- Fingerprint Security Reader
- Performed Well In Testing
- Older Core Duo Processor
- USB Ports Hard to Reach
- Keyboard Could be Larger
- Intel Core Duo T2400 Mobile Processor
- 1GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
- 100GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
- 8x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
- 15.4" WXGA (1280x800) Display
- Intel GMA 950 Integrated Graphics with 128MB Shared Memory
- v.92 56Kbps Modem, Gigabit Ethernet and 802.11a/b/g Wireless
- Three USB 2.0, FireWire, Type II PC Card, SD Slot and Fingerprint Reader
- 14.5" x 10.6" x 1.5" @ 6.4 lbs.
- Windows XP Professional, MS Works, Sonic RecordNow, WinDVD, McAfee Internet Security
11/3/06 – Unlike the Satellite series of notebooks, Toshiba's Tecra line is clearly designed towards businesses. This is evident in design decisions such as moving all the ports to the back of the system and including a docking station port on the bottom of the notebook. This works well for notebooks at a desk, but can make using something like a USB flash drive difficult. The case shares the design of the Satellite series but lacks its media controls. Toshiba should have used this as an opportunity to improve the keyboard layout for the keypad and related items.
In terms of performance, the Tecra A8 performed well in testing. The Core Duo T2400 processor was able to keep pace with the tasks given to it. With a full gigabyte of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory, it was able to run through most applications without much problem. It would be nice to see Toshiba use a newer Core 2 processor for 64-bit support and increased performance. Battery life was good though with it running for 2 hours and 31 minutes of DVD playback before hibernating.
Storage is quite good with the Tecra A8-S8314. The 100GB of hard drive is slightly above average for systems in this price range. The including DVD+/-RW dual layer DVD burner allows for recording or playing back CD and DVD media. One interesting feature is a software application that can slow down the drive to decrease the noise generated by the drive while in use.
