Toshiba launches 15- and 17-inch AMD notebook duo

Toshiba continued its successive launches today with the release of two notebook lines that expand the company's still-young AMD lineup. Topping the list is the P205D, the company's first 17-inch AMD notebook. While similar at its heart to the Intel-based systems, the new model keeps costs down by using lower-cost CPUs with near-identical 64-bit support and dual cores. The base S7438 version is set at a relatively low $850 with a 1.9GHz Athlon 64 X2, 1GB of memory, and Radeon X1200M integrated graphics that can drive Windows Vista Home Premium's more advanced Aero interface. Permanent storage is handled through a 160GB disk.

A second variant, the S7479, is available for users who want dedicated 3D graphics as well as faster overall performance for games and other tasks. A 256MB Mobility Radeon HD 2600 provides much improved video and is supported by a faster 2.2GHz Turion 64 X2 for a processor. The upgraded model also includes 802.11n Wi-Fi, a larger 250GB disk, and a 1.3-megapixel webcam. It sells for $1,350 and should be available today along with the S7438.

Toshiba also expanded its existing AMD models to include several new models to its 15.4-inch A215 series. The S7407, S7437, and S7472 are all based on Athlon 64 X2 CPUs ranging from 1.8GHz to 2.2GHz and also share Radeon chipsets for video. Prices start at $650 for the S7407's 1GB of memory, 80GB hard disk, and Radeon X1200 video; the line culminates in the S7472 ($1,200) with 2GB of memory, a 250GB disk, 128MB Radeon HD 2400 graphics, and 802.11n Wi-Fi. All three should be shipping today.