Toshiba Tecra Laptop

Toshiba Tecra A10 Laptop

2009-10-16T01:57:00.000-07:00

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.

Toshiba Tecra R10 Laptop

2009-10-15T01:27:00.000-07:00

Toshiba Tecra R10-S4411 Review

The Toshiba Tecra R10 is an attractive 14.1" business notebook featuring the latest Intel processors and Nvidia Quadro NVS 150M wrapped inside an impressively thin shell. The Tecra R10 inherits its good looks from Toshiba's Portege line of business notebooks, but are good looks and an impressive spec sheet enough to meet the demands of road warriors? Take a look and see what we have to say about this sleek laptop.

Specifications

Processor & Chipset

Processor Manufacturer: Intel
Processor Type: Core 2 Duo
Processor Model: SP9300
Processor Speed: 2.26GHz
Processor Core: Dual-core
Processor Technology: Virtualization Technology
Processor Technology: Enhanced SpeedStep Technology
Processor Technology: Turbo Boost Technology
Bus Speed: 1066MHz
L2 Cache: 6MB
Chipset Manufacturer: Intel
Chipset Model: GS45 Express

Memory

Standard Memory: 2GB
Maximum Memory: 4GB
Memory Technology: DDR2 SDRAM
Memory Standard: DDR2-800/PC2-6400
Memory Card Reader: Yes
Memory Card Support: Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC)
Memory Card Support: Secure Digital (SD) Card

Storage

Hard Drive Capacity: 160GB
Hard Drive Interface: Serial ATA
Hard Drive RPM: 5400
Solid State Drive Capacity: Not Included
Solid State Drive Interface: Not Applicable
Optical Drive Type: DVD-Writer
Optical Media Support: DVD-RAM/±R/±RW
Dual-Layer Media Support: Yes

Display & Graphics

Screen Size: 14.1"
Graphic Mode: WXGA+
Display Screen Type: Active Matrix TFT Color LCD
Widescreen: Yes
Display Resolution: 1440 x 900
Graphics Controller Manufacturer: Intel
Graphics Controller Model: GMA 4500MHD
Graphics Memory Capacity: 820MB
Graphics Memory Technology: DDR2 SDRAM
Graphics Memory Accessibility: Shared

Network & Communication

Network Technology: Bluetooth
Network Technology: Wi-Fi
Network Technology: Gigabit Ethernet
Network Standard: IEEE 802.11n
Network Standard: Bluetooth 2.1
Network Standard: IEEE 802.3ab
Wi-Fi Manufacturer: Intel
Wi-Fi Model: WiFi Link 5100

I/O Expansions

Expansion Slot Type: ExpressCard
Expansion Slot Type: SDIO

Input Devices

Keyboard Size: Standard Size
Pointing Device Type: TouchPad

Interfaces/Ports
Interfaces/Ports: 1 x Mini-phone Microphone
Interfaces/Ports: 1 x Docking
Interfaces/Ports: 1 x 15-pin HD-15 VGA
Interfaces/Ports: 1 x Mini-phone Headphone
Interfaces/Ports: 1 x eSATA/USB Combo
Interfaces/Ports: 2 x 4-pin Type A USB 2.0 - USB
Interfaces/Ports: 1 x RJ-45 Network
Interfaces/Ports: 1 x DC Power Input
Battery

Built-in Devices

Camera: Yes

Software

Operating System: Windows Vista Business x64 with SP1 Downgrade to Windows XP Professional
Software Included:

Toshiba Software and Utilities:

# TOSHIBA Value Added Package
# Toshiba DVD Player
# TOSHIBA ConfigFree
# TOSHIBA Speech System

Third-party Software:

# Sun Java Runtime Environment
# Adobe Acrobat Reader
# Google Desktop
# Google Toolbar
# Google Picasa

Trial Software:

# Microsoft Office Ready with Microsoft Office Professional 2007 60-dayTrial Edition
# Norton Internet Security 2008

Battery Information

Number of Cells: 6-cell

Price starts from $1251

Pros:

* Excellent configuration with plenty of performance and storage
* Fantastic sunlight-readable screen
* Attractive and sleek design
* All the ports and connections you need for business

Cons:

* More expensive than some of the competition
* Horrible location of the ExpressCard slot (blocks optical drive)
* Subpar battery life
* Strange location of quick launch keys results in some small
* Uncomfortable touchpad buttons
* Poor placement of fingerprint reader

Toshiba Tecra M10-S3411

2009-10-14T00:26:00.000-07:00

Toshiba Tecra M10-S3411 Review

The Tecra M10 series is the latest performance mobile business notebook. It is the perfect system for users looking for a highly dependable and functional laptop. It includes Toshiba's advanced EasyGuard features to further enhance protection, security and connectivity of the laptop.

