Hi-res Toshiba KIRAbook Windows 8 Ultrabook to take on MacBook Pro with Retina Display, Chromebook Pixel
Toshiba are preparing to launch a new high-end Ultrabook called the KIRAbook, with a high-resolution display said to rival that of the MacBook Pro with Retina Display and Chromebook Pixel.
The first in a new premium KIRA line of machines from Toshiba, the KIRAbook will pack in a 13.3-inch screen running at a resolution of 2560×1440. At 221ppi, that’s just a shade behind the 227ppi 13.3-inch Retina MacBook and 239ppi Chromebook.
Running Windows 8 Pro, configurations will also include a touchscreen option for those looking to take advantage of the Microsoft OS’s touch-focus, though non-touch variants will also be available.
Under the hood will sit a 256GB SSD along with 8GB of 1600MHz memory, with a choice of either Intel Core i5 or i7 processors.
Toshiba’s partnership with Harmon Kardon continues, with the company providing the Ultrabooks audio innards, while the keyboard will feature backlighting. All in, the machine is said to weigh no more than 2.6 pounds.
Launching in the US on 12 May, the KIRAbook starts at $1,599.99, with prices going up to $1999.99 for the top spec configuration. Pre-orders start on 3 May from Amazon, BestBuy, Microsoft and direct from Toshiba in the US, but there’s no word yet on a UK release.
There’s still no images of the KIRAbook available yet, but we’ll be updating this post to include them once they’re released.
