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Product Information
| Screen Size | 13.3 inches |
| Max Screen Resolution | 1366x768 pixels |
| Processor | 3.1 GHz Core i5-2450M |
| RAM | 4 GB SO-DIMM |
| Hard Drive | 640 GB SATA |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Intel HD Graphics 3000 |
| Wireless Type | 802.11bgn |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 3 |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 1 |
| Average Battery Life (in hours) | 9 hours |
| Brand Name | Toshiba |
| Series | Portege |
| Item model number | PT324U-03W00R |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Operating System | Windows 7 Home Premium |
| Item Weight | 3.2 pounds |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 8.94 x 12.44 x 1.05 inches |
| Color | Magnesium Blue |
| Processor Brand | Intel |
| Processor Count | 2 |
| Computer Memory Type | SODIMM |
| Hard Drive Rotational Speed | 5400 RPM |
| Batteries: | 1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included) |
Additional Information
| ASIN | B006YL1AMG |
| Best Sellers Rank | #5,421 in Computers & Accessories (See top 100) |
| Shipping Weight | 5.4 pounds |
| Shipping | Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. |
| Date First Available | January 15, 2012 |
Warranty & Support
Amazon.com Return Policy: You may return any new computer purchased from Amazon.com that is "dead on arrival," arrives in damaged condition, or is still in unopened boxes, for a full refund within 30 days of purchase. Amazon.com reserves the right to test "dead on arrival" returns and impose a customer fee equal to 15 percent of the product sales price if the customer misrepresents the condition of the product. Any returned computer that is damaged through customer misuse, is missing parts, or is in unsellable… Read more condition due to customer tampering will result in the customer being charged a higher restocking fee based on the condition of the product. Amazon.com will not accept returns of any desktop or notebook computer more than 30 days after you receive the shipment. New, used, and refurbished products purchased from Marketplace vendors are subject to the returns policy of the individual vendor.
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Product Description
Amazon.com
Offering a showcase of brilliant design and premium craftsmanship for uncompromising mobility, the ultralight, ultrathin Toshiba Portege R835-P94 laptop helps you face your day head on--wherever you roam. Featuring an ultradurable magnesium alloy casing on the outside, spill-resistant keyboard, and an advanced AirFlow cooling system under the hood, this Portege R835 does more--while running longer and cooler--than most other PCs in its class.
Magnesium Blue Finish.
It's powered by a second-generation Intel Core i5 dual-core processor, which provides breakthrough digital media management, content creation, and 3D gaming capabilities. With updated Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, the latest Core i5 increases speed automatically for whatever you're doing.
Other features include an ultra-fast USB 3.0 port, SuperMulti drive that can burn a plethora of disc formats, built-in webcam with Face Recognition, and HDMI video output for connecting to a compatible monitor or HDTV.
This Portege comes pre-installed with the 64-bit version of Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (learn more below).
Toshiba Resolution+ Technology
The R835 includes Toshiba's exclusive Resolution+ technology, which upconverts standard DVDs so you get a sharper, more vibrant picture that looks and feels more like HD.
Here's the problem: No matter how sharp the screen, your collection of standard-def DVDs is bound to look grainy. Resolution+ solves that problem by breathing new life into your favorite flicks.
Here's how it works: Color Correction and RGB Gamma improve brightness, color saturation, contrast, and hue. Next, Advanced Color Image fine tunes environmental and character colors--like sky, grass, leaves and skin--to give these images a more natural appearance. The standard definition video of your DVD is converted from a low to a higher resolution so you can enjoy your DVD movies with sharper image clarity and contrast on your HD display.
Key Specifications
Display13.3-inch widescreen HD TruBrite LED-backlit display with native HD 720p resolution (1366 x 768, 16:9 aspect ratio)
2.5 GHz Intel Core i5-2450M dual-core processor (3.1 GHz with Turbo Boost Technology; 3 MB L3 cache)
640 GB Serial ATA hard disk drive (5400 RPM) with Toshiba 3D hard drive impact sensor
4 GB of installed DDR3 RAM (1333 MHz; 8 GB maximum capacity)
Intel HD Graphics with 64 MB - 1696 MB dynamically allocated shared memory
See larger image.
