A Review of the Brand New 17" Toshiba Satellite X205-SLI5 Multimedia Laptop

Toshiba has released a series of multimedia notebooks that use Intel's newest processor; the Penryn. The X205-SLI5 is one of those notebooks and I've gotten my hands on one. In this review I'm going to let you know where this mobile multimedia machine both comes up big and falls a little short. I'll also let you know what kind of consumer is going to get the most out of purchasing one of these beautys.

Hardware

Processor: The 2.40 GHz "Penryn" Intel Core 2 Duo

Storage Space: two 160GB hard drives (for a total of 320 GB)

RAM: 3GB (expandable up to a 4GB maximum)

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

Graphics Accelerator: The Nvidia SLI Dual GeForce 8600M card (767 MB of available shared and dedicated video memory)

Dimensions and weight: 15.7" x 11.3" x 2.05" and weighs 9.4lbs

Also in the box: Includes a 4.1 Harman Kardon speaker setup

Typically these large screened (17+) notebooks are designed for desktop replacements or too add a little strength to a home entertainment center. This notebook hold true to that with the great graphics card and large amount of disk space but what sets it apart is its great battery life. Using the Penryn I've noticed it gets exceptional battery life compared to most other 17" desktop replacement type notebooks. The only problem I've found is that it is so bulky. Over 2" thick at its thinnest, and weighing in just under 10lbs it isn't something you'll want to lug around too often.

With that being said it does do all of those other things that I mentioned great ie the X205-SL15 is a great desktop replacement. With a 17" LCD screen capable of producing a resolution of 1440x900 and an excellent graphics card it will likely please the diligent worker and gamer alike.

Connectivity

Integrated WiFi (for connecting to wireless networks)

Integrated BlueTooth (use this to sync with your cell phone or perhaps a GPS)

1 Ethernet port (for wired networks)

6 2.0 USB inputs (these are used to connect to MP3 players, printers and digital cameras among other things)

1 FireWire input (this is used for high speed data transfer between other PC's or digital camcorders)

1 HDMI output (this is a video output designed for HD televisions)

1 S-Video output (for connecting to projectors)

1 VGA output (for connecting to a typical monitor)

1 ExpressCard 54/34 (use this to add peripherals like a cell phone company's wireless modem)

1 audio out / 1 mic in

5 in 1 memory card reader (use this to insert you digital camera's memory cards)

1 Standard 56K modem input (for dialup)

I love all the connectivity but of course with a notebook this large you're going to get just about everything you'd expect to find in a standard tower PC. In the end I love that it has an HDMI port with really allows you to take this notebook to the living room setting and watch HD movies or play games on your huge HD television. The bottom line is that this is a great notebook if mobility isn't a priority. If you can afford the hefty $1800 average price tag then be my guest but I would shop around a little bit to see if you can't find a better deal on this one or something compatible.