The Libretto U100 relies on a mix of old and new technology, including an ultra-low-voltage 1.2GHz Pentium M processor and a superslim 60GB hard drive. But the hard drive spins at a slow 4,200rpm, and the system uses Intel's previous-generation 855GME chipset and graphics accelerator. Our test system came with 512MB of 333MHz memory chips; it can expand up to only 1GB of RAM, which will be an immediate turn-off to some corporate buyers. Those components packed a performance punch on CNET Labs' mobile benchmarks. The little Libretto U100 finished a scant 3 percent behind both the Dell Latitude X1 and the Sony VAIO VGN-T250--though the Dell has a slower, 1.1GHz processor. We feel certain that the U100 will not let down workers in the field, considering that its battery pack lasted 4 hours, 48 minutes in our drain tests. Though that's more than an hour short of the VAIO VGN-T250's amazing 6 hours, 25 minutes, it's much better than the Latitude X1's 3-hour battery life. Those wanting a full day of work can either adjust the power management settings or get a second battery for $149.99.
Oddly, for a machine aimed at corporate roamers, the U100 comes with a skimpy one-year warranty with mail-in service. You can extend it to a more appropriate three years for a sensible $149; three years with onsite service costs $249. Toshiba's support Web site continues to provide just about everything you'll need to help keep the Libretto U100 running smoothly. Along with setup tips, diagnostics, and a variety of downloads, there's a great chat room to figure out what's going on inside the computer and fix it. The company's 24-hour, toll-free hotline is augmented with staff who answer questions via e-mail.
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
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BAPCo MobileMark 2002 performance rating |
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
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BAPCo MobileMark 2002 battery life in minutes |
Find out more about how we test Windows notebooks.
System configurations:
Dell Latitude X1
Windows XP Professional; 1.1GHz Intel Pentium M 733; 512MB DDR SDRAM 400MHz; Intel 915GM/GMS, 910GML Express 128MB; Toshiba MK6006GAH 60GB 4,200rpm
Sony VAIO VGN-T250
Windows XP Professional; 1.2GHz Intel Pentium M 730; 512MB DDR SDRAM 333MHz; Intel 855GME Graphics Controller up to 64MB; Toshiba MK6006GAH 60GB 4,200rpm
Toshiba Libretto U100
Windows XP Professional; 1.2GHz Intel Pentium M 753; 512MB DDR SDRAM PC2700 333MHz; Intel 855GM (up to 64MB); Toshiba MK6006GAH 60GB 4,200rpm
What You'll Pay
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