Toshiba Satellite Pro U400-12U

For several weeks now I have experience with Pro U400-12U. And although this particular model a eol version seems to be, it is for several reasons an interesting machine. advance: The reason of purchase, that the existing 15 "Toshiba's already 3 years old and still be considered a bit clumsy . But they are very nice machines, solidly built and a good keyboard. , the non-pro version of the smaller Toshibas are also considered, but the shiny casing does not really fit in a business setting. So when you see the temporary offer Pro U400-12U incl XPpro downgrade option was the choice was easy (for some applications this is not an option Vista). Distribution: In the handy package laptop in plastic on a cardboard plate is sealed, I think Toshiba does so For years nothing wrong with it, works well in a separate box still contain food, brochures and two recovery discs... Usage: After unpacking and removal of all protective films the issue of nutrition was plugging, start to see if laptop . Nothing done with the Vista greeting screens, but a reboot done and started the recovery disc using F12. XPpro stood there in minutes, and the DVD drive was not much noise in the process. Thereafter wireless network setting and hauling alll XPpro updates. That lasted considerably longer than the downgrade from Vista to XPpro. (Bizarre, however, that you suddenly have to choose IE6.0 get) After XPpro turned and all the apps were installed followed 2nd step, on a dual boot with Ubuntu. Ubuntu 8.10 installation done with network connected and that there was less than 1 hours. configure WiFi took no trouble this time, so the hardware was immediately recognized. Upgrade to 9:04 has also been behind. Toshibas do it as a rule well under Ubuntu and this little powerhouse is no exception. It is the first laptop with integrated webcam here and I have not gotten it to work. use in the machine is not too bad and disappointing. First the negatives:





The battery life is quite limited. Under XPPro succeed just to pick up. 3 hours Under Ubuntu 15 ~ 30 min less. The power settings are XPPro using the Toshiba Power Saver Package and Ubuntu set using Power Management.
The power supply has a 3pin spaningssnoer. Clumsy and stiff plastic, so did all the larger Toshibas but because you are in the U400-12U truly have the power when you fall on it.
Positive:
Schermkwailiteit, after all matte screens, this is the first glossy screen and that is enormously helpful, even outside in daylight
Keyboard, very recognizable Toshiba. and the buttons are the same size as a 15 "Tecra
Weight - even with diet there
. Conclusion: Toshiba's are not cheap and the price of this little powerhouse was not attractive. If the offer is, however, a very interesting offer. The machine is bigger and stronger than a netbook and has just a bit more options. Eventually I will have a larger battery in stop and go looking smart solution for the adapter. sept2009 Update: New bios version has interesting improvement brought Under XPPro to ~ 30 min, under Ubuntu to ~ 15 min longer battery life