Toshiba Expands Tecra Brand with Introduction of Convertible Tablet PC.

IRVINE, Calif. -- Advanced Processor, Optical Drive, Security and System Protection Positions Tecra(R) M4 as Premiere Tablet PC for Business Professionals as Toshiba Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Laptop Computer

Toshiba's Digital Products

Division, a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. and provider of industry-leading portable computers, projectors and other mobile-related services and products, today announced the Tecra(R) M4, the company's first Tecra-branded convertible Tablet PC targeted at the mobile professional. The product is part of Toshiba's 20th anniversary celebration of the first mass-marketed laptop computer.

The Tecra M4 integrates the innovation of pen-based computing with the power and functionality synonymous with Tecra notebook computers. The convertible design of the Tecra M4 allows users to work with a traditional keyboard or rotate and fold the screen down for use as a Tablet PC with digital pen-based input and control. This provides users the convenience to send hand-written emails and make impromptu presentations while sitting, reclining or standing up, enabling new possibilities for productivity and multi-tasking in any location.

"The Tecra M4 brings together Tecra notebook technology with the latest advances in Tablet PC functionality, offering business professionals a convertible Tablet PC designed to increase productivity while providing a high level of performance and investment protection," said Taro Hiyama, vice president of marketing, Digital Products Division, Toshiba America Information Systems. "For Toshiba, the Tecra M4 represents another innovative offering in our 20-year history of delivering leading-edge mobile computing products for the business user."

With a 14-inch diagonal wide viewing angle SXGA+ display, the Tecra M4 simulates the dimensions of a paper notepad in Tablet PC mode, offering the viewing and writing area equal to an 8.5- by 11-inch piece of paper. Equipped with Microsoft(TM) Office OneNote(TM) 2003 software, users can write and draw just like they would with pen and paper, as well as edit, organize and even search through handwritten notes on their Tablet PC. OneNote 2003 also allows users to record audio notes as well.

The Tecra M4 is one of the company's premier systems and encompasses many features from Toshiba's exclusive EasyGuard(TM) technology. Toshiba EasyGuard(8) technology is a series of hardware and software enhancements to business-class notebooks that help boost mobile security, system integrity, network connectivity and overall ease of use. Toshiba EasyGuard consists of four elements: Protect & Fix, Secure, Connect and Optimize.