Toshiba Satellite A305-S6908 15.4-Inch Laptop

by Toshiba

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 14.3 x 1.4 inches ; 6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B001NEJO0Y
• Item model number: PSAG8U-053022
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (50 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,081 in Computers & Accessories (See Top 100 in Computers & Accessories)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 4, 2009

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-S6908 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 Intel GMA 4500MHD integrated chip, which provides up to 1750 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.

The Toshiba A305's striking Fusion high-gloss finish with finely striped Horizon design pattern and recessed touchpad for a more streamlined look.

It's powered by the 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 processor, which boosts speed, reduces power requirements, and saves on battery life. It also offers a fast 800 MHz front-side bus speed and 2 MB L2 cache. It also includes Intel's 5100AGN 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 250 GB hard drive, 4 GB of installed RAM (max capacity), dual-layer DVD±RW burner (with Labelflash disc printing), ExpressCard 54/34 slot, a combo USB/eSATA port, SPDIF digital audio output for surround sound, and a 5-in-1 memory card adapter.

This PC comes preinstalled with the 64-bit version of Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (SP1), 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

Brilliant Fusion Finish
An advanced Toshiba notebook should be more than just a way to make mobile life easier. It should be a reflection of you, too. And this laptop offers the gorgeous new high-gloss Fusion finish with striking Horizon design pattern. It features a smooth, shiny palm rest and a recessed touchpad to that gives your notebook both a more streamlined look and more comfort when you're clicking. Separate multimedia buttons let you launch your favorite entertainment right away as well as control playback--letting you start, pause, fast-forward and rewind almost with feather-touch operation.

The Basics

• Processor: The Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 processor has a 2.0 GHz processor speed, fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and 2 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.)

  With two computational execution cores in a single processor, it provides 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.

  Spec Check 15.4-inch LCD screen 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 processor 250 GB hard drive 4 GB RAM (maximum) Dual-layer DVD±R drive with LabelFlash Draft-N Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n) Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics (up to 1750 MB shared) Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit) Weighs 6 pounds

• Hard Drive: The generous 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 4 GB of installed RAM (PC6400, 2 x 2 GB) maximizes the capacity of this notebook, and it also offers an ultra-fast 800 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: 6x for both DVD±R DL, 8x for both single-layer DVD±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 Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD, which uses shared video memory (up to 1750 MB allocated from the system memory). This graphics card is built with Intel Clear Video technology, which delivers clearer, more detailed images by eliminating many of the jagged edges and video artifacts seen when viewing interlaced content and features powerful color control to ensure videos are not too dark, overly bright, or washed out. It's compatible with external monitor resolutions up to 1920 x 1200.

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 5100AGN 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 (including 1 eSATA/USB combo port)
• 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
• 1 ExpressCard 54/34 slot
• Analog video out: VGA
• 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
The 64-bit version of Windows Vista Home Premium (with SP1) 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 Toolbar, 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-S6908 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty.

Product Description

Marked by distinctive design and high-gloss finish on the outside, and Toshiba innovation within, the Satellite A305/A305D Laptop series is aimed at helping consumers, students, and small business make the most of every day. Features like USB Sleep and Charge, plus Webcam and Toshiba Face Recognition, help make these attractive affordable machine easier to use. High definition displays plus rich virtual surround sound make this an excellent mobile entertainment center. The Toshiba A305-S6908 ships with Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (SP1, 64 bit version), 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 Processor, 2MB L2 Cache, Mobile Intel GM45 Express Chipset, Mobile Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD with 128MB-1759MB Dynamically Allocated Shared Graphics Memory, Configured with 4GB PC6400 DDR2 SDRAM, 250GB (5400 RPM) Hard Drive (SATA), DVD SuperMulti (+/-R double layer) drive with LabelFlash supporting 11 formats, 15.4 in (Diagonal) Widescreen TruBrite TFT LCD Display at 1280 x 800 Resolution, webcam and microphone built into LCD bezel, Intel Wi Fi Link 5100AGN /802.11a/g/n. Dimensions: 14.3 " x 10.5" x 1.36" without feet, weight: Starting at 6.0 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 63 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Laptop at a Great Deal, February 8, 2009

By 

Francis Scott Zimmer "F Zimmer 61" (Vernon, New York United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Toshiba Satellite A305-S6908 15.4-Inch Laptop (Personal Computers)

I have a very similar model (A305-S6898) of this laptop for just under two months and I love it! I purchased mine at Best Buy on sale for $100.00 more (was normally $879.00) and would jump for it again at the same price. At $679.00 I don't see how you could go wrong. It has handled everything I have thrown at it (though for up to the minute high intensity 3D games I imagine it would get fairly hot and not keep up with a $4000.00 powerhouse - see video comment below).

Pros: Beautifully designed; sturdy; no flimsiness of the screen or keyboard; much better speakers than most laptops (though if you really love music I would still use high quality external speakers); multitasks with no problem; a very crisp, bright display with no glare; the Draft-N Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) picks up my network anywhere in the house - plus my next door neighbor's network and a house two houses down the street, though at low quality. The computer speaks quality of design like many Toshiba computers.

