Toshiba Satellite M305-S4920 14.1-Inch Laptop

by Toshiba

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 13.1 x 1.2 inches ; 5.2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 8.4 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B001NEJO40
• Item model number: PSMD8U-02500Y
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,261 in Computers & Accessories (See Top 100 in Computers & Accessories)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 11, 2009

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Designed to provide on-the-go productivity and entertainment to fit any budget, the Toshiba M305-S4920 notebook PC weighs just over 5 pounds. The 14.1-inch widescreen display offers TruBrite technology for optimal image clarity and a 1280 x 800 resolution for extra desktop working space and a widescreen aspect ratio for watching letterboxed DVDs. This affordable notebook PC is 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 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 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.

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.

Other features include a 320 GB hard drive, 4 GB of installed RAM (maximum capacity), Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics processor with up to 1292 MB of shared video memory, dual-layer DVD±RW burner (with LabelFlash print functionality), Draft-N Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), combo USB/eSATA port, and 5-in-1 memory card reader. 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 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.

Spec Check 14.1-inch LCD screen 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 processor 320 GB hard drive 4 GB RAM (8 GB 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 with SP1 (64-bit) Weighs 5.2 pounds

The Basics

• Processor: Experience improved energy efficiency, expanded wireless connectivity, and amazing battery life with the 45nm Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 processor featuring Intel Centrino 2 technology. This processor has a 2.4 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.

• Memory: The 4 GB of installed RAM (PC6400, 2 x 2 GB) helps boost the amount of available video RAM that's shared with this notebook's video card. It also offers a fast 800 MHz speed. This notebook has an 8 GB maximum RAM capacity. 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: 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 14.1-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.

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 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 M305 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
• Video out: VGA
• 1 headphone jack (with SPDIF digital output for 5.1-channel surround sound)
• 1 microphone jack
• 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 13.1 x 9.5 x 1.5 inches (WxDxH, and it weighs 5.2 pounds.

Power
It comes with a 6 Cell 4800 mAH lithium-ion battery pack for extra-long battery life.

What's in the Box
This package contains the M305-S4920 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty.

Product Description

Lighter than a 15.4-inch notebook, yet offering generous features and room, the 14.1-inch Satellite M305 Laptop is ideal for home, school, business or a bit of everything. With a trim starting weigth and footprint, these machines are great for working at a desk or on the move. Powerful dual-core processors yield faster applications and brisk multitasking. Toshiba innovations like USB Sleep and Charge, plus a Webcam and face recognition, offers tremendous convenience. A superb stereo sound system and stunning widescreen Trubrite display perform equally will for work or entertainment. And a high-gloss Fusion Finish plus Horizon design pattern lend considerable style. The Toshiba M305-S4915 ships with Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (SP1, 64 bit version), 2.13 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7450 Processor, 3MB L2 Cache, Mobile Intel GM45 Express Chipset, Mobile Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD with 32MB-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, 14.1 in (Diagonal) Widescreen TruBrite TFT LCD Display at 12800 x 800 Resolution, webcam and microphone built into LCD bezel, Intel Wi Fi Link 5100AGN /802.11a/g/n. Dimensions: 13.1 " x 9.5" x 1.25" without feet, weight: Starting at 5.2 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Midrange Powerful but glossy, short battery life and weak hinges, March 13, 2009

By 

sh "sh" - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Toshiba Satellite M305-S4920 14.1-Inch Laptop (Personal Computers)

Like Toshiba laptops generally, they are realtively strong,and this model is rather powerful for the money. The glossy finish makes it an ad for fingerprints, smudges, dust -- every little thing shows ups - What on earth were the designers thinking when they came up with a high gloss finish("We'll make every surface high gloss, the cover glossy, the case glossy, even the keys! It will be beautiful!" "Uh, ever heard of fingerprints?")

As laptops go, the Toshiba Sattelite's tend to be reliable and reasonably rugged.

The set up is easy and the Toshiba software for, for example, software updating, is easy to use. You do need to go to the toshiba website and look for the BIOS update and download and run that but it's easy to do although most novices will probably avoid those steps.

