Toshiba Revamps and Releases New Satellite Notebooks

Toshiba today updated their entire Satellite notebook lineup in one fell swoop. New designs, processors and innovativefeatures enter the mix with these attractive looking and reasonably priced consumer notebooks. It appears that Toshiba has had their thinking caps on as I think most will agree that these new Satellites look like tempting offerings against those from Dell and HP.

Satellite A300 / A305Series

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The Satellite A305 started showing up in stores such as Best Buy last week, but the official release date occurs today. The A300 is a 15.4" screenmainstream consumer laptop that updates the popular Satellite A200 / A205 series.

The Satellite A300 serieshas a new design and Toshiba's unique Fusion finish with Horizon pattern. Much like the HP imprint finish that has become so popular, the design pattern is part of the casing and not painted on, ensuring a durable finish that will last.

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The A300 will start at$949.99 with an AMD Turion X2 processor configuration, higher configurations will have the Intel Core 2 Duo Penryn processor. An example configuration for $1,299.99 is as follows:

Satellite A305-S6845 Unique Specifications ($1,299.99)

• Windows Vista Home Premium (SP1, 32-bit version)
• Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T8100 (2.10GHz, 3MB L2, 800MHz FSB)
• 3GB PC5300 DDR2 SDRAM memory (Maximum capacity 4096MB)
• 400GB using two Serial ATA hard disk drives (Primary: 200GB (5400 RPM) + Secondary: 200GB (4200 RPM))
• DVD SuperMulti (+/-R double layer) with Labelflash drive supporting 11 formats
• 15.4-inch diagonal widescreen TruBrite TFT LCD display
• 1280x800 native resolution (WXGA)
• ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3650 with 512MB DDR discrete graphics memory, plus up to 767MB dynamically allocated shared graphics memory using ATI HyperMemory
• Built-in Harman Kardon stereo speakers
• Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (802.11a/g/n)
• 4 USB Sleep-and-Charge ports
• Built-in Webcam and microphone
• Fingerprint reader
• One-year standard limited warranty

One great new feature Toshiba has included iswhat they're callingSleep-and-Charge USB ports. This means that you can charge your iPod by plugging it into the Satellite A300 whether the notebook ispowered on or off.

Another neato feature is the facial recognition software on board the A300. You can use the web cam to log in to your notebook simply by having it record your face and from then on it will grant access to you based on the recognition of your face.

Satellite M300 / M305Series

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The Satellite M300 is a 14.1" wide-screen laptop that weighs in at just over 5lbs. It features "feather-touch" control multimedia keys, meaning the media buttons react to touch instead of having to push buttons. The same Sleep-and-Charge USB ports on the A300 are also included with the M300.

Design wise the M300 is much like the A300, it has the Horizon finish. Worth mentioning also is the fact there is a white LED light across the top of the touchpad to add a nice accent.

The M300 comes with an Intel Core 2 Duo processor and integrated graphics and will start at $949.99 for a base config, below is an example configuration of the M305:

Satellite M305- S4826 Unique Specifications ($1,049.99)

• Genuine Windows Vista Premium (SP1, 32-bit version)
• Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T8100(2.10GHz, 3MB L2, 800MHz FSB)
• 3072MB PC53000 DDR2 SDRAM memory(Maximum capacity 4096MB)
• 250GB (5400 RPM) Serial ATA hard disc drive
• DVD SuperMulti (+/-R double layer) with Labelflash drive supporting 11 formats
• 14.1-inch diagonal widescreen TruBrite TFT LCD display (1280x800 native resolution (WXGA))
• Mobile Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
• Built-in Webcam and microphone
• Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG (802.11a/b/g)
• 3 USB Sleep-and-Charge ports
• Built-in Harman Kardon stereo speakers
• One-year standard limited warranty

Satellite P300 / P305 Series

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The Satellite P300 / P305 replaces the Satellite P200 series. It is a 17.1" notebook designed for those that need a good desktop replacement that doesn't break the bank, with prices starting at $949.99 for an AMD Turion X2 based config. Toshiba again included the Fusion finish with Horizon imprint design. The web cam and all the fancy multimedia features from the A300 series are on the P300, with the addition of a number pad, better graphics in the form of an ATI HD 3470, and a higher resolution WXGA+ screen. Below is an available config for $1,049:

