|
JUST RIGHT FOR SOHO NEEDS
The Star, In.Tech, September 6, 2006
TECRA A8
(Toshiba)
Notebook PC
Processor: Intel Core Duo T2300 (1.66GHz)
Memory: 512MB RAM
Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
Display: 15.4in LCD (1,280 x 800pixels)
Storage: 60GB hard disk, DVD/CD-RW combo drive
Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0, 56K modem, Gigabit Ethernet
I/O ports: Three USB 2.0 ports, PC Card Type II slot, SD Card slot, S-Video out, headphone jack, mic input
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Pro SP2
Dimensions (w x d x h): 36.8 x 26.8 x 3.69cm
Weight: 2.9kg
Price: RM5,399
Website: www.teledynamics.com.my
Review unit courtesy of Tele Dynamics Sdn Bhd, (03) 5568-7788
|
|
The Tecra A8 has all the functions and features and does not run too hot. |
|
When buying a notebook for use in the office (or home office) and for multimedia needs, you really can’t go wrong with a Toshiba.
Besides the quality and usual must-have connectivity options, most Toshiba notebooks give you performance and reliability.
These notebooks may not always have that “wow” factor but they’re sturdy and reliable.
What you see
The Tecra is a bit of a heavyweight so I wouldn’t recommend it for those constantly on the go. For something in the office or home though, it should serve its purpose well.
The 15.4in widescreen display has ample viewing space so that you can open several windows side-by-side. The screen is great for multitasking and work purposes especially for people like me who have no less than eight windows open at any time.
The trackpad is fine although I prefer to use the USB port to plug in my mouse. One drawback regarding using the three USB ports is that they’re situated at the back of the notebook. I thought most notebook manufacturers had stopped doing that.
It really makes it hard to plug peripherals in each time you want to use your mouse, printer or even a USB drive. Plus, with the USB ports fighting for space at the back with the power jack and the LAN port, it’s definitely a tight squeeze.
It might have been better to put the USB ports at the sides like Toshiba did with its Satellite M30.
The Tecra A8 has a good heat dispersion system. Even after using it for five hours it did not run hot. It could be because the heat vents are larger than average.
The notebook also has a biometric fingerprint scanner for security reasons. This way you can secure your notebook and its contents using a password as well as your fingerprints. If you ever lose your notebook or if it gets stolen, at least you’ll know that the data is still secure.
Unfortunately, having to scan your fingerprint every time you switch on the notebook can get a bit tedious, especially after the 15th try when the notebook keeps rejecting your fingerprint scans for one reason or another.
What you hear
With such a wide screen, this notebook should be ideal for multimedia — music, movies and games.
Unfortunately, while the screen is wide enough for watching movies comfortably, the built-in speakers are lacking. As such I would not recommend this notebook to those who want to listen to music unless you’re prepared to lug your headphones wherever you go.
With good headphones, however, music played on the notebook sounded great.
I didn’t like the jog dial for the volume control but then I’m probably just old-fashioned when I say I like a normal dial for controlling the volume.
Here, the jog dial also serves as a mute button when pressed.
What you get
I used the A8 to write this review in Microsoft Word while surfing the Internet, chatting on Google Talk and also watching a DVD. The battery lasted about two hours and 40 minutes.
My advice is take your power cord with you so you can keep it plugged in.
This is definitely not a machine you can take with you on appointments sans power cord.
With WiFi, Bluetooth, an SD card reader, DVD/CD-RW drive and three USB ports, you really have all you need for connectivity and to transfer files.
I had no problems with the WiFi connection and the Bluetooth was a boon when moving files from one PC to another or even from my PDA to notebook and vice versa. All of which worked beautifully.
The number of USB ports was just ideal for me — for printer, mouse, USB drive — although once again I question their placement — altogether in one area at the back.
To make matters worse, since my USB drive is a bit fat, I actually cannot use the USB port next to it. Perhaps a better idea would have been to have the USB ports split up in placement instead of having them all in one row.
What you need
Whether you should get this notebook or not depends entirely on what you want to use it for.
If you want mobility, then this isn’t the PC for you. If you want a games machine or a temporary replacement for your hi-fi speakers, then this isn’t it either.
If all you need is a reliable machine for work and multimedia (and don’t mind too much bass in your music or don’t mind using headphones), then this machine is the one to check out.
It’s got just the right features and functions, besides security, reliability, an excellent heat dispersion system and a nice wide screen. All of this for less than RM7,000 is quite a good deal, in my opinion.
Pros: Does not run hot; biometric fingerprint scanner; Bluetooth.
Cons: Weight; battery life; speakers; placement of USB ports.
Copyright Star Publications (M) Bhd
ALSO:
It's a Zoo Out There, June 16, 2005
All Style and Class, April 15, 2004
Make Me a Screensaver, Sept 2, 2003
Λ back
to top |
|
