Priority Electronics Blog

Introducing Corporate America’s New Laptop: Toshiba Tecra

The Tecra is being professed by Toshiba as the new mobile platform for corporate America. From a built-in business card scanner to finger print reader on select models, the Tecra offers unique flexibility for the traveling business professional. But does the Tecra really hold up to the demands of a seasoned road warrior or is this just another ho-hum laptop surrounded by a little marketing hype?

The Tecra comes in three distinct models defined by features and price: M10, A10, and the flagship R10. The Tecra R10 is a razor thin notebook weighing in at 4.4 pounds with a 14.1” display. It’s powered by an Intel Core 2 processor. The Toshiba is rounded out with 3GB of DDR2 memory, 160GB of hard drive space, a 6-cell battery and DVD player/burner.

The Tecra R10 starts at just under $1,400 and comes with a finger print reader, built-in web cam and mic right out of the box. The finger print reader is one of the hottest features on this business notebook. Instead of remembering numerous passwords for file and database access, you can simply swipe your finger over the on-board biometric reader and viola! The reader verifies your fingerprint and grants access to the secured area. The web cam and mic are also convenient for attending online conferences.

Another novel business application for the Tecra is a business card reader. The reader scans the name, number, organization, and other contact information directly from a business card into a program that allows for direct export of info to common applications like email, ACT!, and PDAs. This makes organizing contacts more convenient for the serial networker.

Toshiba has experienced some trouble with Tecra laptop batteries in the past. In 2007, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of about 1,400 Sony made batteries used in Toshiba Tecra notebooks sold in the United States. The lithium-ion batteries had a tendency to overheat during extended use, which posed potential fire hazards for consumers. Earlier in the 2007, Toshiba recalled 5,100 laptop batteries worldwide. In 2009, however, there appears to be no such problem with new models.

The Bottom Line: The Toshiba Tecra delivers a powerful line of notebooks catering to the mobile professional. Add options like the business card or finger print reader and you’ve got a truly versatile platform that makes work easier.

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Toshiba Portege Review

Toshiba is positioning the Portege family as an ultra-light notebook that delivers outstanding performance for students and business folk alike. But criticisms have arouse that suggest they may not be powerful enough for the stringent demands of business 2.0. There’s no doubt the Toshiba Portege is a bargain for the average user looking for a variety of unique add-ons, but can it compete with more business-centric alternatives?

The Portege is available in four models: A600, M750, R500, and R600. There is a pretty big price gap in this line starting at $1,300 for the M750 and A600 moving upwards to around $2,200 for the R600. With a price discrepancy this wide, Toshiba would be wise to break these up into different families of models.

What Makes The Portege Different?

Toshiba touts a variety of selling points for the Portege. The first they call EasyGaurd Technology. Part of this technology is a finger print reader that allows you to place an imprint the notebook instead of endlessly entering passwords. The second part is a variety of security software, including virus protection and the proprietary PC Health Monitor program that continually tests the overall well-being of your system.

The Portege also comes with a high-resolution, backlit display that can spin 360 degrees. This screen makes it easy to show clients your latest project. It’s also convenient for watching movies or YouTube clips.

Following suit with models made popular by Apple and Dell, the Toshiba Portege allows users to express themselves in many colors. Lid colors include Soft Pink, Aluminum Silver, Frosty White, and Cosmic Black.

Finally, one of the coolest features of the Toshiba Portege has to be the built in face-recognition software. Combined with the on-board webcam, you won’t have to worry about anyone without access logging on to your laptop. The software automatically logs you in as soon as you sit in front of web cam. How sweet is that?

The Bottom Line: Cool options like face recognition software and a 360 degree screen separate this notebook from the majority of uninspired laptops out there. The Protege was designed to wow with an abundance of killer options. But demanding users have had harsh criticisms of the product and its lack of overall power for the price. Specs for the Toshiba Protege R600 are listed below:

 Intel Core 2 Duo Processor SU9400
 Windows Vista
 Hard Drive
 160GB Hard Drive
 3GB PC2-6400 DDR2 800MHz SDRAM
 DVD Burner
 WiFi + Bluetooth
 Li-Ion Battery with life up to 7.53 hours
 Web cam

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Clip and Save on the Compaq Presario

Just because you’re clipping coupons doesn’t mean you need to cut back on laptop power. Right now you can clip your way to savings on hardware upgrades and other discounts on Compaq Presario laptops at Compaq.com. These online coupons include savings on memory and software.

For a limited time, Compaq is giving customers $100 cash back with the purchase of select laptops. Additionally they are providing an extra gig of memory (for a total of 3GB), an additional $50 value according to the official website. Finally, Comapaq will help you save another $30 on Microsoft Office Small Business 2007. When you add up the savings, you’re looking at a laptop for about $430 out of the box.

