Toshiba Satellite L300-ST2501

I was checking out Toshiba's site for configurable laptops, I saw only 2, a 15.4" model and a 17" model. I took a look at the Toshiba Satellite L300-ST2501 but I cannot find any reviews about it, including here on NBR. If anyone who participates here owns one how would you rate it as a laptop for basic computer use?

 

Nobody has anything to say about this Toshiba laptop or where I can read a review if one is available about it?

 

It's on sale today but hard to know if it's any good since there's nothing on it anywhere.

 

Yes, I got one of these for my kid for back-to-school in August, and also currently have an AMD powered demo which I'm returning, and just ordered a new CTO P8600 powered one using the online deal you're looking at to replace the AMD.

It is a very basic no-frills old-skool laptop, but it functions well, IMHO, particuliarly as an around the house alternative for general purpose lite computing duty. It is not a gamer's or Photoshopper's lappy, but will handle general purpose multimedia OK (DVD's, You tube, etc), but thru headphones...the speakers suck. It's very difficult to find the new 25W Penryns and GMA X4500MHD (Centrino 2 Montivida(sp) platfrom) with 32 Vista. This combo was one of my requirements.

The good:

-A REAL volume control (no soft slider)
-A REAL set of multimedia buttons (no soft keys)
-Runs quietly and cool (very little fan air velocity or fan noise, and little heat anywhere on its shell)
-Dependable (so far - 3 mos)
-A nice "integrated all of one piece" build quality feeling (edges and contours are mostly rounded and comfrotable feeling - all plastic) - Might be a personal thing with me
-LCD is high gloss (another personal thing)
-Good function keys and associated funct key software
-Decent KB layout and tactile feel (but would've prefered the high gloss KB from the A300 series)

The bad:

-Limited port set - No HDMI or Firewire
-Speakers really suck (really, really, really)
-Somewhat tight veiwing angles on the LCD
-Short battery life (2 - 3 hrs)
-On the somewhat big and heavy side for travel (but my petite 5'2" 105b daughter has no probs apparently)
-HP and Mic jacks are in the center front of the lappy where they push into your stomache when reclining with the lappy on your legs

Like I said: Basic no frills, but well built, dependable, and decent ergonomics, along with simple no BS controls (I HATE touch controls). About the worse I can say is the speakers really suck so you'll likely use headphones a lot. Very quiet, very cool running. The all rounded edged plastic body gives it a nice comfortableness when using it at home.

Oh...I went with this specifically so I could get 32b Vista with a 1066 FSB 25W Penryn (P7350/8400/8600) and no touch controls of anykind. I also wanted the new GMA X4500HD, if I had to accept on-board shared gfx (which this has).

Oh(2)...the CTO may not have a webcam, FWIW.

Feel free to ask anymore Q's you've got.

EDIT: One more negative: Lousy mousepad click bars...they have a really cheap feel and action...NP for me and the kids....we prefer to use wireless laser mice, anyway.

 

Thanks for sharing your opinion.

I'm not a big fan of glossy screens. Although it seems like it's pretty much being forced onto me since all the manufacturers think it's the new rage. Sounds like a good computer but I'm going to hold out longer since a laptop is more of a want than a need.

 

Speaking of wants (not needs):

Toshiba just added a new 25% off + Free Shipping deal on CTO U400 series

I didn't even know they do CTO on these!

It wasn't there earlier today.

Only a 100 bux more than a similar spec L300. I saw one at Best Buy recently, and it really is pretty nice, even if it does have the dayem soft-touch multi media keys.

Apparently NBR liked it in the 4/21/2008 Toshiba Satellite U405 Review

I honestly may have gone for that if it was available earlier this week before I placed my order. Perfect except for the softkeys. At least it has a real volume pot, tho, and side exit HP and Mic jacks too. No HDMI yet.

 

Well, I LOVE mine. I ordered it CTO and got a heckuva deal - $658.00 + free 2 day air shipping. Here's what I got:

Satellite L300-ST2501
PSLB8U-0LM04C

CPU Intel® Core 2 Duo Processor T6400 (2.00GHz, 2MB L2, 800MHz FSB)

Operating System Genuine Windows Vista® Business Bonus (Windows XP Pro Preinstalled + Vista Business® media)

Memory 4096MB PC6400 DDR2 800MHz SDRAM (2048MBx2)

Graphics Controller Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD

Hard Disk Drive 320GB HDD (5400rpm, Serial-ATA)

Optical Drive DVD SuperMulti (+/-R double layer) drive

Wireless LAN Intel® WiFi Link 5100AGN (1x2)

Webcam and microphone built into LCD bezel

Bridge Media Adapter (5-in-1 card reader)

Battery Lithium Ion battery (6-Cell, 4000mAh)

Ordered on Jan 6th and arrived on Jan 14th. Pretty quick for a CTO laptop manufactured in Shanghai.

-Charles

 

I am planning on buying Satellite L300-ST2501 (same configuration as dunhill), would like to know how the laptop functions.


Harry

 

I have the L305-S5921. Its almost the same except mine doesn't have the webcam. But mine has 2GB ram rather than 1, and Vista Home Premium rather than Basic on the L300-ST2501.

This is a very basic computer. Its suitable for mostly word processing and web browsing. Not for gaming etc. but thats not a bad thing as I knew this coming in. Plus I bought it as a back up notebook, not my main one. I bought this one at Office Depot on special for $399. For that price you can't complain, you get alot for it. I don't know how Toshiba can make money for what you get, considering Vista Premium Software cost $200 by itself.

The Good:
Good Keyboard feel & layout
Has DVD/CD burner
Duo Processors although not the newest Duo Core 2
Very Quite
Has media control buttons
Has SD memory card reader
Has volume rotating knob, kinda rare these days
Sound is sufficient, not great but not bad
The Screen is 15.4 inches, not 14 inches like other notebooks this cheap

Bad:
Too Glossy, attracts finger prints
Looks dull, but not cheap tho
Battery life is 3 hours max on power saver settings
No S-video, HDMI, firewire ports, but come on, what did you expect for $399
Screen is a little dull for my tastes. The colors are not colorful enough. But that could just be me.

Overall:
I'm glad I purchased this laptop. The cost to benefit is outstanding. Yes its not as cool looking or feature loaded as other laptops, but then again it costs a much as a net book. If you are on a budget or just need a basic notebook that doesn't suck and is not slow, then you should definitely get this one.