Toshiba Satellite A305-S6839 15.4" Laptop (Intel Centrino 2.1 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 Processor, 3 GB RAM, 320 GB Hard Drive, DVD Drive, Vista Premium)

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 14.3 x 10.5 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0015RFJYO
• Item model number: A305-S6839
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,199 in Computers & PC Hardware (See Bestsellers in Computers & PC Hardware)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 7, 2008

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description
Designed to meet the demands of a multimedia-hungry family, students on the go, and small businesses with demanding computing needs, the Toshiba Satellite A305-S6839 offers a versatile base for all your needs. It includes a generous 15.4-inch widescreen TruBrite high-def display for amazing color depth and clarity, plus room to multitask and work with spreadsheets. And video is powered by the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3470, which provides 1023 MB of total available graphics memory for watching HD movies and TV as well as excellent 3D gaming. And you'll enjoy crisp audio from the Harman Kardon stereo speakers. A built-in 1.3-megapixel webcam (with integrated microphone) lets you join in on video conferences as well as make long-distance VoIP calls using Skype.

It's powered by the 2.1 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 processor, which offers a super-fast 800 MHz front-side bus speed and extra-large 3 MB L2 cache. Part of Intel's 45-nanometer (nm) Penryn series, this processor boosts speed, reduces power requirements, and saves on battery life. The Core 2 Duo processor provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance. It also includes Intel's 4965 AGN wireless LAN, which will connect to draft 802.11n routers and offers compatibility with 802.11a/b/g networks as well. Other features include an enormous 320 GB hard drive, 3 GB of installed RAM (4 GB max), dual-layer DVD±RW burner (with Labelflash disc printing), ExpressCard 34 slot, and a 5-in-1 memory card adapter.

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: Experience improved energy efficiency, expanded wireless connectivity, and amazing battery life with the 45nm Penryn series Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 processor, which has a 2.10 GHz processor speed, super-fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and a large 3 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 new hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--conserves even more energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet. And you'll be able to encode video on-the-go and watch HD movies with Intel HD Boost.

  The Intel Core 2 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 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 gigantic 320 GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 RPM) provides one of the largest capacities you'll currently find in a laptop (and unlike other notebooks of similar capacity, the total is not split between two separate hard drives). You'll enjoy the space for storing your entire music collection as well as your DVDs and downloaded TV shows and movies. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.

• Memory: The 3 GB of installed RAM (PC5300, 1 x 2 GB, 2 x 1 GB) helps boost the amount of available video RAM that's shared with this notebook's video card. It also offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed. This notebook has a 4 GB maximum RAM capacity (2 x 2 GB). 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 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 Mobility Radeon HD 3470, which provides 256 MB of discrete graphics memory as well as up to 767 MB of shared memory (for 1023 MB of total available graphics memory). ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3400 Series graphics processors have breakthrough efficiency, with phenomenal performance-per-watt and energy-saving features. Advance to the power of discrete graphics for HD gaming with best-in-class performance, amazing effects, and lifelike worlds and characters delivering a compelling gaming experience.

The built-in microphone and Skype-certified webcam (with face-recognition software) makes it easy to video chat as well as use the Skype VoIP service--a convenient, affordable alternative to long distance calling. 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 4965AGN 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).

With USB Sleep-and-Charge support, you can use your Satellite A305 to charge your favorite portable electronic devices, even when the laptop is asleep. If you use a smartphone, you can just plug it in, power up and go without having to worry that you've got enough charge. 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
• S/PDIF digital audio output (shared with headphone)
• 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, 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 14.3 x 10.5 x 1.55 inches (WxDxH, and it weighs 6 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 A305-S6839 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty.

Product Description
The Satellite A305-s6839 is an attractive, lightweight, widescreen laptops designed and priced to meet the everyday demands of individual consumers, including students, families and small business. The generous 15.4-inch widescreen TruBrite high-def display on the A305-s6839 offers amazing color depth and clarity, plus room to multitask and work with spreadsheets. Harman Kardon stereo speakers on the Satellite A305 bring a whole new dimension to music, movies and more. Enjoy big-speaker surround listening with the Satellite A305¿s S/P DIF connection by tapping into a home theater system. With USB Sleep-and-Charge support you can use your Satellite A305 to powerup your favorite portable electronic devices, even when the laptop is asleep. Use a smart phone? With USB Sleep-and-Charge support you just plug in, power up and go. Use the Satellite A305¿s DVD SuperMulti optical drive to play games, share work and photos, or back up data. And use Labelflash to keep your growing disk collection looking smart and organized. You¿re in luck. The Satellite A305¿s DVD SuperMulti optical drive handles today¿s popular CD and DVD formats. A built-in microphone and Webcam on the Satellite A305 lets you chat, conference and stay in touch as if you were actually there.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Little Home and Business Machine, June 20, 2008

By	John Buford (Monterey, CA) - See all my reviews

This model is my second Toshiba laptop, which I need for work at my restaurant and on the road for consulting business. I bought it in mid-May; Amazon delivery service was fast and safe, as usual.

