Toshiba details its first AMD powered laptops in 7 years

Last month, we reported that for the first time in seven years, Toshiba would start selling entry-level AMD-based machines again. Today, the Japanese PC vendor disclosed details of a new range of laptop computers based on processors from Advanced Micro Devices, featuring several variations of Turion 64 X2 Dual-core Mobile Technology processors.

Toshiba's new Satellite A215-S4757 offers a 15.4" 1280x800 display, a 1.8GHz Turion 64 X2 TL-56 processor, an AMD M690V-based motherboard with Radeon X1200 integrated graphics, 2GB of DDR2 RAM, a 250GB hard drive, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, a dual-layer DVD burner, and a built-in camera. The system weighs in at 6.29lbs (2.85kg) and comes pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium x86.
Toshiba stopped using AMD processors in its laptop computers in 2000, but decided to hop back into the AMD bandwagon reportedly due to "increased consumer demand over the past two years for AMD-based platforms." AMD alleged in a lawsuit against Intel that Toshiba was receiving "market development funds" from Intel worth about $25 million to $30 million per quarter making them limit their use of AMD processors.

The computers will be available built-to-order from Toshiba Direct and computer stores nationwide starting at $889.99 for the base model, with the high-end Satellite A215-S4767 selling for $1,300.