ToshibaReviews

(Source: CNET Australia)

We over here generally favour Toshiba’s smaller devices, be it notebooks or tablets, but that’s not going to stop us from featuring a review of one of Toshiba’s largest notebooks, the 17″ Satellite Pro P100. Clearly a multimedia workhorse from the outset, the 1.83GHz Core Duo-powered notebook doesn’t dissappoint.

Why? Let the tech. specs. do the talking: 1GB of DDR2 SDRAM, a 128MB GeForce Go 7400 graphics card, 100GB of hard disk space, and the icing on the cake - Harmon Kardon integrated speakers.

But if you’re not convinced, you might prefer knowing that CNET awarded it an overall rating of 7.5 out of 10, and this conclusion: “Toshiba’s Satellite Pro P100 is a competent multimedia workhorse that could easily replace most regular desktop PCs. It boasts powerful graphics and storage subsystems, while the Harmon/Kardon integrated speaker set beats most competing offerings hands-down.”

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(Source: Tablet PC ReviewSpot.com)

Principally different from the M7-S7331 we reviewed earlier by only its 128MB nVidia Quadro NVS 110M graphics card (vs. the S7331’s integrated graphics), the Toshiba Tecra M7-ST4013 shares the same quality specs that made the series a hit among tablet PC fans. At least, that’s how Tablet PC ReviewSpot.com looks at it.

First class performance from its 1.83GHz Core Duo T2400 processor, plus a clean build and sturdy design ensured it all the positive superlatives you’d expect from a reviewer. While there are no numerical ratings, we’re sure the verdict will satisfy all but the most critical of consumers: “This computer is a great machine for just about anyone. It is powerful, easy to use, and priced to compete with the other computers out there. I highly recommend it.”

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(Source: Smart Company)

10.2 pounds, $2,399.99. Whoa, you sure this is a laptop man?! Wait, let’s not be quick to judge — read on.

Introducing the AV650, equiped with Toshiba’s much anticipated HD DVD drive (I know it’s written across the screen, but it’s worth mentioning again). Take that Mr. Sony notebook with built-in Blu-ray disc drive! Aside from the hi-tech drive, this Qosmio is pretty much similar to the AV600, except that this 17-inch TruBrite screened notebook comes with Intel Core Duo T2500 (2.0 GHz), the mighty NVIDIA GeForce Go 7600 for its graphics subsystem, and a 200GB SATA 5400RPM hard-drive. No change to its 1GB of memory (upgradable to 4GB) though.

But from an objective viewpoint, its HD DVD drive is read-only, as opposed to the writable Blu-ray drive the competing Sony VAIO VGN-AR190G has. Further downsides would be the long delay after loading the drive and the fact that the HD DVD is wasted on such a relatively small screen. Hi-def needs a larger display for visual differences to really show. But if your still interested, handy user ratings and reviews are available at Circuit City.

The tests by Smart Company concluded that “the Toshiba Qosmio G35-AV650 is an outstanding Media Center laptop, not an outstanding HD DVD player. If you want the laptop, save yourself $600 and purchase the AV600. HD is better watched on a big-screen TV anyway, and better suited for a set-top box.”

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(Source: Geekzone)

If the past 2 reviews on the U100 was a little too much information and that headache that much more imminent, then here we weigh the pro and cons to cap off this Libretto review trilogy.

What’s awesome: Extreme mobility, super duper lightweight, large storage, excellent connectivity, good battery life, and a fingerprint reader (woohoo…?).

Downside: Cramped keyboard & too small a screen, hard-to-use Bluetooth software, Windows XP HOME Edition, plus VGA out requires dongle.

A little humour from PC Welt: The crisp, bright 1280-by-768-resolution screen supplies a luscious concentration of colors, but fonts and icons were so tiny I needed to put my glasses on — except they were on already.

The keyboard and touch-stick mouse are undeniably too small so thank goodness for the two USB ports on the side. Go dust-off that external mouse of yours, and plug in for a better point-and-click experience.

All in all, if you can look past its negative aspects, you’ll have an otherwise worthy and powerful notebook. So, is your cup halve-full or halve-empty?

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(Source: CNET)

The phrase “What a steal!” quite about sums up most user reviews on the A105-S4074. Those looking for an XP Media Center 2005 experience — on a 15.4-inch wide-screen notebook — but can’t afford the more expensive Dell Inspiron E1505, the Lenovo 3000 N100, and the Micro Express EL80 should pay close attention.

We’ll start by dishing out its specs: 1.6Hz Core Duo Centrino, 512MB of RAM, 120GB hard disk storage space, 5-in-1 memory card reader, and four USB 2.0 ports, all packed within a standard-looking Satellite exterior. It ships with among others the Microsoft Works 8.5 (productivity), Microsoft OneNote 2003 (taking notes), InterVideo WinDVD Creator 2 Platinum (making DVD videos), and (duh!) XP Media Center. Strong points are its processor (some applause for Toshiba’s superior power management, please), AWESOME value at $799 after some rebate, battery life of 3 hours and 49 minutes, and its 5.95lbs weight (7.1 pounds with adapter). Its low-res screen (native), and its graphics card (Intel GMA 950) disappoints though. No remote control plus only 512MB RAM too, but that’s being picky.

For more user reviews check out CompUSA. CNET has an in-depth one here.

Bottomline: Absolutely worth considering, especially if you don’t need cutting-edge technology.

