Toshiba Satellite A65-S126 Laptop (2.80 GHz Celeron, 256 MB RAM, 60 GB Hard Drive, DVD-CD-RW Drive)

by Toshiba

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 13.5 x 11.1 x 2.1 inches ; 7.7 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 11 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0002D6QVC
• Item model number: A65-S126
• Average Customer Review: 2.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 24, 2004

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Basics:
An excellent entry-level portable computer for students or "notebook lite" for businesspeople, the Toshiba Satellite A65-S126 Notebook PC delivers adequate speed, wireless communication and plenty of storage space at a favorable price point. If you want to play games, burn DVDs, or impress your friends with raw power, you'll want to explore one of Toshiba's other models, but for basic computing such as word processing, finances, Internet/email and CD burning, the Satellite A65-S126 is up to the task without breaking the bank.

Processor:
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. Some of today's notebooks are equipped with high-end CPU's on par with those found in top-of-the-line desktop PCs, though these machines are usually noticeably larger and more power hungry than their less powerful counterparts. Intel's cost-effective Celeron processor often forms the basis for budget-priced machines, and the Satellite A65-S126 is no different. A 2.8 GHz Celeron powers the unit, delivering sufficient speed and power for general duty but not enough for serious multitasking, super-sophisticated business apps or the latest games. Power users would do well to check into Pentium 4-powered notebooks.

Memory:
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM). More RAM means faster computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. The Satellite A65-S126 incorprates 256 MB of RAM, the bare minimum for the vast majority of today's notebooks and not enough for efficient multitasking. The unit does allow you to increase the amount of RAM to 1280 MB, but at extra cost.

Video:
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). This system's graphics controller is an ATI Mobility Radeon 7000 IGP with 64 MB of shared video memory. The Radeon name is highly regarded in video technology, and indeed this system and this chipset will efficiently deal with 2D graphics and do a reasonable job with simple 3D visuals such as those found in older games and entry-level 3D animation. However, it will not competently display the latest high-end 3D computer games and the like.

Display:
The unit's 15-inch TFT active matrix display is standard for midlevel notebooks. It is not a widescreen display such as those found in some of today's more pricey units, and therefore does not offer the panoramic perspective favored for movies. Its highest supported resolution of 1024 by 768 is also standard.

Hard Disk:
The Satellite A65-S126 features a solid 60 GB of hard disk space. This amount of data storage is surprising in a notebook at this price range, providing enough room for general applications and files and a small library of music or multimedia files too.

Optical Drive:
An optical drive is essential in today's computing environment. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD "burning", so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can watch DVD movies. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD). Some drives allow you to do a combination of all of these tasks. This system features a DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive that supports all of the above apart from DVD recording.

Audio:
The system features an integrated audio processor that mimics the spatial awareness of surround sound through its two stereo speakers.

Keyboard and Controls:
You'll control your notebook via an 85-key keyboard with HotKey function and a TouchPad pointing device.

Connectivity and Expansion:
The Satellite A65-S126 offers a wide variety of ways to keep in touch, including a 56K modem for low-speed dial-up Internet and email access, an RJ-45 Ethernet port for high-speed wired network and Internet, and integrated wireless LAN for cordless e-communication at home, at the office or on the road via a local public hotspot. Other key amenities include three high-speed USB 2.0 ports for fast interaction with plug and play devices such as external drives and digital cameras, and a TV-out port. An IEEE 1394 FireWire port (commonly used for quick data uploads from digital camcorders) is not included.

Operating System and Software:
Toshiba has fitted the system with today's most widely accepted operating system, Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition.

Dimensions and Weight:
Notebook computers are manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and weights. Many of today's most powerful notebooks are also the largest, weighing ten or twelve lbs or more and therefore too big and cumbersome for extensive, continuous traveling. These are often referred to as "desktop replacements". On the other extreme are "thin and lights" or "ultra-portables", super-miniaturized units that typically aren't as powerful as their larger brethren but weigh as little as two lbs and will often fit comfortably inside a large purse. The Satellite A65-S126 is considered average by today's standards, at 13.2 by 11.7 by 1.9 inches and 7.7 lbs.

