Toshiba Announces Unique Fusion of Notebook and Tablet PC; Toshiba's Portege 3500 Series Combines the Uncompromising Power of a Wireless Business Notebook With the Versatility of a Tablet PC.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 7, 2002

Leveraging an unparalleled history of developing innovative mobile computing designs, Toshiba's Computer Systems Group (CSG) today announced the Portege(R) 3500 Series Tablet PC that extends the boundaries of performance and productivity for today's mobile work force.

Running Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition operating system, Toshiba's wireless convertible Tablet PC combines the power and functionality of a notebook computer, while adding the simplicity and convenience of pen and paper.

Together, Toshiba, Microsoft and Intel technologies bring enhanced functionality and capabilities to the Portege 3500 Series allowing mobile customers to experience their PC in new and exciting ways.

"Because Toshiba has focused on mobile computing for more than 15 years, we have a unique understanding of what our customers' wants and needs are for new mobile platforms," said Oscar Koenders, vice president product marketing and worldwide product planning, Toshiba CSG.

"The product is a direct result of listening to our customers and delivering a product that will add functionality to their traditional notebook, and add productivity to their business."

New Levels of Creativity & Productivity

The Portege 3500 Series incorporates the intuitive fusion of pen and paper into the notebook experience allowing users to communicate with their notebook in a more natural way. Weighing 4.1 pounds, the comfortable and lightweight design holds like a book, and the robust dual-action swivel hinge easily guides the transformation from notebook to Tablet PC mode.

"Toshiba is known for its expertise in delivering inventive computing platforms," said Alexandra Loeb, vice president of the Tablet PC division at Microsoft Corp. "By adding the pen-based simplicity Windows XP Tablet PC Edition provides, Toshiba has taken the notebook PC to a whole new level."

A Powerful Wireless Computing Tool

Toshiba's Portege 3500 Series features an 802.11b Wireless LAN Module and an integrated Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b/a) antenna, Bluetooth(TM) wireless connectivity options and 10/100 networking, so users can share information and access Internet connections in more locations, such as hotels, airports, at home or in the field.

The product also includes an Intel(R) Pentium(R) III-M processor, 1.33GHz , Secure Digital (SD) Media slot as well as integrated CompactFlash(R) to maximize workforce productivity.

"Intel is pleased Toshiba chose the highest performing Mobile Intel Pentium III Processor-M to power the Portege 3500 Series, which highlights the versatility of Tablet PC form factors by delivering the pen and paper experience without compromising mobile notebook functionality," said Anand Chandrasekher, vice president and general manager, Intel's Mobile Platforms Group.

"Intel and Toshiba share a strong vision for mobile computing and the Intel Architecture-based mobile PC meets today's business user expectations for stability, reliability and scalability."

The Portege 3500 Series features a large 12.1-inch diagonal display for easy viewing. The generous screen size easily supports the daily use of a notebook, as well as the comfort of the tablet for handwritten notes. When in Tablet mode, just like a regular writing pad, Toshiba's Portege 3500 gives users the same experience as if they were holding an 8.5 by 11-inch sized traditional notepad.

Users write directly on the screen with a digital pen to create drawings, write handwritten notes, annotate documents and send e-mail -- all in their own handwriting. Users can then save their handwritten messages as is, or convert them to typed text.

New Interactive Features

In addition to being able to control the device with a digital pen, Toshiba's Tablet PC includes several unique features allowing users to engage in interactive elements such as Zinio Reader(TM) and Sensiva's Symbol Commander(TM).

With Zinio Reader(TM), the Portege 3500 Series brings magazine readers a fully realized digital magazine on screen, providing users with an interactive experience that is versatile and easy to use anytime, anywhere. Sensiva's Symbol Commander(TM) software offers end-users a natural way to use their device quicker and more easily by drawing symbols with the pen.

With a single pen stroke anywhere on the screen and at any size, users can instantly launch applications, go to a Web site, browse through Web pages, send an e-mail, type predefined text, rotate the screen, and more.

About Toshiba Computer Systems Group

Toshiba Computer Systems Group is a division of Toshiba America Information Systems Inc. ("TAIS"), a leading vendor for portable computers. In addition to notebooks, the company offers portable and wireless accessories, Pocket PCs, projectors and mobile server computing solutions for business customers under the Toshiba brand name.

For more information call 800/TOSHIBA or visit the company's Web site at www.csd.toshiba.com.

With headquarters in Irvine, TAIS is comprised of multiple divisions that provide computer, communications and imaging products and services.

Products include industry leading portable computers, PDAs, mobile computing accessories, servers, including communications and portable servers, storage subsystems, cable modems, digital business telephone systems, voice-mail, digital cameras, security systems, and projectors.

TAIS provides sales, marketing, services and manufacturing for its wide range of information products in the United States and Latin America. TAIS is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corp., which is a world leader in high technology and integrated manufacturing of electrical and electronic components, products and systems.

Toshiba has global sales of more than $40 billion and more than 300 subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide.

    Product Specifications:

    --  Intel(R) Pentium(R) III-M processor, 1.33GHz
    --  12.1 diagonal poly-silicon TFT color display (1024x768)
    --  256MB of RAM (expandable to 1024MB)
    --  40.0GB(a) HDD (also available in 60GB)
    --  Integrated Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b) -- 802.11a/b ready
    --  Integrated 10/100 Intel Ethernet LAN
    --  Integrated V.92 56K modem, data and fax support
    --  Fast IR
    --  One Type II PC Card slot
    --  One Secure Digital (SD) slot
    --  One CompactFlash(R) II slot
    --  Two USB2.0 ports
    --  Video Out (RGB)
    --  11.6-inches (wide) x 9.2-inches (deep) x 1.2/1.3-inches
        (thick), 4.1 pounds
    --  Full-sized key caps/19mm pitch/1.7mm keystroke
    --  TouchPad
    --  Up to three and one half hours of battery life with a standard
        battery(b)
    --  Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition operating system
    --  Backed by a three-year parts and labor standard limited
        warranty
    --  Available through mail order, shoptoshiba.com and traditional
        distribution channels
    --  Pricing: $2,299 (direct purchase price; reseller prices may
        vary)

    (a) GB means 1 billion bytes
    (b) Battery life may vary depending on applications, power
        management settings and features utilized

Note to Editors: Portege is a registered trademark of Toshiba America Information Systems Inc. Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corp. All other product, service and company names are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of their respective owners. Information in news releases, including without limitation product prices, specifications, content of services, and contact information, is current on the date of the news announcement, but is subject to change without notice.