Questions about A100-TA9 (thinking of buying)

How is the build quality? I have read some of the posts, and some are saying it is utter garbage, while others say it is OK. I wouldn't be deliberately abusing this machine, but I want it to stand up to about 3 years worth of wear-and-tear (I ESPECIALLY don't want it to break down like a few months after the 1-year warranty expires).

How is the warranty/customer service? Are they friendly, and will help you out with problems? Is the turn-around time for repairs low? I plan to buy this at Staples/Best Buy, so do they cover it or does Toshiba?

What are the quality of the parts? Is it decent quality RAM and HDD (I suppose ideally I would like Corsair RAM and Seagate HDD)?

I think that is it for now, thanks in advance

 

hi I have the A100-SK9 laptop I really like it, the keyboard has a little more flex in it than my last 2 toshiba's but overall the quality is good. If you are concerned with the warranty you can always buy the extended waranty from Toshiba for an additinal 2 years, don't buy the extended warranty from the store as they will have to ship it out and you could be without it for about weeks whereas you take it to an authoized toshiba centre the turn around should be less than a week.
If you buy the demo model you won't get the full warranty so be careful about that. The last 2 toshiba that my family or I have had have lasted over 3 years without any problems.

 

Ok, any one else want to chime in?

As well, is it possible to buy the A100-TA9 with a 9-cell battery?

 

Any one have an answer?

 

Hi, I really like my A100 sk9 except for the burner, and I was going to take it back to Staples only because of that. I've now decided to keep it because it is fast and stable with a great display, the advantages far outweigh the burner issues. I don't think you can find another laptop with these specs at this price anywhere. As far as the burner goes, it will rip and burn ok but slowly with the preinstalled WinDvd Creator 2 and its very picky on the media used. I will probably upgrade the burner in a year or so.

btw, I have a demo unit and I have been told by Toshiba it has the full 1 year warranty coverage.

 

I also have the SK9 model, although now I wish I wouldve waited for the TA9 model. But i only paid $1200 CAD for it, so im not complaining too much.

I agree with jabbok, the build quality is decent enough for it to last 3 years. Ive had many previous toshiba notebooks including the more recent ones ie
M70, M60, A70 and they are ALL still going strong. Its been about 2.5 years since I got the A70 and my sister is using it and its doing a good job.

I wouldnt have bought this A100 if I knew it wouldnt last 3 years...but with my experience with toshibas, Im confident it will.

A lot of other people will tell you that toshiba is garbage and that their build quality has gone down over the years....although its somewhat true its mostly false. There are MANY people who are satisfied with their toshibas, me being one of them. Only the few unfortunaate people who get faulty ones make an unnecessary BIG deal of it and bloat it out of proportion. Get the TA9, and if youre not happy with it I will buy it off you

 

While I realize this is a month-old thread...

TD: I noticed you're also from Ontario. Where did you get your TA9 and for what pricepoint? I'm looking now (and ahead at post-Christmas prices) at that particular laptop. I know I couldn't afford the full Toshiba price at $1700 (hey, I'm a student) but I was wondering if you got a deal off of that?

Staples has the lowest label I've seen thus far, at $1500. There's also one listed in the FS board here in Scarborough. Just doing my research.

 

hey chicgeek, wow Im from London too. I go to uwo. Anyways, I never got the TA9, the SK9 I have now has handled all of my needs for school, multimedia and all others so I have no need to upgrade yet.

I actually got this laptop from a friend of mine who runs his own business, thats why I got a decent price.

 

Awesome, I just graduated from there. Just being 8 months ago, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

I think I might jump on the Staples offer after christmas - chances are the price won't go down and the sales guy wouldn't let me look at acers or hps (no pressure, but he himself was so impressed by the toshiba deal that he got one, too).

Why are do none of my friends own businesses with extra computers?

 

Just a note: I purchased my TA9 yesterday from Staples for $1600. At cost price is $1520, so I think I did okay.

 

I picked up mine for $1049 the first week Vista came out from London Drugs. They had to clear out of them so I haggled my way down. 6 months later, I can still sell this thing for more than I paid for it.

 

LOL!, I bought mine pretty much the same time for $1000, plus a $100 FS GC. But I changed the ram to 2GB. You got a way better deal.