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Toshiba is preparing to release in Japan in May a model of its Libretto mini-notebook based on Transmeta's Crusoe processor.

Toshiba but is planning a product in a similar category for North America, according to Steve Andler, vice president of marketing for Toshiba Computer Systems Group. Toshiba declined further comment, citing a policy against providing information about unreleased products.

Toshiba had discontinued its Libretto line in the U.S. two years ago to focus on its Portege models. However, Toshiba has continued to develop and market the Libretto line in Japan.

Firewire, Bluetooth Built In

The Toshiba Libretto L1/060TNMM will be built around a 600-MHz Crusoe processor and will sport a 10-inch super-extended graphics array, thin-film transistor screen with 1280-by-600 pixel resolution. The notebook will weigh only 2.4 pounds and has up to a 14-hour battery life, using an optional battery, Toshiba says.

The Libretto also includes 128MB of memory (expandable to 256MB), a 10GB hard drive, Universal Serial Bus and FireWire ports. Other communications functions include a 56K-bps modem, and built-in Bluetooth wireless networking capabilities. It comes bundled with Microsoft Windows Me. The mini-notebook will measure 10.5 inches wide by 6.6 inches deep by .81 inches thick.

It is scheduled to be available in Japan on May 18.

Crusoe Courts Notebooks

Transmeta's Crusoe chip is a low-power consumption processor aimed at ultra-portables PCs and embedded devices. The chip allows for longer battery life, but is a bit slower than other processors running at the same clock speed.

Transmeta already supplies its portable chips to several long-time Intel processor customers. Sony was among the first to ship notebook that used Transmeta's chip. NEC has released several Crusoe-powered models, the most recent shipping in April.

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