Toshiba’s second-generation, Chromebook has launched at IFA 2014 with dual-core Celeron processor, 10 hour battery life, 13.3-inch screen, Google’s Chrome OS and more for $449 from October.
The new Chromebook is a key product for the peak end-of-year Christmas shopping season.
The new device has a 13.3-inch HD matt widescreen 16:9 LED backlit display with 1366 x 768 resolution in a ‘sleek and compact chassis’, it is powered by a dual-core, 2.16GHz Intel Celeron processor with turbo boost to 2.41 GHz, 16GB SSD, Intel HD graphics, 10 hour battery life for “all day” usage – or at least, a regular 8 hour day with still more than enough battery left for a bit of travel time on the train or bus home.
Google’s Chrome OS has slowly been gaining in popularity enjoying strong PC maker support in some cases the devices are replacing Netbooks for entry level buyers of Windows notebooks.
Chromebooks give OEMs a chance to offer more than just Microsoft Windows based devices.
Anthony Geronimo, the product marketing manager at Toshiba Australia said: “We’ve designed our hardware alongside Chrome OS to ensure we deliver a high performance yet, affordable cloud companion for students and home users.
“By focusing on key experience-driving features like skull candy sound, a long-lasting battery life and a stylish, thin and light design, the Toshiba Chromebook 2 is an ideal option for those on the move.”
Packed within is 2GB RAM, the latest 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and all-new chassis with “sleek curves and a slim profile” as well as a “silver textured resin lid on the outside and comfortable Chrome keyboard and spacious touchpad on the inside”, it also comes with 100GB of Google Drive Cloud Storage for two years.
Toshiba’s Chromebook 2 also has an HD webcam, 1 x USB 3.0 port, 1 x USB 2.0 port + Sleep and Charge capability, HDMI output, SD card slot, Bluetooth 4.0, Skullcandy sound and a security lock slot.
It will go on sale during October 2014 in selected Australian retail outlets for $449.
It weighs 1.35kg with W x D X H dimensions at 320 x 214 x 19.3mm and comes with a 1 year limited international parts and labour warranty with “complimentary courier pickup” in Australia and NZ is repairs are needed, presumably if you are in a service zone.
