opinions on U300-NS1?

Hi,

Does anyone have any opinions on the U300-NS1?

I just bought one, along with an HP 2422CA (13.3" vs. 14.1" I know).

A few things concern me:

- build quality: I had a Toshiba E830 PocketPC before and although it was a good design with good value, they cheaped out on the casing: it would crack in the top two corners, eventually requiring a casing replacement.

The fact that the keyboard is painted silver doesn't help, as I wonder what it will look like after some use: will it peel and/or flake off in time?

- battery life: the Future Shop ad claimed 4 hours, but in use, I get from 2 - 2 3/4 hours at mid brightness, wifi on. Is there a good cheap source for the 9 cell, and if so, what kind of battery life can I expect? Is the 9 cell the same size, or does it stick out in the back or stick out on the bottom?

- How is overall Toshiba laptop quality? Some sources seem to indicate they are tops along with Lenovo/IBM. Other sources say the recent models have taken a drop in quality.

- although I didn't buy a notebook for gaming, I would like to occassionally play an odd game once in a while; what games can be run pretty well on the GMA 950?

Thanks in advance!

Regards,

Potential Toshiba member.

 

Here is the specs that you need; This is not actually a gaming laptop so don't expect to much about gaming since this laptop is using shared memory on graphics

PSU34C-NS108C
Processor

Intel® Pentium® Dual Core processor T2080 (1.73GHz, 533MHz FSB, L1 Cache 32KB/32KB, L2 Cache 1MB)

Operating System

Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium

Memory

Standard Memory: 2x512 GB DDR2 (667 MHz)
Maximum Memory: 2GB DDR2
Expansion Modules: 512MB, 1024MB or 2048 DDR2

Hard Disk Drive

160.0 billion bytes, 9.5mm height, S-ATA, 5400rpm.


Optical Drive

Built-in DVD Super-Multi Double Layer Drive functions:
Read: CD-ROM (24x), DVD-ROM (8x),
Write: CD-R (24x). CD-RW (24x), DVD-R (8x), DVD-R DL (6x), DVD-RW (8x), DVD+R (8x), DVD+R DL (6x) DVD+RW (8x), DVD-RAM (5x),

Display System

Type: TFT Active Matrix colour LCD display
Size (diagonal): 13.3” Wide XGA TFT with TruBrite™ Screen Technology
Native LCD Panel Resolution: 1280x800x16.7 million colours
External Support and Max. Colour Support (dependant On CRT): Up to 2,048 x 1536 x 16.7 million colours

Graphics Controller

Mobile Intel® 943GML Express Chipset with up to 251MB
DDR shared video memory

Sound System

Realtek ALC268 Software Sound; Intel High Definition Audio,
Built-in stereo speakers, Direct 3D Sound, DirectSound,
DirectMusic, MIDI (playback).

Communication

V.92 56K Data/Fax modem
10/100 integrated Ethernet LAN,
Atheros Wireless LAN (802.11b/g)
Integrated 1.3 Megapixel Web Camera for Video over IP
Integrated microphone for Voice over IP


Expansion

2 memory slots - each slot has 512GB. Zero free slots. Slots can be filled with 512MB, 1GB, 2 GB modules
1 Express Card Slot
Ports: 5-in-1 Bridge Media Adaptor (SD Card, xD picture card, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, Multimedia Card), 3 USB 2.0, RJ11, RJ45, IEEE1394, external microphone port, headphone port, RGB

Keyboard

CANADIAN BILINGUAL KEYBOARD
Full sized 86 keys with 12 function keys
Dedicated Windows Keys.
CD/DVD Control Function: Play/Pause, Stop, Previous track/Next track

Pointing Device

Touchpad Pointing Device

Additional Software

Toshiba ConfigFree™
Adobe Acrobat Reader
TOSHIBA Disc Creator
TOSHIBA DVD PLAYER
Norton Internet Security™ 2007 - 90 day trial
Microsoft Office 2007 - 60 day trial

Physical Dimensions

Dimensions: (WxDxH) 310 x 227 x 30.2/34 mm
Weight: 2.09kg (4.6lbs)
Color: Onyx Blue Metallic