8x SuperMulti DVD drive
Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g/n) plus Bluetooth 3.0
Built-in stereo speakers
Up to 9 hours of battery life (6-cell battery)
Premium spill-resistant raised tile keyboard; touch pad with multi-touch control
3.2 pounds; 12.44 x 8.94 x 1.05 inches (WxDxH)
Connectivity & Expansion
See a larger image with all ports. | Toshiba SoftwareToshiba Media Controller Toshiba Bulletin Board Toshiba ReelTime  | Toshiba UtilitiesToshiba eco Utility Hard Drive Impact Sensor Sleep and Charge Laptop Checkup  |
What's in the BoxThis package contains the Toshiba Portege R835-P94 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It also comes with the following software: Norton Internet Security 2012 (30-day trial); Microsoft Office Starter 2010; Google Toolbar and Google Chrome; Microsoft Windows Media Player 12; Microsoft Silverlight; Microsoft Live Essentials; WildTangent Games Console; Toshiba Online Backup (30-day trial) This laptop is backed by a 1-year limited hardware warranty. | Environmental Specifications
Learn more about Toshiba's environmental commitment. |
| To learn more about Toshiba products, visit the Amazon.com Toshiba Store. |  |
Toshiba Accessories
 | Toshiba Dynadock V Universal USB Connect Docking StationToshiba's Dynadock V universal USB connect docking station links all your desk space accessories, external monitor, and sound system with one single USB cable into your computer. It includes four USB 2.0 ports (with one Sleep-and-Charge port), Fast Ethernet port, mic and headphone jacks, and a DVI video output--enabling you to view up to three displays simultaneously. |
 | Toshiba Canvio Plus USB 3.0 Portable External Hard DrivesAvailable in a number of capacities, Toshiba's Canvio USB 3.0 portable external hard drives are designed to be the most hassle-free back-up solution. With everything you need right in the box, they are the ultimate combination of storage, convenience, and style. |
 | Toshiba Wireless MouseThe Toshiba Nano Wireless Laser Mouse gives you precise cursor movement and accuracy without the wires. It features a Nano receiver, convenient scroll wheel, programmable buttons, and Tilt-Wheel technology. The Nano receiver is small enough to be left in the USB port or stored inside the mouse when not in use. |
 | Toshiba AC AdapterA second AC adapter at home and/or at work makes power access convenient and tailored to your needs. Also keep one in your carrying case at all times and never be without an AC adapter when you travel. |
 | Toshiba High Capacity 12-Cell Laptop BatteryDesigned to work with a variety of Toshiba series portable computers, this high capacity battery pack has twice the number of cells (12 vs. 6) compared to the original battery that came with your notebook, giving you extended battery life for more computing time, watch more movies, play more games or listen to more music |
 | Toshiba Extreme BackpackThe Toshiba Extreme Backpack is available in a array of sizes and features five separate sections and compartments keeps your laptop protected and holds everything you need in an easily manageable way.
See larger image. |
See all Toshiba laptop accessories.
 Pin web sites with Internet Explorer 9 (view larger). |  Windows 7 Home PremiumThe Best Entertainment Experience On Your PCWindows 7 Home Premium makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. You can even watch, pause, and rewind TV or record it to watch whenever and wherever you want. For the best entertainment experience, choose a PC with Windows 7. Windows 7: Your PC Simplified
|
Get a Faster, Safer Web with a New PC and Internet Explorer 9
Create, Connect, and Share with Windows LiveWindows 7 and Windows Live bring it all together for free. Get the free set of programs that make it simple to create and share amazing photos and movies, organize mail, and stay connected with your closest friends.
You can download Windows Live for FREE at download.live.com. |  Create, connect, and share (see larger image).
 |
  | Complete Your PC Experience with Microsoft Office 2010
|
Product Description
Amazingly portable, yet inspiringly powerful, the Portégé R835 laptop is Toshiba's lightest full-performance ultraportable ever: a showcase of brilliant design and premium craftsmanship for uncompromising mobility. Leagues ahead of others like it, this ultralight, ultrathin laptop helps you face your day head on, thanks to the visibly smart performance of 2nd-generation Intel Core i5 and i3 processors, a long battery life rating of up to nine hours, plus a built-in DVD drive. Featuring an reinforced magnesium alloy casing, plus an power-efficient AirFlow cooling system, this laptop is more durable-and runs longer and cooler-than most others in its class. So feel free to launch your favorite productivity apps or entertainment whenever and wherever you'd like. It also comes with innovations like a USB 3.0 technology for quicker data transfers, plus Sleep & Charge to power your smartphone even when the laptop is off. Full speed ahead to more doing and enjoying.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
67 of 68 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Verified Purchase
I haven't had this one very long, but after installing some high end programs (Adobe CS-5 suite, Corel Draw X5, Video Studio pro, and MS Office) and running them, I am very pleased with the results. No problems at all installing or running the programs. I loaded and edited eight high res photos in Photoshop with no problems. The small screen doesn't give me the view or capabilities of my 25" monitor & desktop computer, and I would not like to do any serious graphic design work on the Toshiba, but for what it was intended for, it does very well.
