Review: Are Business Notebooks Replacing Desktops?

Sony VAIO VGN-BX540
Sony's new VAIO BX business notebooks have longer life cycles than its consumer models, with more consistent replacement parts and interchangeable peripherals. Security is a priority in business, so all BX series notebooks feature an integrated biometric fingerprint sensor. An integrated Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip lets solution providers set security levels based on user permissions and company requirements.

The VAIO VGN-BX540 has a 14-inch XGA screen with a native resolution of 1,024 x 768. The sample unit contained a 1.73GHz Pentium M processor, 512 Mbytes of memory, a 40-Gbyte Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive and a combination CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive. An Intel 915GM graphics accelerator with 128 Mbytes of shared memory drives the display. The unit costs $1,300.

Connectivity features include Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11b/g wireless, integrated Bluetooth, a V.90 modem, three USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire port and one PC Card slot. The notebook has a good fit and finish and an attractive appearance and measures 12.5 inches wide by 1.34 inches high by 10.4 inches deep, and weighs slightly more than 5 pounds.

The VAIO VGN-BX540 was tested for performance using PassMark's PerformanceTest software, which can be used for free by anyone for up to 30 days. The VAIO earned a PassMark score of 328, which is decent for a notebook with a single-core processor.

Sony takes a simple approach to the channel with its single-tier channel program that includes priority technical support and repairs, an authorized service provider program and marketing funds (determined on a case-by-case basis). VARs can expect margins from 6 percent to 12 percent. Sony also offers rebates, SPIFs and other revenue opportunities on a regular basis to its partners. There are no requirements for VARs to join the program and there are no costs associated with the channel program.

Toshiba Tecra A7
The Tecra A7 is a business notebook that features a 15.4-inch diagonal widescreen display with a native resolution of 1,280 x 800 pixels, which is ideal for authoring and displaying widescreen content.

The Tecra A7 contains Toshiba's EasyGuard technology, a series of hardware and software enhancements that help improve security, connectivity and ease of use. EasyGuard Technology includes hard disk protection, a spill-resistant keyboard and a biometric fingerprint scanner. A built-in accelerometer detects when the notebook is falling and temporarily parks the hard drive's head.

Toshiba's recommended configuration for the Tecra A7 includes a 1.83GHz Intel dual-core processor, 512 Mbytes of memory (expandable to 4 Gbytes), an 80-Gbyte SATA hard drive and a double-layer DVD recorder. Other features include an Intel Gigabit NIC and 802.11a/b/g wireless NIC, a Fast Infrared port, a V.92 modem, a 5-in-1 media reader, one PC Card slot, one FireWire port and four USB 2.0 ports. Everything is housed in a sleek package that measures 14.2 inches wide by 1.4 inches high by 10.5 inches deep, and weighs about 6 pounds. This configuration costs $1,399.

Dual-core processors offer great performance. Equipped with a 1.83GHz dual-core processor and 504 Mbytes of memory, the Tecra A7 earned an impressive PassMark score of 415.5; this is significantly better performance than the Sony unit for about the same price.

Toshiba Tecra M5
Toshiba's Tecra M5 is the newest member of Toshiba's premier business notebook line. The Tecra M5 has a smaller screen and is thinner and lighter than the Tecra A7, which probably contributes to its heftier price tag of $1,799. Both models have the same feature set.

Toshiba's recommended configuration for the Tecra M5 includes a 14.1-inch XGA display with a native resolution of 1,024 x 768. Otherwise, the configuration also is the same as the A7. The Tecra M5 earned a PassMark score of 413. Toshiba's channel program has three tiers: Silver, Gold and Platinum. Silver resellers are required to sell up to $100,000 yearly in Toshiba products. Gold VARs must sell a minimum of $100,000 during the vendor's fiscal half and also are eligible to participate in the Monthly Reseller Rebate Program. The premium tier, Platinum, is for resellers that sell a minimum of $250,000 in Toshiba products during the vendor's fiscal half and participate in the Monthly Reseller Rebate Program. Platinum partners are eligible to participate in the MDF Program. Partners can see margins as high as 40 percent on select products and get significant discounts on demos.