Throw-it-at-the-wall machine
Written: Oct 09 '03 (Updated Dec 23 '03)
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Pros: Indestructible, Cheap, Essential Features
Cons: Heavyish, Smallish Screen, no Burner
The Bottom Line: If you want a robust laptop because you want to travel, this is the machine.
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| august1991's Full Review: Toshiba Satellite 1800-4K1 (PS183C-004K1) PC Noteb... |
I have been using computers for about 30 years now (IBM 360 was my first). By my reckoning, I've used five desktop PCs and four laptops.
Almost two years ago (December 2001), I made the decision to buy a new laptop and make my filing system/office completely, permanently portable. I immediately looked at Toshiba because I wanted robustness, not elegance or lightness. Screen size wasn't a big deal to me. I chose the Toshiba Satellite (new in Canada's Future Shop) and paid US 1100 for this wonderful machine.
I have put this thing through the wringer. Countless cross-Atlantic trips, briefcase haulings in taxis and subways. (I never used the provided case). It was stolen in Russia and left outside several nights in minus 35 weather. (The internal batteries all died but once charged, it started up like new - but without data loss.) In France, a half bottle of champagne once exploded onto it while the CD/DVD door was open. (I immediately removed the battery, and then drained and dried it. All went back to normal.)
The floppy drive died a year after purchase and the transformer cable has shorted. (I fixed it with black tape.) The battery now holds a charge for about 30 minutes. I have removed and cleaned the keyboard keys several times. (Easy once you know how.) There's a small spot on the screen where the colours are not quite right. The cover has many scratches and my finger spots are embedded in spots around the mouse pad.
There was a software problem with a sensor, overheating and an automatic shutdown. Toshiba provided a BIOS patch to correct this. The Toshiba and Microsoft power management systems are another (minor) issue. I have been irritated but have never lost data because of an unannounced shutdown.
The CD/DVD is not a burner but the machine has two 1.1 USB ports for easy external connections. (At first, I made back-ups through network connections.) The RCA video out means you can play DVDs at anyone's home. The 3.5 mm stereo out is analog Dolby Digital with the right software (WinDVD was included). My stereo out got trampled and I have to jiggle it a bit sometimes.
The 20 gigs of HD are more than I need and the 1 gig clock Celeron is fast enough. (I'm not a gamer.) I like the network card and built in modem. I've connected to office networks, sent faxes, used dial up in Malta and Parry Sound. I suggest Windows XP Professional. SAs prefer it and it runs fine.
This machine has everything you need AND it's indestructible. Ten year old kids have used mine to watch DVDs in the back seat (I have a cigarette lighter adapter). I've blown chalk dust off the keyboard to see the letters. It's no slim line Sony. Nor is it a Chevrolet Dell. It's a Land Rover. Land Rover? In my experience, this machine is entering VW Beetle territory.
The only reason I'll upgrade is for speed. But when I do, it'll be another Toshiba. I hope they maintain their reputation.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1100
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Intel Celeron
Processor speed: over 1000
Screen Size: 13 inches
RAM: More than 256
Internal Storage: DVD
Hard Drive (GB): 13-20
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Epinions.com ID:
august1991
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Location: Montréal, Québec
Reviews written: 11
Trusted by: 0 members
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