I have been looking at inexpensive laptop computers for a month or more, mentally comparing different manufacturers, models and features. I completely stayed away from the 750 MHz with CD – RW or DVD’s, as I wanted an inexpensive model.

Reasons why you need or want a product

We all should first consider why we are purchasing the products we intend to buy, and the need for it, no matter what the product may be. My concern was portability, decent size hard drive, fairly fast CPU, features, and how far I wanted to upgrade in the near future. Oh yes! I needed to compare these with cost. Your concerns are probably different, but this is my review. ;)

Chosen model

I finally decided on the Toshiba Satellite 1605CDS. It was available at CompUSA for $899. It had basically everything I needed. Features included an AMD K6-2 450MHz processor, 32 MB of RAM (expandable to 160MB), a 4.3 GB hard drive, 2 type II PCMCIA slots, or 1 type III, integrated 24X max CD-ROM, 3 ˝” 1.44 Floppy and 56K V.90 modem. The display was 12.1” Color Bright dual-scan, with 4MB SGRAM external memory, and an ATI Rage Pro VGA controller, which was good enough for my needs. Also included were the standard external monitor, serial, parallel ports, 1 USB port, 1 PS/2 port for keyboard/mouse, and headphone and microphone jacks.

Included software

The 1605CDS came with Win98 SE preinstalled, Lotus SmartSuite millennium, and 2 more titles that you choose from the included brochure, or order from the web. I personally haven’t used any Lotus product since the late 80’s, and I’m not sure if I will keep it installed. I have Microsoft Office 2000, and am comfortable using it.

Final deal

After the salesman was finished with me, I had added a 3-year complete extended warranty, a credit card size type II LAN network PCMCIA card, a KNC laptop case, an RJ45 connector and 2 - 6 month classes on different software titles (none of them for Lotus). Total price was $1606.46. Hmmm…not the deal I was looking for. That’s ok…I couldn’t wait to get home to hook it up.

Now I’ve got it home

I open the box, remove the contents and start charging the battery. I immediately start it, and begin the registration process, for which I had to use the modem. It took 4 times, but finally I was good to go, and set up Win98. I have 2 other computers on a 4-port hub, with an uplink to a cable modem, so I had to get on the LAN to get some files I wanted on my new laptop. The network card came with a conversion cable that had to plug into the card to convert it to RJ45. Boy…. was this flimsy! I searched the box again for the Cat-5 cable that I was assured was in it by the salesman. Nope, just the floppy for the install. No problem, I would just disconnect one of the other computers and get the files from one computer at a time. I can always get another cable. Finally!! I’m online and getting ICQ, IM, and other files from the intranet, and I discover this very noticeable and annoying horizontal line directly in the middle of the screen! The longer I had the 1605CDS running, the worse this line got.
I get what I need, install the files and had to reboot. OK - <CLICK> - reboot now. Nothing. I mean nothing. The dialog box asking me if I wanted to reboot was still there, as were my background, icons, system tray, etc. So I try a warm boot, and still nothing. I unplugged it, but…oops! The battery is now charged. So I momentarily remove the battery, and try again. As I am watching scandisk, I am wondering why this could have happened. After the reboot, I remove the programs I just spent ˝ an hour on, and rebooted again. UH-OH! Same thing. I use my recovery disk, reformat the HD and reinstall Win98. Here we go again. After getting it the way I wanted, I thought I would just try to shut it down. Same thing again. Now I’m mad!! The line in the middle of my screen was continually getting worse also. All through this process, the CPU fan was screaming, and the computer itself was burning my legs. The 2+ hour NiMH battery was down to 20% within ˝ an hour.

Back to CompUSA

I pack everything back up, except the case and LAN card, and return to CompUSA. I told them the trouble I was having and wanted to trade for a better computer. This turned out to be a bigger hassle than I would have dreamed possible, but I’ll save that for a different review. I returned the 1605CDS, the classes at $49 each, the 3-year warranty ($500), and found a similar model. It was a 1675CDS, same features, except it was a 550 MHz Celeron with a 6.0 GB HD and 64 MB RAM (expandable to 192 MB). I also picked up a 14’ Cat-5 cable, and when all the dust settled, I had a better computer and a $300 refund. I carry it out to the truck, and a woman behind me says, “Excuse me.” She had just returned the same model for the same problems, and got the same model as I did as a replacement. “WHEW!!!” I sure am glad it wasn’t my imagination!

The LAN card

The conversion cable on my LAN card lasted another 4 days. I guess it was generic, as I never saw a manufacturer’s name on the box. After that I had to hold it in place to stay online. Back to CompUSA! I find the only type III, 10/100 LAN PCMCIA card in stock that has a RJ45 connector built in. It’s made by Xircom, is $99, so I ended up paying a little more but getting what I want. This one does have a Cat-5 cable, so now I have an extra.

Conclusion

The Toshiba Satellite 1605CDS must be a nightmare for Toshiba. I would not recommend this computer to anyone, no matter what the need is. Spend just a little extra ($200 in my case) for a better computer that you will be happier with for a longer time. I first started looking at used laptops, but for the value, new is the only way to go. I would, however, recommend Toshiba as a manufacturer of fine products. I am very pleased with my new setup. The horizontal line is gone. The 1675CDS may be another review for me, as well as dual-scan vs. TFT displays.

Now, if only I can get used to this smaller keyboard! The CAPS lock seems to come on by itself.




Recommended: No