http://cdgenp01.csd.toshiba.com/content/product/pdf_files/detailed_specs/satellite_A100-S2211TD.pdf I am looking one for school and not much else, does anyone have a toshiba and like it, it seems like a really good deal thanks
Used to use Toshiabas constantly but the last two spent more time being repaired then in use (actually a law suit developed on this that I did not get envolved in). I am going to stick with Dell.
Looks like a WalMart model? Not a bad unit, I've been looking at a similar one for my daughter. But I really prefer the Sony Viao's. Great track records and reliable life span with no problems. Maybe 15% more cost though. 1. Your video is "shared" ram. In case you don't know what that means .. The video of 64MB minimum or 128 MB maximum (you set what you want in the BIOS) is taken from the 256MB chip installed. That means at the default 64MB you unit has 192MB of ram for the operating system and programs. That may be borderline if you going into a college program with memory hungry applications for software. After you buy the unit consider an upgrade chip of 256MB more for around $80. You can put it in yourself and save $20. That is "onboard" video and not a replacable card. If it fails you replace the motherboard. Around $300 parts and $100 labor. Means ... buy a new laptop instead. Video failure rate (onboard) with Toshiba is low to medium. (read my warranty recommendation below) 2. The CD Burner is only 24X speed. Don't expect it to compare with your home PC for burning quickly. 24X is common on low end units so don't let this deter you from buying it. Just mentioning it to advise you. 3. All the other hardware is good. 4. Software: Don't be fooled by the listing in software for Microsoft Office. That software is just a "note" software not MS Word or Excel. If your in college you'll need Office 2003 minimum. Student version can be bought for $140. The MS Works won't cut it in most colleges for min. req'mts. The virus protection (McAfee) is a 30 day trial. Just delete it. Don't even bother using it. It's a source monster. Right now you can buy E-Trust Security Suite for $70 with a $70 rebate. FREE!! DO NOT use the Yahoo Music engine. Delete it first thing. It's just another form of spyware marketing. DON'T LOOSE the CD's or paperwork that come with the unit!!! They are your only shot a reloading the original software if you have problems!!! You won't believe how many times I have to charge, for new software, when I repair them! 5. Buy the extended warranty, you won't be sorry. You will be sorry when it breaks 2 days after your standard 1 year warranty runs out and you have to bring to someone like me to repair. Buy the 2 year plan. After that your going to want a better unit anyway. It may seem like a lot of money up front, but divide it by the months and it's the same cost as your cell phone insurance you pay now. Also, extended warranties make the resale of the unit go up, big time, because they are transferable. You can also buy second party insurance, a little cheaper. Google for "laptop Insurance". Hope this helps DDR Dan
hmm, I am going to be taking all online classes so would this one work, I also will be adding in some training software, if this one is not a good one could you recommend something for me thanks
My DH has a Sony for work...absolutely love it. It is more expensive tho. We don't buy the extended warranties because I have a resident expert ;-). Otherwise, I would buy it.
That unit should work fine for you. Just think about doing the memory upgrade in a couple of months. As you start adding more software your resources will fall. The memory will help.
so where is a good place to purchase the Sony Viao from? My hard drive disappeared last night, need to get something new. Can't stand using my kids tower.
