Customer Reviews

Toshiba Satellite R15-S822 14.1" Tablet PC (Intel Pentium M (Centrino), 512 MB RAM, 60 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Assessment after 2 weeks:
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I am a first time tablet buyer and thus read everything written on tablets before buying one. I am quite please with my choice.
I have owned an ECS desknote, Compaq Presario, IBM notebooks and Gateway desktop earlier. Right now, I am using the R15 along with my gateway desktop.
Several people wrote that it is probably better to go with a slate rather than a hybrid but I wasn't sure how much will I use my tablet functionality. It appears that I will use the R15 mostly as a tablet and sometimes as a notebook. So, my next purchase will be a slate.

I have such a poor handwriting that I cannot read it myself on some occasions. Thus I am surprised that R15 could read my handwriting so well. I didnt check the speech recognition function, but last time I looked at it, the technology hadn't advanced much.

Overall, R15 is a sturdy machine with good wireless card (I didn't have to set up the wireless). Battery life is good (and can stretch even more than 4 hours on some settings). The pen is very easy to use and pleasant experience. The drive makes a lot of sound but there is a silencer that can make the noise disappear (I am not sure whether it changes the perfomrance). I was quite worried about the cooling of the machine - I checked an averatec which was too hot to handle. R15 manages the heat disspiation quite well, thought it reamins warm (not hot like so many other machines).

I decided not to go with Averatec as I read too many bad reviews and my last experinece with an unknown brand was extremely bad. So, i decided to spend 350 bucks extra on a known brand.

I found the performance of the machine to be at least as good as my 2.2Ghz desktop. I simultaneuously ran word, outlook, excel and onenote and performnnce was still good.

Amazon gave a great deal (and when i bought it was the cheapest R15 around). They also shipped in just 3 days (although they said it woudl take 5-9 days). Buying at Amazon was a pleasure - as always.

The only thing I dont like about R15 is the weight. Although, as a laptop the weigth is not problem, when it is used as a slate holding it in one arm for long is difficult. But this is a trade-off I made to have a larger screen, built in optical drive, and laptop functionality. I am not disappointed with the trade-off.

Overall, I would recommend this machine to someone who doesn't know how much he/she would use it as a tablet and for first time tablet buyers. I would also recommend potential laptop buyers to take a good look at this hybrid as it has amazing features (as a tablet) that would change the way you work with your computer.


Assessment after six months of use (I love it even more now)
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I am very happy with the tablet after six months of use. In my initial assessment, I had mentioned that hybrid may not be as good as a slate. However, I have been using my hybrid in tablet mode for over 75% of time. For the 25% of time I use it as alaptop, I lik the fact that I can turn it into a laptop and use. In some cases (like writing a formal email, excel applications, and some aspects of net surfing ) I like it better in tablet mode as it gives better control. I also know some people who almost never use it in tablet mode (it takes a while to get used to writing rather than typing).

In hindsight, I could have given up the optical drive as I hardly use it. Please note that I use my tablet along with a desktop. An external optical drive would have been better for me.

Initially I used to convert handwritten stuff to text but soon realized that I do not need to do it in most cases; now I convert less than 15% of my handwritten stuff to text. In fact editing and correcting takes up too much time and thus I convert only those documents that I need to share with others.

Onenote rocks! I wonder what use tablet would be without it. With PDF support in the next version of onenote, it should be able to do almost everything I need. I use onenote as a key application in my tablet.

I discovered mindmanager for tablet and soon got hooked on to it. I use it daily and with the new version of Mindmanager, I use onenote a little less. I recommend Mindmanager and Onenote for tablet for any user. There are several sites giving more details on these applications for anyone interested in finding out more.

I also annotate my documents and do a lot of reading in the tablet mode.

Overall, my level of enthusiasm for tablet has not declined over the last six months. In fact, I dont know how I would survive without it any more (my pc usage habits have changed since tablet).

Here are some ways in which I use the tablet.
1. Onenote or mindmanager (or both at the same time) to take notes. mindmanager doesn't allow recording
2. Office applications for annotation
3. MS reader for reading books
4. Onenote for research on the net
5. Synctoy to synch tablet and desktop
6. Snipping tool for visual communiation over email
7. Sometimes I use handwritten notes in email
8. Onenote for writing ideas at lenght - including drawings etc. This is when I am developing an idea by writing it out.
9. Mindmanager for writing ideas when feeling chaotic or when developing a new idea with random thoughts. This is when I am developing ideas by systematic consideration of all aspects, when doing a broad search, or when outlining.

