Preview of the Toshiba Libretto W100

Toshiba plans to give Apple a run for their money with their new Libretto W100. Toshiba's Libretto W100 is intended to compete with Apple's popular iPad. In addition to the iPad, Toshiba plans to also take on Amazon's Kindle. The Libretto W100 is a combination e-book reader and mini notebook computer.

Unique Features

The Toshiba Libretto W100 is the first device to replace the keyboard with a second screen, creating a dual screen experience. Unlike the Kindle, the Libretto W100 allows readers to view two pages at once, one on each screen. The Libretto can be held vertically or horizontally, depending on your needs. To protect the dual screens, the Libretto closes, preventing the need for specialized cases which typically protect fragile screens.

Technical Specifications

Currently, Toshiba is touting an Intel Pentium 1.2 GHz processor for its Libretto W100. It will also feature 2 GB of RAM and a 62 GB solid state hard drive. For access in any Wi-Fi or wireless location, the Libretto also features 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology. When released, the Libretto will run a Windows 7 Home Premium operating system.

A feature many users will like is the potential power of the device in a light weight model. The Toshiba Libretto W100 weighs in at only 1.8 pounds. Each touch screen is seven inches diagonally. When closed, the Libretto measures 4.84 inches by 7.95 inches.

The Libretto also features a USB 2.0 port, a MicroSD card slot and a 1.0 megapixal HD webcam with face recognition technology.

User Friendly

Both screens on the Toshiba Libretto W100 are touch screens. To make users more comfortable, six virtual keyboard layouts are available to suite almost every users' tastes. Like the iPad, the Libretto will allow users to surf the Internet, check email and read newspapers, books and more. The small size allows the device to fit in most pockets, cases and bags for easy storage and increased mobility.

To make the user experience even better, both touch screens rotate to portrait and landscape modes for more realistic experience when surfing and reading. Another interesting feature is the ability for the two touch screens to work together or independently. For multi-taskers, this is a wonderful feature, allowing you to work on multiple items or screens at once. For those who just want a larger screen in more compact design, the two screens will work together to create a larger view of a single screen.

Apps

Toshiba plans to include several applications pre-installed on the Libretto W100. Toshiba Bulletin Board provides users with the ability to fully customize and personalize their desktops, including adding and dragging shortcuts, quick access to daily tasks and adding links to photos and videos.

Toshiba ReelTime helps users find files easily based on the last time the file was opened with a visual history with generated previews of each file. Users can filter by file type and by date with the provided calendar.

Toshiba's File Browser allows users to quickly access and find folders and files. Icons are provided on the desktop for access to applications and keyboards.

Release

No release date has been announced yet, nor has price information been released, though rumors state the Libretto may start upwards of $1,100. According to Toshiba, the Libretto will be available on ToshibaDirect.com and from select retailers late summer 2010. Toshiba plans to release the Libretto W100 as a 25^th Anniversary limited edition device. Their plan is to appeal to those who truly want to use the device. The goal is to receive invaluable feedback in order to make future models exactly what customers want and need.

For even more information about the Toshiba Libretto W100, check out HotHardware.com.