Toshiba launches AMD-powered notebooks

Toshiba launched Tuesday a new line of notebooks powered by chips from Advanced Micro Devices, marking the first time in seven years the computer maker has ended its exclusive arrangement with rival chip maker Intel.

Toshiba Satellite A215 series

(Credit: Toshiba)

The Toshiba Satellite A215 series will feature several versions of AMD's dual-core processors, such as AMD Turion 64 X2 Dual-Core Mobile Technology Gold Edition TL64 and the Turion 64 X2 Dual-Core Mobile Technology TL56 version.

Toshiba cited consumer and retailer demand as the reason for striking the deal with AMD. Two years ago, Toshiba and a number of other Japanese computer makers found themselves embroiled in a Japanese antitrust investigation involving Intel.

Ultimately, Intel reached an agreement with the Japan Fair Trade Commission, in which it would halt the practice of requiring PC makers to limit the use of competitors' chips in exchange for monetary rebates. While Intel accepted the Japan FTC recommendations, it disagreed with the findings of fact underlying the agency's allegations.

The Toshiba A215-S4767, which features AMD's higher-end TL64 chip and a fingerprint reader, will retail for approximately $1,300.

The Satellite A215-S4757, which carries the lower-end TL56 chip, will sell for about $900.

Both versions come with 2048MB DDR2 SDRAM memory, a 250GB serial-ATA hard disk drive, DVD SuperMulti with LabelFlash and a 15.4-inch diagonal wide-screen display. Other features include Atheros 802.11b/g wireless, ATI Radeon X1200 graphics and an embedded Webcam and microphone.