If looks count, the Toshiba Portege 4010 may be the notebook computer for you. From its shiny, silver metallic exterior to its crisp, vivid display, this high-end notebook aimed at business users impresses. Take the time to dig deeper and push the computer's buttons and you'll find a machine that's nearly as capable as it is attractive.
Weighing in at a trim 4.2 pounds, the 4010 is no computing lightweight, being powered by a 933-MHz Intel Pentium III processor. Even with several power-hungry applications running simultaneously, the notebook hums along nicely. Toshiba attempts to address the seemingly ubiquitous dead battery issue by including Intel's SpeedStep technology that allows users to adjust power consumption, and by accommodating an optional second battery. The vendor promises up to 7.6 hours of wireless life as a result.
The Portege is no slouch, offering an onboard 30G-byte hard drive with the ability to expand the standard 128M bytes of memory to 1G bytes. Other prominent features include CD-rewrite functionality, USB connectivity and wireless capabilities in the form of integrated Bluetooth and optional Wi-Fi. The Portege 4010 also comes DVD-ready and shares docking equipment with Toshiba's Tecra lineup.
The 4010 truly shines away from the office as a multimedia device. The 12.1-inch display performs as well as many TV screens, even in playing complex DVDs. The exposed, wrap-around speakers don't compare to external audio components but perform capably and admirably for their size.
If there is any cut on the Portege, it may be the notebook's somewhat clumsy ergonomics. While the computer offers a variety of buttons for input, the keyboard seems somewhat cramped and small.
All in all, the Portege 4010 is the kind of flashy high-end notebook any professional might be happy to use in or out of the corporate confines. Despite its relatively expensive retail price, the notebook delivers broad functionality in a nicely executed package.
