With Toshiba ideally-sized, well-equipped Satellite Pro U400 Series, you get virtually everything you need, with nothing between you and success. Starting with an ideally-sized... more
Toshiba Satellite U400-138 -The little wonder; Laptop at its best!
Why to buy? Let me first tell you that I had owned laptops before (5 of them). A month back I purchased an HD Camcorder and thus, started shopping for something more powerful, to do my HD Movie Editing. I knew it was time for a core2duo model. After contemplating few of the latest brands I chose the Toshiba Satellite U400-138, about 10 days back. Have used it vigorously since; and am already overwhelmed by this Little "Powerhouse".
Main Specifications: You'll get the detailed config. of this notebook everywhere, specifically www.toshiba-europe.com. Here's why I chose to buy it: -Intel Centrino2 (latest notebook technology) -Core2duo (A superpower multi-processor) -13.3" Display (boy, here we are talking about mobility) -Light Weight (just about 2 Kgs.) -HD Ready (Toshiba is the pioneer of Hi-Def) -3 Gb RAM (min. needed for today's multimedia works) -320 Gb Hard disc (a whopper!) -Intel GMA 4500 MHD (128 Mb Graphics; not the best) -Competitively Priced (I bought it for Dhs. 4,500/-; US$ 1,200/- approx.)
Reasoning: My shopping list had Macbook, Sony, Toshiba, Lenovo and Acer (exactly in that order) for their equivalent "Reliability". After deliberately checking those out I finally settled down for the Toshiba Satellite U400-138. You know why? (1)Configuration, (2)Looks and (3)Price. Toshiba beats them in these 3 departments. I'll give you my reasoning, which may not be right for everyone, but is the general requirement for all notebook shoppers: Macbook. I sincerely wanted to migrate to Mac this time. But found their configuration & pricing not matching the market (Mac 's still riding on their niche marketing). Sony. I wanted the Vaio, purely for its vibrant colours, look-stopper value. But again found that they are unnecessarily pricey. Lenovo. A rock-solid laptop. The 2008 Lenovos are better than their older models, nice black, mirror finish tops. But they are still very boxy. Their contours are out dated, I felt. Acer. 2nd largest notebook maker. Variety of models. Very competitively priced. But their new models do not look as good as their 2007 ones. These are all plastic, flimsy keypad and I do not fancy their rounded 'gemstone" looks. But, besides the looks, Acer is a very good bargain. I already have one (2007 model).
Now, back to my Toshiba Satellite U400-138. Beating the above 4 brands in specs., though priced like the Sony, this is definitely the best 'All Rounder' notebook of 2008. It has everything today's laptop needs, Bluetooth, in-built Camera, Firewire port, HDMI port (icing on the cake), Vista Home-Premium, 5x1 Card Reader, DVD RW, Dolby-Digital Stereo, independent Media Player Buttons (don't need to switch-on windows) and the High Powered 'Intel P8400 Multi-Processor'.
Fastest Laptop: My 10 days of heavy usage proved that the Toshiba Satellite U400-138 really runs super-superfast, takes heavy computing without a quirk, that's what we need today in our notebook. The Crystal-Brite TFT LCD displays 1280x800 rez. (plainly speaking, very-very good quality images) and though the 128 Mb Graphics are a low config. Yet it did my Video Editing (HD, mind you!) without a hitch. The NVidia Geforce Graphics would have been better, but you don't always get everything, do you? Not an issue though.
Great looks: In the looks department, it is quite wonderful too. It is small & beautiful. A Gray & Black beauty. Shiny top with their "Horizon Lines" all around. Nice 'White' lit buttons & indicators (including the 'Satellite' logo), unique flushed touch-pad, light weight, Soft edges and the best in market Shiny 'Piano' Keyboard. Let me not forget here, The Toshiba comes with a nice 'Sleeve Case', which is quite handy to carry this 'Small Powerhouse' around. I also liked the 'TOSHIBA' words big & proudly written, at the centre of this sleeve case.
Security: For Security, it has 2 great features. The Toshiba 'Face Recognition' system, to access the computer and the 'Anti-Shock' system for the HDD. It also has the McAfee Internet Security Suite.
