Toshiba M400 Tablet PC - Thoughts II
It has been over a week with my M400. So far so good, with a few exception.
If you are like me, I prefer negative comments vs. positive ones. There are many devices out there that can fit some needs but not others. For example, my primary use for this tablet is a replacement for my primary notebook that I carry around with me everywhere, I need to run Virtual Machines, do some development in visual Studio, and do some Photo retouching work. (btw, I used to carry around the 700m 1.8Ghz, 2 GB RAM, 100 GB). Although it is about 1/2 pound heavier and a bit on the chunky side as compared to the 700m, this notebook has so far delivered on my primary needs.
The latest build on Windows Vista works really well. It now has the drivers for the integrated video card (Although you have to get them by running an update on the device). I haven't gotten Aero Glass working but that is my next task. The new side bar is really nice.
For those interested in a screen protector, I purchased a screen protector from Strong Engineering. For the most part it seems to do the job. It does look a bit on the ugly side with the transparent double-sided tape that is used to adhere the screen at the sides to the tablet screen. I do wish they made the screen protector a bit wider, granted the screen is an exact fit for the tablet panel (tape overlaps viewing area by a few mm on top and bottom), I think they could have made it so that it completely fits on the black border around the screen. The only other complaint is that if you don't get the screen absolutely flat, you might see some slight rainbows on the screen. The positives are cost ($10), writing surface (very paper-like and it is relatively impervious to my sons iron pen grip. I can now sleep with ease =) ). I wish the InvisibleShield people would make a tablet screen protector.
Some other accessories I have ordered are the Hard Drive Adapter for the CDROM bay, and a extra battery.
This will enable me to get another hard disk and easily swap in and out additional storage. For the second battery, I opted for the slice version, this will let me use the Laptop for much longer periods of time disconnected, I thought of the replacement battery, but the external charger is just as expensive as the slice battery. The one thing Toshiba doesn't disappoint is the options, there also is a battery that can fit in the CDROM bay. In any case Toshiba's 3 hour standard battery life is just fine for most trips unplugged, but the long meetings, trips to the park, conferences One other thing, the slice battery seems to have a lower power rating that the default battery. What gives? Oh well.
Finally the really annoying issue is the fan. The fan is always running even when it is in an idle state, C3 as indicated in Perfmon. Granted I don't have any instruments to go an measure the sound, but compared to my Dell 700m (1.86 GHz Pentium M), the fan is VERY noticeable. My Dell has always been silent. The problem occurs after about 5 minutes after you power up or resume after sleeping. I've tested it in both in Windows Vista , Windows XP (Toshiba build), Windows XP (clean build only with Toshiba Power Management), btw (I am up to 6 builds on this laptop). There is a fan utility that can turn off your fan. I am not sure if this is a good idea, but in a meeting or a quite place, when all you are doing is writing, then this is probably a good idea. I will give it a try and post the results later. I would really like to see SpeedFan support for slowing down the fan.
Well there is a service center near me an I will be dropping by to see what the techs have to say. At least I would like to see another M400 and judge that the fan is at lease as loud as my M400. I am beginning to think I should have went with the 1.8 GHz model of the Core Duo. I suspect that version doesn't run as hot as the 2 GHz version.
To be continued…