Review: Micron TransPort LT laptop

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Micron's Transport LT has a Mini-PCI 56k v.90 internal modem

by Carla Thornton

(IDG) -- WHAT'S HOT: Though it can't quite match the IBM ThinkPad T20's combination of 5.2 pounds and 14.1-inch screen size, Micron's handsome TransPort LT makes a fine alternative. Only 5.3 pounds, it carries a 13.3-inch screen -- still a big display for a notebook this light -- and costs hundreds of dollars less than the T20.

WHAT'S NOT: Like the T20 and all other two-spindle laptops, the LT has only one internal bay. Therefore, the included 8X DVD-ROM drive, floppy drive, and any extra-cost internal devices you buy (a $139 SuperDisk drive, a $229 Zip 250 drive, or a $99 second battery) must take turns occupying the bay. You can use two devices simultaneously by attaching the floppy drive externally, but that requires buying Micron's USB floppy drive caddy for an extra $19. Unlike the ThinkPad, the TransPort does not include a weight-saver module for protecting the expansion bay when you're not carrying an internal drive. The notebook also could be more conveniently designed for audiophiles: Headphone and microphone ports sit on the back rather than on the front or side. Finally, the 2.6-hour battery life could be better.

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WHAT ELSE: The TransPort LT performed well for its processor class, turning in a PC WorldBench 2000 score of 154 with Windows 2000 -- 6 percent better than the only other Pentium III-700/550 we've tested with that OS, Gateway's Solo 9300. The magnesium-clad TransPort boasts a fine design, with no-tools hard drive removal and all the standard notebook connections, including modem and network jacks. The keyboard is well laid out and sports one programmable key and mouse buttons that can launch applications. Volume buttons at the top of the keyboard make up somewhat for the poor placement of the audio ports. The attractive printed manual is also available online.

BEST USE: Fast, handsome, lightweight, and relatively inexpensive for its class, the TransPort LT would fit nicely in any company shopping for a high-end travel laptop.

BUYING INFO: $3205, PC WorldBench 2000 score of 154, Pentium III-700/550, 128MB of RAM, 256KB L2 cache, Windows 2000 Professional, 13.3-inch active-matrix screen, ATI Mobility MT graphics with 8MB of SDRAM, 20GB hard drive, 8X DVD-ROM drive, built-in V.90 modem and network interface, touchpad pointing device, 7-pound weight (including internal DVD-ROM drive, USB floppy drive, AC adapter and phone cord). 3-year warranty on parts and labor; free, unlimited 24-hour tech support.

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Micron Electronics, Inc.

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