Power:
The system is equipped with an 8-cell Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery that delivers 1.5 hours between charges. This is not particularly efficient when compared with notebooks making use of Intel's Centrino technology and Pentium M processor, and is just slightly less than average even for most entry-level notbooks.

Product Description

Toshiba Satellite A65-S126 Notebook Computer - This affordable notebook computer combines desktop-like power and functionality, with the mobility and convenience of a laptop. The Intel Celeron Processor 2.8GHz and 256MB of DDR SDRAM are more than enough to tackle your basic everyday tasks - such as e-mail, web browsing, word processing, spreadsheets, and more! DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo Drive Integrated Atheros 802.11g Wi-Fi Wireless LAN Adapter (backwards compatible with 802.11b) 56k v.92 Data/Fax Modem SRS TruSurround XT Audio Ports - Parallel, VGA, 3 USB, & TV-Out Includes - 8-cell lithium-ion battery (1.5 hrs. per charge), AC adapter, & Microsoft Windows XP Home Unit Dimensions - 13.2 x 11.7 x 1.9

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Basic, but good-and definitely the right price, September 18, 2004

By 

shelaugh (Arkansas, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Toshiba Satellite A65-S126 Laptop (2.80 GHz Celeron, 256 MB RAM, 60 GB Hard Drive, DVD-CD-RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

I bought my Satellite knowing that the Celeron was the bottom of the line processor...but all I was looking for was the ability to take a computer wherever I want, whenever I want. And that is definitely what my Satellite provides. If I want to play games or do more than scan the internet or check email, I have a beefier desktop that fits that bill. If you just want to stay connected to the internet and take care of your business on the run-this will do. The only disappointment is the battery life-it is very short. Can't stay disconnected from the AC too long, or it cuts off on you-pretty much 1 hour is it.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Look elsewhere., July 17, 2006

By 

J. D Macloud (Alexandria, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Toshiba Satellite A65-S126 Laptop (2.80 GHz Celeron, 256 MB RAM, 60 GB Hard Drive, DVD-CD-RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

There are far better laptops on the market at this time (Jul 06). Here's what I don't like about mine.

1. Gets VERY hot. If you're using it as a no-kidding laptop (i.e. on your lap) then you'll heat up along with this clunker.
2. Too big and too heavy by today's standards.
3. Battery life is terrible.
4. Crappy motherboard. My motherboard died after 15 months. I'm still trying to salvage it, but so far having no luck.
5. Construction is a bit clunky - always seems like the next time I open the laptop up, it's going to bust the hinges. Hasn't happened yet, but seems just moments away.

If you pay more than $500 for this laptop, you're wasting money. Check eBay - go for something comparable around $500 - you can't do worse and will probably do better.

As an aside, my work computer is a Toshiba Portege and I LOVE it. So, my specific problem is not Toshiba, but with this specific model.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Dont waste your money!, July 21, 2006

By 

Guy M. Smith "laptop chump" (Green Bay,WI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Toshiba Satellite A65-S126 Laptop (2.80 GHz Celeron, 256 MB RAM, 60 GB Hard Drive, DVD-CD-RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

This laptop is my first laptop, so maybe I have an unrealistic expectation, but the Toshiba Satellite is nothing but trouble for me.

The battery life is terrible, you might get 45 minutes and that is if you are doing basic computing only.

It gets very hot! I have taken this laptop back to be repaired 3 times because it over heats and shuts down after about 20 minutes.

The screen is very flimsy, it will flop around 2-3" in either direction when you have it open.

I have also had to return it for repair of the AC adapter, they told me a wire came loose and had to be soldered back in place...I am no expert but wires dont just unsolder themselves!

The hard dirve also took a dump once and whipped out everything I had.

Overall I am completly dissatisfied with this machine and I will never buy a Toshiba product again!