Computers

Toshiba adds 1080p IPS display and Skullcandy audio to its Chromebook 2

Toshiba adds 1080p IPS display and Skullcandy audio to its Chromebook 2
Toshiba's Chromebook 2 keeps the 13.3-inch display, but ups the resolution to 1080p on the premium model (Photo: Gizmag.com)
Toshiba's Chromebook 2 keeps the 13.3-inch display, but ups the resolution to 1080p on the premium model (Photo: Gizmag.com)
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Toshiba's Chromebook 2 keeps the 13.3-inch display, but ups the resolution to 1080p on the premium model (Photo: Gizmag.com)
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Toshiba's Chromebook 2 keeps the 13.3-inch display, but ups the resolution to 1080p on the premium model (Photo: Gizmag.com)
Toshiba's Chromebook 2 (Photo: Gizmag.com)
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Toshiba's Chromebook 2 (Photo: Gizmag.com)
Toshiba's Chromebook 2 features Skullcandy audio (Photo: Gizmag.com)
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Toshiba's Chromebook 2 features Skullcandy audio (Photo: Gizmag.com)
Toshiba's Chromebook 2 is thinner than its predecessor (Photo: Gizmag.com)
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Toshiba's Chromebook 2 is thinner than its predecessor (Photo: Gizmag.com)
Toshiba's Chromebook 2 features a silver textured resin lid (Photo: Gizmag.com)
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Toshiba's Chromebook 2 features a silver textured resin lid (Photo: Gizmag.com)
Toshiba's Chromebook 2 with be offered two different models (Photo: Gizmag.com)
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Toshiba's Chromebook 2 with be offered two different models (Photo: Gizmag.com)
Toshiba's Chromebook 2 with optional Rose color case
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Toshiba's Chromebook 2 with optional Rose color case
Toshiba's Chromebook 2 with optional Charcoal color case
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Toshiba's Chromebook 2 with optional Charcoal color case
Toshiba's Chromebook 2 will be powered by the latest Intel Celeron processors
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Toshiba's Chromebook 2 will be powered by the latest Intel Celeron processors
Toshiba says its Chromebook 2 models will offer from 9 to 11.5 hours of battery life
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Toshiba says its Chromebook 2 models will offer from 9 to 11.5 hours of battery life
Toshiba's Chromebook 2 with optional Aqua color case
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Toshiba's Chromebook 2 with optional Aqua color case
Toshiba's Chromebook 2
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Toshiba's Chromebook 2
View gallery - 12 images

Having joined the Chromebook party earlier this year with the first Chromebook to feature a 13-inch HD display, Toshiba has followed it up with its Chromebook 2. On display it IFA, Toshiba's second-generation Chromebook will come in two versions that continue the 13-inch display tradition and bring branded audio to Chromebooks with speakers tuned by Skullcandy.

Toshiba's Chromebook 2 will be powered by the latest Intel Celeron processors and be offered with 2 or 4 GB of RAM. It will also come with 802.11 ac Wi-Fi, HD webcam, two USB ports (one USB 3.0 and the other USB 2.0), an SD card slot and HDMI output. A fanless design also helps noise down.

The Skullcandy logo below the keyboard indicates expert tuning of the stereo speakers, which are now front-facing, while dual-array microphones are also on board for video chats. There's also 16 GB of onboard storage, which is supplemented by a two-year subscription providing 100 GB via Google Drive included in the purchase price.

While the entry model will retain a 13.3-inch standard HD display like Toshiba's initial Chromebook offering, the premium model steps things up with a Full HD (1920 x 1080) display using in-plane switching (IPS) technology. This provides wider viewing angles than LED backlit displays and benefits from improved color reproduction and accuracy.

Toshiba has also given its latest Chromebook a cosmetic nip and tuck, reducing the weight by nearly 0.5 lb (230 g) and reducing the height of the device to around 0.75-in (19 mm). Toshiba quotes battery life of up to 11.5 hours for the entry model, with the extra pixels helping cut times to 11.5 hours for the premium model.

Toshiba's Chromebook 2 devices will range from US$249.99 to $329.99 and feature a silver textured resin lid. Charcoal, Aqua and Rose color cases will also be offered as optional extras when the devices hit the US from October 5.

Source: Toshiba

View gallery - 12 images
3 comments
3 comments
Captain Obvious
How about checking those battery life specs? Both 11.5 hours??
1Ronald
Yes to color choices. While Toshiba's aqua and rose sound much like HP's ocean turquoise and coral red and probably are the same colors at least Toshiba is joining the move away from boring, dull, depressing colors that have for so long dominated the market. Chromebook is exciting technology especially coming from this former Dell owner, current iMac owner, and one who is REALLY looking for a change for the better. While the weight reduction is going in the right direction, one half a pound will not be noticeable. IPS trumping LED is interesting to know and promises more sales from this new technology.
Mestengo
Despite the appealing Chromebook presentation it is hard to take seriously with Toshiba's name attached. After the Thrive experience and their complete abandonment of all technical support and software upgrade efforts my only interest in Toshiba is enjoying opportunities to short the stock into oblivion.