I installed Windows Office 2007 and Outlook 2007, plus the Kaspersky Anti-Virus package as soon as I got it. (I always found the Norton/McAfee package to be slow, btw; Kaspersky is faster, much faster). All packages work great with Vista Premium, and I've not had any problems with any of them, including Vista Premium, which works just fine.

The Core 2 Duo processors make for much faster start up/shut down times as compared with those of my three year old Satellite which used the Pentium 4 processor and indeed, all programs seem to work faster than the old laptop. Processor heat is not that bad, and actually helps keep you warm when used on the lap on cold nights! The display on the new Satellite is much brighter and as someone else mentioned, the keyboard layout is very comfortable and accessible. Note that the touchpad and "click keys" are slightly off center to the left of the laptop, but exactly centered below the qwerty keys; I didn't notice this nice touch until recently. As well, there are the little usb symbols on top, which guide your fingers in connecting, so that you don't have to look over the edge when connecting. The sound system is excellent and strong. The black plastic casing has very nice finish, seems very strong, and in my case, at least, I've had no scratches at all after a month's use (lucky, maybe). Fingerprints show up, but are easily cleaned. Built in mike, speakers and webcam work great with skype; no need for headsets anymore! Weight: new machine is bit lighter than the old one, because the old one had light aluminum cover and keyboard plate; the new one is some sort of tough plastic, as I mentioned.

The only small complaint I'd submit is that the AC connection cord is now on the side as opposed the back on my first Toshiba. The cord has a small cylindrical capacitor sort of thingy about 6" from the computer and if that thing dangles over the side of your desk or table where you're working and you move the laptop to the left, you might inadvertently disconnect the laptop. If you're working without the battery inserted as I usually do at home or at work, you'll need to be careful about this.

In closing, I'm really happy with this new laptop and I'd recommend it highly to those folks interested in mid-price range, non-specialized type of laptop, and I give it five stars!

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Solid, well-rounded laptop, May 15, 2008

By	SonofSkywalker "~Chris R~" (Olmsted Falls, Ohio) - See all my reviews

I bought this in the beginning of May with my tax refund (economic stimulus!) and I couldn't be happier with it. The finish is a bit striking for my tastes, but I quickly learned to love it. Also, it has possibly the most comfortable keyboard I have ever used, and I am used to spacious offerings of desktops. Since I do a lot of writing, this was a deciding factor in purchasing this laptop. The thing is really nice, not too heavy (not exactly light though) and has a beautiful display. The $869 version is perfect for a person wanting a really well-rounded laptop on a budget, and as it is loaded with RAM and has a large hard disk, it really does handle very nicely.

That being, said, if you can afford the more expensive version, you probably should, as that has dedicated video and a faster processor, but I think the lower-priced version runs like a dream. Unless you're doing video editing or are planning on running the newest games at the maximum graphics, this will do it and do it well. Also, the speakers are fantastic for a laptop, they are just as good as the desktop speakers that came with my Dell about five years ago, and they are loud enough for me to have to turn them down so my landlord doesn't yell at me for being too loud. The chassis has almost no flex or bend, and it feels very sturdy and solid, as opposed to my friend's Dell Inspiron which feels kinda cheap (Other than that, it's not a bad laptop, but not a particularly good one either). My biggest qualm so far is that I want more battery life, but you can always buy an extended battery for these things.

Seriously, I just love this thing, and I think other people should buy them to share in this awesomeness.

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional Laptop...Fast Delivery.... Great Price, May 1, 2008

By	IlliniGuy08 (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

My old laptop was about 4 years old and had reached its maximum of 1 GB RAM. I was deciding whether or not to hold onto XP for a few more years until Vista became more reliable. After researching laptops, I started to get familiar with the Toshiba models and specs, and this one is definitely at the top.

Anyway, you first cannot find a better price for this laptop. No shipping, no tax, unlike a retail store's web-site. My laptop was supposed to be shipped on May 2nd, and I received it today- well-packaged too. Amazon outdid themselves this time. So far, this laptop is extremely fast. It is my first computer with Vista, and I am pleasantly surprised. I guess with the 3 GB RAM, T8100 processor, and 512 dedicated graphics memory, Vista would have no troubles. It includes Media Center, which is my new favorite program. It has the cool 1.3 megapixel webcam, fingerprint reader and face recognition security, and nice touch-sensitive media controls at the base of the display that light up when the laptop is powered on. You can charge your mp3 player through the USB port when the laptop is powered off. I am typing on my new laptop at the moment using the battery, and it is at 60% with 2 hours 11 minutes of power left. Very quiet, Harmon/Kardon speakers, nice bright screen, 400 GB HDD. You can see the features above, but they are all great to have. The only thing that bugs me JUST A LITTLE are the fingerprints. This laptop has an extremely glossy casing and keys, so fingerprints will definitely show. Other than that, it's a great laptop for under $1200.

If you're looking for laptops or considering this one, I personally prefer Intel Core 2 Duo over AMD Turion 64 x2, and dedicated graphics over integrated. T5550 might be the standard now, but to get over the 2 GHz mark, you need a T7250 at least.