AC Adapter

65W external Universal AC adaptor input voltage (100 - 240V 50/60Hz Frequency (Universal), output voltage (19V, 3.42A).
Dimensions : (WxHxD) 108 x 46 x 34 mm
Weight: 240g

Battery

Battery Type: Removable, Rechargeable 6-cell
Lithium Ion (Li-ion) 10.8V x 4000mAh capacity
Dimensions: (WxHxD) 208 x 21 x 74 mm
Recharge Time: Up to 4 hours off / 12 hours on

BIOS

ACPI support, PnP support, VESA support,
DPMS support, DDC Support, SM BIOS support, PCI BIOS Support

Security

Cable lock slot, power on password, supervisor password

Environmental Specifications

Temperature: Operating 5° 35°C (41° 95°F); Non Operating -20° 65°C (-4°149°F)
Thermal Gradient: Operating 15 C per hr. max; Non Operating 20 C per hr. max
Relative Humidity: Operating 20% to 80% non-condensing; Non-Operating: 10% to 90% non-condensing
Altitude (relative to sea level): Operating: -9.14 to 3,048m; Non-Operating: -9.14 to 12,192m.
Shock: Operating: 7G; Non-Operating 60G
Vibration: Operating 0.2G; Non-Operating: 1G

 

Thanks for the info, but I was looking more for people's opinions based on their actual experience or what they have read on the 'net.

 

Ok then, What is your ideal laptop? Is it for gaming? or just for internet access? or you want something that is portable and really light?

 

Please see original post.

Thanks!

 

Overall, I think you might fare better installing windows xp pro with the appropriate drivers from both the toshiba website and the intel website - the reason being is that unlike BloatISTA - Windows XP doesn't require an entire core to itself either when it's doing something or not - i.e. it only uses a core or more if YOU Are doing something..

Not to mention software compatability is alot better on Windows XP currently than on Vista. Generally, I'd say the U300 is the ideal laptop for serious people who don't have time to play anything but the odd game here and there - but more rather need a somewhat portable laptop so as not to bust your back or your wallet.

If you read the thread on the satellite u300 of which all the u300 buyers posted in, you'll see what people have to say about it - i.e. the u300 series uses all the same external components; the only slight differences are a somewhat better integrated card, cpu, wireless card (upgradable), more ram, and different battery sizes.

All in all, case sturdiness would be the same since they use it universally throughout the satellite series and in the tecra m8 series as well.

In terms of battery life, I somewhat doubt 4 hours - I think that rating is for the general series and not your specific model; although I haven't done any research into what I'm going to say now - I have a hunch that with the cpu in your model being in the lowest category, I suspect that not only is some of the Mhz/Ghz cut down, but some of the power saving features as well (of the cpu).

The basis of that hunch is that each time Intel designs a chip, and they want to make it cheaper, they usually start throwing things out like on chip memory (cache), slowing down the clock speed, taking out more advanced features such as power savings, etc. - and I highly doubt this case is any exception..

If I had to choose between the NS1 and a NS5 (which includes a 'regular' core 2 duo) - I'd choose the the one that had the regular core 2 duo, especially since knowing that intel usually scuttles features inside a chip to make it significantly cheaper.

The 9 Cell battery which my u305 has is said to provide 4-5 hrs easily while doing things like watching dvd's etc. (which as anyone knows pulls a lot more power than just typing or surfing) - though I haven't been able to personally test it yet.

Overall, I think the machine is a good buy when taking into account it's features and the amount it's selling for


- Jordan

 

Thanks for your response!

 

Glad to be of assistance - Hopefully, I provided some valuable insight

- Jordan

 

I also picked up the DV2404 and the Toshiba U300-NS1 during the back-to-school sales last week (seen you on RFD )

What are your impressions of these units?

The U300 that I got had the following issues:
- FAN ON/OFF constantly. Also, it would start off high/med/low, and again and again. That really bothers me.
- Had a back pixel and the space key didn't work
- it did get fairly hot specially on the side, but given that I returned it the next day, I can't remember now if it was hot around the palm rest or not.


