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HP EliteBook 6930p Laptop Review
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Sale On Laptops
If you have read the last two articles then you already know that today’s article is about Toshiba 𔕤. Basically, this laptop is a Satellite Pro model, but somewhat merges more Tecra features than Satellite features. However, this is a good thing for anyone that wants a business oriented laptop model, with a Satellite price tag. This is the third installment in the Satellite Pro line. Basically it will bring the same looks sported by Satellite Pro 𔕤M, but will include a bigger display, 15.4 inches.
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Even more, the 𔕤 will definitely bring improvements in terms of specs. So, we could name 𔕤 the 𔕤M’s big brother, but what about the Satellite Pro L300? Basically at this point in the rebranding process, Toshiba made out of L300 the entry level model within the Satellite Pro line. Although it boasts a 15.4 inches widescreen, the is offered for price tag of $499, smaller then both S300M and S300. Basically, S300 is marketed as the perfect desktop replacement laptop with a brilliant display.
This laptop has a various height from front to rear, 1.46 inches to 1.54 inches, wide of 14.2 inches, deep of 10.4 inches, the S300 weight about 6.2 lbs depending on the configuration chosen. As I said before, the design is somewhat inspired from the S300M. Basically, S300 looks like a conservative 2004 business laptop. Its design is not really modern or stylish but it is nice to look at thanks to the titanium silver LCD cover. The same titanium silver can be found once opened, surrounding the black keyboard. Otherwise, the case is made out of black matte plastic.
Overall, this design will keep away not only fingerprints and scratches but also admiring looks. Because the 𔕤 display doesn’t function like a lid when opened, the ports are also distributed on the back side as well. Therefore, on the back side of 𔕤 you can find the RGH monitor output port, the modem port, and the input power jack. On the front of the 𔕤 you can surely find the LED status indicators, the microphone input port, the headphone output port, and the Bridge Media Adapter, with the following compatible memory cards, Secure Digital, Multi Media Card, xD card, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, and SDHC.
On the right side you get three 2.0 USB ports, the Ethernet RJ 45 port (10 / 100 / 100 Ethernet), the sound volume control dial, and the Super Multi drive compatible with 11 formats (+ / – R double layer), such as, DVD – RAM 5x, DVD – ROM 8x, CD – ROM 24x, CD – R 24x, CD – RW 10x, DVD – R with both single layer at 8x and double layer at 6x, DVD – RW 6x, DVD + R with both single layer 2x, and double layer at 6x, and also the DVD + RW at 6x. On the left side you can find the serial port, the dock connector, the cooling vent, one eSATA / USB combo port with sleep and charge function, and the PCMCIA Type II Card slot.
The build quality is good, everything is in its place, and you don’t get any flex of the lid. Once opened, you can easily see the black keyboard which looks nice. The keys should have been more matte than glossy, but beside this small inconvenient everything looks and works excellent. The keys don’t have any flex when pressed and the feedback is over average. Under the black keyboard you get the touch pad and other two buttons. These three elements are however made out of a glossy silver plastic making them a little hard to handle. Even so, once you understand how to manage with them they will provide sufficient feedback.
Overall, Toshiba successfully included in S300 an excellent build quality. The integrated stereo speakers deliver a powerful sound but without any real bass to improve the sound quality. The 15.4 inches diagonal widescreen display sports the TruBrite TFT LCD technology with a WXGA resolution (also known as 1280 x 800 pixels).This is an excellent display and it certainly an improvement over S300M display. The brightness is excellent, the viewing angles are sufficient and the colors are vibrant. Overall you really get a good display package. In terms of specs, Toshiba offers more than one configurations available for the S300. Even so, some of their specs are common. The Mobile Intel GM 45 Express Chipset is available for all four preset configurations.
Also available, for all these configurations (S300 EZ1513, S300 EZ1514, S300 EZ2511, S300 S2504) is the Mobile Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500 MHD with 128 MB to 284 MB dynamically allocated graphic memory, and for the first three configuration S300 EZ1513, S300 EZ1514, S300 EZ2511 the 160 GB serial ATA hard disk with 5400 rotations per minute. Otherwise, the rest of the specs differ depending on the price you are prepared to pay. The best seller, S300 EZ1513 sports an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T6400 with 2.0 GHz, 2 MB L2, 800 MHz FSB, with only 1 GB PC2 6400 DD̶ SDRAM and Windows Vista Business Service Pack 1 (either the 32 bit version or the 64 bit version).
This configuration sports a $649 price tag. The second available configuration, with a $699 price tag, S300 EZ1514 includes the Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T6570 with 2.1 GHz, 2 MB L2, with 800 MHz FSB, 2 GB PC2 6400 DDR2 SDRAM, with the same operating system options. The third installment of S300, EZ2511, sports an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T660 with 2.2 GHz, 2 MB L2, 800 MHz FSB, and 2 GB PC2 6400 DDR2 SDRAM, still providing Vista Business for operating system.
This model is offered for about $829 price list. The last configuration has a price tag of $1.199 and sports an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor with 2.4 GHz, 3 MB L2, 1066 MHz FSB, 3072 MB (displayed as 2048 MB and 1024 MB) PC2 6400 DDR2, and 160 GB serial ATA hard disk with 7200 rotations per minute. For all these configurations the connectivity is ensured by the Intel Wi-Fi Link 5100 AGN with 802.11 a/g/n profile, modem slot, Intel 82567V Gigabit Network Connection, three 2.0 USB ports, one eSATA / USB combo port with sleep and charge function, RGB monitor output port, memory card slot, and Bluetooth version 2.1 with enhanced data rate.
In the most expensive models Toshiba also added the Easy Guard protection, offering shock absorbing design, hard disk drive protection, multiple level password utilities, fingerprint reader (located between the two buttons below the touch pad), and other safety element. Therefore, when talking about S300 we talk about at least two different models, the ones that offer the Easy Guard features, and the ones that lack this part of specs.
The extra software included is common by now for all the Toshiba laptops on sale, such as Toshiba Config Free, Sun java Runtime Environment, Google Desktop, Google Picasa, and the trial software like Microsoft Office Professional 2007, and Norton Internet Security 2008. Overall, the 𔕤 is an interesting product, because it is by itself a sub line in the Satellite Pro line. You might just find it interesting enough to buy it. However, for $1.199 you can easily find something much better, and the $649 model lacks too many specs and sports an old design. I am guessing the future costumers of Toshiba Satellite Pro S300 are older customers of Satellite Pro products that are renewing their laptops.
