Toshiba Tecra 700CT Review

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by Charles P. Jefferies

Overview &amp; Introduction

Toshiba Tecra 700CT (view large image)

The Toshiba Tecra 700CT is a portable PC that debuted in 1994. It was the world’s first notebook to incorporate the new Intel Pentium processor. My notebook is configured as follows:

• Processor: 120MHz Pentium Processor
• Memory: 16MB DRAM (48MB max.)
• Hard Drive: 1.2GB hard drive
• Screen: 11.3” TFT Active Matrix color screen, 800x600 pixels
• Optical Drive: 4X CD-ROM drive (also available with 3.5” floppy)
• Speakers: Integrated 16-bit sound and dual speakers
• Graphics: 1MB video card (C&amp;T CT65548)
• Battery: Lithium battery
• Ports: 2x PCMCIA slots
• Wireless: Infrared data port
• 3-year warranty
• Dimensions: 11.5-inch width x 9-inch length x 2.5-inch height

As you can see, the feature list is quite extensive and the 700CT weighs only about 7 pounds, making this a machine you can take with you with relative ease.  

Reasons for Buying

I did not consider any other laptops for long after looking at the Toshiba Tecra 700CT due to its extensive feature set, powerful components, and nice-looking design. The 3-year warranty was another plus; I intended for this machine to last for a long time when I bought it. Key features of the 700CT include a fast 120MHz Pentium processor, a large 11.3-inch screen that has active matrix technology, and a CD-ROM drive. For comparison, cheaper machines use 75MHz Pentium processors, ~10-inch screens with passive matrix technology, and 3.5-inch floppy drives.

The CD drive was a worthwhile option - they have a far higher capacity than standard 3.5-inch floppies. CDs hold 650MB or around 452 x as much as a single floppy. Some programs can take 8 or 9 floppy disks to install – it is a hassle to switch in and out all of those floppies. All of that can fit onto one CD and be done in one step.

Where and How Purchased

I originally purchased this machine for $6,239 from Toshiba. I think the price was much too high but no other machines offered the advanced technology that the 700CT did, so as far as I was concerned the price was justified for that reason alone. The latest technology does fetch a premium after all; for example, the CD drive was an extra $489.

Build &amp; Design

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Toshiba choose to use a light gray design for the exterior of the Tecra 700CT. Light gray is the only color on this machine and there are no variations. I am personally very fond of the look – it looks professional and I like the consistency. I used to get compliments wherever I took this machine, but that was during the mid-90s. In more recent years while in public view, I have been either accused of robbing a museum or questioned about why I was using a typewriter.

The machine is made entirely of plastic and the plastic used is quite thick. It, unlike cheaper plastic, is dyed all the way through so it will not show wear and tear. There is no flex evident on the machine and it is solid all around. The screen is solid as a board and shows no ripples when pushed from behind.

Top view of Toshiba Tecra 700CT (view large image)

Screen

The Tecra 700CT features an 11.3-inch standard-aspect display with an 800x600 (SVGA) resolution. It is powered by a C&amp;T CT65548 video controller with 1MB of video RAM. In my opinion, the LCD display is a welcome improvement over the traditional CRT. LCDs are expensive and that does partly explain the relatively high cost of the 700CT.

The 11.3-inch TFT display on the 700CT is fairly sharp and has good contrast. It is not as bright as a CRT but that is to be expected on a portable machine like this. Side-to-side viewing angles are quite good; the colors remain consistent and do not wash out. However, vertical viewing angles from both above and below are terrible – the picture completely washes out. Some colors are distorted on this screen; white looks like a tan/yellow.

Speakers

Since this is a work machine, I do not have any music on it, but from what I can tell the dual speakers do their job well enough. In the one game I play on it (which I will talk about in the next section), sounds come through clear and without issue (note that these sounds are limited to beeps). However there is no bass.

Processor &amp; Performance

As I stated previously, the Toshiba Tecra 700CT is the first portable machine to use the new Intel Pentium processor. The model in my machine runs at 120MHz and using Windows 3.11, the 700CT is responsive and appears to have plenty of power to do my bidding.

Gaming – I have one game loaded onto the 700CT – Treasure Mountain by The Learning Company. I have no knowledge of how the game was installed or why, but I play it and I am quite good. It was released in 1990; I use v1.0. It is essentially an RPG, and you play as . . . well, a guy in a backpack who has a butterfly net to catch things. Here’s how it works – you can catch an elf; once caught, it will present three questions; get all three correct, and he will give you a location where you can find a key. Once you find the key, you level up. Here are some screenshots of the game.

