Toshiba Satellite Pro 4600

WHAT'S HOT: This all-in-one unit packs a couple of unexpected extras: A 6X DVD-ROM and 4X/4X/24X CD-RW combination drive, and a wireless-ready design that includes an integrated 802.llb mini-PIC module and built-in antennas. Unlike some wireless-ready notebooks, the 4600 also includes a V.90 modem and a network interface built-in. When you don't need wireless reception, you can save battery life by using a small switch on the left side of the notebook to turn off its scanning. People fond of software shortcuts will like the Fn-esse utility, which lets you combine the Fn key with any numerical or command key to launch more than a dozen different files or applications. A small graphical keyboard acts as an assignment reference by displaying the names of the applications when you pass a cursor over the keys.

WHAT'S NOT: The Satellite Pro 4600 turned in lackluster performance compared with other Pentium III-1000-based laptops we've tested with 256MB of RAM. The Satellite's PC WorldBench 2000 score of 176 trails the WinBook Z1's score of 195 and the Gateway Solo 9500's score of 191. Moreover, the Satellite lasted only 2.5 hours in our tests of battery life, compared with 3 hours for the WinBook.

WHAT ELSE: The thick, two-tone Satellite measures nearly 2 inches tall, and it looks boxy--unlike most Toshiba notebooks. Both the combo drive and the floppy drive are fixed in the right side of the notebook, along with the audio ports. The 4600 boasts adequate sound that's easily controlled via a volume thumbwheel, comprehensive print and electronic manuals, and a composite TV-out port for presenters. We found the keyboard, which includes a set of cushy rubber mouse buttons, almost as easy to navigate as the keyboard on an IBM ThinkPad. Two extra buttons scroll documents and serve as back buttons when a browser is open.

BEST USE: With its big screen and hard drive, DVD-ROM/CD-RW combination drive, and out-of-the-box wireless capability, the Satellite Pro 4600 offers a tidy all-in-one package for peripatetic business folk who need to stay connected.

SUMMARY

Toshiba Satellite Pro 4600 PC WorldBench 2000 score of 176, Pentium III-1000/700 CPU, 256MB of RAM, 256KB L2 cache, Windows 2000 Professional, 15-inch active-matrix screen, Trident CyberBlade XP graphics with 16MB of SDRAM, 30GB hard drive, 6X DVD-ROM and 4X/4X/24X CD-RW combination drive, built-in V.90 modem and network interface, eraserhead pointing device, 8.5 pounds (including AC adapter and phone cord), one-year parts and labor warranty, free unlimited 24-hour toll-free tech support. $2699 800/867-4422 www.csd.toshiba.com