Toshiba Satellite U205-S5034 12.1" Widescreen Notebook PC (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5200, 1024 MB RAM, 100 GB Hard Drive, DVD SuperMulti Drive)

by Toshiba

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 1.3 x 11.8 inches ; 4.2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000IXD86W
• Item model number: PLUA0U-07Q02U
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 20, 2006

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Weighing just over 4 pounds, the ultra-portable Toshiba Satellite U205-S5034 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.

Designed for road warriors, it's packed with Toshiba's exclusive LifeSmart Technology, a set of features that elevate system performance, durability and security with shock-absorbing technologies to protect the hard drive, a spill-resistant keyboard, fingerprint security, and a magnesium alloy case.

It's powered by Intel's powerful Core 2 Duo processor, which offers a 20 percent performance boost over its predecessor while using 28 percent less power--so you get the benefit of a powerful dual-core PC plus all the benefits of mobility. The dual-execution core T5200 Core 2 Duo processor provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance, and it features a 1.6 GHz speed, fast 533 MHz system bus, and large 2 MB L2 cache. Other features include a 100 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 Media Center operating system, and a long-lasting battery life of up to 4.5 hours. This is a Windows Vista capable PC, and it's also Windows Vista Premium ready.

The Basics

• Hard Drive: The 100 GB hard drive (5400 RPM) is above average in size for notebook PCs, and it's befitting of such an entertainment-centric PC. It offers more than enough capacity for storing documents and productivity software for road warriors. You'll also be able to store a good-sized digital audio library.
  
• Processor: The Intel Core 2 Duo T5200 processor has a 1.6 GHz processor speed, fast 533 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 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 is ready to support the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. 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. Some of the advanced Intel innovations of the Core 2 Duo processor include:

  • Smart Memory Access: Improves system performance by hiding memory latency, thus optimizing the use of available computer data bandwidth to provide data to the processor when and where it is needed.
  • Advanced Digital Media Boost: Effectively doubles the execution speed for instructions used widely in multimedia and graphics applications.
  • Dynamic Power Coordination: Coordinates Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology and idle power-management state (C-states) transitions independently per core to help save power.
  • Deeper Sleep with Dynamic Cache Sizing: Saves power by flushing cache data to system memory during periods of inactivity to lower CPU voltage.
  
  
• Memory: The 1 GB of built-in memory (PC4200, DDR2 SDRAM) is a good start for power users, and it offers a very fast 533 MHz speed. It has two memory slots, enabling you to add up to 4 GB of RAM for worry-free handling graphics-intensive presentations and multiple open business productivity applications.
  
• 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/10x for CD-R/RW. It reads DVD-ROM discs at 8x and CD-ROMs at 24x.
  
• Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 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). 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.

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
The pre-installed Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 is essentially Windows XP Professional Edition with a variety of tools to help you to create, organize, and enjoy digital media ranging from music to home movies to photo slide shows. Additionally, it enables you to control your television with the included remote and record and pause programs (much like a DVR--or digital video recorder--such as Tivo or ReplayTV). It also comes preloaded with Microsoft Works, Microsoft Office OneNote 2003, McAfee Internet Security Suite and VirusScan (with 30-day trials), 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 4.5 hours (depending on usage). It has a recharge time of approximately 3 hours.

What's in the Box
This package contains the U205-S5034 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty.

Product Description

Toshiba Satellite U205 - Toshiba's first ultra-portable notebook featuring a stunning 12.1" diagonal widescreen WXGA display with TruBrite technology for a brilliance rarely seen in notebooks this size. This lightweight performer comes packed with features you won't find in the same weight class. Toshiba LifeSmart advanced shock-absorbing design, resilient chassis, HDD protection, and spill-resistant keyboard that protect your notebook. Graphics - Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 with 8MB-128MB dynamically allocated shared graphics memory Built-in stereo speakers; Windows Sound System; SRS TruSurround XT virtual surround sound; Sound Volume Control Dial; Built-in microphone Ports - Video - RGB (monitor) output port; Audio - Microphone input port, Headphone output port; Data - USB v2.0 - 3 ports, i.LINK IEEE-1394, RJ-45 LAN port, RJ-11 modem port One PCMCIA - Type II/Type I Card Slot 5-in-1 Bridge Media Adapter for Secure Digital, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Multi Media Card, xD Picture Card [shared slots]; Secure Digital slot supports SD input and output Toshiba V.92 software modem Intel PRO/100 VE Network Connection - 10/100 Base-TX Ethernet Integrated Wireless-LAN - Intel PRO/Wireless Network Connection 3945ABG supporting 802.11a/b/g Unit Dimensions (WxDxH Front/H Rear) - 11.8 (299.0mm) x 8.86 (225.0mm) x 1.34 (34.0mm)[F]/1.37 (34.8mm)[R] without feet / Weighs about 4.5 lbs Power Supply - 60W (15V x 4A) Auto sensing external AC Adapter, 100-240V / 50-60Hz frequency (Universal) input; 6-cell (4700mAh) rechargeable, removable Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) battery pack Preinstalled Genuine Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 / Windows Vista Capable with optional upgrade Preinstalled with assorted utility, productivity and support software, including McAfee Internet Security Suite (30-day trial) and McAfee VirusScan (30-day trial)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "Best small laptop available at this price. Very bright screen; limited battery life.", January 7, 2007

