Toshiba Satellite A135-S4527 15.4 Notebook PC (Intel Pentium Dual Core Processor T2080, 1 GB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive, SuperMulti DVD Drive, Vista Premium)

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Toshiba Satellite A135-S4527 15.4" Notebook PC (Intel Pentium Dual Core Processor T2080, 1 GB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive, SuperMulti DVD Drive, Vista Premium)
 
Manufacturer: Toshiba
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List Price: $1,199.00
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Product Description

Easily mobile at just 6 pounds, the Toshiba Satellite A135-S4527 makes it easy to get your work done with a large, bright 15.4-inch widescreen LCD. The XGA-resolution screen (1280 x 800) permits side-by-side viewing of documents for increased productivity. It's also great for using as a media center, with Toshiba's unique Express Media Player enabling you to bypass the system and access CDs and DVDs with a touch of button. This affordable notebook PC is powered by Intel's 1.73 GHz Core Duo T2080 processor, which provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance and efficient power consumption. It also offers a 120 GB hard drive, 1 GB of installed RAM (2 GB maximum), dual-layer/multi-format DVD drive that also burns CDs, integrated 54g wireless connectivity, and Intel GMA 950 video card with up to 256 MB of shared video RAM.

It comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, which includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center. In addition to easily playing your DVD movies and managing your digital audio library, you'll be able to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV). Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.

The Basics

  • Processor: The Intel Core Duo T2080 processor is built with the Mobile Intel 945PM Express chipset, and it has a 1.73 GHz processor speed, fast 533 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and 1 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

    The Intel Core Duo processor has two computational execution cores in a single processor, providing greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It's optimized for multitasking and is ready to support the next version of Microsoft Windows, code-named Vista. It can simultaneously run multiple demanding applications--such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching business productivity applications--while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background. It's more efficient, thanks to Intel's Power Coordination and Deeper Sleep, which help to transfer power only to those areas of the processor that need it. It also features Intel's Digital Media Boost, which delivers enhanced performance on floating point-intensive applications such as CAD tools, 3-D and 2-D modeling, video editing, digital music, digital photography and gaming.

  • Hard Drive: The 120 GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 RPM) is just above average in size for business notebook PCs. It provides more than enough capacity for storing documents, digital media files, and productivity software. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.

  • Memory: The 1 GB of built-in memory (PC4200, DDR2 SDRAM) is a good start for power users, and it offers a decently fast 533 MHz speed. It has two memory slots, enabling you to add up to 2 GB of RAM for worry-free handling graphics-intensive presentations and multiple open business productivity applications. To receive the faster data transfer benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.

  • DVD/CD Drive: The dual-layer DVD drive is compatible with a wide range of formats, including both DVD+RW and DVD-RW discs, CD-RW discs, and dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can hold up to 8.5 GB of data--great for backing up your MP3 collection or your most important documents. It features the following speeds: 4x DVD+R DL, 4x DVD-R DL, 8x for both single-layer DVD+R/-R, 8x DVD+RW, 6x DVD-RW, 5x DVD-RAM, and 24x/16x for CD-R/RW. It reads DVD-ROM discs at 8x and CD-ROMs at 24x.

  • Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 85-key keyboard and electro-static two-button touchpad. It also offers a launch button for the Express CD/DVD media player and control buttons (play, stop, next, previous) as well as a volume control dial.
Screen, Video & Audio
This notebook has a 15.4-inch TFT display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels (native 720p for high-definition viewing). It also provides TruBrite technology, which makes images brighter and more vivid thanks to its anti-glare feature. Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950, which uses Intel Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT) and provides up to 256 MB of shared video memory. It also features an integrated audio card with headphone and microphone jacks.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
This Toshiba Satellite has an integrated Atheros 802.11b/g wireless-LAN that enables you to easily connect at wireless hotspots wherever you roam. You get a good offering of connectivity options:

  • 4 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
  • 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
  • 1 VGA monitor port
  • 1 S-Video out
  • 1 PCMCIA (or PC Card) slot (Type II, PCMCIA R2.01, PC Card16, CardBus)
  • 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack
  • 5-in-1 memory card reader that's compatible with Secure Digital (including SDIO), MMC, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD Picture Card memory cards
It also has an integrated 56K modem (V.92) and an RJ-45 LAN network port (for a 10/100 Fast Ethernet connection to networks and DSL/cable modems).

Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software
Toshiba software includes Disc Creator, Recovery Disc Creator, and Speech System. Third-party software titles include Microsoft Works 8.5, InterVideo WinDVD 8 SD, Google Desktop and Toolbar, McAfee Internet Security Suite (with 30-day trial), and Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student Edition (60-day trial).

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 14.2 x 10.5 x 1.45 (WxDxH) and weighs 6 pounds.

Power
It's powered by a 4000 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of up to 2.5 hours (depending on usage). It has a 4.5-hour full charging time.

What's in the Box
This package contains the A135-S4527 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty.

