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It's powered by the 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 processor, which boosts speed, reduces power requirements, and saves on battery life. It also offers a fast 800 MHz front-side bus speed and 2 MB L2 cache. It also includes Intel's 5100AGN wireless LAN, which will connect to draft 802.11n routers and offers compatibility with 802.11a/b/g networks as well. Other features include a spacious 320 GB hard drive, 4 GB of RAM (maximum), 5-in-1 memory card reader, Draft-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11a/b/g/n), Intel GMA X4500MHD integrated graphics (with up to 1750 MB of dynamically shared video memory), and Toshiba's Fusion finish with Constellation Black pattern.
This PC also comes preinstalled with the 64-bit version of 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.
This Toshiba notebook is Energy Star 4.0 certified and it is RoHS-compliant, effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances.
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The Basics
- Processor: The Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 processor has a 2.0 GHz processor speed, fast 800 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 large 320 GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive (5400 RPM) offers a wealth of storage space, perfect for storing a vast multimedia collection or for editing digital video. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.
- Memory: The 4 GB of installed RAM (PC6400, 2 x 2 GB) maximizes the capacity of this notebook, and it also offers an ultra-fast 800 MHz speed.
- 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: 6x for both DVD+/-R DL, 8x for both single-layer DVD+/-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 a launch button for the Express CD/DVD media player and control buttons (play, stop, next, previous) as well as a volume control dial.
The 16-inch WXGA LCD has a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels--perfect for watching movies in their intended 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. 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 X4500MHD, which uses shared video memor y (up to 1750 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.
This notebook also features an integrated audio card and two Harman Kardon stereo speakers.
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Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Intel Wireless 5100AGN 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 card slot (replacing the PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. It comes with the following external connectors:
- 4 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players (including 1 eSATA/USB combo port)
- 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
- Video out: VGA
- 1 ExpressCard 54/34 slot
- 1 headphone jack (with SPDIF digital output for 5.1-channel surround sound)
- 1 microphone jack
- 5-in-1 memory card reader (Secure Digital, MultiMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD Picture Card)
- 10/100 Fast Ethernet networking
- 56K modem (V.90)
Operating System
The 64-bit version of Windows Vista Home Premium (with SP1) 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 Toolbar, 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 15.1 x 10.5 x 1.52 inches (WxDxH, and it weighs 6.5 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 Toshiba Satellite A355-S6925 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty.
May 20th, 2012 at 6:35 pm
For those who need a versatile, affordable lifestyle laptop equipped for excellent gaming and other entertainment too, Toshiba presents this new and highly enteraining Satellite A355/A355D Series. Topped by an attractive high-gloss Fusion Finish, this laptop still has the memory, storage, and processor power for great performance, helping people handle their busy lives. Yet when the day is done, it’s also ready to play, offering integrated and discrete graphics for exciting gaming, a brilliant 16-inch display for more memorable movies and photo editing, together with features like a Webcam, Toshiba Face Recogition and a high-definition sound port for more fun and experience. The Toshiba A355-S6925 ships with Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (SP1, 64 bit version), 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 Processor, 2MB L2 Cache, Mobile Intel GM45 Express Chipset, Mobile Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD with 128MB-1759MB Dynamically Allocated Shared Graphics Memory, Configured with 4GB PC6400 DDR2 SDRAM, 320GB (5400 RPM) Hard Drive (SATA), DVD SuperMulti (+/-R double layer) drive with LabelFlash supporting 11 formats, 16.0 in (Diagonal) Widescreen TruBrite TFT LCD Display at 1366 x 768 Resolution, webcam and microphone built into LCD bezel, Intel Wi Fi Link 5100AGN /802.11a/g/n. Dimensions: 15.1 ” x 10.5″ x 1.36″ without feet, weight: Starting at 6.48 lbs.
May 20th, 2012 at 6:35 pm
By Helen
2009-01-24
This is my second Toshiba laptop. Number one is around 4 years old and still works well.
This review is more about the A355 chassis, than this exact spec laptop, and should apply to just about every one of the laptops in this series whether they run AMD or Intel chips.
The first view is that the materials are just plain flat out gorgeous. From the shiny exterior, to the semi rounded base, the two large chrome mouse buttons, the nicely integrated Harmon Kardon speakers, the illuminated touch areas, the big beautiful monitor, and those shiny keys. Yes this is one very pretty computer.
