Toshiba A45-S121 Laptop (2.8 GHz Celeron, 256 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Combo)

Driven by a cost-effective 2.8 GHz Intel Celeron processor and a nominal 256 MB RAM, the Satellite A45-S121 isn't designed for complex multitasking or demanding state-of-the-art applications. However, it will easily handle general chores such as word processing, personal finances, electronic communications and Internet browsing. Surprisingly, Toshiba has equipped this comparatively inexpensive system with a 32 MB Intel 852GME graphics controller. Though not ideal for high-end 3-D games, this chipset will allow you to efficiently play older and less demanding games and perform some 3-D graphics work. This level of 3-D capability is uncommon in this price range.

Measuring 13.2 by 11.7 by 1.9 inches and weighing in at 7.7 pounds, the Satellite A45-S121 is of average size -- less bulky than a "desktop replacement" unit but nearly double the weight of some of today's lightweight tablets and ultra-compact notebooks. Inside, Toshiba has included a 40 GB hard disk, a full-size 85-key keyboard with 12 hotkeys, a midsize 15-inch XGA TFT active-matrix display capable of 1024 by 768 resolution, and a convenient DVD/CD-RW drive through which you can burn and listen to audio CDs, archive files, and enjoy the latest Hollywood blockbusters. If you wish to burn DVDs, you'll either need to upgrade or utilize an external DVD writer. As to be expected in this price range, connectivity options are only fair. The system features a traditional 56K modem port for dial-up communication and an RJ-45 LAN port for high-speed networking, but does not include wireless facilities or an IEEE 1394 FireWire port (normally used for fast downloads from digital camcorders). Furthermore, Toshiba has fitted the unit with four traditional USB ports rather than the new USB 2.0 standard, thus limiting data streaming speed from external devices such as digital cameras and the like.

The bundled software package features Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition operating system, Microsoft's Works productivity suite, and Intuit's Quicken New User Edition 2004 financial center. In ideal conditions, battery life is estimated at an impressive 2.9 hours.

Product Description
Why let things grind to a halt whenever you leave your desk? Choose a Satellite A45 model with built-in Wi-Fi (802.11g) and take the Internet or network with you! Models offer a choice of Intel Celeron or robust Mobile Pentium 4 processor, CD or DVD burner, and hard drive capacity to 60GB. All models come with Microsoft Office OneNote for enhanced productivity.

Cons:
- Misleading specs, Toshiba claims to include an Intel Celeron M 2.8Ghz CPU when in fact this is a your average OEM desktop CPU, Integrated 32MB VRAM video card is another wrong specs about this system since the Intel 852GME is an IGP that uses/shared system memory and allocates 16MB when you have 256MB or 32MB when 512MB is installed, these settings can't be changed by the user.
- Heavy an bulky, another specs blunder by Toshiba on the A45 line, it's as thick as the 2199US on the front(1.6") but the back is almost 2.5" thick, also the sides are around 1/2" - 3/4" bigger than the 2199US. This notebook won't fit on your averge bag.
- The LCD is just too bright and controlled by the Toshiba Power Saving application, don't remove it from your startup config else you will have to adjust the brightness everytime you boot. To get a good contrast and viewing angle the screen has to be at least 125 degrees from the base of the unit, this is problem especially in small places like in a car or small desk or just sitting on your lap.
- No S-Video out, if you want to watch a DVD/Divx on your TV or simply make a presentation then you may have to buy an extra peripheral to do the job.
- Video support for OpenGL games only, I didn't see any settings for Direct3D only for OpenGL and the fact that Serious Sam played without a problem but Splinter Cell 2 fail to load may be a problem, also the lack of video memory could be an issue most games require at least 64MB of video RAM to work now days.
- Noisy HD, the access "clicking" noise from the HD is very loud at times, I also was getting a pulsating pixel on a right hand corner when accessing the HD, which dissapeared after a while.

Well this is my opinion and my overall reaction to the few hours of usage, in the end is you(or myself) that have to choose between this Toshiba, the HP/CPQ or any other low budget notebook out there.