Positioning its first All-In-One desktop PC as a central, multi-tasking hub for the whole family, Toshiba branches out from its mobile computer portfolio to take on the iMac.
Toshiba today launched its new All-In-One DX1210 PC, with a view to connecting "multiple technologies in the home through a central hub". The DX1210 is promoted as a do-anything family PC for the kitchen or living room, whilst doubling as a base HQ hub for other digital devices, such as smartphones, tablets and notebooks.
“It’s not uncommon for households to have several technology devices in different rooms, so the DX1210 is a great solution to managing multiple devices through a single hub,” according to Anthony Geronimo, B2C Product Marketing Manager, Toshiba Information Systems Division (ISD).
A common criticism of All-In-One PCs in the past was that they were too often underpowered, but in the Sandy Bridge era we're starting to see machines with a little more oomph under the bonnet. The base-model DX1210 ships with a Core i5 2410M CPU and 6GB of RAM, which together ought to render the package more than capable for 'kitchen PC' duties. (A Core i7 model is in the pipeline too.)
Intel HD graphics are of course included, but the lack of a discrete graphics card means those heavy-duty gamers in the household should probably look elsewhere. The DX1210 also offers a 21.5-inch Full HD touchscreen, 1TB of storage, a built-in Blu-ray reader (DVD writer), Onkyo speakers, a TV tuner plus wireless keyboard/mouse.
Fittingly for a product selling itself on its "hub" credentials, connectivity is ample. Six USB ports are on offer, including two USB 3.0 ports, plus there's wireless b/g/n and Bluetooth 3.0. Toshiba's Sleep & Music function enables the DX1210's speakers to act as standalone speakers when the PC is turned off, and HDMI in allows the machine to be used as a display for smaller devices (although at only 21.5 inches, it's not exactly the perfect HTPC dimensions for a living room).
One challenge for Toshiba will be to convince shoppers on cost. The DX1210 retails at $1,899, which is significantly pricier than Apple's recently released
Sandy Bridge iMacs (which start at $1,399). You don't get Blu-ray or touchscreen functionality with them (or any of Toshiba's other value-added throw-ins), but you do get dedicated AMD graphics and the option of upsizing to a much more entertainment-friendly 27-inch screen.
The DX1210 is available now in 'Precious Black', while a 'Luxe White' model is exclusive to Harvey Norman.