Opening splash screen (view large image)

 

Description of goals (view large image)

 

Spawn point (of sorts) (view large image)

 

Incredible outdoor scenery (view large image)

 

Description of elf-catching (view large image)

The 1MB video card shines here, as the graphics are smooth and very detailed. I am eagerly anticipating newer game releases (on CD) in the next few months.

Heat &amp; Noise

The Tecra 700CT has a single fan in the back which cools it down. It has one speed, loud, and it never shuts off. Ever. From the moment the system is powered on until it is shut off, the fan drones on. It has a high-pitched whine to it and will annoy you and those around you. Despite my gripes, the machine runs cool so the fan is doing its job. I would rather have a loud fan that keeps the machine cool than a quiet fan that does not do anything for heat.

Keyboard &amp; Mouse

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The full-size keyboard on the 700CT is decent; it is not my IBM desktop keyboard but it works while I am away from my desk. Key travel is much shorter than that of a desktop and it is not easy to type on. I found that the keys need to be pressed down completely before they register, which can be annoying if you are a touch typist. It is also difficult to push the keys down on an angle; you must press the center of the key for it to go down smoothly. However, after using a machine for 13 years, I am used to such things.

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I give credit to Toshiba’s designers for making the most of the space they had available to them; the keyboard spans the entire width of the chassis. Keys are more or less in the expected positions.

The mouse consists of an eraser-head trackstick in the center of the keyboard along with two buttons (right- and left-click) in the palmrest. Over a decade later the rubber trackstick is hard and worn but it still works without issue. Not my favorite device, but it functions. The buttons are also worn, but they work. In my opinion, the buttons are overly difficult to press down.

Input &amp; Output Ports

This is best done using pictures – all descriptions are left to right.  Enjoy the views.

Left Side View: Reset button, Power button, a hole for something (view large image)

Right side view: No idea what the left one is, on the right: 2x PCMCIA (view large image)

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Back Side Upper level: PS/2 for mouse, PS/2 for keyboard, microphone, headphone, infrared, fan, some ancient port, power

Back Side Lower level: VGA, serial port, docking station port (covered)

 

Front view: CD-ROM drive, status lights (view large image)

Battery

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While running MS-DOS, the battery life of the Tecra 700CT is about thirteen minutes. Yes, that’s correct. Keep in mind this machine is 13 years old and batteries do go bad. I believe this machine would have gotten around one hour of battery life brand new. Either way, the battery life is disappointing and does not allow for enough unplugged freedom. Personally, I would like one hour of battery life for every $1,000 spent.

Operating System &amp; Software

The 700CT has both MS-DOS and Windows 3.1 operating systems. I use both operating systems, although I am much more productive using Windows and that is what I use most of the time. Windows 3.11 has a pretty graphical user interface (GUI) and is just plain enjoyable to use.

DOS (view large image)

Windows 3.11 splash screen (view large image)

 

Inside Windows 3.11 (view large image)

 

Microsoft Antivirus provides reliable protection from malicious software.

Microsoft Antivirus (view large image)

Conclusion

All in all, the Toshiba Tecra 700CT is an excellent portable computer. Equipped with all of the latest technology, including the Intel Pentium processor and a high-resolution, active matrix screen, it sets a new benchmark for mobile computers.

There is something to be said about getting your money’s worth – 13 years later, I have not had a single problem with the Toshiba Tecra 700CT and I have no regrets about buying it. It has withstood the test of time and does not show any prominent signs of wear and tear. What it all comes down to is that they don’t make ‘em like they used to, and the 700CT is living proof of that.

Pros:

• Powerful Pentium processor
• 1MB graphics card for intense games
• CD-ROM drive
• TFT Active Matrix display
• Great looking design
• Durability
• Overall coolness factor

Cons:

• Keyboard takes getting used to
• Screen washes out from above/below; distorted colors
• Insanely annoying fan
• Mediocre battery life
• Sky-high price

 

 

Oh! I forgot to tell you . . .

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Ok I was four when you got that...
We just pulled our old mac desktop out of my brothers room. It is about that old. Fun stuff...

 

Hahahahaha this is awesome!

Oh you made my day Chaz.

