Product Description

Toshiba Satellite U305-S2804 13.3 in Notebook. The Satellite U305 laptop places high value performance on the design you want to buy. Featuring a dazzling 13.3 inch diagonal widescreen WXGA display with stunning TruBrite technology, get more from your views in a laptop this compact. Starting at 4.6 pounds7, this laptop delivers a host of features including wireless connectivity, a DVD SuperMulti drive, and Webcam for entertainment to go. It does not get much more portable than this. Starting at just 4.6 pounds7, the Satellite U305 ergonomically and sleekly redesigned, the chassis features an integrated hinge design for flexible screen adjustment and smooth, clean lines. You will be dazzled as well as moved with the displays TruBrite technology for brighter than life visuals rarely seen in a laptop this portable. A broad range of connectivity options to meet popular networking requirements with wireless 802.11a/g2 Wi Fi, and v.92 modem.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1491 in Personal Computers
• Brand: Toshiba
• Model: U305-S2804
• Dimensions: 8.94" h x 1.34" w x 12.22" l,
• CPU: Intel Core Duo 1.67 GHz
• Memory: 2000MB DDR2 SDRAM
• Hard Disk: 160GB
• Processors: 2
• Display size: 13.3

Features

• Ultra-portable 4-pound notebook PC with 13.3-inch LCD with 1.3-megapixel webcam built into the LCD's bezel
• 1.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5450 dual-core processor, 160 GB hard drive, 2 GB RAM (4 GB max), dual-layer DVD drive
• Quad-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n); 10/100 Ethernet; Intel GMA x3100 graphics (up to 251 MB of available memory)
• Connectivity: 3 USB, 1 FireWire, 1 VGA, 1 S-Video, 1 ExpressCard 34/54. 5-in-1 memory card reader
• Pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium (with Media Center capabilities)

Amazon.com Product Description
Weighing just 4.6 pounds, the ultra-portable Toshiba Satellite U305-S2804 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 DVDs. It's powered by the 1.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5450 processor, which provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance, as well as excellent battery management.

A 1.3 megapixel digital web camera built into the LCD's bezel lets you quickly snap photos and participate in live video chats. Other features include a 160 GB hard drive, 2 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum), 802.11b/g wireless connectivity, Intel GMA X3100 with up to 251 MB of shared video RAM, dual-layer DVD±RW drive, 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: The Intel Core 2 Duo T5450 processor has a 1.66 GHz processor speed, fast 667 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and 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.)

  With two computational execution cores in a single processor, it provides 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 160 GB hard drive (5400 RPM) offers enough to room to hold a digital audio library of over 26,000 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.

• Memory: The 2 GB of installed RAM (2 x 1024 MB DDR2) will satisfy many users, but this notebook's two DIMM slots have a maximum 4 GB RAM capacity--perfect for high-end video editing and 3-D gaming. It also offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed. 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 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.

• 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 251 MB allocated from the system memory) and provides Windows Vista Aero interface support and enhanced 3-D graphics performance--delivering over 2x scores on 3-DMark 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 this notebook's integrated quad-mode 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). 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
• Stereo headphones/speakers/line-out; microphone/line-in
• 5-in-1 memory card reader (Secure Digital, MultiMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD Picture Card)
• 10/100 Fast Ethernet
• 56K modem (V.90)

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, McAfee Internet Security Suite (30-day trial), and Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student Edition (60-day trial).

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 12.2 x 8.9 x 1.33 inches and weighs 4.6 pounds.

Power
It comes with a 5200 mAH lithium-ion battery pack for extra-long battery life.

What's in the Box
This package contains the U305-S2804 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty.

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Customer Reviews

Love it so far!
I only just recieved this computer- purchased from Amazon- but so far I'm pretty happy with it!
After doing a LOT of research, I chose this laptop over the 12" swivel screen HP computer that I had had my eye on for months. The reviews for the HP put me off- I guess it has a short battery time (2 hours) which is silly for a laptop that is supposed to be portable! There were also a lot of complaints about the HP overheating. The Toshiba got much better reviews, and at the AMAZON price is a much better deal!
In sum, here are my main observations about the Toshiba:

Pro's
-It's fast- even with Vista!
-It looks "clean"- there are no extra buttons or junk on the keyboard
-Although the keys are shallow, there is little reistance when typing- it is easier to type on this laptop keyboard in comparison to others I have owned (HP's & Compaqs)
-It is small and portable, without leaving you squinting at the screen- in my opinion this computer is the perfect marriage of portability and functionality
-The battery seems to last a long time- I haven't timed just how long yet, I'll let you know when I do!