For years the Campaq Presario line has been the working man of the laptop market, diligently providing solid computing power for day-to-day applications. The Compaq Presario CQ60 and CQ60z series notebooks don’t stray from this tradition. The Presario comes with a satisfactory 15.6” diagonal widescreen display, 160 GB hard drive, built in WiFi, an AMD processor and multiple USB ports all wrapped with a standard black finish. The Compaq Presario comes standard with Windows Vista operating system and a 1-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.

Battery life is similarly mediocre with the Compaq Presario. The notebook comes standard with a 6-cell lithium ion battery that will last up to 2.5 hours while running Windows Vista. Generally, these batteries will last about two years for the average user or 500 charge cycles. The Compaq Presario V5000 series laptop battery is a popular replacement when the original expires. A 65W power adapter is also provided when continuous power is needed.

The Bottom Line: Competition among discount laptop manufacturers is fierce. Although the Compaq Presario provides a good all-around computer capable of basic applications–checking email, surfing the web, and word processing—there are better values out there. If you’re in the market for a low-cost computer try similarly priced alternatives from Toshiba or Lenovo. You’ll get a better deal and won’t have to clip any coupons.

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Dell Latitude: First class business, without first class cost.

Even in a struggling economy, there are still deals to be made, executives to impress, and should the need arise… resumes to update.

With that in mind Dell has introduced the Latitude series for the busy working professional. For business needs, their basic model, the “Latitude –Mainstream” comes in at steal, selling for just under $800 at Dell.

However for those who need the versatility of a business laptop, yet the strength of a computer that can take the bumps and bruises of being on the road a lot, Dell also offers the “Latitude – Specialty” This model may cost considerably more ranging from $1,900 - $4,300, but considering what Dell offers, this really is the crown jewel of the Latitude series. Measuring in at just 14 inches, the “Latitude – Specialty” offers:

1. Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo P8700 2.53Ghz
2. Memory: 1.0GB, DDR2-800 SDRAM, 1 DIMM
3. Storage: 64GB Solid State Drive
4. Weight: 8.5 Lbs
5. Power: 6-cell primary battery, 12 cell high-capacity rugged battery slice (optional)
6. 4 USB Ports, 1 eSATA expansion port

By today’s standards the specs may seem a bit sub-par, especially for the money, but what this
upper echelon of the Dell family lacks in power, it makes up ten-fold in protection of your
business needs. The E6400 XFR model described above is virtually indestructible, rated to sustain falls of up to four feet, can withstand excessive outdoor temperatures in the most
brutal of deserts, and is built for the most demanding of consumers including police, and
military; being able to withstand dust, and humidity extremes well beyond what the at home user
would ever expose their equipment to.

This computer is designed to protect all of the information that keeps your business running. Of
this next generation in rugged computers, Dell CEO and Chairman Michael Dell said of this line,
“Since 1995, we’ve shipped more business laptops worldwide than anyone… This, and our 5
million plus conversations a day with customers, gives us real insight into the needs of the digital
nomad. Today we’re translating that insight into breakthrough productivity, portability and
design. The new Latitudes are breathtaking.”

The Latitude is also instrumental, for contractors, engineers, construction crews, and anyone else
that needs a laptop that can take the abuse of the real business world.

Although the outside is tough the insides are quite appealing as well. Latitudes come standard
with Windows Vista, however for those that still prefer the functionality of Windows XP, most
Latitudes can have that installed for a small additional charge.

For those who don’t need all of the bells and whistles of an indestructible computer, the lower
end models also work great for busy professionals who simply need to take their work home with
them at the end of the day.

The Latitude is available now at Dell’s Web site, and at select online retailers.

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Toshiba Satellite: The Tradition Continues

The Satellite is one of the longest running notebooks from Toshiba, the company that created the world’s first IBM compatible laptop way back in 1985. Today, the Satellite is available in several models distinguished by processing power and price. Since the Satellite’s inception, it has remained a staple of the entry to midrange notebook market. The continued success of the Satellite series has been driven by flexibility and the latest line is no exception.

The Satellite delivers eight unique model options that cater to a diverse group of users. With diagonal wide-screen displays that range from 13.3” to 17” these laptops give consumers exactly what they want. From screens that are great for watching movies to smaller alternatives designed for an international flight in coach, the Satellite is a smart option.

Like all laptops, the internal battery will eventually lose its charge resulting in less work time. Fortunately, Toshiba makes it pretty easy to replace the battery down the line. Be sure to verify the voltage and amp rating of the battery prior to purchase. This will make finding a replacement much easier. Also, make sure the battery is 100% OEM compatible.