Under that pretty hood are some interesting specs. It used to be incredibly rare to see an eSATA port on any computer, let alone a laptop. Well this one has exactly that – an eSATA port that doubles as a USB port. Nice option to hook up external hard drives. It also includes an iLink, Firewire, or IEEE-1394 port – an incredible rarity (even Apple dropped this port). The audio ports and volume control are on the front, nicely placed. There’s absolutely no ports on the rear. There’s also an express card slot (not a PCMCIA slot, but EXPRESS card slot) and a multi flash memory card reader (they’ve dropped CF from the list). It does not include Bluetooth – a very strange omission since every single bluetooth adapter uses the Toshiba stack to run. Use either of these adapters, they work perfectly: IOGear GBU421 Bluetooth 2.0 USB Micro Adapter or Cirago BTA3210 Class 2 Micro Bluetooth Adapter (Black Tip) – both are outstanding miniscule adapters.
Toshiba stuffed 4Gb of RAM and a 320Gb hard drive into this big baby. Those are some pretty nice features in a laptop this inexpensive. Those Harmon Kardon speakers sound very nice.
You’ll either hate this or love it, and fortunately you can turn this off if you hate it. The Toshiba name, a little band above the scratchy navigation pad, and the media buttons all light up white (pretty bright at that). I think it looks pretty cool, but others have hated all those lights.
The monitor, oh that monitor is gorgeous. Movies pop, they look absolutely fantastic on this computer. It’s a nice big screen. Yes it is a gloss finish and you do get some reflections here or there, but generally it’s not bad.
The keys are all glossy and the fanatical among you might not like all the visible fingerprints, but I think most will get over that quickly. There is just a ton of room to put your hands to type and use the computer. That surface in front is sweet for a palm rest.
Function-wise, this computer is a decent performer. Nobody is buying this to run heavy games or render video – it won’t do those things. But for the occasional game, the occasional video edit, you’ll score well here.
Do note, this computer runs Windows Vista Premium 64-Bit. Please don’t be afraid of that operating system. I’m running 64 bit on two computers and it runs just beautifully. There is almost no new hardware that won’t run under 64 bit these days. It’s a rock solid platform. And that OS allows all 4Gb of memory to be seen and used (32 bit tops out at 3Gb). And if you don’t believe me, type this into google – pcmag 64 bit computing. Read the first article in that hit list.
This is no lightweight computer. It’s a big, pretty heavy laptop. Great for around the house. Not something you would travel everywhere with. But it is portable. Heat generation is nothing extreme. It does pull air in from below, so be careful about couches or beds plugging those holes.
It’s a good solid fast computer. There’s a bit of fan noise, nothing huge, but you will know the machine is running. I hate to comment on battery life, that’s so dependent on how bright you make the screen, processor speed settings and the like. I got a good solid 2 hours of hitting it very hard at max everything. You could probably get a good 3 hours, maybe 4 at more conservative settings.
Something to keep in mind, Toshiba ships all their laptops full of bloat-ware. It’s a really good idea to remove it all. Almost none of it is necessary. There are two websites that will clear all that garbage out of your computer. It’s explained in a great article at PCMag. Type this into google, PCMag make the most out of your new pc. The first hit will be a fantatstic article on how to remove the garbage.
Overall, this is a big, beautiful, good sounding, heavy, hard working, well priced laptop.
June 2009 Update – well my son managed to crack the screen. He has no idea how this happened, but it’s certainly not Toshiba’s fault. I will admit the top is somewhat flexible, but that’s not how this broke. He probably fell asleep and rolled over on top of it and doesn’t remember that. I am super happy I bought the 3 year no fault warranty. Just a word to the wise, displays in general have gotten more fragile. Use care or buy a warranty (just be sure it’s backed by the right kind of company).
May 20th, 2012 at 6:35 pm
By Linda
2009-02-10
This Toshiba Satellite replaced a four-year-old Dell Inspiron. As a writer, I use my laptop every day and wanted a comfortable keyboard and touchpad. This Satellite delivers with a sturdy keyboard, enough space to rest your palms comfortably while typing and a textured touchpad.
The touchpad has touch scrolling on both the right side and bottom (handy for scrolling along large spreadsheets), so you don’t have to hold down the left-click button to scroll–much easier on the hand. The touchpad scrolling settings are adjustable and can be removed.
The click buttons are large and placed so that your palms don’t brush them while you type.
I also wanted a laptop with excellent video quality for watching DVDs and Play Now features from NetFlix. Videos are crisp and colorful on this 16-inch screen and it’s easy to see from several angles (unlike my old LCD-screen where the screen had to be tilted just exactly right to avoid the black shadow effect).
If you like to watch movies in bed on the computer with your honey, this computer is great for that since both people can see the screen without black shadowing. The light-up DVD controls on the top of the keyboard are also a great feature for watching DVD’s in bed.