Detailed Specifications:

Storage Controller

Serial ATA Interface: Serial ATA-150
Type: Serial ATA/IDE

Input Device(s)

Features: Spill-proof
Type: Keyboard, DualPoint
Keyboard - Localization and Layout: US

Battery

Capacity: 5100 mAh
Installed Qty: 1
Technology: 6-cell lithium ion
Run Time (Up To): 2.9 hour(s)

Processor

Chipset Type: Mobile Intel GM45 Express
Features: Enhanced SpeedStep technology, Execute Disable Bit capability, Intel Virtualization Technology

Data Bus Speed: 1066 MHz
64-bit Computing: Yes
Multi-Core Technology: Dual-Core
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 / 2.4 GHz

Card Reader

Supported Flash Memory Cards: SD Memory Card, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, MultiMediaCard, xD-Picture Card, SDHC Memory Card

Type: Card reader

Networking

Compliant Standards: IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11g, Wi-Fi CERTIFIED, IEEE 802.11n (draft), Bluetooth 2.1

Data Link Protocol: Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n (draft), Bluetooth 2.1 EDR

Wireless NIC: Intel WiFi Link 5100
Wireless LAN Supported: Yes
Networking: Network adapter

Optical Storage

Rewrite Speed: 24x (CD) / 6x (DVD-RW) / 8x (DVD+RW) / 5x (DVD-RAM)
Write Speed: 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD±R) / 6x (DVD±R DL)
Read Speed: 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD)
Type: DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM

Miscellaneous

Compliant Standards: ACPI, CE, VESA DPMS, RoHS
Features: Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately), administrator password, system password, hard drive password, remote boot control, wake on LAN, Toshiba EasyGuard, Intel Active Management Technology (iAMT), Toshiba Wireless Key Log-on

Expansion / Connectivity

Interfaces: 1 x display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15) ¦ 1 x docking / port replicator ¦ 1 x modem - phone line - RJ-11 ¦ 1 x network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45 ¦ 1 x serial - RS-232 ¦ 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire) ¦ 1 x microphone - input - mini-phone 3.5 mm ¦ 1 x headphones - output - mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm ¦ 3 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A ¦ 1 x storage / Hi-Speed USB - Hi-Speed USB / eSATA

Expansion Slots Total (Free): 2 ( 1 ) x memory ¦ 1 ( 1 ) x PC Card - type II

Operating System / Software

Microsoft Office Ready: Includes a preinstalled image of select 2007 Microsoft Office suites. Purchase a Medialess License Kit (MLK) to activate the software.

OS Provided: Microsoft Windows Vista Business (32/64 bits) / XP Professional downgrade

Software: Drivers & Utilities, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Sun Java Runtime Environment, Toshiba ConfigFree, Google Toolbar, Toshiba Speech System, Google Desktop, Google Picasa, Toshiba Value Added Package, Microsoft Office Professional 2007 (60 days trial), Toshiba DVD Player, NewSoft Presto! BizCard, Norton Internet Security 2008 (Trial)

OS Preinstalled: Windows Vista

General

Localization: United States
Color: Titanium silver
Weight: 5.3 lbs
Height: 1.5 in
Depth: 9.6 in
Width: 13.3 in

Embedded Security: Trusted Platform Module (TPM 1.2) Security Chip , fingerprint reader, SmartCard reader
Built-in Devices: Stereo speakers, wireless LAN antenna, Bluetooth antenna
System Type: Notebook
Platform Technology: Intel Centrino 2 with vPro Technology

Storage

Hard Drive: 160 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 5400 rpm

Video

Graphics Processor / Vendor: Intel GMA 4500MHD Dynamic Video Memory Technology 5.0
Total Available Graphics Memory:20 MB

Notebook Camera

Camera Type: Integrated

Telecom

Max Transfer Rate: 56 Kbps
Modem: Fax / modem

Display

Widescreen Display: Yes
Max Resolution: 1440 x 900 ( WXGA+ )
Display Type: 14.1" TFT

Environmental Parameters

Humidity Range Operating: 20 - 80%
Max Operating Temperature: 95 °F
Min Operating Temperature: 41 °F

RAM

Configuration Features: 1 x 2 GB
Technology: DDR2 SDRAM - 800 MHz
Installed Size: 2 GB / 8 GB (max)

Power

Voltage Required: AC 120/230 V ( 50/60 Hz )
Power Device: External

Cache Memory

Installed Size: 3 MB
Type: L2 cache

Environmental Standards

EPA Energy Star Compliant: Yes

Manufacturer Warranty

Service & Support Details: Limited warranty - parts and labor - 3 years ¦ Limited warranty - battery - 1 year
Service & Support: 3 years warranty

Audio

Audio Input: Microphone
Audio Output: Sound card
Compliant Standards: High Definition Audio

Price :$1199 (Toshiba)-You can get it less than that.

Pros
Excellent security measures; very fast encoding scores; large selection of ports for both business and media; very affordable, considering business features

Cons
Small touch pad; mixed performance results; boring design; heavy for a 14.1-inch notebook