Best Prices For New Notebook Computers
The average laptop consumer is always in search for that perfect laptop that provides the best union of business features with multimedia features all included into one conservative but modern design. Of course, you might say that the market provides with such laptops, but then again at what cost? Is not about finding this laptop, but is also about affording it. As you may recall the more average business laptop line in Toshiba’s portfolio is the Satellite Pro. This line is appreciated by the customers just like the Satellite line. Both these lines provide excellent features with plenty of designs and configurations from which you can choose.
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The first model of Satellite Pro with looked at, S300M, boasted a 14.1 inches display, over average processor, excellent memory (both read only, and random access), and an average graphic chipset. Its main feature was the medium asking price. The main disadvantage is the old design. To compensate any disadvantages, which some customers might find in S300M, Toshiba launched the L300.
This family provides something about five different configurations. Toshiba markets this line as providing the business essentials. I believe that, although L300 is cheaper (depending upon configuration) than S300M, the L300 is definitely a better choice.
Toshiba L300 provides the straight forward business features, merged with excellent connectivity all delivered in an attractive design. Esthetically, L300 is more attractive than S300M will ever be. With the titanium silver LCD cover, L300 provides an excellent impression keeping away the fingerprints and scratches, and also providing a visual impact because of the silvery Toshiba logo over the titanium lid. When you look on the outside and inside you will understand that L300 is a business model. It sports the same titanium look, only around the keyboard. The rest of the body is made out a matte black plastic.
The overall impression made by is quite impressive. This laptop not only looks great, and keeping the design conservative, but also you can feel ensured that its build quality is flawless. No flex of lid, no weird noises, everything works as planned, offering a nice user experience.
On the left side, L300 sports the Super Multi DVD (+ / – R double layer) with 11 formats support (DVD – RAM, 5x, CD – ROM, 24x, DVD – R single layer, 8x, DVD – R double layer, 6x, DVD – ROM, 8x, DVD + R single layer, 8x, DVD + R double layer, 8x, CD – RW, 24x, and others). On this side you can also find one 2.0 USB port, and the power input jack. On the right side you can find beside the cooling vent, the RGB monitor output port, one 2.0 USB port, and one eSATA / USB combo port with sleep and charge.
Also on the right side, you can find the Ethernet port and the Express card slot with both Express Card 54 and Express Card 34. Although the LCD cover doesn’t act like a hinge when opened, the back side of the L300 lacks any ports. However, the front side sports the microphone input port, headphone output port, the sound volume control dial, and the Bridge Media Adapter with several memory card compatible, such as Multi Media Card, Memory Stuck, Memory Stick Pro, and Secure Digital. Once opened, the L300 will reveal its common Toshiba keyboard. However, this keyboard looks much nicer than the rest of Toshiba keyboards.
Maybe because of the extreme dark keys, or the silvery finish under the keyboard, any way this keyboard has something more in matters of design. You have to expect excellent build quality. Toshiba know how to build keyboards and this is obvious since every laptop made by them lacks any flex from keys and provide excellent feedback. Above the keyboard you can find two stereo built in speakers. The sound provided by these speakers is average. It is loud but plain, lacking serious bass power. Under the keyboard you get the touch pad, which also provides good feedback. A little slippery are the two buttons under the keyboard. Even so the functionality is not affected.
All these configurations have a few common features, such as the Mobile Intel GM 45 Express Chipset, and the Mobile Intel Graphic Media Accelerator 4500 MHD (with up to 1024 MB dynamically allocated). The first , EZ1521 is offered for an asking price of $499. It sports an Intel Pentium Processor T4200 with 2.0 GHz 1 MB ˺ and 800 MHz FSB, 2 GB PC2 6400 DDR2 SDRAM (configured as 2 GB x 1), and a hard drive with 160 GB (5400 rotations per minute). This configuration is shipped with Windows Vista Home Basic Service Pack 1, 32 bit version.
The last two configurations, EZ1524 and EZ1525 sport the same processor and RAM memory but differ in the storage department. Therefore, both models come with the Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T6670 with 2.2 GHz 2 MB L2 cache, 800 MHz FSB, and the 3 GB PC2 6400 DDR2 SDRAM (configured as: 2 GB plus 1 GB). The EZ1524 sports for $679 a 250 GB hard drive with 5400 rotations per minute, while the EZ1525 includes a 320 GB hard drive with 5400 rotations per minute at an asking price of $729. All these configurations have a height of 1.3 inches to 1.5 inches (from front to rear), wide of 14.2 inches, deep of 10.5 inches; L300 weights about 5.49 lbs depending on the configuration.
Toshiba included in the a six cell Lithium Ion battery with 4000 mAh that will not provide more than 3 hours autonomy. This line of laptops doesn’t include the famous Toshiba Safe Guard. Even so, Toshiba ships these laptops with both branded software and 3rd party applications, such as Toshiba Configure, Toshiba Disc Creator, Sun Java Runtime Environment, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Google Desktop, Google Picasa, and Google Toolbar. The most expensive models also come with Windows XP Professional Service Pack 3 (the 32 bit version), and the trial version of Microsoft Office Professional 2007 and Norton Internet Suite.
Overall, Toshiba L300 has to offer enough features in software and hardware department to make you wonder what configuration suits you. Even so, do take into notice that all these configurations are opened for further customizations depending on each and every one of us, potential customers. My educated guess is that on the long run L300 with get an update and will probably replace in the near future the S300M and even the S300.
Best Mini Notebook Computer
It is strange to watch nowadays manufacturers how they merge different range to create new ones. It is not bad at all, but it does send a strange vibe. Doing so, manufacturers are trying to expand their sales beyond any limits. However, diversity is good especially for the final clients. Having a wide portfolio is mandatory for any manufacturer.
Toshiba is one of the many manufacturers that are still merging lines and creating new ones. Just take a look at the Satellite Pro line. It is basically a fusion between the business laptop line, Tecra and the everyday laptop line, Satellite. Satellite Pro delivers all the business essentials in a everyday laptop package. If you are looking for a laptop for your business home, or home office, then Satellite Pro may be the line you should look in to it.
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The first laptop is this family is Satellite Pro S300M. The 𔕤M really brings just the necessary features like Easy Guard security, USB sleep and charge and also average performances. The Satellite Pro offers a sleek and lightweight design. Basically, S300M looks too much like a Tecra laptop. The titanium silver LCD cover improves the S300M design, delivering a stylish yet notable feature, keeping the fingerprints and minor scratches away. The titanium silver LCD cover has a centered silvery Toshiba logo which accentuates the nice design. If you are familiar with the Tecra then you are familiar with S300M. They basically look the same, and definitely sports the same great build quality. The S300M provides a solid feedback for any of the users.
