Product Reviews

IDC's notebook sales volume survey places Toshiba and Dell at the top, so it's no surprise that they were the first to provide our initial look at Intel's new Pentium 4-M.

In the red corner is Dell's Inspiron 8200 with its 8000 series chassis. This has been reviewed extensively in PC Pro (model 8100 1130UT reviewed issue 84, p132), but this time boasts an enhanced screen. In the blue corner is Toshiba's Satellite 5000 chassis, which provided us with a preview of the GeForce4 440 Go (see Reviews, issue 90, p124), with its final specification reviewed in full in the Satellite 5100-501.

Common to both notebooks is the current fastest 1.7GHz Pentium 4-M. This month, we've also seen a 2.2GHz Pentium 4, courtesy of Hi-Grade's Ultinote M6400-2200 (see p119), which scored the highest ever notebook benchmark score of 4.15. Of course, the Hi-Grade uses a cheaper desktop processor and subsequently costs less, but all the engineering efforts that have gone into the Pentium 4-M need to be acknowledged before writing off the Dell and Toshiba completely.

Most of the mobile optimisation revolves around reduced power consumption, with Intel quoting less than 2W under normal usage as opposed to around 6W for the desktop equivalent. Combine this with the Enhanced SpeedStep Technology, as introduced with the Pentium III-M, and you have the promise of real battery-life extensions, which are especially useful in feature-packed units like these. During our exhaustive battery tests, the Dell lasted for 80 minutes, while the Toshiba powered down after 74 minutes. Compare this to the 79 minutes clocked by the Hi-Grade and you have to question just how effective the reduced power consumption is, regardless of our tests being based on continual usage. Intel quotes times based

To accommodate the Pentium 4-M, both notebooks feature Intel's new 845MP chipset, which supports PC2100 DDR memory. The chipset also raises the PSB (Processor Support Bus) speed from 133MHz to 400MHz. Whereas Dell opts for 256Mb, the Toshiba packs in 512Mb. The reverse is true for the GeForce4 Go video memory, though, with Dell doubling the Toshiba's 32Mb to 64Mb.

The 3D performance of both notebooks is astounding: the Toshiba notched up 4,957 in 3DMark2001 at 1,024 x 768 in 32-bit colour, while the Dell scored 4,947. The Toshiba's extra memory allocation appears to be more effective under PC Pro's 2D benchmark suite, though, as it scored 3.87 overall compared to the Dell's 3.62, although the Hi-Grade's performance of 4.15 trounced both. However, these scores are so high that all these systems will be able to cope with almost anything you currently throw their way.

The connectivity options differentiate the machines more clearly. Although the Dell offers two USB ports, the Toshiba has three, plus a Bluetooth transceiver and slots for reading SmartMedia and SecureDigital Flash memory. And while the Toshiba doesn't come bundled with Office XP, it's still got Microsoft Works Suite 2002 (see p146) and hardware features, although the Dell offers parallel and serial ports.

Dell's 8000 series has won us over on many occasions, but the Toshiba ups the stakes with its 15in UXGA TFT screen, which delivers excellent sharpness, clarity and colour purity. Dell returns a blow, however, with its new wide- viewing TFT technology, which ensures that all onlookers can view its characteristics to equal effect. If this is what you're after, the Dell just pips the Toshiba to the post for viewing quality.

Both notebooks are built with aplomb, but the Toshiba wins when it comes to style without compromising its position as a corporate contender. The Dell can incorporate two optical drives simultaneously, but the Toshiba's added features far outweigh this novelty.

Ultimately, with faster performance and a more generous feature set, the Toshiba goes straight on to our A List. It's worth the extra £213, and you should be able to pick it up for even less if you shop around.