Toshiba Satellite A65-S126 Laptop (2.80 GHz Celeron, 256 MB RAM, 60 GB Hard Drive, DVD-CD-RW Drive)

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, though these machines are usually noticeably larger and more power hungry than their less powerful counterparts. Intel's cost-effective Celeron processor often forms the basis for budget-priced machines, and the Satellite A65-S126 is no different. A 2.8 GHz Celeron powers the unit, delivering sufficient speed and power for general duty but not enough for serious multitasking, super-sophisticated business apps or the latest games. Power users would do well to check into Pentium 4-powered notebooks.

Memory:
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, 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 drive. The Satellite A65-S126 incorprates 256 MB of RAM, the bare minimum for the vast majority of today's notebooks and not enough for efficient multitasking. The unit does allow you to increase the amount of RAM to 1280 MB, but at extra cost.

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 ATI Mobility Radeon 7000 IGP with 64 MB of shared video memory. The Radeon name is highly regarded in video technology, and indeed this system and this chipset will efficiently deal with 2D graphics and do a reasonable job with simple 3D visuals such as those found in older games and entry-level 3D animation. However, it will not competently display the latest high-end 3D computer games and the like.

Display:
The unit's 15-inch TFT active matrix display is standard for midlevel notebooks. It is not a widescreen display such as those found in some of today's more pricey units, and therefore does not offer the panoramic perspective favored for movies. Its highest supported resolution of 1024 by 768 is also standard.

Hard Disk:
The Satellite A65-S126 features a solid 60 GB of hard disk space. This amount of data storage is surprising in a notebook at this price range, providing enough room for general applications and files and a small 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 all of these tasks. This system features a DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive that supports all of the above apart from DVD recording.

Audio:
The system features an integrated audio processor that mimics the spatial awareness of surround sound through its two stereo speakers.

Keyboard and Controls:
You'll control your notebook via an 85-key keyboard with HotKey function and a TouchPad pointing device.

Connectivity and Expansion:
The Satellite A65-S126 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 three high-speed USB 2.0 ports for fast interaction with plug and play devices such as external drives and digital cameras, and a TV-out port. An IEEE 1394 FireWire port (commonly used for quick data uploads from digital camcorders) is not included.

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 A65-S126 is considered average by today's standards, at 13.2 by 11.7 by 1.9 inches and 7.7 lbs.

Power:
The system is equipped with an 8-cell Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery that delivers 1.5 hours between charges. This is not particularly efficient when compared with notebooks making use of Intel's Centrino technology and Pentium M processor, and is just slightly less than average even for most entry-level notbooks.