Toshiba intros 128GB SSDs and dedicated HD upscaling

Toshiba's been busy knocking out not only the world's first laptop with a 128GB SSD, but also the first series of laptops with dedicated processors for upscaling DVDs to HD quality.

The 12.1in Portégé R500-S5007V is the model getting the 128GB SSD makeover. Having all that solid state memory onboard does bump the price up to $2,999 in the US, but that's still less than Apple charges for the 64GB SSD version of its MacBook Air, which sells for $3,146 in the States.

Toshiba also claims that, at 1.09kg, it's "the world’s lightest laptop with a 128GB SSD and DVD SuperMulti drive." Given that it's just about the only laptop with that combination you could also argue that it's the heaviest, but you get the point.

Meanwhile, the high-end Qosmio range has been given a revamp. Three brand new models have been launched; the 17.1in X305 gaming rig, the 18.4in (yes, 18.4in) G55 and the GPS equipped 15.4in F55.

As well as its giant screen, the G55 features a parallel media processor, a la the PS3, to make light work of HD video editing.

All three get REGZA-Link for hooking up to home cinema systems and, according to T3, a dedicated chip for upscaling standard def footage to HD and software for the built-in webcam to allow you to control video playback with Wii-style gestures.

T3.com has a video showing off the new laptops - including the hand gesture controls in action.

[ Press release] [ Qosmio]