Toshiba Tecra M4

And let's not forget the nVidia GeForce Go 6200 TE graphics card, which uses TurboCache to dynamically add system RAM to its 64MB of VRAM through the 915PM Express chipset's 16x interface. As an indication of performance, we ran Half-Life 2 at 1,024 x 768 with high detail settings, and it scored 21fps. That's a pretty good dose of 3D power for this form factor, and at the end of the day you'll be able to unwind with just about any current game, if only at moderate settings.

As a vertical-market, portable tablet, the Tecra A4 simply doesn't cut the mustard. But as a powerful notebook for desktop-replacement duties or telecommuting, complete with decent graphics power and the ability to flip into slate mode, it's an interesting and potentially useful machine. Our concerns about the build quality and lacklustre screen remain, though, and, 3D graphics power aside, the cheaper HP Compaq tc4200 is a far more attractive option for most.

Author: Roger Kirkwood