Toshiba Tecra

Two of the most popular laptop computers from Toshiba are the Toshiba Tecra M11and the Toshiba Tecra A11. These are laptop computers designed for the professional who requires top performance at a reasonable price. The Tecra line has been designed to be tough enough to withstand the rigors of a business day, plus offer the power for multitasking. Thanks to built-in manageability features they offer simpler deployments and fewer IT problems. Toshiba is a proven manufacturer with one of the lowest failure rates in the industry, so you know that you can trust their products. They are also known for making a durable product. Their reputation is one of the best. All the Tecra models have garnered EPEAT (the global registry for greener electronics) Gold status so you can be sure that your new Toshiba Tecra is built using the highest environmentally friendly materials, packaging, and practices. On select Toshiba models there is a rather generous three year limited warranty.

Toshiba computers have a well-deserved reputation for reliability.  In test after test they have always scored much better than average.  In fact, almost always among the top computers among all manufacturers. The performance and reliability of the Tecra line is worthy of consideration, especially for new or small businesses that must keep a close watch on the bottom line.

Choose between two high-resolution displays.  The Toshiba Tecra M11 offers a handy 14 inch diagonal screen, and the A11 offers a larger equally vibrant 15.6 inch display. 

The Tecra line from Toshiba features the new 2010 Intel Core processors.

Toshiba Tecra models have Toshiba’s EasyGuard Technology built in. This is a suite of applications to protect your investment. There are four core elements to EasyGuard.

HDD Protection
When a hard disk drive (HDD) experiences a shock such as from a being hit or falling or even from vibration, the head can scratch the spinning disks while writing or reading data. This can cause a loss of data or even destroy the disk. Toshiba uses an accelerometer to detect free falls in any direction and moves the head from between the platters thus preventing damage to the disks. In addition, there is what Toshiba refers to as shock absorption technology to further reinforce the HDD. On the outside, there their HDD Dome Shock Protector which reinforces the chassis closest to the HDD disks.

Spill-Resistant Keyboard
The keyboard is designed to give you time to save your work and shut down the computer in the event of an accidental spill.

Shock Absorbing Design
Shock absorbers are built-in to provide impact resistance. This includes rubber tabs around key components to protect them in case there is an impact such as from accidentally dropping the machine.

Magnesium Alloy Casework
The chassis are built from magnesium, the same material used to build the best racing wheels. Magnesium is used for its strength and lightness. You get a computer that is strong and light.

Multiple-Level Password Utilities
Multiple passwords can easily be set for both booting the computer and HDD access.  Users’ access can be controlled by supervisors, and it also helps users not familiar with the BIOS interface to register a user or admin password using a familiar Windows environment.

Fingerprint Reader
This is a biometric scanner and software, which lets you simply swipe your finger across the reader to gain access to your Toshiba Tecra.  When combined with Trusted Platform Module (which I will discuss next) you can use this feature to encrypt files and folders for added security.

Trusted Platform Module
This is a separate secure storage chip, which acts as a safety deposit box for key pairs and credentials.

HDLock for Toshiba Notebooks
This is based on the government standard 128 bit advanced encryption algorithm but doesn’t stop there.  HDLock uses a USB A-Key, which is a chip, which you must plug into the notebook.  It acts as a physical key to unlock the computer, but you also need a password along with the key.  This is essential for business use computers which may carry sensitive company information and which must be protected if lost or stolen.

Toshiba Secure Digital Token Utility
This allows users and administrators to replace standard password input with a Secure Digital token card.  You simply put it in for, easy boot up.  The SD token card costs less than a dedicated USB key. 

Advanced Instant Security
A simple alarm, which you turn on or off, as you desire.  When it’s turned on it will detect when the notebook is picked up and will sound an audible alarm.  It’s enabled with a unique hot-key combination.  For meetings, simply disable it.

Execute Disable Bit
The “XD-Bit” detects buffer overflow virus attacks.  It enables the processor to distinguish code that can be harmful if executed and code that should be executed.  When a malicious worm attempts to insert code into the buffer, code execution is disabled “helping to prevent damage or worm propagation.”

This is a combination of hardware and software, which enables wired and wireless connectivity.

Toshiba ConfigFree Software
This gives users a graphic interface showing all available Bluetooth or WIFI access points.  It can also enable a virtual meeting room with other notebooks using Toshiba ConfigFree.  There is an analyzer and troubleshooter to help ensure easy networking.  Profile settings can be captured and used with profile switching allowing for easy connections.

Diversity Antenna
Toshiba uses two WiFI antennae on the top lid along with one Bluetooth wireless antenna.  Software then monitors signal strength for both antennae and chooses the antenna with better reception. 

Toshiba Presentation Button
This one-touch button aids in connecting the notebook to a digital projector or monitor.  It can be programmed to a default resolution to take out any guesswork when connecting to an unknown projector.

Toshiba Zooming Utility
One touch magnification of Web pages, spreadsheets.  You can also enlarge fonts, icons, and toolbars.

One-Touch Resolution Change
The notebook is designed so that the screen can be turned 180 degrees fro sharing information with another viewer.

Toshiba Power Saver
This allows users to select power usage default settings such as screen brightness, cooling, and when inactive screens turn off.

Toshiba Optical Disk Drive On/Off Utility
For sessions away from a power source, this allows users to shut off the optical disk drive to conserve the battery.  Anytime a Windows Explorer or a file within an application is opened, every drive in the system is checked, including the optical disk drive.  This simply allows users to turn off the drive so no check will be run.

Wireless On/Off
This lets users turn on or off their wireless connection to prolong battery life or comply with National Transportation Safety Board regulations on flights.

Toshiba Fn-esse
Lets users assign tasks to keystroke combinations, such as opening email or Internet Explorer.

Toshiba Mouse Utility
Customize the performance of your touch pad.

Toshiba FN Shortcut Keys
These are pre-assigned keystrokes to simplify system management and settings.

The Toshiba Tecra laptops are a good choice for those looking for business computer that will offer quality workmanship, design and features.  They provide functionality along with the build quality and design to withstand the harshest business environment.   What more could you ask?