Toshiba Satellite U405-S2830 13.3-inch Laptop (2.1 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 Processor, 3 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, DVD Drive, Vista Premium)

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 12.4 x 9 x 1.1 inches ; 12 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0015RDLN0
• Item model number: U405-S2830
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,168 in Computers & PC Hardware (See Bestsellers in Computers & PC Hardware)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 8, 2008

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description
Weighing under 5 pounds, the ultra-portable Toshiba Satellite U405-S2830 notebook PC packs in an extraordinary amount of power and productivity into its elegant, compact package. The 13.3-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 movies. It's powered by the 1.83 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5550 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.

A built-in 1.3-megapixel webcam (with integrated microphone) lets you join in on video conferences as well as make long-distance VoIP calls. Replace passwords, plus help safeguard and share your Satellite U405 laptop with family members, using the built-in biometric fingerprint reader. Other features include a 250 GB hard drive, 3 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum), tri-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g), dual-layer DVD±RW drive also burns CDs (and includes Labelflash printing), Intel GMA X3100 with up to 358 MB of shared video RAM, 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.

It comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, 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.

The Basics

• Processor: Experience improved energy efficiency, expanded wireless connectivity, and amazing battery life with the 45nm Penryn series Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 processor, which has a 2.10 GHz processor speed, super-fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and a 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.) 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. And you'll be able to encode video on-the-go and watch HD movies with Intel HD Boost.

  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.

• Hard Drive: The extra-large 250 GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 RPM) provides more than enough capacity for storing a large audio and video library, as well as extra space required for video editing. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.

• Memory: The 3 GB of installed RAM (PC5300, 1 x 2 GB, 2 x 1 GB) helps boost the amount of available video RAM that's shared with this notebook's video card. It also offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed. This notebook has a 4 GB maximum RAM capacity (2 x 2 GB). 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: 4x DVD+R DL, 4x DVD-R DL, 8x for both single-layer DVD+R/-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 85-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) as well as a volume control dial.

Screen, Video & Audio
This Toshiba Satellite has a 13.3-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 X3100, which uses shared video memory (up to 358 MB allocated from the system memory) and provides Windows Vista Aero interface support and enhanced 3D graphics performance--delivering over 2x scores on 3DMark 06. Intel Clear Video Technology provides outstanding video playback with sharper image quality, increased clarity, and customizable color controls. It also enables enhanced visual quality of interlaced content on progressive displays. It also features an integrated audio card with headphone and microphone jacks.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Intel Wireless 4965AGN 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 notebook 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:

• 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 ExpressCard 54/34 slot
• Video out: VGA
• Microphone/line-in and stereo headphones/speakers/line-out
• S/PDIF digital audio output (shared with headphone)
• 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
Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit version) 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 Desktop and Picasa, 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 12.4 x 9.02 x 1.38 inches and weighs 4.85 pounds.

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

What's in the Box
This package contains the U405-S2830 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty.

Product Description
With its optimally-sized screen, excellent features and compact footprint, the Satellite U405 is a great ultra-portable laptop for on-the-go onsumers and business professionals. The Satellite U405¿s ideally- sized 13.3-inch TruBrite high-def widescreen display gives you plenty of room to work, while giving the laptop a more compact footprint. With USB Sleep-and-Charge support you can use your Satellite U405 to power- up your mobile phone, MP3 player and more¿even when the laptop¿s not in use. Use the built-in microphone and Webcam on the Satellite U405 to save travel time through videoconferencing, and touch base with friends and family while you¿re on the road. Gracing the scales starting at just 4.5 pounds8, the Satellite U405 helps you breeze through airports and hotel lobbies and across the quad. Why wait for your movies and music? A convenient Feather-Touch control pad on the Satellite U405 lets you launch them without having to start the Windows operating system. The built-in biometric fingerprint reader on the Satellite U405 helps safeguard your laptop and critical business data¿all with the swipe of a finger. Using the Satellite U405¿s DVD SuperMulti optical drive with Labelflash you can burn discks of your favorite music mixes, then keep them looking smart and organized with designs and IDs.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Hot little number...., May 5, 2008

By	SkiQueen (Valencia, CA) - See all my reviews

A well built and compact machine for travel that does just what I need it to. Only complaints are ones you've read before: 1) the touchpad (now renamed the 'youchpad') and the case get hotter than any other laptop I've worked with in 15 years, and 2) the keyboard seems unnecessarily flimsy. But the computing power and video capabilities are better than average, all of my XP programs loaded and the externals I've plugged into USB and Firewire worked w/o problems. The overall package is excellent for the price, which is about $1K less than the U405's slightly slimmer competition. I'll carry the extra pound for the savings.

