Toshiba debuts six new Satellite L Series budget laptops; start at $549
Toshiba on Tuesday announced the latest iteration of its Satellite L Series laptops, with a new look, new screen sizes and value-minded price tag.
Intended for consumers and students looking for a budget system, the L Series offers six models in four sizes to choose from: the lightweight 14-inch Satellite L510 and L515; a 15.6- and 16-inch Satellite L500 and L505; and larger 17.3-inch Satellite L550 and L555 desktop replacements.
All of the models regardless of size offer HD TruBrite (16:9, native 720p) widescreen displays, USB Sleep-and-Charge and HDD storage from 250GB to 500GB. Models with 15.6-inch and larger displays feature a built-in numeric 10-key keypad, and some models offer discrete ATI Radeon 3100 graphics. CPU power comes from Intel or AMD, your choice.
The L series is offered with Toshiba's "Fusion" finish with "Breeze" pattern on the outside and Toshiba PC Health Monitor system utility software on the inside.
In the green category, Toshiba says the new systems are RoHS-compatible (lead, mercury, etc.-restricted) and have an Eco Utility that allows users to monitor and adjust their power consumption and settings in real-time.
The Satellite L500/L505 starts at $549.99, the Satellite L510/L515 starts at $649.99 and the Satellite L550/L555 starts at $649.99 (pictured, above). They're available now from retailers and at toshibadirect.com.
More Laptops
If you're looking for a system a bit more powerful, Toshiba also unveiled Satellite laptops with a bit more oomph, starting at $699.99: the M and U Series for multimedia performance and mobility, and the A and P Series for HD entertainment.
Features, some of which are only available on select models:
- Entirely redesigned form factor
- Fusion Finish with a new Sonic pattern in Onyx black on Satellite A, M and P Series laptops; Textured Finish with Matrix pattern in Luxe Brown on the Satellite U Series; polished chrome accents on all models.
- Cinematic 'edge-to-edge' HD TruBrite widescreen display (16:9; native 720p) that's LED backlit on select models.
- New LED-backlit, shallow-depth keyboard with black matte finish; "feathertouch" multimedia command keys
- Built-in webcam with face recognition software
- Harmon/Kardon speakers
- eSATA/USB combo ports with USB sleep-and-charge
- Slot-loading DVD Drive
- Touchpad with Multi-Touch Control with four gestures: Rotate, Ping, Momentum and Scroll
- Toshiba Eco Utility button for quick access to power-monitoring utility application
- PC Health Monitor system utility
- Hard Drive Impact Sensor/built-in 3D accelerometer
Starting prices are as follows:
- Satellite U500/U505: "Fashion statement" ultraportable with multimedia capability starting at 5 pounds. Price: $849.99.
- Satellite M500/M505: "Versatile, upscale multimedia performance laptop" for work and play. 14-in. display. Price: $699.99.
- Satellite A500/A505: "Entertainment-packed performance." 16-inch display. Price: $749.99.
- Satellite P500/P505: "Digital media enthusiasts and gamers." 18.4-inch display, desktop replacement system. Price: $799.99. (pictured, above)