As well as a gaming notebook, Toshiba has today announced the launch of the Satellite U300 and Satellite Pro U300 series of ultra-portable, high performance notebooks weighing in at less than 2kg.

The U300 packs in the latest Intel Centrino Duo processor technology, reducing power consumption while boosting overall performance from graphics to wireless capabilities.

"Toshiba is extremely excited about the launch of this notebook. The Satellite U300 and Satellite Pro U300 offers a combination of Toshiba's usual outstanding quality housed in a sleek, think and light design."

"The U300 series is the ideal solution for notebook users looking for a balance between high performance mobile technology and value for money", said Kenneth Chan, product manager - of portables.

The 13.3-inch TruBrite WXGA display claims to provide ultra clear and sharp images that are unprecedented for a notebook of this size making the U300 the ideal notebook for daily use at home or managing business tasks on the move.

The Satellite U300 features a metallic onyx-blue casing as well as a silver palm rest inside, the Satellite Pro U300 comes with a titanium silver casing.

Other features found in both models include a 1.3-megapixel web cam, a five in one bridge media adapter for easy file sharing and download and DVD SuperMulti drive that reads and writes in up to 11 formats.

In addition the Satellite Pro incorporates the Toshiba hard disc drive protection system with full 3-axis motion to help safeguard the notebook hard drive against possible damage resulting from accidental dropping, impact or vibration.

The Satellite U300 is available now in the UK from a starting price of £595 plus VAT while the Pro U300 is from £649 plus VAT.

Satellite U300 Specifications:

* Intel Centrino Duo processor Technology
* Intel Core 2 Duo mobile Processors
* Intel GM965 Express chipset with ICH8M
* Intel Wireless WiFi Link 3965AG
* Windows Vista Home Premium
* 13.3-inch WXGA (1280 x 800) TFT display
* Up to 200GB (5400 rpm) Serial ATA hard disk drive
* 2GB (1GB+1GB) DDR2 RAM with dual channel mode support (expandable to 4GB)
* Mobile Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100, up to 358MB total available graphics memory with 2GB system memory
* DVD Super Multi (Double Layer) drive
* Stereo speakers with Dolby Sound personal surround sound
* 10/100 Ethernet LAN, international V.90 modem (V.92 ready)
* 3 x USB ports, 1 x i.LINK® (IEEE1394), 5-1 Bridge Media Slot, 1 x ExpressCard slot, TV-out (S-video), 1 x RGB
* Toshiba Powersaver, Toshiba Assist, InterVideo WinDVD, Norton Internet Security 2007 (90 days trial), Toshiba Disc Creator, DVD Movie Factory, Toshiba ConfigFree Connectivity Software

Satellite Pro U300 Specifications:

* Toshiba EasyGuard Features: Password Utilities, PC Diagnostic Tools, Kensington Lock, Diversity Antenna, Toshiba Summit, HDD Protection with 3-D Accelerometer
* Intel Centrino Duo processor Technology, Wireless LAN Switch
* Intel Core 2 Duo mobile Processors
* Intel GM965 Express chipset with ICH8M
* Intel Wireless WiFi Link 3965AGN
* Microsoft Windows Vista Business
* 13.3-inch WXGA (1280 x 800) TFT display
* Up to 160GB (5400 rpm) Serial ATA hard disk drive
* 512MB DDR2 RAM with dual channel mode support (expandable to 4GB)
* Mobile Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100, up to 358MB total available graphics memory with 2GB system memory
* DVD Super Multi (Double Layer) drive
* Stereo speakers
* 10/100 Ethernet LAN, international V.90 modem (V.92 ready)
* 3 x USB ports, 1 x i.LINK® (IEEE1394), 5-1 Bridge Media Slot, 1 x ExpressCard slot, TV-out (S-video), 1 x RGB
* Toshiba Powersaver, Toshiba Assist, InterVideo WinDVD, Norton Internet Security 2007 (90 days trial), Toshiba Disc Creator, DVD Movie Factory