Toshiba Satellite U205-S5022 12.1" Widescreen Laptop (Intel Core Duo Processor T2400, 1024 MB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive, DVD SuperMulti Drive)

by Toshiba

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 8.9 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000G6S8U2
• Item model number: PLUA0U-014018
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,019 in Computers & Accessories (See Top 100 in Computers & Accessories)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 7, 2006

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Weighing just over 4 pounds, the ultra-portable Toshiba Satellite U205-S5022 notebook PC packs in an extraordinary amount of power and productivity into its elegant, compact package. The 12.1-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. And you can use this laptop as a media center without turning on the system, thanks to Toshiba's unique Express Media Player, which provides control buttons for accessing CD and DVD playback.

It's powered by Intel's new, groundbreaking processor--the powerful Core Duo T2400--which provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance and a more efficient power consumption. The dual execution core T2400 has a 1.83 GHz processor speed, lightning quick 667 MHz system bus, and large 2 MB L2 cache. Other features include a large 120 GB hard drive, 1 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum), tri-mode 802.11a/b/g wireless connectivity, an ultra-fast 10/100 Ethernet port, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 with up to 128 MB of shared video RAM, 5-in-1 memory card reader, Windows XP Professional operating system, and a long-lasting battery life of up to 5 hours.

The Basics

• Hard Drive: Large and in charge, the 120 GB hard drive (5400 RPM) offers enough to room to hold a digital audio library of over 20,000 songs and still have room left over for movies, games, and a large collection of software. This Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.
  
• Processor: The Intel Core Duo T2400 processor is built with the Mobile Intel 945PM Express chipset, and it has a 1.83 GHz processor speed, super-fast 667 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and large 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.)

  The Intel Core 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 is ready to support the next version of Microsoft Windows, code-named Vista. 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. It's more efficient, thanks to Intel's Power Coordination and Deeper Sleep, which help to transfer power only to those areas of the processor that need it. It also features Intel's Digital Media Boost, which delivers enhanced performance on floating point-intensive applications such as CAD tools, 3-D and 2-D modeling, video editing, digital music, digital photography and gaming.
  

• Memory: The 1 GB of built-in memory (PC4200, DDR2 SDRAM, 2 x 512 MB) is good start for power users, and it offers excellent 533 MHz speed. It has two memory slots, enabling you to add a maximum of 4 GB to handle immersive 3D video games, video editing, graphics-intensive presentations, and multiple open business productivity applications. Also, to receive the benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.
  
• CD/DVD Drive: The double-layer 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: 2.4x DVD+R DL, 2x DVD-R DL, 8x for both single-layer DVD+R/-R, 4x DVD+RW, 2x DVD-RW, 3x DVD-RAM, and 24x/16x for CD-R/RW. It reads DVD-ROM discs at 8x and CD-ROMs at 24x.

  With Toshiba's unique Express Media Player, you can won't have to wait for Windows to boot up before you can start a DVD movie or CD. Just a simple press of the button bypasses the system and starts your media playing.
  

• Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 84-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).

Screen, Graphics and Sound
This Toshiba Satellite U205 has a 12.1-inch TFT display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. 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 950, which uses Intel Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT) and provides up to 128 MB of shared video memory. It also features an integrated audio card with headphone and microphone jacks as well as a built-in microphone--handy for VoIP communication on the road.

Connectivity and Expansion Slots
This laptop has an integrated tri-mode Intel 3945ABG wireless LAN, which is 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). You get a fairly basic offering of connectivity options:

• 3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
• 1 VGA monitor port
• 1 S-Video out
• 1 PCMCIA (or PC Card) slot (Type II, PCMCIA R2.01, PC Card16, CardBus)
• 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack
• 5-in-1 memory card reader (Secure Digital, MultiMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD Picture Card)

It also has an integrated 56K modem (V.90) and an RJ-45 LAN network port (for a 10/100 Ethernet connection to networks and DSL/cable modems).

Preloaded System and Software
This system comes with the Windows XP Professional Edition (which adds Microsoft's IIS Web server, back-up and recovery utilities, Remote Desktop, and other enhanced business features) with Service Pack 2 featuring Advanced Security Technologies, which helps to reduce unwanted downloads and pop-ups while surfing the Web. It also comes preloaded with Microsoft Works, Microsoft Office OneNote 2003, McAfee AntiVirus, InterVideo WinDVD and WinDVD Creator, and Sonic Solutions RecordNow.

Dimensions and Weight
This notebook measures 11.8 x 8.9 x 1.4 inches and weighs 4.1 pounds.

Power
It's powered by a 6-cell rechargeable lithium-ion battery (4700 mAh), which has a battery life of up to 5 hours (depending on usage). It has a recharge time of approximately 3 hours.

What's in the Box
This package contains the U205-S5022 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty.

