Toshiba Tecra M2 Review

Tags:notebook computers,notebook computersToshiba Tecra M2 Review notebook computers,Toshiba Tecra M2 Review notebook computersnotebook computers notebook computers The rise in the number of Taiwanese budget notebook computer vendors selling their wares in Australia is forcing the bigger-name brands to improve their value and drop their prices to compete. Although Toshiba isn't the most expensive brand on the market, it's not the cheapest, either. The new Tecra M2 range represents the latest iteration for business professionals, of which our test unit (PTM20A-01FRD) is the most cost-effective at $2490 on the street. It features Intel's 1.4 GHz Intel Pentium-M processor and 256 MB of DDR333 memory. When you look at the unit, you will see Intel's Pentium-M logo but not the more familiar Centrino logo - that's because although this Tecra M2 features both Bluetooth and, more importantly, wi-fi antennas, it doesn't have the wi-fi network module required to carry that logo.
The wi-fi module comes at an extra cost. The 14.1-inch active matrix screen offers 1024x768-pixel resolution, driven by NVIDIA's GeForce FX Go 5200 controller chip - it will handle some 3D modelling but isn't in the same class as a Quadro chip (but you won't find one of those in a notebook, either). It's perfectly fine for typical office applications and general multimedia work. For storage, Toshiba uses its own 40 GB MK4025GAS hard disk drive and includes a CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo drive - CD-R is probably the most cost-effective archiving and back-up option for small business users. Another good feature is Gigabit Ethernet and this marks the first time we've seen it on a notebook computer. With data transfer speeds of up to 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps), it will be a case of the office network slowing you down, rather than this notebook.