Toshiba Satellite L745D-S4220RD

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The Toshiba Satellite L745D-S4220RD ($509.99 direct) won't wow you with impressive performance or features, but this laptop may still catch your eye with its rock-bottom price. Value-priced systems run the gamut from cheap and chintzy to surprisingly well appointed laptops, and sometimes it can be hard to sort out which is which. While the Toshiba Satellite L745D-S4220RD will definitely meet your basic computing needs for an inexpensive price, its meager selection of features and components better suited to a netbook will leave some people wanting more.

Design
The chrome red plastic covering the lid and palm rest is what Toshiba calls Matrix Red. The design is accented by a subtle checkered pattern. Though the all-plastic construction isn't as sturdy as the combination of plastic and brushed aluminum on the Asus U56E-BBL5 ($649.99 list, 4 stars), there's surprisingly little flexing in the chassis. Measuring 1.5 by 13.3 by 9.1-inches (HWD), it's also a bit lighter, weighing 4.47-pounds as compared to the Dell Inspiron i14RN4110-8073DBK ($529.99 street, 3 stars), which weighs 5.15 pounds, despite their similar dimensions.

The Satellite L745D-S4220RD has a 14-inch widescreen display, and its 1366 by 768 resolution (which can display 720p video) is standard at this screen size. Also common among value laptops is the low-quality of the speaker set. As the volume goes up, the sound quality diminishes, and my testing with a few shuffled songs on Pandora left me wanting to use headphones.

The Toshiba Satellite L745D-S4220RD has a full-sized keyboard. The keys are square, but it's not the chiclet-style that's become so popular. There are no significant spaces between keys, which may be an adjustment for some users. Regardless, the typing experience was quite comfortable. Less enjoyable was the multitouch trackpad, which is covered with a light texture to distinguish it from the smooth-surfaced palm rest. The texture felt irritating under my fingertips. The right and left mouse buttons were responsive, but clicked a little too loudly.

Specifications

Type

Value

Operating System

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium

Processor Speed

1.6 GHz

RAM

4 GB

Weight

4.47 lb

Screen Size

14 inches

Screen Size Type

Widescreen

Graphics Card

AMD Radeon HD 6310

Storage Capacity (as Tested)

500 GB

Networking Options

802.11n

Primary Optical Drive

Dual-Layer DVD+/-RW

More

Features
There are only so many ways to reduce the price of a laptop, and the feature set was one of the main areas to get cut on this laptop. Basic connections like headphone and microphone jacks are all present, along with a built-in card reader (SD, MS/Pro). With three USB 2.0 ports, VGA and HDMI outputs, an Ethernet port and 802.11n Wi-Fi, there's not a lot here that isn't anything we haven't seen on competing systems. The optical drive, which does offer dual-layer DVD reading and burning, is similar to the one found in the Acer Aspire AS5253-BZ480 ($499.99 list, 3.5 stars). The 500GB 5,400rpm hard drive is larger than the 320GB drive found in the Acer, but smaller than the 640GB offered in more expensive models like the Dell Inspiron i14RN4110-8073DBK and Asus U56E-BBL5.

The Toshiba L745D-S4220RD is light on features, but heavy on the bloatware pre-installed on the system. You get a 30-day trial of Norton Internet Security, a starter version of Microsoft Office 2010, a collection of sample games from WildTangent, and two scoops of programs and utilities bearing the Toshiba brand name. While it's not unusual to find a lot of bloatware on a laptop in this price range, you'll want to set aside some time to clean up the system. Toshiba also covers the laptop with a standard 1-year warranty covering parts and labor, and an unexpected but welcome 1-year warranty on the battery as well.

Performance
The Toshiba L745D-S4220RD gives up a lot of performance to hit its low price point, opting for an AMD processor normally found in netbooks, the dual-core 1.6GHz Fusion E-350 processor. Paired with 4GB of RAM, this netbook processor produces significantly lower quality performance than the Intel Core i3 and i5 processors used in other notebooks. In PCMark 7, our general productivity test, the Toshiba Satellite scored 963 points, less than half the points scored by Intel powered laptops, like the Asus U56E-BBL5 (1,920 points) and Dell Inspiron i14RN4110-8073DBK (1,931 points). It even fell behind the Acer Aspire 4743Z-4861 ($469.99 list, 3 stars), which also uses a netbook class processor, and scored 1,234 points.