The speakers are very good quality, with excellent range and can be turned up loud enough to enjoy music or watch a movie from another part of the room.
My most favorite feature of this computer is the volume control. Located on the front, next to the 5:1 memory card reader and headphone jack, is a small wheel that turns left and right, like the volume control on a radio.
It’s so simple, it’s brilliant! When you have music blasting and the phone rings with a call from a client, a quick flip of the dial and the sound is turned down or off. No more hunting on the keyboard for the Function Key + a picture of a muted speaker.
The Satellite has a built-in webcam that is easily activated with a click. The webcam controls appear whenever your mouse hovers near the left side of the screen.
Speaking of hovering controls, whenever you press the FN (Function) key, a large legend appears at the top of the screen with function controls, which is handy when you don’t have your glasses.
All four USB ports are on the sides near the front, as is the network port. It is easier to plug and unplug components, but it’s also easier to bump my USB drive when picking up something from my desk.
Did I mention that this computer is blazingly fast? Wow! Need to have five different programs running plus several web pages open? Not a problem for this zippy laptop.
I’ve been very happy with the Toshiba Satellite and would highly recommend it.
May 20th, 2012 at 6:35 pm
By Mark
2009-04-01
I spent way tooooo long researching and reading and thinking about which laptop to buy and then bought the Toshiba. I’m sure other choices would have worked for me as well, but I’m VERY happy with the Toshiba.
It looks good, which, while not a big factor, is a nice bonus. It’s fast. I’ve used a number of other PC’s running Vista and they’ve all been pretty slow, so I think the 4GB of memory is a big help. This laptop has built-in DVD control buttons in the housing above the keyboard and while I wouldn’t have bought it because of this feature, it turns out to be REALLY easy to use and helpful!
I’ve been surprised at how much I like it! I’ve used products from Dell, HP, Compaq, IBM, Lenovo, Apple and Sony and this Toshiba is, so far, better for me than anything I’ve used before.
May 20th, 2012 at 6:35 pm
By Charles
2009-04-16
Warranty limitations of Toshiba were created to avoid change or repair one laptop if it has few bad or damaged pixels (dead black pixels, always white or colored pixels…). I did not know this when I bought my laptop and I am thinking never more buying one by Internet (it is better see in the store if it has some damaged pixels)
I am an international customer. I bought this Toshiba from Amazon and I am out of US in this moment. I have used a lot of HP computers without problems and this was the first time I selected a computer of other brand. I did this because of the “Toshiba international warranty” – [..]
But my computer has an UGLY white point in the screen. I bought it for photo and video processing and I am very disapointed. You can read a lot of information (other customers with the same problem) searching in google toshiba dead pixels. The computer performance is good (4.9 Vista score) but this problem with the screen caused my laptop to be a waste of money… BE CAREFULL BECAUSE THEY CONSIDER FEW DAMAGED PIXELS TO BE ACCEPTABLE!!!
May 20th, 2012 at 6:35 pm
By Helen
2009-04-08
I design electronic test systems using PC’s for controllers and am very familiar with PC operation. This system had trouble out of the box and I feel Toshiba’s warranty policy isa terrible.
I powered on this laptop and, of course, it immediately asked me to update it ’s operating system (Windows Vista Home Premium 64bit). I started the update process and then it asked me to reboot. I got the blue screen of death for the next 6 times I tried to boot it up (even after powering it down and removing the battery for 5 minutes). Finally (after leaving the battery out over night) it booted back into Vista and I then began to load Toshiba updates. Over the next week, it blue screened 2 more times upon rebooting. Then one day it would not power on. I called Toshiba support and after 5 minutes of troubleshooting, they said to return it but it would be two weeks before ti would ship back to me. Luckily it was within 30 days of purchase so I was able to return it to Amazon for full refund (I have always been pleased with Amazon’s return policy.) After returning it, I found on several websites where other people with the same laptop were having the same blue screens after starting their updates and Toshiba would just tell them to return their PC’s.
Toshiba’s tech support was very lacking. The tech did very little to troubleshoot the dead PC. I have normally purchased HP and Dell laptops and have found Dell’s support to be the best. So I purchased 2 more Dell STudio laptops and am very pleased with them.
May 20th, 2012 at 6:35 pm
By Charles
2009-04-28
I purchased this computer for $749.95 on April 16, 2009. I received this computer on April 22, 2009. I came across the Amazon page for this computer on April 26, 2009 while searching Amazon for an upgrade, only to find that the price had been reduced to $714.38 a difference of $35.57. I called Amazon Customer service in order to get a credit for the $35.57, only to learn that, as of September 2008, Amazon no longer honors price matching, even on their own prices. A customer service supervisor insisted that there was nothing he could do and that I could absolutely not get a credit. This situation will affect how I regard Amazon for my future purchases. I think it is unfair that Amazon did not notify me that they no longer honor price matching. In the future I will pay more somewhere else that does honor price matching in order to have that protection.
