Toshiba Satellite A355-S6931 16.0-Inch Laptop

Other products by Toshiba

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 15.1 x 1.4 inches ; 6.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 9.4 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B001UQ6PYI
• Item model number: PSALWU-044013
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #778 in Computer & Accessories (See Bestsellers in Computer & Accessories)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 5, 2009

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Replace your desktop PC with the Toshiba Satellite A355-S6931 laptop, featuring all the power and hard drive space you expect from a top-of-the-line desktop but in an easily mobile package. Stylishly designed, this Toshiba Satellite features a large, bright 16-inch LCD (1366 x 768)--with a true 16:9 aspect ratio and 720p native high-definition resolution. It's also great for using as a media center, with Toshiba's Express Media Player enabling you to bypass the system and access CDs and DVDs with a touch of button. The dual-layer DVD±RW drive also burns CDs and offers LabelFlash print functionality. A 1.3 megapixel digital web camera built into the LCD's bezel lets you quickly snap photos and participate in live video chats.

The integrated webcam does more than just video chats. It includes Toshiba Face Recognition capabilities--the ultimate hands-free, hassle-free way to log onto your laptop. Just show your face to the webcam--no keeping track of hard-to-remember passwords and no unnecessary typing. And if you're using one laptop for several users--say for the whole family or for a small business--Toshiba Face Recognition lets you switch profiles with one simple look.

It's powered by the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processor--with Centrino 2 technology--which boosts speed, reduces power requirements, and saves on battery life. The 2.13 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P7450 includes a quick 1066 MHz front-side bus and 3 MB of L2 cache, providing an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved multimedia and multitasking performance. 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 a large 320 GB hard drive, 4 GB of RAM (maximum), 5-in-1 memory card reader, Draft-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11a/b/g/n), Intel GMA X4500MHD integrated graphics (with up to 1750 MB of dynamically shared video memory), and Toshiba's Fusion finish with Constellation Black pattern.

This PC also comes preinstalled with the 64-bit version of 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.

This Toshiba notebook is Energy Star 4.0 certified and it is RoHS-compliant, effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances.

Toshiba's stylish Fusion Finish.

Brilliant Fusion Finish and Feather-Touch Multimedia Controls
New Toshiba Satellite laptops do more than just make your life easier and more enjoyable. They make a real statement too--the moment you walk in, thanks to Fusion finish with finely striped Horizon design pattern. Run your fingertips across the smooth, shiny palm rest of the Satellite laptop and what do you encounter? Nary a bump. That's because the touchpad is recessed to give your notebook a more streamlined look, and to give you more comfort when you're clicking or going crazy with that cursor.

Additionally, separate multimedia buttons let you launch your favorite entertainment right away. But with their unique feather-touch operation these controls do that and more--allowing you to effortlessly start, pause, fast-forward and rewind.

Spec Check 16-inch LCD screen 2.13 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P7450 processor (Centrino 2) 320 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 X4500MHD graphics (up to 1750 MB shared) Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit) Fusion finish with Constellation Black pattern Weighs 6.5 pounds

The Basics

• Processor: Experience improved energy efficiency, expanded wireless connectivity, and amazing battery life with the 45nm Intel Core 2 Duo P7450 processor featuring Intel Centrino 2 technology. This processor has a 2.13 GHz processor speed, super-sized 1066 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and a extra-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.)

  Formerly codenamed Montevina, Intel Centrino 2 processor technology improves upon every facet of a laptop's main features, including performance and battery life via new processors and chipsets, faster draft 802.11n wireless, and new business-class manageability capabilities. 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.

  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 it can 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.

• Hard Drive: The large 320 GB* Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive (5400 RPM) offers a wealth of storage space, perfect for storing a vast multimedia collection or for editing digital video. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0. *Capacity without operating system.
  

• 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 a launch button for the Express CD/DVD media player and control buttons (play, stop, next, previous) as well as a volume control dial.

The Toshiba A355 with integrated Harman Kardon stereo speakers.