The processor was also significantly slower than the competing Intel systems, both the Toshiba and the E-350 equipped Acer Aspire AS5253-BZ661 ($469.99 list, 3.5 stars) scored 0.61 points in our Cinebench R11.5 rendering test--the Asus U56E-BBL5 scored 2.60. It took 7 minutes 4 seconds to finish our Handbrake video encoding test, and 18 minutes 33 seconds to complete our Photoshop CS5 test, rendering the Toshiba Satellite unfit for heavy multimedia editing.

The AMD Fusion E-350 is one of AMD's Fusion line of accelerated processing units (APU). As such, the processor shares its chip die with an AMD Radeon HD 6310 graphics processor. In 3DMark 2006 the Toshiba Satellite scored 2,394 points at medium detail and resolution settings, a far cry from the 4,840 points scored by the Asus U56E-BBL5. However, when tested with actual games, the Satellite scored 16 frames per second (fps) in Crysis and 12fps in Lost Planet 2, besting competing laptops but just below the playable threshold. You may not be able to enjoy a round of Crysis on this laptop, but World of Warcraft isn't out of the question.

Another area where the Satellite held its own was in battery-life. In our MobileMark 2007 battery benchmark, the Toshiba lasted 5 hours 2 minutes with a 6-cell 48Wh battery, settling somewhere between the Acer Aspire AS5253-BZ480 (4:50 with a 6-cell 49Wh battery) and Dell Inspiron i14RN4110-8073DBK (5:24 with a 6-cell 44Wh battery). All of these fell behind the Asus U56E-BBL5, which leveraged a much larger 8-cell 74Wh battery to last 7:34.

The Toshiba Satellite L745D-S4220RD may not impress you with its performance, but its $500 price tag make it well worth your consideration. The Dell Inspiron i14RN4110-8073DBK sells for only $20 more, and offers a Core i5 processor and all the improved performance that comes with it. Of course, if you can afford an extra $150, check out Editors' Choice Asus U56E-BBL5, which offers a lot more power and features.

Source:http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2392666,00.asp?kc=PCRSS05039TX1K0000760

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Toshiba Portégé Z830 Ultrabook set light up the world

There is a new category of notebooks known as Ultrabooks – these will be small and light models, which of course, will not sacrifice performance in the name of size. The latest model from Toshiba of Japan would be the Portégé Z830 Ultrabook, where it is touted to be the lightest 13.3″ Ultrabook in the world, dipping under the 2.5 pound mark while being encased in a chassis that is no thicker than 15.9mm.

Not only that, Toshiba is proud to claim that the Portégé Z830 Series is around 20% lighter and 40% thinner compared to the award-winning ultraportable Portégé R830 Series. Needless to say, with a price point that starts from under the magical $1,000 mark while delivering unprecedented portability, durability and essential features in a stylish design, Toshiba might have a winner here.

Just what will be the engine of the new Portégé Z830? Well, we are looking at the second generation Intel Core processors coupled with superior speed DDR3 memory, giving all you need to get your work done without breaking your back when traveling on long distances. With a 128GB SSD and Toshiba’s exclusive Hi-Speed Start Technology, you can be sure that the Portégé Z830 can power on in a jiffy, helping you boot up the program of your choice within moments.

Not only that, Toshiba knows that some of you out there love working in the dark – especially when it is late at night, as you tend to be more productive in that way. Well, just in case you can’t see your surroundings and knock over a glass of water, fret not – the full-size LED backlit and spill-resistant keyboard should be perfect to avoid such situations.

Apart from that, you are also able to juice up your favorite devices via USB when connected to the Ultrabook thanks to Toshiba’s USB Sleep & Charge technology. With the inclusion of stereo speakers that have enhanced audio technology from Waves Audio, the Portégé Z830 also works great to help keep you entertained whenever you need to take a break.

You might want to start saving up the for Toshiba Portégé Z830 Series Ultrabook from now on as it will arrive this coming November.