If you would like to see more reviews on the Toshiba R835-P94, look at the Toshiba R835-P81, it is the same computer except the P94 also has Bluetooth and is over $100 cheaper. The P94 is an Amazon exclusive, which probably accounts for the lower price. The P81 comes with 6 GB of ram while the P94 only has 4 GB. The 4 GB of ram is fine for most applications and most users, but I like to max-out my ram. I bought two 4 GB high speed ram modules (a total of 8 GBs) for $46 and the P94 is noticeably faster. Installation of the ram is very easy.
A real shocker was discovering that the battery power lasts almost as long as advertised. Amazing! I have never had a laptop that even came close to this one.
I'm not a "gamer" so I can't speak to its capabilities in that arena, but I have watched streaming movies, and DVD's with no problems. The only negative things that I have noticed so far are that it has a narrow vertical viewing angle. I'm comparing it to my old Sony Vaio which has a larger and very good screen. The other negative is the ton of bloat ware programs that Toshiba loads on the computer. I doubt that you will ever use the majority of them. Sadly, it seems that all of the manufacturers are doing this now.
Overall, the Toshiba R835-P94 is very good computer for the price. Small, light weight and good power.
If you would like to see more reviews on the Toshiba R835-P94, look at the Toshiba R835-P81, it is the same computer except the P94 also has Bluetooth and is over $100 cheaper. The P94 is an Amazon exclusive, which probably accounts for the lower price. The P81 comes with 6 GB of ram while the P94 only has 4 GB. The 4 GB of ram is fine for most applications and most users, but I like to max-out my ram. I bought two 4 GB high speed ram modules (a total of 8 GBs) for $46 and the P94 is noticeably faster. Installation of the ram is very easy.
A real shocker was discovering that the battery power lasts almost as long as advertised. Amazing! I have never had a laptop that even came close to this one.
I'm not a "gamer" so I can't speak to its capabilities in that arena, but I have watched streaming movies, and DVD's with no problems. The only negative things that I have noticed so far are that it has a narrow vertical viewing angle. I'm comparing it to my old Sony Vaio which has a larger and very good screen. The other negative is the ton of bloat ware programs that Toshiba loads on the computer. I doubt that you will ever use the majority of them. Sadly, it seems that all of the manufacturers are doing this now.
Overall, the Toshiba R835-P94 is very good computer for the price. Small, light weight and good power.
39 of 40 people found the following review helpful
By JGal05
Amazon Verified Purchase
If you want a compact and lightweight laptop that doesn't compromise on functionality and still looks great (and doesn't cost an arm and a leg), then this one's for you. I've been carrying around a 15.5" Sony Vaio for the past 2.5 years--don't get me wrong, I love that chunker--but it got pretty beat up, the battery life was absolutely horrible, and I dreaded having to lug it around in my backpack all day for classes (I'm a full-time college student). So I started looking for a replacement. Buying the Toshiba Portege R835-P94 was one of the best choices I've made in purchasing technology. Here's my breakdown of the pros and cons:
Pros.
1. It only weighs 3 pounds! I can do curls with it on my weak arm for ten minutes and not feel a thing. (well, maybe that's exaggerating, but it's ridiculously light!)
2. It's gorgeous. The exterior looks black in low light, but every once in a while I'll catch a glimpse of that "magnesium blue," and it makes me happy. Not to mention the slight texturing on the cover makes it look even better.
3. The thing fits into my purse. It's nice not to have to take my backpack somewhere just because I'm bringing my laptop.
