So I finally bought the M40 107 and promised to write a short review. Always had Sony Vaios and was interested in the FS series but decided to go for a Toshiba this time around because of the positive reviews and it's price performance ratio. However, it's not the specs but that little things that count (for me that is!) Anyways, it's maybe too early to tell but I'm not sure if I made the right decision here. There's a few things that bother me.
- The screen. It wobbles when you type, my Sony GRV 616 screen feels more sturdy. I probably notice it more because glossy screens reflect more in daylight but it still wobbles too much when I type for my liking. That said, the colors are vivid and there's plenty of brightness. It's easily one of the best notebook screens I've come across.
- The keyboard feels a bit too small. I have pretty big hands and it's maybe a question of getting used to but again the Sony keyboard types and feels better, it's more spacious. The spacebar is a bit too small, as are the tab, ctrl and cap keys. Placing of the ctrl and del key feels awkward. Not sure how switching between a normal keyboard layout is going to work out. I will probably switch the del key to normal position with software.
- The speakers. Everybody's raving about the speakers on this thing but to be frank it still sounds pretty thin. It's better than my old Sony but not as much as I hoped. The bass is weak. Nothing new here.
- Performance. Haven't tested it but so far the 1.8 Centrino performs good. Need to install PS, AI and Indesign still though. For general use this baby feels snappy and noise levels are minimal.
- Build quality & design. The m40 looks better in real life, a little luxurious maybe. Good for the oh so important business man. The Sony FS looks sexier but I'm sure many will like or even prefer the m40 business look. Build quality is ok. Mainly plastic but pretty sturdy. No complaints here.
- 6 in 1 slot does not support compact flash?? I had overlooked that. Bummer!
- Other things. The mic & headphone jacks are placed in the front middle which isnt very handy at all. Last night I was talking to my girlfriend on Skype with the notebook placed on my lap and a mic plugged in. Because it's in the middle, the jack poked in my belly. What's that all about then? A little reminder of the Japanese at Toshiba Incorporated I should work out a little more or something? Whatever the reason, for me plugs on the side make more sense. Mmm what more. Ah yes of course. The LED light! I had my doubts about it and must say you do get used to it. When it's totally dark though, it's a bit too bright and can distract a little watching a movie or something.
Well, I better stop whining now. It's a nice laptop and I'm pretty happy with it. If I can't get used to the keyboard and wobbly screen I will probably swap it for a Sony FS.
Blen
- The screen. It wobbles when you type, my Sony GRV 616 screen feels more sturdy. I probably notice it more because glossy screens reflect more in daylight but it still wobbles too much when I type for my liking. That said, the colors are vivid and there's plenty of brightness. It's easily one of the best notebook screens I've come across.
- The keyboard feels a bit too small. I have pretty big hands and it's maybe a question of getting used to but again the Sony keyboard types and feels better, it's more spacious. The spacebar is a bit too small, as are the tab, ctrl and cap keys. Placing of the ctrl and del key feels awkward. Not sure how switching between a normal keyboard layout is going to work out. I will probably switch the del key to normal position with software.
- The speakers. Everybody's raving about the speakers on this thing but to be frank it still sounds pretty thin. It's better than my old Sony but not as much as I hoped. The bass is weak. Nothing new here.
- Performance. Haven't tested it but so far the 1.8 Centrino performs good. Need to install PS, AI and Indesign still though. For general use this baby feels snappy and noise levels are minimal.
- Build quality & design. The m40 looks better in real life, a little luxurious maybe. Good for the oh so important business man. The Sony FS looks sexier but I'm sure many will like or even prefer the m40 business look. Build quality is ok. Mainly plastic but pretty sturdy. No complaints here.
- 6 in 1 slot does not support compact flash?? I had overlooked that. Bummer!
- Other things. The mic & headphone jacks are placed in the front middle which isnt very handy at all. Last night I was talking to my girlfriend on Skype with the notebook placed on my lap and a mic plugged in. Because it's in the middle, the jack poked in my belly. What's that all about then? A little reminder of the Japanese at Toshiba Incorporated I should work out a little more or something? Whatever the reason, for me plugs on the side make more sense. Mmm what more. Ah yes of course. The LED light! I had my doubts about it and must say you do get used to it. When it's totally dark though, it's a bit too bright and can distract a little watching a movie or something.
Well, I better stop whining now. It's a nice laptop and I'm pretty happy with it. If I can't get used to the keyboard and wobbly screen I will probably swap it for a Sony FS.
Blen
Its going back to the store tomorrow. 
