ANTenna Blog -- Hardware & Software

Toshiba has dropped prices on its notebook computers aimed at the small- and midsize-business market, so you can pick up a new laptop for as low as $529.

The Satellite Pro S300 series of notebook computers from Toshiba has been expanded by four new models -- EZ1511, EZ1512, EZ1513, and EZ1514 -- with the EZ1511 starting at $529. With that model you get an Intel Pentium T3400 processor, 1 GB DDR2 SD RAM memory, a 120 GB hard drive, Mobile Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500M, a 15.4-inch TruBrite WXGA display, an Atheros 802.11 b/g wireless LAN, and Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic.

On the high end of the new computers is the Satellite Pro S300-EZ1514, which, at $699, is armed with an Intel Core 2 Duo T6570 processor, 2 GB DDR SDRAM, a built-in Webcam, Windows Vista Business, an Intel Wi-Fi Link 5100AGN wireless card, a 160 GB hard drive, and a Mobile Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD.

Did the Vista part cause you to cringe? Each laptop in the Satellite Pro S300 series -- excluding the entry-level model -- comes with downgrade rights to Windows XP Pro.

Each new laptop comes with a two-year limited warranty.

Toshiba launched the Satellite Pro S300 series last year to appeal to smaller commercial accounts. And this price drop will likely be even more appealing, since notebook computers still go for about $1,000.

What's more is Toshiba is marketing the new models as streamlined, without all the bells and whistles that can raise the price. The idea is that smaller businesses want easy and affordable in their portable computers.

Hmmm ... lower price, fewer features -- maybe Toshiba is trying to steal away some netbook customers?

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