4. Battery life! I haven't actually sat down and timed how long it can last, but I do know I can watch a 2-hour-long movie, an episode of The Office, and work on a paper (all in high brightness and volume) and still have a solid 40% left. I can't even describe how wonderful it is to take it out for the day, use it during classes and in the student center, and not have to take the power cord with me. It's fantastic.
5. The touchpad. My Vaio didn't have multitouch, and it had some funny texturing on the touchpad. But this Toshiba's touchpad is glorious. It's smooth and super convenient, and it doesn't jump at all when you try to move the mouse.
6. Speed. It's very fast--I haven't had any issues whatsoever with trying to download things or access "busy" web pages.
Cons.
1. Smudges and fingerprints. Because the laptop's a darker color, dust and oils show up on the keys and cover a lot easier than they do on a lighter shade. But of course you can clean it off regularly if that bothers you. It's definitely not worth passing up this baby for.
2. Microphone placement. I like to Skype with friends and family, and I was a little annoyed to find out that the microphone is located on the front right corner of the laptop base right next to the SD slot. It's easy to forget it's there and accidentally rub over it with my wrist when I'm multitasking with working on a project and Skyping, because then the noise kills whoever I'm talking to. Not a great idea to put that there.
3. Speakers. They do their job, but I can tell the difference between these speakers and my Vaio's. These just sound kind of hollow, and the quality's not fantastic. But hey, they work.
So, yeah. That's what I have to say about the Toshiba Portege R835-P94. All in all, I think it's a fantastic laptop for the price. I'm very happy with my purchase and would definitely recommend this laptop to anyone!
Pros.
1. It only weighs 3 pounds! I can do curls with it on my weak arm for ten minutes and not feel a thing. (well, maybe that's exaggerating, but it's ridiculously light!)
2. It's gorgeous. The exterior looks black in low light, but every once in a while I'll catch a glimpse of that "magnesium blue," and it makes me happy. Not to mention the slight texturing on the cover makes it look even better.
3. The thing fits into my purse. It's nice not to have to take my backpack somewhere just because I'm bringing my laptop.
4. Battery life! I haven't actually sat down and timed how long it can last, but I do know I can watch a 2-hour-long movie, an episode of The Office, and work on a paper (all in high brightness and volume) and still have a solid 40% left. I can't even describe how wonderful it is to take it out for the day, use it during classes and in the student center, and not have to take the power cord with me. It's fantastic.
5. The touchpad. My Vaio didn't have multitouch, and it had some funny texturing on the touchpad. But this Toshiba's touchpad is glorious. It's smooth and super convenient, and it doesn't jump at all when you try to move the mouse.
6. Speed. It's very fast--I haven't had any issues whatsoever with trying to download things or access "busy" web pages.
Cons.
1. Smudges and fingerprints. Because the laptop's a darker color, dust and oils show up on the keys and cover a lot easier than they do on a lighter shade. But of course you can clean it off regularly if that bothers you. It's definitely not worth passing up this baby for.
2. Microphone placement. I like to Skype with friends and family, and I was a little annoyed to find out that the microphone is located on the front right corner of the laptop base right next to the SD slot. It's easy to forget it's there and accidentally rub over it with my wrist when I'm multitasking with working on a project and Skyping, because then the noise kills whoever I'm talking to. Not a great idea to put that there.
3. Speakers. They do their job, but I can tell the difference between these speakers and my Vaio's. These just sound kind of hollow, and the quality's not fantastic. But hey, they work.
So, yeah. That's what I have to say about the Toshiba Portege R835-P94. All in all, I think it's a fantastic laptop for the price. I'm very happy with my purchase and would definitely recommend this laptop to anyone!
47 of 50 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Verified Purchase
The Toshiba Portege R835-P94 is a Windows laptop that is fine for wireless productivity in your home or on the occasional business trip, but it is not made to stand up to daily wear and tear of a heavy user. It's a pity, because it's a fast, efficient machine.
BACKGROUND:
I previously owned an indestructible, tiny SamSung NetBook, but after three years of using it 8-12 hours a day the keyboard was finally giving out. I am a HEAVY user, and while I'm not rough on my electronics, they do need to survive constant use and the jostles that come with a daily urban commute. I needed something light, portable, and sturdy that would allow me to be productive ALL DAY and EVERYWHERE - on my couch, riding the subway, walking to meetings at work, at lunch in the city, and between sets with my band.