However, I really liked the design, the overall feel, the build, and portability factor (weight, compact, good weight dynamics). Mind you, the area around the express card slot didn't seem all that strong and could easily break, unless you put an express card or stuff with with something.

The HP DV2404 (which is essentially the same as what you got, but with the 6c battery - I really dislike the HP 9c battery design) with a TK-53 is also quite nice.

I like HP's design and the overall feel of the laptop. The screen is also great (I've compared it with my Lenovo v100, Dell Vostro 1400, Acer AS5600, Dell 640m) and I think has the nicest one of all. Too bad it is 1280x800 and not 1440x900.
It definitely feels heavier than the Toshiba (4.6lb), but lighter than my Vostro 1400, even though both are marked as being around 5lb. Still, overall, it is very very solid and the overall weight dynamics are great (again, the Vostro 1400 falls short of this unfortunately - Dell really disappointed me)

Temperature wise, it is hovering around 50c. While Idling, the fan is on, but at very low speed and you can't hear it. When it goes above 56c, the fan gets louder, but it doesn't have as annoying noise as the Toshiba U300 (which the FAN would go ON/OFF even during idling).

My biggest issue with the DV2404 is the palm-rest getting extremely hot (It is housing a Seagate ST9160821AS 160GB HD underneath), and given the special surface of the palm-rest, I think it tends to keep the heat as opposed to dissipate it.
Other than that, the bottom doesn't seem all that hot.

Brining the Vostro 1400 into the picture, that unit is extremely cool (C2D 5470 Santa Rosa) and you can't here a thing from the unit, even when the core's are busy. It is certainly a winner on this topic.

At this stage of the game, I'm really torn. I did pick up another U300 which I haven't opened yet.

I'm curious about your U300 experience specially to do with HEAT. How hot is the palm rest or the bottom of the unit? Do you also notice an unusual FAN behaviour?

I'll start running some CPU benchmarks and see how the AMD and INTEL deliver in real life.

 

Hi,

I ended up returning the U300. It was a tough decision. Yesterday was the last day I could return my HP DV2422, so I guess it's my notebook now!

Yes, the U300 did run hot, especially in the top left corner where the processor vents out the heat.

To me, the DV2422 feels more solid: I don't have to worry about silver paint wearing off the keyboard; the painted surfaces have a 'clear coat' to protect them.

The U300 was such a nice size, but a combination of factors such as build quality, battery life, graphics card, and past bad experience with Toshiba E830 PPC made me return it.

I almost ordered a Dell, but for the price I got my DV2422, it was a bargain compared to what I would have had to pay for a Dell 1420 similarly configured; plus I didn't have to wait for delivery and factor in re-stocking fee if I didn't like it.

See you on RFD!

 

Hi,

Regarding the Hp DV2422; how is the battery life? Do you find the performance of the machine acceptable? I'm considering buying one as the price is so darned good ($799 CAD).

Thanks,

Brent

 

Actually, you can control the frequency of how often/when the fan turns on/off by either using the Toshiba Power Saver (Windows XP) OR as I found out last night, if you go into the power options of Windows Bloatista, then go in advanced - there's an option in there for CPU Cooling or something like that, the 2 options are Maximum or Battery Optimized; the latter option works by throttling down your CPU (to a lower speed) to cool it vs. Using the fan *all* the time.

In Windows XP, the Toshiba Power Saver utility is Much more articulate in when and how the CPU should be cooled - which I like a lot more; plus you only have to click on the program to get all the options popping up - vs. having a 3 or more step click to get into things in Windows Bloatista..

- Jordan

 

Today, I finally cracked open the new U300 that I exchanged a couple of weeks back and it also suffers the same FAN on/off issue that I discussed previously.
I, too, started looking into the power management utilities under Vista and I did find the settings you are mentioning, but interestingly enough, that made no difference.
I used Speedfan as well as CPU-Z to monitor the system.

In the battery-optimized setting, it throttled the CPU to 800Mhz from 1.73 GHz (on the T2060) while in the performance optimized one, it kept it at the high CPU.
However, in both cases, the core 1&2 temp. was between 51-54 C during idle.
It would go to nearly 60C in higher CPU loads.