 

Treasure Mountain/Island/(insert geographical feature) were cherished parts of my childhood.

 

Y'know, I've always regretted buying my lowly Asus V6Va instead of a high-tech wonder machine like that Toshiba. I can sense it laughing at me for my bone-headed choice to go with the V6Va.

Great way to start my April Fools Day!

Well done, Chaz!!

 

I wish I could find my old AT&T 486DX laptop I got in 1996. It wasn't $6,000, but it was a lot of money -- around $2,000 I think. Thank goodness the cost of technology drops with time. And gets much better.

I'm actually envious of you for having this machine in such pristine condition. So cool to see DOS and Windows 3.1 running.

 

Treasure Mountain was my first game...when I played it as a four and five year old...

TM, Flintstones, and the School Bus game...now those are classics!

 

11.3inch screen and 2 PCMCIA slots-Nice

Not a bad price compared to this
http://www.garmana.com/blogs/mark/images/oldcomputer.jpg
BTW nice review

 

ROTF...I liked those in game shots. The colors are amazing. Almost look as good as my brothers Gameboy Advance. lol
Tim

 

Haha, that's awesome. LOL how about some 3DMark 06 benchmarks?

 

Oregon Trail and Carmen San Diego were my first computer games. =)

Lol, beat that tonight Adult Swim. =P

 

And how many cells does the battery have ?

 

Hahaha, very nice. I actually have that notebook sitting upstairs on my desk. My mom got it as a work notebook, and now that it's changed I use it.

 

Bravo!! Amigo!
LOL!LOL!

GREAT REVIEW!
It made me think how would laptop be in the next 10 yrs...
I can't imagine how our lappy today are so crappy in 2057!

 

Great Review to start off today... Man, those were the days when a computer actually drew envious looks. I remember, I was some kind of a celebrity at school, since I could insert a floppy, boot the pc, and load pacman..(4th Standard, I believe is what I studied in then). And yes, the computers mostly had green screens . What days..... *sigh*

 

thats funny, take care of it, im sure you got yourself a piece of history.

 

haha. I was so confused.

 

hey chaz! nice review there

my thinkpad's blown away with those features. it's crying out now for not having those ancient ports (i need that parallel port for my ancient printer, mouse port for my mouse-ball)

beat that kind of thickness and rigid-looks.... TOUGHBOOKS!

hmm... are those batteries 6 cell or 9 cell? or four D batteries

good thing the video memory does not have hypermemory or turbocache, much faster i think

by the way, any benchmarks like superPI? i'd guess it will have 2million decimals in about 30seconds or so. or better yet, i need some fps action with oblivion or doom

 

Oh i had a toshiba from this same era, only i had the libretto.

It looked just like this one only it was 12 inches and it had a pentium 75 mhz.

Oh it was cutting edge actually the libretto model.

 

THAT point is when I no longer took the review seriously.

Even if it weren't April Fools, I would have loved to read this review.

 

Nice one. I'll have to get back my Epson PX8 which I gave away a few years ago.

What intrigued me was the price. At the end of '92 I paid about £2,500 for the Toshiba T4400C which was the first genuinely portable with an active matrix colour TFT. I've just found the specs and it is interesting to compare them with the Tecra 700CT:

T4400C w/i486SX and 120MB hard disk - PC24-PA1103UXT

Dimensions: 11.7"W x 8.3"D x 2.3"H
Weight: 8 lbs. with battery pack
Voltage: Computer DC input - 21VDC
Universal AC adapter - 100-240 VAC 50-60 Hz
Battery: Removable rechargeable NiCD battery pack
CPU: 80486SX-25
8KB internal cache for both types
RAM memory: 4MB standard (640KB conventional; 3.25MB
extended or HardRAM; 128KB shadow ROM) Memory
Expandable up to 20MB via one credit card
style memory slot when optional 2MB, 4MB,
8MB, or 16MB card is added

I got the base model and immediately changed the 486SX CPU to the 486DX2 - a 90% speed improvement under normal use and more for floating point. Over the next 3 years the HDD got upgraded to 250MB (£325) and then 500MB (£450) and I added more 8MB RAM (£295). The batteries (£200) weighed about 2lb and would provide about 90 minutes run time when new.

One good thing about this model was there was no fan at all, so no fan noise (nor was there a fan in my next computer - a AST Ascentia 950N which had much the same spec of this review machine except for no optical drive but only cost me £1,750 because I bought in '96).

