLife (iPhoto, iDVD, iMovie)

Give it a try in your local Apple dealer. If you do not like it - you could stay with your trusty Windows - but you will still have VERY solidly made machine and excellent value for money.

[EnricoSwave @ May 18th 2006 10:08AM]

You know, Sasha, I never really considered a MacBook, although now that you remind me it would be able to run OS-X and XP Pro, I might just give it a shot, although I wish the screen size was down a little... I like 11-12 inch, because I need the small sizes to just get up and move... It's annoying when I am going to be at 5 different clients places for only 20 - 30 minutes that day and trying to lug around a large laptop...
But, I will at least go check out the Macs. Thanks.

[R Subramanian @ Jun 30th 2006 8:53PM]

I do like the Apple MacBooks, but what kills me is that 5.2 lb weight for a 13.3" screen. People, the Tecra M6 is 12.1" and DVD-RW for 4.1 lb - a full pound lighter! And something else to keep in mind - the M6 as of writing is available for $1250, so market forces do make the manufacturer/dealers change their price. Not for Apple. And if you want to run WinXP on Apple, add another $100+ for the O/S...
I am tempted by the Apple, but seriously doubt I will pay that premium.