Product Description

The Toshiba Satellite A305-s6834 is a stylish, highly versatile laptop designed and priced to meet the demands of individual consumers, students and small businesses. The generous 15.4-inch widescreen TruBrite high-def display on the A305-s6834 offers amazing color depth and clarity, plus room to multitask and work with spreadsheets and other documents. You¿ll get fuller, more seamless enjoyment from even the most complex games and programs with up to 3GB of RAM. Harman Kardon stereo speakers on the Satellite A305 bring a whole new dimension to music, movies and more. Enjoy big-speaker surround listening with the Satellite A305-s6834¿s S/P DIF connection by tapping into a home theater system. With USB Sleep-and-Charge support you can use your Satellite A305-s6834 to powerup your favorite portable electronic devices, even when the laptop is asleep. Use a smart phone? With USB Sleep-and-Charge support, you just plug in, power up and go. Use the Satellite A305-s6834¿s DVD SuperMulti optical drive to play games, share work and photos, or back up data. And use Labelflash to keep your growing disk collection looking smart and organized. A built-in microphone and Webcam on the Satellite A305 lets you chat, conference and stay in touch as if you were actually there. Dimensions 14.3¿ x 10.5¿ x 1.36¿ /1.52¿ Weight Starting at 6.0 lbs.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #166 in Personal Computers
• Brand: Toshiba
• Model: A305-S6834
• Dimensions: 1.36" h x 10.50" w x 14.30" l, 12.00 pounds
• CPU: Intel Core Duo 1.83 GHz
• Memory: 3000MB DDR2 SDRAM
• Hard Disk: 200GB
• Processors: 2
• Display size: 15.4

Features

• Stylish, highly versatile laptop with 15.4-inch LCD and webcam integrated into bezel
• 1.83 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5550 processor, 200 GB hard drive, 3 GB RAM (4 GB max), 8x multi-format/dual-layer DVD drive
• Tri-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g), 10/100 Ethernet, Intel GMA X3100 graphics (up to 358 MB shared memory)
• Connectivity: 4 USB, 1 FireWire, 1 VGA, 1 S-Video, 1 headphone (with S/PDIF digital audio out), 1 microphone, 1 ExpressCard 34/54
• Pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium (with Media Center capabilities)

Amazon.com Product Description
Designed to meet the demands of a multimedia-hungry family, students on the go, and small businesses with demanding computing needs, the Toshiba Satellite A305-S6834 offers a versatile base for all your needs. It includes a generous 15.4-inch widescreen TruBrite high-def display for amazing color depth and clarity, plus room to multitask and work with spreadsheets. And you'll enjoy crisp audio from the Harman Kardon stereo speakers. 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 using Skype.

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. Other features include a 200 GB hard drive, 3 GB of installed RAM (4 GB max), dual-layer DVD±RW burner (with Labelflash disc printing), ExpressCard 34 slot, tri-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g), Intel GMA X3100 graphics (with up to 358 MB allocated video memory), and a 5-in-1 memory card adapter.

This PC also 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 T5550 processor has a 1.83 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 spacious 200 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 86-key keyboard and electro-static two-button touchpad. It also offers CD/DVD media player and control buttons (play, stop, next, previous) as well as a volume control dial.

Screen, Video & Audio
This notebook has a 15.4-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.

The built-in microphone and Skype-certified webcam (with face-recognition software) makes it easy to video chat as well as use the Skype VoIP service--a convenient, affordable alternative to long distance calling. This notebook also features an integrated audio card and two Harman Kardon stereo speakers.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
This notebook has an integrated tri-mode Intel 3945ABG wireless LAN (802.11a/b/g), with throughput up to 54 Mbps at 5 GHz (802.11a) and 2.4 GHz (802.11g). With USB Sleep-and-Charge support, you can use your Satellite M305 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:

• 4 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 and S-Video
• 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 14.3 x 10.5 x 1.55 inches (WxDxH, and it weighs 6 pounds.