Cons

-Keyboard flex- read about this in some reviews and wasn't quite sure what this was going to be like until I got the computer- the keyboard does move when you type, BUT I don't see this affecting my working on it at all.

-Palm resting area near mouse pad (left corner) gets hot because the fan is right there. Again, not that big of a deal, its not hot enough to cause any injury

-Thicker than other models, but this is more of a cosmetic complaint than a functionality complaint

Overall I am LOVING this laptop, and am pleased that I purchased it!

Outstanding LCD screen, great speakers, compact and stylish but has mediocre keyboard
I bought this laptop (Toshiba Satellite U305-S2804) in January 2008. It has a 1.66 Ghz Core 2 Duo processor (T5450) with 160 Gigs of Hard drive and 2 Gigs of RAM. I got it at a time when Amazon had it on the introductory price (about 200 clams less than the current price and the price lasted for only about 24 hours--yes, it was less than 700 clams). Needless to say (but I'm saying it anyway), I'm happy with the price. As for the product, not too shabby either.

Pros:
a) The screen is outstanding. It's hard to convey quality with just the resolution numbers of the screen (1280 x 800) since the numbers are about average. It is something that has to be seen (or take my word for it).

b) The speakers are good for laptop speakers. Of course they won't compare with your Bose speakers but the speakers on this Satellite have plenty of volume and bass (my main complaint for most laptop speakers is that they have very little volume and little bass)

c) 2 Gigs of RAM -- What more needs to be said? Although RAM is cheap these days, it saves you the trouble of buying more ram and installing it. 2 Gigs is enough for Vista. Also, it helps when you have a lot of apps open at the same time.

d) Core 2 Duo T5450 processor -- this is one of Intel's newer processors. It is better (more L2 cache memory) than the Pentium Dual Core T2330 and T2310. So don't pay more for a laptop with the Pentium Dual Core T2330 and T2310.

e) Has a built in webcam

f) Has a dial that you can use to adjust volume (many laptops do not have a dial. You have to adjust volume using software controls).

g) Very responsive laptop. Windows Vista Home Premium rocks!

h) The keyboard layout is spacious (even though the laptop is compact) and the keyboard is very quiet.

Bad:

i) Keyboard flexes under hard typing. There's plenty of keyboard flex especially if you're a "hard" typist (I am). If you apply a lot of pressure when you type, the keyboard will flex. If you're a light typist, I don't think it will be a problem. So far, I've found that the flex does not affect my typing but it is disconcerting. It's hard to fathom how a world class engineering firm like Toshiba can make a keyboard like this!?

ii) You cannot "dock" with this laptop. I think Toshiba gives you a docking connector only with their business class models (the Tecra line). The Satellite line does not have a docking station connector. (The dynadock is not true docking.)

iii) All plastic. This Satellite is made of all plastic. Even where your wrist rests and all around the keyboard area is plastic. I also own a Lenovo laptop (Lenovo 3000 N200) and that laptop has a metal plate where your wrists rest and all around the keyboard area is metal which makes the Lenovo very robust and sturdy.

iv) Wrists area does heat up. I think because the keyboard area is all plastic, heat dissipates slower. My Lenovo laptop feels cooler because the metallic material surrounding the keyboard probably dissipates the heat faster. Though the Satellite U305-s2804 gets warm, it is never so warm that it becomes uncomfortable. It does have pretty good cooling system (copper fins in the cooling area vs aluminium for most laptops).

This laptop is compact, stylish and light. It has an outstanding LCD screen with good speakers (for a laptop), but the keyboard is disappointing.

Great little notebook!
I bought this product after much research and am very pleased. It is fast and very light to carry. I was looking for something very, very portable and this is just perfect. I was a bit concerned about the small screen before receiving it but it is not at all too small. The screen is sharp with great color and is easy on the eyes. It is highly recommended. In fact, I love it!!!