Toshiba shows off Fusion design - with 'Sleep-and-Charge' USB ports

Tosh's latest design statement's been unveiled with a refresh of its Satellite line up in the States. As well as a new finish, the four redesigned notebooks get a feature new to Toshibas - 'Sleep-and-Charge' USB ports that can charge gadgets even when the laptop's turned off or in sleep mode.

Described by Toshiba as an 'innovative', its something that's already available on several Dells, Thinkpads, MacBooks and even the humble Eee PC, but is a welcome addition to the Satellite range for those who like to charge their MP3 player or phone via USB when they're on their travels.

The Satellite U400 (pictured), M300, A300 and P300 series are the ones getting the update which includes a new gloss-black-with-grey-pinstripe 'Fusion Finish', described by Toshiba as "a unique combination of appearance and texture". Adding to the mood are white LED lights and 'LG Chocolate' style 'Feather-Touch' multimedia keys for the DVD, CD and volume controls.

Two more new features also make it in. One is a webcam with facial recognition software that can spot when someone other than its owner is trying to use it. The other is Dolby Sound Room technology for virtual surround sound through the built-in stereo speakers or headphones.

They're due to make an arrival in the UK in 'Q2', which could be anytime between now and June.

[ Press release]