Product Description
For those who need a versatile, affordable lifestyle laptop equipped
for excellent gaming and other entertainment too, Toshiba presents this
new and highly enteraining Satellite A355/A355D Series. Topped by an
attractive high-gloss Fusion Finish, this laptop still has the memory,
storage, and processor power for great performance, helping people
handle their busy lives. Yet when the day is done, it's also ready to
play, offering integrated and discrete graphics for exciting gaming, a
brilliant 16-inch display for more memorable movies and photo editing,
together with features like a Webcam, Toshiba Face Recogition and a
high-definition sound port for more fun and experience. The Toshiba
A355-S6925 ships with Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (SP1, 64 bit
version), 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 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, 320GB (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: #111 in Personal Computers
- Color: Fusion finish with constellation black pattern
- Brand: Toshiba
- Model: PSALWU-01E013
- Dimensions: 1.36" h x
15.10" w x
10.50" l,
6.48 pounds
- CPU: Intel Core Duo 2 GHz
- Memory: 4000MB DDR2 SDRAM
- Hard Disk: 320GB
- Processors: 2
- Native resolution: 16
- Display size: 16
Features
- Portable multimedia laptop with 16-inch screen for true 16:9 aspect ratio and native 720p high-def resolution
- 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 processor, 320 GB hard drive, 4 GB RAM (max), Labelflash dual-layer DVD drive
- Draft-N Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), Fast Ethernet, Intel GMA X4500MHD graphics (up to 1750 MB total available memory)
- Connectivity: 4 USB (with 1 shared eSATA), 1 FireWire, 1 VGA, ExpressCard 54/34, 5-in-1 memory card reader
- Pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium with SP1 (64-bit version); Fusion finish with Constellation Black pattern
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Product Description
Replace your desktop PC with the Toshiba Satellite A355-S6925 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 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 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 320 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.
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Spec Check
- 16-inch LCD screen
- 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 processor
- 320 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 T6400 processor has a 2.0 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 large 320 GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive (5400 RPM) offers a
wealth of storage space, perfect for storing a vast multimedia
collection or for editing digital video. 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.
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-S6925 notebook PC,
rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating
instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty.
Customer Reviews
Gorgeous, Big, Well Priced 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 - well my son managed to crack the screen. He has
no idea how this happened, but it's certainly not Toshiba's fault. I
will admit the top is somewhat flexible, but that's not how this broke.
He probably fell asleep and rolled over on top of it and doesn't
remember that. I am super happy I bought the 3 year no fault warranty.
Just a word to the wise, displays in general have gotten more fragile.
Use care or buy a warranty (just be sure it's backed by the right kind
of company).
A Fast Laptop for Work + Excellent Video and Audio Quality
This Toshiba Satellite replaced a four-year-old Dell Inspiron. As a
writer, I use my laptop every day and wanted a comfortable keyboard and
touchpad. This Satellite delivers with a sturdy keyboard, enough space
to rest your palms comfortably while typing and a textured touchpad.
The touchpad has touch scrolling on both the right side and
bottom (handy for scrolling along large spreadsheets), so you don't
have to hold down the left-click button to scroll--much easier on the
hand. The touchpad scrolling settings are adjustable and can be
removed.
The click buttons are large and placed so that your palms don't brush them while you type.
I also wanted a laptop with excellent video quality for watching
DVDs and Play Now features from NetFlix. Videos are crisp and colorful
on this 16-inch screen and it's easy to see from several angles (unlike
my old LCD-screen where the screen had to be tilted just exactly right
to avoid the black shadow effect).
If you like to watch movies in bed on the computer with your
honey, this computer is great for that since both people can see the
screen without black shadowing. The light-up DVD controls on the top of
the keyboard are also a great feature for watching DVD's in bed.
The speakers are very good quality, with excellent range and can
be turned up loud enough to enjoy music or watch a movie from another
part of the room.
My most favorite feature of this computer is the volume control.
Located on the front, next to the 5:1 memory card reader and headphone
jack, is a small wheel that turns left and right, like the volume
control on a radio.
It's so simple, it's brilliant! When you have music blasting and
the phone rings with a call from a client, a quick flip of the dial and
the sound is turned down or off. No more hunting on the keyboard for
the Function Key + a picture of a muted speaker.
The Satellite has a built-in webcam that is easily activated with
a click. The webcam controls appear whenever your mouse hovers near the
left side of the screen.
Speaking of hovering controls, whenever you press the FN
(Function) key, a large legend appears at the top of the screen with
function controls, which is handy when you don't have your glasses.
All four USB ports are on the sides near the front, as is the
network port. It is easier to plug and unplug components, but it's also
easier to bump my USB drive when picking up something from my desk.
Did I mention that this computer is blazingly fast? Wow! Need to
have five different programs running plus several web pages open? Not a
problem for this zippy laptop.
I've been very happy with the Toshiba Satellite and would highly recommend it.
Very Happy
I spent way tooooo long researching and reading and thinking about
which laptop to buy and then bought the Toshiba. I'm sure other choices
would have worked for me as well, but I'm VERY happy with the Toshiba.
It looks good, which, while not a big factor, is a nice bonus. It's
fast. I've used a number of other PC's running Vista and they've all
been pretty slow, so I think the 4GB of memory is a big help. This
laptop has built-in DVD control buttons in the housing above the
keyboard and while I wouldn't have bought it because of this feature,
it turns out to be REALLY easy to use and helpful!
I've been surprised at how much I like it! I've used products from
Dell, HP, Compaq, IBM, Lenovo, Apple and Sony and this Toshiba is, so
far, better for me than anything I've used before.
