Toshiba has announced a refresh of its high-end Portégé laptop range, with new R500 models due to arrive in the UK and Irish markets in Q2 2008.

Toshiba's selection of new Portégé models includes the launch of the Portégé R500-12S - the new "super-lightweight" notebook PC sporting the world's first 128GB solid-state memory drive.

With perhaps a nod to Apple's feature-lite MacBook Air, Toshiba are at pains to point out that the Portégé R500-12S also launches with the "complete feature-set of a high-end, thin and light notebook PC".

Specification details of the new Portégé R500-12S are as follows:

- Intel Centrino processor technology with Intel Core 2 Duo processor U7700 (ultra low voltage)
- Windows Vista Business edition
- 128GB SSD
- 2 x 1GB DDR2 RAM
- 12-inch Transflective LED backlit screen
- Intel GMA 950
- Ethernet, i-Link, SD Card Slot, Mic, RGB, Headphone, 3xUSB port connectivity
- Weight: 779grams

The typical purchase price of the Toshiba Portégé R500-12S is £1599 (excl. VAT).

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