14 DAY TRIAL // This year's IFA trade show is filled with introductions of Windows 8 products, but we were lucky enough to be invited to a Toshiba press event even before the show actually started.
The Satellite U940 is one of the products that we got the early inside scoop on. It is a 14-inch Windows 8 Ultrabook.
The processor is easy enough to divine: a third-generation Intel Core-series central processing unit (CPU). By extension, the graphics solution is clear as well: Intel's HD 4000 integrated chip.
This is just the basic configuration though. For those who don't mind paying a bit more than the basic tag (unknown for now, but probably $699 / €699 Euro), Toshiba also provides the option of NVIDIA's GeForce GT 630M (2GB memory, Optimus technology).
On that note, there are multiple potential storage setups as well. Buyers can select a maximum HDD capacity of 1 TB HDD, backed by a 32 GB caching SSD, or they can go pure SSD (up to 256 GB).
Furthermore, the memory capacity starts low (4 GB if we're reading things right) but can reach 16 GB if money isn't an issue.
The rest of the feature set is as "ultra" as Toshiba could make it: SRS Premium Sound 3D, WLAN, Bluetooth 4.0, Wireless Display, USB 3.0, memory card reader, etc.
As for the 14-inch screen, it is a LED-backlit panel with a native resolution of 1,366 x 768 pixels (HD).
Toshiba will begin shipping the Satellite U940 Ultrabook in the fourth quarter, which probably means October, since that is when Microsoft is poised to unleash the Windows 8 operating system.