On the right side, Toshiba included three 2.0 USB ports, the Ethernet RJ 45 port, the Super Multi DVD (+ / – R double layer) drive supporting almost 11 formats (such as CD – ROM 24x, DVD – ROM 8x, DVD – R single layer 8x, DVD – R double layer 6x, CD – RW 10x, CD – R 24x, DVD – RW 6x, DVD + R single layer 8x, DVD + R double layer 6x, DVD + RW 6x, and DVD – RAM 5x). Once opened the S300M features the same keyboard as Tecra A10.
This Toshiba laptop sports a varying height from front to rear, 1.43 inches and 1.51 inches, wide of 13.3 inches, deep of 9.6 inches, the Satellite Pro S300M weights about 5.38 lbs depending on the configuration chosen. These values include the S300M in the business laptop range. Toshiba included in the S300M a 14.1 inches diagonal widescreen TFT LCD display with a WXGA resolution (1280 x 800 pixels). This display features the True Brite technology, offering sufficient brightness indoors and outdoors.
The viewing angles are average. You don’t necessary have to sit in front of the S300M to see what’s displaying. Therefore, the 14.1 inches display should be sufficient for an average user. If your work depends on your laptop entirely, then you should look for a different laptop model. The connectivity is ensured by the RGB monitor output port, modem, three 2.0 USB ports, one eSATA / USB combo port with sleep and charge, Intel 82567V Gigabit Network Connection, Bluetooth version 2.1 with enhanced data rate also known as EDR, and integrated Wi-Fi compliant wireless (Intel Wi-Fi Link 5100 AGN with 802.11 a/g/n profile).
Beside the built in microphone with web camera, the 𔕤M features built in stereo speakers with sound volume control dial. However, don’t expect for an ultimate audio experience, because the speakers are somewhat small and offer a plain sound. In terms of hardware, the Satellite Pro S300M with the EZ 2421 code provides great features for this price range. As any other Toshiba model, the S300M sports a Mobile Intel GM 45 Express Chipset. Also, Toshiba included the Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5870 with 2.0 GHz 2 MB L2 with 800 MHz FSB. You get a 3 GB PC2 6400 DD̶ SD RAM (configured as 2GB unit plus 1GB unit).
The maximum amount of random access memory supported by S300M is 4GB. The hard disk drive provides a good memory value of 250 GB with 5400 rotations per minute. Beside all this features, Toshiba also added a Mobile Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500 MHD with 128 MB to 1340 MB dynamically shared graphics memory. Satellite Pro S300M is shipped with Windows XP Professional Service Pack 3 (the 32 bit version).
Therefore, this might be the last opportunity for you to buy a laptop with the XP pre-installed. Other software included is the Toshiba Config Free, Sun Java Runtime Environment, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Google Toolbar, Google Desktop, Google Picasa, and some free trial versions, like Microsoft Office Professional 2007 (60 day trial edition) and Norton Internet Security 2008. Another reason for why this laptop should be used indoors is the 5100 mAh Lithium Ion battery with a six cell battery that offers about 3 hours and 19 minutes of autonomy. Overall, the Satellite Pro S300M is one solid laptop. It balances correctly what it has to offer with the asking price (form $799). The only shortage is the old school looking business design and the short battery life.
Best Rated Notebooks
The business laptop range is extremely important in any manufacturer’s portfolio. This is a proven fact by the market sales from the last couple of years. Toshiba know everything it need to about laptops and computing. It’s probably one of the most respected laptop manufacturers, just below Apple and Dell. By looking and judging its portfolio, Toshiba is better than Sony Vaios laptops. The Tecra line offered by Toshiba brings three distinctive models, all of them offering exactly what business consumers might like. These three models don’t just differ in design, but also in functionality and performances.
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The first Tecra model reviewed, the Tecra M10, is the entry level business laptop, offering an average design with good productivity, average display, security features, all offered in an ultraportable design and for only $1.199 starting price. The next reviewed model, R10, brings excellent performances, and an epic set of high performances all packed in a small and light body for a starting price of $1.249. Therefore, what could possibly bring the Tecra A10? Tecra A10 is the business laptop that can easily replace your desktop, offering great durability and built in security features for an asking price of $1.249.
On the front side you get the microphone input port, and headphone output port and also seven LEDs that provide status for different features. On the right side you get the bridge media adapter (compatible with Multi Media Card, xD memory card, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, Secure Digital, and SDHC) located just above the Super Multi DVD (+ / – R double layer) that supports about 11 formats (such as DVD – RAM, DVD + R double layer, DVD + R single layer, DVD + RW, DVD – RW, DVD – R double layer, DVD – R single layer, CD – RW, DVD – ROM, CD – ROM, and CD – R).
Once opened the laptop, you are going to see the contrast between the titanium silver case and the matte black plastic found on the keyboard and surrounding the display. If you were looking for a full keyboard, then you are looking at the wrong business laptop line. Toshiba doesn’t offer for neither of its business laptop, a full keyboard. Even so the keyboard is identical to the one found on the M10, providing good sized keys with no flex when pressed. Also, the keys provide a good feedback and they inspire durability.
The overall quality offered by the Tecra A10 is solid. Toshiba included in Tecra A10 a brilliant 15.4 inches diagonal widescreen TFT LCD display with WSXGA+ resolution (1680 x 1050 pixels). This display is brilliant, offering great viewing angles, vibrant colors, and sufficient brightness under direct sunlight. Above the display, Toshiba included an integrated Webcam. The connectivity is ensured by the Intel 82567 LM 10 / 100 / 1000 Ethernet (Gigabit Network Connection with AMT 4.0), integrated Wi-Fi compliant wireless (Intel Wi-Fi Link 5100 AGN 1 x 2 with 802.11 a/g/n), integrated Bluetooth version 2.1 with enhanced data rate, three USB 2.0 ports, one eSATA / USB combo port with sleep and charge. Toshiba offers two basic configuration laptop models.
These two configuration have some identical specs, such as NVIDIA Quadro NVS 150M (256 MB Discrete graphic chipset), fingerprint reader, Bluetooth version 2.1, Mobile Intel PM 45 Express Chipset and security features. However, the first configuration available, A10 S3511 brings an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor (2.4 GHz, 3 MB L2, and 1066 MHz FSB), 2 GB PC2 6400 DDR2 SDRAM (2048 MB x 1), and a hard drive of 160 GB with 7200 rotations per minute.
