802.11a & Toshiba Portege with Integrated Wi-Fi -802.11b- and B
Peter
will be the wireless network protocol of choice at the expense of 802.11b in
the immediate future. Only the other week Intel announced their new 802.11a
products will be shipping in volume in November as per the article at
http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1004-200-7093015.html and Proxim has demo
802.11a PC Cards available now, see
http://click.techrepublic.com/Click?q=ee-ZbxWQwDhx4wRjRHW87jnu83WSsRR
The two protocols (802.11b & 802.11a) are at different frequencies, but a
company at http://www.skycross.com/ produces a dual antenna for these
frequencies and I wonder whether the internal antenna built into the
notebook for 802.11b could also be made to function for 802.11a.
The more I read about wireless the better that the upcoming 802.11a looks
and I'd like to know when Toshiba plans to have 802.11a available onboard
its Portege in the way that it has with the 802.11b.
===========================================
Toshiba Introduces World's First Notebooks With Integrated Wi-Fi -
802.11b- and Bluetooth Wireless Technologies
Business Wire - September 18, 2001 16:49
IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 18, 2001--
New Tecra and Portege Notebooks Offer Corporate Customers Superior
Wireless Connectivity, Secure Digital Media Slot and Common
Components
The Computer Systems Group (CSG) of Toshiba America Information
Systems Inc. (TAIS) is leading the wireless movement by offering the
world's first integrated Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b) and Bluetooth(TM)
wireless technologies in its new Tecra(R) 9000 Series and Portege(R)
4000 Series notebook PCs.
Both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antennas are embedded directly into the lid
of the notebook for optimal signal strength, leaving no need for a PC
Card. Today, users can achieve a 128-bit encrypted, secure wireless
connection to their local area networks using integrated Cisco
Aironet 350 Series or Agere Wi-Fi technology, to access e-mail and
enjoy team computing.
Bluetooth connections allow wireless file sharing, instant messaging
and data transfer between other Bluetooth-enabled devices offering
business customers the latest in wireless communication. Both
notebooks are not only technologically advanced, but their unique
style, silver casing and industrial design are sure to turn the heads
of any professional.
"The new Tecra and Portege notebooks are the hub of communication for
the end user's wireless world," says Steve Andler, vice president of
marketing, Toshiba CSG. "Toshiba designed these products to deliver
break-through technology, style, functionality and ideal ergonomics
for the highly mobile executive."
Secure Digital Media Slot an Industry First
Toshiba's Tecra 9000 Series and Portege 4000 Series are the first
corporate notebooks to incorporate a Secure Digital (SD) Media slot
which allows the units to accommodate a Toshiba SD Memory Card.
Designed for use in wireless and portable communications devices
including personal digital assistants (PDAs), cellular phones,
handheld PCs, digital still and video cameras, MP3 players, car
navigation systems, and electronic books, the 128MB SD Memory Card
stores up to four hours of music or 40 minutes of video.
SD Media is a revolutionary, universal flash memory storage that
includes key enhancements over existing flash cards such as
cryptographic security, protection of copyrighted data, high data
transfer rate for fast copy/download, and high storage capacity.
Toshiba is a founding member of the Secure Digital Media Association
that defined the SD Media Card specification.
New Tecra Series Improves Upon Award-Winning History
Toshiba's lightweight Tecra 9000 Series weighs in at 5.3 pounds, with
a 14-inch TFT display, full-size keyboard, and DVD installed in a new
Slim SelectBay(R) modular bay draped in a durable, silver magnesium
casing.
The Slim SelectBay can accommodate one of six Toshiba-manufactured
devices, including a second battery, second hard drive, DVD-ROM/CD-RW
multi-function drive, DVD-ROM, CD-ROM and CD-R/RW, offering the
ultimate in multi-media functionality and back-up storage options.
This wide variety of options offers customers flexibility without
adding the extra weight of a third spindle.
The unit also provides integrated 10/100 Ethernet for a quick network
and Internet connection, an integrated i.Link(R) (IEEE 1394) port for
ultra-fast data transfer from more than 125 multimedia products and
fast IR.
Since 1998, the award-winning Tecra series of notebooks, has
attracted IT managers with its stable platform, consistent image and
long product life cycles lasting up to 18 months, lowering overall
total cost of ownership (TCO).
Portege 4000 Series Offers Second Spindle for Additional
Functionality
Weighing a slight 4.4 pounds, the thin and light Portege 4000 Series
offers a second spindle for convenience and added functionality.
Highly mobile professionals will appreciate the flexibility of its
new Slim SelectBay (devices are compatible with the Tecra 9000
Series), full-sized keycaps and vivid 12-inch poly-silicon TFT
display.
