Toshiba announces U205 ultra-portable and R25 convertible notebooks

Toshiba just introduced another pair of Intel-powered notebooks to join the Epson and Alienware models we spotted earlier, both members of the Satellite series: the U205 ultra-portable (pictured) and the R25 convertible tablet (pictured after the break). Weighing in at 4.1 pounds, the 12.1-inch U205 (which is pretty similar to the U200) comes in either S5002 (Core Duo T2300E, 100GB hard drive) or S5022 (T2400, 120GB HDD) configurations, with both versions sporting 1GB of 533MHz DDR2 RAM, WXGA TruBrite TFTs, integrated graphics, dual-layer DVD burners, and Toshiba's LifeSmart Technology -- which includes a fingerprint reader, shock-absorbing components, and spill-resistant keyboard. Meanwhile, the 5.95-pound R25-S3503 also sports a Core Duo processor -- though only the 1.66GHz T2050 -- along with a 14.1-inch WXGA+ display, 100GB hard drive, and the same burner, graphics, memory configuration and LifeSmart swag as the U205. Both models are available immediately, with the S5022 and the tablet each going for $1,349, and the S5002 priced at $1,199.

Read- U205
Read- R25

[jim @ Jun 27th 2006 11:49AM]

WOW - a 12" 4lb 1.x GHz laptop! That is incredible.

I feel stupid having bout a 13.3" 4lb 2.x GHz duo core laptop several months ago.

Toshiba, WAKE UP!!!! If you were anouncing a Core 2 Duo 4lb 14" laptop for August you'd have plenty of people's interest. Releasling last years technology doesn't exactly get you any respect.

[Nukes and Candy @ Jun 27th 2006 12:43PM]

Now I'm all for the portables. Them "thin and light" cuties. I personally own a 4.5 pound 12.1" Tosh' Tablet Pc and I'm as happy as a new born. The only thing that always makes me frown is the lack of "thin and light" cuties that sport a dedicated graphics chip. Mine has a GeForce Go 5200 that has me playing C&C Generals and the like. I want a 10 incher with a mamoth Graphics card.

You, the computer maker, get me a small and powerful laptop/tablet, and you got yourself a happy costumer.

Alexander Wunderlich
.

[Sean D. @ Jun 27th 2006 12:46PM]

But the real news here is that the M7 Tablet PC was just added to their online store as well.

http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/srch.to

[iGotNoTime @ Jun 27th 2006 12:54PM]

What's the complaint? Look at the price tag! Sure it is not the best of the best but it doesn't stake that claim, and that is clear from the MSRP is it not?

1GB of decent RAM (one less upgrade to do) and finally 100+GB for HDD space (another upgrade we don't need to do), for the money I would say it will be awesome to see that in Best Buy for the price shown! Right now I can't touch a tablet for less than $1700 locally unless I would go with Averatec. I say good move Toshiba, bringing the market closer to home in the local home finally.

[Sean D. @ Jun 27th 2006 1:01PM]

Hey Engaget, the Tecra M7 has been added to Toshiba's online store today as well...

[mai9 @ Jun 27th 2006 3:50PM]

4 pounds is not an ultraportable for me.

[hj @ Jun 27th 2006 3:58PM]

Whats the deal with so many laptop makers adding fingerprint readers to their machines!? Talk about a total gimmick. Sorry but when it comes to security a simple password is all I need. I don't need a computer that reads my fingerprint to feel secure. Talk about a useless gimmick. Save me some $$$ toshiba and take out the fingerprint reader.

[architect.zero @ Jun 27th 2006 3:59PM]

It isn't "ultra"-portable if it's larger than a sheet of paper (thickness notwithstanding). That being 8.5"x11". Any larger and it's just a notebook, small, but not ultra-portable.

The Flybook v33i. That's an ultra-portable.

[ben @ Jun 28th 2006 2:07AM]

"WOW - a 12" 4lb 1.x GHz laptop! That is incredible.

I feel stupid having bout a 13.3" 4lb 2.x GHz duo core laptop several months ago.

Toshiba, WAKE UP!!!!"

Wake up, jim. No one cares if you have a slightly faster core duo processor (1.66 or 1.83 vs. 2.?)? You paid too much for it and your performance gains will be minimal. I don't know if you realize it, but toshiba can't conjure up a core duo out of thin air and they have to use processors that, you know, exist.

[ben @ Jun 28th 2006 2:14AM]

"You, the computer maker, get me a small and powerful laptop/tablet, and you got yourself a happy costumer."

Without melting your notebook, the best you can expect in a 12"/13.3" is an ati x1400/nvidia 7400 and the best you can get in a 14" is an ati x1600/nvidia 7600. You could try stuffing a 7900 gtx in there but your notebook would get hot enough fry your lap parts.

[Frank S @ Jun 28th 2006 7:09AM]

Since when is 4.5 lbs ultra portable ? Thats over 2 kilos (i assume excluding the charger). That is far to heavy for people who travel regularly and want to travel with handbagage only.
I have for a few years now a Panasonic CF-T1 that weighs in at barely 2 lbs (985 grams) and is semi-ruggedized. Aside from panasonic Sony seems to be the only other company that truly can lay any claim to building something resembling an ultra-portable.
I think 'reasonably lightweight' would be a better description