Toshiba Satellite A355-S6935 16.0-Inch Laptop Review
Toshiba Satellite A355-S6935 16.0-Inch Laptop Feature
- 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 Processor
- 4 GB RAM (max)
- 400 GB Hard Drive, Labelflash dual-layer DVD drive
- Windows Vista Home Premium with SP1 (64-bit version)
- 16-inch Screen, 16:9 aspect ratio, 720p hi-def resolution, ATI Radeon HD 3650 Graphics (2301MB total available memory)
Replace your desktop PC with the Toshiba Satellite A355-S6935 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 400 GB hard drive, 4 GB of RAM (maximum), 5-in-1 memory card reader, Draft-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11a/b/g/n), ATI Radeon HD 3650 graphics (512 MB discrete, with up to 2301 MB of dynamically shared video memory), HDMI audio/video output, and Toshiba's Fusion finish with Horizon 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.
 | Spec Check- 16-inch LCD screen
- 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 processor
- 400 GB hard drive
- 4 GB RAM (maximum)
- Dual-layer DVD±R drive with LabelFlash
- Draft-N Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n)
- ATI Radeon HD 3650 graphics (up to 2301 MB shared)
- Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit)
- Fusion finish with Horizon 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 extra-large 400 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 ATI Radeon HD 3650, which provides 512 MB of discrete graphics memory as well as up to 2301 MB of total available graphics memory as allocated by Windows Vista. ATI Radeon HD 3600 Series graphics processors have breakthrough efficiency, with phenomenal performance-per-watt and energy-saving features. Advance to the next generation of gaming with superior performance, more lifelike graphics, superb lighting and support for the latest Microsoft DirectX 10.1. Smooth edges, sharp images, and complex facial and character animations make for an exceptional gaming experience that will keep you immersed for hours.
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 an HDMI video output, which extends full 1080p support to HD displays as well as provides uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable. 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
- Digital video out: HDMI
- Analog video out: VGA and S-Video
- 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-S6935 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty.
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-S6935 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, 400GB (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.