Satellite P305-S8825 Unique Specifications ($1,049.99)

• Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (SP1, 32-bit version)
• Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5550(1.83 GHz, 2MB L2, 667MHz FSB)
• 3072MB PC5300 DDR2 SDRAM memory(Maximum capacity 4096MB)
• 320GB (5400 RPM) Serial ATA hard disc drive
• DVD SuperMulti (+/-R double layer) with Labelflash drive supporting 11 formats
• 17.1-inch diagonal widescreen TruBrite TFT LCD display (1440x900 native resolution (WXGA+))
• ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3470 with 256MB DDR discrete graphics
• Built-in Harman Kardon stereo speakers
• Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (802.11a/g/n)
• 4 USB Sleep-and-Charge ports
• Built-in Webcam and microphone
• One-year standard limited warranty

Satellite U400 / U405 Series

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The Satellite U400 is thesmallest notebookof the group, it hasa 13.3" screen designed for on the go users that need something a bit lighter. Toshiba has given it the same design finish and features as the rest of the Satellites being released today. The U405 starts at $949.99, here's what you get for such a price:

Satellite U405-S2820 Unique Specifications (ESUP $949.99)

• Genuine Windows Vista Premium (SP1, 32-bit version)
• Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5550 (1.83GHz, 2MB L2, 667MHz FSB)
• 2048MB PC-5300 DDR2 SDRAM memory(Maximum capacity 4096MB)
• 250GB (5400 RPM) Serial ATA hard disk drive
• DVD SuperMulti (+/-R double layer) drive supporting 11 formats
• 13.3-inch diagonal widescreen TruBrite TFT LCD display (1280x800 native resolution (WXGA))
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
• Built-in stereo speakers
• Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG (802.11a/b/g)
• 3 USB Sleep-and-Charge ports
• Built-in Webcam and microphone
• Fingerprint reader
• One-year standard limited warranty

Satellite X205 Update

The Satellite X205 has been around for about a year, it's a well priced gaming notebook that offers a nice design coupled with excellent performance. Toshiba has added two new configurations to the X205 today. Thenew Satellite X205-SLi5 and Satellite X205-SLi6 provide remarkable each incorporate dual NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics card and now have Intel's 45nm Penryn processor technology.

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The X205-SLi6 will be sold for $2,499 and is configured as follows:

• Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate (SP1, 32-bit version)
• Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T9300 (2.50GHz, 6MB L2, 800MHz FSB)
• 3072MB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM memory(Maximum capacity 4096MB)
• 400GB using two (7200 RPM) Serial ATA hard disc drives (Primary: 200GB + Secondary: 200GB)
• DVD SuperMulti (+/-R double layer) drive supporting 11 formats
• Toshiba USB HDTV Tuner (External) Broadcast high-definition (720p or 1080i) (Broadcast standard definition (480i))
• 17-inch diagonal widescreen TruBrite TFT LCD display (1680x1050 native resolution (WSXGA+)
• NVIDIA SLi Dual GeForce 8600M GT with 512MB GDDR3 discrete graphics memory
• 4 Built-in Harman Kardon stereo speakers with one sub-woofer
• Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (802.11a/g/n)
• Bluetooth version 2.0 plus Enhanced Data Rate
• Built-in Webcam and microphone
• Fingerprint reader
• One-year standard limited warranty

The SLi-6 will be sold for $1,999 with a 2.40GHz T8300 processor and smaller 320GB hard drive size.

Related Articles:

• Toshiba Satellite X205 Review

 

So much chrome it can blind the blind.

 

They look nice but due to the bad port layout, these are not an option for me. Why does Toshiba need to put all the main ports such as ethernet and usb right at the front on the sides. Why can they not put these ports along the side but towards the back?

My laptop spends most of its life on my desk and the last thing i want is an ethernet and usb cords right towards the front to get knocked around.

My Hp dv6500 series has all the posts on the side as well, but atleast there is a usb port towards the back so it does not get in the way of a mouse.

