Toshiba last week introduced a new Tablet PC system to its laptop range, based on Intel's Centrino mobile technology and boasting new pen-oriented features. These include the ability to automatically adjust the screen orientation according to how the user is holding the unit, and an optional docking cradle adjustable for writing at various height levels.

The Portégé M200, available now, builds on Toshiba's earlier Portégé 3500 Tablet PC, launched in 2002. The new model features the same swivelling screen that lets it be used like a standard laptop, or with the screen folded down like a slate-style tablet design.

"Over the past year, Toshiba's Tablet PC has gained acceptance because of its portability, versatility and ability to function beyond the traditional range of PC applications," said Oscar Koenders, general manager of Toshiba's Computer Systems Marketing Division in Europe.

While the earlier Portégé was based on a mobile Pentium III chip, the Portégé M200 uses Intel's Centrino mobile platform, running a 1.6GHz Pentium M processor and Intel's 802.11b wireless LAN (WLAN) adapter.

One unusual feature of the new Portégé is a dual axis accelerometer, which detects the way the user is holding the laptop when in tablet mode, and adjusts the screen orientation to match, according to Toshiba. Other tablet models require users to alter orientation manually from landscape to portrait format if they wish to hold the device like a notepad while writing.

Toshiba also offers an optional Multi Dock system that enables users to write on the screen in a comfortable, natural position while it is docked on their desktop. The peripheral can be adjusted to a number of height levels and has a drive bay that supports an additional hard disk or optical storage device. The Multi Dock costs £299 + VAT.

The Portégé M200 has 256MB of memory, expandable to 2GB, and features a Bluetooth wireless connection as well as WLAN and 10/100 Ethernet. It has a 12.1in display driven by an Nvidia GeForce FX Go 5200 graphics chip and costs £1,699 + VAT.