Toshiba Chromebook 2 refresh includes Broadwell-based Intel chips and other improvements

In 2014 Toshiba brought us two Chromebooks, aptly named the Toshiba Chromebook and the Toshiba Chromebook 2. Here in 2015, we’ve yet to see refresh, until now. Interestingly enough, the latest Toshiba Chromebook doesn’t get a new number designation attached and is simply a “refreshed” Chromebook 2.

While the original Chromebook 2 offered up a dual-core Intel Celeron processor, the 2015 refresh includes the option of a Celeron, Core i3, or Core i5 chip, all based on the Intel 5th-gen “Broadwell” architecture. All configurations will offer 1080p 13.3-inch IPS displays and come with up to 4GB RAM, though the i3 and i5 variants have the distinction of offering up a LED backlit keyboard.

Some of the other main features of the refreshed Chromebook 2 series include both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI output, an SD card reader, 802.11 ac WiFi, front-facing stereo speakers, and dual-array microphones. All these features are found in a design that weighs just a little shy of 3 pounds.

The new Toshiba Chromebook 2 series will arrive in October at select retailers and via Toshiba’s website, with pricing beginning at just $330. What do you think of Toshiba’s latest members of the Chromebook family? For those unimpressed, what would it take to make you consider a Chromebook?

[press]IRVINE, Calif. – Sept. 22, 2015 – Toshiba’s Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced the successor to its award-winning Chromebook 2. Now available with a 5th Gen Intel® Core™ i3 or Celeron™ processor and up to 4GB of RAM[i], these two new models deliver better performance for loading content-rich webpages quickly, providing brilliant video playback and effortless multitasking. Both models come with an all-new LED backlit keyboard for a more seamless experience when web browsing, watching movies, listening to music and getting work done, even in low light environments.

“As more people use Chromebooks for productivity and rely more often on the web for content creation and entertainment, devices need to be better equipped for these higher processing demands and built with hardware features that optimize Chrome OS,” said Philip Osako, senior director of product marketing, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. “With the launch of our latest Chromebook 2 models, Toshiba delivers brilliant performance for an outstanding experience on and off the web with entertainment-inspired hardware features that make the most of Chrome OS and enable customers to get things done faster wherever their Chromebook 2 takes them.”

The Toshiba Chromebook 2 features a brilliant 13.3-inch diagonal Full HD (1920 x 1080) display[ii] with IPS technology that delivers sharpened color reproduction and accuracy, plus wider, more accurate viewing capabilities. Engineered to fit a 13.3-inch display in a 12-inch body and lightweight at just 2.9 pounds, the new Chromebook 2 comes packed with features without sacrificing portability or design. In addition, the device delivers a superior entertainment experience with strategically placed front-facing stereo speakers tuned to bring quality and attitude by the audio experts at Skullcandy®, a leading audio headphone provider and lifestyle brand. On-board dual array microphones and an HD webcam are also included to enable rich video chats.

With an 8.5-hour battery life rating[iii] on both models, customers will be able to do more multitasking throughout the day, whether they are in the classroom, at the office or at home. These devices also come equipped with ultra-fast 802.11ac Wi-Fi® and a range of ports, including one USB 3.0 port, one USB 2.0 port, HDMI® output, SD Card slot and a security lock slot. Plus, customers can enjoy 100GB of Google Drive™ Storage[iv], 90-days of free unlimited music streaming on Google Play™, 12 in-air passes for Gogo® Internet and more – all included with the device.

Pricing and Availability

The new Toshiba Chromebook 2 will be available for purchase starting in October 2015 at major retailers, e-tailers and on toshiba.com/us, for $329.99 MSRP[v] for Intel Celeron model and $429.99 MSRP for the Intel Core i3 model.
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