The Portege 4000 Series offers highly mobile users the comfort of a
lightweight notebook, without carrying the extra weight of additional
components for capabilities such as DVD-playback, software loading,
larger HDD capacity and longer battery life.
Common Components Reduce Qualification Time and Further Lower TCO
Toshiba is building on its reputation for reducing TCO by
incorporating common components, accessories and docking solutions
for both the Tecra 9000 and Portege 4000 Series. With common
components such as memory, battery, Slim SelectBay options, wireless
components, hard drive and SD Memory slot, IT managers reduce the
qualification time that would be required for differing components.
And, since all of these accessories are compatible, IT managers will
be able to standardize hardware throughout their corporate
enterprise, simplify product procurement and reduce support and
inventory costs.
New Docking Station Completes the Package
With an estimated street price of $199, the all new Advanced Port
Replicator is compatible with both the Tecra 9000 Series and Portege
4000 Series. This one-touch docking solution comes with all standard
legacy ports, providing customers with complete desktop-replacement
capabilities.
It features a DVI (Digital Video Interface) port, a digital connector
for new digital monitors and projectors that allows for improved
monitor and display performance. Additionally, the docking solution
includes an i.Link (IEEE 1394) port, giving users the experience of
ultra-fast data transfer from multimedia products such as digital
cameras (both still and video) and scanners.
Toshiba Asset Services Management and Data Migration Services Reduce
IT Workload and Lower Costs
Tecra and Portege users can also take advantage of Asset Services
Management(TM) and Data Migration Services. Toshiba Data Migration
Services give businesses an easy, secure and efficient way to manage
their processor-based technology assets while minimizing IT spending.
This subscription-based offering enables organizations to track,
identify, monitor and manage information technology assets.
Through the use of the Internet, Toshiba Asset Services Management
can monitor an organization's IT assets by identifying its physical
location, hardware and software configuration, suites, platform,
language, license compliance status and device "health."
Toshiba Data Migration Services is aimed to more effectively utilize
IT staff workload, enhance end-user satisfaction and reduce costs
related to data migration to new operating systems, new PCs and other
existing PCs. Utilizing Desktop DNA(TM), Toshiba Data Migration
Services provides a fast and cost-effective way to migrate system
settings, application settings and data.
Customized Service and Support Offerings
The Tecra 9000 Series notebook comes with a three-year parts and
labor standard warranty and the Portege 4000 Series comes with a one-
year parts and labor standard warranty. Both notebook warranties
include 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 throughout 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.
Note to Editors: See table for individual product specifications.
Tecra, Portege, Ask IRIS, InTouch Center, SelectServ and SystemGuard
are registered trademarks or trademarks of Toshiba America
Information Systems Inc. or Toshiba Corp. Wi-Fi is a trademark of
WECA. Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its proprietor and used by
Toshiba under license. Intel, SpeedStep, and Pentium are registered
trademarks of Intel Corp. Ask IRIS is a trademark, and InTouch,
SelectServ and SystemGuard are servicemarks of Toshiba America
Information Systems Inc. All other product, service and company names
are trademarks, registered trademarks or servicemarks of their
respective owners.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Tecra 9000 Series:
In addition to numerous BTO options, Toshiba will provide the
following featured configurations:
Featured
Configuration No.1 No.2 No.3
CPU Mobile Intel(R) Mobile Intel Mobile Intel
Pentium(R) III Pentium III Pentium III
Processor-M with Processor-M with Processor-M with
Enhanced Enhanced Enhanced
SpeedStep(TM) SpeedStep SpeedStep
Technology, 1133MHz Technology, 1GHz Technology,
933MHz
Display 14.1-inch TFT 14.1-inch TFT 14.1-inch TFT
XGA(1024 x 768) XGA (1024 x 768) XGA (1024 x 768)
Video S3 SuperSavage/ S3 SuperSavage/ S3 SuperSavage/
IXC 16MB IXC 16MB IXC 16MB
