Toshiba A505-S6033 - Almost Perfect

Best Buy is getting another exclusive. At least I think it's exclusive, as I cannot find this laptop on Toshiba's site even. If it were not for the lower class GPU in this machine, I would jump on it. Check it out.

Best Buy Link

 

Page won't open.

 

IIRC at CES alot of laptops were supposed to go on sale between the 17-19 of Jan. I think Toshiba was one. I'd expect and update of their page soon. FWIW BB had core i3 models out early too.

 

If this came with a better graphics card I would buy it in a heartbeat. Toshibas are very reliable. I accidentally ran mine over(don't ask how ><) and aside from breaking the screen the laptop still runs well.

 

The reason you can't find it on Toshiba's web site is because Best Buy orders a custom configuration from Toshiba. The product on Toshiba's site is the Satellite A500-ST5608. If you notice currently Toshiba's version is shipped in a base line config with only a 320GB Hard Drive. They are offering this version for $999.00 but if they are like Sony they are offering discounts for anyone who buys in the first 30 days of their product release. I would guess Toshiba would sell their version for somewhere under $900.00.
RLM--Boca Raton, FL.

 

thx for the info.

Updated link.

 

I almost bought this laptop then during my research, I found out that A500/A505 series laptops dont have gigabit ethernet. . I can understand that it doesnt have USB3.0 since it's still new but c'mon gigabit ethernet has been out for years and they cant put it on their newly released laptop?

 

Worst Buy link still does not work. Their links suck.

 

It is an issue with notebook forum re-direct. If you copy and paste the URL out, you notice notebook review tag added

http://go.notebookreview.com/?id=52...18154377801&skuId=9705203&st=Toshiba%20laptop

Anyhow, here is the spec

Product Features

* Intel® Core™ i7-720QM processor
Features a 6MB L3 cache and 1.8GHz processor speed (up to 2.8GHz with Turbo Boost Technology).
* The all new 2010 Intel® Core i7 processor
Features 8-way processing for ultimate smart performance. Intel® Turbo Boost Technology delivers extra performance when you need it and increased energy efficiency when you don't.
* 4GB DDR3 memory
For multitasking power, expandable to 8GB.
* Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support
Records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media. Supports DVD-RAM and Labelflash direct-disc labels using compatible Labelflash media.
* 16" TFT-LCD high-definition widescreen display
With TruBrite technology and 1366 x 768 resolution showcases movies and games in stunning clarity. Native support for 720p content.
* 500GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 rpm)
Offers spacious storage and fast read/write times. Toshiba hard drive impact 3D sensor for enahnced data safety.
* NVIDIA GeForce 310M graphics
With 512MB GDDR3 discrete graphics memory and up to 1755MB dynamically allocated shared memory (2267MB total) using NVIDIA TurboCache technology. HDMI-CEC port.
* See the benefits of an NVIDIA graphics processor in your laptop.
* Harman/Kardon stereo speakers
With Dolby Sound Room support.
* Media control buttons
Include Toshiba eco utility, mute, media, CD/DVD controls, volume up and volume down.
* Built-in webcam and microphone
Make it easy to video chat with family and friends.
* Multiformat media reader
Supports Secure Digital, Secure Digital High Capacity, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, MultiMediaCard and xD-Picture Card formats.
* i.LINK (IEEE 1394) port and 3 USB 2.0 ports
For digital data transfer and mobile digital imaging capabilities. 1 eSATA/USB combo port.
* Built-in wireless LAN (802.11b/g/n)
Wirelessly connect to the Internet.
* Built-in 10/100 Ethernet LAN
With RJ-45 connector for quick and easy wired Web connection.
* Weighs 6.5 lbs. and measures just 1.6" thin
For portable power.
* Good battery life
Of up to 2 hours and 35 minutes.
* Fusion finish in quantum black
For a stylish look.
* Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64-bit operating system preinstalled
Provides a stable platform for word processing, Web navigation, gaming, media storage and more.
* Best Buy Software Installer
Personalize your PC! Discover and install just the software and services you want. Learn more.
* Software package included
With Microsoft Works 9, Adobe Acrobat Reader and more. 60-day trial version of Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 also included.
* ENERGY STAR qualified
Designed to use less energy and meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy.
* Intel, Pentium, Celeron, Centrino, Core, Viiv, Intel Inside and the Intel Inside logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

 

Oh wow, a Satellite with a better stock CPU than a Qosmio? This is blasphemy I tell you.

 

I ultimately purchased that model. The Samsung they had felt a tad more sturdy (and was smaller), but it's a dual-core. Quad-core performance will help immensely in fractal generation - and using virtual machines. At the same time. 500Mhz difference between both CPUs wouldn't be as fluid...

And the quad-core Asus I read about disappointed me. It's sad; even one year ago they made more solid laptops. Oh, the Asus feels solid, but hitting Fn and Escape freezes the system. I read the latest BIOS update also disabled the backlit keyboard lighting. (And how the rubber feet keeps grinding off the unit...)

The 310M is the weak point (it's a rebranded 210M), but I don't do much gaming and the dedicated GPU alone is still far better than the integrated Intel HD chipset on many models. If I needed graphcis I may have gotten the Asus dual-core model with the 360M... and since both of those have the same resolution (1366x768), I'm better off reducing the DPI to 90% to get more screen real estate for my development tools... even if the high-end Asus were rock-solid, it's too huge.

I will be getting an extended battery as well, once my testing is completed:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002FK162Y/ref=cm_rdp_product

or

http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/adet.to?poid=435194