By 

Jerry Parks "USAToday All-American Teacher; N... (Lexington, KY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Toshiba Satellite U205-S5034 12.1" Widescreen Notebook PC (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5200, 1024 MB RAM, 100 GB Hard Drive, DVD SuperMulti Drive) (Personal Computers)

Having already owned a 12 inch Dell 700m that was aging, and a 14 inch HP dv2000 duo core (not aging), I found this for a decent price, and was curious to see how it compared.

My first impression was that the appearance is more 'square' than the other two laptops, and that the gray closed surface is IBM-ish plain. Upon opening it up however, I immediately noticed a contrast to my Dell 700m. The keyboard is significantly bigger (how'd they do that?), but also has considerably more flex in the center.

The next impression was the brightness of the display. My Dell was on the dim side--even being a 'truebrite' model. My HP always made the Dell look dark. (Sony has always had the brightest display, as long as one foregos the cheaper 'Eco-brite' design.) But holy cow--this Toshiba display is BRIGHT! You won't miss the Sony screen--or find many others this bright! And to top this all off, they've eliminated nearly all the (typical) glare! Dislikes include the weak speakers, and the annoyingly tiny tracking pad.

The Core 2 Duo is fast. I can tell a slight improvement over the HP (Core Duo), but a huge one over the Dell (Centrino 2.0). The battery was a primary concern, and with the power management keeping the screen at its brightest, and the CPU reduced to minimal power, the Toshiba gets about 2.5-3.0 hours if you don't do a lot of gaming. The bad news--Toshiba has not yet (as of this writing) made a longer lasting battery for this model. Darn!!

So how does the Toshiba compare to my Dell and my HP? I just might now part with my Dell. I won't part with the HP! Smooooth is the word for the HP, and the larger battery lasts forever. The keyboard feel is better on both than on the Toshiba, but...oh my gosh--that superbly bright screen! Overall quality 'feel'? Toshiba is 3rd of the three. Just my take.

Other nice features that surprised me in a more positive manner than I anticipated were the fingerprint reader (works great online!), the very quiet running mode, and the 'shock absorbers' that protect the internals. I have not noticed (I guess that's good) the effectiveness of the spill-resistant keyboard. And, oh yes--the WiFi range is outstanding! Beats my other two laptops handily! (How'd they do that?)

If you need a small, fast, and really bright-screened laptop that is much cheaper than the Sony's, or the Dell XPS 1210, this just might be it. Just remember: the battery life has limitations, the keyboard is not nearly as solid feeling as Dell's and HP's (but is nicely sized), and the appearance is pretty 'square' in all respects.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Software Problem and Freezing Up, March 15, 2007

By 

Diana "HappyCow.net" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Toshiba Satellite U205-S5034 12.1" Widescreen Notebook PC (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5200, 1024 MB RAM, 100 GB Hard Drive, DVD SuperMulti Drive) (Personal Computers)

I've own a number of laptops including other Toshibas and never had a problem like this.
After a week of using this laptop it started freezing up at random times. I ran scans, cleaned the registry, etc,.. no luck. Finally I took it in to service, they had it a week and then said it was software related and must be caused by a software conflict. They did a factory re-install and I was forced to loose all data.
After getting it back, I very carefully did the windows updates before installing any software of my own. Sure enough it started freezing again after window updates only.
There must be an incompatibility with some of the software loaded in this laptop and Windows update, but I'm still stuck with this problem until someone figures it out.
Anyone have a solution??
If not for this MAJOR hassle, I'd be quite happy with this laptop.

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Performance in a little laptop, December 27, 2009

By 

jaguarwoman "jaguarwoman" (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Toshiba Satellite U205-S5034 12.1" Widescreen Notebook PC (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5200, 1024 MB RAM, 100 GB Hard Drive, DVD SuperMulti Drive) (Personal Computers)

I've had my Toshiba for two years now. I have been very happy with it. It's the smallest screen size I've ever had, so that took some getting used to initially, but I can't even tell it's small anymore. As other reviews have said, it has a sharp screen, good memory, and fast processing. Best of all, it has a DVD burner. For the price at the time, I feel this was the best deal I could've gotten. I have had few problems with it, other than the power cord, which goes out on all laptops. Compared to my previous Sony Vaio which costs twice as much as this, I have had gotten way better, uninterrupted use out of this little laptop. (My Vaio was constantly in and out of the shop.) The only complaint I have about this laptop is that the battery didn't last long. It needs a new one but I'm not going to replace it. I recently installed Windows 7, which I am not happy with on this laptop as it runs slower now, so I suggest sticking with XP.