Memory 256MB of PC133 256MB of PC133 128MB of PC133
(expandable to 1GB) (expandable to (expandable to
512MB) 512MB)
Bridge Media SD Media slot SD Media slot SD Media slot
Hard Disk
Drive 30.0GB(a) 20.0GB(a) 10.0GB(a)
CD/DVD-ROM
Drive DVD/CD-RW 8X DVD-ROM 24X CD-ROM
multi-function (max. speed) (max. speed)
drive -- CD-ROM
(24X), CD-R(4X),
CD-RW (4X),
DVD-ROM (6X)
Communication -- Bluetooth ready -- Bluetooth ready -- Bluetooth
ready
-- Integrated -- Integrated -- Wi-Fi
wireless
Wi-Fi wireless Wi-Fi wireless LAN ready
LAN LAN
-- Integrated -- Integrated -- Integrated
10/100 Intel 10/100 Intel 10/100
Intel
Ethernet LAN Ethernet LAN Ethernet LAN
-- integrated -- integrated -- integrated
i.Link(R) i.Link(R) i.Link(R)
(IEEE 1394) (IEEE 1394) (IEEE 1394)
-- fast IR -- fast IR -- fast
IR
-- V.90 56K Modem -- V.90 56K Modem -- V.90 56K
Modem
Dimensions (WxDxH): (WxDxH): (WxDxH):
12.2-inches x 12.2-inches x 12.2-inches x
10.6-inches x 10.6-inches x 10.6-inches x
1.2/1.5-inches 1.2/1.5-inches 1.2/1.5-inches
Battery Life Up to three hours Up to three hours Up to three hours
Operating
System Microsoft Windows Microsoft Windows Microsoft Windows
2000 2000 2000
Availability Available through Available through Available through
Toshiba's Toshiba's Toshiba's
traditional traditional traditional
distribution distribution distribution
channels, VARs, channels, VARS channels, VARs,
shoptoshiba.com shoptoshiba.com shoptoshiba.com
and mail order and mail order and mail order
partners. partners. partners.
Estimated
Street Price $3,229 $2,729 $2,424
(a)GB means 1 billion bytes
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Portege 4000 Series:
In addition to numerous BTO options, Toshiba will provide the
following featured configurations:
Featured
Configuration No.1 No.2
CPU Mobile Intel(R) Pentium(R) Mobile Intel Pentium III
III with SpeedStep(TM) with SpeedStep Technology,
Technology,750MHz Low Voltage 750MHz Low Voltage
processor processor
Display 12-inch poly-silicon TFT 12-inch poly-silicon TFT
(1024 x 768) (1024 x 768)
Memory 256MB of PC133 (expandable 128MB of PC133 (expandable
to 1GB) to 1GB)
Video Trident XP 16MB Trident XP 16MB
Bridge Media SD Media slot SD Media slot
Hard Disk
Drive 30.0GB(a) 20.0GB(a)
CD/DVD-ROM
Drive 8X DVD-ROM (max. speed) 8X DVD-ROM (max. speed)
Communication -- Bluetooth ready -- Bluetooth ready
-- Integrated Wi-Fi -- Wi-Fi wireless LAN
wireless LAN ready
-- Integrated 10/100 Intel -- Integrated 10/100 Intel
Ethernet LAN Ethernet LAN
-- Fast IR -- Fast IR
-- V.90 56K Modem -- V.90 56K Modem
Dimensions (WxDxH): 10.6-inches x (WxDxH): 10.6-inches x
9.8-inches x 9.8-inches x
1.2-inches/1.5-inches 1.2-inches/1.5-inches
Battery Life Up to three hours Up to three hours
Operating
System Microsoft Windows 2000 Microsoft Windows 2000
Availability Available through Toshiba's Available through
traditional distribution Toshiba's traditional
channels, VARs, distribution channels,
shoptoshiba.com and mail VARs, shoptoshiba.com
order partners. and mail order partners.
Estimated
Street Price $2,429 $2,199
drish
> company at http://www.skycross.com/ produces a dual antenna for these
> frequencies and I wonder whether the internal antenna built into the
> notebook for 802.11b could also be made to function for 802.11a.
that has to be the first time i've seen an antenna with a negative gain.
drish
news:ki1gqtks4080dpkip...@news-byoa.prodigy.net...
> both as negative. The graph is labelled 'typical return loss', so a
> negative loss would make sense. I wonder what a return loss is. It
> sounds like a loop back, but how could you do that without another
> transmitter? I don't understand what they mean.
me neither, but in any case, the thing is so miniature, you're probably
better off using the one in your card anyways.
c....@nospam.blueyonder.co.uk
>I noticed that. There's a typo there somewhere <g>, but the graph shows
>both as negative. The graph is labelled 'typical return loss', so a
>negative loss would make sense. I wonder what a return loss is. It
>sounds like a loop back, but how could you do that without another
>transmitter? I don't understand what they mean.
By 'return loss' they probably mean the SWR, ie, how much energy is reflected
back down the coax from the aerial back to the transmitter (all aerials do this
to some extent), the energy that get's reflected back is waisted power and
does'nt actually get transmitted, it's due to miss matching of the antenna to
the transmitter/coax impedance.
Clive.