Toshiba Launches 17-inch Laptop For Under $1000

The Satellite P-Series might be known for its gaming prowess, but there are low-end versions that can serve as affordable media solutions as well. This weekend, Toshiba launched its Satellite P205-S6237, delivering an eye-full of screen real estate(17-inches worth) to those with a pauper's budget. This $999 laptop is not the first 17-inch model to hit the 3 digit mark: The Acer Aspire 9300-5005 has already done it with its 17-inch screen behemoth, but it loads a low-end AMD Turion X2 TL-50(1.6Ghz) processor. The P205's Intel Core Duo T2080(1.73Ghz) is not that much better in the performance department, using last year's Intel technology, but It gives you 1GB of RAM and integrated graphics, enough to run Windows Vista. At least the Acer has discrete graphics using the nVidia GeForce Go 7300. Surprisingly, Toshiba is already starting to integrate Intel's WiFi Link 4965AGN with 802.11n support. The wireless chipset will be part of Intel's forthcoming Santa Rosa platform. Other features include a built-in webcam and 1440x900 native resolution on the 17-inch screen.

For those looking for a little bit more, the $1,199 version, or the Satellite P205-S6267 will bump last year's Intel processor to a 1.83Ghz, while adding 2GBs of RAM instead of one. Both the $999 and $1,199 will feature a DVD drive with LabelFlash technology built-in. LabelFlash is an etching technology that burns images onto specialized media without the use of ink cartridges. It's practically identical to HP's LightScribe technology, which came out first with its monochromatic lasers. You can use an application like Nero to create an image that fits onto the DVD. This image is then burned on by flipping the DVD to the side where the specialized coating resides. But wait, there's more....

In addition to P205s, Toshiba is also launching new models to the A-series. The Satellite A205-S4577 may not have as big of a screen as a P205, but the 15.4" screen might do a better job with portability. It weighs 6.29 pounds and features Toshiba's Onyx Blue metallic lid. In other words, it's shiny. By bumping down the screen size, you can now get today's Intel technology via an Intel Core 2 Duo T5300(1.73Ghz) processor and 1GB of RAM. Graphics are still integrated, but you do get the same cool features as the P-Series, including 802.11n support, integrated webcam, and a DVD burner with LabelFlash technology. All of this for a basement price of $999.

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