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Other features include a 320 GB hard drive, 4 GB of installed RAM (8 GB maximum), Draft-N Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth connectivity, dual-layer DVD+/-RW drive that also burns CDs, Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics with up to 1750 MB of shared video RAM, combo USB/eSATA port, 5-in-1 memory card reader, and pre-installed 64-bit version of Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium with SP1 operating system. Additionally, this Toshiba notebook is RoHS-compatible, effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances.
Brilliant Fusion Finish
An advanced Toshiba notebook should be more than just a way to make mobile life easier. It should be a reflection of you, too. And this laptop offers the gorgeous new high-gloss Fusion finish with striking Horizon design pattern. It features a smooth, shiny palm rest and a recessed touchpad to that gives your notebook both a more streamlined look and more comfort when you're clicking. Separate multimedia buttons let you launch your favorite entertainment right away as well as control playback--letting you start, pause, fast-forward and rewind almost with feather-touch operation.
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The Basics
- Processor: Experience improved energy efficiency, expanded wireless connectivity, and amazing battery life with the 45nm Intel Core 2 Duo P7450 processor featuring Intel Centrino 2 technology. This processor has a 2.13 GHz processor speed, super-sized 1066 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and a extra-large 3 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.)
Formerly codenamed Montevina, Intel Centrino 2 processor technology improves upon every facet of a laptop's main features, including performance and battery life via new processors and chipsets, faster draft 802.11n wireless, and new business-class manageability capabilities. The new hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--conserves even more energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet.
The Intel Core 2 Duo 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 it can 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.
- 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) helps boost the amount of available video RAM that's shared with this notebook's video card. It also offers a fast 800 MHz speed. This notebook has an 8 GB maximum RAM capacity. 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: 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 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 4500MHD, which uses shared video memory (up to 1750 MB allocated from the system memory). This graphics card is built with Intel Clear Video te chnology, which delivers clearer, more detailed images by eliminating many of the jagged edges and video artifacts seen when viewing interlaced content and features powerful color control to ensure videos are not too dark, overly bright, or washed out.
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). The Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1 + EDR) enables you to communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones.
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:
- 3 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
- 1 ExpressCard 54/34 slot
- Video out: VGA
- 1 headphone jack (with SPDIF digital output for 5.1-channel surround sound)
- 1 microphone jack
- 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
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 12.4 x 9.02 x 1.38 inches and weighs 4.4 pounds.
Power
It comes with a 4800 mAH (6-cell) lithium-ion battery pack for extra-long battery life.
What's in the Box
This package contains the U405-S2918 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty.
February 8th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
Light, compact and packed with value too, the Satellite U405/U405D Laptop Series is designed to help students, home-to-office consumers and others stay productive and on the move. With a mere 4.5 pound starting weight and uniquely sized 13.3-inch screen, these machines are great for those who need room for work or fun—without taking up much room. A built-in Webcam and microphone help you communicate and collaborate. Aggressive dual-core processors , lots of memory, storage and multimedia advancements mean these machines are ready to perform. And with an attractive Horizon design pattern plus high-gloss Fusion Finish, they’re sure to draw admiring looks as well. The Toshiba U405-S2918 ships with Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (SP1, 64 bit version), 2.13 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7450 Processor, 3MB 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, 13.3 in (Diagonal) Widescreen TruBrite TFT LCD Display at 1280 x 800 Resolution, webcam and microphone built into LCD bezel, Intel Wi Fi Link 5100AGN /802.11a/g/n. Dimensions: 12.4 ” x 9.0″ x 1.13″ without feet, weight: Starting at 4.41 lbs.
February 8th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
By Linda
2009-02-03
I purchased this laptop a couple of months ago. 12″ was too small and 14.1 was a bit big, so I went for 13.3″. All in all I am VERY satisfied. It is very quick, has fantastic wireless range, and the monitor is very vibrant and clear. The only thing that I saw as a setback was the keyboard. It feels “sticky”. Other laptops I’ve used have that responsive clicky feel, while this one feels like you have to press a bit harder. Not a huge setback though, it still typed fine.
All in all I give it 5/5 stars. Good work, Toshiba.
February 8th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
By Linda
2009-03-26
I was able basically to open the box, plug it in, and start browsing the web. It detected my wireless instantly, no setup worries for me, which was soo much better than my last laptop.
Pros:
-what a price, very powerful and good looking for under $900
-medium size, fits in large purses which is convenient
-outside top of case is sexy silver, makes a good mirror (not quite that reflective, but almost)
-built in webcam, which the face recognition uses
-no annoying lock to keep lid closed, but very tight and secure also
-white LED lights, soothing and less annoying than blue, if a little bright
-sound control (spin wheel) on outside for easy access
-textured touch pad so i know when finger is on it
-64-bit Vista, excellent, easy to use for me so far, and this computer is built so it will run fast
-USB ports on both sides
-came with an interesting radio antenna, which i use occasionally
-power cord is nice and long, very convenient for public places
-keys have a nice feel to them, stiff but sleek
-screen is bright and crisp, haven’t found it too reflective for my taste
-overall, sturdy, portable, a real looker
Cons:
-the battery on my laptop doesn’t last as long as the manufacturer says, only about 3 hours unplugged on balanced power usage, the power saver mode hasn’t made a difference in this so far…5 hours would be nicer
-does not come with microsoft office products, including but not limited to Word and PowerPoint, although many laptops don’t come with this software anymore
-not able to decrease the brightness of the screen enough for when I am using it in a dark room, and the buttons to adjust said brightness are very inconveniently placed at the top of the keyboard…they are secondary functions of the F6 and F7 buttons, so that you have to use the FN key which is at the bottom of the keyboard
-I am always accidentally pushing the LED seamless buttons at the top near the power button (they control sound and music), these buttons are attractive but annoying
-speakers are too quiet and i often have to use headphones or secondary speakers, but the sound quality is decent, if quiet
-keys are glossy and adorable, but they show dust and fingerprints all the time, no matter how clean you are…but it looks so good when they are clean it is probably worth it
-MY X KEY POPPED OFF THE SECOND DAY USING THIS LAPTOP…from my experience, Toshiba keyboards are notorious for losing keys, if this happens to you, do yourself a favor and send it back right away and get a replacement
-a really good docking station for this laptop is not yet available as far as I can tell
-thin enough for me, but not ultra-thin or small like other new trendy laptops
-tiny spacebar, big enough but smaller than on a standard keyboard, takes a little getting used to
Make your own decision, I am keeping it and loving it after a month
February 8th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
By Charles
2009-03-03
This little computer, like my last little Toshiba (also a 13″) is a great little workhorse and, I think, built just as bullet-proof. It is super fast and reliable. It’s light and small. All of its functions work great. I rate it a 5-star even though I don’t like the smooth-shiny keyboard–it shows every little bit of dust and any fingerprint (a bad change to this little workhorse). Nonetheless it functions perfectly and I’m very pleased.
