Toshiba Satellite A205-S6810 Laptop Technical Details

• Bright 15.4-inch LCD stylishly accented with an onyx blue metallic LCD cover
• 1.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5450 processor, 200 GB hard drive, 3 GB RAM (4 GB max), dual-layer DVD drive with Labelflash
• Tri-mode Atheros Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g); 10/100 Ethernet; Intel GMA X3100 graphics (up to 358 MB of available memory)
• Connectivity: 4 USB, 1 FireWire, 1 VGA, 1 S-Video, 1 ExpressCard 34/54, 5-in-1 memory card reader
• Pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium (with Media Center capabilities)

Toshiba Satellite A205-S6810 Description

Amazon.com Product Description
Stylishly accented with an onyx blue metallic LCD cover, the Toshiba Satellite A205-S6810 notebook PC is a great blend of multitasking productivity, multimedia prowess, and efficiently powered portability. It features a large, bright 15.4-inch XGA-resolution LCD (1280 x 800)--perfect for viewing multiple application screens or watching widescreen movies on DVD. 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. The dual-layer DVD±RW drive also burns CDs.

This notebook is powered by the 1.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5450 processor, which offers a 20 percent performance boost over its predecessor while using 28 percent less power--so you get the benefit of a powerful dual-core PC plus all the benefits of mobility. It also includes a 200 GB hard drive, 3 GB of RAM (maximizing capacity), tri-mode Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11a/b/g), Intel GMA X3100 video card with up to 358 MB of shared video RAM, and 5-in-1 memory card reader.

This PC 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 2 Duo T5450 processor has a 1.66 GHz processor speed, fast 667 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 200 GB Serial ATA hard drive provides more than enough capacity for storing a large audio and video library, as well as extra space required for video editing. However its 4200 RPM speed is a bit slower than current standard hard drives. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.

• Memory: This notebook comes installed with 3 GB of RAM (PC-5300, DDR2), which helps boost the amount of available video RAM that's shared with this notebook's video card. It also offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed. It has a 4 GB RAM capacity.

• 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: 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.

  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 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 X3100, which uses shared video memory (up to 358 MB allocated from the system memory) and provides Windows Vista Aero interface support and enhanced 3-D graphics performance--delivering over 2x scores on 3-DMark 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.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
This notebook has an integrated tri-mode Atheros wireless LAN (802.11a/b/g), with throughput up to 54 Mbps at 5 GHz (802.11a) and 2.4 GHz (802.11g). It also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 54/34 card slot (though no PCMCIA card slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. Here's the full list of connection 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 ExpressCard 54/34 slot
• Video out: VGA and S-Video
• Microphone/line-in and stereo headphones/speakers/line-out
• RJ-45 port for 10/100 Ethernet connection
• 56K modem port (V.90)
• 5-in-1 memory card reader (Secure Digital, MultiMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD Picture Card)

Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit version) 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 Desktop and Picasa, Ulead DVD MovieFactory 5, McAfee Internet Security Suite (30-day trial), and Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student Edition (60-day trial).

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 14.3 x 10.5 x 1.55 inches (WxDxH, and it weighs 6 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 A205-S6810 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty.

Optimized for everyday use, the affordable Satellite A205, with 15.4" diagonal widescreen WXGA TruBrite display, is loaded with a PC wish list of features. Intel's latest mobile technology offers efficient use of power and speed for multitasking and multimedia. Redesigned for looks and convenience, the Satellite A205 offers an attractive case, six CD / DVD control buttons for instant media access, and better spacing of its four USB ports to accommodate all your peripherals. This model offers a DVD SuperMulti (+/-R double layer) with Labelflash drive, for burning high quality labels directly onto Labelflash media. Stay in touch with high speed wireless (802.11a/b/g) and built-in Webcam!

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Toshiba Satellite A205-S6810 Reviews

Warning!, February 7, 2008

By Xyp (Cincinnati, OH) - First, please pardon the small foreword to Toshiba Satellite A205-S6810 Laptop review: I try not to post negative reviews. Generally, if I have something negative to say about something, I attempt to keep it to myself. Toshiba Satellite A205-S6810 is not one of those times. I literally could not be more disappointed and angry with the optical (CD / DVD) drive on this computer, and moreover, the customer service / support (none of either) that I've received after multiple attempts on the phone with Toshiba.

I purchased a Toshiba Satellite laptop through Amazon a few weeks ago after some fairly extensive research and review-reading. It's not the most expensive model on the market, but I've asked around, and people that I respect gave Toshiba laptops the "thumbs up". The A205 model that I bought, as well as many other Toshiba models, come with a TSST model TS-L632H DVD / CD RW drive, and when using iTunes to burn a disc, the computer returns with error messages (specifically, "error 2131"). The importing of CDs is also extraordinarily slow: about 20-25 minutes to rip one disc!.

