Toshiba Tecra A10-S3501 Review
The Tecra A10 series continues Toshiba's commitment to offering one of the most reliable and well protected laptops you can buy. Delivering exceptional performance, it includes Toshiba's advanced EasyGuard features to further enhance protection, security and connectivity. The Tecra A10 series uses non-reflective 15.4" widescreen LCD display that is more suitable for intensive use. All of this ensures that the Tecra A10 series is the perfect business tool for both users and businesses.
The Toshiba Tecra A10 seeks to provide an effortless mobile desktop computing and claims to have “improved IT manageability”. Powered by Intel Centrino 2 with vPro technology, the A10 features a 15.4" diagonal widescreen display (WXGA or WSXGA+), has NVIDIA Quadro NVS 150M graphics chipset with 256MB of dedicated video memory and includes a dual mouse, a built-in Webcam and mic. The A10 also has Toshiba’s proprietary 4th -Gen EasyGuard Technology which safeguards the machine from falls and protects data.
Key Features
Laptop Type: Mid-Size Laptop
Use: Corporate Business · Small Business · Business
Processor: Core 2 Duo 2.53 GHz
Installed Memory: 4 GB (DDR2 SDRAM)
Hard Drive: 200 GB Serial ATA, 7200 RPM
Display: 15.4 in. WSXGA+ TFT Active Matrix
Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Business
Mobile Technology: Intel Centrino 2
Processor
Processor Manufacturer: Intel
Processor Type: Core 2 Duo
Processor Number: T9400
Processor Speed: 2.53 GHz
Motherboard
Chipset: Intel PM45 Express
Bus Speed: 1066 MHz
Memory
Installed RAM: 4 GB
RAM Technology: DDR2 SDRAM
Max Supported RAM: 4 GB
RAM Speed: 800 MHz
Installed Cache Memory: 6144 KB
Hard Drive
Hard Drive Capacity: 200 GB
Hard Drive Rotation Speed : 7,200 RPM
Storage Controller Type: Serial ATA
CD / DVD
CD / DVD Type: Dual Layer DVD±RW/DVD-RAM
Optical Drive Read Speed: 24x (CD) · 8x (DVD)
Optical Drive Write Speed: 24x (CD) · 8x (DVD-R) · 2x DVD+R · 6x (DVD+R DL) · 6x (DVD-R DL)
Optical Drive ReWrite Speed: 10x (CD-RW) · 8x (DVD+RW) · 6x (DVD-RW) · 5x (DVD-RAM)
Display
Display Tech: WSXGA+ TFT Active Matrix
Screen Size: 15.4 in.
Display Max. Resolution: 1680 x 1050
Video
Graphic Processor: NVIDIA Quadro NVS 150M
Installed Video Memory: 256 MB
Audio
Audio Output Type: Headphones · Sound card · Speaker(s)
Audio Input Type: Integrated Microphone · Microphone
Operating System
: Microsoft Windows Vista Business
Platform: PC
Technical Features
Expandability: 1 x Type I/II PC Card Slot, 1 x SD Card Slot, 1 x Memory Stick Card Slot, Docking Station/Port Replicator, 1 x MMC Card Slot, 1 x Memory Stick PRO, 1 x xD Card Slot, 1 x SDHC Card Slot
Expansion Ports: 3 x USB 2.0, 1 x IEEE 1394a (FireWire), VGA out, Serial Port, RJ-11 (modem), RJ-45 (NIC), 1 x eSATA
Security Features: Finger Print Sensor, Slot For Cable Lock, Integrated Smart Card Reader
Special Features: Integrated Video Camera
Input Method: Keyboard · Touchpad
Networking
Networking Type: Bluetooth · Integrated 10/100/1000 Network Card · Integrated Wireless LAN
Data Link Protocol: Bluetooth · Ethernet · Fast Ethernet · Gigabit Ethernet · Hi-Speed USB · IEEE 802.11a · IEEE 802.11g · IEEE 802.11n · IEEE 802.3ab
Modem
Modem Type: Fax / Modem
Battery
Battery Run Time: 3.17 Hours
Battery Technology: Lithium ion
Dimensions
Width: 14.2 in.
Depth: 10.4 in.
Height: 1.54 in.
Weight: 6.2 lb.
Warranty
: 3 Years
Miscellaneous
UPC: 883974166558
Product ID: 74974551
Family Line: Toshiba Tecra
More Information
Details: Tecra A10-S3501 Notebook offers desktop computing performance plus durability for professionals on the move. Use the stunning, spacious 15.4-inch diagonal display for multitasking, tackling complex spreadsheets or tabletop presentations.
Price starts from $1399
Pros
Both PC World and Tech Radar find the Tecra A10 solid and ideal for small businesses and corporate users. The notebook's design is simple and non-jarring and has a style that is reminiscent of Tecra A9 and Tecra M9 (PC World). Tech Radar appreciated the 15.4-inch TFT screen as they found the matt finish not distracting and the display also didn’t appear washout in harsh light. The build quality of the A10 was found to be solid and the battery lasted for around 318 minutes, which was quiet, impressive (PC World, Tech Radar). The A10 also has a number of network connectivity options like a Gigabit Ethernet port, a 802.11n wireless adapter and a 56Kbps modem (PC World).
Cons
Since the Toshiba Tecra A10 is catering to the needs of small businesses, it suffers from poor multi-media functionality (PC World, Tech Radar). The standard configuration has 1GB of DDR2 RAM, which makes the A10 falter during memory hungry applications (PC World). Tech Radar observe that due to the on board Intel graphics card, the A10 isn’t capable of performing graphically intensive tasks. PC World concurs and hence recommends the ASUS X55SV-AS081C over the A10.
Bottom
In a nutshell the Toshiba Tecra A10 is a solid albeit a dull performer (PC World, Tech Radar). It performs the basic tasks well but due to insufficient RAM and the Intel GM45 chipset, intensive multi-media tasks should be avoided. Business users will appreciate the expansion options (PC World) and the impressive battery life (Tech Radar). The reviewer at Tech Radar feel’s that the Toshiba Tecra A10 is a good choice for small businesses where as David Ramli from PC World thinks that the laptop doesn’t give the user value for money.