This configuration is shipped with Windows Vista Business Service Pack 1 (either the 32 bit version, or the 64 bit version) for only $1.249. The second available configuration, A10 S3501 brings an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T9400 (with 2.53 GHz, 6 MB L2, and 1066 MHz FSB), 4 GB PC2 6400 DDR2 SDRAM (2048 MB x 2), and a hard disk drive of 200 GB 7200 rotations per minute serial ATA hard disk drive with a 9.5 mm height. The Tecra A10 S3501 is shipped with Windows Vista Business operating system, with Service Pack 1 (either 32 bit version, or 64 bit version) for an asking price of $1.499.
Toshiba also added some extra safety in its Tecra models offering a shock absorbing design (HDD shock absorber), hard disk drive protection, spill resistant keyboard, Toshiba PC diagnostic Tool, multiple level passwords, fingerprint reader, Infineon TPM Software Professional Package, and many other more. Other software included in the Tecra A10 models, Toshiba Config Free, Toshiba DVD Player, Toshiba Speech System, Sun Java Runtime Environment as a third party application, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Google Desktop, Google Picasa and Google Toolbar. Also included, but as trial versions are the Microsoft Office Professional 2007 and the Norton Internet Security 2008.
Toshiba ships the Tecra A10 with a 5100 mAh Lithium Ion battery pack (six cell battery), which should provide about 3 hours and 10 minutes (bad battery life). Overall, Tecra 10 is a good desktop replacement. The Tecra A10 is not by far as mobile like the rest of the Tecra line, especially because of the bad battery autonomy. Even so, for using it indoors, Toshiba Tecra 10 provides excellent features and performances in an excellent business design, with a great quality build.
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All manufacturers provide a business line for laptops. It’s essential to offer as many models in this segment for better sales. Nowadays, businesses are various and business consumers need different models, and not only different configurations of the same laptop. Toshiba is one of the best laptop manufacturers and sellers. Their management is quite impressive, acknowledging the market’s demands. Therefore, all their laptop lines are well completed and represent. The Tecra business line, features beside the M10 business model laptop (already presented in a previous article), another two laptop models: R10 and A10.
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Today’s article is about R10. So, what does R10 brings different than M10? In design matter, R10 doesn’t differ very much than M10. However, this is a good thing, because M10 already packed an excellent design and quality build. As a drawback you might find the uncompleted keyboard a minus. But then again this is the same keyboard found on M10. The design is a little changed. Tecra M10 offers great productivity, bright display, and security features all in an ultraportable design for a price starting at $1.199. The Tecra R10 is the most expensive model in the Toshiba business line. The asking price starts from $1.399.
This Toshiba business laptop has a height of 1.13 inches (front height) to 1.2 inches (rear height), wide of 13.3 inches, deep of 9.9 inches; Tecra R10 weights about 4.45 lbs depending on the configuration chosen. Toshiba included in Tecra ‒ a 14.1 inches diagonal widescreen TFT LED backlit display with a WXGA + resolution (1440 x 900 pixels). The screen is a work of art. Or, so Toshiba want us to think. The main idea is that the screen provides an awful viewing angle. Therefore, Toshiba said that it designed the display for more security. Well, if you don’t mind the bad viewing display, and accept Toshiba’s ludicrous excuse then you will get a nice colorful display with sufficient brightness even under direct sunlight.
The connectivity is ensured by 54 mm Express Card, RGB monitor output port, 10 / 100 / 1000 Ethernet port (Intel 82567 LM Gigabit Network Connection), two 2.0 USB port, one eSATA / USB combo port with sleep and charge, Bluetooth version 2.1 plus enhanced data rate, Intel Wi-Fi Link 5100 AGN. Toshiba offers two configurations for Tecra R10. Both of these models offer some similar tech features, such as the same Intel Core 2 Duo Processor S with 2.26 GHz, 6 MB L2, 1066 MHz FSB, the same Mobile Intel GS 45 Express Chipset, Integrated Wi-Fi Link compliant wireless LAN (with 802.11 a/g/n profile).
Also, both ‒ S4411 and R10 S4401 are shipped with Window Vista Business Service Pack 1 (and you can choose from the 32 bit version and 64 bit version). However, the Tecra R10 S4411 comes with 2 GB Pʠ 6400 DDR2 800 MHz SDRAM, an Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500 MHD, and a 160 GB HDD with 5400 rotations per minute, all for $1.399. The second configuration is offered for $1.549, and comes with 3 GB Pʠ 6400 DDR2 800 MHz SDRAM, a NVIDIA Quadro NVS 150M graphic chipset, and 160 GB HDD with 7200 rotations per minute. As you can imagine, the first configuration is more likeable, since the R10 is a business laptop and doesn’t exactly need the extra power from the NVIDIA graphic chip.
Toshiba included in the Tecra R10 a six cell Lithium Ion battery with a value of 5100 mAh. This battery should provide about 5 hours and 29 minutes battery time. Other software included in the R10, Toshiba DVD player, Toshiba Config Free, Toshiba Speech System, Sun Java Runtime Environment 3rd party application, Google Desktop, Google Picasa, Google Toolbar, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and some trial versions for the Office Professional 2007 and Norton Internet Security 2008.
As an overall verdict, I must say that Tecra R10 is impressive. It not only brings an excellent design, but also some quality features in a small package. After two Tecra laptops reviewed (Ḟ and R10) I must say that if the last business laptop on the Tecra line (A10) is as good as the first two, then Toshiba had successfully created one of the powerful business laptops on the market.
Mini Screen Notebooks
Nowadays anyone needs laptops with some serious business features. It’s not just a separate brand anymore; it’s something that must be found on most of the laptops. By doing so, the actual business orientated laptops must provide the full business experience. It’s hard to say what manufacturer produces the best business laptop line. Every manufacturer tries to offer its best. Therefore, an actual “pointing out the best” is not the best solution I can give you.
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Overall, you must choose what manufacturer you enjoy the most. Keep in mind that most laptops are very similar providing just a different logo. However, this is not the case for Toshiba. This manufacturer provides, beside the Portege laptop lines, an accurate business laptop line: Tecra line. If you are familiar with the Portege line, then you should feel somewhat familiar with the Tecra.
Between this two laptop lines the biggest difference is the display size and a few other features that were removed from Portege, because Portege had to be an ultraportable solution. Therefore, the 12.1 inches display found on Portege, is now 14.1 inches display for the Tecra. So, Tecra brings along great performances for multitasking, built in manageability features, and high end features. All these features sound pretty good for a business laptop line. The Easy Guard technology created by Toshiba is also included in Tecra line. Toshiba Tecra M10 is the entry model in the Tecra line. However, don’t be fooled, none of the entry models in any Toshiba line is by far a low feature laptop. Tecra M10 brings all the performance and connectivity in a thin and light package. Tecra M10 has a normal business design.