Screen, Video & Audio
The 16-inch WXGA LCD has a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels--perfect for watching movies in their intended 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. 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 X4500MHD, which uses shared video memory (up to 1750 MB allocated from the system memory) and provides Windows Vista Aero interface support and enhanced 3D graphics performance--delivering over 2x scores on 3DMark 06. Intel Clear Video Technology provides outstanding video playback with sharper image quality, increased clarity, and customizable color controls. It also enables enhanced visual quality of interlaced content on progressive displays.

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).

It also includes a next-generation ExpressCard card slot (replacing the PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. It comes with the following external connectors:

• 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
• Video out: VGA
• 1 ExpressCard 54/34 slot
• 1 headphone jack (with SPDIF digital output for 5.1-channel surround sound)
• 1 microphone jack
• 5-in-1 memory card reader (Secure Digital, MultiMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD Picture Card)
• 10/100 Fast Ethernet networking
• 56K modem (V.90)

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 15.1 x 10.5 x 1.52 inches (WxDxH, and it weighs 6.5 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 Toshiba Satellite A355-S6931 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty.

Product Description

For anyone who needs a versatile, affordable laptop that strikes the right balance between work and play, the Toshiba A355 laptop series hits all the right notes. Featuring an eye-catching design topped with a stylish high-gloss Fusion™ Finish surface, this laptop is equipped with ample system memory, a spacious hard drive, and the latest in dual-core processing power to give you the freedom to connect, be productive and enjoy your multimedia in more places. With its striking 16-inch high-definition widescreen display and superior sound quality, the A355 laptop series is built for multi-tasking and digital entertainment. The Toshiba A355-S6931 ships with Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (SP1, 64 bit version), 2.13 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P7450 Processor, 3MB 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, 320GB (5400 RPM) Hard Drive (SATA), DVD SuperMulti (+/-R double layer) drive with LabelFlash supporting 11 formats, 16.0 in (Diagonal) Widescreen TruBrite TFT LCD Display at 1366 x 768 Resolution, webcam and microphone built into LCD bezel, Intel Wi Fi Link 5100AGN /802.11a/g/n. Dimensions: 15.1 " x 10.5" x 1.36" without feet, weight: Starting at 6.48 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

153 of 155 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Big Beautiful Wonderful priced laptop, April 14, 2009

By	Daniel G. Lebryk - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This is my second Toshiba laptop. Number one is around 4 years old and still works well.

This review is more about the A355 chassis, than this exact spec laptop, and should apply to just about every one of the laptops in this series whether they run AMD or Intel chips.

The first view is that the materials are just plain flat out gorgeous. From the shiny exterior, to the semi rounded base, the two large chrome mouse buttons, the nicely integrated Harmon Kardon speakers, the illuminated touch areas, the big beautiful monitor, and those shiny keys. Yes this is one very pretty computer.

Under that pretty hood are some interesting specs. It used to be incredibly rare to see an eSATA port on any computer, let alone a laptop. Well this one has exactly that - an eSATA port that doubles as a USB port. Nice option to hook up external hard drives. It also includes an iLink, Firewire, or IEEE-1394 port - an incredible rarity (even Apple dropped this port). The audio ports and volume control are on the front, nicely placed. There's absolutely no ports on the rear. There's also an express card slot (not a PCMCIA slot, but EXPRESS card slot) and a multi flash memory card reader (they've dropped CF from the list). It does not include Bluetooth - a very strange omission since every single bluetooth adapter uses the Toshiba stack to run. Use either of these adapters, they work perfectly: IOGear GBU421 Bluetooth 2.0 USB Micro Adapter or Cirago BTA3210 Class 2 Micro Bluetooth Adapter (Black Tip) - both are outstanding miniscule adapters.

Toshiba stuffed 4Gb of RAM and a 320Gb hard drive into this big baby. Those are some pretty nice features in a laptop this inexpensive. Those Harmon Kardon speakers sound very nice.