Product Description

The 'U' represents ultraportable and, at less than 5 pounds, the U205 offers a potent little powerhorse that you can take anywhere. Advanced protection begins with a lightweight, ultra-strong, magnesium alloy chassis. Now add a special shock-absorbing design with airpocket cushioning and padding materials to protect key components (HDD, LCD, inverter) and the chassis against excessive vibration. To complete the package, a spill resistant keyboard allows time to save and close your open files and turn off the machine. Powered by an Intel CoreDuo Centrino processor, performance at the office or the road are optimized for speed and efficiency. A 12.1" TFT TruBrite LCD widescreen at 1280x800 resolution is one of the main reasons this notebook manages to be so compact but, for on-the-road productivity, this notebook is comfortable to use if you're riding in coach seats from place to place - or on those tiny desks in class. The U205 can be your most constant companion. Intel Graphic Accelerator 950 with 8-128 MB shared memory (dynamically allocated) harman/kardon stereo speakers with SRS TruSurround XT and SRS WOW Built-in microphone Toshiba V.92 software modem 10/100/1000 Base-TX Ethernet Intel PRO/Wireless network connection (802.11 a/b/g) 2 memory slots - 1 PC Card for Type II, PCMCIA R2.01, PC Card 16, CardBus; ExpressCard slot for ExpressCard/34 and ExpressCard/54 RGB (monitor) output S-Video out Headphone out, microphone in Fingerprint reader Data Ports - 4 USB 2.0, FireWire, 1 RJ-45 (Ethernet LAN), 1 RJ-11 (modem) Operating Systems - Microsoft Windows XP Professional Software suite pre-installed by the manufacturer Unit Dimensions(WxDxH) - 11.8 x 8.86 x 1.34 inches Weight - 6 lbs. (2.72 Kg)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars TOSHIBA best in its price range, August 28, 2006

By 

Ajay Singh "Ajay" (NYC NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Toshiba Satellite U205-S5022 12.1" Widescreen Laptop (Intel Core Duo Processor T2400, 1024 MB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive, DVD SuperMulti Drive) (Personal Computers)

I bought this laptop last week. Before buying it performed thorough comparative search with other similar laptops. Also gone through CNET's review which was not that great for model U205-S5022. Before buying it online I wanted to know the real look and feel, finally got one demo at Staples. Model U205-S5022 standard plus points:
1. 12" Widescreen, I didn't find any where else.
Other manufacturer have 12" square screen not wide.
2. Intel Core Duo Processor 1.8 GHz
3. 1GB RAM
4. About 4 LBS wt
5. Win XP-PRO installed and capable of Vista release
6. Finger print sensor, no need to type any passwords for login
7. Screen & Display is bright and cool
8. Reboot timing is about 40 sec to get to login prompt
9. Toshiba HardDrive protection utility senses any shocks
10. And best part is no fan/CPU noise

Negative point: From sides it looks bit bulky

This was a great deal compared to Sony Lenovo or Dell. You end up paying $1000 + for Sony or Dell models.

Thanks
- Ajay

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent buy for your money, September 7, 2006

By 

poor grad student (Tucson, AZ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Toshiba Satellite U205-S5022 12.1" Widescreen Laptop (Intel Core Duo Processor T2400, 1024 MB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive, DVD SuperMulti Drive) (Personal Computers)

I was looking for a replacement to my old and heavy Dell Inspiron 8200. The most important features for a new one was portability (less than 5 pounds), price, and processor/memory. I liked a lot the Sony VAIO SZ230 but for a poor student like me it was too much $$$. After looking the Toshiba U205-s5022 at a local retailer let me tell you that it meets my buying criteria perfectly. Is is so lightweight that I don't even feel that I have it inside my backpack. It feels very strong and I love the keyboard feeling. The battery life is decent (~3.5 hrs without wireless on) if you're working normally (office, scientific software, listening to music, etc). The integrated speakers suck very bad! I've tried any winamp/mediaplayer/soundcard audio settings and do not improve anything. Plug the headhones/external speakers and the sound is wonderful. The small 12 in screen is sweet. With the resolution everything is readable and doesn't hurt your eyes by looking at it for long times. The only drawback is that under direct sunlight you get a very annoying glare from it. Inside buildings, under the shade, or at night no problems. It is very silent even under high processing loads so you don't disturb your library neighbors. The size is perfect! A little bit larger than a 9.5x11in paper sheet. It fits everywhere. DVD watching on the go using this laptop is a good experience. You get uninterrupted dvd playback on the widescreen display. There's plenty of hardrive space (120gb), enough memory(1gb), it comes with a dvd writer, a fingerprint reader as an alternative for passwords, 3 usb ports, SD card reader, integrated wireless, an intel centrino duo processor... in summary, you cannot ask more for this price(much better if you get the rebate offer). With toshiba, you have the option to upgrade your 1 year standard warranty to 2/3/4 years during your first year which is good in case something nasty happens to it :). In case you have your doubts go to compusa/circuit city and have a look at it before deciding. Its a good way to get some hands on experience before buying. I recommend this laptop.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great little notebook that meets all my needs, September 12, 2006

By 

Aung Aung (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Toshiba Satellite U205-S5022 12.1" Widescreen Laptop (Intel Core Duo Processor T2400, 1024 MB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive, DVD SuperMulti Drive) (Personal Computers)

I got it a bout 3 weeks back. The processor speed with 1GB memory give it lightening speed compare to my older machine (Thinkpak Z60). Small size, but big enought screen to do all things I need. After carrying around 5.1 lb for a year, and this 4.3 lb machine seems to cure many of my muscle pain. The color is good, the body looks and feel like a tank (but don't drop it just because I said so). Got USB on both sizes, which is great. The 2 things that a bit poor are (1) touch pad is a bit difficult to use, the buttoms are too flat and the touch pad seems to sit inside, not easy to click (I am used to that littke button mouse at the middle of the keyboard): bought a wireless mouse, and solve that problem. (2) build in speaker is poor quality, but hey that seems to be the standard for all other laptop except those that are 7lb+ size: got a head phone and solve this issue as well. So, overall, at almost half price against other compareable machine, this is the best buy I have had for a while.