I am not a computer expert by any means, but I'm no novice, either. I cruised Toshiba's Website, TSST's website, and countless message boards to try to find a fix- and I found out that I am not the only one to have this issue. I also found out that the problem is likely specific to something called "firmware" that the computer uses to talk to the drive itself. Dell Computers were having a similar problem that they released a fix for in early January, but absolutely nothing, not even an admission of a problem, has come from Toshiba. Further, Toshiba's online support site offers an "ODD Firmware Updater" program for their optical drives that doesn't even support the TS-L632H model. So, Warning #1: If you're going to buy a Toshiba product, please beware of the TSST CD / DVD drives and / or firmware installed (but apparently not supported, as you'll see momentarily) by Toshiba. If you want to read more about this problem, please Google "iTunes error 2131". How Toshiba could release a product that is incompatible with what is far and away the most popular music program in the world (iTunes) is absolutely beyond me... and then to leave the problem unrectified, when it is apparently fairly common, is simply unconscionable. I understand sometimes patches and fixes are slow, but the first message board post that I have found on this problem with Toshibas was in November of last year- that's 4 months now!

As if this wasn't enough: after multiple attempts on the phone with Toshiba customer support, I have been blown off once, and hung up on 3 times in a row after that (after being on hold for 45 minutes each) over the course of 3 days. It is very very disappointing that Toshiba has not recognized this problem, but it nails the coffin shut to have such horrible customer service. Warning #2: Toshiba doesn't admit to problems or make any attempt to fix them... and they are also in the routine habit of hanging up on customers who call for service and tech support.

Consider yourself warned. I plan to return this computer and never purchase a Toshiba product again.

Excellent basic laptop - very minor quibbles, January 30, 2008

By P. Smith -
First, if you're looking for a laptop with all the bells and whistles, this version of Toshiba's Satellite isn't it. Still, it's a great unit. The screen is amazing. Crystal clear and sharp. Not overly glossy to the point where you can see who's standing behind you. Movies look amazing on it.

You can get by with the 1 gig of ram it comes with, but be prepared for it to be a little sluggish. Still perfectly usable, but if you really want to take advantage of the nature of dual core (i.e. multi-tasking) then you'll want 2 gig. I put 2GB of Kingston, (2 x 1GB) 200-Pin DDR2 667 (PC2 5300), in the system and it has run flawless.

Very nice touch-pad on this unit and the left-right buttons under the touch pad are just right - not too mushy to cause an accidental click and not to stiff that they are annoying. Keyboard is laid out nicely with the "delete" key in the top right corner. Just the way I like it. Movies played perfectly and I was able to burn CD's right out of the box. Vista has a very cool drag and drop CD burning utility built into the OS. Sound system very nice, though speakers not adequate for movies - too quiet. But the simulated Dolby Surround for headphones works very well.

Other nice features that other laptops fail to include is a latching mechanism when you close the "lid" and a switch that let's you instantly turn off WiFi. This works very well by the way and stretches battery power when you don't need to be "connected."

The quibbles. If you are going to use this laptop for typing your next novel, you might want to try out the keyboard in your local PC store to make sure you are comfortable typing on it for extended periods. It's a little on the stiff side compared to some others. Another minor grip is no TV out. It does have a VGA out, but if you want to throw the image onto a TV you'll need a converter - a simple VGA to S-Video cable for example won't cut it. Also, it only has 2 USB ports. If you plan to use it as your desktop unit as well, you might need a USB hub.

These gripes are minor in my opinion because I don't really NEED them, but to me, Toshiba Satellite A205-S6810 Laptop was worth the sacrifice to get this unit at so low a price point.

I'm very happy with the system. Nice to have a Toshiba. Great brand. Everything worked, right out of the box. This one is replacing a Toshiba that I've had for years without issue.

Good notebook for the price, January 10, 2008

By OB "CeltaCorto" (Bogotá, Colombia) - A bought this computer because was one of the best value for the money. The dual core processor is great, 1GB ram look like not enought using Windows Vista (just the OS use 780MB ) so if you plan to use heavy software, I think you need 2 gb for ram.

As usual on Toshiba come with recovery cd (other brand not include this anymore, you have to burn it from the HD), quick install guide, and documents about warranty and toshiba accesories.

The finished look very well, except for the BIG BIG brand name on the lid, maybe somebody like that, not me. The keyboard is white color, the screen is pretty bright so you don't have any problem reading with sunlight. The weight is the normal for a 15.4" notebook, like 6 pounds.

This unit don't come with Card reader, you can see the space for it, but not coming with this model. I thought that thing about just two USB ports was a lie but is true, this notebook just have two USB port on the left side, doesn't have TV out.

PROs
Price
Dual Core 1.6ghz Processors
Bright Screen
Good Wireless reception
Good Finished

CONs
Windows Vista and Just 1GB of ram
Not card reader
Just 2 USB Ports

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Now Just $1049.6 Toshiba Satellite A205-S6810 Laptop - 15.4-inch (Intel Core 2 Duo T5450 Processor, 3 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) Onyx Blue

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