Toshiba brought out its first all-in-one PC, if not first desktop, for the US. The DX1215 takes cues from Toshiba’s TVs and is intended as a media hub with a 21.5-inch, 1080p touchscreen, Onkyo-made speakers and Waves MaxxAudio processing. Home electronics experience comes into play both with Toshiba’s TV-focused video upscaling engine and a new Sleep & Music feature that lets users play music from the speakers through another source whether or not the computer is on.
Exact configurations haven’t been outlined. Toshiba expects systems to come with Core i5 and i7 processors, a 1TB hard drive, a DVD burner and a pair of USB 3.0 ports along with four slower 2.0 ports. Some versions will have a TV tuner built-in and are being pitched as ideal for dorms and kitchens where the DX1215 might have to perform double duty.
Best Buy’s online and retail stores will be the exclusive homes of the new desktop when it ships on July 3. Trim levels will start at about $930 and will always include a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse.
The arrival could signal a perception at Toshiba of direct competition with Apple. Both computer builders have swapped places in market share for the past few years. Apple has had an advantage in competing with a full product line where Toshiba has limited its American presence to notebooks until Tuesday. The iMac is considered the dominant all-in-one desktop worldwide and may be Toshiba’s main target.