The only frustrating aspect of the tablet is while net surfing for new sites as ink recognition is not 100% accurate. However, I use some workarounds to make this aspect more pleasant (for example - a lot of links on the browser and a RSS reader). But when doing a deep search on a single search string, tablet is much better as I can use onenote to store content from hundreds of sites.

Another aspect of this tablet that could bother some people is that it cannot be used outdoors. Last week, I used it outdoors (probably for the second time) and it was a bit hard to see the screen. As it wasn't sunny at all, I could use it outdoors but if you plan to use your tablet outdoors a lot, this may not work for you.

I like the SD card support as I can tansfer my pictures without using a USB cable.

The wireless adapter has worked well for me. I had some problem a month back but it turned out to be something wrong with my router. I replaced the router and everything seems to be fine now.

I increased the RAM to 1 GB and it made the tablet work much better. Mindmanager made the tablet a little slow. I found 512M on ebay for 40 bucks and it really helped the performance of the tablet.

Speech recognition doesn't work well for me as I tend to lose my line of thinkign when trying to slow down while speaking. hopefully, speech recognition would be much faster in future. until then, I am happy to write or type.

The weight of the tablet doesn't bother me anymore as I place it on a table while writing. When using it in bed, I use a breakfast tray to hold it. When sitting on the couch, I put it on a cushion. I never hold it in my arm and try to write anymore. Sometimes, i put it on the lap when using it for a short period (it does get hot at the bottom after extended use).

Overall, a great tablet. I like it even more after six months of use.

I wanted to buy a tablet pc for a long time but the only thing that was keeping me away from it was that the price was too high for something with very low computing power and in most cases no optical drive. For the ones with a good configuration and an optical drive the price was too high. I loved the functionality of the tablet pc so was not able to decide whether to buy a notebook or a tablet, but then this came along and I have to say it is the best for the price, I have given it 4 stars only because it is on the heavier side for a tablet pc, but then I guess you can't have everything for this price. If you want something light and can do without a CD/DVD drive and a smaller screen then you should consider the TOSHIBA M200 or the FUJITSU T4000. Except the weight this is a great machine.

I agree with the previous review. I've had this machine for over about a week now and I love it...but it's a monster. Heavy and big. When converted into tablet form it is much more manageable (at least it's not so bulky then). I bought a verizon broadband card and I've been in heaven. Never have to worry about an internet connection now...I use the tablet form when in meetings and when I have to walk around. The machine itself is great. Comes with OneNote installed...great features...big screen (although that can be a pain because it makes the machine bigger; I like the big screen though)...and a very good price for what you get. If you're willing to spend over 2.5K you can get the Fujitu T4000 which is smaller and lighter and looks like a great machine....but you pay over 1K more (which I was not willing to do). The R15 is a very functional machine; it does what I need it for and although it's a bit heavy and bulky it is an excellent value. Hopefully it will stand the test of time and not fall apart on me after I write this review :)

I am a college student, a very disorganized college student! When my desktop crashed, I went looking for a replacement and at under $1000 (box had been opened) I selected this one hoping to be able to use it in class...

It has been perfect for everything I need. I am thrilled with the tablet mode, and use it in all my classes, so my notes are organized and accessible at last! I study the Greek language, for which the tablet is an additional bonus, since it is much easier to write the characters than use a standard keyboard.

I also travel a lot, and have found the DVD player to be a nice feature. I had initially considered spending the extra money for the DVD burner, extra 10 gig of HD, and slightly faster processor....but I think I would have simply wasted it on features I do not need. It is a sturdy machine, and the tablet feature works so well, that other students constantly approach me interested in trying the pen and purchasing one themselves.

I use the tablet most for:

1) taking notes in class and organizing them. It's awesome to have a notepad that you can go back and add extra space between lines into for the professors that go off on tangents! Also you can keep all of the ideas for one topic together if extra information is added or an idea expounded upon at a later date. I can also include hand drawn charts and diagrams in my notes a huge benefit over a regular laptop.

2) Brainstorming and jotting down ideas before forming an official outline for my papers (which I also write by hand now...um the OUTLINE people, not the papers themselves...I'm not sadistic!)

3) Explaining concepts and ideas to other people and students...it is very handy to always have a pen and paper available! There are many things you simply cannot do with only a keyboard.

