Toshiba Satellite P100-347

Among computer enthusiasts, Toshiba tend to get a tough time on account of not building effective systems - apparently. I've been a long-time PC user (and something of a fanatic to tell the truth), and this P100 is the first laptop I have ever purchased. So, without further adieu, let me dispel the myth of Toshiba's poor reputation.

Firstly, mine had a fault straight out of the box and refused to start up, so it was promptly shipped back to Toshiba for repairs. It was a mere six days before it was returned to my doorstep by courier, fully functional and, unexpectedly, it had been cleaned and polished. I booted up successfully and happily for the first time to see what I'd been waiting for. The laptop comes equipped with the Vista Home Premium operating system, which is the current creme de la creme of operating systems. Toshiba also squeeze in your standard bundled software, which is nothing spectacular - a trial copy of Norton Antivirus and a networking program which displays a neat little radar of nearby networks are the only programs of note. Don't be put off, as most manufacturers are substandard in supplying quality sofware, and the best applications are available free on the internet (download.com, anyone?).

Despite it's average processing power and graphic capabilities, this laptop works a real treat for all but the most hardcore of computer users. It is quick to start applications, videos and DVDs can be run beautifully, and browsing several websites whilst listening to music can be done without any slowdowns or strains on the system. If you were worried about Vista being slow on this laptop's specification, don't be - it's as smooth as butter, and there are ample of nice little Windows Aero effects catered for.

Obviously, the likes of gamers and graphic designers won't be best pleased with this system. The Intel GMA graphics system is nowhere near having the capabilities of running modern games, and the overall system setup is not ideal for intensive activities such as video-editting and the likes. It will give it a fair old go, but performance will be below par and generally rotten.

Nonetheless, casual users will be in heaven with this laptop. It has a card reader for your digital camera photos to be plugged in directly, brilliant wireless and wired network capabilities, heavenly sound if you buy some quality speakers or headphones, and even a dial-up modem if you're not one to go broadband. But with websites such as Laptops Direct (google it!) offering this brilliant laptop at a very reasonable price, you've no excuse not to have the leftover money for broadband.