The M10 sports a metallic silver lid, which keeps away the fingerprints and the minor scratches. When you open the laptop, you will find the same metallic finish that surrounds the black keyboard. The M10 sports on the sides a black matte plastic. You don’t really get an extraordinary design, but M10 looks good, conservative. The overall business quality is exceptional. Everything is in place; you don’t get any flex or weird noises at all. This Toshiba laptop has 1.43 inches to 1.51 inches height, wide of 13.3 inches, deep of 9.6 inches; the M10 weights about 5.38 lbs depending on the configuration. Two nice silver Toshiba logos improve the exterior and interior design. On the front side, Ḟ includes the microphone input port and headphone output port. You also get on the front side the LED displays which provide status over some important features.
On the left side you get the On and Off switch for the Bluetooth, the RGB monitor out port, one eSATA / USB combo with sleep and charge, the memory card slot (for xD card, SDHC, Secure Digital, Memory Stick, Multi Media Card, and Memory Stick Pro). Also on the left side you can find the cooling vent. On the other side, the M10 includes a DVD Super Multi (+ / – R double layer) drive supporting 11 formats, such as DVD – RAM, DVD + RW, DVD – RW, DVD + R, DVD – R, DVD – ROM, CD – ROM, and others. Above the optical drive you will find the PCMCIA – Type II Card slot. Also, on this side M10 sports three USB 2.0 ports, and the 10 / 100 / 1000 Ethernet port. On the back side you can find the input power slot, and a serial port. Once you open the laptop, the black keyboard will make a statement thanks to the contrast between black and titanium.
Although there is enough room for a full keyboard, Toshiba only added a Portege keyboard on the Tecra M10. The keys are well dimensioned, and it’s easy to type even bigger texts. You get no flex when pressing the keys and the feedback is average. Above the keyboard you can find three silver buttons for power on and other functions. Also here, you can find the two built in stereo speakers, which provide average quality audio playback (it can’t be considered a great choice to listening to music).
Also, the viewing angles are a nice surprise; you will not be forced to keep the M10 right in front of you to see documents, movies or other applications. The connectivity is ensured by i.LINK IEEE 1394, modem RJ 11, Intel 82567 LM Gigabit Network Connection 10 / 100 / 1000 Ethernet, three USB 2.0, one eSATA / USB combo port with sleep and charge, serial port, docking connector, RGB monitor port, Bluetooth version 2.1 with enhanced data rate, Intel Wi-Fi Link 5100 AGN with 802.11 a/g/h profile. Toshiba offers three configuration models for the Tecra M10.
All these configurations have the same chipset (Mobile Intel GM 45 Express Chipset), the same RAM memory (1 x 2GB PC 2 6400 DDR2 SDRAM), and the same hard disk drive of 160 GB 7200 rotation per minute. However, take in notice that the maximum RAM accepted by Tecra M10 is 8 GB with a 64 bit OS. All the M10 configuration provide the user with the highest safety available for laptops, HDD shock absorber, HDD some shock protector, Toshiba PC Diagnostic Tool, Spill Resistant Keyboard, Toshiba PC Health Monitor.
Also, every Tecra M10 comes with Toshiba Config Free software, Toshiba DVD Player software, Sun Java Runtime Environment, Google Toolbar, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Microsoft Office Professional 2007 with a 60 day trial, and others. The first model, M10 S3411, offered at $1.199 comes with an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor P8600, Windows Vista Business with Service Pack 1 (both 32 bit and 64 bit versions are available), and a Mobile Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500 MHD (which delivers not so great performances).
The middle configuration (M10 S3412 offered at $1.249) comes with an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor P8700, Windows XP Professional Service Pack 3 with 32 bit version, and the NVIDIA Quadro NVS 150M. The last configuration M10 offered at $1.299 provides a slower processor than the , Intel Core 2 Duo Processor P8400, but brings the NVIDIA Quadro NVS 150M graphic chipset, and comes with a preinstalled version of Windows Vista Business Service Pack 1 (both 32 bit and 64 bit are available). Overall, Toshiba M10 is a good line of business laptops. You have enough configurations from you to choose from, and also every Tecra M10 not only comes with excellent safety for any business laptop, but also brings a nice design with the latest features onboard.
Best Buy Notebooks
The laptop market is very similar to mobile phone market. You might not believe it, but similarities are not only in divisions but also in marketing. Because some laptop manufacturers are also mobile phone developers the marketing process is not news for them, but for all the other manufacturers knowledge’s came with time. Have you discovered the similarities? First of all, similarities are logic and intuitive to exist. Just think that the same people that buy a laptop will also buy a phone eventually. Therefore, it’s all about range and lines.
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For a better sale number, manufacturers provide solutions for all possible types of clients. This way, for both laptops and mobile phones, manufacturers created an everyday range, ultraportable range, business range and of course the high end range (for laptops this range being the ultimate portable gaming machine, while for mobile phones this range is represented by phones like Samsung Omnia II, Nokia N97, and Apple iPhone 3GS).
Nowadays, all manufacturers try to deliver excellent gaming laptops in response to the extraordinary products released by Alienware. Toshiba is one of this manufacturers that tries and success to deliver an ultraportable gaming machine. With a good storage memory, excellent graphics and processor delivered in an exquisite design, Toshiba Qosmio X305 is one of the best gaming laptop on the market, which easily can be considered an Alienware competitor. The design is one of the best features of the Qosmio X305. Its body is made out of tough plastic.
However, its basic color is red and has fire flames as a finish. The only part of the Qosmio X305 that it is not fire red is the keyboard and the bottom cover. Unfortunately, the lid is a fingerprint magnet, but the built quality is still exceptional (Toshiba quality) not letting room for any flex or weird noises when you open or close the lid or when you press the lid. The finishes, however, make the design even more attractive. On the lid you get an oversized silver Qosmio logo.
Once you open the laptop, you easily see the black glossy frame around the display, incorporating at the bottom of the display another Qosmio silver logo. Under the keyboard in the bottom left corner you get the metallic Toshiba logo. If you look at the left and right side of the laptop you will see that Qosmio X305 sports a fluid design. The bottom of the Qosmio X305 sports a matte black plastic and includes three additional fans, the hard drive cover and the battery cover. On the back side the Qosmio X305 sports the cooling vent i.LINK IEEE 1394 data port, the power input slot, RBG monitor output port, REGZA LINK HDMI CEC, Display Port, and 1080p support. On the left side you get an eSATA USB 2.0 with sleep and charge combo port, another 2.0 USB port, 5 in 1 Bridge Media Adapter (compatible with xD picture card, Multi Media Card, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, Secure Digital card). On the other side you get two 2.0 USB ports, microphone input port, headphone output port and volume scroll.
