Form and Function: The Right Equation Since the introduction of Toshiba’s first notebook model, the T1100, consumer preferences have greatly impacted notebook form factors. In 1987, Toshiba launched two versions of the same notebook model: one featuring two diskettes instead of a hard­drive disk, weighing 4.8 kg, and another version featuring the first built­in notebook HDD, weighing 5.2 kg. Users preferred more storage and, as a result, the next model — the T3200 — which featured a 40 MB HDD, weighed in at 8.5 kg, more than double the 4.1 kg of the T1100. This significant jump was an early indicator of a trend that would continue up until this very day —a delicate balance providing users with increasing processing power and a lightweight package suited to the user’s needs. This article will take a look at how Toshiba has responded to user’s desires for mobility, smaller sizes and lighter weights over the past 20 years while continuously ensuring high performance and support for innovative features.