Irvine, California-based Toshiba has just announced a couple of new portable computer systems, part of the company's Satellite family of notebooks. Following the announcement regarding the updated Satellite L-series, the PC vendor has decided to update some of its other Satellite series, including the A, M, P and U series. According to the company, the updated family will provide customers with a choice for an affordable portable PC that delivers a mix of performance, style and loads of features. The new family also comes to satisfy an upcoming demand for budget-friendly laptops in the back-to-school shopping period.

“Toshiba is the first manufacturer to deliver a fully redesigned and brand new line of consumer laptops specifically for this new economy,” Ron Smith, vice president of marketing, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division, said. “This new portfolio of mobility and entertainment laptops is the result of listening to consumer demands. We focused on incorporating premium new features and style elements at price points that make sense for everyone, whether they need a new laptop for home, work or school.”

Each of the new series has been designed to meet the requirements of different market segments, with the U500/U505 and the M500/M505 models catering to the needs of multimedia and mobility enthusiasts, while the A500/A505 and P500/P505 are designed for HD entertainment fans. Among some of the features that will be available in Toshiba's latest Satellite lineup, the company has highlighted the new flat keyboard with a black matte finish and illuminating LED backlight, the slot-loading DVD drive, the touchpad with multi-touch capabilities and the cinematic display.

Additional features include Toshiba's face-recognition software, the built-in Harmon Kardon speakers, the eSATA/USB combo ports with the USB Sleep-and-charge technology, and more. The MSRP for the new series starts at US$699.99 to US$849.99, depending on the series.