Ron Schenone

Toshiba 17″ Laptop For $549 – What Do You Think?

Posted by on Oct 7, 2008 | 8 Comments

My Gateway laptop has served me well for the past 3 years, but it is time to get a new system so I have been shopping around looking for a deal. I found the following Toshiba laptop at Best buy for only $549 that comes with a 17″ screen. It also comes with the following features:

  • AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 dual-core processor QL-60* with 64-bit platform, HyperTransport™ and AMD PowerNow!™ technologies and improved security with Enhanced Virus Protection**
  • 3GB PC-6400 DDR2 memory for multitasking power, expandable up to 4GB
  • Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media; supports DVD-RAM; also supports Labelflash direct-disc labels using compatible Labelflash media
  • Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition operating system with Service Pack 1 (SP1) preinstalled; software package included with Ulead DVD MovieFactory 5 and more; 60-day trial version of Microsoft Office Professional 2007 also included
  • 17″ WXGA+ TFT-LCD widescreen display with TruBrite technology and 1440 x 900 resolution; native support for 720p content
  • 160GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 rpm)
  • ATI RADEON X3100 graphics with 256MB-1406MB dynamically allocated shared graphics memory; S-video TV-out
  • CD/DVD launch and control buttons, including play, stop, previous track and next track
  • 5-in-1 bridge media adapter supports Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO and xD-Picture Card
  • 3 high-speed USB 2.0 ports for fast digital video, audio and data transfer
  • Built-in Atheros high-speed wireless LAN (802.11b/g); 10/100 Ethernet LAN with RJ-45 connector; 56 Kbps high-speed modem
  • Weighs 6.9 lbs. and measures 1.7″ thin for portable power; lithium-ion battery and AC adapter

I looked through the 33 reviews which gave this unit a 4.5 rating out 5 stars. The main complaint is battery life. I really use the unit on battery power, except when traveling. The other complaint was weight. At almost 7 lbs., I wouldn’t want to lug this monster through the airport. What I did like were two pros that were mentioned. The unit is solidly built and a full size keyboard. Since I’ll be doing my blogging on it, this is a nice feature.

But I want your expert opinion. Would you buy this unit? Let me know.

Comments welcome.

Source.

  • Leafblower

    It’s worth it! But what is the CPU speed??? If it has good CPU speed get it!

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hi Leafblower,
    It’s a dual core 64 bit 1.9GHZ cpu.
    Thanks for the input.

  • George

    For a laptop, that’s a good CPU speed. Of course, because its an amd it will be slightly hotter than an Intel, although, that’s not really a big deal. The discrete graphics is a big plus too, so your CPU will be running at max potential. The 3 gigs of ram is phenomenal, but don’t add another gig because vista 32 bit, (and I’m sure its 32 bit) only recognizes up to 3 gigs in the first place.

    If I were you, I would buy it. It’s a great deal.

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hello George,
    Yeap – its 32 bit Vista. But I just learned that if I make a backup of the drivers disk and applications, drivers are provided for XP for all the needed drivers except for the graphics. But I have a link for it as well.

    What’s your opinion between XP and Vista? I tried Vista and I’m not jumping up and down about using it. I have a volume copy of XP Pro handy.

    Suggestions anyone?

  • GOOSE

    My only concern is buying it at Best Buy. I haven’t heard anything good about their customer service or their return policy…..

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Heh Goose,
    Good point. I guess I have been one of the lucky ones. I bought my Gateway lappy from them as well as a Wii. Also picked up my Panasonic Plasma TV last year from BB on Black Friday and saved $500 on the price. :-)

    Our Best Buy in Springfield is very good at returns. I’m sure not all Best Buy stores are as good as ours is.

  • Bruce

    If I hadn’t just splurged on a similarly configured HP a couple of months ago, I’d jump on it! That’s a nice setup for the price. If you buy it, don’t rush to wipe Vista. That notebook is built to run Vista and I have found my experience with the new OS to be very positive on my HP. And, yes, you will enjoy using the full size keyboard very much. The 17 inch screen real estate is sure nice to have, also!

    I say make yourself happy and get that computer.

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hi Bruce,
    I just ordered it. :-)
    It is going to be a birthday present to myself.
    I’ll be doing a review in a month or so, once I get my stuff transferred over.
    I agree about the wipe. My understanding is that it may void the warranty.
    Thanks, Ron

    PS My wife bought a bunch of steaks from Omaha steaks for my BD. Yum….Yum….. :-)