Toshiba launches AW5 laptop

Got a new ones from Toshiba today, folks: the Satellite AW5 15.4-inch WXGA (1280 x 800) laptop, which features a Celeron M or Core Duo processor of your choice, up to 2GB RAM, 60GB drive, dual-layer DVD±R drive, PC and ExpressCard/54 slots, 4-in-1 media reader, 802.11a/b/g, and graphics up to a 128MB GeForce Go 7600 if you want to plunk down ¥189,800 for the higher end model (about $1,700 US). Nothing too out of the ordinary, but stay tuned for the eventual US launch.

[DS @ May 29th 2006 11:51AM]

These guys have a *LONG* way to go before they catch up to Apple design wise. Nice try, but like every other POS out there, I think I'll pass....


-DS

[Zadillo @ May 29th 2006 1:05PM]

To be fair, Toshiba isn't specifically known for really sleak designs. The Satellite series especially has always been pretty utilatarian. But you normally have a good idea of what you're getting with Toshiba, and for a reasonable price. Personally I've owned two Toshiba laptops in my life..... an old Satellite Pro (was some sort of PII-based system), and a Toshiba Portege 3015ct, which was really an impressive laptop (about .75 inches thin, under 3 pounds, etc.). I think the Porteges especially have often had very nice and slick designs, actually. Toshiba doesn't really make anything that currently appeals to me, but again, comparing their offerings to Apple is probably missing the point (as would be comparing their offerings to, say, Sony).

[Duaneg7872 @ May 29th 2006 1:15PM]

Since the last two Satellite's I purchased have had motherboard meltdowns due to over heating chips, and there are three class action suits against Toshiba, I don't think I'll be purchasing a new Toshiba anytime soon. I have enough stress in my life.

[jon @ May 29th 2006 2:18PM]

I had the misfortune of recommending to 4 of my friends to buy Toshiba laptops last year during the Holidays.

They all bought them and they all have had pretty major problems. 2 of them had to send them to Toshiba for Motherboard replacements.

I will never recommend Toshiba laptops to anyone again.

Jon

[Tim @ May 29th 2006 10:08PM]

I have taken my Toshiba Satellite for repairs and even a when I needed a recovery disk, (the one that came w/the laptop was blank), Toshiba wanted to charge me 15.00 dollars! Tim Q.

[Ypocaramel @ May 29th 2006 11:04PM]

I like my Satillite - it was cheap, had a 6600 that kept me happy unti Oblivion, and didn't break down. That said usually the Satellite with good graphics cards don't usually show up in the states - they'll bleed you a bit for the Tecra's.

[Apothus @ May 30th 2006 11:41AM]

----old news----

This reply is being typed on my version of that laptop (ok it's sitting next to me and i am typing on my desktop). As far as specifications go and on comparison of the image that is the laptop i ought over 3 months ago over here in Aus. Over here it is still a satelite but it is an A100.

And yes i belive you had a similar model released not long ao in the US with the same name but trust me it is different.

I have found it to be a superb laptop, quick and efficient for a power user. If you want something just to do word processing than you could probably get something a little cheaper but if you want a machine to do any graphics or video work on the run then this machine is more than capable.

Battery life is fair, i reserve judgement on this as it is only 3 months old.

As for the toasty fator - it does get warm, they have changed the heatsinks from alluminium to copper and when the fan kicks in i cant hold my hand near the vent for too long.

Bundled software is good (xp-pro) although toshiba have loaded a lot of their own apps that could have been reduced a lot better (many of these are related to networking) Range is not to bad and the bluetooth works well although i must admit it is not high on my agenda.

For those who like gadgets it has a builtin fingerprint scanner that can secure everything from you Gmail account password to your bios and HDD, it is also used for different user lognons.

Graphics are powerful, it runs BF2 and NFS Most Wanted easily (low setttings - i prefer FPS). I uprgaded my ram to 1GB as oppsed to the stock 512 as the video memory is hyper memory (128MB dedicated with a further 128MB borrowed from system memory when nesercerry).

Keyboard is easy to use although secondary functions are printed in grey which makes it VERY painful when working in low light. The microsoft shortcut keys are in the top right corner which makes them virtually useless. Touchpad is responsive although a little small, it also has a secondary function (tap the top left corner) that allows you to adjust the volume or open one of six backlit functions.

I am very pleased with the machine and it is more than capable of handeling my student requirements, If anyone has any questions feel free to e-mail me at [e-mail]