Product Details

  • 6-pound notebook with 15.4-inch screen and 1.73 GHz Intel Intel Core Duo T2080 processor
  • 120 GB hard drive, 1 GB installed RAM (1 GB), dual-layer DVD/CD burner
  • 54g Wi-Fi LAN (802.11b/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 PCMCIA
  • Pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium (with Media Center capabilities)

Video Reviews

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Customer Reviews

Problems from day one - Complete waste of money
 
Review Date: August 8, 2010
Reviewer: P. MCTAGGART, New York
This laptop has caused nothing but trouble from day one. It was a complete waste of money. Even with the minimum of software and files loaded, it would take forever to boot up. On many occasions it would totally freeze and on quite a few occasions I would get the dreaded blue screen. I have spent many hours and days trying to fix the various problems that would arise, but after a couple of years of frustration, it is ready for the trash. It makes me quite wary of buying another Toshiba product.
Toshiba didn't disappoint with this one.
 
Review Date: July 25, 2010
Reviewer: Steven G Perry,
Well I bought this laptop just over three years ago as my very first laptop. After a lot of research in the market at that time, I found this was the best all around laptop for my uses as a college student at the time. It hasn't been until recent months that I have felt the age of the computer, but after three years, I can't believe I'm still using it everyday too. This computer has traveled with all over the country and overseas and has held up to a lot of punishment overtime. The only thing I have had to do to it was replace the keyboard (which was quite easy) because I accidentally spilled some beverage on it.


Pros- great value for the money, light, fast, 4 USB ports, reliability, just fine for basic computing, surfing and some gaming

Cons- battery life is terrible but I always had it on high performance, but even gearing this thing down, you might get 1.5 to 2 hours tops surfing the web or watching a movie. Also the volume output from the speakers is considerably lower compared to other laptops when volume is set to max when watching movies.

Overall I don't regret making the purchase, but since it is three years later, there really is no reason to go after this computer now unless you want a simple machine and are on a tighter budget. Thanks Toshiba!
keys stick, loud alarm goes off when opening
 
Review Date: April 19, 2010
Reviewer: Janet Fellows, wolcott,connecticut
This is a horible Laptop, great on paper, but,after 1 year and warranty is done, the forward slash key just types over and over like /////////// and you can't stop it. When I open the computer a horrible alarm sound happens and it does not matter if all sounds are off, systems sounds are turned off and you roll the volume down it does not stop for about 15 seconds, can not even take it to work it is so embarrasing. Don't even try to type anything because it just gets forward slashes in it. The restore point also does not work. I bought an HP laptop that lasted for 8 years even worked when the hinge broke, this laptop is not for you Run Don't Walk away!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!DO NOT BUY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Review Date: January 4, 2010
Reviewer: college comp crasher, state college, PA
Im a college student and after 3 years of using this computer i can tell you that the casing is horribly designed. the air intake is on the bottom of the machine, meaning the machine will over heat if you use it on a soft surface. Oh and the machine over heats to begin with. The storage capacity is non-existent if you have any amount of music or videos. this machine is basically a portable desktop. the power cable is on the back of the machine, meaning if you try and tilt it back as if using it in your lap you will snap it off, which will be seared by your overheating cpu.
Moving on, this computer was incompatible with penn states computer network, never got good wifi reception and crashed so often that forcive rebooting became a habit of life. My IPhone is a better and more rounded laptop. this is a machine that never should have been running vista, and is only working well now after I doubled the ram, replaced the CD drive, trippled the hard drive size and Upgraded back to windows xp, for which i had to track down drivers for half the computers components, a total cost of $374 plus shipping and handling. not to mention the lost files. to put this computer into a fun perspective, it looks good, like a chrystler, but like a chrystler it is only good after you replace everything.
Decent for light use
 
Review Date: November 13, 2009
Reviewer: Uthor,
I've owned this laptop for about 1.5 years now. I've been using it full time for a year.

It's an okay laptop for occasional use. Vista initially ran slow on the laptop, but upgrading to 2 GB and getting Microsoft's updates have helped the speed (and reliability) of the OS.

One thing that I don't like is Toshiba's third party programs. Most are set to load along with Windows, which completely overloads the available memory. Some are also graphically intensive, which slows the system even further. Once those programs are disabled or uninstalled, the system speeds up. Unfortunately, installing and uninstalling the extra programs adds hours to your time if you need to do a system restore.

The RAM was a big disappointment for me. You could upgrade to 2 GB, but if you plan on multitasking or running image heavy programs (image or video editing), it's not enough. Too bad the motherboard drivers don't support 4 GB.

Integrated video is another problem. It works okay when watching video files, but I notice that playing DVDs, especially cartoons, aren't as smooth as they should be. It's completely useless for playing any video game released in the last five years.

The hard drive is decent sized. I can keep my entire photo and music collections on the computer, but the hard drive is not quite big enough for a video collection.

Battery life is acceptable. I get about an hour of use at full power as long as I'm not watching videos (DVDs, YouTube, etc). It is easy to lower power consumption levels for longer battery life. This causes programs to take a little bit longer to load, but once your browser or word processor boots up, there is no delay while working.

Ergonomics are fine. I use the keyboard and touchpad all day without problems. The keyboard has a few keys out of place from what's standard, but once you get used to the changes, they make sense (DEL and END within easy reach, ALT next to the arrow keys so you can go forwards and back within an internet browser quickly, etc). Two minor quibbles are the stupid placement of the headphone jack on the front and the fan on the bottom. The headphone jack makes listening through headphones difficult if you wish to have the laptop in your lap. The fan placement is easy to block, which makes the laptop really hot if placed on a soft surface (couch, bed, etc).

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