Toshiba Satellite 3000

Styling isn't a crucial issue, but a notebook is frequently on show, and the understated dark blue and silver Toshiba Satellite 3000 looks good.

It is really a notebook for the home user rather than the full-on road warrior, as it includes Windows XP Home and minimal connectivity.

There is nothing too critical missing from the specification, but if you happen to need Firewire, Lan or infra-red, this isn't the notebook for you. Connectivity is the 3000's weakest point, but the rest of the notebook more than makes up for this.

Performance is excellent - in fact the Toshiba wipes the floor with the other notebooks using the same processor, and highlights the poor performance of the HP ZT1151.

The IBM R31 has a very similar specification, but the Satellite 3000 is speedier than that notebook as well.

In addition to decent performance you get plenty of memory and the Satellite's battery life is excellent. Graphics performance is competent by notebook standards.

Toshiba gives you a lot of notebook for £999 and the cost-cutting on the specification is entirely justified.

Price: £999 (£850.23 ex VAT)
Contact: Toshiba 01932 828 828 www.toshiba.co.uk