Source:http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20110903/toshiba-portg-z830-ultrabook-set-light-world/

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[IFA 2011] Toshiba announces the Portege Z830 series, claims it to be the lightest 13-inch ultrabook

Toshiba has announced the Portege Z830, a new series of ultrabooks (that’s Intel’s buzzword for ultraportable notebooks). The 13-inch model is only .63-inch thick and weighs just 2.45 pounds (1.11kg), light enough for it to earn the “lightest 13-inch ultrabook” moniker.

The Portege Z830 uses a sleek aluminum and magnesium alloy case, which makes it light as well as sturdy. Also, the thin design doesn’t come at the cost of connectivity options, as it still has two USB 2.0 ports, one USB 3.0 port, HDMI, VGA, Ethernet, SD card slot and a headphone jack. You also get a large backlit keyboard with a chiclet design.

On the hardware front the Portege Z830 offers Intel Sandy Bridge Core i3, i5 and i7 series processors, integrated graphics and an option of multiple SSD capacities. The 8-cell, 47Wh battery is said to give a battery life of up to 8 hours. No exact models and configurations were mentioned, but Toshiba said the base model will be just under the $1000 mark.

Source:http://blog.gsmarena.com/ifa-2011-toshiba-announces-the-portege-z830-series-claims-it-to-be-the-lightest-13-inch-ultrabook/

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[IFA 2011]The Toshiba AT200, dubbed Excite, will be only 7.7 mm thick

Toshiba has announced the AT200 (Excite), which is reportedly the thinnest and lightest 10.1″ Honeycomb slate to date. It’s just 7.7 mm thick (the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is 8.6 mm) and weighs only 558 g (565 g for the Galaxy slab).

Among the other specs is Android Honeycomb 3.2, a dual-core 1.2GHz TI OMAP 4430 processor, 1 GB worth of RAM and up to 64 GB of internal storage.

It offers two cameras – a front-facing video-calling and the main 5 MP auto-focus camera with a flash on its back. There will be two (stereo) speakers on the Excite and it will offer microUSB, microSD, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and a microHDMI connectivity options.

Toshiba went and announced the Excite today at IFA grounds but a full day before the expo kicks off.

Source :http://blog.gsmarena.com/ifa-2011the-toshiba-at200-dubbed-excite-will-be-only-7-7-mm-thick/

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Toshiba's Portege Z835 Joins the Ultrabook Fray

It was just last month when Intel announced its intentions to revive the clamshell PC design by encouraging manufacturers to embrace the thin "ultrabook" form factor. Toshiba is one of the first, next to Lenovo, to answer the call with its Portege Z835 line.

The Portege Z835's chassis measures a mere 0.63 inches thick and weighs 2.45 pounds. For perspective, the Z835 is 0.05 inches thinner and weighs 0.45 pounds less than the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (Thunderbolt).

In order to achieve such a slim profile, Toshiba had to ditch the optical drive to conform to the ultrabook guidelines. The Z835 is constructed out of magnesium alloy and has a brushed finish that is seen throughout the lid and interior of the laptop. The keyboard is in the chiclet style, and includes backlighting.

The Z835's two USB2.0, HDMI, VGA, and Ethernet ports are largely confined to the back of the system, but the headphone and mic jacks, SD card slot, and a lone USB 3.0 port are located on the back sides of the Z835. One of the USB ports—indicated by a lightning bolt—doubles as a "sleep and charge" dock, meaning you can plug in your smartphone, MP3 player, or any other USB-powered device into this port and it will charge while your computer sleeps.

What's inside is largely a mystery at this stage. However, we do know that a base model will feature an SSD (most likely 128GB) and, of course, an Intel Core i3 processor. The SSD will help improve the laptop from both a ruggedness and speed standpoint: Most spinning drives become damaged over time from being moved around and suffering vibrations from being on the road, but because an SSD is a solid drive, it isn't affected. The SSD is also provides quicker boot times for applications and upon startup. The Z835 comes with a 8-cell 48Wh battery that, according to Toshiba, lasts up to eight hours on a full charge.

