Toshiba rolled out several new product offerings in the notebook segment, including a handful of laptop models sporting AMD's long-awaited Carrizo processors. For whatever reason, Toshiba wouldn't tell us which Carrizo chips are in its new laptops, and we realize that doesn't help you all that much as a consumer, but below is everything we know for now.
Satellite C Series
The new Satellite C Series caters to value-oriented consumers and promises to deliver a strong price-to-performance ratio, sufficient for everyday tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and casual gaming. This series can be configured with up to 1 TB storage and 8 GB of RAM, and it's available with 15.6-inch displays that can be configured with a touchscreen option, or you can opt for a 17.3-inch model for extra work space. The Satellite C can be powered by Intel processors, but Toshiba informed us that AMD's Carrizo makes its debut in the C55 and C75 models.
Ports on the C-Series models include USB 3.0, USB 2.0 and HDMI, and it has an SD card slot and a DVD SuperMulti drive. Connectivity options include 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Satellite L Series
The Satellite L Series takes it to the next level of mainstream performance, with configurations up to Full HD 1080p IPS displays, ultra-fast 802.11ac Wi-Fi, 1 TB of storage and a maximum of 16 GB of RAM. Skullcandy and DTS provide a custom audio experience with Skullcandy's audio spec and optimized settings for Skullcandy headphones. The L55 will be sporting Carrizo, as well.
Additional features include an integrated webcam and dual-array "TruTalk" microphone as well as a pair of SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports and two USB 2.0 ports. At least one of those ports provides Toshiba's USB Sleep & Charge technology, and there's an SD card slot that supports capacities up to 2 TB. Networking options include 802.11b/g/n or 802.11ac, as well as Bluetooth.
Satellite S Series
The highest-end in Toshiba's new laptop lines, the Satellite S Series, is available in 15.6- and 17.3-inch options and can be configured with a 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) IPS display, as well as 1080p and HD+ 1600 x 900 screens. High end features such as Bluetooth and 802.11ac Wi-Fi come stock across the S series, and they can also be configured with up to 2 TB of storage, or with a 1 TB hard drive paired with a speedy 128 GB SSD. Nvidia provides optional discrete graphics, and the platform is powered by the latest Intel quad- or dual-core fifth-generation processors.
They also include a DVD SuperMulti drive, dual-array TruTalk mic and backlit TruType keyboard, and there's even a special dedicated Cortana key. The 15.6-inch version has three SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports, while the larger 17.3-inch sibling has two USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0 ports.
A Carrizo-Based 2-in-1?
Although, again, Toshiba was woefully light on specifics, a representative did tell us that one of its new 2-in-1s will also have a Carrizo chip inside: the Radius 14 convertible is the anointed one. It also has a full 360-degree hinge, HD webcam, TruTalk dual-array mic, the dedicated Cortana key and 802.1ac Wi-Fi. Ports include two SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports (one with USB Sleep & Charge), a USB 2.0 port and an SD card slot. You can buy a Radius 14 now from Best Buy, starting at $584.99.
Pricing And Availability
While a new product line launch just before back-to-school isn't uncommon, what makes this announcement special is the addition of AMD's Carrizo processors, the company's first HSA-compliant chips. We have covered Carrizo extensively, so if you aren't up to speed and need a rehash, check out our full coverage. It's kind of a big deal, and Toshiba is one of the first out of the gate to include the new processor in its product line.
The Toshiba Satellite C, L and S Series will initially ship with Windows 8.1 installed, but are designed with Windows 10 in mind, and they're eligible for a free upgrade to the new operating system when it becomes available on July 29.
The Satellite C Series laptops are available now, starting at an MSRP of $394.99. The 15.6-inch Satellite L Series models are available now starting at $529.99, and 17.3-inch models will start at $569.99 and will be available July 29 along with the entire Satellite S Series, which will have 15.6-inch models starting at $719.99 ($874.99 for the 17.3-inch model).
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