Toshiba Satellite A135-S2386 15.4" Laptop (Intel Pentium D Processor T2080, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, SuperMulti DVD Drive, Vista Basic)

by Toshiba

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 14.2 x 10.5 x 1.5 inches ; 6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 9.8 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000OMF7XY
• Item model number: A135-S2386
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,465 in Computers & Accessories (See Top 100 in Computers & Accessories)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 2, 2001

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Easily mobile at just 6 pounds, the Toshiba Satellite A135-S2386 makes it easy to get your work done with a large, bright 15.4-inch screen. The XGA-resolution screen (1280 x 800) permits side-by-side viewing of documents for increased productivity, and is also great for watching DVD movies when you need a break. This affordable notebook PC is powered by Intel's powerful Core Duo T2080, which provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance and a more efficient power consumption. The dual execution core T2080 has a 1.73 GHz processor speed, fast 533 MHz system bus, and a 1 MB L2 cache. It also features an 80 GB hard drive, 512 MB of installed RAM (2 GB maximum), dual-layer/multi-format DVD drive that also burns CDs, integrated 54g wireless connectivity, and ATI Radeon XPress 200M video card with up to 128 MB of shared video RAM.

This laptop also comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic, which delivers a safer, more reliable, and more productive computing environment. It 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 Duo T2080 processor is built with the Mobile Intel 945PM Express chipset, and it has a 1.73 GHz processor speed, fast 533 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and 1 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.)

  The Intel Core Duo processor has two computational execution cores in a single processor, providing 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 next version of Microsoft Windows, code-named Vista. 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. It's more efficient, thanks to Intel's Power Coordination and Deeper Sleep, which help to transfer power only to those areas of the processor that need it. It also features Intel's Digital Media Boost, which delivers enhanced performance on floating point-intensive applications such as CAD tools, 3-D and 2-D modeling, video editing, digital music, digital photography and gaming.

• Hard Drive: The 80 GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 RPM) provides enough capacity for storing documents, digital media files, and productivity software. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.

• Memory: The 512 MB of built-in memory (PC4200, DDR2 SDRAM) is a bit low compared to other business notebooks, but it's a workable start and it offers a decently fast 533 MHz speed. It has two memory slots, enabling you to add up to 2 GB of RAM for worry-free handling graphics-intensive presentations and multiple open business productivity applications. To receive the faster data transfer benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.

• DVD/CD Drive: The dual-layer 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.

• Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 85-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
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 ATI Radeon XPress 200M integrated video/graphics card, which provides good, though not high-end, 3-D graphics. It delivers up to 128 MB of dynamically allocated video RAM shared with the system RAM. ATI's HyperMemory technology allows the chipset to run in either Unified Memory Architecture (UMA) mode or with dedicated frame buffer memory to enhance graphics performance. It also features an integrated audio card with headphone and microphone jacks.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
This Toshiba Satellite has an integrated Atheros 802.11b/g wireless-LAN that enables you to easily connect at wireless hotspots wherever you roam. You get a decent offering of connectivity options (though no FireWire):

• 4 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 1 VGA monitor port
• 1 S-Video out
• 1 PCMCIA (or PC Card) slot (Type II, PCMCIA R2.01, PC Card16, CardBus)
• 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack

It also has an integrated 56K modem (V.92) and an RJ-45 LAN network port (for a 10/100 Fast Ethernet connection to networks and DSL/cable modems).

Operating System
Windows Vista Home Basic is the operating system for users with basic computing needs, such as surfing the Internet, corresponding with friends and family using e-mail, or performing basic document creation and editing tasks. Additionally, Windows Vista Home Basic integrates new search tools throughout the operating system to help you quickly find the precise file or program you need.

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
Toshiba software includes Disc Creator, Recovery Disc Creator, and Speech System. Third-party software titles include Microsoft Works 8.5, InterVideo WinDVD 8 SD, Google Desktop and Toolbar, McAfee Internet Security Suite (with 30-day trial), and Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student Edition (60-day trial).

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 14.2 x 10.5 x 1.45 (WxDxH) and weighs 6 pounds.

Power
It's powered by a 4000 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of up to 2.5 hours (depending on usage). It has a 4.5-hour full charging time.

What's in the Box
This package contains the A135-S2386 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty.

