Toshiba outs U405 as first WiMAX notebook

Toshiba helped kick off a special event for Sprint's Xohm service by launching its first official WiMAX-equipped notebook. The 13.3-inch Satellite U405 now has one of the 4G adapters built-in and so can pull roughly 2Mbps to 4Mbps most anywhere in Baltimore and other cities soon to get the 4G-level wireless access. Toshiba's implementation also uses Intel's "Echo Peak" adapter to include Wi-Fi without adding to the system's bulk.

Apart from its wide-area wireless, the U405 hasn't received full specifications but will carry a Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB of RAM, a 320GB hard drive, a DVD burner and a hybrid eSATA/USB port that also charges USB peripherals when the system is asleep. Toshiba is also hesitant to provide specific ship dates or pricing for the final model, which for continuous use on Xohm needs at least $25 per month.