Speaking of recharging your batteries. Your laptop is probably not the only device that needs to be continually recharged. Peripherals like I-pods, cell phones, and external hard drives need plenty of juice to keep working. Thanks to recent innovations by Toshiba, you can now power these through the Satellite. Its called USB Sleep-and-Charge technology. This feature allows you to connect almost any electronic device to your laptop via the USB port and viola! You’ve got a charged cell phone on the go.

The Toshiba Satellite L300 is the most economical of the lot and runs at about $500. If you’re looking for more power, the Toshiba Satellite E105 is the most expensive at roughly $1,200. No matter which model you choose, its not a bad deal for a new notebook computer.

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Sony VIAO: Made for Multimedia

Sony is not known for producing cheap laptops and the VAIO doesn’t pretend to cater to the discount crowd. The engraved VAIO emblem makes the computer immediately identifiable. In fact, standing out from the crowd is part of what makes this multimedia machine so endearing to its loyal customer base.

The Sony VAIO was created for media consumption. The VAIO comes standard with proprietary software for photo editing, creating music, and watching movies. It also boasts enough memory to make multitasking between editing, listening to music, and surfing the web a snap. These added features up the price of the line to the middle/high-end range. If you’re the type that’s accustomed to having eight (or more) windows of a browser open, it’s well worth dropping a few hundred bucks more.

One of the latest VAIO models is the P, touted as the world’s lightest 8” notebook by Sony. The smallest and least expensive VAIO features a 1.33 Ghz Intel processor, LED backlit display, 60 GB hard drive, and four hours of battery life. To the chagrin of many users, it also comes with the dubious Windows Vista operating system.

Staying in line with the mini theme, another recent Sony release is the VAIO TT. The TT is described as the world’s smallest Blu-ray Disc notebook. With an 11.1” screen and weight of 2.87 pounds, you can watch your favorite movies anywhere. Also, the TT comes with a “smart LCD,” which automatically adjusts brightness to conserve battery life. This model provides up to a 256GB hard drive and generous 4GB of RAM.

If you like the Sony VAIO, but are turned away by the Windows Vista operating system there are alternatives. For example you can “downgrade” your VAIO TT to Windows XP. This option is only available with some models and there may be a small fee associated with it.

The Bottom Line: If you’re interested in ripping music, photo editing, file sharing and checking your email simultaneously—the Sony VAIO line will not disappoint. If movies is your thing, they VAIO TT is a godsend. For specific product details, visit SonyStyle.com.

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U.S. Military Recruits Lenovo ThinkPad

Tough on your laptop? Can’t seem to find a portable computer that can stand up to the wear and tear of regular business travel? Then you need a computer that’s strong… Army strong.

Earlier this year, Lenovo announced eight ThinkPad laptop models have been enlisted for use in a variety of untraditional computing environments, including utilities, construction, and military fields. These laptops have stood up to an diverse assault of U.S. Military testing.

From unyielding wind and sand to extreme temperatures in theaters like Afghanistan and Iraq, the military needs their equipment to work in harshest corners of the world. Whether or not military technology works really can be a matter of life or death and the Lenovo ThinkPad persevered through a laundry list tests. The laptop met requirements for:

 Low pressure
 Humidity
 Vibration
 High Temperatures (By baking the laptop at 140 degrees)
 Low Temperatures
 Fluctuations in Temperatures (Changing temperature between -4 and 140 degrees during operation)
 Dust and Sand

If the Lenovo ThinkPad can withstand these harsh conditions, it can certainly operate in your corporate jungle.

Lenovo ThinkPad models ready for deployment are the X200, X301, X200s, X200 Tablet, T400, T500, R400, and the SL300. In addition to durability, the U.S. Military selected the ThinkPad because of its high brightness screen. Anyone who’s owned a laptop understands the sun’s reflection can make visibility difficult. Combine this with sand and other extreme conditions, operation can become almost impossible. For optimal visibility consider the ThinkPad T400. It comes with a 680-nit high brightness panel screen.

If you’d like to see photos of the ThinkPad going through its rigorous testing process, click here. You’ll see how the ThinkPad survived in the heat, the cold, and on the field. Pricing for the Lenovo Thinkpad starts at about $1,350.

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For years self dubbed tree huggers have been publicizing the world’s need to go green in order to protect the planet from harmful chemicals that could potentially impact the environment. Now it seems you can’t open a magazine or turn on the TV without seeing news about how to go green. Even celebrities have joined the cause with fundraisers and eco-friendly clothing lines. The go green movement has grown to the point that now you can go online and find laptops that are safer for the environment.