You'll either hate this or love it, and fortunately you can turn this off if you hate it. The Toshiba name, a little band above the scratchy navigation pad, and the media buttons all light up white (pretty bright at that). I think it looks pretty cool, but others have hated all those lights.

The monitor, oh that monitor is gorgeous. Movies pop, they look absolutely fantastic on this computer. It's a nice big screen. Yes it is a gloss finish and you do get some reflections here or there, but generally it's not bad.

June 2009 Update - my son managed to crack the display. I can see no reason to blame the design nor Toshiba for this crack. Thank goodness I have a 3 year no fault warranty which replaced the screen at no charge (well they charged for the policy). I would not be surprised if my football player son fell asleep and rolled over on top of his laptop. No company in the world can design around that scenario at this price point (yeah you can buy a toughbook - but it's way more expensive than this one). Huge display, light weight... no elephant can stand on this baby and not expect it to break. Downside to all this, he's been without this computer for 2 weeks and is driving me crazy (again, not Toshiba's fault).

The keys are all glossy and the fanatical among you might not like all the visible fingerprints, but I think most will get over that quickly. There is just a ton of room to put your hands to type and use the computer. That surface in front is sweet for a palm rest.

Function-wise, this computer is a decent performer. Nobody is buying this to run heavy games or render video - it won't do those things. But for the occasional game, the occasional video edit, you'll score well here.

Do note, this computer runs Windows Vista Premium 64-Bit. Please don't be afraid of that operating system. I'm running 64 bit on two computers and it runs just beautifully. There is almost no new hardware that won't run under 64 bit these days. It's a rock solid platform. And that OS allows all 4Gb of memory to be seen and used (32 bit tops out at 3Gb). And if you don't believe me, type this into google - pcmag 64 bit computing. Read the first article in that hit list.

This is no lightweight computer. It's a big, pretty heavy laptop. Great for around the house. Not something you would travel everywhere with. But it is portable. Heat generation is nothing extreme. It does pull air in from below, so be careful about couches or beds plugging those holes.

It's a good solid fast computer. There's a bit of fan noise, nothing huge, but you will know the machine is running. I hate to comment on battery life, that's so dependent on how bright you make the screen, processor speed settings and the like. I got a good solid 2 hours of hitting it very hard at max everything. You could probably get a good 3 hours, maybe 4 at more conservative settings.

Something to keep in mind, Toshiba ships all their laptops full of bloat-ware. It's a really good idea to remove it all. Almost none of it is necessary. There are two websites that will clear all that garbage out of your computer. It's explained in a great article at PCMag. Type this into google, PCMag make the most out of your new pc. The first hit will be a fantatstic article on how to remove the garbage.

Overall, this is a big, beautiful, good sounding, heavy, hard working, well priced laptop.

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fulfills my purposes, no problems or complaints, May 29, 2009

By	Homer "consumer" (Cincinnati, Ohio) - See all my reviews

I needed a third computer for use when I was away from my desktop system and ultra portable light weight.

I chose this system which had the better processor but the video processor intergrated with the chip.

Clearly, for hard gamers and intensive video processing, the systems with the seperate video memory is necessary. However, for surfing the net or performing editing, the system is fine.

I have had no problems with Vista 64. The sytem booted up without a problem and instantly connected with my WIFI /n system.

There is a fair amount of crapware, but it can be easily removed through a variety of programs or simply removing the programs in the uninstall aspect of the control panel.

The screen is great and the key board is one of the nicest I've had in a laptop.

For the price, the system has a great screen, excellent keyboard, DVD/CD player and burner with a fast chip and tons of RAM.

I would not hesitate to recommend this unit to anyone. Gamers will need a faster video card

24 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars CORRECTION to DESCRIPTION, April 20, 2009

By	J. Smith "Scientist" (Maine, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Again - this machine has no HDMI port. I suspect that the eSATA port is mistakenly identified as an HDMI port. No other source of this machines description seems to have an HDMI port listed.