With the Satellite S35DVD, Toshiba has aimed at the middle ground between the true sub-notebook and a full sized machine too large and heavy to actually carry around on a regular basis. The Satellite weighs about 2kg - at least a kilo less than a standard notebook - and it offers a reduced, though not miniscule, 275 x 250mm footprint intended to make it easier to transport.

The case and lid surface are made from plastic, which is slightly disappointing given the significantly greater durability of magnesium alloy, but the actual quality of fit and finish is up to Toshiba's usual standards.

The Satellite has a full complement of ports, including parallel, PS/2, USB, VGA and even IEEE1394 for fast transfer of fat video clips or big image files; only a conventional (these days 'legacy') serial port is absent. You also get the standard stacked pair of Type II PC Cards and both 10/100 networking and V.90 comms are included as part of the basic package, on an upgradeable MiniPCI combo card.

The keyboard is sensibly organised and large enough to be usable without endless frustration, but the 12.1 inch XGA TFT screen turned out to be somewhat on the dull side, which will be a disadvantage in bright ambient light.

Toshiba - Satellite S35DVD features - Verdict

Compact, lightweight and capable of decent battery life, but not without niggles - like a rather dull screen and the lack of hot exchange assistance for the drive bay. Quite a nice, compact portable on the whole, but not a Toshiba classic.

Toshiba - Satellite S35DVD price

£1,299 + VAT

Toshiba: 01932 828828