Source:http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2392234,00.asp?kc=PCRSS05039TX1K0000760

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Fujitsu Toshiba announce world's first Mango phone

Fujitsu Toshiba mobile communications has announced the world’s first Mango phone. Their new IS12T is the first Window Phone 7 device to be launched in Japan and comes with Windows Phone OS 7.5 Mango pre-installed.

This IPX5 water proof phone is only 10.6mm thin and has a 3.7-inch TFT LCD touchscreen on the front and a 13.2 megapixel camera on the back. Underneath, the IS12T runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8655, same as the one in the HTC Thunderbolt. It also has 32GB of internal memory along with Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR.

The IS12T will be sold in three colors, green, pink and black, starting September on Japan’s KDDI network. No price has been mentioned so far or anything about the international availability, although it is likely the phone will stay in Japan.

Source:http://www.gsmarena.com/fujitsu_toshiba_announce_worlds_first_mango_phone-news-2929.php

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Snapdragon pioneer Toshiba TG01 is seen running Windows Phone 7

Although some of us have probably long forgotten about the Toshiba TG01, which was one of the first devices on the market to feature the all too prominent Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, it has actually appeared recently running Microsoft’s latest mobile platform.

Even before it became a Windows Mobile 6.5 smartphone, the Toshiba TG01 was at one point being developed for Windows Phone 7. Despite being over two years old at this point, the YouTube video showing off the handset running Windows Phone 7 appears to be fairly smooth and operable. However, it’s rather too soon to tell whether or not we’ll eventually see some sort of ROM available that other owners could use to check out the platform with their devices.

Nonetheless, it goes to show that you can’t keep out some of these Snapdragon pioneers out of the loop since they’re fairly equipped even to this day in handling Microsoft’s revamped mobile platform.

via WMPoweruser

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Toshiba's Camileo P100 and B10 continue their world tour, arrive stateside

We're pretty sure that most of the attention Toshiba receives today will center around the handful of laptops it unveiled this morning (particularly this handsome devil). But the outfit also managed to slip in some camcorder news -- those Camileo P100 and B10 models it announced for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East are now on sale in the US. If you recall, both camcorders shoot 1080p video and snap 16 megapixel stills, though the pistol-shaped P100 adds 5X optical zoom -- still an uncommon spec for pocket cam. The P100 is available now for $180, while the Flip-inspired B10 can be had for $120. PR after the break.

READ MORE - Toshiba's Camileo P100 and B10 continue their world tour, arrive stateside

Toshiba readies the Thrive Android tablet for $429

Toshiba is the next hardware maker set to enter the Google Android tablet game when its Thrive ships in mid-July.
The 10-inch tablet is available for pre-order today, says Gotta Be Mobile, with prices starting at $429.
Don’t get too excited by the price point that’s $70 less than the cheapest Apple iPad 2 though:
Toshiba’s starting model comes with 8 GB of flash storage, or half that in the entry-level iPad.
However, memory in the Toshiba Thrive can be expanded through a full-sized SD memory card.

For consumers who would rather purchase a tablet with more internal storage, the Thrive is available in with 16 GB ($479) and 32 GB ($579) of memory. Other specifications common to all three models include:

GHz Nvidia Tegra 2 dual-core processor

• 1 GB of RAM


• Google Android Honeycomb 3.1


• 1280 x 800 resolution display


• Full-sized HDMI port, USB port, miniUSB


• 5 megapixel rear auto-focus rear camera with 720p video capture, 2 megapixel front camera


• 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0


• User-replaceable 23 w/Hr battery

Most of the Thrive’s specifications list mirror that of the other Wi-Fi Android tablets, although the replaceable battery is unique as is the full-sized memory card slot and USB port. Acer’s Iconia Tab A500 also has a full USB port, which worked well in my tests with a flash drive. I was able to listen to music stored on the portable drive. Android 3.1 also supports USB host mode, so a standard USB keyboard and mouse could be used.

The USB port, along with the memory card slot, could sway some to opt for the lower-priced 8 GB model since it provides two ways to add external memory. Full-sized ports can make for a chunky device, however. Toshiba says the tablet weight starts at 1.6 pounds and Toshiba’s own image of the device with its larger ports show a potentially thick tablet.

READ MORE - Toshiba readies the Thrive Android tablet for $429