Toshiba upgrades mini-notebook

In Asia, Toshiba released a new Libretto model which features a wider screen than previous versions of the mini-notebook.

The high-end Libretto 100 features a larger 7.1-inch active-matrix display, as well as a faster microprocessor, more memory, and a larger hard drive, according to the online edition of Nikkei Business Publications. Toshiba America would not confirm the release of products not sold in the United States.

The news comes at the same time as this week's release of handheld computers with 8-inch screens from Hitachi, NEC Electronics, and LG Electronics.

Mini-notebooks like the Libretto blur the line between handheld computers using Microsoft's Windows CE operating system and full-sized notebooks incorporating Windows 95. Unlike CE devices, however, the Libretto and other mini-notebooks offer full computing applications rather than slimmed-down versions.

Both categories target mobile professionals who value light weight and portability, yet require access of office productivity applications and also email.

Toshiba's Libretto 100 comes with a 166-MHz Pentium MMX, 32MB of memory, and a 2.1GB hard drive, Nikkei reported. Two PC card slots allow for modem usage.

The Libretto 100 hit the Japanese shelves on March 6. Its equivalent, the Libretto 100CT, has reportedly been available in Europe since February.

No pricing was available.