The fixed optical disk drive can be found on the front side of the Qosmio X305. It is a Super Multi DVD drive with Label flash supporting 11 formats, such as DVDRAM, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+R double layer, DVD+R single layer, DVD-R single layer, DVD-R double layer, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, and others. The overall build quality is good. The laptop doesn’t just look stunning (thanks to the Fusion Finish with Rogue pattern) but it also feels solid. The Toshiba gaming laptop has a height from front to rear 1.7 inches to 2.5 inches, wide of 16.2 inches, deep of 12 inches, Qosmio X305 weights about 9 lbs depending on the customizable configuration.
Once opened, the first thing you will see is the full keyboard (104 key US keyboard). Also you get touch control buttons such as media button, mute button, play / pause button, stop button, next track button, previous track button, panel lights, Dolby settings, camera button. The Fn keys are the only small size keys on the Qosmio X305 keyboard. X305 sports a nice keyboard with keys that provide only good feedback and no flex when pressed. Under the keyboard, positioned to the left, you get the touch pad pointing device. The touch pad found on the Qosmio X305 is precise and it has a matte surface providing good grip. The two buttons found under the touch pad feel a little slippery, but they should be easy to use.
Overall, you get a great user experience while using both keyboard and touch pad. Toshiba included in Qosmio a 17 inches TruBrite TFT active matrix LCD display with a WXGA+ resolution (1440 x 900 pixels). The display provides excellent brightness, contrast and color saturation. This display will make all the games feel as real as they can get. The connectivity is ensured by Intel Wi-Fi Link 5100 AGN with 802.11 a/g/n profile, 10 / 100 / 1000 Ethernet, 34 mm Express Card, 54 mm Express Card, HDMI, RGB output port, three 2.0 USB, one eSATA / USB combo port, RJ 45 LAN port, Regza Link with 1080p support, and a display port. However, you don’t get Bluetooth, because lacks an internal antenna.
Because Qosmio X305 is a gaming laptop, Toshiba included beside (common by now for Toshiba laptops) Mobile Intel PM 45 Express Chipset, an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, P7350 model, with 2.0 GHz, 3 MB ˺ cache, 1066 MHz FSB. You also get a total of 4 GB DDR3 1066 MHz SDRAM (2 x 2048 MB). The internal storage capacity is about 320 GB serial ATA hard drive with 7200 rotation per minute. This is a good value, although a 500 GB unit would have been more suitable for this kind of laptop. Probably the most important feature for a gaming machine is the graphic chipset.
Toshiba Qosmio X305 sports a NVIDIA GeForce 9700 GTS, with 512 MB GDDR3 discrete graphics memory. Also you get 1791 MB dynamically allocated shared graphics memory using NVIDIA Turbo Cache. A nice detail for the ultimate gaming experience is the four built in harman / Karson speakers with sub woofer. The stereo speakers are offer great audio quality, while the sub woofer is powerful enough to provide the most real experience while playing games or watching horror movies. Toshiba ships the Qosmio X305 with an eight cell Lithium Ion battery with 4000 mAh. The 4000 mAh value will not offer more than two (maximum three) hours of battery life. Qosmio X305 comes with Windows Vista Home Premium Service Pack 1 (either the 32 bit version or the 64 bit version).
Other software preinstalled in the Qosmio X305 are Toshiba Config Free, Toshiba DVD Creator, Toshiba Speech System, Toshiba DVD Player, Toshiba Face Recognition, Toshiba Recovery Disk Creator, Wild Tangent Games Console, Google Desktop, Sun Java 2 Runtime Environment, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Power Cinema for Toshiba. You also get two trial softwares, Norton 360 all in one security and Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007. Overall, Toshiba delivers a good product. However, Qosmio X305 still can’t arise at the Alienware laptops value. Even so, Toshiba offers Qosmio X305 for only $1.399,99 price tag, a much smaller price than the price of an Alienware ultraportable gaming laptop.
Powermat, The Revolutionary Wireless Charging Device
With all the wireless means of communication, what would you say if you could charge your devices in the same manner? There are some start-ups developing this technology, allowing you to charge or power your devices only by placing them around the charging device or just on your desk, in its action area.
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One of these great start-ups belong to Powermat, a company which offers a product which is the best current solution to delivering power for more electronics like cell phones, laptops or PDAs/ smartphones. This company was created in 2007 in Israel, and it brings on the market a revolutionary tool which replaces all the chargers needed by someone who uses multiple electronic devices.
Taking into account that wireless Internet is the latest tech nowadays, it is a great idea to adapt wireless connections to other fields where people might need this type of connection, like charging devices is for example. Many people were happy to see this innovation on chargers’ market, and this idea is expected to be implemented also in the Christmas products’ market, like Christmas trees lighting and why not for other markets, for all products which require power.
Powermat charges the devices by sending power wirelessly and this is done by embedding RFID chips into the surface and when a device with the same kind of chip will be placed next to the surface, it will get power without needing any cord. The idea is great, because only the electronic device placed on the “magic” surface will get the power and this way all energy waste is eliminated.
Think about placing a laptop on this kind of surface: you won’t need anymore a cord for charging it, and you can use it wherever you are. The surface will have two main roles: it will be an area to place your laptop, and in the same time it will power it continuously.
With SET (Surface Enhancement Technology), electrical wires become obsolete, and this innovating idea brings energy distribution to the next level. It is a significant progress and this is a real alternative to the traditional powering methods. SET eliminates all the spaghetti wires in your offices and homes and offers you a clean, simple and intelligent way to charge your devices.
Last year, Powermat started, in partnership with Denpeki the leading Japanese company in advanced construction products, a project called “House Without Wires”, which has as main purpose creation of a cleaner, environmental friendly, safe and more efficient alternative to the materials used in constructions nowadays. This project brings in the construction industry SmartWall. SmartWall is a wall which has the ability to transmit power in a wirelessly manner. It sends power and data to receivers in electronic devices. This SmartWall actually enables any surface to become an alternative method for power distribution and it also replaces electrical sockets and dock stations.
Powermat is the wireless charging surface, which also has a magnetic lock feature, so you can be sure that the device you want to charge won’t slip from the mat, and that they stay in their place. The duration of the charging process is the same as in the classic process, but the best thing is that you get rid of the wires. This charging device is also capable of data transfer, so you can transfer audio and video at unspecified rates, but the speed might be pretty good.
