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Toshiba Satellite A205-S4577 Notebook (1.73GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Mobile T5300, 1GB DDR2, 160GB, DVDRW DL, Windows Vista Home Premium, 15.4" TFT)
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$450.98 From 1 Vendor Get Best Prices »
- Spec Navigator
- Processor
- Memory
- Display
- Storage
- Dimensions
- Other Features
- Networking
- Multimedia
- Software
- Interface Connections
- Included Devices
- Warranty
Processor
| Processor class | Intel Core 2 Duo Mobile |
| Processor speed | 1730 MHz |
| Cache size | 2048 KB |
| Bus speed | 533 MHz |
| System chipset | Intel 945GM |
Display
| Display size | 15.4 inches |
| Maximum resolution | 1280 x 800 |
| Aspect ratio | 16:10 |
| Display type | LCD Display w/ Glossy Screen |
Storage
| Total HD Size | 160 GB |
| Number of hard drives included | 1 |
| Included drives | DVD+-RW Dual Layer Combination Drive |
| Slots |
|
| Drive controllers | Serial ATA |
Networking
| Included network card |
|
Multimedia
| Video chipset | Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 |
| Maximum shared video memory | 128 MB |
| Video bus | PCI Express x16 |
| Video integration | Integrated |
Not Much RAM for Multitasking
The more RAM your laptop has, the faster programs will run and the greater number of windows you can work in at one time. If your needs are simple and you rarely do more than two things at once on your PC, the relatively modest amount of memory that comes installed in inexpensive laptops will be enough. Today the standard amount of RAM shipped in most PCs is 2GB. If you like to multitask--say, you want to launch a search for a file and start backing up data to a disc while you watch a news video--you need more memory.
Suited for Commuting and Other Short Trips
Because of its midsize screen and other middle-of-the-road characteristics, this notebook qualifies as an all-purpose portable. Though it might not have the biggest hard drive or all the latest card slots, its features--and accordingly, its price--are a good fit for most people who need to get work done in mainstream applications. On this laptop, you'll be able to compute comfortably in word processing, spreadsheet, e-mail, and browser applications, and enjoy music or a DVD movie with headphones. This laptop, lighter and easier to carry than a desktop replacement, is also a better choice for commuting and other short trips.
Supports DVD Burning
This laptop is equipped with a DVD burner, a slightly older type of optical drive. If you don't need the ultrahigh recording capacity of a new Blu-ray optical drive, and you don't care about watching high-definition movies on your laptop, a DVD burner should suit you fine. It can read and burn data, music, or video discs up to 8.5GB in capacity. A DVD burner is, of course, backward-compatible with CDs, but it cannot play the newer Blu-ray media because the two types of optical-disc technology use different lasers. In a couple of years, Blu-ray will completely replace the DVD disc format.
Expand Memory and Multimedia Through the ExpressCard Slot
The built-in ExpressCard slot on this laptop lets you easily expand the memory, wireless communications, multimedia, or security of the system. There are two types of ExpressCards: the ExpressCard/34, which measures 34mm by 75mm and is shaped like a stick of chewing gum, and the wider ExpressCard/54, which is 54mm by 75mm. The ExpressCard/54 slot, which accepts either type of card, opens up a wider world of expandability, including SmartCard readers, CompactFlash readers, and 1.8-inch disk drives. Few new laptops come equipped with the old PC Card slot that preceded ExpressCard, but if yours does, you can buy an adapter that lets you use ExpressCards in the PC Card slot.
Supports Memory Stick Cards
Usually, a multiformat card reader, such as the one in this laptop, can accept several different types of flash memory cards, including Memory Sticks. A compact proprietary flash memory card, Memory Stick is a Sony and SanDisk product intended chiefly for Sony devices, including its laptops, digital cameras, camcorders, PDAs, and cell phones, as well as the PlayStation Portable. Five variations have been released since its introduction in 1998--each faster, smaller, and more capacious than the last. Check this laptop's specs to see how many variations of Memory Stick it can read without an adapter. Not much bigger than a thumbnail, the Memory Stick Micro (aka M2) is the one of the smallest flash memory cards in existence; only the competing microSD, a type of SD Card, is tinier. The 16GB Memory Stick Pro Duo stores the most data.