Robust Built: Besides, the Toshiba also feels strong & sturdy, including a robust pair of hinges between the main body and the display lid. I say, the Toshiba Satellite U400-138 is definitely 'built to last'.
Conclusion: For a 13.3" Ultra-Portable notebook the Toshiba Satellite U400-138 is 'fully loaded', something which no other laptop has, as I found. Overall, I grade this notebook as the 'Best' in market today. At this price, configuration and reliability, you won't find another one.
Finally: Anyone looking for a laptop, I advice, 'Go for it", you don't need to search anymore. You may safely take my word for it as I am its proud 'user'. And have already fallen-in-love with it!!!
Capt. Sutanu Dutta Dubai, U.A.E. 01 Nov 2008 (Ps.: I am not a Toshiba Employee)
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Thosiba ...... if hear this name, which is in my mind is a laptop, because I just mania with this brand, in addition to speed work also show that there is no doubt in the world of laptop, this is the first laptop I have TOSHIBA, from my own bag and very durable dipakainya, I would suggest if I buy one again Laptops select Toshiba, larena Feature-fiturenya that is complete and the most important price is not too expensive, to other Toshiba is not too heavy to carry and convenient travel
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Advantages: Very Durable & Lightweight. Disadvantages: Could have more USB ports.
First of all its excellent!! The battery lasts for at least an hour and a half, possibly 2 hours on the power saver mode. Also an extra feature is the webcam GREAT! There is also a very useful login feature, Face Recognition - Logs the user in by using the webcam EXCELLENT FEATURE!! From my point of view its the best laptop ive used! Really easy to use & Looks stylish, also its quite small so its easy to move around if youre on buisness or if youre ...
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Graphics Processor / Vendor: Intel GMA X3100 Dynamic Video Memory Technology 4.0, Intel GMA 4500M Dynamic Video Memory Technology 5.0, Intel GMA 4500MHD Dynamic Video Memory Technology 5.0, Intel GMA 4500MHD Shared Video Memory (UMA), Intel GMA 4500MHD
Max Allocated RAM Size: 358 MB
Total Available Graphics Memory: 1340 MB
Audio
Audio Output: Sound card
Compliant Standards: DirectSound, DirectSound3D, High Definition Audio, High Definition Audio, High Definition Audio, Dolby Sound Room
Features: Toshiba Bass Enhanced Sound System
Audio Input: Microphone
Audio Codec: CX20561
Notebook camera
Camera Type: Integrated
Sensor Resolution: 1.3 Megapixel
Camera Features: AutoMacro
Input device(s)
Type: Keyboard, touchpad
Features: Toshiba EasyKeys
Manufacturer's product description
With Toshiba ideally-sized, well-equipped Satellite Pro U400 Series, you get virtually everything you need, with nothing between you and success. Starting with an ideally-sized screen, this compact platform offers business-essential performance with carrying comfort, so you can get to all those spreadsheet columns without getting in someone's way. Pentium Dual Core processor, excellent memory and storage, give you the tools you need to multitask and perform virtually anywhere. A built-in Webcam and microphone add a dimension to videoconferencing. The DVD-SuperMulti drive reads and writes to most popular CD and DVD formats, making it easy to share or back up data onto CDs or DVDs.
Operating system / software
OS Provided: Microsoft Windows Vista Business / XP Professional downgrade, Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Microsoft Office Ready: Includes a preinstalled image of select 2007 Microsoft Office suites. Purchase a Medialess License Kit (MLK) to activate the software.
Software: Drivers & Utilities, Toshiba ConfigFree, Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Connectivity Doctor, Google Toolbar, Toshiba Speech System, Toshiba Assist, Google Desktop, Google Picasa, Toshiba Disc Creator, Toshiba Value Added Package, Ulead DVD MovieFactory for Toshiba, Microsoft Office Professional 2007 (60 days trial), Chicony Camera Assistant Software, Face Recognition software, Toshiba DVD Player, McAfee Internet Security Suite 2008 (30 days subscription), Google Earth, Business Card Reader
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