Toshiba Challenges Sony Vaio 13 and 2013 MacBook Air with Haswell Z Series, Toshiba Z Means Business
Toshiba has been working on a new set of Haswell ultrabooks. The Z Series ultrabooks targets business professionals and organizations. The product line features Intel's Haswell 4th generation Core processors available in 13, 14 and 15 inches. These models also share docking and similar accessories.
According to the announcement, Toshiba will begin shipping of the Z Series by the end of October. The Toshiba Z Series provides business professionals a specific line of ultrabooks for their needs. The device features 13.3in Portégé Z30 which is an improvement from 2012's ultra-thin Portégé Z930.
The line is completed and supported by the Portégé Z30t. The model is a touch screen option for those who wish to do away with their keyboards. The 14.1 and 15.6-inch models, on other hand, will be called the Tecra Z40 and the Tecra Z50 respectively.
As mentioned, all models will run with Intel's latest Haswell 4th generation Core processors offering up to 16GB storage. The devices will also feature up to 512GB mSATA flash solid state drives (SSDs) for the 13-inch model. The 14 and 15-inch units will provide optional hybrid drives or rotating SSD.
The 13-inch units measure 17.9mm thick and weigh 1.2kg. The 14 and 15-inch variants measure 20mm thick. The 14-incher is 1.47kg while the 15-incher is 1.79kg.
All models promise reliability and durability. Toshiba used a tough magnesium alloy chassis and lid. The company has also enhanced the top cover and hinge of the devices.
As Toshiba wants to cater to the business market, the Z series will run with Windows 7 except for the touchscreen Portégé Z30t. The device runs with Windows 8.1.
Additionally, the Z Series units also feature Toshiba's own EasyGuard technologies, a smartcard reader Trusted Platform Module and Intel Active Management Technology (AMT). They all have a similar docking station for attaching desktop components. Toshiba wanted to provide a common system image for administrators will have an easier time.
The strategy is similar to Fujitsu's move. The company has brought a common system image, peripherals and hardware in all of its latest corporate laptops.
Toshiba also introduced the Tecra W50 mobile workstation. The device packs on a Core i7 quad-core processor, 15.6in Full HD (1920x1080) display, 32GB memory and discrete Nvidia Quadro GPU. The company is yet to announce pricing.