Toshiba Satellite A215-S6814 15.4-inch Laptop (AMD Turion 64 X 2 Dual Core TL-64 Processor, 2 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) Onyx Blue

by Toshiba

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 14.3 x 10.6 x 1.3 inches ; 6.3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00118C1NE
• Item model number: A215-S6814
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: March 1, 2007

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

A great multi-tasker for road warriors, the Toshiba Satellite A215-S6814 notebook PC offers dual-core productivity from its 2.2 GHz 64-bit AMD Athlon 64 TL-64 processor. It allows you to easily run multiple programs without bogging down your system, and it features intelligent power management for longer battery life. Stylishly accented with an onyx blue metallic LCD cover, this Toshiba Satellite features a large, bright 15.4-inch XGA-resolution LCD (1280 x 800)--perfect for viewing multiple application screens or watching widescreen movies on DVD. It's also great for using as a media center, with Toshiba's unique Express Media Player enabling you to bypass the system and access CDs and DVDs with a touch of button.

Other features include a 250 GB hard drive, 2 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum), 54g Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), ATI Radeon X1200 video card with up to 319 MB of shared video RAM, dual-layer DVD±RW burner (with LabelFlash printing), 5-in-1 memory card reader, and a webcam integrated into the bezel for easy video chatting. Additionally, this Toshiba notebook is RoHS-compatible, effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances.

This PC also comes preinstalled with 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.

The Basics

• Processor: The 2.2 GHz AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-64 processor offers a dual-core architecture, which delivers additional computing resources to help expand your PC’s capabilities by providing higher throughput and simultaneous computing--increasing your performance by up to 80 percent. You'll be able to perform multiple tasks such as digital rendering and gaming all while running virus scan or other background tasks seamlessly thanks to the innovative Direct Connect Architecture. And it's designed to handle simultaneous 32- and 64-bit computing with no degradation in performance. You'll enjoy long battery life thanks to the AMD PowerNow! power management technology, which delivers performance on demand and can extend system battery life up to 65 percent. And the AMD Digital Media XPress technology delivers stellar multimedia performance and playback on digital entertainment such as games, streaming video and audio, DVDs, and music.

  Each processing core has a 512 KB L2 cache (for a 1 MB total), and this processor can deliver up to a 1600 MHz system bus for lightning quick computing reflexes. (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.)

• Hard Drive: The extra-large 250 GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 RPM) provides more than enough capacity for storing a large audio and video library, as well as extra space required for video editing. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.

• Memory: The 2 GB of installed RAM (2 x 1 GB DDR2, PC5300) is an excellent start, but you'll want to add more RAM to handle today's demanding multimedia and productivity suites. It provides two DIMM slots and has a large 4 GB maximum RAM capacity. It also offers a top-of-class 667 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: 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.

  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 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 1200 integrated video/graphics card, which delivers up to 319 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 notebook has an integrated Atheros 54g wireless LAN that's fully compatible with 802.11b/g wireless networks. It also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 54/34 card slot (though no PCMCIA card slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. 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
• 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
• 1 ExpressCard 54/34 slot
• Video out: VGA and S-Video
• Microphone/line-in and stereo headphones/speakers/line-out
• RJ-45 port for 10/100 Ethernet connection
• 56K modem port (V.90)
• 5-in-1 memory card reader (Secure Digital, MultiMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD Picture Card)

Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit version) 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 Desktop and Picasa, Ulead DVD MovieFactory 5, McAfee Internet Security Suite (30-day trial), and Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student Edition (60-day trial).

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 14.3 x 10.6 x 1.55 inches (WxDxH, and it weighs 5.8 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 A215-S6814 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty.

