UK waits on Toshiba desktops

Toshiba is set to fire its first line of consumer desktop PCs into the US market tomorrow but the UK will not see them until spring 1997 as the Japanese giant is currently carrying out market studies for Europe.

The 166MHz and 200MHz Pentium-based Infinia range of consumer PCs will feature hi-fi features like a push-button remote control and built-in TV tuner and radio. They will come with CD-ROM drives as standard although DVD drives will be an option when they become available. US prices will be around the $1,700 mark.

Toshiba marketing manager Andy Bass said the company was in no rush to compete in the UK with the likes of Packard Bell, which last week launched a range of consumer PCs, but would wait until the feasibility study had run its course. "There's nothing sinister about it," Bass added.

Toshiba can be contacted by phone on 01932-841600.