A Product Review of the Mobile 14.1" Toshiba Satellite M305-S4815 Notebook

These days it seems that the number one question I get from consumers about notebooks is "how much does it weigh?" That tells me that mobility is the prime concern for the majority of laptop buyers right now. And that is precisely the reason why I believe this Toshiba M305-S4815 has been received so well. This little Satellite has great mobility married with performance. In this review I'm going to let you know where this satellite shines and where it falls short. First some of the basics.

Hardware

From the Bezel: integrated media controls, and an integrated Webcam

Processor: 1.83 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5550

Storage Space: 250 GB hard drive

RAM: 2GB (expandable up to a 4 GB maximum)

Optical Drive: A CD R/RW with integrated dual-layer DVD +/- burner

Graphics Accelerator: Integrated Intel GMA X3100 graphics (shares up to 358 MB of RAM for Video memory)

Dimensions and weight: 13.2" x 9.5" x 1.5" and weighs 5.2lbs

This notebook has a good processor that sips energy as well as providing a decent amount of power. This little notebook runs great when performing a number of tasks including multi-tasking a number of flash heavy web browsers and running Adobe Photoshop. This Toshiba can do about anything you want except playing graphically intensive video games. The integrated video card shares RAM with the system and doesn't really allow for any hardcore gaming. This shouldn't be a major issue for the majority of laptop users.

For such a small notebook the M305-S4815 has plenty of features. It has an integrated webcam that produces an image about as clear as a cell phone's
camera. It also has all of the media controls like play stop and fast forward conveniently integrated right into the front of the notebook. The screen is bright with a reflective coating and operates at a resolution of 1280x800.

Connectivity

Integrated Wireless ( to connect to hotspots)

1 Ethernet Port (to connect to wired LANs)

3 2.0 USB ports (which can be used to connect to things like mp3 players, digital cameras as well as printers)

1 FireWire port (for high speed data transfer between other PCs but mostly digital camcorders)

1 ExpressCard slot (to add peripherals like a Bluetooth card)

1 VGA output (a standard monitor output)

1 audio out / 1 mic in

1 digital audio output

1 56K modem input (so you can dialup)

5 in 1 memory card reader (use this to insert memory cards from your digital camera or PDA)

The connectivity is good, and I see everything I'd expect. The only disappointment is the lack of integrated Bluetooth adapter. This however can be remedied with the investment of a $20 adapter if you need it. In the end this notebook would be perfect for anyone that really needs to get on the road but maintain some serious PC power. It would be great for the student or the well traveled business professional and at $840 I don't really see any reason to wait around. While I expect slight decreases during the coming sales periods I don't foresee any drastic price reductions.