Product Description
For anyone who needs a versatile, affordable laptop that strikes the
right balance between work and play, the Toshiba A355 laptop series
hits all the right notes. Featuring an eye-catching design topped with
a stylish high-gloss Fusion™ Finish surface, this laptop is equipped
with ample system memory, a spacious hard drive, and the latest in
dual-core processing power to give you the freedom to connect, be
productive and enjoy your multimedia in more places. With its striking
16-inch high-definition widescreen display and superior sound quality,
the A355 laptop series is built for multi-tasking and digital
entertainment. The Toshiba A355-S6924 ships with Genuine Windows Vista
Home Premium (SP1, 64 bit version), 2.2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6600
Processor, 2MB L2 Cache, Mobile Intel GM45 Express Chipset, Mobile
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD with 128MB-1759MB Dynamically
Allocated Shared Graphics Memory, Configured with 4GB PC6400 DDR2
SDRAM, 250GB (5400 RPM) Hard Drive (SATA), DVD SuperMulti (+/-R double
layer) drive with LabelFlash supporting 11 formats, 16.0 in (Diagonal)
Widescreen TruBrite TFT LCD Display at 1366 x 768 Resolution, webcam
and microphone built into LCD bezel, Intel Wi Fi Link 5100AGN
/802.11a/g/n. Dimensions: 15.1 " x 10.5" x 1.36" without feet, weight:
Starting at 6.48 lbs.
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #118 in Personal Computers
- Brand: Toshiba
- Model: PSALWU-043013
- Dimensions: 1.36" h x
15.10" w x
10.50" l,
6.48 pounds
Features
- 2.2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 processor
- 4 GB RAM (max)
- 250 GB hard drive, Labelflash dual-layer DVD drive
- Windows Vista Home Premium with SP1 (64-bit version)
- 16-inch screen, 16:9 aspect ratio and native 720p high-def resolution, Intel GMA X4500MHD graphics (up to 1750 MB memory)
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Product Description
Replace your desktop PC with the Toshiba Satellite A355-S6924
laptop, featuring all the power and hard drive space you expect from a
top-of-the-line desktop but in an easily mobile package. Stylishly
designed, this Toshiba Satellite features a large, bright 16-inch LCD
(1366 x 768)--with a true 16:9 aspect ratio and 720p native
high-definition resolution. It's also great for using as a media
center, with Toshiba's Express Media Player enabling you to bypass the
system and access CDs and DVDs with a touch of button. The dual-layer
DVD±RW drive also burns CDs and offers LabelFlash print functionality.
A 1.3 megapixel digital web camera built into the LCD's bezel lets you
quickly snap photos and participate in live video chats.
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The integrated webcam does more than just video chats. It includes
Toshiba Face Recognition capabilities--the ultimate hands-free,
hassle-free way to log onto your laptop. Just show your face to the
webcam--no keeping track of hard-to-remember passwords and no
unnecessary typing. And if you're using one laptop for several
users--say for the whole family or for a small business--Toshiba Face
Recognition lets you switch profiles with one simple look.
It's powered by the 2.2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 processor, which
boosts speed, reduces power requirements, and saves on battery life. It
also offers a fast 800 MHz front-side bus speed and 2 MB L2 cache. It
also includes Intel's 5100AGN wireless LAN, which will connect to draft
802.11n routers and offers compatibility with 802.11a/b/g networks as
well. Other features include a spacious 250 GB hard drive, 4 GB of RAM
(maximum), 5-in-1 memory card reader, Draft-N Wi-Fi networking
(802.11a/b/g/n), Intel GMA X4500MHD integrated graphics (with up to
1750 MB of dynamically shared video memory), and Toshiba's Fusion
finish with Constellation Black pattern.
This PC also comes
preinstalled with the 64-bit version of 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.
This Toshiba notebook is Energy Star 4.0 certified and it is
RoHS-compliant, effectively reducing the environmental impact by
restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous
substances.
Toshiba's stylish Fusion Finish. |
Brilliant Fusion Finish and Feather-Touch Multimedia Controls
New Toshiba Satellite laptops do more than just make your life easier
and more enjoyable. They make a real statement too--the moment you walk
in, thanks to Fusion finish with finely striped Horizon design pattern.
Run your fingertips across the smooth, shiny palm rest of the Satellite
laptop and what do you encounter? Nary a bump. That's because the
touchpad is recessed to give your notebook a more streamlined look, and
to give you more comfort when you're clicking or going crazy with that
cursor. Additionally, separate multimedia buttons let you
launch your favorite entertainment right away. But with their unique
feather-touch operation these controls do that and more--allowing you
to effortlessly start, pause, fast-forward and rewind.