February 8th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
By Helen
2009-01-30
I purchased this for technical computations, presentations and photograph processing and storage on travel.
Goods:
1. The computer works as I expect from dual 2.4 GHz, 4 GB memory.
2. I do not get tired after watching this computer’s display for several hours.
3. Video camera and microphone at the top of display are useful for making internet phone calls on travel.
Bads:
1. Glossy keyboard is very annoying.
2. Heavy for 13″ laptop.
3. Battery sticks out on the back.
4. Conbination card reader does not take CF.
5. No recovery disk came with the computer.
6. Poor instruction book.
I have used this computer only for a day. I have not tested battery yet.
February 8th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
By Betty
2009-04-03
I have had many toshibas and they are great for business and hold up well. This one however was a complete lemon. The wireless didnt work, the computer can’t seem to find the adapter no matter what we do. Also, the battery was in the laptop when we recieved it (I have never bought a new laptop that didnt have the battery outside the laptop). Since the laptop had the battery in it, it got shuffled during shipping and was all jacked up. Which also caused other components in the back to partially pop off. I popped them back in, but am not totally comfortable there was no damage. I think returning this is going to be a huge hassle….the only people I can get on the phone are oversea’s and they can’t seem to answer my questions! I’m sure the computer is great, but the service is not and now I have a huge hassle in front of me!
February 8th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
By Charles
2009-05-19
This product was an absolute nightmare. It is now a doorstop. It never actually worked…I mean, the computer did (at first), but in trying to upgrade Vista to something useful (Ultimate, Business), I went through a nightmare.
In fact, after weeks of dealing with idiots from Microsoft, I finally got a tech support guy who, after hearing my nightmare, ended up *giving* me an Ultimate product key (I’d already paid for TWO of them, to no avail…didn’t install). What’s sad is that if he’d have gotten caught doing it, he’d be fired!
Finally got it installed, but alas, all kinds of things didn’t work. I tried to do the windows upgrade downloads, but it didn’t work. After about a month or so of attempting different things, all of a sudden the hard disk died. After purchasing the notebook here, I immediately went to the Toshiba site and upgraded to a 3 year warranty…big mistake.
Tried calling Toshiba support. OMG. Folks, I have been in this business for 30+ years, and Toshiba support is by FAR THE WORST I HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED. They didn’t have a record of my 3 year warranty!!!! Had to go back to my cc company, fax the charge, and after two weeks, still was not credited w/the warranty. Which of course didn’t matter since the laptop was less than 2 months old… just a red flag that should have warned me off this company.
After weeks on the phone w/these losers, I finally gave up. I couldn’t get an RMA so I could return the darn thing! They kept going through this ‘flowchart’ of questions (is the computer on?????) Geez. This is AFTER telling each loser that the hd/main board is dead! Sorry, have to go by flowchart….
So, I finally gave up. And bought a Lenovo (they have up to 5 year warranties, which is the longest in the business…and trust me, these are the best laptops, since the manufacture, backs them up with a belief they can last 5 years).
Toshiba? I wouldn’t touch a Toshiba again if they sent me one free. As it is, I spent 1600 dollars or so (purchased this piece of crap a year ago and the amount includes the worthless 3 year warranty upgrade), and Toshiba couldn’t care less if the thing worked.
You heard it here. Perhaps you can buy one, have no problems EVER, never have to deal w/Toshiba support…but listen up. If you DO have a problem, you will never get it rectified. Buy something else. Or don’t say you weren’t warned. Caveat emptor
February 8th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
By Helen
2009-03-26
I have had this computer for about a week now. It’s my forth Toshiba laptop. This is the best by far for travel. Battery life as said by some to be long, I have not found it to be so. About two hours or so. The shinny keyboard is not a plus. But, it does work as it should. I have had many Toshiba computers over the last ten years. Not one has caused me any trouble at all, and all of them still work. They are not as fast as this little gem. This one is small, fairly light, and fast. I love it.
February 8th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
By Charles
2009-03-27
The lapop is gorgeous, very fast on internet. Just one thing not really good, it’s about the Vista Home Premium, which is not very friendly toward other application i tried to install, like Acrobat 9. Sometimes the app just exit without any warning… I will install Vista business, hoping it can solve the problem.
February 8th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
By Betty
2009-03-12
+really fast.
+long battery life ~5 hours
+light.
+shiny design.
+fingerprint reader works fine.(sometimes its program crashes.)
+good sound.
-screen shines a little.