Four months into my purchase and I have many regrets, but depending on how you use a laptop you might not have the same turnoffs as I do.
THE GOOD:
Right out of the box, the Portege R835-P94 seems as though it is a decent MacBook Air competitor. That's not why I purchased it - I'm not a Mac fan - but when I held it next to my wife's Mac the form factor and weight were a close match, even if this machine is much more plastic-y.
This Portege comes right up to the limit of what I consider portable. Any bigger and it just wouldn't work in tight situations like airplanes. While heavier than NetBooks, this machine is still very lightweight for its size.
First and foremost, I think the battery life is stellar. On a relatively bright, high-functioning battery setting I can get 6-8 hours. It's rare that I ever run out battery unexpectedly and - if I do - it charges fast.
Second, it is quick. It boots quickly, hibernates intelligently, and shuts down in a flash. I used it for a week with the installed RAM for internet, word processing and spreadsheets, video, and minor image manipulation with nary a moment of slowdown. An easily removed panel allowed me to beef up the RAM in two slots - not necessary, but easy to do with Crucial 8GB Kit (4GBx2), 204-pin SODIMM, DDR3 PC3-10600 Memory Module (CT2CP51264BC1339). (Warning: You will need a special .50 mm Phillips Head screwdriver to open the panel - I bought Wiha 26194 Screwdriver Set, Phillips With Precision Handles, 4 Piece!)
The machine is decently ergonomic, with a full-sized keyboard and a slightly off-center track pad with two click buttons. The function keys make sense, and a guide to them overlays onscreen when you press function. I do object to the Page Up and Down buttons being relegated to a vertical row on the side rather than being nested on either side of the up arrow (which is available), but that's a personal preference.
The screen is really bright and clear, though it does glare at some angles and on darker content due to its gloss finish. The CD/DVD drive is a lifesaver, and I marvel at how they managed to fit it in.
I was relieved to find that the computer has hardly any junk software I associate with most major laptop brands. Aside from standard MicroSoft programs, there's not much of anything pre-loaded. If you haven't used Windows 7 before, it is transparent. It has not once gotten in the way of my daily use, and in some instances of hunting for features or settings I think it is a considerable improvement over XP.
THE BAD:
Despite all of my likes of this machine, they cannot overcome the fact that the build quality is cheap. Yes, that makes it light, but it's not worth the trade-off!
My left hinge fell off within my first day of use. I can push it back on, but it has never fit snugly. The battery locks fell out the first time I set it down sharply on a counter at lunch, and never went back in the same. The hinges are weak, allowing the screen to swing with any small amount of momentum or a strong breeze (I'm not joking!).
A few keys are already missing my keystrokes. They just don't depress and rebound fast enough to keep up with my typing - I switch to a desktop to write anything lengthy, which defeats the purpose of having a laptop! Also, the trackpad is beginning to show signs of failure.
However, my major complaint is the hard drive. I have had complete hard drive failures within the first 100 days of ownership of every Toshiba product I've bought in the past year, and this laptop was no exception. My old NetBook survived being accidentally punted down a shallow set of stairs and all of the other abuse of three years of daily use. This computer? Three months and a dead HD, right in the middle of my work day - no punts! I replaced it with a Solid State Crucial 128 GB m4 2.5-Inch Solid State Drive SATA 6Gb/s CT128M4SSD2, which I recommend doing RIGHT AWAY if you decide to purchase it. It was as easy to install as RAM, and it only took about two hours to load the factory settings from backup DVDs (which you have to make yourself or order for an additional fee).
This machine can be loud. Not at rest - the fan is audible, but not annoyingly so. I read other reviews stating the mouse buttons were loud. This seemed like a trivial complaint to me, but they really are! No matter how gently you click, they make an obnoxiously loud KERTHUNK. The chicklet style keys are also rather clacky, and extremely squeaky since day one (even with a dab of WD-40). The DVD drive is incredibly loud - I think prohibitively so if you plan to watch anything. Also, the computer weirdly emits a loud chirp every so often - I assumed this was the hard drive, but it continues to do so even with the SSHD installed.
Another minor complaint - there is no on-screen overlay when you raise or lower the volume with function keys. I thought for sure something was broken until I Googled it! The sound is decent for a laptop - loud, but no bottom end.
