Description:
The Basics:
Designed to appeal to portable computer users who prioritize multimedia yet don't want a cumbersome and ultra-expensive "desktop replacement" notebook, Toshiba's Satellite M35-S456 is a conveniently sized and satisfactorily powerful yet battery-efficient notebook PC. The system does cost a few dollars more than many of Toshiba's midlevel notebooks, but its combination of modern amenities, superb connectivity and welcome versatility is well worth it. Processor:
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of microscopic 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, though these machines are usually noticeably larger and more power hungry than their less powerful counterparts. For the Satellite M35-S456, Toshiba has selected a 1.7 GHz Pentium M 735 processor. Introduced in 2003, the original Pentium M represented a breakthrough in mobile processing technology, offering ultra-efficient battery usage yet a very large (one MB) "Level 2 cache" for more power than the Pentium M's comparatively low clock speeds might indicate. The CPU in this computer is a brand new breed of Pentium M chip, unveiled in 2004 and offering double the Level 2 cache (a stunning two MB) of the already impressive original Pentium M. This particular CPU's 1.7 GHz clock speed puts it in the middle of the new Pentium M pack, and it is thusly powerful enough for all but the most demanding notebook applications. Memory:
Computers typically store information in their hard disk, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM). More RAM means faster computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard disk. The Satellite M35-S456 includes 512 MB of RAM, an allotment that's considered quite adequate even if you perform lots of multitasking. The system also allows you to expand to two full GB, more than enough for any situation. Video:
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output (particularly 3D graphics) to the viewing screen, a duty that falls upon a "video card" or video controller. This system's video controller is an nVidia GeForce FX Go5200 with 64 MB of dedicated video memory. Though this would be considered a midlevel graphic chipset in the desktop world, the nVidia GeForce FX Go5200 is a solid workhorse for mobile users who require strong 2D and competent 3D performance. The latest and greatest 3D games will tax it some, but most other games and 3D graphics applications should run just fine. Display:
At 15.4 inches and featuring a widescreen format suitable for displaying DVD movies and Toshiba's TruBrite technology for improved DVD and game viewing, the unit's WXGA TFT active matrix display is great for multimedia enthusiasts. The screen's highest supported resolution of 1280 by 800 is also superior to the genre's average 1024 by 768, delivering crisp images and lots of fine detail. Hard Disk:
The Satellite M35-S456 features an impressively large 80 GB of hard disk space. This is a comparatively spacious hard disk, offering enough room for a bevy of applications and files and a full library of music or multimedia files too. 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 any or all of these tasks. For this system, Toshiba has included a DVD-SuperMulti drive, through which you can do everything above in all current CD and DVD formats. Audio:
The unit features an integrated audio processor, two miniature stereo speakers and a microphone jack. Keyboard and Controls:
You'll control your notebook via an 85-key keyboard with 12 function keys and a TouchPad pointing device. CD control functions include play/pause, stop/eject, previous, and skip/next. Connectivity and Expansion:
The Satellite M35-S456 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 fast interaction with plug and play devices such as external drives and digital cameras, an IEEE 1394 FireWire port (commonly used for quick data uploads from digital camcorders), and a high-quality digital TV-out. Operating System and Software:
Toshiba will preinstall 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 or three lbs and will often fit comfortably inside a large purse. Tipping the scales at 6.1 lbs and measuring 14.2 by 10.6 by 1.4 inches, the Satellite M35-S456 is smaller and substantially less heavy than today's average. Power:
The Satellite M35-S456 is equipped with a 6-cell Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery that delivers an admirable four hours of operation under ideal conditions.
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