It's powered by Intel's 1.86 GHz Core Duo T2130, which provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance and a more efficient power consumption. 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, 1 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum), 802.11b/g wireless connectivity, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 with up to 256 MB of shared video RAM, and 5-in-1 memory card reader.
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 Pentium dual-core T2130 processor is built with the Mobile Intel 945PM Express chipset, and it has a 1.86 GHz processor speed, fast 533 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and 1 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.)
This 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 next version of Microsoft Windows, code-named Vista. 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. It's more efficient, thanks to Intel's Power Coordination and Deeper Sleep, which help to transfer power only to those areas of the processor that need it. It also features Intel's Digital Media Boost, which delivers enhanced performance on floating point-intensive applications such as CAD tools, 3-D and 2-D modeling, video editing, digital music, digital photography and gaming.
- 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 1 GB of installed RAM (2 x 512 MB DDR2, PC5300) is an excellent start, but you'll want to add more RAM to handle today's demanding multimedia and productivity suites. It provides two DIMM slots and has a large 4 GB maximum RAM capacity. It also offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed.
- 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, 4x DVD+RW, 4x 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.
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 950, which uses Intel Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT) and provides up to 256 MB of shared video memory. It also features an integrated audio card with headphone and microphone jacks.
Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
This notebook has an integrated Atheros 54g wireless LAN that's fully compatible with 802.11b/g wireless networks. 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 and S-Video
- 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)
Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium 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 8.5, InterVideo WinDVD 8, Google Desktop and Picasa, Ulead DVD MovieFactory 5, McAfee Internet Security Suite (30-day trial), and Microsoft Office 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-S5097 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operati
ng instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty.
May 20th, 2012 at 6:15 pm
TOSHIBA U305-S5097 Satellite Notebook. Toshiba Satellite notebooks feature high quality PC technology at price points for every budget, offering the power and convenience of mobile computing at a great value. Engineered to deliver solid performance, these notebooks can handle todays most popular business applications. Their stylish, smart design is enhanced by features unique to Toshiba. And they are built to be durable and reliable, so you can be confident that you are getting a top notch product. Whether you are a first time mobile user or you are on a tight budget, Toshiba Satellite notebooks are the way to go mobile.
May 20th, 2012 at 6:15 pm
By Betty
2007-07-10
Pros: nice price with configs and features, light weight, slim design.
Cons: hot on the panel and low battery life.
There are three power contrl modes and I used the most power saving one (so the cpu performace is much lower). I just did typical web surfing and after about 2.5 hrs the fully charged battery ran out.
The panel feels pretty warm. So if you do lots of typing, it could be annoying.
I used more than 10 laptops, including 2 IBM, 3 DELL, 2 Toshiba, 1 Sony, 1 Gateway, 1 everex(?), etc. So far the best one is from Sony and it is far better than others. Very cool (I mean both the feeling and the temperature), very light weight, long battery life (can go up to 5 hrs), and very stable (I even think the windows running on it is better than those running on other machines). But of course the price is hefty. So if you have tight budget, this toshiba is not a bad choice. BTW, I would like to say Toshiba laptops in general are better than those of other brands and it is just not as good as Sony.
May 20th, 2012 at 6:15 pm
By Helen
2007-09-16
I waffled for quite a while before finally settling on this model, and I think I made the right choice. I really fell in love with the higher-priced Sony models, but this Toshiba seems to have everything you NEED…even if it’s not as ’sexy’ looking.
It is nice and light, at only 4.6 pounds. It has a somewhat cheaper “feel” to it overall as compared to Sony Vaios or Dells, but of course, it IS cheaper! (It is nowhere near as cheap-feeling as the bargain Acer/Lenova/etc types.)
I have experienced no problems getting used to the keyboard (though it does have a lot of flex). The mouse click buttons are a little bit hard to press, and probably could have been designed better — but again, this is not a high-end model, it’s a very nice little affordable workhorse.
It does come loaded with a lot of junk (”bloatware”) that you don’t need, but from what I hear, so do all of these pre-configured laptops. Vista likes to give plenty of warnings as you remove items, so your first 24 hours will be filled with checking the “allow” and “continue” boxes.
The processor seems quite fast; Vista takes some getting used to but is pretty user-friendly from what I’ve experienced; built-in wireless capability seems to be working great. I am not experiencing a short battery life as other users mentioned, it seems more than adequate (I do turn down screen brightness to get more time out of it). 160 GB of storage…don’t know that I would ever be able to fill that up!
By the way, I was able to pick up this model for six hundred ninety-nine bucks from Best Buy, a hundred bucks less than Amazon currently sells it.
On a somewhat less important cosmetic note, when you look at this laptop in all but the brightest or most direct sort of lighting, it appears black. The lid is glossy, too, not matte as it can appear in pictures.
Hope this helps…feel free to leave comments with any questions — I know how annoyingly difficult it is to decide on a laptop!