May 20th, 2012 at 6:35 pm
By Betty
2009-03-29
I decided on this laptop as a replacement for our 4 year old HP desktop. The HP had served us well but was beginning to show its age and was not able to handle updated software, like Kodak Easy Share, with higher demands on memory and system resources. After many hours searching info and reviews on the net and visiting local stores, I decided Toshiba seemed to have the most faithful following and repeat customers.
This laptop has everything we were looking for and more. The 16″ screen is beautiful and sharp, the speakers surprisingly good for the size, and the keyboard layout works very well providing ample wrist support.
I wasn’t sure which processor to go with (Intel or AMD), but as far as I could determine, the only advantage of the more expensive Intel might be in some gaming applications. As I am not much of a gamer, I was very comfortable with the choice of AMD and have had no problems with them in my last 2 machines.
Overall, my biggest challenge was migrating data from my old machine (the DVD drive jammed on the first disk.) Not wanting to buy special transfer cables, etc., I found the express port on this Toshiba accepted all of the old memory cards I could scrounge up from other cameras etc.
Originally, I had planned to purchase from Toshibadirect.com, however I was able to get this machine from Amazon and saved money not having to pay shipping or sales tax.
All in all, this is a great performing and terrific looking machine, and I would highly recommend it.
May 20th, 2012 at 6:35 pm
By Mark
2009-05-11
Not too pleased, so far. CONS: Several of my programs won’t work with Windows Vista 64-bit. Many of my favorite websites won’t work with Vista 64-bit or Internet Explorer 8, both on this computer. The mouse pad/mouse buttons are quirky, imprecise, difficult to use (despite repeated adjustments) and often unresponsive. The mouse buttons are harder to push than normal, especially for someone with arthritis. The strangely textured mouse pad gets very warm, also feels staticky, which during use, seems to make my thumb/finger feel somewhat numb/tingly. (Never had that happen before.) The keyboard glares terribly, which is distracting and makes it very difficult to use, especially for those who need to look at the keys occasionally. It is also slippery when typing, causing errors. (Never had that problem before.) Don’t like the glossy texture, at all, as it ALWAYS looks terribly “fingerprinty” and dirty, no matter what I do! I bought a 16″ screen, so it would appear slightly bigger and easier to see, than my 15.4″ screen (paid extra), but in fact the 16″ screen is 1/2 inch SHORTER than my other one and only 5/8 inch wider. Not worth the extra money; harder to see. Lastly, slower than I expected, full of junk software, no rescue disks (better make your own, first thing!), Toshiba customer service is terrible, the caps lock light is difficult to see and several of the plugs/ports are flimsy. PROS: The speakers seem nice. It has an S-video port, which was a main reason for this purchase. Don’t think I would order this computer again.
May 20th, 2012 at 6:35 pm
By Linda
2009-04-09
I’ve been looking for a laptop for a while now. I’m glad I chose the Toshiba A355-S6935. …it’s loaded with ports, usb, sata, firewire for controlling your video, as well as a ethernet, 100 Mbs not Gigabit. No modem port for anyone looking for a dialup or fax option. No bluetooth as well, makes you wonder why all the loaded bluetooth software. It is loaded with several gigabytes of trial software like MS Office Student as well as the ever popular Norton virus software. Startup time is about a minute, shutdown time is about half that. Nice size hard drive at 400GB.
First thing I did was remove ALL the bloatware including a motherlode of Wild Tangent games…don’t be afraid of the Vista 64bit operating system…a lot of software now is make whatever adjustments they need to be compatible. I did not have any compatibility problems with any programs…I use PS CS3, Quicken 2009, play games like Civ 4 and Sim City w/ Rush Hour expansion pack…no problems!
Battery time was my concern…with the default settings, battery lasted just a little over an hour just browsing. Made some adjustments with screen brightness, wi-fi range, and laptop illumination…now I’m getting about an hour and 45 minutes with one application running be it photoshop or browsing…just make sure that you condition the battery from the start. Charge it up, then run it down…do this several times and the battery begins to get better. Just make sure to use the battery power once in a while.
No backup discs, need to make your own. Reinstalling from your backup discs will reinstall everything including bloatware so if you want to clean out your laptop and begin from scratch, you’ll need to buy a new OS. 4 GB show up under specs..
Great startup for programs like PS and Civ 4.
A great value in a laptop…Glad I chose this one.