Customer Reviews
sweet little computer.... 
2008-10-01
I wanted to find a smaller computer when I finally got tired of lugging my 17" Gateway laptop around. I originally wanted the Sony Vaio, but there was no way I was spending the $2600 to buy a computer slower than this one...so, I bought it because it was a great deal. I have been very happy with this machine, though there are a couple drawback...
1. The heat. Others have talked about it, and if you are working on your lap, um, like you would occassionally do with a, um, laptop...you can get really uncomfortable. I have actually burned myself when I rested the computer on my bare leg while wearing shorts. I have a monitor for this thing and I use a cooling pad with it when it is on my desk, and I have a mini cooling fan that also tilts the computer at an angle more conducive to typing...so, overall, I only worry that it may shorten the life of the computer.
2. Not crazy about Vista, but getting used to it. Was REALLY ticked that the Mcfee security software is set up so you cannot just uninstall it easily, like any normal program. You have to hunt through the drives and erase individual folders, which was too much hassle for me an I just paid for the software...which is what they intended, I am sure. Still, it is kind of like blackmail. I have some programs that I could not download on the computer due to Vista and some of my writing programs I have to right click on the icon and open as an administrator, just to get the Vista to allow the program to run.
As far as anything else...I have not really noticed a short battery issue, because I always carry the cord with me...so, I cannot speak to that. I did buy a screen protector...(they sell them here on Amazon for 12.1" laptop screens)...and that has helped with the glare issue. The computer is fast and has been no trouble for over a year now. I would recommend it if you want to get something that has the size and speed to do almost all home and business applications while remaining remarkably portable.
If you wanted something more portable, I would check out the Acer EEE machines, I love mine, but it is not really something you can do work on...
Toshiba Satellite Laptop 2008-07-20
This laptop fit the bill. I had a Libretto before but needed to update. This laptop filled the bill. Small, lightweight and fast. I liked it so well I bought one for my girlfriend, who is now my wife, so she must have liked her's as well.
Power in a Pint-Sized Package 2007-10-08
I'm very satisfied with this product. This is a mobile laptop in the truest sense of the word and packs the power to still let you be productive on the go. I have always been extremely satisfied with Toshiba's Satellite line of laptops.
The T7200 processor is one of the fastest mobile available now. Coupled along with the 2GB of RAM really helps this computer fly when using Windows Vista. The integrated Intel graphics chip is a good choice for the size of this unit but lacks more than the very basic 3D support, so don't expect to do any 3D gaming on this computer. I only had one slight problem with this product, in which I received it with 1 dead pixel. This is fairly common in LCDs. Toshiba's policy regarding dead pixels is they will only replace the screen if there are few or more. The thing I love most about this computer is its size, it's like carrying a hardback novel.
If you plan on purchasing this product, I highly recommend the Targus CityGear Messenger Bag. It simply fits the laptop like a glove.
NOTE:
Contrary to what some reviewers have said, this laptop comes with the 32-bit not the 64-bit version of Vista Home Premium. Office 2007 does come pre-installed but it is a 30-day trial only.
I have noticed people complaining about the heat and battery life. First off, the heat issue is to be expected in a package this small. It really isn't an issue unless you are using processor intensive applications or using the DVD drive for prolonged periods. Secondly, the battery life is pretty good, I get at least 3 hours of it. It all depends on what power mode you are set at and what you are doing. An extended life battery is also available.
disappointed 
2007-07-09
Bought this laptop two months. My old Sony laptop was crapping out, and I needed a lot more memory. Shopped around and bought this Toshiba.
BAD:
-The worst problem has got to be how hot this computer gets. It gets very, very, very hot. I can see this becoming a problem as the computer ages (I had to buy a new laptop because my 4-year-old Sony began to overheat). Others have complained about this problem too. And no, I am not going to buy a laptop cooler and carry that stupid thing around too.
-The battery life is not good. Couple hours at most. That is horrible. My old Sony was 5-6 hours.
- The screen is immaculate, but only in dark situations. Toshiba decided not to put any kind of glare reduction into their screen. If I am working indoors and it is sunny out, the screen has A LOT of glare. Again, my old Sony screen was much better
- The MaCafee pre-installed software is an absolute pain in the arse. It pops up ALL the time for different reasons. Not sure if it is the Macafee or what, but many programs and downloads will not work. Yahoo music, Morpheus, and others will not work. A new computer should not have these problems.
- Have had to restart the computer many times over the first two months, much more often than my Dell desktop or my old Sony laptop.
- keyboard. The keyboard is nothing special; I guess I was spoiled with my old Sony keyboard. This keyboard is budget.
GOOD:
- value. this is the reason I chose to buy this Toshiba. All the memory and speed. Very good.
- size. Love the 12.1 compact size.
- long adapter cord. Much longer than my old Sony. Very convenient.
- the top Play, FF, RW buttons are a good idea, and the side outlets and usb outlets are great.
- I've had no problems with Vista.
SUMMARY:
I am pretty worried about this computer breaking down after a year of operation; the overheating could be a major problem. I didn't want a cheap Dell, and I didn't want an expensive Sony. I thought Toshiba would be the best alternative. A little disappointed, but I am keeping it.