Power
It comes with a 4000 mAH lithium-ion battery pack for extra-long battery life.

What's in the Box
This package contains the A305-S6834 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

Amazing.
Pros:
3 GB RAM: more than some macbook pros.
250 GB memory
dual core Turion 64 processor
ATI graphics card included
4 USB ports
decent speakers
can actually run Vista!

Cons:
Glossy finish: while looking much more artsy, it smudges a LOT and I find myself wipeing off my keyboard very often.
MS office: I dont know if I just cant find this, but I can't seem to find my product key(not sure if its included). I DID find my Windows product key, but not Office, which leads me to thinking its not included in this package.

This Toshiba Satellite A305 is definitely more bang for your buck. You rarely find all this on a laptop for only 800.

Just as Great as the A305-S6837
I Wanted the A305-S6837, but after Best Buy put it on sale for 799, it was ridiculous to get. The difference between this model A305-S6834 and the model I wanted, the A305-S6837, is the memory. Other than that I have to say it is AWESOME! Oh, and the upgraded model came with Microsoft Student, this is a trial version.

I am never going to use 4g of memory (or even the 3g it came with), it is super fast, has a built in Skype camera, microphone and a ton of extras. I have the old 2003 Version which still runs, but I have seen the blue death screen (It's threatening suicide), but is still kicking. I am usuing my new computer fulltime now and I love it.

Only draw backs are the high-finsih (prefer matte) which is great to look at until you touch it. I use my computer everyday (I'm an Author) and the upgraded version has better sleep options, longer lasting standard battery, is lighter (weighs about 2 pounds less than 2003's model) and the mouse is easier to use.

Highly recommended!!! Can't find a better computer for the price!

very good, no complaints
Very good, no complaints. Used for 2 months now.
Looks pretty, all surfaces are shiny. Screen is good, buttons are fine. All works fast. Vista is not too bad, no problems with it so far.
Wireless works fine. Overheating is not to bad (note, the computer has to have proper ventilation and cooling not to burn).
The fact that power wire is on the side is cool - you know for sure that it is plugged in. The mechanical wheel for sound volume - is great! How many years it takes for designers to figure out that mechanical wheels and switches are better than electronic/software controlled? This model has mechanic wheel for sound volume, mechanic switch for wireless signal (to protect user from extra irradiation with wireless signal when it is not used), that is about it. Touch pad is ok, better than on older models, but still there is much space for improvement. The buttons on a touch pad are little to hard to press - drug and drop actions are possible to do but way harder than with a computer mouse.
A nice feature about touchpad is that it has designated scroll area for easy scrolling of web pages and documents. Still - how many years it will take the designers to place a scroll wheel on the laptop?
LAPTOPS NEED SCROLL-WHEELS! (Message to Laptop designers: "That is not rocket science - just put one on free space, it will make usability way better!" End of message)
Again overall design is good. The machine is a little to heavy. It is lighter than comparable DELLs, but still - is relatively hard to carry with one hand. Because it is all glossy it may be easier to slip and get dropped. Solid-state hard drive would make it more resistant to drops.
Lots of space is wasted around the screen and the keyboard. If this space was trimmed, the laptop would be substantially smaller, providing same size of screen and keyboard. Sound is pretty good, although not loud. One can watch a movie in a quite room with air conditioner on, but again the sound is not too loud. Sound quality is good for me, but of course can be better. Embedded Webcam and microphone work fine. Webcam quality is pretty good, mic (as for all embedded mics) picks up some noise from the computer fan. But both webcam and mic are good for video chat (Skype and alike).
Overall conclusion: a good deal for the price, a very balanced laptop, one of best for this price. Toshiba is known for light weight reliable laptops, this is a good deal. Expect that in 2-3 years there will be much improvement in weight, shock-resistance (using solid state hard drives), speed, sound, touch pad usability , screen size -- and plan accordingly.