Interactive Notebooks
By now you are probably asking what models will complete and close the Portege line from Toshiba. After three models, today you are going to read about the ultimate Portege masterpiece. As you probably recall, the entry line A600 Portege brought the basic needs in a small package for a good portability.
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Its built quality was good but not exceptional, and the specs list was quit normal (although improved than other small notebooks specs list). Toshiba offered for the A600 about five configurations.
The next notebook in the Portege line was the M750. This notebook isn’t exactly the lightest on the market. However, it is included in a mobility line because of its convertible feature (transform the M750 from a notebook to a Tablet PC). M750 offers almost the exact specs like the 𐁀. Toshiba offers six configurations for this model. The Portege is considered to be an excellent choice for a whole day work notebook (without charging your battery). It’s also the first model in the Portege family to bring the solid state drive as a feature (only for one configuration). Toshiba offers the R500 in only two configurations, with the only hardware difference between them being the hard drive offered. So, what else is missing from the Portege family? For the average user, the Portege family is complete.
However, for the unsatisfied users Toshiba released an upgrade to the R500, Portege R600. Even Toshiba considers the R600 its best achievement for the Portege line. To summarize in a few words, the R600 is the ultimate ultraportable notebook. The design is very similar to the one on the R500. However, there are small improvements here and there, not really easy to detect, if you are not familiar with the R500. Therefore, R600 has the sale design features found on the other Portege models, being considered one of the thinnest and lighest ultraportable notebook you can find on the market.
Portege R600 has a height of 0.77 inches to 1 inch, wide of 11.1 inches, deep of 8.5 inches, Toshiba R600 weights about 2.46 lbs (however this value depend on the configuration chosen). The R600 has a silver aluminum lid, which offers an excellent user experience. Because Toshiba used aluminum you don’t have to worry about fingerprints or scratches. Everything is safe and in order.
Even more, the chassis is made out of magnesium alloy. The Portege R600 can easily compete with MacBook Air in terms of design.
The excellent design is completed with some different finishes. For example, the silver Toshiba logo on the lid, or the black matte frame surrounding the display, which also includes the web camera. sports not just a stylish design, but a safe design. Your notebook is protected by the 4th generation of Easy Guard technology, not only in software department but also in hardware features. Therefore, Toshiba included in the latest shock absorbing design, a HDD shock absorber chassis shock protector, LCD panel shock absorber, spill resistant keyboard, and other features. Toshiba included all the ports and slots in the on the left or right side. The back side of the was left blank because of the notebook design. When opened the aluminum silver lid looks and works like a hinge and blocks the back side.
On the front side, Toshiba didn’t include any ports because it wanted to slim down as much was possible the R600 profile. On the left side you get the power input, RBG monitor output port, two 2.0 USB, headphone output port, microphone input port, and other ports, while in the right side you can easily find the Fixed Optical Disk Drive, the memory card slot, one 2.0 USB port, Express Card Slot, and the 64 pin docking connector. Once you have opened the notebook, you will see that the keyboard from R500 was simply imported on the R600. This is not a bad thing, since the Portege R500 offered a great keyboard with US layout.
The keys have good dimensions (excepting the Fn keys which are half the size) and provide good feedback and no flex when pressed. Under the keyboard you can find the touch pad. This is the same as the one on the . It still lacks multi touch features, but offers good feedback. However, it is made out of a slippery material, so you might encounter a few problems in that direction. You need some time to get used with this touch pad. Under the touch pad you get the fingerprint reader centered by Toshiba assist button and Toshiba outdoor display switch.
As a small reminder, don’t use your fingerprint reader to password your notebook. Use it only in combination with the classic password for a better intruder protection. Toshiba included in the Portege R600 a 12.1 inches WXGA (1280 x 800 pixels) Trans Reflective LED display. The R600 display offers high brightness. Because the WXGA display is Trans reflective, you can use without any visibility problem the notebook indoors or outdoors in direct sunlight.
The display offers vibrant colors, and great rendering of photos and even business documents. The connectivity is ensured by the Intel PRO / 1000 – 10 / 100 / 1000 Ethernet, Bluetooth version 2.1 with enhanced data rate, integrated Intel Wireless Wi-Fi Link 5100 AGN with 802.11 a/g/n profile, Express Card, secure digital slot, two 2.0 USB, one eSATA 2.0 USB with sleep and charge function. Even if R600 has two configurations available, just like R500, these two configurations only differ from the hard drive used. Therefore, both configurations have the next specs: Mobile Intel GS 45 Express Chipset, Intel Core 2 Duo processor SU9400 with 1.4 GHz, 3 MB ˺, 800 MHz FSB with 64 bit. Also Toshiba included in R600 S4201 and R600 S4203, 3 GB PC 2 6400 DDR 2 SDRAM. Even so, you can upgrade this value to 5 GB DDR 2 SDRAM.
Another common feature is the Mobile Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500 MHD with 128 MB to 1340 MB dynamically allocated shared graphics memory. This graphic chipset will not provide sufficient power for you to play “real” games. Maybe at minimum settings you will be able to play Warcraft, Tribal Wars, or The Sims. Another plus to the specs list is the built in optical drive with nine supported formats: CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM. Toshiba included in the R600 S4201 a 160 GB HDD with 5400 rotations per minute, while in the R600 S4203 Toshiba included a 512 GB solid state drive serial ATA. The Portege R600 comes with 5800 mAh Lithium Ion battery pack. This battery should provide about 7 hours and 32 minutes of autonomy.
The main difference between R500 and R600 is the solid state drive. The 512 GB solid state drive found on the R600 is three times faster than the 128 GB solid state drive found on then R500. Therefore, beside the fact that it weighs less, the R600’s solid state drive uses 50% less power. By doing so, Toshiba successfully created the ultimate ultra light notebook learning from the R500 mistakes. Toshiba ships the Portege R600 with Windows Vista Business Service Pack 1 for both 32 bit and 64 bit versions. Other preinstalled software found inboard the R600 are Toshiba Config Free, Toshiba Management Console, Toshiba Security Assist, Toshiba Disk Creator, Sun Java 2 Runtime Environment, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Google Toolbar, Google Picasa and a trial version of Microsoft Office Ready with Microsoft Office Professional 2007 and Norton Internet Security 2008.
Notebook Computer Ratings
If you have been following the past two articles, then you probably know about what notebook is this article. Toshiba Portege R500 follows the steps of its siblings, Portege M750 and Portege 𐁀. Toshiba 𐁀 is considered to be the entry level notebook for the Portege family. It features a solid built, nice design, and good features for a 12 inches entry level notebook. Portege M750 is the pearl of the Portege family providing so many excellent features. In hardware language, the M750 comes in six basic configurations, which vary mostly within the hard drive used, the dual core processor included, and the display’s usability.
