Toshiba Launches Two New Netbooks, One Harmon Kardan Audio

We've said it before and we'll say it again -- the netbook market isn't going anywhere, tablet PCs be damned. In fact, the netbook sector grew by two models today, courtesy of Toshiba, which just released the Mini NB500 and NB520.

The more exciting of the bunch is the NB520, which features "the world's smallest Harman/Kardon speakers on a laptop embedded in a slim an stylish casing," according to Toshiba. It's pretty rare for us to get excited over notebook audio, particularly in netbooks, so any time a company hits up a company like Harman/Kardon to handle audio chores, we're all for it.


Other specs include an Intel Atom N550 processor, up to 2GB of DDR3 memory, up to a 250GB hard drive, 10.1-inch screen, three USB 2.0 ports, Wireless-N, Bluetooth 2.1, webcam, and Windows 7 Starter in 32-bit form. The NB500 is essentially the same model, minus the groovy audio and less powerful processor (Intel Atom N455).

Both are slated to ship in the first quarter of 2011 with no mention of price.

The mobile sound machine: Toshiba mini NB520 with superior sound quality
Toshiba’s latest netbook family includes the mini NB520 with Harman/Kardon® speakers and the no-frills model mini NB500

Neuss, 02nd December 2010
Toshiba Computer Systems, a division of Toshiba Europe GmbH, today unveiled two models of its new netbook family: the mini NB500 and the mini NB520, a model for users who want a slim and stylish netbook with enhanced sound features.


The mini NB520 is the world’s first netbook with embedded premium speakers from Harman/Kardon® for a superb entertainment experience with a vibrant sound. The mini NB500 and the mini NB520 will be available during the first quarter of 2011 throughout Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Netbook users very much value outstanding sound
“Offering a magic sound experience by featuring the world’s smallest Harman/Kardon speakers on a laptop embedded in a slim and stylish casing, the mini NB520 meets a yet unfulfilled user demand in the netbook market”, said Marco Perino, General Manager, Product Marketing EMEA Toshiba Computer Systems Division. 81.4%  of netbook users say that it is important that their device offers a good sound. More than two thirds of netbook users use the speakers when listening to music or watching videos while being alone at home, while around 40% do so together with friends.

Vibrant bass and crystal clear trebles
Despite its diminutive size, the mini NB520 packs a powerful sonic punch with its 2 watt Harman/Kardon® stereo speakers, giving sound volume and quality not normally associated with netbooks. They support Dolby® Advanced AudioTM to provide a natural sound experience while listening to music or watching videos in HD quality (720p) on the netbook.

The Sleep and Music feature allows consumers who’ve stored their favorite music tracks on a MP3 player to connect the gadget to the netbook and listen to the music through the speakers without turning the PC on .

The slim mini NB500 serves users everyday computing consumption needs
As second member in Toshiba’s new netbook family, the mini NB500 is targeted at users who appreciate a slim, mobile device with basic computing consumption features at a very competitive price. Despite the affordable price, the mini NB500 is one of the thinnest and lightest netbooks on the market featuring an Intel Atom processor.

Pleasing to all senses
While the mini NB500’s and mini NB520’s subtle look with shiny metallic reflections and engraved dot patterns is pleasing to the eye, the paint with its rubber textured feeling is appealing to the touch. A selection of five fresh colour variations - blue, brown, lime green, turquoise, and orange – give customers a wide choice to express their personality. The mini NB500 comes also in a black version.

Music adds value to the netbooks
Music Place powered by 7Digital offers an easy to use client that gives access to one of the widest catalogues of music. Users can either download purchased tracks and file it on the PC or store it on a personal cloud storage area and then sync their connected devices via internet. This opens up a modern way to enjoy content anytime and anywhere.