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Seven years later, ASUS attempts to launch a $199 laptop again
Almost seven years ago, ASUS tried to launch the $199 Eee PC Linux laptop that ended up costing above $300, and since then the Eee brand shifted its focus to the more premium market before quietly fading away. That's why we're slightly surprised to see ASUS launching the EeeBook X205 -- not to be confused with ASUS' dual-screen concept device -- at IFA today. It's an 11.6-inch Windows 8.1 laptop that'll cost just $199 (or €199; both including tax). If all goes well, this will be another very affordable option alongside the leaked HP Stream 14 of the same price and operating system, and it'll even be cheaper than ASUS' own Chromebooks.
Toshiba unveils Satellite X205-SLi5 and X205-SLi6 laptops
Back in February, Toshiba saw fit to dish out the Penryn-powered X205-SLi2 and X205-SLi4 laptops; fast forward a couple months, and here we are yet again with two more updates in the X205 series. The latest duo of 17-inchers -- the X205-SLi5 and X205-SLi6 -- each pack the same pair of 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT GPUs and a 1,440 x 900 resolution panel, but the latter ups the ante with a more powerful 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo T8300 processor. Furthermore, you'll find room for up to 4GB of RAM along with dual 160GB HDDs, Harman Kardon speakers, 802.11a/g/n WiFi, dual-layer DVD writer, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR and a 1.3-megapixel webcam. As for the X205-SLi6, you'll find a potent 2.5GHz T9300 under the hood along with 400GB of total HDD space, but basically everything else remains identical to that found on its lower-spec'd sibling. Check 'em out right now for $1,999 and $2,499, respectively.
Toshiba's Satellite X205-SLI goes Penryn
We know you Toshiba lovers out there have been twiddling your thumbs for weeks on end just waiting, praying, hoping that the beastly X205-SLI would get updated with a Penryn chip. Thankfully for all four of you, the wait is over. Announced today, Tosh is cranking out the 17-inch X205-SLi2 and X205-SLi4, which both house a 2.1GHz Core 2 Duo T8100 processor, integrated HD DVD-ROM / DVD burner, built-in Harman Kardon speakers (with subwoofer) and twin 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT GPUs. As for the former, you'll find 2GB of DDR2 RAM, a pair of 160GB 5400 RPM drives, a 1,440 x 900 resolution panel, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, 802.11a/g/n WiFi, webcam / microphone and a fingerprint reader to boot. The SLi4 ups the ante by tossing in an extra gig of memory, 7200 RPM HDDs, an external USB HDTV tuner, 1,680 x 1,050 panel and a bundled remote. Grab yours now for $1,999.99 or $2,499.99, respectively.
Toshiba rolls out SLI-equipped Satellite X205 laptops
Toshiba looks to be doing its best to make it's high-end X200 series laptops even more attractive to gamers, with its latest X205 models sporting SLI graphics courtesy of NVIDIA, among other upgrades. That desirable option is available in both the X205-SLI1 and X205-SLI3 models, each of which pack dual NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT GPUs, with a combined 512MB of dedicated video RAM. Otherwise, you can expect standard HD DVD drives on both models, with a 2.0GHz T7250 Core 2 Duo processor on the SLI1 and a speedier 2.2GHz T7500 on the SLI3. Both models also pack 17-inch widescreen displays, although the SLI3 ups the resolution to 1680 x 1050, as opposed to the standard 1440 x 900 on the SLI1; the former model also comes bundled with a USB HDTV tuner. From the looks of it, you can get your hands on either one now, with the SLI1 setting you back an even $2,000, and the SLI3 running $2,400.
Toshiba introduces Qosmio F45, Satellite A215, X205
Toshiba was concerned that laptop buyers at pretty much every stage of the spectrum might not have enough choices, so it's done what any self-respecting member of the PC community would: released a bunch of new computers. Currently doing victory laps at Toshiba Direct are the Qosmio F45, gamer-targeted Satellite X205, and the Satellite A215 -- the cheapskate of the crew. Some notable specs: Qosmio F45-AV412 - 15.4-inch XGA TruBrite display, 1.8GHz Core 2 Duo, HD DVD drive, HDMI out, 802.11a/b/g/n, Intel Mobile GMA X3100, fingerprint reader, built-in webcam Satellite X205-S9359 / S9349 - 17-inch XGA TruBrite display (up to 1680 x 1050), Core 2 Duo at 1.8Ghz or 2.0Ghz, NVIDIA GeForce 8600M, 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR, Harmon-Kardon speakers w/ subwoofer Satellite A215-S4767 / S4757 - 15.4-inch XGA TruBrite display, AMD Turion 64 X2 CPU, DVD-R, Mobility Radeon X1200, 802.11b/g All in all, truly three of the most middle of the road crowd-pleasers we've ever seen. Check out some hands-on pics in the gallery below.%Gallery-4302%
Toshiba brings HD DVD to mainstream Satellite and Qosmio laptops
As promised, Toshiba is giving its HD DVD a push into the mainstream by including drives in its more pedestrian laptop models. Today Toshiba has the Satellite P205, Satellite X205, Qosmio F45 and Qosmio G45 getting that special treatment, with prices ranging from $1,449 to $3,199 -- not quite "cheap," but it'll do for now. The Qosmio G45 also has the special distinction of being the first US laptop to include a writeable HD DVD drive. All of the laptops run 17-inch screens except for the 15.4-inch F45. The P205 is the only one of the bunch to leave out HDMI. Just for kicks, Toshiba is also tossing in Dolby Home Theater sound in the Qosmios and the X205, while a bunch of other models, including the P205, are getting Dolby Sound Room tech. Unfortunately, we'll have to wait for fall to get the rest of the specs and pricing info. Hopefully HD DVD is doing a little better in the format war by then.