Product Description

Toshiba A215-S6814 Satellite 15.4 Inch Notebook PC. The Satellite A215-S6814 notebook delivers cutting edge technology that¿s built to match your lifestyle mobile and multitasking. Systems feature the latest AMD Turion 64 X2 dual core mobile technology and large memory for optimal performance. A 15.4 Inch diagonal WXGA TruBrite display shows off media from a DVD SuperMulti drive with Labelflash that reads and writes up to 11 formats. High speed wireless LAN 802.11b/g lets you work cable free. With the AMD Turion 64 X2 dual core technology, the Satellite A215 is optimized to deliver better multi tasking performance in thinner and lighter notebook designs. It is a smart choice for your computing needs. The 2048MB RAM2 on the Satellite A215-S6814 notebook is a full range laptop with features and functionality. Packed and priced to go, it is great for students and everyday use. The spacious 250GB hard drive provides ample storage and faster speeds to make quick work of multimedia files. Integrated 802.11b/g wireless LAN technology lets you work and play on the move. Connect to your home, office, and in Wirless LAN hotspots at airports, hotels and coffee shops.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Try them in the store first!, February 8, 2008

By 

William C. Lehman (Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Toshiba Satellite A215-S5802 15.4-inch Laptop (AMD Athlon 64 X 2 Dual Core TK-57 Processor, 1024 MB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) Onyx Blue (Electronics)

This is basically a nice laptop. But I wish I would have purchased it today, since is $50 cheaper than when I did two weeks ago. Amazon loves to play with prices. I've learned to tame my impulses and check prices over a period of time (2 or 3 weeks). Amazon prices go up and down regularly. Some days a third party vendor might have the item, next day Amazon will have it. Back and forth. OK, enough of that.
This computer is beautiful to look at and has a gorgeous screen. Wide and bright. The keyboard is uncluttered, but has all the necessary functions. The keyboard, however, seems to have a large weak area on the right side, where it flexes noticeably whenever a key is pushed. Seems like a sign of low quality. The computer has no internal mic. There are
four USB ports, but they are located on each side towards the front. Whenever peripherals are plugged in, they are very obtrusive, especially
on the right side where most people would like to move the mouse around.
The really BAD thing is that all Vista users should plan on an extra outlay of $$ for more memory to prevent the sluggishness of this inferior operating system. To do over again, I probably would have ordered the
Thinkpad R61e with XP Pro from NewEgg online. Same price. More solid. And
XP. Hope I helped.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "Black Screen of Death" fixed with safg BIOS Flash utility!, March 2, 2008

By 

J. Shull "lock pad alloy" (CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Toshiba Satellite A215-S6804 15.4-inch Laptop (AMD Turion 64 X 2 Dual Core TL-60 Processor, 2 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) (Personal Computers)

I recently reviewed this product very poorly because of the "Black Screen of Death" problem, but Toshiba, at the end of February, released a fix.


IMPORTANT: Toshiba has released a fix for the "Black Screen of Death"; a BIOS flash utility called safg v1.70 or v1.90, depending on your model number, which seems to fix the problem... It was a long time in the coming, but better late then never.


With the blank screen problem fixed, this computer is a good deal and an adequate performer. Warcraft 3: The Frozen Throne works well with all settings at low, even Half Life 2 (but NOT Episode 1 or 2) works with low settings.

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely love it., January 11, 2008

By 

baligathi - See all my reviews

This review is from: Toshiba Satellite A215-S5815 15.4-inch Laptop (AMD Turion 64 X 2 Dual Core TL-60 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) (Personal Computers)

I am a broke student so I had to choose very carefully when selecting my laptop. I thought this would be good, and I was absolutely right. It's very quiet and battery efficient (at least from my experience), and it's specs are pretty good for this price.

Windows Vista comes included, but it may not appeal to many people. It looks great, but it does have a lot of bugs. I have owned this laptop for less than a week and it has already frozen on me four times.

I would definitely recommend this to someone looking for a laptop primarily used for student activities or basic usage. It's not really meant for business due the lack of bundled software, such as full version of MS Office, nor is it really for gamers or multimedia enthusiasts looking for a desktop replacement. For me, it suits me perfectly. The last laptop I had was a high-end 3.2 GHz Pentium 4 desktop replacement. It was a disaster for me as a student because it was the fans were too loud to really use in a public place and the battery life was less than half an hour.

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