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MPC Computers and Toshiba trim down
Small is beautiful. OK, not in every case. But certainly when it comes to notebook computers. The smaller and lighter we can get them - without sacrificing features and performance - the better.
Two new notebook models, one from MPC Computers and another from Toshiba America Information Systems, take decidedly different approaches to trimming down. That's good because not everybody would choose the same trade-offs to lose the weight.
Both models we tested use Intel's Pentium M processor, come with Microsoft Windows XP Professional, offer built-in wireless capabilities and have 12.1-inch thin-film transistor LCD displays. That's about the limit of their common ground, though.
MPC has put a priority on packing in features while keeping the price low on its TransPort UlOOO. The unit we tested, with a 1.8 GHz processor, 76OM of system memory and a CD/DVD rewritable drive in the bay, still costs less than $2,000. And that's with a generous bundle of applications, including Microsoft Office Small Business Edition, InterVideo's WinDVD program for playing DVDs, movie editing software from Pinnacle Systems and Nero Express' CD/DVD-burning software.
The UlOOO's expandability is decent. You can select a processor as fast as 2.1 GHz, and you can expand system memory to as much as 1.2G. Although the 4OG, 5,400 rpm hard drive in our test unit is a tad pedestrian, you could move up to 6OG, 8OG or 10OG. The 6OG drive...