Finally, while glossy finishes make for attractive electronics, they also mean you are constantly wiping away dirt and smears. It's no big deal, but if you are the kind of person who needs your electronics to look elegant and spotless this might not work for you. The screen shows smudges very quickly, so keep a microfiber cloth handy in your case.
BOTTOM LINE:
This laptop is probably heaven sent for lighter users who simply want something that will keep them surfing and productive when they need a connection. If that's what you want, I cautiously recommend it - though, I do endorse springing for the solid-state HD.
My complaints are those of someone who LIVES on a laptop. It's where I work, play, and create. If you're like me - who uses a machine morning until night, who juggles it between meetings and writes thousands of words a day - the Portege is just not ready for the task. You'll be shedding plastic pieces, wincing at the loud and squeaky keys, and praying the HD doesn't fail between cloud backups.
I can tell this is not going to last three years - it has already broken in at least three ways in four months! If you are looking for a daily use laptop, please use caution (and back up your data)!
BACKGROUND:
I previously owned an indestructible, tiny SamSung NetBook, but after three years of using it 8-12 hours a day the keyboard was finally giving out. I am a HEAVY user, and while I'm not rough on my electronics, they do need to survive constant use and the jostles that come with a daily urban commute. I needed something light, portable, and sturdy that would allow me to be productive ALL DAY and EVERYWHERE - on my couch, riding the subway, walking to meetings at work, at lunch in the city, and between sets with my band.
Four months into my purchase and I have many regrets, but depending on how you use a laptop you might not have the same turnoffs as I do.
THE GOOD:
Right out of the box, the Portege R835-P94 seems as though it is a decent MacBook Air competitor. That's not why I purchased it - I'm not a Mac fan - but when I held it next to my wife's Mac the form factor and weight were a close match, even if this machine is much more plastic-y.
This Portege comes right up to the limit of what I consider portable. Any bigger and it just wouldn't work in tight situations like airplanes. While heavier than NetBooks, this machine is still very lightweight for its size.
First and foremost, I think the battery life is stellar. On a relatively bright, high-functioning battery setting I can get 6-8 hours. It's rare that I ever run out battery unexpectedly and - if I do - it charges fast.
Second, it is quick. It boots quickly, hibernates intelligently, and shuts down in a flash. I used it for a week with the installed RAM for internet, word processing and spreadsheets, video, and minor image manipulation with nary a moment of slowdown. An easily removed panel allowed me to beef up the RAM in two slots - not necessary, but easy to do with Crucial 8GB Kit (4GBx2), 204-pin SODIMM, DDR3 PC3-10600 Memory Module (CT2CP51264BC1339). (Warning: You will need a special .50 mm Phillips Head screwdriver to open the panel - I bought Wiha 26194 Screwdriver Set, Phillips With Precision Handles, 4 Piece!)
The machine is decently ergonomic, with a full-sized keyboard and a slightly off-center track pad with two click buttons. The function keys make sense, and a guide to them overlays onscreen when you press function. I do object to the Page Up and Down buttons being relegated to a vertical row on the side rather than being nested on either side of the up arrow (which is available), but that's a personal preference.
The screen is really bright and clear, though it does glare at some angles and on darker content due to its gloss finish. The CD/DVD drive is a lifesaver, and I marvel at how they managed to fit it in.
I was relieved to find that the computer has hardly any junk software I associate with most major laptop brands. Aside from standard MicroSoft programs, there's not much of anything pre-loaded. If you haven't used Windows 7 before, it is transparent. It has not once gotten in the way of my daily use, and in some instances of hunting for features or settings I think it is a considerable improvement over XP.
THE BAD:
Despite all of my likes of this machine, they cannot overcome the fact that the build quality is cheap. Yes, that makes it light, but it's not worth the trade-off!
My left hinge fell off within my first day of use. I can push it back on, but it has never fit snugly. The battery locks fell out the first time I set it down sharply on a counter at lunch, and never went back in the same. The hinges are weak, allowing the screen to swing with any small amount of momentum or a strong breeze (I'm not joking!).
A few keys are already missing my keystrokes. They just don't depress and rebound fast enough to keep up with my typing - I switch to a desktop to write anything lengthy, which defeats the purpose of having a laptop! Also, the trackpad is beginning to show signs of failure.
