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GCN Lab Review: Toshiba Tecra A7-S712

Pros: Lots of features for the money
Cons: Short battery life
Price: $1,399
Performance: B
Battery life: C
Features: B+
Value: A-

Toshiba’s Tecra A7-S712 comes with decent features at an affordable price, but we weren’t floored by this notebook. Its S-Video, FireWire and extra PC Card slot give users a fair set of options. There’s also a fingerprint reader and requisite WiFi adapter. But on performance, the system doesn’t stand out.

In our benchmark tests, the Tecra scored 7,372, which was slightly below average. But its six-cell battery could muster only two hours and 10 minutes, the shortest battery life in our review.

And maybe that’s all you’re looking for if you’re on a tight budget. The 15.4-inch wide screen is a nice perk and doesn’t add a lot to the overall weight. Like other notebooks, it has technology to protect the hard drive in the event of a drop. At $1,399, the Tecra gives you decent bang for your buck.

Toshiba America Information Sys-tems Inc., Irvine, Calif., (800) 477-1616, www.sell.toshiba.com