Toshiba has added a variety of safety and protection features to its new notebooks.
The new Intel Centrino-based Tecra M5 and Portege M400 models are fitted with a shock-absorbing chassis system designed to protect against accidental drops, and a spill-resistant keyboard. Airpocket cushioning and special padding materials have been integrated into the notebook base and display to protect the hard drive and LCD to protect them from everyday bumps, knocks, and jostling.
To further protect the hard drive, Toshiba has also used what it calls a 3D accelerometer. This is a three-axis monitoring system that detects freefalls in all directions and quickly moves the hard disk drive head from between the drive platters ahead of the impact of a drop.
The laptop vendor has produced a number of toughened notebooks that use lightweight and shock-resistant casings, a spill-resistant keyboard and touchpad, and a shock-protected hard drive.
Toughened notebooks are designed to withstand use while traveling and to protect against clumsy use. As such, they promise improvements in durability, reliability and security over standard notebook alternatives. Unlike the more expensive but fully ruggedized computers produced by the likes of Panasonic, Symbol Technologies, and Getac, which are purpose-designed for use out in the field, Toshiba’s are intended for use as general-purpose notebooks running standard office applications.
Research carried out by Datamonitor has shown that nearly 70% of notebook buyers cite robustness of their notebooks as either very important or important criteria in their procurement decisions, and are interested in drop-tested systems that are fitted with spill-proof keyboards, hard disk protection, and a ruggedized casing.
Companies like the idea of semi-toughened computers because their robustness should translate into longevity and low maintenance, and a lower cost of ownership across the asset lifecycle.
The latest Toshiba models also have some additional security features, the company said. An Anti-Theft Protection Timer in the Portege M400 sees the BIOS password activate itself after a certain time, locking the system access to non-authorized users. Both models also contain the Trusted Platform Module embedded security chip and come with a biometric fingerprint reader to further secure use.
