Toshiba Satellite A205-S4577 15.4" Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5300, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, SuperMulti DVD Drive, Vista Premium) | List Price: $999.99
Discount Price: $1,079.00
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Brand: Toshiba
Binding: Personal Computers
Warranty: 1 year warranty
Features: - Bright 15.4-inch LCD stylishly accented with an onyx blue metallic LCD cover
- 1.73 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5300 processor, 160 GB hard drive, 1 GB RAM (2 GB max), dual-layer DVD/CD burner
- Tri-mode Wi-Fi LAN (802.11a/b/g), 10/100 Ethernet, Intel GMA 950 video card with up to 256 MB shared memory
- Connectivity: 4 USB, 1 FireWire, 1 VGA, 1 S-Video, 1 headphone, 1 microphone, 1 ExpressCard 34/54
- Pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium (with Media Center capabilities)
A Solid System!! [Posted on 2007-07-02]
Before I rant the OS, I want to say this system is solid. It has a Intel Centrio dual-core processor (1.73x2), 1 GB of RAM (667Mhz of speed, 2 512's, more on that later), 8x SuperMulti Drive (burns everything you would think of, but if it is a DVD, wait awhile), a webcam (if video capture if your gig, then disable this first), HD speakers (always a nice touch), and a 15.4" Widescreen display which for me I'll have to get used to seeing that I was brought up with computers that had blocky CRT's. And another cool feature is the Wi-Fi, which when it is turned on, will connect to any internet anywhere. That is cool.
The starting installation is simple. You put it up to charge, and then you do everything it tells you to do. Of course, you should charge the battery up to 100%. Takes about two hours to complete.
The Vista version installed on this computer is the Home Premium one. I know there are differences between the whole family (Basic, Premium, Business, Ultimate), but the one thing they have in common is that they eat RAM like Oreos. It has high-def graphics and the graphics are used in more places than before. You also have the Google window that opens up on boot, and IMO, it is annoying. Vista makes everything a little more different, but hey, innovations are innovations, and even though a lot of XP components are not able to be installed on the systems, I would wait until System Pack 1 for stuff to really improve and be a great system.
In conclusion, this system is solid. Though Vista is a downer for the meantime, the price is great for the equipment offered (and the software, but be aware, DO NOT USE MOVIEFACTORY 5!! It really freezes almost everytime you use it). McAfee 30-day antivirus is standard, but when the subscription expires, get Norton for the antivirus. Also, very important, get 2 GB's of RAM (PC5300 or 5400 laptop memory) as soon as possible, you will thank yourself a lot. All in all, not a bad investment. Just do not attempt to try to switch to XP unless you get support. Have fun!
A few minor goofs, but all in all, a very stable and professional system [Posted on 2007-08-24]
This was an emergency purchase for me, as my old laptop finally gave up the ghost after 5 long years of abuse, and I needed a new one for work. So far, the A205-S4577 has kept up with both work and home. Video is remarkably clear, and controls are nice. Toshiba's add-ons are a bit of a nuisance, and needed to be disabled, and the keyboard takes a little bit of getting used to (I couldn't, however, tell you why -- it just doesn't *feel* quite right at first), but all in all, I'm very happy with my purchase.
Worthless battery life [Posted on 2007-10-30]
I have just one thing to say about my Toshiba Satellite, and I presume this extends to all of Toshiba's laptops: the battery is worthless. It never lasted more than an hour and a half when I got it new and quickly deteriorated until now when it barely lasts 15 minutes. I know laptop batteries wear out, but I've also used IBM laptops at work for many years and those batteries always last for several hours even when they are old (as many as 4 hours!). So if you care about battery life, don't get Toshiba.
Not enough RAM, no XP drivers [Posted on 2008-01-28]
This is an adequate computer, but not for serious work. The hardware is solid and the battery life at almost 90 minutes is OK if you are close to a power outlet. Not for field use or air travel. Sleep mode actually works well, consuming very little battery power while allowing quick resumption of work upon opening the case again. The WiFi is good at capturing weak signals and the 4 USB ports are a plus. The SD card reader is extremely handy for direct transfer of digital camera files, etc. The speakers are excellent, as good as many external speaker systems, but the external volume control is software controlled, so cannot be used to prevent noisy bootup in public places. Always mute the speakers before shutdown. The Vista operating system slows this solid, well designed hardware system to a maddening crawl. Windows Vista is an operating system that should be taken for a long ride into the country then left on the side of the road. The recommended fix is to dump Vista and upgrade to Windows XP Pro, but the primary components in this laptop have no XP drivers, so that is not an option. If you buy this computer you are stuck with Vista, with slow loading apps, slow graphics, and constant lock-ups due to inadequate RAM. I plan to toss the 2 512MB SODIMM's and install 2GB or 4GB RAM. I have been able to use this machine on business trips and it is an adequate appliance, but not the joy to use that it should be.
I like it, [Posted on 2008-06-21]
I like it, awesome display, monitor is great, very clear crisp, great color. Sound is pretty good, not as good as my HIFI home system, but best I ever had in a laptop.
Only complaint is that it was a little buggy until I upgraded the memory. I only replaced one of the 526 mb with a 1GB stick. I am running about 1.5 gb memory and its all good now.
Lots of features, and plugs on the outside I havent even used yet. It has a card slot for my digi camera memory card right in front, nice not having to find that cable to upload video ad pics.
4 stars!
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