I cannot really talk about video fairly as my laptop has an ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3470 video card, not the Intel GMA 4500MHD integrated chip. With 1750 MB total available memory in the integrated chip, I doubt you would see much difference. I also don't use the built-in webcam or mic for voice & video calling, again no comment.

Cons: Like everyone says in reviews of this laptop - that smooth, high-gloss, sleek surface picks up fingerprints when you just walk by. It does not bother me much and I kind of like rubbing it down with the enclosed jeweler's cloth. Not much different than polishing your first new car, but some people will go crazy over the prints.

The one thing that does bother me is the up/down (right-side edge) - left/right (bottom edge) scrolling feature of the touch pad. I invariably touch these edges by accident and find my web page or word document has scrolled five pages down and across. Though probably not a feature of just this laptop, this is my first encounter with this feature and I have not yet found a way to shut it off.

I don't find that the unit gets hot at all. Really it stays fairly cool except in one area - the touch-pad. That area seems to collect a fair amount of heat. You can always us a mouse if it bothers you. Unlike the other review, my in-line charger gets warm, but not hot.

All that said, this is overall a desktop replacement unit. It is well built and slightly heavy. An hour directly on my lap does begin to become uncomfortable. Like said before, it sucks juice. But I really don't carry it many places without the charger, so for me it is not much of an issue. I love this laptop.

A word of warning, not about the machine, but Windows 64-bit version of Vista Home Premium. The 64-bit is for better performance and to use all of that 4 GB RAM. Nice. But 64-bit does not always play nice with 32-bit programs (right now about 85% to 90% of the programs out there). The 64-bit version will become more popular as time goes on (like the old 16-bit going to 32-bit), but right now only a few firewalls, anti-virus and other select programs can handle 64-bit. If you know what to do, you can sometimes coax some 32-bit programs to work and some work fine anyway, but beware just transferring your current programs from your 32-bit computer to this one. You will probably need a few extra dollars for newer versions or different programs.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellence of Performance for an Excellent price, February 15, 2009

By 

Rodolfo Almonte "r H a L Tech" (Dominican Republic) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Toshiba Satellite A305-S6908 15.4-Inch Laptop (Personal Computers)

It's really a great laptop for the deal. It's amazing gorgeous, very good performance for applications like music, HD movies and much more. Of course that the HD movies will be play at 720p Resolution.
Overall an Eye candy laptop.
So, a general overview part by part:
- Keyboard:
The keyboard of the laptop is very soft, nice type on the keys, very comfortable only the madness of the fingerprints.
- Screen & Video :
Can't be better, the bright of the screen is just amazing, clear text and clear movies. For games, can perform well if the game doesn't require too much power; remember is an integrated graphic card but it can be manage to use the memory. (Actually a cons if you will use it for gaming)
- Hard Disk:
Decent space for an all day use laptop, 250 GB will be enough, of course you better get an external drive for back up and data like movies... 5400 RPM must be good but 7200 will be better(Don't forget the price)
- Memory:
WOW... 4 GB PC-6400 means, 800 MHZ, it will move FAST.
- Operative System:
Windows Vista 64 bits to can use the full 4 GB of memory...

- USB Port and other Ports:
With this laptop you will have 3 usb ports 2.0 and an external e-Sata port... Wonderful, it doubles the speed of an usb 2.0.

- Processor:
It blast the performance with the intel core 2 duo T6400 running at 2.0 GHZ, very fast for the task in this days.

- Webcam:
1.3 Mpixel of a web cam will be very good for chatting and video conference.

- Real cons:
Like I said before like 100 times, is a finger print madness. No Bluetooth and no dedicated graphic.
If you can survive without those, it will be an Amazing Laptop...

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great for the price point!, February 7, 2009

By 

honorsgrl (Houston) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Toshiba Satellite A305-S6908 15.4-Inch Laptop (Personal Computers)

I have only had this computer for about a week. I love it so far. I had ordered a dell laptop, pretty comparable & am sending that laptop back. As for the Toshiba Satellite, I was tickled right upon taking it out of the box. It is a beautiful laptop. Shiny & when the unit powers up.It's sweet! I have used it for a week. So far so good. The biggest complaint is the battery life is horrid. I have to plug it up constantly to use it. I have an upcoming trip. Not sure how i am going to use the gas guzzler on the 10hr flight. Yet, I still love it. The keyboard is ergonomically comfortable. Oh yeah, because the unit is so shiny & polished. Fingerprints are a huge issue. CSI could lift a ton of prints off of this thing. I find my self polishing it now. but again I really like the product, especially for the price point. I got it on the prime & it came just a few days later. Again, I am really tickled about the quality of the product for the pricepoint. As for the unit getting got. It really doesn't. it gets warm. i find the plug in charger gets really hot. My husband dropped the charger after picking it up & being shocked to see how hot it was. The speakers are pretty decent. The screen is nice & bright. I have a feeling that is what sucks so much juice. I have to figure out how to turn it down. Aside from that this unit is good stuff.

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