Toshiba’s U.S. division on Tuesday announced its first two laptops powered by processors by Advanced Micro Devices along with graphics cores by ATI, graphics product group of AMD, in years. The move not only brings some additional revenues to struggling AMD, but also emphasizes the trend among computer makers to have at least two suppliers of core PC components.

The new laptops from Toshiba are Satellite A215-S4767 and A215-S4757, which are mostly aimed at price-conscious buyers, but they still carry some advanced technology, such as dual-core microprocessors, large hard disk drives, plenty of memory, DVD burner, advanced displays and so on. The Satellite A215 is Toshiba’s first AMD-based notebook computers since 2000.

The new AMD-based Satellite A215-series is currently available via Toshiba’s online store as well as a variety of major consumer electronics and computer stores nationwide, the company indicated.

Toshiba Satellite A215-S4767 notebook is based on AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-64 central processing unit (CPU) and AMD M690G core-logic with built-in ATI Radeon X1200 graphics core. The machine features 2GB of DDR2 memory, 250GB hard disk drive with 4200rpm motor, 15.4” widescreen display with 1280x800 native resolution and built-in webcam, DVD burner, 802.11b/g wireless network controller, fingerprint reader and so on. The laptop comes with Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate operating system and costs $1299.

Toshiba Satellite A215-S4757 is powered by AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-56 CPU and AMD M690G chipseyt with built-in ATI Radeon X1200 graphics core. The laptop is equipped with 2GB of DDR2 memory, 250GB hard disk drive with 4200rpm motor, 15.4” widescreen display with 1280x800 native resolution and built-in webcam, DVD burner, 802.11b/g wireless network controller and so on. The model features Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium operating system and costs $899.

“The introduction of an AMD-based mobile computing solution allows Toshiba to broaden its appeal to a wider audience by enhancing the company’s already successful notebook computer line. Toshiba based its decision to launch a notebook computer line featuring AMD technology on retailer interest and consumer demand,” said Jeff Barney, vice president of marketing, digital products division, Toshiba America information systems.