However, my major complaint is the hard drive. I have had complete hard drive failures within the first 100 days of ownership of every Toshiba product I've bought in the past year, and this laptop was no exception. My old NetBook survived being accidentally punted down a shallow set of stairs and all of the other abuse of three years of daily use. This computer? Three months and a dead HD, right in the middle of my work day - no punts! I replaced it with a Solid State Crucial 128 GB m4 2.5-Inch Solid State Drive SATA 6Gb/s CT128M4SSD2, which I recommend doing RIGHT AWAY if you decide to purchase it. It was as easy to install as RAM, and it only took about two hours to load the factory settings from backup DVDs (which you have to make yourself or order for an additional fee).
This machine can be loud. Not at rest - the fan is audible, but not annoyingly so. I read other reviews stating the mouse buttons were loud. This seemed like a trivial complaint to me, but they really are! No matter how gently you click, they make an obnoxiously loud KERTHUNK. The chicklet style keys are also rather clacky, and extremely squeaky since day one (even with a dab of WD-40). The DVD drive is incredibly loud - I think prohibitively so if you plan to watch anything. Also, the computer weirdly emits a loud chirp every so often - I assumed this was the hard drive, but it continues to do so even with the SSHD installed.
Another minor complaint - there is no on-screen overlay when you raise or lower the volume with function keys. I thought for sure something was broken until I Googled it! The sound is decent for a laptop - loud, but no bottom end.
Finally, while glossy finishes make for attractive electronics, they also mean you are constantly wiping away dirt and smears. It's no big deal, but if you are the kind of person who needs your electronics to look elegant and spotless this might not work for you. The screen shows smudges very quickly, so keep a microfiber cloth handy in your case.
BOTTOM LINE:
This laptop is probably heaven sent for lighter users who simply want something that will keep them surfing and productive when they need a connection. If that's what you want, I cautiously recommend it - though, I do endorse springing for the solid-state HD.
My complaints are those of someone who LIVES on a laptop. It's where I work, play, and create. If you're like me - who uses a machine morning until night, who juggles it between meetings and writes thousands of words a day - the Portege is just not ready for the task. You'll be shedding plastic pieces, wincing at the loud and squeaky keys, and praying the HD doesn't fail between cloud backups.
I can tell this is not going to last three years - it has already broken in at least three ways in four months! If you are looking for a daily use laptop, please use caution (and back up your data)!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Arrived in time, working well
My daughter has this model and is very pleased with it. When I bought a Lenovo that had Windows 8, I hated it...Windows 8, that is. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Anita M. Chambers
4.0 out of 5 stars
battery life 4-5 hrs
I have this laptop for one year and it's working great. I would have given this 5 starts if it have a keyboard that light up. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Will
2.0 out of 5 stars
Crashes, blue screen of death, with 8GB of ram.
I ordered this PC with an 8GB ram upgrade at the end of December, 2012. The laptop runs fine with 4GB but crashes with 8GB installed. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Ronald W Shaw
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great light weight laptop
My wife loves the easy carry, light weight of this laptop. In addition the features make it a great deal for the price. Read more
Published 4 months ago by D. P. Williams
4.0 out of 5 stars
More than sufficient for most folks.
I purchased this computer for my wife about a year ago. We have been using Toshiba laptops for about 5 years, and since her computer was a little out of date for want she needed... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Jimmy B. Gentry
1.0 out of 5 stars
White screen hell
Had the laptop for three months. Barely traveled with it. Just got a white screen at start up. Customer support tells me 7 to 10 business days to take a look at it. Just awful.
Published 4 months ago by Glenn Harbold
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant laptop
The laptop arrived on time and it was such a pleasure to open the pack and switch the laptop on- It has covered all my needs: it's light in weight, fast in switching on and off,... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Molailo
3.0 out of 5 stars
Best in Class
For a Windows machine this is a nice system. They ship with NO supporting CDs. Make sure to make your own recovery discs or media.
Published 4 months ago by William E. Sandoe
5.0 out of 5 stars
Early and as described
This item was definitely what I was looking for. My boyfriend looked through plenty of reviews before he found this one. The item was arrived on time and was as described.
Published 5 months ago by slgorden
4.0 out of 5 stars
Toshiba Portege R835-P94
This laptop is great in all the specs, works very fast, but I didn't like the build quality of it. It wasn't blue either. The downfall was that it doesn't have backlit keaboard. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Anna_SD