The one glitch was getting the Draft-N WiFi to work with a Belkin N-1 Wireless Router (ver. 2000). Had me baffled for a bit, but I upgraded the firmware on the router and voila - - it connected. The N card's range and speed are what I'd hoped for - - I'd held off buying the small Toshiba until they incorporated the wireless N spec.

I'm not a fan of the blazing Toshiba name on the lid or the lighted Satellite logo on the case. Nor of the new, shiny surfaces on the unit which show every stinkin' fingerprint. If Toshiba could go back to matte surfaces, cool the youchpad and case and buttress that keybaord, I'd give it a 10. Right now, it's about an 8.5.

And yep, Vista's pretty miserable. Please, Microsoft - - stop dumbing down your OS GUIs because you're just succeeding in making everything two+ clicks more difficult to access when needed. Like shutting down, for instance. Maybe after a month of occasional tweaking I'll get it set up the way I need it, but that's too much wasted time.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent performance and value, June 4, 2008

By	Dewaine James (Granbury, TX USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have had mine about two weeks, and am impressed. I owned a Toshiba before this one, so I like the brand and return to it.

First of all thank you Toshiba for still including an actual DVD recovery disk. Most computers expect the consumer to make their own. The fit and finish on my unit are perfect. Very solid feel with stylish looks. The screen is beautiful. It is bright and clear and mine has no dead pixels. Keyboard seems great to me, though some express concerns, mine seems very solid and responds perfect. I had never used a fingerprint reader before, but am a believer now. It works great, and helps with security.

It does not come with Vista Home, but rather Vista Business (with Service Pack 1). That is not a problem with me, but perhaps would be an issue for some. I quickly got rid of the bloatware, disabled the useless Vista services and themes, and have a very fast and stable system. Vista Business enables you to make a complete backup of your system, a great and useful feature. This is my first Vista machine, and I wanted to hate it. I am/was a die hard XP guy. But I must say after I cleaned it up, I really like it and have had no issues.

A few nitpics..... The speakers are not the greatest (laptops never are) and they are very quiet. Would be nice to have a bit for volume from them. It is a very stylish laptop, but get used to fingerprints all over it. Every little thing shows, and though it looks great, a matte finish would be easier to keep clean. The bloatware is a pain (not the worst I've seen) and takes about 45 minutes to get rid of. But just about all laptops are full of bloatware (with the exception of Macs) so not really something to rag on this particular one about.

In closing. A great laptop and a great value.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Solid Performance but lacks on XP compatibility, May 19, 2008

By	Hani Abughazaleh (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Toshiba Satellite U405-S2830 13.3" Laptop (2.1 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 Processor, 3 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, DVD Drive, Vista Premium)

I love this computer. It has a powerful processor and packs a lot of features. Unfortunately, the Fusion Finish is a magnet for fingerprints (looks good though).

Battery performance is OK. I get about 3 to 3.5 hours when doing regular stuff, like web, Word.... I haven't tested it with playing a DVD.

Vista is good when you apply some customizations. You can find the tweaks online...

I tried downgrading to XP, and as others have noted, the process was cumbersome. I eventually found the correct drivers using the Satellite Pro model (U400-S1001X). Unfortunately, I was never able to install the WiFi since the Intel Chipset drivers kept on crashing XP (BSOD). Had the chipset drivers been installed correctly, I would've been able to install the drivers for WiFi.

The computer had a dead pixel right in the middle of the LCD screen. I contacted Toshiba, and they said they can't do anything since there needs to be at least 9 consecutive ones. Amazon said 3 consecutive, but after pleading my case (having it in the middle), they agreed to replace the laptop. Unfortunately, the replacement one also had a dead pixel, but this time in the top left corner. That was something I can live with.
That been said, I don't know if Toshiba has some quality issues, or it's really, really bad luck!

In a nutshell, you will be getting a lot for the advertised price of $1099. Keep in mind you neither pay shipping nor tax, which makes this computer a steal.