836 karma · joined August 3, 2014
Toshiba Tecra 780CDM Specs and picture (almost identical, except mine featured a CD-ROM only drive) http://resource.toshiba-europe.com/europe/computers/flyers/t... In-use 1998-2009 OS: Originally Win95C, upgraded to 98SE, later Win2k Miss the plethora of ports (PS/2, S-Video, Composite Video out (RCA connector), 2x USB, 4x3.5mm audio jacks, external floppy drive connector [not wasting a USB or other port], parallel, serial, VGA, 2x PC-Card slots, IR port, built-in data and fax modem, separate port for external snap-on web cam). I could connect a mouse (serial), keyboard (PS/2), PC-Card Ethernet interface, external floppy disk drive, snap-on web cam, external monitor, printer (parallel), scanner (USB), speakers, microphone, and still have 1xUSB port, 1x audio out, 1x audio in, 1x PC-card slot, , not to mention the S-Video or Composite jacks to connect a projector or TV to. I have yet to see other business-oriented "portable workstations" to offer this level of connectivity without a dock (though today, even the average power-user has little use for most of these ports).
Another feature I miss was the quality of this machine. It was built solid. Despite having a metal-free exterior, a thick, well-designed plastic case kept this machine protected. I once tripped over the power cord, and the entire machine went flying into the wall while on and transferring data The only thing that was damaged was drywall; the power connector on the motherboard, power cord, hard disk, screen, etc. were all fine. I do not believe any hardware upgrades nor part replacements were performed. Still works to this day and used on occasion (despite the battery being completely dead).
Toshiba Satellite L355D-S7902 In-Use 2009-present Pic: http://www.toshiba.com/us/computers/laptops/satellite/L355/L... Detailed Specs: http://cdgenp01.csd.toshiba.com/content/product/pdf_files/de... This machine has been my daily driver since. The build quality is nothing like the Tecra (understandable as it is a consumer-oriented, budget-priced model), but I've been really surprised how its held up. Case build quality was noting like that of my Tecra laptop, but outside of some creaking, it does not flex unless pressed hard on the back of the screen or sides of trackpad. The hinges for the screen have become wobbly but I live with it (and has spring-loaded clips that hold the lid shut when its closed). Originally came with Windows Vista. Downgraded to XP with nearly all hardware working (took a bit of time to find a suitable WiFi driver). Installed Win7 Beta when it came out and then Win7 when the beta expired after the Win7 release. Been dual-booting with openSUSE for the last few years and I've ended up only booting into windows when I need to (which is decreasing in frequency). Upgraded to a SSD 2 years ago and the performance increase has outweighed the capacity decrease. Battery was also upgraded for $15 on eBay and I can get at least 2 hours with moderate-to-heavy use. Looking forward to many more good years of use out of it.