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Spec Check
- 16-inch LCD screen
- 2.2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 processor
- 250 GB hard drive
- 4 GB RAM (maximum)
- Dual-layer DVD±R drive with LabelFlash
- Draft-N Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n)
- Intel GMA X4500MHD graphics (up to 1750 MB shared)
- Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit)
- Fusion finish with Constellation Black pattern
- Weighs 6.5 pounds
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The Basics
- Processor:
The Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 processor has a 2.2 GHz processor speed,
fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and 2 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.) With two computational execution cores in a
single processor, it provides 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 Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. 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. Some of the
advanced Intel innovations of the Core 2 Duo processor include:
- Smart
Memory Access: Improves system performance by hiding memory latency,
thus optimizing the use of available computer data bandwidth to provide
data to the processor when and where it is needed.
- Advanced
Digital Media Boost: Effectively doubles the execution speed for
instructions used widely in multimedia and graphics applications.
- Dynamic
Power Coordination: Coordinates Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology and
idle power-management state (C-states) transitions independently per
core to help save power.
- Deeper Sleep with Dynamic Cache
Sizing: Saves power by flushing cache data to system memory during
periods of inactivity to lower CPU voltage.
- Hard Drive:
The generous 250 GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 RPM) provides more than
enough capacity for storing a large audio and video library, as well as
extra space required for video editing. This SATA hard drive also
quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to
Firewire and USB 2.0.
- Memory: The 4 GB of
installed RAM (PC6400, 2 x 2 GB) maximizes the capacity of this
notebook, and it also offers an ultra-fast 800 MHz speed.
- DVD/CD Drive:
The dual-layer Labelflash 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: 6x for both DVD±R DL, 8x for both
single-layer DVD±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. With the
Labelflash functionality, you can burn high-resolution, high-contrast
pictures on the label side of DVD discs using the same laser used for
data recording. Enjoy transparency and high-quality not found in
traditional printable media. All you need is a Labelflash DVD disc to
start labeling without a printer.
- Keyboard & Mouse:
This notebook has a standard 86-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.
The Toshiba A355 with integrated Harman Kardon stereo speakers. |
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Screen, Video & Audio
The 16-inch WXGA LCD has a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels--perfect for
watching movies in their intended 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. 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 X4500MHD, which uses shared video memory (up
to 1750 MB allocated from the system memory) and provides Windows Vista
Aero interface support and enhanced 3D graphics performance--delivering
over 2x scores on 3DMark 06. Intel Clear Video Technology provides
outstanding video playback with sharper image quality, increased
clarity, and customizable color controls. It also enables enhanced
visual quality of interlaced content on progressive displays. This notebook also features an integrated audio card and two Harman Kardon stereo speakers.
Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the
integrated quad-mode Intel Wireless 5100AGN Wi-Fi chip. Based on the
draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the
performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless.
It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found
in home routers and Wi-Fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which
has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed
office environments).
It also includes a next-generation
ExpressCard card slot (replacing the PCMCIA slot), which lets you take
advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more
advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. It comes
with the following external connectors:
- 4 USB 2.0 ports
for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3
players (including 1 eSATA/USB combo port)
- 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
- Video out: VGA
- 1 ExpressCard 54/34 slot
- 1 headphone jack (with SPDIF digital output for 5.1-channel surround sound)
- 1 microphone jack
- 5-in-1 memory card reader (Secure Digital, MultiMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD Picture Card)
- 10/100 Fast Ethernet networking
- 56K modem (V.90)
Operating System
The 64-bit version of Windows Vista Home Premium (with SP1) 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
Microsoft
Works 9.0, Google Toolbar, Ulead DVD MovieFactory 5, Norton 360
All-in-One Security (30-day trial), and Microsoft Office 2007 Home and
Student Edition (60-day trial).
Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 15.1 x 10.5 x 1.52 inches (WxDxH, and it weighs 6.5 pounds.
Power
It comes with a 4000 mAH lithium-ion battery pack for extra-long battery life.
What's in the Box
This package contains the Toshiba Satellite A355-S6924 notebook PC,
rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating
instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty.
Customer Reviews
Well Priced Beautiful Laptop
This is my second Toshiba laptop. Number one is around 4 years old and still works well.
This review is more about the A355 chassis, than this exact spec
laptop, and should apply to just about every one of the laptops in this
series whether they run AMD or Intel chips.
The first view is that the materials are just plain flat out
gorgeous. From the shiny exterior, to the semi rounded base, the two
large chrome mouse buttons, the nicely integrated Harmon Kardon
speakers, the illuminated touch areas, the big beautiful monitor, and
those shiny keys. Yes this is one very pretty computer.