For the life of me, I couldn't figure out what the temp. thresholds were. No matter what the load on the CPU, it came on/off quite frequently with no recognizable pattern. However, it was frequent enough that it DOES still bother me.

You've raised a couple of points:
- I've read some of your postings that you've managed to run XP on this unit. Maybe I'll try to do the same as I can't stand Vista's "so-called" simplified interface. I've really tried to cope with VISTA, but maybe, I'll revert to XP on the U300. I still have 1 more day before I can return the unit.
My HTCP is still running Vista until I give up on that one too.

- are you saying that with the Toshiba utilities, I can control the FAN speed?
If so, that would be awesome then.


BTW, the palm rest gets quite warm too, which is somewhat uncomfortable (but not quite as hot as the HP DV2404). I wonder whether this heat, along with heat from my palms will actually discolor the unit!!!

 

If you can find one at the price, just grab it. Performance is great. Battery life is 4.5 - 6 hours. Bear in mind the battery sticks out on the rear bottom about 2 cm, making a 'stand' so the notebook slopes downward. As a result, there is better air-flow around the bottom vents.
For when I want more portability, I ordered off e-bay a 47Whr 6 cell battery which doesn't stick out the bottom.

Overall, I'm happy with my decision.

 

I take it that you live in the USA? If so, you'll want to do yourself a favour and purchase all your future laptops from Costco.com or the actual Costco warehouses - return policy is 3 months for a full refund there and 6 months for Costco Canada -> A Hellava lot better than the regular retail/manufacturer direct, don't you think?

-> they also sell the u300..amongst many other brands/models..

In regards to the changes to the Vista Power management not doing anything - With so many things going wonky with vista, I wouldn't be surprised that those settings might 'not' actually be working or something to that effect.

In regards to Windows XP now, The Toshiba Power Saver Utility does allow one to set the processing speed per power management profile (i.e. you can make any amount you want or just change the pre-made ones to fit your needs) - this should allow to CPU to keep cooler going at a lower speed.

In addition to that, it does allow you to set the 'Cooling Method' to either: 1. Maximum, Performance, or Battery Optimized. As before, Maximum will *always use the fan to cool down the cpu; Performance will do a balance of both (fan & throttling the cpu); while Battery Optimized in this utility *will throttle first and *only if* necessary - use the fan - i.e. if you're cpu is perfusely hot, etc.

Note that - living in a hot climate will force the CPU to cool itself more, plus it depends on what applications/utilities you're currently running while using it.
For things like just using notepad, word, surfing or just simply listening to music - these are low resource applications, and will allow the above mentioned Cooling Methods to actually be the most effective.

That said, now if you were running something CPU intensive like antivirus scans, Video/Photo Editing, or even watching a DVD (some DVD programs use the CPU to smoothen the viewing experience) - The CPU will *almost always 'try' to keep itself cool 'anyway it can' - i.e. it'll probably be using the fan.

All in all - the more Resource/CPU intensive the application/utility, the more Cooling will be needed.


Edit: Now that I re-read your post again, I forgot to mention that Vista by Nature is Resource *Intensive - i.e. with all the DRM/Copy Protection built into it to ensure consumer 'safety' - i.e. to prevent people running pirated movies, etc. - it's kinda hard for a machine to keep cool when it's actively doing something while the user 'is not' - Don't you think?

Btw, 50 celcius to 60 sounds HOT - especially if your particular model has a 'Core 2 Duo'.


- Jordan

 

Just noticed that you said that you got the U300-NS1 - undoubtedly, it's a Canadian Model and you live in Canada.

Anywho, that model has the low end of the mobile processor family and although not drop bottom as a Celery (aka Celeron) - from what I gather - it's right next to it (literally).

As I've said in other posts - when intel designs a chip, they have 1 main design; then when they want to cheaper, they start by lowering speed, throwing out extra cpu cache, power saving and other related features.

Basically, what I'm telling you by mentioning this information on the chips - is that the lower you get with the model of cpu chip, the less abilities it will contain (which includes power saving features [some have more than others]).


