Toshiba Satellite 1200-S122: Rock Solid Performance Without Depleting Your Wallet
Written: Oct 29 '02 (Updated Oct 29 '02)
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Pros: Loaded with options.
Cons: Sound quality suffers.
The Bottom Line: For the price, it is an obvious choice for a solid notebook with the Toshiba's Trademark Quality and Performance.
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| rpllingrock's Full Review: Toshiba Satellite 1200-S122 (PS120U-00DJX3) PC Not... |
We’ve mulled over the purchase of a notebook computer for the past year or so, always delaying the purchase for one reason or another. On the recommendation of a friend, we chose the Toshiba Satellite 1200-S122.
Why Toshiba?
We’ve never owned a notebook computer before, so I had to depend on what others have told me, or where I could dig up reviews on Toshiba products.
One thing that struck me with the Toshiba name was support for their products. As any of you know, getting decent technical support from any company is getting more difficult.
As I deal with vendors at my occupation, I would estimate that 75% had Toshiba notebooks. And when I inquired about this preference, I was told time and time again that it was quality, value and support which led them to their purchase.
This particular model falls under Toshiba’s “Value-Priced Systems” category.
Here’s What Get
• 1.20 GHz Intel Celeron Processor. For our applications, this is more than suffice. The current intended use requires minimal resources as it is mainly used for Internet access, and running miscellaneous office apps.
• 20 GB Hard Drive (4200 rpm). This is more than enough space since many of the larger files are stored on our server. Currently with all application installed, there are 16 GB of space left.
• Windows XP Home. I had the option of getting Pro for an additional $100.
• DVD ROM Drive installed via a Modular Bay. There are other options available which include two hard drive sizes, a DVD/CD-RW or CD-RW, and a 2nd battery.
• 256 MB SDRAM. Memory is easily installed through a door located on the bottom of the unit. Expandable to 1024MB.
• An integrated 802.11b Wireless LAN (WiFi). Another reason I chose this product.
• 2 PC Card slots support 2 Type II or 1 Type III PC Cards.
• 3 ½ “Floppy (Modular). It still sits in the package. I’ve used it once to test it, and it worked fine.
• Integrated video Intel 830MG controller (8 MB) external UMA memory.
• Integrated v.90 56K modem.
• Integrated 10/100 Ethernet LAN
• 14.1 “ Active Matrix display
• Software that includes Quicken New User Edition, Lotus Suite, Norton Anti-Virus (90-days). (more on the software later)
• Rechargeable, removable Li-Ion battery.
• Sound provided by a Crystal CS4299-A chip. 3 ports- microphone, headphone, and line-in.
• RGB Monitor port. On several occasions we find the need to hook this up to a monitor, especially when working for extended periods of time.
• 3 USB ports. One located on the right side and two in the rear. The side port is used mainly for the optical mouse or the Visor docking station.
• ECP Printer port. We utilize a networked printer but it was tested and functioned normally.
• One Year Parts and Labor Warranty
The notebook itself weigh less than 6 lbs the dimensions are approximately 12 ¼“x 10.5/8" x 1 ½ “as I give it a rough measurement with my ruler.
How About Performance?
The OS
As with my desktop computers, Windows XP has proven (to me at least) to be one of the most stable OS environments, and with this notebook, it was no different. Some of XP’s features are disabled and you’re forced to use the Toshiba’s equivalent. For example, open XP’s power management and a pop-up informs you to close this window and open Toshiba’s Console. No problem.
Sound
In a nutshell, the sound can sound somewhat metallic depending on your volume setting. The sound performance is better suited for feedback and warnings from programs rather than playing MP3’s or Video Games. Even DVD playback sound quality is hampered by the speaker size. At a low enough setting, the quality is good enough to watch a flick, but it’s nothing to write home about. ;)
Graphics/Display
On all of the applications we’ve used, including DVD playback, the graphics were outstanding. The one game I tested it on, Rollercoaster Tycoon, I didn’t notice any slowdown or compatibility problems.
As with any LCD display, getting the proper viewing angle is crucial, but once achieved, the display looks great. I haven’t noticed any dead pixels. Surely there’s at least one there!
Battery Life
The estimated battery time is at 3 hours, and I can tell you that it’s a fairly good estimate as we experience about 3 hours on average use. Recharge time is at 3 ½ hours with the system off and much longer while running. (8 hours)
Software
We had every intention of adding Office XP to this notebook, but we became quite used to the included Lotus Suite, that we’ve decided to leave it for the time being.
The Norton AV included is a 3 month trial version which must be renewed.
The Quicken New User Edition is included but we have no need for it at this time.
Included is a restore 3 CD set which thankfully we haven’t needed thus far! ;)
The Toshiba update utility similar to Windows update tells me if my system is up to date with the click of a button.
Networking
One of the main reasons for purchasing this notebook was its built-in wireless capability. It does have a built-in 10/100 Ethernet adapter which I tested and functioned normally.
There is a utility that runs in the background which enables you to switch between each adapter, but I quickly disabled it and chose to disable the LAN adapter.
Technical Support
I did make one call regarding the wireless networking and it was handled quickly and much to my embarrassment, my stupidity was at fault, not the notebook. ;) If the written documentation was a bit more expansive, maybe my call wouldn’t have been necessary!
Miscellaneous
Included is a two button touch pad. Personally, I find it most annoying and prefer to use a USB mouse we had laying around. My wife on the other hand has mastered the pad! The included touchpad software takes some time getting used to, as I often found myself dragging and dropping stuff all over the desktop.
The keyboard has full sized keys and I find them very comfortable. I’m a hunt and peck typist so it didn’t affect me too much. My wife on the other hand is a proficient typist and had to adjust to the smaller keyboard layout.
Overall
The system is, in my opinion, the fastest and most responsive computer in the house! (not to mention the most portable). I would estimate the on time per day to be 8 hours and we were never forced to reboot. This Toshiba is rock solid! (XP may have a lot to do with it)
Besides my gripes on the sound quality, I can say that after using this notebook for a month, we are completely satisfied with our decision to purchase this product and wouldn’t hesitate recommending it, or any Toshiba product.
I found it quite funny that the manual supplied for Windows XP Home was about 10 pages long, and the book for just the modem is over 100 pages long. :)
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1211
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Intel Celeron
Processor speed: over 1000
Screen Size: 14 inches
RAM: 256
Internal Storage: DVD
Hard Drive (GB): 13-20
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