Recently I decided it was time to replace my laptop. My old Laptop was a Toshiba 4300 series. The laptop came originally installed with Windows 98SE, 800mhz PIII processor, 16 gig hard drive, DVD rom, 128 meg RAM. When I got this laptop originally it was “The stuff” so to speak.
When Windows XP was released I upgraded the OS to Win XP Pro. Over the years, I maxed out the RAM (384meg) and swapped the 16 gig harddrive to an 80gig. And now this machine was “the stuff” again.
Well, after a life of about 7 years the machine was “showing it’s age” So I decided it was time to update. Needless to say I was happy with the Toshiba so I decided to stay in that brand for the new machine.
I needed a laptop with a good fast processor, lots of RAM and Harddrive, Video with it’s own memory, wireless N, DVD, Vista Ultimate, etc.. Basically a laptop that I could really “work” on and wasn’t too heavy. Tall order, I know. But, after a bit of looking I came across the Toshiba A305-S6843 (at BestBuy of all places) and it nearly had everything I was looking for.
This laptop is packed with features.
It boasts:
- Intel Core2Duo T8100 2.1ghz processor, Intel GM965 Chip set
- 4 gig (4096MB) PC5300 DDR2 SDRAM
- Multi Format DVD+/- RW drive with double-layer support (spports Labelflash direct-disc labels)
- 15.4″ WXGA TFT-LCD widescreen display with TruBrite Technology; native support for 720p HD content
- ATI Mobility Radeon – HD 3470 with 256MB
- 400 gig of hard drive space. (2 x 200gig SATA Drives)
- Builtin Webcam and microphone
- Intel a/b/g/n Wireless Wi-Fi Link 56k modem
- built-in harman/kardon Speakers
- s-video output and HDMI connection
- 5-in-1 bridge media adapter supports Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO and xD-Picture Card
- i.Link (IEEE 1394) Interface with 4 high-speed USB 2.0 ports
- Weighs approx 6 lbs. measures 1.5″ thin.
- Vista Home Premium 64bit Edition
The only thing that didn’t pass my requirements was the OS. I really wanted Vista Ultimate but, I can do the “Windows anytime upgrade” for $150ish to upgrade to Ultimate.
Here’s the best part… the thing that really sold me on this machine. It was only $1099.00. In my opinion for the RAM, Processor and Harddrive that was an amazing deal. (Since buying this machine the price has increased to $1249.00. Still a good price I think)
Enough for the specs, here is what I think so far.
Pros:
- Quick booting
- Super fast operating (with 4gig RAM and a T8100 processor, it should be)
- Awesome Display, Movies, text, web all display very well
- Sound… Well, the sound is very clear and loud
- Battery life is decent, on average I get about 3hours or so per charge.
- Doesn’t get very hot during operation. (my last Toshiba would burn your lap after a while)
- Quite operation – even when the fans speed up
Cons:
- Vista Home Premium 64bit – Would have preferred a pre-install of Vista Ultimate 64bit
- The glossy finish on the keyboard gets a little “slick and greasy” feeling
- no COM port.. (I know this is dying out but I need it to connect to some equipment)
- Serial to USB adapter wont work. (no Vista 64bit SIGNED drivers)
Overall this has been a great purchase. Super fast, lots of RAM, powerful and not too heavy.
If you are looking to replace your current laptop then, in my opinion, this would be a viable solution for you (it has been for me). You get lots of “bang for the buck”. I think You could definitely do worse for the money, but not much better.
© 2008 – 2009, Robert Owen. All rights reserved.

I am happy I discovered this blog, I couldnt discover any info on this subject matter prior to. I also run a website and if you would like to ever severe in just a little little bit of guest writing for me if possible really feel free of charge to let me know, i’m usually look for people to check out my website. Please stop by and leave a comment sometime!