The frills are there if you look for them
Written: Sep 07 '03 (Updated Sep 20 '03)
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Pros: USB 2
Dual Display
Connectivity Software
Integrated WiFi
10/100
v.92 56k
Programmable Fn
Norton AV
Cons: Home Edition
Low-End Office Suite
One PCMCIA slot
The Bottom Line: Get this notebook! It won't slice bread or make french fries but it computes. Toshiba thrives on reliability and durability. If it could break they've taken it out.
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| nawtlizzi's Full Review: Toshiba Satellite A15-S157 (PSA10U-01C8WV) PC Note... |
This notebook has everything you can expect. The lack of legacy interfaces such as ps/2 and serial is something you'll see in all computers today. Though, if you need backwards compatibility with a device this can easily be obtained with inexpensive USB->ps2/serial adaptors. This model is at the end of it's run so the new ones coming out will have even less legacy support. I was surprised to see a parallel port on it.
Real hardcore presenters won't mind the lack of TV-out since that is a means of the past. The last couple generations of projectors and TVs support RGB analog and DVI connectors naturally.
The touchpad supports both horizontal and vertical SCROLLING in the same way all touchpads have since early on in their existence.
The system comes with a simple application to assign any keys not designated a default Fn mode to do as you wish. It's more configurable than Microsoft's IntelliType Pro, even.
The keyboard is nice and comfortable. After all, they did have 15" to play with, right? Not only is it comfortable but the keyboard lights are right next to or on their respective keys making it easy to know right away if your CAPS lock is on. They are nto very bright though.
The only thing I resent about this notebook is the software bundle. I would have like to have XP Pro or Linux as an option and MS Works doesn't cut the mustard. OpenOffice or MS Office can remedy this quickly. A lot of work goes into selling you new software that is for sure.
The lack of software is made up with the ConfigFree and other Toshiba apps that are very helpful for an average professional on the go (not computer professional). Switching from wireless to wired LAN or from Home to Work LAN settings is made easy and there is no need to work your way into network properties and lose all your precious settings. Imagine how much battery life you save by not messing around with Windows' Network Properties when you go between three different wireless access points that don't dhcp or have different wep/channel/structure/dns settings.
The wifi adaptor works with all the wireless hacks out there and has more power/range than stock lucent/orinoco cards but it has no external antenna connector that I can notice.
My TFT display, although it included a disclaimer on defective pixels (TFT tends to be imperfect), had none.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1049
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Intel Celeron
Processor speed: over 1000
Screen Size: 15 inches
RAM: More than 256
Internal Storage: CD-RW and DVD
Hard Drive (GB): 31-40
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Epinions.com ID:
nawtlizzi
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Reviews written: 1
Trusted by: 1 member
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