Supports xD-Picture Cards
If you own a Fujifilm or Olympus digital camera, or an Olympus digital voice recorder, this laptop might be appropriate for you since it can read the xD-Picture Card format. xD is a niche product, not as popular or ubiquitous as other types of flash memory cards. Small and thin, and about the size of a quarter, it's comparable in size to Memory Sticks and SD Cards--but it doesn't hold as much, topping out at a mere 2GB. If you own (or are thinking of buying) a Fujifilm or Olympus digital device and need xD compatibility, that won't matter. This laptop will make sharing xD data a breeze.
Supports SD Cards
Like most new laptops, this one has either a multiformat card reader or a dedicated slot that accepts an SD (Secure Digital) Card. More popular than Memory Stick, CompactFlash, and xD-Picture Card, SD is found in a large number of digital cameras, PDAs, printers, and other devices. SD Cards have built-in security functions to protect data, including music copyright protection. (The cards have a small write-protection switch on the side similar to that of a floppy disk.) The latest SD card, the microSDHC, is the tiniest flash memory card to date, measuring only 11mm across. It's also the fastest and roomiest, capable of holding up to 16GB of data.
Supports MultiMediaCards
Any laptop that can work with SD Cards can also take MultiMediaCards in its multiformat card reader. These small, thin cards look like their SD counterparts (and are often lumped into the same category), but the technology inside is different, as these cards lack SD's encryption and have only half the storage capacity. They're also slower. If security and speed are not critical issues for you, MultiMediaCard can be a cheaper alternative to the more popular SD; many devices that accept SD will also take the slightly thinner MultiMediaCard. Regardless, this laptop gives you the choice of using either format.
Windows Vista Installed
Microsoft's Windows Vista introduces more graphical and functional changes--big and small--than the OS has undergone in quite some time. Among the graphical changes, the splashiest is the glasslike transparency of overlapping windows. Flip 3D, which lets you view open windows in a cascading 3D stack on the desktop, is eye-catching too. And the Windows Sidebar displays small applets on the desktop designed for specialized purposes, such as weather reports or sports scores. On the practical side, the new systemwide integrated Instant Search lets you look for a needed file from practically anywhere and at any time. Keep in mind, however, that because Vista offers so much, it requires a speedy CPU, ample RAM, and a good graphics card. Check out the other components of this laptop to be sure that Vista can run smoothly on it.
Average User Reviews for Toshiba Satellite A205-S4577 Notebook (1.73GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Mobile T5300, 1GB DDR2, 160GB, DVDRW DL, Windows Vista Home Premium, 15.4" TFT)
- Latest User Reviews 1 review
-
Reviewed by: dcfox01
Duration of ownership: 8 Months
Strengths: Core2Duo Centrino Great Speakers Comes with 1 GB of SDRAM, a great 5400rpm 160GB Has the new super-clear "Trubrite" screen, 4-USB ports, 1-firewire, 1-S video. 802.11a/b/g wireless Lan, The DVD reads and writes 11 different formats. As you've guessed this laptop is just plain "Bad to the bone".
Weaknesses: It would have been nice if it had came stock with 2 GB of SDRAM, but a pretty quick easy fix.
Overall: Well I've had IBM, HP, & Compaq notebook computers. I've traveled a lot, never without my laptop. I like everyone else try and take it easy on them, but of course there's always that unexpected drop, knock, or that plain old whatever that's never planned Oooops, and there goes your laptop. Well after reading review until my eyes were crossed and talking to about every person on the planet that knows anything I came out with just about the same answer to a Tough Laptop that's loaded with everything you'd ever need: TOSHIBA Laptops, and I'll have to say, it's without a doubt the best laptop I've ever owned, period. Now I picked the Satellite A205-S4577, it just seemed to me to be the best "bang for the buck" out there, and I think if you'll give one a shot you'll agree with me, It really is one Great Laptop
Review Now! Already own it? Tell us What You Think
-
Reviewed by: eddiel0727
Strengths: Solid system, powerful, beautiful design, Incredible sound system.
Weaknesses: Heavy,battery life
Overall: It's a great price for the product you are getting. Powerful and beautiful system with very impressive sound system. 6.26 Lbs is kinda heavy for 15.4" laptop. Upgrade memory to 2 GB. It is suggested that since it runs on Windows Vista Premium, that it would work best with 2 GB RAM. Built in webcam & MIC is very handy.
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We recommend these Laptops for their similarities to the Toshiba Satellite A205-S4577 Notebook (1.73GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Mobile T5300, 1GB DDR2, 160GB, DVDRW DL, Windows Vista Home Premium, 15.4" TFT) in features, specs, ratings, and user interest.
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