Linux on 4090XCDT (Toshiba Satellite 4090XCDT)

Member Name: elviscocacola

Product:	Toshiba Satellite 4090XCDT
Date:	19/06/03 (667 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Works well, Readable, Good sound

Disadvantages: Battery power warning, Knob for cursor control, Slow for more demanding programs

I've installed linux on this laptop, so I am just writing a review to say that it works well - if you're interested in using linux, it's easy to install on a desktop but on a laptop it's good to know in advance if it's worked before. I used Xandros Linux. A little slow, though.

The laptop has also had Windows 98 and Windows 2000 on it. It's worked well with both. But on Windows 2000, using a program like Dreamweaver or Flash is overstretching it - I found it got slow, and that is despite installing more RAM, 128 MB.

The knob in the centre of the keyboard works, but is a lot slower to use than a mouse, so just pop an ordinary mouse in the side. I find the screen easy to read.

Under Windows, the "Low Power" warning when using the battery didn't give much time to plug it into the mains. This has got better under linux, but still can surprise.

Bearing in mind that it dates back a few years now, and it's as good as you can expect from an older laptop. Would suit anyone except those who need more horsepower, eg for video.

I didn't buy this from Toshiba, so cannot comment on the manuals/support.

Summary: