Tosh mulls UK release for world's smallest PC

Toshiba UK is expecting samples of its Libretto system later this month and will evaluate the unit with a view to possible release here. So far only available in Japan where it has been a surprise hit among buyers, the Libretto is slightly larger than a palmtop and is aimed at plugging the gap between non-standard operating system handhelds and subnotebook PCs. The Libretto weighs about 1.5 pounds and comes with 100MHz DX4 processor, 8Mb RAM (upgradable to 40Mb), 520Mb hard drive, 6.5-inch 640 x 480 TFT screen and PC Card slot.

However, Murray McKerlie, product manager for notebooks at Toshiba, said that Japan and the UK are very different markets. "You have to remember that in Japan nearly everybody uses public transport, so they need a less obtrusive computer than a notebook but not one that compromises on functionality," he said. "Here, you throw the notebook in the back of the car and drive. We're reviewing market conditions, trying to see what our options are."

McKerlie added that Toshiba has no plans to release a palmtop based on Windows CE.