Toshiba Satellite A305-S6908 15.4-Inch Laptop

Product Description

Designed to meet the demands of a multimedia-hungry family, students on the go, and small businesses with demanding computing needs, the Toshiba Satellite A305-S6908 offers a versatile base for all your needs. It includes a generous 15.4-inch widescreen TruBrite high-def display for amazing color depth and clarity, plus room to multitask and work with spreadsheets. And video is powered by the Intel GMA 4500MHD integrated chip, which provides up to 1750 MB of total available graphics memory for watching HD movies and TV as well as excellent 3D gaming. And you'll enjoy crisp audio from the Harman Kardon stereo speakers. A built-in 1.3-megapixel webcam (with integrated microphone) lets you join in on video conferences as well as make long-distance VoIP calls using Skype.

shiba-a305-hero-450.jpg" border=0 align=top width=450 height=310> The Toshiba A305's striking Fusion high-gloss finish with finely striped Horizon design pattern and recessed touchpad for a more streamlined look.

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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 an enormous 250 GB hard drive, 4 GB of installed RAM (max capacity), dual-layer DVD±RW burner (with Labelflash disc printing), ExpressCard 54/34 slot, a combo USB/eSATA port, SPDIF digital audio output for surround sound, and a 5-in-1 memory card adapter.

This PC comes preinstalled with the 64-bit version of Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (SP1), 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

Brilliant Fusion Finish
An advanced Toshiba notebook should be more than just a way to make mobile life easier. It should be a reflection of you, too. And this laptop offers the gorgeous new high-gloss Fusion finish with striking Horizon design pattern. It features a smooth, shiny palm rest and a recessed touchpad to that gives your notebook both a more streamlined look and more comfort when you're clicking. Separate multimedia buttons let you launch your favorite entertainment right away as well as control playback--letting you start, pause, fast-forward and rewind almost with feather-touch operation.

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.

  Spec Check 15.4-inch LCD screen 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 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 4500MHD graphics (up to 1750 MB shared) Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit) Weighs 6 pounds

• 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 CD/DVD media player and control buttons (play, stop, next, previous) as well as a volume control dial.

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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 4500MHD, which uses shared video memory (up to 1750 MB allocated from the system memory). This graphics card is built with Intel Clear Video technology, which delivers clearer, more detailed images by eliminating many of the jagged edges and video artifacts seen when viewing interlaced content and features powerful color control to ensure videos are not too dark, overly bright, or washed out. It's compatible with external monitor resolutions up to 1920 x 1200.

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).

With USB Sleep-and-Charge support, you can use your Satellite A305 to charge your favorite portable electronic devices, even when the laptop is asleep. If you use a smartphone, you can just plug it in, power up and go without having to worry that you've got enough charge. 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 (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
• 1 ExpressCard 54/34 slot
• Analog video out: VGA
• Microphone/line-in and stereo headphones/speakers/line-out
• S/PDIF digital audio output (shared with headphone)
• 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
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 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 A305-S6908 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty.

I've had the Toshiba Satellite A305-S6908 for over a month now, and am very impressed with it's performance,features and especially, value/$. Since I bought it, I haven't found any laptop on sale in locally in Silicon Valley that competes with it for value per dollar. It's fast, has decent graphics performance, surprisingly good speakers, and flys through my number-crunching programs and spreadsheets almost as quickly as my quad-processor desktop. Others have complained about the glossy finish on the keys and surfaces, but I haven't found this a problem at all. The included Skype software and built-in video cam and microphone have been a pleasant surprise, permitting some free video calls to far-flung friends, including some in Europe. One great laptop!


Good computer, easy to use, even with Vista. Good price, I would recommend it.


This is my first "my own" personal laptop I bought. I was impressed with the performance of a Toshiba laptop I used at work, so I naturally took interest when Toshiba was having these great deals and people were writing up great reviews. I've used laptops for work, but I wouldn't say I am an expert when it comes to tweaking the machine. So I am now using it with all the "bloat wares" people have been writing about.

15.4" screen is large enough to allay my fear of haunching over the machine. My wife's 14.1" made my neck and shoulder so painful that I thought of going with a 17", but now I don't regret going with 15.4". I don't know what an expert would say, but I am happy with the quality of the screen. I watched a few episodes of "Lost" and it was good enough for me.

4GB provides more than enough memory to run a few large excel files simultaneously and browse the internet.

The sound is just beautiful for a laptop.

The exterior? Fantastic. I mean, it's just so pretty to look at. The smudge and finger prints? I think only those with OCD would fret over it.

I wish the case wasn't plastic. But what can you expect for this price?

First time buyer? Don't be scared. Buy it.


This is a great laptop for the money! It will shut down to save energy, so the only suggestion I have is to customize that option when you receive the laptop ---my daughter and I were trying to figure out why it wasn't charging the ipod? That's why! Resetting is easy!