 

Toshiba needs to drop some weight in their laptops, and lose a few inches. Their laptops are way too thick.

 

I think it's a pretty nice step forward for a consumer notebook.

And the A305 seems pretty sweet cause it comes with T8100, 3GB memory, 400GB hard drive and a HD 3650 for $1249. Can't comment about the ports cause i can't really see it from the pics. But one downside is on the website they say that it has no bluetooth, still looks nice!

 

THe A305 is great!!!

But come on, $2500 4 8600gt sli???

 

Has there been reviews for the new ATi cards already? the HD 3650?

 

ok so it's not just me. those look like they are 3" thick.

 

The A300 series will definitely be worth a look once the customizable units are available from Toshiba Direct. As for the thickness, I can deal with it for a decent gpu and better cooling...........

 

I thought they looked thick too. The body looks like it should holding a normal desktop cpu.

 

Is the gpu in the Satellite A300 / A305 Series DDR,, GDDR2, or GDDR3 it would be sad if it is DDR!

 

... why do they put junk GPUs into these laptops and cal them gaming laptops? The only thing gaming about them is the price.

 

Same here.
We are in 2008. Even Dell is going thin now.
These Toshiba's look as thick and heavy as previous Dell's.
No wonder they are becoming less and less popular.

 

I find it rather strange that the 15-inch (A-serie) has a better GPU than the 17-inch (P-serie). That's assuming of course the 3650 is better than the 3470 - I'm not the most familiar with these GPU's.

Otherwise I think I'd have to see the design in person to decide if I like it. Also find it interesting that they're including 3 GB of RAM in most models - seems like more than most people would need (I don't even use that much with games) and a way to get a little extra money on profitable RAM without signficantly helping the consumer.

 

Well RAM is so cheap nowadays, it's probably worth it purely from a marketing point of view for these companies.

 

Seriously. Agreed 100%. Only thing that holds me back from really looking at them, at least their design got less ugly.

edit: the A305 is 1.36-1.52" thick (not including feet). My 15.4" laptop is less than that INCLUDING feet.

 

still haven't learn their lesson with the 8600M GT's again

 

not all people need an extremely powerful but unwanted heat and noise generating laptop like AW Area51 or like that kind of gaming laptop, but a moderately powerful and quiet laptop of moderate size.

I prefer moderate power and being cool and quiet over extreme power that I do not need.

I dislike this design(it is clearly a copy HP), the design is worse than the previous Satellite series(IMO) , I think all companies go back to old boring business model look , forget about copy HP look of current trend and go back to the timelessly beautiful Thinkpad design or similar.

the more flashy , the more boring look to me since they get old so soon.

the original HP was great cause it was ORIGINAL not copies of anything.

But this Toshiba , ASUS infusion and new blue Acer are all copies of HP look.

They are very boring , you get tired of them very quickly.

 

I saw these Toshiba in person at a local retailer (Fry's electronics) and let me tell you these things are MAJOR fingerprint magnet. The glossy piano finish type keypad looks very ugly with all the fingerprint stains from customers playing with it. Whats worst is the keypad also created a lot of glare off the lights of the ceiling....This design is a big step back for Toshiba.

 

The chrome isn't what hurts my eyes, it's that 4200rpm drive that they stuck in there...the design is nicer, but I agree with everyone else said about the thickness. As for the fingerprints, that would drive me nuts.....

 

Those are interesting designs. They look quite thick, thicker than the current Satellites which is saying something. I am reminded of the old Lifebook S2000 when I see the pictures, only with a widescreen. I will have to see them in person before I judge though. I would really like for Toshiba to get a home run.

 

I love Toshiba. I have owned a Toshiba for a few years now, and it's been EXTREMELY reliable. I think I'm never gonna find another laptop like this one.

That said, I was really interested in the new M305 model, looked nice on the screen. But when I saw it on BestBuy yesterday... I was dissapointed, it's too glossy and "eye-catching" for my taste (whatever rows your boat I guess). Too bad tough, because the specs and the price are awesome. And I love Toshiba's keyboards! (not noisy and easy to type in - not exactly like Dell's).

Anyway, I think I'm gonna go with the Dell M1330 in Midnight Blue now