A Review of the Multimedia Style 17" Toshiba Satellite X205-SLI2 Notebook

Gamers, artists, and even the general computer user all enjoy the features and benefits that can be found with multimedia notebooks. This results in one of the largest and most competitive laptop markets - the entertainment / multimedia PC's. While this market has been historically dominated by Sony, Toshiba has released a great line of multimedia notebooks including the X205-SLI2. This model has been particularly popular despite its high price. As a result I've decided to take one for a spin and write up a review. First I'm going to get started with a few of the basics.

Hardware

Processor: 2.10 GHz "Penryn" Intel Core 2 Duo

Storage Space: (2) 160 GB hard drives (for a total of 320GB)

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

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

Video Card: Nvidia SLI Dual GeForce 8600M (767 MB of shared and dedicated video RAM)

Also in the box: A 4.1 Harman Kardon speaker setup

Dimensions and weight: 15.7" x 11.3" x 2.1" weighing 9.37lbs

While the 17" operating at a native 720p (1440x900 specific resolution) LCD is certainly an eye catcher, it is hard to look past the ugly red swirls that cover the exterior bezel. I would certainly get a good look at this notebook before I bought it if I were you.

The power on this notebook isn't quite what I expected for a typical multimedia offering. It has a new Penryn which is known for its battery conservation but not really for its performance. It isn't terrible but not as fast as I would really like. The 2GB of RAM is OK, again I would like to see a little more, 2GB is really an unofficial minimum for Vista.

The video card is strong again, but not top of the line. It did however handle most of the games I loaded up without any sort of difficulty.

Connectivity

Integrated Wireless (to connect to wireless networks)

Integrated BlueTooth (use this to sync with things like your cell phone)

1 Ethernet Port (to connect with wired networks)

6 2.0 USB ports (these are the gold standard for connecting to things like mp3 players, and printers to your laptop)

1 FireWire port (mainly used for connecting to digital camcorders but can be used for high speed data transfer between about anything)

1 HDMI video output (this can be used to connect to an HD television)

S-Video output (to connect to a projector)

1 VGA output (to connect to a standard monitor)

1 ExpressCard slot (to add peripherals)

1 audio jack / 1 mic jack

5-in-1 memory card reader (Secure Digital, MultiMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD Picture Card)

56K modem (so you can dial up!)

The connectivity is great, I love the HDMI port which really allows you to get the most out of this notebook's high definition optical drive. Ultimately this is an average multimedia notebook with an above average price. Right now it is offered at around $1500 which is higher than it needs to be and I attribute this to the inclusion of the new Penryn processor. I think that this notebook would ultimately please most average users but may fall a little short for those really looking for some performance. Bottom line - unless this notebook's price falls hard I would find something else.