Under that pretty hood are some interesting specs. It used to be
incredibly rare to see an eSATA port on any computer, let alone a
laptop. Well this one has exactly that - an eSATA port that doubles as
a USB port. Nice option to hook up external hard drives. It also
includes an iLink, Firewire, or IEEE-1394 port - an incredible rarity
(even Apple dropped this port). The audio ports and volume control are
on the front, nicely placed. There's absolutely no ports on the rear.
There's also an express card slot (not a PCMCIA slot, but EXPRESS card
slot) and a multi flash memory card reader (they've dropped CF from the
list). It does not include Bluetooth - a very strange omission since
every single bluetooth adapter uses the Toshiba stack to run. Use
either of these adapters, they work perfectly: IOGear GBU421 Bluetooth
2.0 USB Micro Adapter or Cirago BTA3210 Class 2 Micro Bluetooth Adapter
(Black Tip) - both are outstanding miniscule adapters.
Toshiba stuffed 4Gb of RAM and a 320Gb hard drive into this big
baby. Those are some pretty nice features in a laptop this inexpensive.
Those Harmon Kardon speakers sound very nice.
You'll either hate this or love it, and fortunately you can turn
this off if you hate it. The Toshiba name, a little band above the
scratchy navigation pad, and the media buttons all light up white
(pretty bright at that). I think it looks pretty cool, but others have
hated all those lights.
The monitor, oh that monitor is gorgeous. Movies pop, they look
absolutely fantastic on this computer. It's a nice big screen. Yes it
is a gloss finish and you do get some reflections here or there, but
generally it's not bad.
The keys are all glossy and the fanatical among you might not like
all the visible fingerprints, but I think most will get over that
quickly. There is just a ton of room to put your hands to type and use
the computer. That surface in front is sweet for a palm rest.
Function-wise, this computer is a decent performer. Nobody is
buying this to run heavy games or render video - it won't do those
things. But for the occasional game, the occasional video edit, you'll
score well here.
Do note, this computer runs Windows Vista Premium 64-Bit. Please
don't be afraid of that operating system. I'm running 64 bit on two
computers and it runs just beautifully. There is almost no new hardware
that won't run under 64 bit these days. It's a rock solid platform. And
that OS allows all 4Gb of memory to be seen and used (32 bit tops out
at 3Gb). And if you don't believe me, type this into google - pcmag 64
bit computing. Read the first article in that hit list.
This is no lightweight computer. It's a big, pretty heavy laptop.
Great for around the house. Not something you would travel everywhere
with. But it is portable. Heat generation is nothing extreme. It does
pull air in from below, so be careful about couches or beds plugging
those holes.
It's a good solid fast computer. There's a bit of fan noise,
nothing huge, but you will know the machine is running. I hate to
comment on battery life, that's so dependent on how bright you make the
screen, processor speed settings and the like. I got a good solid 2
hours of hitting it very hard at max everything. You could probably get
a good 3 hours, maybe 4 at more conservative settings.
Something to keep in mind, Toshiba ships all their laptops full of
bloat-ware. It's a really good idea to remove it all. Almost none of it
is necessary. There are two websites that will clear all that garbage
out of your computer. It's explained in a great article at PCMag. Type
this into google, PCMag make the most out of your new pc. The first hit
will be a fantatstic article on how to remove the garbage.
Overall, this is a big, beautiful, good sounding, heavy, hard working, well priced laptop.
**********
June 2009 Update - my big old football playing son managed to crack
the display. Nothing Toshiba could have done to prevent this from
happening. He has no idea how it cracked, my guess he rolled over on
top of it when he fell asleep. It was fixed under a 3 year no fault
extended warranty. Thank you warranty! The top is a bit flexible, but
that's not the reason it cracked. Just be a bit more careful with this
thing, they are not toughbooks!
Good value, requires compromises
Good hardware configuration, esp. for the price; excellent for
casual use. I would not recommend this machine to a tech savvy user for
professional use.
It is the best compromise that I could find between price and
features. Bluetooth drivers are in it but you have to add the chip ($5
dongle and taking up a USB port). The worst compromise is it comes with
almost no software, but that seems to be standard practice in the
industry now.
My complaints are the touch pad interface is intermittent making it
sometimes too sensitive and other times I cannot drag the cursor
anywhere, and the cursor 'disappears' when the memory is busy. The
integrated graphics and dynamic RAM allocation can be smarter; I still
have to manually clear cache to retain performance when using
graphics-intensive applications.
Read the one-star review and the responses to it about the cursor
jumping to different parts of the screen during typing. Those people
say it's the touch pad picking up static from the thumb. If that's
indeed the reason for that annoying error, then it's a design flaw.
Other vendors' touch pads don't do this.
CORRECTION to DESCRIPTION
Contrary to the description of this item, it does not include an
HDMI port. I checked a number of different sources describing this
machine, including Toshiba's description of this machine, none of them
include an HDMI port.
