Toshiba A45 S120 Notebook Review

Toshiba A45 S120 Notebook

Toshiba's Satellite A45 Series of notebook PCs provide all the features of a desktop PC at a very competive price. Designed for cost-conscious consumers, the Toshiba Satellite A45-S120 seems to be aimed at the student market.

The Intel® Celeron® processor,operates at 2.6Ghz and is fine for general usage, this obviously isn't a gamers notebook.

Packaged in a electric blue chassis, like all of the Satellite A45 Series, but unlike the rest of Toshiba's A45 range there is no built in wi-fi. There is an integrated modem and 10/100 ethernet, but the lack of wireless in disappointing.

All of the notebooks in the Satellite A45 series come standard with new SRS TruSurround XT sound technology for creating bass-thumping audio during DVD playback. The lack of a TV-out port means that your restricted to watching DVDs on the A45 15" XGA Display.

The notebooks also include Microsoft Office OneNote, enabling users to easily capture and organize notes more efficiently.

The Satellite A45-120 is the perfect entry-level notebook including a built-in DVD-ROM/CD-RW multi-function drive, Intel® Celeron® processor and ample storage space.

The A45-S120 in nothing to get excited about, and you can definetley get better performance for your money.

Spec

Intel® Celeron® processor, 2.60GHz
Microsoft® Windows XP Home Edition
40GB hard disk drive
256MB RAM
15.0" diagonal XGA display
DVD-ROM/CD-RW multi-function drive
Integrated V.92 modem, 10/100 Ethernet
SRS TruSurround XT
Four USB 2.0 ports
Microsoft® Works
Microsoft® Office OneNote™ 2003

Your Comments/Opinions

This review is somewhat right!! But I love my Toshiba a45s120... Works perfectly fine.. Of course it is not for gaming!! Everyone knows that!! Its great for school work, storing music, pictures, and internet!! I use all kinds of programs, from Adobe ph

pesh

NEED SPACE BAR TO REPLACE PLEASE HELP JANNETGIRL@MSN.COM

JANET

Toshiba is known to make good technology. I have both, this laptop and PDA (E355), and have nothing but praises for its performance. Although, I am in the market for upgrading from 256mb to 512mb, this laptop is reliable and fast!And adding an external wifi pc card is easy as going to Fry's and picking one (as low as $20). Im using one now!

Raul

Fast??? Comparing with what? it's overheating faster than a 166mhz that's for sure. I sent mine to Toshiba for motherboard analytic, found out the damage was not covered by warranty. When I re-sent the laptop to a Toshiba desinated repair center, the center told me that all memory chips were missing. So till today I am still trying to find out who is the thieve, the Toshiba support or repair center. One thing I would recommend is that stay away from Toshiba, or at least stay away from their tech support.

silky

Did you buy your laptop new or used??? I rate the speed upon personal use and the ability to play both pc and emulator games without any difficulties. Now that I have upgraded to 512MB- using publisher 02, nero, or any heavy application is a snap. I also use this laptop to do powerpoint presentations- no problems there. And far as technical support- I purchased my warranty at CompUSA and have no problems- sent it in due to ripping the cord- and another for slapping the dvd tray in too hard- both times it was repaired quickly and friendly. I still recommend this laptop to students or small business on the go. Upgrading is a plus...

Raul

Have one of these...half the keys don't seem to work any more, and even your comment about ESC to get to BIOS doesn't work, just brings up the F8 menu! HELP! Can't find user manual online yet either - not well documented!

Ann

I've had mine for almost 2 years now, had nothing but success with it, though the AC adapter recently twisted, melted and started smoking, BestBuy's replacement plan covered that though. I love this laptop.. 512mb ram, Linksys Wireless card, it's done it's job nicely, and the free copy of microsoft OneNote this thing came with, man i love the program.

Chase

Hi, does anyone know where to purchase a motherboard for a A45-S120? My PC slot came apart internally. Next, the laptop would not boot. I'm told it is the motherboard. Does anyone have advice or contacts? Thanks! polo1ral@aol.com

Falls, B

had mine for 2 years from best buy its the best, i work with crime watch and have a tv card in it with 512 mb wow it like hd tv rocco

army96778800@aol.com

I too am looking for a motherboard for A45-S120. My laptop fell and conveniently landed on the WIFI card. So needless to say the motherboard went to pieces. My repair guy says that thats all that needs to be replaced. (Fingers Crossed) Email me at GMR1279@yahoo.com if you know how I can get a hold of one. Thanks!!!!!

Gina

If your looking for a motherboard check ebay. The belkin G card I have works perfectly in this unit. Yes you can change out to P4 up to 2.6Ghz

Mario

I too have had good luck with this notebook. However, I have never got a wireless card to work with it. I have tried a couple of brands: SMC (PCMCIA) and D-link (DWL-G122 USB). Neither have worked. I have been using several wireless access points, and it is always the same. Please email me with the wireless cards that you have used, and I will buy one to see if it works: bsmyth@anywhere-pc.com.

Bill

Does anyone know if i can change out to a p4 processor? if anyone knwos send me an email at no1dan2001@comcast.net...PS. It overheats, my button doesnt work. Other than that its not bad

Dan

I used a Netgear MA521 for a couple of years, but I believe it quit working. I too tried the D-Link without luck, but I am using the NFINITI Buffalo WLI-CB-G300N g/b card and it works pretty good. I am having trouble finding a firewire card to work in the slot, though. Nothing so far has been plug and play. Any thoughts?

Bob

Does anyone know the part number for the inverter? The inverter is what connects the backlight to the LCD screen. Unless you have taken your screen off, most likely, one wouldn't have that part number handy. One would be aware of this if your LCD screen flickers or dims. I am trying to find an iverter for my Toshiba Satellite A20-S207 (which I have had for 3 years & love it!)

burnsy

I run Kubuntu 7.04 on my Toshiba, and it runs fabulously. I use it extensively, and have no complaints with it other than it runs quite warm, and the resolution needs to be a bit higher than 1024X768. other than that, it's an awesome box. I bought it for 150 dollars used, and with 2 gb of ram and a 120gb hard drive, it does the job!

Robby Minick

I've had one for a few weeks now. I just happened upon it because my dell has been on life support so long. A guy who does repairs said the guy dropped it off to upgrade the memory and never returned. He sold it to me. It was a steal. I couldn't be happier. This thing is awesome for the money. I would like the latest USB version but really that is nitpicking.