Toshiba's "Retina-like" Kirabook limited to 1080p video output

April 17, 2013

Toshiba is launching a new luxury Ultrabook that's housed in a magnesium alloy case and boasts a 13.3-inch display with native resolution of 2560-by-1440 pixels. In a briefing with PCWorld earlier this month, Toshiba’s group product marketing manager, Young Bae, described the Kirabook as having a “MacBook Pro screen on an Ultrabook that’s lighter than a MacBook Air.” There’s just one problem with that description: Toshiba has outfitted the Kirabook with an HDMI output that can drive an external display at only 1920-by-1080 pixels. It’s a curious design decision considering that Toshiba is positioning the Kirabook as luxury item for the well-to-do crowd. Apple provides HDMI out on its MacBook Pro, too. However, Apple's machine also delivers Thunderbolt, so it's capable of driving up to two external displays at resolution of 2560-by-1600 pixels each. While the HDMI standard is capable of resolutions higher than 1920-by-1080, when doing so it’s limited to refresh rates of only 24- or 30Hz (4096x2160 pixels at 24Hz, and 3840x2160 pixels at up to 30Hz). Anyone connecting the Kirabook to a 27- or 30-inch display is likely to be disappointed with the image they see on the big screen compared to what they see on the little screen next to it. ToshibaToshiba's Kirabook boasts a Retina-like display in a 13.3-inch Ultrabook. It’s a curious design decision considering that Toshiba is positioning the Kirabook as a luxury machine. “We intend to deliver an upscale, premium customer experience,” said Bae. “We will have a dedicated tech-support line for Kirabook owners. Their calls will be answered within 45 seconds. And the device will come with a two-year warranty during which we’ll provide paid overnight shipping on warranty claims.” To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

Link: http://www.pcworld.com/article/2035432/toshibas-retina-like-kirabook-limited-to-1080p-video-output.html#tk.rss_all