Amazon.com Product Description
Offering top-of-the-line multimedia functionality for HD video enthusiasts and PC gamers, the stylishly appointed Toshiba Satellite X205-SLI6 notebook PC is highlighted by its widescreen 17-inch LCD with a 1680 x 1050-pixel resolution for true 720p high-def video playback. You'll enjoy smooth video rendering from DVDs and games, thanks to the high-end Nvidia SLI Dual GeForce 8600M graphics card, with 512 MB of discrete video memory. And the built-in four Harman Kardon speakers with subwoofer will envelope any room in surround sound. To top things off, the X205-SLI6 also features an external USB TV tuner that can pull in both standard definition (480i) and hi-def (720p, 1080i) over-air broadcast signals.
A built-in 1.3-megapixel webcam (with integrated microphone) lets you join in on video conferences as well as make long-distance VoIP calls. Replace passwords, plus help safeguard and share your Satellite laptop with family members, using the built-in biometric fingerprint reader. You'll also be able to listen to music wirelessly with compatible headphones thanks to the built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR connectivity with stereo music streaming profile (A2DP).
It's powered by the 2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 processor, which offers a super-fast 800 MHz front-side bus speed and super-sized 6 MB L2 cache. Part of Intel's 45-nanometer (nm) Penryn series, this processor boosts speed, reduces power requirements, and saves on battery life. The Core 2 Duo processor provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance. It also includes Intel's 4965 AGN wireless LAN, which will connect to draft 802.11n routers and offers compatibility with 802.11a/b/g networks as well. Other features include dual 200 GB hard drives (for a 400 GB total capacity), 2 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum), dual-layer DVD±RW drive (with Labelflash printing), 5-in-1 memory card reader, HDMI A/V output, Gigabit Ethernet, and remote control.
This PC also comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate, which combines all the features of Windows Vista Premium and Vista Business as well as adds extras such as multi-language packs and Secure Online Key Backup. It offers all of the features found in Windows Vista Home Premium, including Windows Media Center, Windows Movie Maker with high-definition support, and Windows DVD Maker. It also provides all of the features found in Windows Vista Business, including business networking, centralized management tools, and advanced system backup features. 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: Experience improved energy efficiency, expanded wireless connectivity, and amazing battery life with the 45nm Penryn series Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 processor, which has a 2.50 GHz processor speed, super-fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and a super-sized 6 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.) 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. And you'll be able to encode video on-the-go and watch HD movies with Intel HD Boost. 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 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: This notebook provides a stunning 400 GB of storage, spread across two 200 GB Serial ATA hard drives (5400 RPM), offering one of the largest capacities you'll currently find in a laptop You'll enjoy the space for storing your entire music collection as well as your DVDs and downloaded TV shows and movies. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0. Memory: The 3 GB of installed RAM (PC5300, 1 x 2 GB, 2 x 1 GB) helps boost the amount of available video RAM that's shared with this notebook's video card. It also offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed. This notebook has a 4 GB maximum RAM capacity (2 x 2 GB). 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: 4x DVD+R DL, 4x DVD-R DL, 8x for both single-layer DVD+R/-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 104-key keyboard--with 10-keypad on the side--and electro-static two-button touchpad. It also offers CD/DVD media player and control buttons (play, stop, next, previous) as well as a volume control dial.
Screen, Video & Audio
This notebook has a 17-inch TFT display with a resolution of 1680 x 1050 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 Nvidia SLI Dual GeForce 8600M graphics card, which provides up to 767 MB of available RAM/video memory (512 MB dedicated DDR3 RAM) for unmatched HD video performance on a notebook PC. (GDDR3, short for Graphics Double Data Rate, version 3, is a graphics card-specific memory technology that's better able to deliver fluid frame rates for even the most advanced games and applications.) With support for Microsoft DirectX 10 Shader Model 4.0 and High Dynamic-Range Lighting (HDR), it lets you rip through all of today's most advanced and cutting-edge games and applications. Experience real-time photo editing, or immerse yourself in the most complex, true-to-life gaming environments. It includes the Dolby Home Theater set of features, which provide up to 5.1 discrete channels of crystal-clear digital surround sound as well as virtual 5.1-channel surround sound experience from any pair of stereo speakers. It also features four stylishly incorporated Harman Kardon stereo speakers with a built-in subwoofer.
Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with this notebook's integrated quad-mode 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). You also get super-fast wired connectivity, with a Gigabit Ethernet port (10/100/1000). You'll enjoy wireless connectivity to a wide range of peripherals with the built-in Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR (enhanced data rate), which offers up to three times the bandwidth of standard Bluetooth.
It also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 54/34 card slot (as well as a standard PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. You get a good offering of connectivity options:
6 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 HDMI output (for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable) Standard video output: VGA and S-Video 1 ExpressCard 54/34 1 headphone jack (with S/PDIF digital audio compatibility) and 1 microphone jack 5-in-1 memory card reader (Secure Digital, MultiMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD Picture Card) 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet 56K modem (V.90)
Operating System
The Windows Vista Ultimate operating system (32-bit version) has it all--an advanced, business-focused infrastructure, mobile productivity, and premium home digital entertainment features. It offers all of the features found in Windows Vista Home Premium, including Windows Media Center, Windows Movie Maker with high-definition support, and Windows DVD Maker. It also provides all of the features found in Windows Vista Business, including business networking, centralized management tools, and advanced system backup features. In addition, Windows Vista Ultimate includes Extras such as:
Windows Hold'em, a poker game for players of all skill levels Language packs for Windows multi-language interface, where users can install and use multiple languages on a single PC. Great for multi-lingual households or if you are learning a new language. Secure Online Key Backup, where Ultimate users can store their BitLocker recovery password and Encrypting File System certificate on Windows Marketplace's Digital Locker website for access to the key anytime, anyplace, and from any computer that has an Internet connection BitLocker Drive Preparation Tool, an automated tool which removes the complexity of setting up your PC to use this exclusive data security feature.
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 Desktop and Picasa, 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 15.7 x 11.3 x 2.05 inches and weighs 9.37 pounds.
Power
It comes with a 6000 mAH lithium-ion battery pack for extra-long battery life.
What's in the Box
This package contains the X205-SLI6 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, remote control, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty.
Customer Reviews
Great Desktop Replacement
I have had mine for about a year and have used it just like a desktop. It can handle all of the heavy stuff and a great gamer too.
The first thing I noticed about X205-SLI5 is that it is made like a tank, just the way I like it. So far this thing has been the best laptop that I have used.
I love the fact that it has two hard drives for easy back ups, and that you can easily upgrade. I just replaced the 150 gb primary drive with a 320 gb and it works fine. My next step is to take the memory from 3gb 677mhz to 4gb 800 mhz, since the motherboard is 800mhz.
The only downside is the lack of battery life. I originaly thought this would be a problem, and have found that it was not. I have always been able to find an outlet.
A great all around performer, with many of the same connections and options you will find in a desktop.
Hope you like buying batteries
I've bought two Satellite laptops, and both have had their batteries fail within two years. One of them won't keep a charge for more than a few minutes, and sometimes powers off when you disconnect the AC power; the other sometimes just shuts down at the slightest movement. When we called the tech support, they didn't mention that the batteries were subject to recall; now I just found out, and Toshiba won't process the recall. I don't know if the problems are battery related, since it'll cost $500 to have Toshiba diagnose the problem. That's right, FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS once it's out of warranty.
The screen on the newer laptop - just two years old - has gone funky, with some horizontal lines.
They both run somewhat warm, with the fan going nonstop.
As you can tell, these are my last Toshiba laptop purchases. It's great value for the first year, so enjoy!
Great Computer
This laptop is good for its price level This thing has worked well for me since I bought it 3-4 months ago, although not from amazon.(I got it for $1250 after looking a bit)
Pros:
Its got plenty of memory.
Processor speed is good, while 2ghz is not the best out there, having 2 of them makes up for this.
Great videocard, the video card in this thing is petty good.
Plenty of ram; it can support up to 4gb of ram but only has 3 istalled which should be plenty for most people.
Good screen size
Cons:
It says 320gb total for two hard drives, however mine say they are only about 150(oddly enough) each instead of the promised 160, this is only a minor annoyance to me really.
Heavy, another minor annoyance, I dont carry this everywhere so it doesnt bother me too much; this is really a desktop replacement though.
Keyboard took some getting used to.
Now, the only major thing here is lack of battery life, at mabe an hour to a couple hours depending on what your doing this thing will not be far from the wall for long, but like I said this is really supposed to be a desktop replacement.
Overall, if you need a laptop to replace a desktop then this would definitly be for you, I find its a good computer and can run anything I use, the games Dawn of War and Rome Total War will run very well on it with graphics most of the way up. I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 mainly due to battery life.
Price: 