Like many Toshibas, battery life is poor at best, only about 45 min to 1.5 hours, depending on hw much you use the hdrive, dvd and how bright the screen is, etc. The advertised battery life seems to assume you don't use the hdrive much, nor the dvd and keep the screen dim. Still, one would be hard pressed to get the advertised battery life.

So these notebooks are good if you need a PC you can move from place to place. But if you want one to use whihle on the move (without being plugged in for several hours) then you might want to check out notebooks designed favoring battery liffe over performance. OR you can fine tune the Power Control on this machine, dimmer screen, turning off hdisk sooner, going into hibernation instead of sleep, etc. The Toshiba software, which youcan access through the Windows Control Panel gives you considerable flexibility adjusting advanced power control options. The stock options, even the so-called "balanced" mode won't favor battery life longer than an about an hour.

After two years the hinges broke loose from the top, so I had to replace the cover, lcd bezel, and the hinges. If I had not done the work myself, the repair cost would have been too high to be worthwhile. Once I opened the machine and saw how the hinges are attached tothe cover, I was surprised that they hadn't broken loose sooner -- only two screws hold each hinge to the cover and these thread into brass inserts embedded in the plastic cover. It's these brass inserts that pull out of hte plastic under the stress of opening and closing the cover. The use of an additional screw on each hinge (offset rather than in-line with the others, would have greatly increase the durability of the attachment. ON the base side, the hinges are mounted with three screws per hinge and in in offset layout -- So Toshiba got if halfway right or halfway screwed, you decide.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars NOT AS REPRESENTED, June 4, 2009

By 

Lawrence C. Brooke (Virginia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Toshiba Satellite M305-S4920 14.1-Inch Laptop (Personal Computers)

This is a copy of an email sent 05/27/2009, no response from amazon to date.
Recently received this item, Issues are as follows:
1. Battery is speced as the 7200 mAH, which is a 9 cell LI, recieved the 6 cell battery with toshiba part # PA3634U-1BRS, which is a 4200 mAH.
"Power
It comes with a 7200 mAH lithium-ion battery pack for extra-long battery life. "

2. Spec sheet shows a 56K modem port v.90, No modem port is on this computer.

" * 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
* Video out: VGA
* 1 headphone jack (with SPDIF digital output for 5.1-channel surround sound)
* 1 microphone jack
* 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) "

3. Also there is only 3 USB ports, not 4 as speced.

I had to purchase a modem for $79.00 locally as I needed to connect to conduct my business, while I was unhappy with this omission, I generally liked the computer. When I went to connect the modem (USB type) I found there were only 3 USB ports. Now, I am starting to get pissed, you know, but decided that I really liked the computer and still did not complain, and purchased a USB hub, cheap enough. I thought I was good to go, then the battery issue came up. There is a major difference between the two batteries as far as power is concerned. Ok, strikes one, two, and now three. I had thought that buying this from Amazon directly, and not one of the amazon vendors I would not have this kind of problems, I was wrong. I understand you can't add a modem port to the computer, I understand you can't add the forth USB port to the computer, but you sure as hell can supply the correct battery or credit the cost of the battery (from Toshiba $149.00) Please respond as soon as possible, I have purchased a lot of items from Amazon and have had zero problems to this point. I am not spending any more money to bring this machine up to the specs I was supposed to get to begin with. Be advised a copy of this email will be posted and your actions to correct also. Sincerely L C Brooke

06/08/2009 addition:

Posted previous about issues with this item. Amazon appears to be addressing the faulty spec sheet, via their suspension of sales of this item. They also made good on my complaints and corrected all issues. While I am concerned that this problem occured, I am very impressed with their interest and desire to correct this problem. Sometimes the value of a company is not evident when all goes well, but when a problem arises and how they deal with it. The only possible complaint is the customer service folks tend to speak a little too fast for my old ears. At a time when a lot of companies are cutting back on customer service, Amazon stands strong. For all the people that assisted me in resolution of this issue a big thank you and great job. L C Brooke

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Extreme Gloss!!, April 1, 2009

By 

D. Burgos "El Fish" (Miami, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Toshiba Satellite M305-S4920 14.1-Inch Laptop (Personal Computers)

The glossy finish its a magnet for fingerprints! everything its glossy even the keyboard (a real issue)i really hate it! im thinking to replace it.

Everything else its Ok! Very fast laptop!

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