Toshiba Introduces World's Thinnest Ultraportable Notebook; Toshiba Leads the Industry With 2.6 Pound, .6-Inch Thin Portege 2000.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 21, 2002

Editor's Summary

-- The new Portege(R) 2000 is the world's thinnest notebook that characterizes
the future of mobile computing and ultimate portability. It incorporates
Toshiba's industry-first 1.8-inch, 20GB hard disk drive that is 49 percent
smaller than any main hard drive currently available.

-- At only 2.6 pounds and just over half-an-inch thin, this sleek, silver
metallic portable computer is the frequent traveler's ideal companion.

-- Toshiba's Portege 2000 is complete with integrated Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b)
technology and Ethernet connection, a 12.1-inch diagonal display, a fast 750MHz
processor and 256MB of RAM.

Leading the industry in mobile computing technology, the Computer Systems Group (CSG) of Toshiba America Information Systems Inc. (TAIS), today announced the world's thinnest notebook computer.

At 2.6 pounds and .6-inches thin, the Portege 2000 is the consummate ultraportable productivity tool. With the Toshiba-designed, industry first 1.8-inch, 20GB hard disk drive that is 49 percent smaller than any main hard drive on the market, the new Portege 2000 enables highly powerful features in a sleek and compact design.

The notebook also has integrated Wi-Fi technology so users can connect to a wireless network anywhere on their corporate campus or on layover while traveling. Introducing such a thin and lightweight wireless notebook demonstrates Toshiba's ability to answer the need of the traveling professional, while confirming its engineering excellence in the industry.

"Today's executive is not willing to compromise productivity features for decreased travel weight in a notebook PC," said Oscar Koenders, vice president of product marketing, Toshiba CSG.

"As a leader in wireless and mobile computing, Toshiba's aggressive research and development has enabled the company to create the ultimate combination of performance, wireless connectivity, portability and style; providing the perfect device for this customer segment."

The Portege 2000 includes integrated Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b) technology, enabling true mobility without the restraint of wires or cables. Regardless of the connection need, the slim Portege 2000 comes well equipped. With an Ethernet port and modem, users have quick network and Internet connection in the office and can plug in whether at home or while traveling.

The Portege 2000 also provides an industry-standard RGB port for connection to a monitor, two USB ports for additional peripherals and IR, making it the complete computing solution to fit your needs wherever you are.

Stylish and Durable Casing Plus Standard Extra Battery Ensure

You're Well-Equipped

For road warriors, the Portege 2000 is built with a sleek yet strong magnesium alloy casing that is 25 percent thinner than that of a standard notebook, yet is highly durable to withstand the rigors of constant travel. Ensuring that comfort is not sacrificed due to the notebook's compact size, the 12-inch diagonal poly-silicon TFT display provides increased clarity for easy viewing of online images and a comfortable, full-width keyboard.

Additionally, the Portege 2000's primary battery offers up to two hours of battery life and is constructed of lithium-polymer metal. This flexible battery stores energy in a flat form factor, as compared with the cylindrical shape of standard notebook batteries, helping to maximize the overall thinness of the notebook.

For long cross-country flights, the notebook comes standard with a slim and light battery slice that provides up to four-and-a-half extra hours of battery life, totaling up to six-and-a-half hours for power users. This gives customers the choice to travel extra light with the primary battery for normal use, or carry the slim second battery for extra-long battery life, depending on their particular needs.

Expandability Options are Limitless

For enhanced multimedia storage needs, the Portege 2000 includes a Secure Digital(TM) (SD) Media slot, which, for example, can hold a 256MB SD Memory Card with storage capacity up to four hours of music or 80 minutes of video. The flash-memory-based removable storage card has cryptographic security, protection of copyrighted data and a high-data transfer rate for fast copy/download with devices such as PDAs, digital/still video cameras and MP3 players.

For added functionality, the optional Slim Port Replicator(R) has four USB ports for a variety of added peripherals, an RGB port for connection to an external monitor, Ethernet connection and AC-in. To complete the package, a DVD or CD-ROM drive can be connected via either a USB port or the PC card slot.

Customized Service and Support Offerings

The Portege 2000 comes with a three-year parts and labor standard limited warranty including Toshiba's Notebook Depot repair program. Through this program, a notebook is shipped to Toshiba's depot, repaired and returned anywhere in the United States within 48 hours after receipt at the depot (service Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.).

Warranty service also includes the option of carry-in service to one of Toshiba's Authorized Service Partners, located in major metropolitan areas in the United States. In addition, all portable computer customers receive telephone technical support through Toshiba's InTouch Center(R), available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Online support, available at www.toshiba.com, offers immediate solutions to technical questions via Ask IRIS(TM), numerous downloads and support bulletins. Toshiba's SelectServ(SM) Service Programs also offer customers an array of warranty extensions and service upgrades, including on-site service and the popular SystemGuard(R), Toshiba's accidental damage protection coverage.

About Toshiba America Information Systems

Toshiba Computer Systems Group is one of the world-leading vendors for portable computers. In addition to notebooks, the company offers portable and wireless accessories, a Pocket PC device and 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.shoptoshiba.com.

With headquarters in Irvine, Toshiba America Information Systems (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 $50 billion and more than 300 subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide.

Product Specifications:

--  Intel(R) Pentium(R) III Processor-M Ultra-Low Voltage featuring
    Intel Enhanced SpeedStep(TM) technology, 750MHz
--  12.1-inch diagonal poly-silicon TFT display (1024 x 768)
--  256MB of RAM (expandable to 512MB)
--  20.0GB (a) 1.8-inch hard disk drive
--  Integrated Wi-Fi (802.11b) technology
--  Integrated 10/100 Intel Ethernet LAN
--  Integrated V.90 56K modem, data and fax support
--  Fast IR
--  One Type II PC card slot
--  Two USB ports
--  RGB (monitor) port
--  11.4-inch x 9.0-inch x 0.6/0.75, 2.6 pounds
--  Keyboard with full-width key caps
--  TouchPad
--  Two hours of battery life with standard lithium-polymer battery
    and up to six-and-a-half hours of extra battery life with
    high-capacity battery slice
--  Slim Port Replicator with four USB ports, RGB, RJ-45 and AC-in
--  Dual-linked Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Professional/Microsoft
    Windows 2000 Professional
--  Available in early February through mail-order, shoptoshiba.com
    and traditional distribution channels
--  ESUP: $2,199

(a) GB means 1 billion bytes.

Note to Editors: Portege and SelectBay are registered trademarks of Toshiba America Information Systems Inc. Ask IRIS is a trademark and InTouch, SelectServ and SystemGuard are servicemarks 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 servicemarks of their respective owners. Pricing and specifications are subject to change.