Toshiba Satellite U405-S2915 13.3-Inch Laptop offers weighing under 5 pounds, the ultra-portable Toshiba Satellite U405-S2915 notebook PC packs in an extraordinary amount of power and productivity into its elegant, compact package. The 13.3-inch widescreen display offers TruBrite technology for optimal image clarity and a 1280 x 800 resolution for extra desktop working space and a widescreen aspect ratio for watching letterboxed movies. A 1.3 megapixel digital web camera built into the LCD’s bezel lets you quickly snap photos and participate in live video chats. 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 320 GB hard drive, 4 GB of installed RAM (8 GB maximum), Bluetooth connectivity, dual-layer DVD±RW drive that also burns CDs, Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics with up to 1750 MB of shared video RAM, combo USB/eSATA port, 5-in-1 memory card reader, and pre-installed 64-bit version of Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium with SP1 operating system. Additionally, this Toshiba notebook is RoHS-compatible, effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances.
Helpful consumer’s review
I was able basically to open the box, plug it in, and start browsing the web. It detected my wireless instantly, no setup worries for me, which was soo much better than my last laptop.
Pros:
-what a price, very powerful and good looking for under $900
-medium size, fits in large purses which is convenient
-outside top of case is sexy silver, makes a good mirror (not quite that reflective, but almost)
-built in webcam, which the face recognition uses
-no annoying lock to keep lid closed, but very tight and secure also
-white LED lights, soothing and less annoying than blue, if a little bright
-sound control (spin wheel) on outside for easy access
-textured touch pad so i know when finger is on it
-64-bit Vista, excellent, easy to use for me so far, and this computer is built so it will run fast
-USB ports on both sides
-came with an interesting radio antenna, which i use occasionally
-power cord is nice and long, very convenient for public places
-keys have a nice feel to them, stiff but sleek
-screen is bright and crisp, haven’t found it too reflective for my taste
-overall, sturdy, portable, a real looker
Cons:
-the battery on my laptop doesn’t last as long as the manufacturer says, only about 3 hours unplugged on balanced power usage, the power saver mode hasn’t made a difference in this so far…5 hours would be nicer
-does not come with microsoft office products, including but not limited to Word and PowerPoint, although many laptops don’t come with this software anymore
-not able to decrease the brightness of the screen enough for when I am using it in a dark room, and the buttons to adjust said brightness are very inconveniently placed at the top of the keyboard…they are secondary functions of the F6 and F7 buttons, so that you have to use the FN key which is at the bottom of the keyboard
-I am always accidentally pushing the LED seamless buttons at the top near the power button (they control sound and music), these buttons are attractive but annoying
-speakers are too quiet and i often have to use headphones or secondary speakers, but the sound quality is decent, if quiet
-keys are glossy and adorable, but they show dust and fingerprints all the time, no matter how clean you are…but it looks so good when they are clean it is probably worth it
-MY X KEY POPPED OFF THE SECOND DAY USING THIS LAPTOP…from my experience, Toshiba keyboards are notorious for losing keys, if this happens to you, do yourself a favor and send it back right away and get a replacement
-a really good docking station for this laptop is not yet available as far as I can tell
-thin enough for me, but not ultra-thin or small like other new trendy laptops
-tiny spacebar, big enough but smaller than on a standard keyboard, takes a little getting used to
Make your own decision, I am keeping it and loving it after a month
