14 DAY TRIAL // Many technologies gained recognition over the past few months, and while the newest CPUs and GPUs got most of the attention, there are several other developments that haven't gone without notice. 3D, for one, has become quite popular, even though it wasn't exactly seen as promising last year. In fact, even laptops have begun taking advantage of 120Hz displays, and Toshiba has just launched its first such model on the US market.
The 3D laptop bears the name of Satellite A665 and has a configuration centered on the Intel Core i7-740QM quad-core mobile central processing unit. This CPU is paired with 4GB of DDR3 memory, the NVIDIA GeForce GTS 350M, with 1GB DDR3 VRAM, and premium audio with Harman Kardon stereo speakers and Dolby Advanced Audio. Combined with the 15.6-inch HD TruBrite LED-backlit 120Hz display, these components should make short work of any 3D media file.
3D videos aren't all that this laptop is good for, of course. By means of the NVIDIA 3D Vision technology, even games can be converted into 3D, for true immersion. Other specifications include a Blu-ray writer or DVD SuperMulti drive, a 640GB HDD, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, eSATA, USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI output, a built-in Webcam with face recognition and a 5-in-1 card reader, among other things.
“With this active shutter 3D technology, we are able to provide consumers with dynamic, high-quality stereoscopic images right from the laptop screen,” said Carl Pinto, vice president of product development, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. “We designed this system to support functionality that will become available in new drivers and software enhancements, so early adopters of 3D technology will be able to take advantage of new capabilities such as the ability to play Blu-ray 3D content and more.”
“3D Vision technology is for more than just PC gamers,” said Phil Eisler, general manager of 3D Vision technology at NVIDIA. “We are working closely with our partners to ensure a wealth of 3D content, including games, photos, movies and even the Internet can be fully enjoyed on a 3D laptop.”
The Toshiba Satellite A665 3D Edition will have a starting price of $1,599.99. Shipments are slated to begin on June 20, 2010, through select retailers.