Toshiba is bringing its EasyGuard protection technology to lower-cost laptops to differentiate its mobile line-up from rivals. Its latest Satellite Pro model offers better protection against shocks and other hazards yet is priced from £389. The firm has also introduced a new Windows Vista-ready Tablet PC with a 14in display.

“Laptops are becoming a day-in, day-out tool like a mobile phone that workers use all the time,” said Toshiba business product manager Kenneth Chan. For this reason, the new entry-level Satellite Pro A120 includes more technologies to help it survive the rough and tumble of daily use. “We looked at a whole number of processes, the fixing of the motherboard and screen, shock protection for the chassis and shock absorbers to protect the hard disk,” Chan said.

Tests show the laptop should continue working even after a fall of 70cm, Chan added. “Nobody else offers this level of protection at this price,” Chan said. The starting price of £389 is for a 1.46GHz Celeron M with 512MB memory, 60GB hard disk, CD-RW/DVD drive and a 15.4in screen.

Toshiba has also introduced the Tecra M7, a widescreen laptop with a swivel display to convert it into a slate-mode Tablet PC. It is aimed at the desktop replacement market, but also enables digital ink input. “We’re looking to Windows Vista with this, which will offer users a better Tablet experience. Analysts say Tablet use will increase once Vista is available,” said Chan.

The £1,099 Tecra M7 is based on a 1.66GHz Core Duo T2300E with 512MB memory, 802.11a/g and Bluetooth, plus fingerprint reader and Trusted Platform Module (TPM).