Toshiba's latest model in the business-oriented Satellite Pro range is the 6100, a two-spindle desktop-replacement notebook that comes packed with features at a reasonable price.

Powered by a 1.7GHz Intel Pentium 4-M SpeedStep processor, along with 256MB of 266MHz DDR memory, the Satellite Pro 6100 has plenty of power to get the job done. If you need more memory the two SODIMM slots allow for a maximum of 1GB of RAM to be fitted.

The screen is neatly hinged in the middle of the chassis, allowing the speakers to be built into the hinge housing. The screen itself is a 15-inch TFT unit. The thin lid does allow for a degree of flex in the display, so you'll have to be gentle when adjusting it. Powering the display is one of Nvidia's latest mobile graphics chipsets, the GeForce4 420 Go. Powered by 32MB of memory, it can handle resolutions up to 1200 x 1600 pixels.

For storage, Toshiba equips the Satellite Pro 6100 with a 40GB, 5,400rpm hard drive, more than enough for everyday business use. In the modular bay in the review system there was an 8-speed DVD-ROM and 8/8/24-speed CD-RW combo drive. This can be replaced by a second hard drive or a second battery as optional extras.

Connectivity wise, the Satellite Pro 6100 is well served. Behind a drop-down panel in the rear of the notebook there are serial, parallel and VGA ports along with ports for the integrated modem and LAN. For networking duties, in addition to the integrated Intel PRO/100 VE Ethernet adapter, there is also a wireless LAN module built in. Rounding up the ports there are two USB and a single PS/2 port, plus video-out, infra-red, two PC Card slots and a Secure Digital slot.

Despite the small 3,600mAh battery supplied, the Satellite Pro 6100 manages a battery life of just under two hours, which isn't bad when you consider that the processor drops down to a still-respectable 1.2GHz when off the mains. If you are using the Satellite Pro 6100 on the road, then it's well worth sacrificing the optical drive for a second battery, bearing in mind that this will add to the 3.1kg that the notebook weighs in standard trim.

Toshiba - Satellite Pro 6100 features - Verdict

The Satellite Pro 6100 is a capable desktop replacement, full of features and connectivity, which can be used at a pinch on the road if you go for the additional battery pack. It's best suited to life near a mains supply, though, where its processor power and disk drives can be used to full effect.

Toshiba - Satellite Pro 6100 price

£1,799 + VAT

Toshiba: 01932 828 828