4) Editing my papers!! I used to print out my papers, read through them, correct them by pen, and then apply the corrections. Now, I just circle and write my changes directly on my MS Word and MS Works documents with a red 'marker'...this way I don't miss making any revisions saving trees and ink in the process!

5) Jotting notes and ideas while web browsing

6) Writing out math and chemistry formulas, solutions etc

This tablet is definitely an asset for any student! I directly attribute the increase in my GPA to it...I have ADD and for the first time in my life have not lost half my notes before getting my work done! I also now have a lot more flexibility in the times I can work (between classes, before classes etc.) and am starting to even get my assignments done on time!

At twice the cost on my starving student budget...this would STILL be an asset that I would invest in again!

I wrote a review of the R15 that would take too much space here. You can view at VBInk dot com.

In general, I agree with the previous reviews. I would recommend it for people new to tablets. My next one may be a slate though. I didn't think I was too mobile beofre getting the R15. A new world has opened up to me. In a couple years I'll be ready for a slate. Someone told me "If you buy a convertable, try to use it only in Tablet mode to really learn and benefit from the tablet features. Otherwise, you'll end up using the Tablet as a notebook and the purchase would have been pointless."

I've had my new Tablet PC for a month and love it! I'm happy to be free of a mouse. I rarely use the keyboard...keep the unit flipped into the screen open position. Very sturdy construction. It IS heavy, but I found the reasonably priced leather case helps make the tablet easier to manage,transport and provides moderate protection. The case closes with the screen open ...perfect(part no. PA1388U-1NCS).

I love this tablet. It allows me to use it as a slate or as a notebook. I have had almost no problems with it. The only complaints that I have is that one of the aplications, TabTip.exe takes up a bit of memory. I suggest you get another 512 for this thing as soon as possible so everything runs perfectly. It will work fine without the other 512, but it works great with a whole gig of memory. Set up was a breeze with my wireless network. The thing automatically found the network. It was litterally ready to go out of the box. And where some people say that it is a bit heavy, I disagree. After using a 10 pound laptop for a while, 5 pounds (that's what it feels like) is easy to carry. It is also reliable. I bought it a CompUSA because I was in a rush to get it (not the online store) and they said noone ever returned that model. Also, I called earlier that day and dound they had 5 in stock. At the end of the day they only had 2. It is a great pc. Reliabale, fast, sleek in design. I recomend it to anyone in the educational field.

I am a teacher and I found this tablet coupled with a projector to be a tremendous asset. This tablet works without a hitch. Plenty of processing power, excellent wireless LAN and no hassle setup and configuration. The Toshiba programs that come with it are great. I like the large size because it is like writing on a standard size sheet of paper.

Always Tablet PC's were expensive, i always wanted to own one, when the prices began from $1,500 - 2,500 in the old days, till my eyes catched this tablet, coming to the specs and the user reviews i would add also.

1) Toshiba a very long life brand reputation in electronics specially labtops.
2) The price is so economic, with greats hardware specs.
3) The functions of the tables are amazing, very elegant and very compact, a tablet with all needs, its a real smart results made.
4) The software included, as we know toshiba never leavs anything needed behind, all apps. included and other software can be found.

I also upgraded it the memory DDR from 512MB to 1GB which made speed fly high, i recommend not holding some bucks for upgrading to 1GB for smoothness performance.

Owning this tablet for who needs it is a good choice, its doing the job with a good price, i cant sleep without it at night.

Chao ;)
TOA

I just received this Tablet PC today and I'm playing around w/ it. I really like it so far. For me, this Tablet pc really fits my needs. The downside I have to say is how the hard drive is running at 4200rpm...slow compared to the desktops but what the heck, cant tell the differene anyways. So far I installed photoshop 7.0 and illustrator CS and they run good. I also installed warcraft III and it also runs fairly decent. the 512 RAM is sufficient and the 1.6 processor is good enough for most programs (not doom III). If you hare a hardcore gamer, this is not for you. As I read in many of the other review on the net, yes its true, this tablet is heavier then most of other ones but I really dont care about the weight. I actually like the bigger screen that comes w/ it. If you want the Tablet to run faster, uninstall alot of the crappy preinstalled programs that comes w/ the tablet such as aol, arc sutie, and other unless programs you might now need. As for the tablet and writing part, the wording and writing comes out pretty accurate. Overall the price is good compared to the other high end tablets. Buy the tablet at amazon if you dont live in the amazon tax zone + shipping is free + rebate :)
Good for students, business (if you dont care about the weight), and minor graphic design and web design.