As is the trend with most technology companies, I was given a new laptop (which by the way I have already switched out to a newer laptop). I was originally given the Toshiba Tecra M5 with Microsoft Vista Enterprise on it. It is equipped with two gigabytes of memory, 100gb HDD, CD/DVD/Dual Layer DVD writer and a 14″ screen. Standard build laptop from any major manufacturer. What I have snagged for myself for an upgrade is a Toshiba Tecra M9. This has four gigabytes of memory*, 160gb HDD, CD/DVD/DVD Dual Layer writer, and 14″ widescreen. More of a developer’s laptop, but it’s a perk of being the guy in charge of laptops! 😉
I have had experience with the Toshiba brand in the past, and I am really impressed on how much better the computers seem to be built. I had bought and configured Tecra models about 3 years ago, and although decent as a laptop in concept, the machine itself felt flimsy. I believe it was an early attempt to make laptops lighter, but instead of using tough and lightweight plastic, they used cheap and lightweight plastic. The laptops were light alright….and felt like they would crumble in your hands if you looked at them wrong.
I don’t get that feeling with the current models I deal with. The M9 (newest), the M5(old), the M3(older) and the M2(oldest). Of course the M2 and M3 models I am getting back are two to three years old and severely worn, but for the most part they are in one piece. They all seem very sturdy and capable of taking the beating a laptop will undoubtedly take.
Since I appropriated myself a developer class laptop, I am looking forward to Messing with Microsoft Virtual PC and getting a server environment (Domain Controller, Exchange Server, IIS Server, etc..) running on this. Good Times 😉