Toshiba Satellite A15-S129 Laptop (2.40-GHz Celeron, 256 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive)

by Toshiba

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 13 x 11.5 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0000DALHV
• Item model number: PSA10U-0ZH6MV
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,219 in Computers & Accessories (See Top 100 in Computers & Accessories)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 10, 2003

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Featuring a cost-effective Intel Celeron processor and middle-of-the-road accouterments, the Toshiba Satellite A15-S129 Notebook is a wise choice for budget-conscious individuals, students and professionals who need a mobile computer that’ll handle the basics.

Although part of the entry-level Celeron line, the system’s processor is nevertheless the most sophisticated mobile Celeron available, the 2.4 GHz model. Featuring a fast 400 MHz system bus clock speed and 256 MB Level 2 cache, this CPU is both fast and affordable. Accompanying the Celeron is 256 MB of RAM memory (expandable to 1024 MB) and an Intel 852GM graphics chipset with 32 MB of shared (not dedicated) video memory. Accordingly, the Satellite A15-S129 can’t be called upon for complex 3-D rendering, high-end games or ultra-demanding business environments. It is, however, perfectly satisfactory for standard word processing, database and spreadsheet activities, contact management, and Internet surfing.

Measuring 13 by 11.5 by 1.5 inches and tipping the scales at just 6.3 pounds, the Satellite A15-S129 is comparatively compact and comfortably lightweight. Under the hood you’ll find such amenities as integrated stereo speakers, a full-size 85-key keyboard with 12 function keys and a TouchPad pointing device, an adequate 40 GB hard disk and a generous 15-inch active-matrix display (1024x768 maximum resolution). With the integrated DVD/CD-RW drive, you can burn and listen to audio CDs, archive files, and enjoy the latest Hollywood blockbusters. In this stock configuration, the unit does not permit DVD burning.

Connectivity options are plentiful but not particularly state-of-the-art. Though the system does feature two USB ports for plug and play peripherals, an integrated 56K modem and an RJ-45 LAN network port, it does not include high-speed USB 2.0 ports or a FireWire port (often used to link devices such as digital camcorders). Furthermore, wireless networking is available only as an option. Bundled software includes Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Works and Intuit Quicken New User Edition 2003. Battery life is estimated at a commendable 3.13 hours.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

57 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best investment this year! - Efficient, dependable, trusted., December 14, 2003

By 

Jason Pang (Anaheim, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Toshiba Satellite A15-S129 Laptop (2.40-GHz Celeron, 256 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive) (Personal Computers)

I purchased the Toshiba Satellite A15-S129 (Celeron 2.4GHz) about eight weeks ago and it has surpassed all my expectations! My previous laptop was also a Toshiba but I was lured by the "bells and whistles" that came with the Compaq Presario (P4 - 2.3GHz) and HP Pavilion (AMD Athlon XP-M 2500+) notebooks - Also more expensive! I bought both of these laptops but promptly returned them after encountering problems with the CD burner on the Compaq and noting a rhythmic "clicking" noise when idle on the HP.

If you're like me and use the computer mainly for word processing, accounting, websurfing, emailing, listening to music, and watching DVDs, the Celeron processor has way more than enough 'pep'. In fact, the speed appears to be comparable to the P4 and AMD chips, both of which I had an opportunity to test. Given that the other two laptops had faster CPUs, more RAM and L2 cache, I thought I would easily see a difference in speed when opening and running programs or accessing web pages. However, this wasn't the case. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised by Celeron's speed and efficiency, noting no appreciable difference in performance compared to either chip.

This computer has worked flawlessly since I bought it. Installing software and adding new hardware are a snap -essentially idiot proof. The USB ports instantly recognized and "sync-ed" with my PDA, digital camera, and USB flash drive upon connection. The TFT screen is bright and very sharp. The DVD player plays movies effortlessly and the speaker sound is undoubtedly superior to the Compaq and HP units! No problems playing a 2-hr movie on battery power so far. Surfing the web and CD burning are incredibly fast. In addition, I really like the soft quiet keyboard, the light weight of this laptop, and many Toshiba touchpad options. Don't do this but last week I accidently spilled half a cup of water on the keyboard and pretty much thought I killed my computer. After allowing it to dry for 8-10 hours, I turned it back on and everything amazingly worked fine. This is a testament to Toshiba's durability and design.

Drawbacks include its larger size in the front-to-back dimension (i.e. it barely fits vertically in my old laptop case), limited CD burning software, battery life (if you're always on the go), and only 2 USB ports. If you want to play high-end graphics games or need wireless connectivity, this computer may not be your first choice. Keep in mind that you can always buy more RAM or add a network card, as needed.

If you're looking for a solid, affordable desktop replacement with an occasional need for mobility, this computer is an excellent investment. Don't be fooled into paying more for bell and whistles on other notebooks. Before buying, ask yourself what you really need the laptop for on a daily basis. In the end, I could not justify paying $300 or more for a computer that would not be used to its full potential. And when it's time to buy a new laptop in a few years, you can bet that mine will be a Toshiba.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Value / Reliability / Bargain!, November 16, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Toshiba Satellite A15-S129 Laptop (2.40-GHz Celeron, 256 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive) (Personal Computers)

I purchased this at CompUSA. An annoying experience because of all the "extras" they try to sell. But anyway, once I got it home I was very pleased. It's not the "prettiest" laptop around but it has a VERY solid reliability ranking - right up there with IBM (which are much more expensive).

Pros:
- Big screen
- Decent sound
- Manual volume control !!! (really nice feature)
- CD RW/DVD combo drive
- Toshiba reliability
- Price / value
Cons:
- Must be very careful with CD drive - could break easily cause it's the pop out type (keep small kids away).
- Touchpad buttons a little flimsy (I use a mouse anyway)

I'll mention it again - laptops break! So I wanted to get the most reliable brand. I have a toshiba cordless phone that has given me many years of trouble free service (not so with other phones).

Overall, considering the price and reliability, this is a no-brainer in my opinion. If you need a laptop, this one is great.

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Value for the Price, November 25, 2003

By 

D. Gale (Yelm, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Toshiba Satellite A15-S129 Laptop (2.40-GHz Celeron, 256 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive) (Personal Computers)

You get what you pay for - the Toshiba A15-S129 is a value-priced laptop. While it is Toshiba's entry-level laptop, it provides the features needed for the majority of us sitting in front of a computer screen. Compared with similarly priced laptops (before the $$$ rebates), the Toshiba A15-S129 does boast a faster processor (2.4 ghz celeron) and the 32 mb video card is more than adequate for most tasks (watching DVDs, word-processing, cruising the net). Included in the price is a combination DVD/CD Writer (most entry level laptops have a CD player). My Toshiba A15-S129 came with one 256 mb memory stick, with an open slot - making it easy to increase the memory without having to discard one of two 128 mb memory sticks (normally provided by other manufacturers) when upgrading.

The Toshiba support website is not the best. You have to telephonically contact sales/support personnel for assistance in ordering accessories. You cannot use email to contact their support personnel. They do have a search mechanism available (Ask Iris) to help resolve issues that have been voiced by other Toshiba users, as well as a support/discussion group sponsored by a third-party.

I am satisfied with my A15-S129 - and even happier when I cashed the rebate checks!