In response to the increasing security needs of corporations and individual users, Toshiba’s Digital Products Division, a division of Toshiba America Information Systems Inc. and provider of industry-leading portable computers, projectors and other mobile-related services and products, announced the Tecra S3 notebook computer. The newest member of the Tecra S Series is designed to offer the latest in data security, protection and reliability. The notebook is fully compliant with the new EU RoHS directive addressing restriction of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.
“Data security and preservation are at the forefront of buyers’ minds,” said Nicole D’Onofrio, mobile computing analyst, Current Analysis. “Subsequently, technologies such as biometric fingerprint readers and data encryption, both of which protect users’ most valuable asset — data — are gaining in popularity.”
The Tecra S3 is a one-of-a-kind notebook featuring an array of security enhancements that help to ensure data integrity, prevent data theft and protect users’ confidentiality on multiple levels. According to a CSI/FBI Computer Crime and Security Survey, total notebook theft losses for 2004 increased to more than $6.7 million; translated, the average company loss due to laptop theft is more than $47,000.
“We expect the Tecra S3 to be an essential product for businesses and mobile professionals who are looking to stay connected at all times and protected by the latest security innovations,” said Jeff Barney, vice president of marketing, Digital Products Division, Toshiba America Information Systems.
The Tecra S3 is one of Toshiba’s premier systems, which encompasses the most comprehensive collection of the company’s exclusive EasyGuard technology. Toshiba’s EasyGuard is a series of hardware and software enhancements to business-class notebooks that help boost mobile security, system integrity, network connectivity and overall ease of use. EasyGuard consists of four elements: Secure, Protect & Fix, Connect and Optimize.
Secure
The Tecra S3 includes several levels of security to help defend itself against unauthorized access, data theft and virtual attacks. One level, the Trusted Platform Module (TPM), is an embedded security chipset and software application that stores encryption keys, passwords and user credentials to ensure that data cannot be accessed or seen by anyone but an authorized user.
Another level is the incorporation of an integrated biometric fingerprint reader, which allows the user to replace typing in the login information with a swipe of their finger to access the notebook. Large and small businesses will appreciate the ability to implement complex password schemes to maintain the integrity of secured data and applications. On an individual basis users can benefit from the simplicity of password management for quick and easy access to the system and data.
As a third level, Toshiba offers an accessory called HDLock for Toshiba notebooks, which combines a USB A-Key along with a personal password to act as the key to the notebook. HDLock for Toshiba notebooks helps ensure the hard drive remains encrypted and inaccessible at system boot-up, hibernation or shut-down to anyone but the owner of the unique A-Key and password.
Protect & Fix
Utilizing a multi-level approach to data protection, the Tecra S3 incorporates specially made shock-absorbing materials to help safeguard critical components such as the hard drive and LCD display. Internally, the hard drive and display are housed within their own casings for better isolation against shock and impact. Externally, users will see an industrial design that includes impact bumpers integrated on the four corners of the notebook to establish protection zones to separate internal components from the outer enclosure.
The Toshiba Hard Disk Drive Protection System helps safeguard the Tecra S3’s hard drive against possible damage resulting from accidental dropping, turbulence, impact or vibration. Through the integration of a 3D accelerometer, the Toshiba HDD Protection System detects when the Tecra S3 experiences unsafe, sudden “acceleration” in any direction. Once danger is detected, the hard drive immediately places itself into a protected mode and parks the hard drive head until the system determines it is safe to resume normal operation.
The Tecra S3 features a spill-resistant keyboard that affords users time to save work and shut down the system. If an accident should occur, this feature will help prevent the loss of data.
Connect
To simplify wired and wireless connectivity, the new Tecra S3 is outfitted with a complete suite of communication technologies including Gigabit Ethernet, Fast Infrared and v.92 modem in addition to the choice of either the Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection (802.11b/g) wireless or Intel PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Network Connection (802.11 a/b/g) wireless as part of the notebook’s standard configuration. The Tecra S3 is also available with optional Bluetooth v 2.0 +EDR.
The Tecra S3 features proprietary technologies such as Toshiba’s ConfigFree and the company’s patented Diversity Antenna. ConfigFree is Toshiba’s intuitive graphic connectivity management utility created to simplify the connectivity experience when using wired and wireless Ethernet or Bluetooth. Toshiba’s Diversity Antenna design delivers superior wireless signal reception through the integration of strategically placed Bluetooth(R) technology and dual-band Wi-Fi antennas in the notebook’s display.
Optimize
The fourth element, Optimize, is a series of proprietary software enhancements, enabling users to customize notebook settings for maximum system performance and battery life based on individual needs and preferences. Features include Toshiba Power Saver to maximize battery life and breeze through a meeting fully connected, Toshiba’s Presentation button, a one-touch button that displays users’ work on an LCD projector or external monitor easily and instantaneously, and a wireless on/off switch enabling and disabling the integrated wireless LAN (Wi-Fi).
With a chassis designed to deliver both security and reliability, the Tecra S3 starts at 6.31 pounds and houses a brilliant 15-inch diagonal display to provide business users with a large, bright and sharp image. Toshiba’s new notebook incorporates the second generation of the Intel(R) Centrino(TM) Mobile Technology, including the Intel Pentium M processor and Mobile Intel 915PM Express chipset. These recent innovations increase performance and improve wireless interoperability, to enable the Tecra S3 to deliver the maximum level of computing performance. The Tecra S3 includes one-touch docking functionality by using the Advanced Port Replicator III for better cable management and faster desktop environment access.