The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) has rated almost 300 laptops in an effort to give the public a place to find environmentally friendly laptops. EPEAT has a list of requirements that notebooks must meet in order to receive either their bronze, silver, or gold seal. According to their website bronze is awarded to laptops that meet all their required criteria, whereas silver means a notebook met all their criteria in addition to half the optional criteria they have for laptop computers. For gold, the product must meet all criteria as well as 75% of all their optional criteria for an eco-friendlier product.

According to the Environmental News Network (ENN) among the greener laptops reported through EPEAT, they favor the Lenovo Thinkpad X300, Toshiba Portege R500-S5007V, HP 2710p Tablet Computer, and the Apple MacBook Air.

On ENN’s news website they chose these laptops for their gold seal from EPEAT as well as for the efforts Lenovo, Toshiba, HP, and Apple went through in order to decrease hazardous chemicals in their notebooks. The Lenovo Thinkpad X300 has mecury-free LEDs in the monitor, contains an energy efficient processor, and their packaging materials are 90% recyclable. These were big pluses for ENN.

The Toshiba Portege R500-S5007V among other Toshiba notebooks has introduced alternatives to phthalates and other hazardous chemicals. The HP 2710p Tablet Computer is also energy efficient. In addition HP has said they would try to eliminate hazardous chemicals from their laptops including PVC. Finally the Apple MacBook Air contains an LCD screen that is mercury as well as arsenic-free. The laptop has an aluminum case that is recyclable and has PVC free components.

Several other laptop models including some Dell Latitudes, Toshiba Tecra’s, and HP Elitebook laptop models made the list.

It looks like going green has gone beyond media attention and into our electronics. Going green has moved beyond a trend and is turning into a lifestyle.

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The goal of many laptop computer companies is to create a laptop that costs only $100. The purpose of this goal is to offer a less expensive laptop option for developing countries. Keeping the price at $100 would help developing countries expand their school curriculum and offer the opportunity to raise their status in the world. Recently, Gartner, Inc., an analyst group announced that though this dream of the $100 laptop is nice, it may not happen in the near future.

According to Gartner the cost of creating, packaging, shipping, and of maintaining permanent technical support makes it nearly impossible to achieve the goal of offering a laptop for such a low price. In their announcement analysts also mentioned other concerns.

Annett Jump on a press release on Gartner’s website stated that, “The economic benefits of IT literacy in emerging markets are currently driving the push for the $100 PC but there are many open questions that remain…These include determining the relevant hardware specifications, power availability, availability and cost of Internet connection, as well as providing adequate finance and payment options for emerging markets where funds may well be extremely limited.”

With such a great goal, it is of little wonder that the push for a cheap laptop is the top goal for many laptop companies. This goal is one that Gartner doesn’t deny is worthwhile; however, their main point is that there are more factors to consider for this cheap laptop including what specific curriculum needs are present in the different countries they will service as well as who will train teachers to incorporate this new technology into their daily routine.

So, when does Gartner believe the laptop industry will achieve this inexpensive laptop? According to their publication, it’s at least two to three years away. Although hardware has gotten cheaper and will most likely continue to get cheaper, things such as hardware and technical support are likely to stay at the same price. Until these additional factors become cheaper Gartner believes that $100 is far too low a goal. Currently laptop manufacturers have been able to reduce costs to between $150 and $250.

What Gartner believes will emerge as a more lucrative and expanding market is the mini-notebook sector. Jump was quoted as stating, “We expect to see increased product innovation in the PC market during the next few years…Mini-notebooks will create opportunities to reach many buyers across all regions, both in mature markets as additional devices, and in emerging markets as PCs.”

Maybe $100 for a laptop is just a dream, but it’s not a dream that won’t come true. This goal just needs to be refined a little more before it goes from dream/goal to reality.

For more information on the Gartner web release, you may go to their company website www.gartner.com.

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Laptop computers are increasingly becoming more popular. There has even been data supporting the idea that laptops will eventually overtake desktops in sales. With increasing popularity comes a surge in laptop sales.

In a recent report from DisplaySearch Data, laptop companies displayed growth in sales. According to the report the top 5 laptop manufacturers are HP (Hewlett-Packard), Dell, Acer, Toshiba, and Lenovo. These companies have consistently stayed at or near the top for years.

Several of these companies showed growth; however, the most startling growth came from Apple. Apple notebook sales saw a 61% gain in sales. This gain bumped them up and into the #7 spot for leading laptop manufacturers.

Although Apple laptop sales are impressive, the big question is can they break the top 5? Apple’s sales volume is lower than those in the top 5. However, if they continue to make significant increases they may be known for more than just the iPod or iPhone.

There are many reasons why Apple laptops may be gaining popularity. One reason could be the popularity of the iPod and iPhone. Satisfying consumers with one product can convince them to purchase others from the same manufacturer.

Only time will tell whether or not Apple will gain more momentum and reach the #5 spot.

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