If you don't like your Toshiba notebook, just wait a few weeks and, like the weather in New England, there will be a new one. Reproducing like crazed rabbits, the folks at Toshiba are cranking out new models faster than we can keep up with them.

Case in point: A few months ago I was playing with what was then a new Toshiba Satellite A105-S4014 ($1,399), which is a dual-core powerhouse, packed with all the features a computer junkie like me could ever want. But, just as I was becoming comfortable with it, Toshiba gave birth to the Toshiba Satellite P105-6014 ($1,499), a newer, bigger machine that I liked even more than the previous (and now outdated) model.

What's a computer-addicted geek to do?

The S4014 actually has a few more features than its younger sibling, but that may not be a good thing. The dual-mode touchpad was a constant source of frustration for me. On one side, you have your standard touchpad, but the other boasts several glowing icons that give you instant access to the Internet and other tools we use all the time.

The problem is, being used to a full-sized pad, I kept hitting those symbols in error. This resulted in either the computer locking up or my having to wait until whatever button I hit did its thing. Convenient? Probably. Annoying? Yes!

But they made up for it by putting system control buttons (power, Internet, multimedia tools) on the left side of the computer for easy access.

All of these buttons have been relocated to the top of the keyboard on the S6014 and the stereo speakers have been moved from the top to the bottom.

Other than that, the two systems have a lot in common:

• Both have 1.66 Core Duo processors from Intel.
• Both boast Centrino wireless technology and found my wireless network instantly
• Both have fingerprint readers that, although frustrating at times, do a decent job of keeping intruders from using your notebook.
• Both boast Toshiba's Tru-Brite LCD screens that deliver great graphics.
• Both are aimed at hard-core gamers and business users.
• Both have a multi-format CD/DVD burner.

The S6014 is a pound heavier than the S4014 _ seven pounds versus six. That could be due to its larger hard drive, which is 160 gigabytes compared to 120GB, and a larger LCD display _ 17-inch widescreen on the S6014 and 15.4 inches on the S4014.

Both give you about three hours of battery life before you have to recharge.

For more information on both of these machines, check out the company's Web site at www.toshibadirect.com.

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