May 20th, 2012 at 6:15 pm
By Charles
2007-07-09
I just bought this little machine today, but so far I really love it. I’ve done several weeks’ worth of research into many laptops before making a purchase. So far loading extra software on was a cinch, I am enjoying the Windows Vista and learning to use it (a little different than Windows XP, but its different in a good way). The laptop appears sturdy and very well made, its light with a beautiful design. As soon as I figure out how to use all of the features I will probably be back to add more of a review. The only reason I didn’t give it a 5th star is because I wish it came with a more detailed owner’s manual that said “Okay THIS feature/ software does THIS– click THIS– now do THIS– install THIS– “– if I’m going to use instructions at all, they need to tell me everything, or I’m going to just scrap them and figure out what to do on my own. However, that strategy is going pretty well on the Toshiba too, as its pretty simple to figure out. I’d definitely recommend it to others!
May 20th, 2012 at 6:15 pm
By Charles
2007-10-11
I have had the Toshiba Satellite U305-S5097 for a month and a half and I wish I had never bought it. I bought it for school a day before leaving the US and could not retun it. Notice that most of the superstar reviews that others have written were written in the first week or even day of buying this “cute little machine”. I would have given it 5 stars the day I bought it but not anymore. It is a total piece of junk and I will not recommend it to anyone.
I looked through many laptops and felt this one was the best given its small size, light-weight and sleek style. It is beautiful to look at. However, that’s where the pros end.
It overheats, it is slow, it is noisy, it just sucks. It gets so hot that you can’t sit it in your lap and use it. Just a week and a half after I bought it, the hard-drive started to make grinding noise and it is still making the annoying “kur-kur” grinding noise as I type (BTW does that mean it is gonna crash?). The fan is noisy too and it is really slow. I have done system restore several times and the blue screen of death has appeared twice. I did a complete full restore once also and reinstalled Windows but all the problems continue.
I have run the hard drive test and it said hard drive was fine but it continues to make the noise and I can’t even take it to lectures anymore. Like another reviewer pointed out the battery runs out even on the balanced mode. At this point I am just hoping that it doesn’t crash completely.
May 20th, 2012 at 6:15 pm
By Mark
2007-09-25
. Though there are few things which could have been better such as keyboard, which I did not like much, infact I found some defect in my keyboard also, which Toshiba is going to get it replaced for me, so no issues for that, but still I feel that keyboard could have been of better quality. At the same time all the other Keyboards which I have seen apart from Sony/IBM none are very good. Its get little hot but not like my previous laptop used to get. Good resolution though. Somebody wrote about sound system problem. Yes I would say the sound is not that great but on a laptop you will always have an limitation on the loudness and quality I guess. The sound system is better than SONY VAIO though.
This is my second laptop, the main reason of buying this one was its screen size which is really sleek. Compared to my previous Laptop, Dell Inspiron 600, this one is pretty good almost in every department except price
Over all I would recommend this notebook, even for 13.3 inch screen size I feel the price was also not bad. After doing some researh I have realized that you can never get a perfect Laptop. There are some shortness in each and every model of various brands.
May 20th, 2012 at 6:15 pm
By Mark
2007-08-31
Great laptop. Have tried 2 other laptops but this one performed better. The config. were all great and for that price you cannot really expect anything decent but this laptop is better than decent.
May 20th, 2012 at 6:15 pm
By Charles
2007-09-17
I had bought this item for over a month. I bought a 15″ gateway notebook for my son which is .3mhz faster than this at price $700. So I basically pay extra $300 for a smaller machine so I can use it on my commute, thinking that a .3mhz difference in cpu speed should not affect too much.
However, the first few days I use it, already notice it is extremely slow to shutdown or start, it took a couple minutes(that’s how I feel). I also install xp on a virtual machine, that’s also slow compared to my son’s laptop. I almost want to return the item claiming it is faultily slow. But I kindaof lazy.
Suggestion: If you have the same budget, there must be better system out there. This machine is almost slower than my compacq 680Mhz desktop bought 5 years ago!
May 20th, 2012 at 6:15 pm
By Linda
2007-09-17
Everything is great except the hard capacity is not enough. I should have gotten 200Gb instead of 160Gb. It seems that Window Vista needs more hard than others. All in all, I am satisfied with this buy.
May 20th, 2012 at 6:15 pm
By Betty
2007-10-12
I bought it online a month ago while I was traveling. I was very anxious to go home and use it since I thought that it was good laptop for a good price: 1100.
Day 1: its light and looks nice.
Day 2: Overheats, very noisy, fan does not stop working even if the computer is idle.
Day 3: hard drive sounded like it was grinding (still does from time to time) which worried me a lot so I started backing up my data every day.
Day 4: the built in webcam SUCKS. When you try to use it on Yahoo, MSN, or even try to turn it on using its program, it says: Cam is being used by another program. And when you try to find that other program, you hit the wall.
Now after a month, it is still light and still looking nice, still overheats, fan does not stop, hard drive grinds something God knows what, and the webcam is still being used by another application.
I have had it with it and with Toshiba, I can return it, so I will as soon as I get another one, probably the Dell XPS. Maybe the XPS is little expensive, but it is worth it. I have had very good experience with Dell: 3 Laptops they were all great. I have also used 3 Toshibas; I have never had a good experience with any of them.
And by the way: Vista also SUCKS.
Bottom line: Avoid this Junk, and avoid Toshiba laptops in general.