Toshiba Tecra A3x PTA3XE 01C00PEN Review

The Tecra A3X provides the best balance and combination of features, dimensions, weight and costs in an all-in-one corporate device. Where this notebook starts to stand out from similarly priced machines is in the build quality, which is superior and designed for long-term use. The plastics used are solid and gives the machine a good feel. Considering the screen isn’t a widescreen panel, the keyboard is still of a good size and proved comfortable to use.

Specifications

Technology type
Intel® Centrino™ mobile technology including Intel® Pentium® M processor 750, Intel® PRO/Wireless 2915ABG network connection and Intel® 915GM chipset

Clock speed
1.86 GHz

Front side bus
533 MHz

2nd level cache
2 MB

Operating system
Windows® XP Professional

System memory standard
512 MB

Maximum expandability
2,048 MB

Technology
DDR2 RAM (533MHz)

Hard disk capacity
80 GB

Certification
S.M.A.R.T.

DVD Super Multi drive (Double Layer) compatibility
CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM
Maximum speed : Read: 24x CD-ROM, 8x DVD-ROM/ Write: 24x CD-R, 4x CD-RW, 10x HS CD-RW, 10x US CD-RW, 8x DVD-R, 4x DVD-RW, 8x DVD+R, 2.4x DVD+R (Double Layer), 4x DVD+RW, 3x DVD-RAM
Type : DVD Super Multi drive (Double Layer)

Display
Size 15 "
Type : XGA TFT display

Graphics adaptor
Manufacturer : Mobile Intel®
Type : 915GM chipset
Memory : up to 128 MB
Memory type : DDR RAM

Internal video modes
Resolution : 1,024 x 768
Maximum number of colours : 16.7 million

Max External Video Modes
Max Resolution : 2,048 x 1,536
Max Colours : 16.7 Million
Max Refresh Rate : 100 Hz
Non-interlaced resolution with max refresh rate : 1,600 x 1,200

BIOS
ACPI : Yes
System Management BIOS : 2.3

Battery
Technology : lithium-ion
Maximum life : Up to 3:49 (Mobile Mark™) hours

AC adaptor
Input voltage : autosensing AC adapter (100/240 V) for worldwide usage

Interfaces
1 x headphone
1 x DC-in
1 x external monitor
1 x RJ-11
1 x RJ-45
1 x TV-out (s-video)
1 x i.LINK® (IEEE 1394)
1 x external microphone
3 x USB 2.0

Expansion
2 x memory slots (1 to configure)
1 x PC Card slot for 1 Type II card
1 x connects to Advanced Port Replicator III (optional)

Wireless communication
Compliancy : Wi-Fi™
Network Support : 802.11a/b/g
Wireless Technology : Wireless LAN (802.11a/b/g)

Wired communication
Topology : international V.90 modem (V.92 ready)
Speed : 56 Kbps data (V.90) and 14.4 Kbps fax (V.17)
Topology : Ethernet LAN
Speed : 10/100 Base-TX

Sound system supported
Audio format : 16-bit stereo
Supported sound standards : MIDI support
Speakers : built-in stereo speakers

Keyboard
Keys : 86
Windows keys : yes
Hot Keys : 2

Physical dimensions W x D x H
338 x 274 x 27 (front) / 38 (back) mm
Weight : 2.6 kg

Warranty
1-year international warranty. Upgrade your standard warranty with Toshiba warranty extension, uplift and all-risks insurance packs.

Bundled hardware
AC adaptor

Bundled software
Toshiba utilities and drivers
On-line user's and modem manual
Toshiba Management Console
ConfigFree™
Connectivity Doctor
Microsoft® Office OneNote ™ 2003
WinDVD

Security features
Main hard disk (by screw)

Toshiba EasyGuard
Toshiba ConfigFree™
Kensington Lock
PC Diagnostics
Durable Design
Data Backup
Easy Fix Components
Password Utility
Device Lock
Execute Disable Bit Protection (XD-Bit)
Wireless LAN Switch
Norton Internet Security 2005 Antivirus Software (90 Day Trial)
Toshiba Summit
Diversity Antenna

Security features
Main memory (by screw)
BIOS password
Supervisor password
Slot for Kensington Cable Lock
User password
Wireless LAN switch
System password security

Special features
SM BIOS compliant
Common docking and options with other Toshiba notebooks
Toshiba Enhanced SpeedStep
Toshiba Presentation Button
Toshiba Zooming utility
Toshiba Assist button
Toshiba Power Saver utility

Review

THE GOOD: Great price, lightweight
THE BAD: Poor graphics, basic battery
WE SAY: The plain chassis and non-descript specification hide the fact this is a value-for-money offering

Source:
http://pocket-lint.co.uk