- Jordan

 

The more time I spend with the U300, the more I realize that this laptop is NOT for me.
I go through about 20 laptops per year, mainly because of my freak nature when it comes to finding good deals (it also doesn't help it when one is a frequenter at forums such as fatwallet and redflagdeals) and I definitely do have my share of favourite brands and models. I don't often keep a laptop long enough to see it fall into pieces, but I do tend to be quite picky and sometimes find it hard to let go of some of my laptops.

The U300 runs hotter than it should and is definitely noisier than it should be.

I'm currently typing on my beloved Lenovo v100 (T2300) and it is fairly quiet and cool, specially on the bottom and the palm rest. If the fan goes off, it is at least at a low speed and fairly quiet and certainly not distracting.

This damn U300-NS1 (and the other unit that I returned) which has a similar processor as the Lenovo (T2060, plain Core Duo, scaled down cache and scaled down FSB) runs much hotter and the fan is quite distracting (on/off/on/off). Under Vista, I actually found similar controls as you're mentioning with Toshiba's utility on XP for setting cooling profiles. I've had it on battery optimized setting for battery for cooling both when plugged in and when on battery. BTW, these settings appear to be Toshiba specific as the HP DV2404 doesn't have these controls for cooling options. It is labeled as "Toshiba Power Saver v8.02"
It doesn't make any noticeable difference to the operational annoyances that exist on this unit.

I really love the form factor, weight, build and the screen on this unit. But I think I won't be able to compromise for the noisy and hot aspect of this unit.

The bilingual keyboard is also not very ideal, but great when it comes time to sell it.

I considered installing XP and when I checked around for having dual XP and VISTA, it seems like after going through lots of hoops, XP will be installed as drive other than C: and if this is going to be my main OS, I don't want to see XP on any other drive than C:. So I guess I would have to create the restore CDs and wipe Vista off of the HD. I'll think about that a bit more to see if that's what I really want to do, or just return the unit to Staples (tomorrow is my last day).

I just saw a fairly good deal on a Dell XPS M1330. I was one of the first to jump on the new Vostro 1400 and even though it is a very nice performing laptop, it is heavier and thicker than I like, so I need to part with it with disappointment. I really like the 1440x900 display though. I'm contemplating to buy the M1330, but it is nearly twice the price of the U300 ($700 vs $1400 CDN$) and I just can't justify the extra cost (yet). It would be a bummer to pay so much for a unit and then once again, get disappointed.

 

hhhmmm...typically I turn my nose up at low end processors because I know they're designed to mean no-one any good - i.e. skimping the most on *everything is never good with product design.

That said - I think you may find it that a Core 2 Duo Processor would actually be easier to cool than a 'Intel Pentium Dual Core Mobile' processor (it's official name).

Yea, the Toshiba Power Saver utility is Toshiba specific - but at least when it's coupled with a good/decent processor it allows one to have some control over the unit

Btw, Toshiba.ca has a 30 day return policy and they have a Satellite Pro U300 there with a Core 2 Duo processor for $1150 - $50 for a limited time. It comes with Vista Business, but you can request the Windows XP Pro restore cds for that unit (as I was told by the Toshiba.ca sales rep today).

- Jordan

 

i purchased the ns1 because it was $629. Vista made the notbook feel like an oven, i installed XP and the unit runs alot cooler....I like the size and features but hate the keyboard and the 2 hour battery

 

I have the U305-ST3094; T5450 Core 2 Duo processor, 2 GB ram. It came with Vista, but I did a clean install of XP once I received it. The fan ran a little more than I liked at first, until I figured out how to turn on the Speed Step features under XP. The think about XP is that the power management schemes, in particular those relating to Enhanced Intel Speed Step, are not well published. The standard installation will leave you with the mobile processor running FULL OUT even with the cpu load at idle. NO WONDER the fan was coming on so frequently. I found a very good article on it here:

http://www.orthogonalthought.com/bl...step-windows-xp-and-confusing-power-profiles/

Once I got that figured out, laptop ran/runs great and stays cool.

To further extend battery life, I'm undervolting slightly using rmclock. Fan only comes on during heavy use, and I'm getting a full 4 hours on the 6 cell battery.

So, my experience with the U305, once I figured out how to manage the speed step mechanisms, is very good. Great size, excellent screen, good battery life, decent build quality.