John

 

when that game came out i was four. I remember the good ol' days when I would play treasure moutain. Such a fun game

 

That is an awesome post!

 

LOL! Good one, Chaz. I already got burned once with the April Fools jokes around here...

Oh, and on the right side view - I'm pretty sure that's a dedicated port for an external floppy. Kind of eSATA looking, isn't it? I was only eight years old when you got that notebook, but I toyed around with notebooks during that time.

 

looking at the symbols, i'm guessing its a port for external floppy drive.

thanks for the review, i thoroughly enjoy the article!

 

Haha awesome review, reminded me of when I had a toshiba satellite 440. Slightly more powerful than the Tecra I think, but that side-on picture totally blew me away. It's SO true, they were actually bricks.
Totally made my day

 

Hahahaha great one!

 

I'm suddenly reminded of the old Apple ads from the movie Independence Day. Make that Toshiba black and it'd look like the old Mac laptop featured in the movie loading a virus into the alien mothership. Back then Mac's were doing important things like saving the world, not this mindless boring iMovie stuff they do today. =P

 

Very nicely done! If it supported SLI and RAID I'd get it in a second!

 

Man, that machine is so hot I want one!

 

Chaz,

This is great. I looked at the beginning of this, was reminded of my old Toshiba Satellite Pro 420CDT Pentium 100, and had a good laugh.

Funny thing is I had fired up that old Toshiba the other day just for old times sake. For basic computing, it would still suffice.

Thanks much.

Bill

 

Thanks for all the great comments guys, I also enjoyed writing the review.
Oh - I thought about running 3DMark06 - I wanted to do it but I had to download it first, and for some odd reason I couldn't find the wireless switch on this thing.

The part about Microsoft antivirus was probably the biggest joke of the review.

Well Budding, today is your lucky day. You can have this one for half price if you act now.

 

awesome review i never ever seen before

 

nice laptop, woundering how much is it worth now and when those laptop will cost more then a original buy price

 

Chaz you are great mate. When I opened the thread and saw how old this notebook was the first thing I thought was: April 1th.

I think this is the review of the year!

 

WTF ... Chaz ran out of machine to review or what?

BTW, i just got a Compaq V8xxxx something.. run on Win98.. with a dock station..
Should i put up a review.

The cost of that laptop is SOOOOO freaking high.

 

forgot it's april fool's day.. Now i know the purpose of writting this review. Nice joke man.

 

In all seriousness, being a DOS game fanatic, I'd love to have a solid rig like that that can handle the games I play. I still use a Compaq with 80486 DX CPU just for that purpose, but the lack of a sound card makes me sad and gets me snooping around for another tank in replacement...before it's too late anyways.

...Oh, and no, playing those games under DOSbox or the likes DOESN'T count!

 

April fools ?!

I thought it was simply because things are slow here at NR

 

i bet this notebook was a chick magnet. no wonder you're always so popular with the ladies.:wub:

 

That's easily my favorite line.

This review is absolutely hilarious, made only more so by having actually used a similar notebook. Although the one I used ran on Windows 95 and got an outstanding half hour on the battery.

 

This reminds me of an old compaq laptop my Mum had in the 90s. It was grey, had a trackball to the right of the screen and the power switch was one of those ones that is activated by sliding up, but rather than locking in place it slides back down. It was 33MHz if I recall correctly .

 

I still have my Toshiba 330CDS - the only thing that's broken is the pcmcia cover... by my GF no less! Fond memories on that machine.

 

Great Review! Hard to believe how much laptops have changed in just 13 years. Can't wait to see what they are like in another 13 years.

 

Hey, I think that's the same one that I have! Trackball, power button and all...

Except for the malfunctioning trackball and a dead battery, it still runs like a champ. No noise, no heat, not even slight scratches thanks to scratch resistant surface material

Perhaps I could submit a review of that laptop before today's gone

 

Chaz should autograph it and put it up for sale in B/S/T. xD

 

It would be pretty cool if you could mod it with new gear...carry that badboy around these days, I'd wager it would still draw looks...envious ones I'm sure.

 

Makes me want to do a review of my old Commodore 64. Not a laptop, of course, but it was kickin' in its day.

 

That thing cost more than my desktop, laptop, and all my audio put together.

 

Awesome post, Chaz! Extremely well done, and of very high quality. That was all prime equipment in its day! It's amazing how things change.