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Also, the common features of all these six 𒾶 models are powerful enough to surpass a 16 inches notebook. Another excellent features that 𒾶 sports is the convertible feature. You can transform your 12 inches notebook in a 12 inches PC Tablet. What about the ? Although the whole Portege family is about ultra portability, the most portable, until now, model in the Portege line is the model. Also it is the safest in terms of protecting the data stored on the hard drive. It is the most ultra portable Portege because it was built with one and only purpose: to get through a full day work without recharging the battery. I am going to present this feature later when I am going to write about the battery. Long story short, until then, Portege R500 sports a solid state drive (which saves power). At first glance you might not notice, but Toshiba Portege R500 is all about business. In design department everything looks run in the family.
Once you open the R500 you are going to find the same excellent quality. The only two non silver finishes in the Portege R500 are the glossy black frame surrounding the 12 inches display and the metallic Toshiba logo on the lid. The keyboard is similar to the ones found on the 𒾶 and A600, sporting 85 keys, and a sound volume control dial. The keys have good sizes. The only key that are somewhat small are the Fn keys. The space between them is sufficient, and you can easily write more than a couple of hours without feeling any discomfort.
Both front and back side lack of any ports. On the right side you can find the DVD Super Multi + / – R drive supporting nine formats, such as CD ROM, CD R, CD RW, DVD RAM, DVD ROM, DVD R, DVD RW and others. On this side you also get the Ethernet port, memory card slot, and 64 pin docking connector. On the left side Toshiba added the charger pin, three 2.0 USB, RGB monitor out port, microphone input port, headphone output port and others. The Portege R500 has a height of 0.77 inches to 1 inch, wide of 11.1 inches, deep of 8.5 inches; the R500 weights about 2.4 lbs. The connectivity is ensured by the Intel PRO / 1000 – 10 / 100 / 1000 Ethernet, Intel Wireless Wi-Fi Link 4965 AGN with 802.11 a/g/n profile, Secure card slot with SDIO compatibility, and the version 2.0 Bluetooth with enhanced data rate.
Toshiba Portege R500 competes directly against Apple MacBook Air. A solid state drive is a smaller, faster and tougher version of the old hard drive. Because is free of moving parts, and is four times tougher than the normal hard drive, the solid drive consumes almost 50% less power than the classic drive. Another great feature of this new technology hard drive is the safety it provides to your data saved on your notebook. If senses a fall or a kick, the solid drive freezes all activity and saves your business and personal data. This technology is great, especially because solid state drives can now provide up to 512 GB. A big drawback of this technology is the price tag. For example, the difference between S5006V and S5007V is about $1000 (remind yourself that the only difference between these two models is the hard drive offered). Toshiba ships the Portege with Windows Vista Business 32 bit version.
The R500 also packs other software like Toshiba Cong Free, Toshiba Assist, Toshiba Disc Creator, Sun Java 2 Runtime Environment, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Google Desktop, Google Picasa, Microsoft Office Ready, Microsoft Office Professional 2007, and others. Toshiba ships the R500 with a 5800 mAh Lithium Ion battery with six cells that should provide 7 hours and 30 minutes battery life. It is not exactly a full day work battery life, but it does the job better than any other competitors. Overall, Toshiba Portege is a great notebook, providing good features like the shock absorbing design, hard disk drive protection, good tech list and a good battery life. The R500 model starts from $1.399 and goes up to $2.299 price tag for the solid state drive configuration.
Apple Releases Jailbreak Resistant iPhone 3GS
Apple has launched the jailbreak resistant iPhone 3GS to encounter the handset being jailbroken. iPhone Dev Team member MuscleNerd has confirmed that Apple are shipping the iPhone 3GS with a bootrom update, iBoot-359.3.2, which will make jailbreaking the handset “impossible”. Stay tuned for more updates. [BoyGenius]
Motorola i9 Ferrari Launched By Nextel Brazil
Motorola in collaboration with Ferrari have released the Motorola i9 Ferrari edition in Brazil via Nextel. This special edition clamshell phone features the Ferrari logo engraved on its case along with Ferrari wallpapers and screensavers. It also offers two QVGA displays, a 3.1MP camera, external illuminated keys, push-to-talk service, GPS, Bluetooth and a 2GB memory card in the box. The Motorola i9 Ferrari is sold for R$ 1199 (about $688). [Press Release via Unwiredview]
Sony Ericsson Satio Released In The UK
Here is good news for those who are living in the UK. Sony Ericsson will release the Sony Ericsson Satio via Vodafone network. FYI, the handset has a 12.1-megapixel camera with Xenon and LED Flash and runs on the Symbian S60 5th edition OS. Vodafone is offering the Sony Ericsson Satio for a hefty £35 or £40 ($55 or $64) monthly with contract for 24 months. [TechRadar]
Hellboy iPhone Skins Available For Pre-order
If you are an iPhone owner who are also a fan of Hellboy movies, then you might be glad to know that you can now pre-order the Hellboy iPhone Skins from GelaSkins. Available in two designs, these Hellboy iPhone Skins will retail for $14.95 a pop. GelaSkins will release these iPhone cases in December 2009. Find out more pictures after the jump.
Sprint Launches Motorola Debut i856
Sprint has recently launched another slider phone from Motorola namely the Motorola Debut i856. This compact slider offers push-to-talk service, a full color display with 176 x 220 resolution, a 1.3MP camera with video recording, GPS, a music player, a microSD card slot (up to 8GB), Bluetooth, a 3.5mm headset jack and a speakerphone. The Motorola Debut i856 is sold for $99.99 with a 2-year contract agreement and after $50 mail-in rebate. [Press Release]
Arnie’s wife in row over car phone
The wife of California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has been caught holding her mobile phone while driving – apparently breaking a law that her husband had signed.
Mixed signal from mobile studies review
The researchers found results often depended on who conducted the study and how well they controlled for bias.
Cisco to buy wireless gear maker Starent for $2.9 billion
Cisco Systems Inc plans to buy advanced wireless equipment maker Starent Networks Corp for $2.9 billion to boost its product offerings as phone carriers build out next-generation networks.
Web Buzz: T-Mobile Sidekick Customers Lose Big
Customers with T-Mobile Sidekick cell phones found out that their personal information was lost and may not be able to be returned.
Nokiaa s first U.S. laptop to cost $300
Nokia Corp., the world’s largest maker of cell phones, says its first laptop for the U.S. market will cost $300 with a two-year wireless broadband contract from AT&T Inc.
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