Toshiba Corporation today announced that it would mark 20 year anniversary in the portable computer market with the launch of two series of notebook PCs - "dynabook SS" series and the "libretto U100" series.

The "dynabook SS" series will offer ultra-slim profiles -- only 19.8mm at their highest -- and an extended battery life of approximately 5.4 hours. The "libretto U100", a fully-featured mini-notebook PC, which will offer enhanced image quality derived from Toshiba's "Qosmio". The three models in the "dynabook SS" series will come to market in Japan on April 22. The first model in the "libretto U100" series will follow on April 29, with the three others scheduled to follow at the start of May.

Both integrate a low-loss printed-wiring board (PWB) that deploys a new material to reduce current and voltage losses during high speed signal transmission. Security is also further strengthened by providing finger authentication system and other protection functions. The "libretto U100" series also utilizes a low-loss PWB, stack via technology and other high density mounting technologies to achieve an ultra small profile and a weight of only 999g., all in a package small enough to sit on the palm of the hand.

Another contributor to usability is the "libretto's" bright 7.2-inch LCD a LED backlight. The "libretto U100" series adopts the advanced image enhancing technologies, such as digital sharpness, interlace to progressive converter, color correction, de-blocking and de-ringing, that Toshiba first brought to market in its "Qosmio" lineup, and delivers bright, detailed, natural images.

Auto gain control" function prevents sound from breaking up, even at the maximum volume, while integrated SRS surround sound adds depth and resonance.The new "libretto U100" series also comes with HDD protection.