Product Description

TOSHIBA A135 S2386 Satellite Notebook. Value priced with technology you will value, the Satellite A135 is sleek and lean, combining Intel Pentium dual core processor1 with a 15.4 in diagonal WXGA display and TruBrite technology. Integrated 802.11b/g wireless6 LAN technology lets you work and play on the move, connecting you easily via wireless LAN networks in your home, offi ce or on the road. Designed specifically for mobile computing, the Intel Pentium dual core Processor1 combines mobile processor technology with exceptional value, allowing a lighter Satellite design. The 15.4 in diagonal WXGA widescreen display with TruBrite technology takes the strain out of viewing spreadsheets and other data. Games and movies come to life without those bothersome black bars. Integrated 802.11b/g wireless6 LAN technology lets you work and play on the move. No more searching for phone jacks, network cables, or plugging in special cards. You are easily connected via wireless LAN networks in your home, offi ce, and in wireless LAN hotspots at airports, hotels and coffee shops. With Toshibas ConfigFree feature, mobile and wireless computing are now simple to manage, allowing users to easily switch profiles and devices as needed. Pre loaded with Microsoft Windows Vista 2 operating system provides a world class environment that helps you work smarter and connect fast to the Internet.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for college students, July 13, 2007

By 

A. Torres "Spanish News" (Athens, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Toshiba Satellite A135-S2386 15.4" Laptop (Intel Pentium D Processor T2080, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, SuperMulti DVD Drive, Vista Basic) (Personal Computers)

No more Dells for me. Toshiba is the way to go!

I researched long and hard for the most suitable laptop. I finally happened upon the Toshiba Satellite, and it is fantastic! (Much cheaper to buy it on Amazon instead of at Office Depot or Best Buy.)

I have to admit that it was slow coming right out of the box; however, after removing the unnecessary programs that were pre-installed, i.e. the trial games- the ones that only allow you to play once or twice before they try to convince you to buy and download the real game. I had no intention of buying or playing them, so those were the first to go!

After removing a couple more programs, I found that adjusting the battery settings to high performance helped a great deal. Yes, the battery life ratio is much lower compared to performance, but since I always keep my computer hooked up to the battery charger, it doesn't even matter.

This toshiba came pre-installed with Vista Home Basic, and in my opinion, I think it works just as well as Vista Premium. Basic is not over the top, and it is user-friendly.

As a current college student, I highly recommend this product to all my fellow college attendees.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!, August 4, 2007

By 

Rhiannon (MI, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Toshiba Satellite A135-S2386 15.4" Laptop (Intel Pentium D Processor T2080, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, SuperMulti DVD Drive, Vista Basic) (Personal Computers)

I'd give this laptop five stars, but the 512 MB RAM it comes with is slightly insufficient. I highly suggest purchasing extra RAM because it really makes a world of difference - my Satellite now has 2 GB and it's incredibly fast.

The best thing about the Satellite has got to be the resolution. Its screen is absolutely beautiful and perfect for watching movies.

The preloaded Vista Basic works fine for me. It took me a while to get used to it, but I like Window's newest OS a lot better than XP. It's much easier to find documents and overall very user-friendly.

If you're a college student, I highly recommend this laptop. Not only is it great for playing music, movies, and games; it has tons of processing power and memory to write and save essays and reports! The price isn't that bad at all, either.

2.0 out of 5 stars Burning hot!! Slow!! Wireless connection malfunctions!, March 15, 2010

By 

Mike in NYC - See all my reviews

This review is from: Toshiba Satellite A135-S2386 15.4" Laptop (Intel Pentium D Processor T2080, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, SuperMulti DVD Drive, Vista Basic) (Personal Computers)

This is a nice looking laptop, but it's plagued with problems. This thing gets so hot, you cannot use it as a laptop. Eventually something is going to melt inside this computer and it will break down for good.

Shame on Toshiba for putting 512 mb and not 1.5 gb as a bare minimum. They must have known that you cannot use this computer with only 512. I upgraded to 1gb and it's not enough. Going to 2gb is quite expensive and i'm not gonna waste another cent on this computer. Dont they want to retain customers?

Wireless function periodically stops for no reason. This happens when you shut off machine. Now I never shut it off for this reason. Once it's not working, you cannot turn the switch off and on. You gotta turn whole machine off and on and this takes several minutes to do. This is a defect that several people here have mentioned.

The only good things are the layout, ergonomics, and the sound. Oh yeah, the battery is horrible and won't last long on a charge or for it's life.

If toshiba reads this, you lost a future customer.