Same as 3440, just faster
Written: Oct 05 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Thin, lightweight, powerful, cool
Cons: not for NT 4.0 users
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| tl098711's Full Review: Toshiba Portege 3480CT (PP348C-4PU82) PC Notebook |
The 3480 is identical to the 3440 except that it has a PIII 600 SpeedStep Processor instead of a PIII 500 and a larger hard disk. Here are the basic stats:
- Pentium III 600 Mhz SpeedStep
- 64 to 192 MB Ram
- 12 GB hard drive
- 11.3" TVT active matrix screen
- Built-in v.90 56K modem
- Built-in networking (via port replicator)
- 2 PCMCIA card slots
- 3.4 pounds
- External USB floppy
- less than an inch thick
- 1 year warranty
Some folks might grouse that it "only" has a PIII 600 MHz processor (as opposed to the lastest speed demons running at 750 and 850 MHz). I'd counter that PIII 600 will be more than enough for the vast majority of folks' needs. People who need more power than that will not find it on a super-slim notebook of this class.
Only a couple of ports are built into the 3480: SVGA for external monitor or projector, USB, modem, IR port. If you want to use a serial, parallel, ethernet, PS/2 or other ports, you'll have to use the included net port replicator (included), which is a pencil-box sized unit which hangs off the side of the 3480.
There are no internal drives. There is a USB floppy included, but if you want to use a CD or DVD, you'll have to purchase the "multimedia port replicator", which looks like a large external drive with I/O ports on it. The port replicator is rather pricey (over $325 without any drive at all), and a CD or DVD drive will run you another $150-325.
Note: Because the floppy is USB, only plan on running Windows 98SE or Windows 2000. NT might work, but I'd be doubtful.
As another reviewer noted, this laptop does not get burning hot like many slim notebooks in this class. Believe it or not, Toshiba has a new patented cooling system which has a *water pipe* running between the hot CPU and a cooler area of the laptop (you can see Toshiba's description at http://www.csd.toshiba.com/adp/portables/portege_cool.html). Conventional air cooling doesn't work well when laptops are this thin. Apparently this technology is working pretty well because the 3480 does not get as hot as most.
Also, the 3480 only comes with a 1 year warranty. Any laptop you buy should have at least a 2 or 3 year warranty. I recommend you purchase a warranty upgrade for 3 years (at least $200 more).
There is a cool High Capacity Battery option. It is a flat slice battery which connects to the bottom of the 3480. It adds considerable weight and is pricey (about $400), but it will give you 6-8 hours which should finally allow cross-country travelers to compute non-stop.
As with all Toshiba laptops, the pointing device is the little "pencil eraser" in the middle of the keyboard. Some love it, some hate it. I personally always carry an external mouse or trackball. But since there is no built-in PS/2 port on the unit, I still have to plug it through the included net port replicator.
The 12 GB hard drive option should be more than enough. In the unlikely event you need more, you can buy the multimedia port replicator and put a hard drive into that.
I highly recommend this laptop to folks who travel a lot and need the low weight. The PIII processor should meet most folks needs. However, if you will need to use a floppy and CD or DVD most of the time, you will be carrying around a lot of extra pieces (external USB floppy, multimedia port replicator, CD/DVD drives, etc.). More pieces means more things to lose, drop, break, and the sum total of weight may negate whatever lightweight advantage the 3480 has. If you need to use the floppy/CD/DVD a lot, look at the Tecra 8100. At a starting weight of 5.4 lbs, the Tecra 8100 may actually be a cheaper, lighter, and more manageable solution, depending on your needs. It is more expandable, comes with a 3 year warranty, and after deploying more than 200 units, I am very satisfied with their features, design, and durability.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
tl098711
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Reviews written: 18
Trusted by: 5 members
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