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(Source: Brighthand)

When speaking of the Libretto U100, think microscopic! Measuring only 210mm x 165mm x 29.8mm, the Libretto U100 easily fits in quite about any bag.

Now we know that sometime earlier on, we basked in the U100’s magnificence. BUT, we spoke little with regard to its optical drive (yes, that’s what the image is!). About half an inch in thickness, the likelihood of people carrying the dock around with them all the time comes into question. To make matters worse, Toshiba considers the dock optional, so there goes an additional $342 if a multiformat DVD drive is on your checklist.

To top this off, here’s some material physics by Brighthand - “Case construction is of plastic. Materials snob that I am, this would normally be a problem for me. But I have to admit the U100 is quite solid and squeak free. Perhaps when a device is this small it is less susceptible to torsion/flex. It feels well-constructed.” Make no mistake, this Libretto is a winner in our books!

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(Source: DigitalAdvisor)

For the not-so-hard-core gamers and graphics programmers, meet the P105-S6084 of the Satellite portable line.

Let’s get straight to the point. For $1,499.99, you’ll get a 1.66-GHz Core Duo Centrino laptop with Windows XP Media Center edition (doesn’t require system boot to play), 2 GB of RAM (upgradable to 4 GB), 120-GB Serial ATA hard drive, 5-in-1 bridge media adapter, a Firewire port and four high-speed USB 2.0 ports. Gee, don’t forget the increasingly-common fingerprint reader too. With a 17-inch widescreen, it weighs in rather heavy at 7.1 pounds. Gym time! To paraphrase Yahoo!News, two components disappoint: the video system (integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950) and the optical drive. The drive only writes at a maximum speed of 8x and does not support LightScribe technology.

By the way, the S6084 is very similar to the Satellite P105-S6024 . Just in case you were wondering.

To recap, the S6084 has a capable processor, plenty of fast memory, and a spacious hard drive — characterising a well-balanced notebook and a powerful multimedia, gaming PC.

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(Source: Geekzone)

PDA buyers TAKE NOTE! Toshiba bills the 2.1lbs (thanks to a Magnesium Alloy chassis), 7.2″ widescreen Libretto U100 as the ultimate pint-sized travel mate, and they might just be right.

As one of the smallest full-featured Windows XP PCs around, the Libretto is small in everything except power and performance. But miniaturization comes at a cost - US$1,999 (without optical-drive dock). However, some consider it good value for this type of computers.

Next, a little bit of history: Toshiba launched the original Libretto series of ultra portable notebooks back in April 1996 and has been marketed in North America sporadically in the past, but it is a strong brand in Asia. Now it’s back with the U100, powered by a Mobile Intel Pentium M Processor 753 (1.2Ghz), with 512MB RAM. Besides a 60GB hard drive (although it only spins at 4200 RPM) and optical disc available through a dock station, it comes with HDD Shock Protection with motion sensor. In fact, make sure you disable those warning messages that appear every time you move it!

I’ll leave you with a quote from Geekzone : “Imagine having a Latte and taking this small notebook out of a bag, connecting to a Wi-Fi hotspot and work. I had some people come to me and ask about this Libretto when doing this”. Cool, huh? Yet another way to fame!

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(Source: ZDNet)

Joining the ever-expanding family of Toshiba tablet PCs recently is the new, 14.1-inch screened, high security Tecra M7-S7331. This “tough nugget”, as SiliconRepublic.com describes it, is aimed at mobile executives on the move who cringe at the thought of repercussions of leaked/lost company data in the event of a stolen laptop.

Sleek and stylish, it boasts anti-theft security and shock-absorption technologies through “an anti-theft protection timer, fingerprint reader and hard disk drive protection with a 3D accelerometer. It also has magnesium case work, Norton internet security and a Kensington lock”. Powered by Intel® Centrino® Duo Mobile Technology (T2400, 1.83Ghz) and weighing in at 5.9 pounds, it also comes with 1GB of RAM, 100GB hard drive space, and battery life of up to 4.06 hours. All this is yours to enjoy with the exchange of hands of $1,899, of course.

A lower-end version, the Tecra M7-S7311 — priced at $1,599 — only differs from this M7-S7331 by the following: Intel Core Duo T2300E, 1.66GHz, 512MB RAM and 80GB hard disk storage.

All in all, “the Tecra® M7 is the premier high-performance Tablet PC for mobile users that demand the increased productivity of a Tablet PC, bolstered with the Toshiba’s exclusive EasyGuard™ Technology* feature set that boldly elevates system performance, reliability, and security.”

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(Source: CNET)

iPod-killer No. 999, but this time this one actually proves its credentials. Not only does the Toshiba Gigabeat S MES30VW gets the thumbs up (a.k.a. Editor’s Choice award), but it also does so with an overall rating of 8.3 out of 10 when reviewed by CNET.

While it’s a pity this portable media player comes with only 12 hours of battery life for audio and 2.5 hours for video, you have to admit its bevy of features trumps the iPod video upside down. Just look at its support for tons of photo, music and video file types, subscription services and digital camera transfers, as well as an FM tuner and the intuitive Portable Media Center operating system.

The verdict on Toshiba’s MED30VW is clear. It’s great. It can be improved, of course, but until then, let CNET’s bottom line enchant you to the purchase queue: “Many prospective MP3/PVP buyers have been waiting patiently for this compact, easy-to-use, one-stop shop for media files–looks like the Toshiba Gigabeat S was worth the wait.”

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