This is my first Toshiba laptop, my first laptop for that matter. I've had it for about a week. The Super Saver Shipping from Amazon was superb, arrived 4 business days after the order.

Overall the computer is very powerful, the built-in touchpad works very well. At first I was wary of them, but this one is very customizable so I have no complaints. There is plenty of room to rest your palms when typing. The keyboard is very glossy and quiet, as is the rest of the laptop which attracts fingerprints like a magnet. But its purely an aesthetic issue so its not too big of a deal.

The 15.4" screen can get very bright and colorful. Although it doesn't have quite as large of a viewing angle I thought. The speakers sound very good and can get very loud for a laptop. The battery averages around 3-4 hours, I'm not sure how that compares to other laptops but I always want more.

My only real complaint is Toshiba puts a fair amount of worthless trial software which can be a pain to get rid of.

Overall I would recommend this laptop to anyone who needs a balance between portability and power, although you're not sacrificing much of the latter.
5 STARS


I've been searching for quite a long time now and in the end it came down to the HP Pavillion and this Toshiba laptop. 4 GB RAM, the speakers and the look made the decision easier.

I love my new laptop. A recovery CD would have been nice though.


Great power for a small price. Looks really nice. Don't expect a lightweight laptop, since it's main purpose is to replace those old desktop computers.


I am really satisfied with its performance. Battery life is about 2 hrs 45 mins on windows vista high performance setting. Only gripe is its glossy skin which does not look nice when filled with dust and finger-prints.


This is the perfect computer for all my needs!
I play all my games without it stressing.
I prefer to use it at work as opposed to using the 'office supplied' desktop ... I eaSsily take work home ... and can get online in an instant anywhere there's a signal!
I play my music and even get better audio than my better half does with his computer. (The harmon/kardon speaker ROCK!)

I gotta be honest ... We found it here... and I shopped around to try and beat the price. Needless to say ... we bought it here.
I read every review, good and bad (smudges??) , here and on other sites and would not hesitate to recommend it to everyone. And if smudges are your biggest issue... then your life is 'perty dang good'!!


After comparing this Toshiba with other brands with exact specs I came to the conslusion that this was the best value-for-money laptop available on the market. Other top rated brands with the exact specs cost at least $200 - $300 more.

Some of my thoughts so far after 1 week of purchasing are:

Pros:

- Best value for money - a Dell or HP with the same configuration will cost approx. $800 - $900
- Fast and reliable - the computer is fast, with very little disruptions
- Vista Premium runs smoothly - I haven't experienced any of the issues reported by other users of Vista Premium
- Fast wireless - the wireless connection is very good; I am dowloading music and surfing the net without any issues
- Nice finish - the glossy 'fusion finish' is very sleek and attractive; gives the laptop a high-end, classy look
- Nice speakers - not very loud...but better than most others I have come across
- Toshiba software - Toshiba has loaded some useful software programs like their CD making, multimedia player and other useful, low-space/memory utility applications which are nice alternatives to the mainstream applications

Downside:

- Finger prints - as pointed-out by mort reviewers the fingerprints can really mess-up the unit; but after a few days I got over this
- Face Recognition - it just doesn't work; I took 2 days to finally register my face and then when trying to log-on it does not receognize my face; typing-in your password is way much simpler and faster - useless feature if you ask me; more of a marketing feature to push you over the edge in making a decision to buy the product
- Webcam - very poor quality camera; you need to be in an extremely well-lit environment to properly see yourself on the cam


My overall rating:

For the price, computing power and suave looks I give the Toshiba A305-s6908 a 8.5 out of 10. Good for persons looking for an everyday use laptop for basic functionality. I can see why it is the #1 seller on Amazon. I have no regrets purchasing so far.

Images ScreenShot

About Toshiba Satellite A305-S6908 15.4-Inch Laptop detail

• Amazon Sales Rank: #96 in Personal Computers
• Brand: Toshiba
• Model: PSAG8U-053022
• Dimensions: 1.36" h x 14.30" w x 10.50" l, 6.00 pounds
• Hard Disk: 250GB

Features

• Stylish, highly versatile laptop with 15.4-inch LCD, webcam integrated into bezel, and high-gloss finish
• 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 processor, 250 GB hard drive, 4 GB RAM (max), dual-layer DVD-R drive with Labelflash printing
• Draft-N Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n); 10/100 Ethernet; Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics (up to 1750 MB total available memory)
• Connectivity: 4 USB (with 1 shared eSATA), 1 FireWire, 1 VGA, S/PDIF digital audio out shared with headphone, 1 ExpressCard 34/54, 5-in-1 memory card reader
• Pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium with SP1 (64-bit version)

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