Nice Package 
2007-07-07
This computer is quite fast. It seems less prone to crashing than my desktop, an HP also running Vista. The screen is beautiful, although it does reflect light, but the detail and colors are very impressive and rich looking. It has great connectivity. The hard drive is very roomy and you can do photo and video editing with the input ports, drive space, memory and processor speed. It is very light, quiet, does not run terribly hot, and is quite powerful. My only criticisms so far are that the fire wire is 4 pin rather than 6 pin, so an adapter is needed (just a few bucks) and the speakers are very wimpy and tinny sounding. The price from Amazon was also quite good, especially with the rebate they were offering at the time of my purchase.
Have a second thought before you pay for this model 2007-07-06
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7200 / 2GB PC-4200 DDR2 Memory / 160GB Serial ATA Hard Drive / 12.1-inch Widescreen TruBrite LCD / Windows Vista Home Premium 12.1-inch Diagonal Widescreen TruBrite TFT LCD Display at 1280x800 Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 Toshiba V.92 Software Modem Intel PRO Network Connection 10/100 Base-TX Ethernet Integrated Wireless LAN Network Connection 3945ABG 802.11a/b/g One PCMCIA Type I & II Card Slot 5-in-1 Bridge Media Adapter - Secure Digital, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, Multi Media Card (MMC), xD Picture Card Ports - Video RGB output, Audio Microphone and Headphone, iLink Firewire, 3 Port USB 2.0, RJ45 LAN and RJ11 Modem Dimensions - Width 11.8 x Depth 8.86 x Height 1.34 inch Weight - 4.1 pounds
Started hot - died early 2007-07-05
I was very pleasd upon receiving this unit. It had a hot processor, but the DVD drive died completely just two days after it arrived. I asked Amazon for a replacement unit, but they instead refunded my money. Too bad. I really liked the speed and features on this model. Since I couldn't have a replacement I purchased a similar Toshiba with only 1 gig of RAM and the slower 1.66 processor at a local store. Again, too bad. It is VERY slow in comparison.
After using the origninal unit for just two days, I really liked it despite a flimsy DVD drive. My guess is Toshiba will have a lot of problems with it over time. If the DVD drive hadn't died I would have given this unit 5 stars.
Super fast! 2007-06-27
Light, super fast, comfortable keyboard, ultra bright screen, and over 2-hour long battery life! No wonder this model is often out of stock. The only downside is Vista, but that's work in progress and has nothing to do with the PC's capabilities. Hopefully Vista's 1st service pack will be available soon as various software makers are catching up with the compatibility issues. If you are thinking about upgrading, this is the model to focus on. It's packed with the same or better features than more expensive similar notebooks(e.g. Dell, Sony, etc).
Good Laptop -But needs lot more features compared to competition 2007-06-27
I have been using this laptop for the last 2 months and it has been great. I have been having lots of problems with regards to the Vista but overall this is a good system. But compared to other systems from vendors like sony this does not have a built in web camera which might be a problem for some. The most important thing that i overlooked is this doesnt have "NO BLUETOOTH". Although Toshiba is a Bluetooth promoter member since the inception of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group in 1998, i find this a glaring omission on Toshiba.
Having said that the overall look and feel of the system is awesome. i am primarily impressed with the lcd display, the performance and the weight of the laptop.
If not for the vista problems and the missing features i would rate it 5 stars.
Great package, bad interface design 2007-06-09
The configuration of this laptop is outstanding. In particular, the 2GB of RAM makes this piece of equipment zoom even with the bulky Vista (after turning off the Mcafee virus scan). The hard drive is fast too, at 5400rpm it is sufficient to move the largest files around quickly. And the cache on the T7200 makes complex graphical processing smooth! Before I forget, the clarity and glossyness of the screen make this powerful little laptop very good looking. The battery lasts long, about 4 hours with typical usage (mixture of email, pictures, browsing, flash video, MS Office, etc) in the Power Saver mode! I think the finger print login is a very cool feature, once you figure out how to get it working for you.
However, this laptop lacks in terms of usability. You have to press the keys hard to record your keystrokes. This may not be an issue for those who are accustomed to non-Satellite models before. In comparison with the older Satellite keyboards, which had soft feather-touch keys, this one might end up giving you one of those finger-joint and wrist-joint problems long-term because you'll need to use lots of little muscles in your hands to express your thoughts and feelings. I've already had to re-press several keys to see them on the screen. The position of the Home and End keys is annoying too! The side bezels on the left and right side of the keyboard could have been made thinner (as on the 11" Sony Vaio) to accommodate the Home and End keys in the regular position, but Toshiba decided to place them on the top. If this is the only computer you use, you might get adjusted to the position of these keys, but if this is one of the many computers you use, the little mental annoyance each time you need to search for the Home, End, Page Up and Page Down buttons will turn out to be death by a thousand cuts (ie. very frustrating).
My laptop has one other issue - the sound cannot be turned down to absolute zero. Even when I turn the software and hardware volume controls to absolute zero, I can still hear sound loud enough about 6 feet away. The only way to turn the sound to absolute zero on this laptop is to press the mute button in software. I believe this could be a defect in my particular laptop and not across the model.
