Ideal for CPU intensive programs, the Toshibe Satellite A75-S231 features a hyper-threaded Intel Pentium 538 processor, which offers a blazing fast 3.33 GHz clock speed. You also get Toshiba's DVD Super-Multi drive, which offers compatibility for both DVD+ and DVD- disc formats. It features a 15.4-inch TruBrite screen, offering high brightness, high contrast, wide viewing angle. It also is loaded with hyper-threaded Intel Pentium 4 532 processor, 512 MB of installed RAM, 100 GB hard drive, and integrated 54g wireless LAN. It's perfect for digital media enthusiasts, young adults, and families.
The Basics
- Hard Drive: The spacious 100 GB hard drive (4200 RPM) offers more than enough storage for both your work and home files as well as a multimedia library.
- Processor: The Intel Pentium 4 538 processor features a fast 3.33 GHz speed. It also offers Hyper-Threading technology, which allows a single CPU system to behave in some aspects like a dual-CPU system. This results in more efficient software performance (such as faster reaction times in gaming applications) and enhanced multitasking. It is well suited for professional-quality image, audio, and video editing. It also has A 1 MB L2 cache and an 533 MHz front-side bus (FSB).
- Memory: The 512 MB of built-in memory (1 DIMM, PC-2700 DDR333) is a good start for power users. It can be expanded to a toal of 1.5 GB.
- CD/DVD Drive: The DVD Super-Multi drive is compatible with both DVD+R/RW and DVD-R/RW discs (as well as DVD-ROM and DVD-RAM). It offers a 4x DVD read speed, and writes at 2.4x for DVD+R/RW and 2x for DVD-R/RW. You can also burn CDs at 16x and read them at 24x.
- Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 85-key keyboard and electro-static two-button touchpad.
Sound and Graphics The A75-S231 comes installed with an ATI Mobility 9000 IGP video/graphics card, featuring 64 MB of shared memory. It will deliver relatively strong 3D graphics rendering and it can can drive an external display. The 15.4-inch TFT WXGA display supports up to 16 million colors at a 1280 x 800-pixel resolution. It also features an integrated Realteck ALC250 sound chip and built-in stereo speakers.
Connectivity and Expansion Slots
The A75-S231 offers a healthy selection of expansion and connectivity options, including a PCMCIA slot for one Type II PC card and the following:
- 3 USB 1.1 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
- 1 Firewire (IEEE 1394) for connecting digital camcorders and external hard drives
- 1 Bridge Media Adaptor
- 1 Infrared Port
- 1 parallel port for connecting older printers and scanners
- 1 RGB monitor port
- 1 TV-out (S-Video)
- 1 headphone jack and 1 microphone jack
It also has an Integrated Atheros 802.11g wireless LAN supporting Atheros SuperG technology (which is compatible with the more widespread 802.11b and offers faster data transmission rates), integrated 56K modem (V.92), and an RJ-45 LAN network port (for a 10/100 Ethernet connection to networks and DSL/cable modems).
Preloaded System and Software
The A75-S231 comes with the Windows XP Home Edition operating system, and it also includes Microsoft Works (for working with word processing and spreadsheet documents). Other preloaded software includes Norton Antivirus 2004 (with 90 days of complimentary live updates), Quicken New User Edition, Napster online digital service (30-day trial), Adobe Acrobat Reader, InterVideo WinDVD (for playing DVD movies), ArcSoft ShowBiz DVD, and Sonic Solutions RecordNow Basic.
Dimensions and Weight
At 8 pounds, the A75-S231 is on par in weight with other notebooks in its class. It measures 1.8 x 14.4 x 10.8 inches (H x W x D), which is a little wider than other notebooks in its class.
Power
The included 12-cell rechargeable lithium-ion battery has an approximate 2-hour battery life (during normal use). It also comes with a 120W AC adapter.
What's in the Box
This package contains the Toshiba A75-S231 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It's backed by a 1-year warranty for parts and labor.
The Satellite A75 Series combines a host of multimedia features with a series of productivity applications to create a complete mobile computing experience perfect for PC digital media enthusiasts, young adults, and families.
1 Good so far
I went and did my research and wasn't so concerned on price as long as the laptop had some of the latest and greatest. I went and did my reads in PC mag, consumer reports (membership req) as well as Amazon reviews of similar models. I was sorry to read the other guy who rated this computer and had such issues, and hope that your follow up will have some good news for you as well as giving us other Toshiba users some faith in the support group of that company!
I purchased my Toshiba from an online reseller and so far no major issues and I am adding more RAM as 512 should be the min. I had some driver issues when upgrading to XP pro but again a little patience and time and web site downloads from Toshiba and MS windows and all seems to be fine.
I have yet to do anything major with it and I have not loaded on some space hogging software I use, that will be the test. Wireless worked fine and I am pleased with the screen. Cooling fans are loud but not a big deal but it heats up hot and fast so it needs to be cooled!
Being at 3.3 gig it is one of the largest laps or desktops out there at the moment, however, in no time 3.3 will be small! All I can say is do you research, ask others, read reviews, make sure you get warranty/support and hell if it isn't working, fight to return it, get another or get your money back and go after another, you the consumer have rights look for return/exchange policies within the quickest time frames, ABC or Fox news consumers hotlines to help if needed too, just don't allow them to walk on you especially if it's the product that is the problem! I must admit from past experience going through a Best Buy or Circuit City, I have NOT been pleased with the "I don't care attitude" once you have purchased from them. Just think, research, no impulse and if it's real new technology wait, as it needs to be tested and or competition formed and prices drop as well as bugs fixed.
Will advise if I come up against anything out of the ordinary or that I read has happened to others hence being a common product flaw, which Toshiba would address if enough people report the issue or issues. More to come.
2 Never buy this computer, or TOSHIBA
This is the worst experience I have ever had in buying a computer.
I ordered this through amazon.com with fastest shipping option. And I got it 2 days later. OK. so far so good.
First, I turned on the computer and everything worked well.
But after I uninstalled Norton Untivirus ( 90 days trial which is pre-installed to this computer) in order to install the newest version of it. After the uninstallation, it asked me to restart the computer and I clicked "OK". and..... it never reboots.
Just its fans are screaming out loud and the power lit is on, but there is nothing on the screen. What the hell is going on?
I immediately called the customer service. First time I told them this situation, he said he would pass this matter to "level 2". and He said they were gonna call me back soon. But, as you imagine, NO CALL.
So, I call them again and the other guy picked up the phone. and asked me to bring it to UPS or ask them to send me a box, which I have to pay $25.
Tomorrow, I will bring my laptop to UPS and send this to TOSHIBA repair center. I have no idea when the hell I can get this back, with perfectly repaired.
I will write what happened later.
