The Basics
An awesome roster of portable computers designed for those who won't accept anything less than the finest mobile performance, Toshiba's P25 series of Satellite notebooks will handle virtually any duty you might normally reserve for high-end desktop PCs. As powerful "desktop replacement" notebooks, they are somewhat bulkier and less battery efficient than today's new breed of ultra-lightweight notebooks. However, true power users will find the extra size a small price to pay for amenities such as high-end Pentium 4 processing, solid 3D graphic capabilities and massive 17-inch widescreen displays. This model, the Satellite P25-5263 Notebook PC, features all of the above plus DVD recording and a spacious 80 GB hard disk. Processor
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. Some of today's notebooks are equipped with high-end CPU's on par with those found in top-of-the-line desktop PCs, while others are quick enough only for basic duties such as word processing, email and the like. The Satellite P25-5263 lies firmly in the latter category, equipped with a blazing 3.2 GHz Intel Pentium 4 processor with Hyper-Threading. Hyper-Threading, a new Intel technology, allows a single CPU system (which most are) to behave at times as a dual CPU system, thus adding substantially more speed to some high-end tasks. Running at 3.2 GHz, this particular processor would be one of the fastest in any notebook, but it is nothing less than spectacular with its Hyper-Threading support.
Memory
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. The Satellite P25-5263 incorporates 512 MB of RAM, more than enough for most situations. Ultra-demanding users may want to expand their RAM, and with the Satellite P25-5263 they can, to a boggling maximum of 2048 MB.
Video
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). This system's graphics controller is an nVidia GeForce FX Go5200 with 64 MB of dedicated video RAM. While a graphics card with 128 MB or more of video RAM is considered ideal for a completely smooth frame rate in state-of-the-art 3D games and 3D animation apps, this card is nevertheless comparatively powerful and more than enough for all but the most demanding gamers and 3D artisans.
Display
You'll love the way your DVD movies and 3D games look on the system's roomy 17-inch TFT WXGA display. Substantially larger than most notebook viewing screens, this display is especially notable for its widescreen format, the same panoramic configuration favored by movie-makers and some high-end game producers. And with a maximum resolution of 1440 by 900, you can expect super-sharp images no matter what application you're using.
Hard Disk
The Satellite P25-5263 features a massive 80 GB of hard disk space. This amount of data storage is a welcome perk indeed for those who want to operate a broad range of applications and also keep a large library of space-gobbling music and/or multimedia files.
Optical Drive
An optical drive is essential in today's computing environment. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD "burning", so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can watch DVD movies. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD). Some drives allow you to do a combination of all of these tasks. This system features a DVD-Super-Multi drive that supports all of the above in each of today's most common CD and DVD formats.
Audio
The system features an integrated audio processor that mimics the spatial awareness of surround sound, and two harman-kardon speakers for powerful mobile stereo output.
Keyboard and Controls
You'll control your notebook via an 85-key keyboard with 12 function keys, dedicated Windows keys support, and a TouchPad pointing device with scroll. CD controls include Play/Pause, Stop/Eject, Previous, and Skip/Next.
Connectivity and Expansion
The Satellite P25-5263 offers a wide variety of ways to keep in touch, including a 56K modem for low-speed dial-up Internet and email access, an RJ-45 Ethernet port for high-speed wired network and Internet, and integrated wireless LAN for cordless e-communication at home, at the office or on the road via a local public hotspot. Other key amenities include four high-speed USB 2.0 ports for plug and play devices such as external drives and digital cameras, an infrared port for interacting with wireless peripherals, an IEEE 1394 FireWire port (commonly used for quick data uploads from digital camcorders), and a digital (S-Video) TV-out port.
Operating System and Software
Toshiba has fitted the system with today's most widely accepted operating system, Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition.
Dimensions and Weight
Notebook computers are manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and weights. Many of today's most powerful notebooks are also the largest, weighing ten or twelve lbs or more and therefore too big and cumbersome for extensive, continuous traveling. These are often referred to as "desktop replacements". On the other extreme are "thin and lights" or "ultra-portables", super-miniaturized units that typically aren't as powerful as their larger brethren but weigh as little as two lbs and will often fit comfortably inside a large purse. The Satellite P25-5263 is definitely larger than average, yet more compact than many other "desktop replacements" at 16.4 by 11.5 by 1.8 inches and 9.9 lbs.
Power
The system is equipped with a 12-cell Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery that delivers 1.5 hours between charges. This is not particularly efficient when compared with less capable ultra-portables using Intel's Centrino technology and Pentium M processor, but is in keeping with standard desktop replacement battery longevity.
