Toshiba A300 177 Laptop: Zardon's Bargain Of The Month April 08

Zardon · Apr 21, 2008, 09:20 PM

Well its not often I recommend a product available from PCworld, but this month I have been playing with one of the best laptops ive seen in a long time, especially considering the modest Uk Price of £500 inc vat.

It is the Toshiba A300 177

It comes with the following:
Intel Core 2 Duo T5550
2 GB DDR2
200 GB Hard Drive
DVD Supermulti Dual Layer - 4x DVD burner/24x CD Burner
15.4 WXGA TruBrite (1280x800) ( 8 out of 10 screen IMO )
Intel GMA X3100
56k Modem
4 USB ports (2 either side)
VGA out
1 Firewire port
5 in 1 Card Reader
Li Ion battery
Lovely Gloss Black Finish
Windows Vista Home Premium (Service Pack 1 included)
2.72kg
Harmon Kardon speakers
Wi FI

That is a great specification for the price, however I must draw special attention to the screen quality, it is almost as good as the high end Sonys and with the lovely Tru Brite finish makes all the colours and tones look very vibrant onscreen.

It also has a great keyboard and trackpad as well as luminous soft off pink shaded glowing button and media centre buttons.

Highly recommended, so much so I bought one myself to add to the collection (I don't recommend anything on DH I wouldn't buy myself)! Make sure you check out the gallery on the page linked above.

Alex · Apr 21, 2008, 09:33 PM

that is a sexy looking machine, can't believe the price. Just in time was looking for one Z. thanks. (im fussy about screens too).

**temeteus82** · Apr 21, 2008, 09:42 PM

Hmm.... I'm not sure why laptops today still have 56k modems. Would think that since the 3G is here one have 3G phone what to use when traveling... Otherwise that looks nice deal.

Falstaff · Apr 21, 2008, 09:44 PM

we can get toshiba's here for a decent price, and sony FZ and AR series machines, and I think they are coming with blue ray, thanx for the tip Z. I think I can get it for a tuppence.. or maybe a thruppence..

Zardon · Apr 21, 2008, 09:50 PM

a blu ray drive would be a nice addition, however it would certainly increase the price by a few hundred pounds at least, then if you factor in the price of the blank discs... still not sure its a viable medium unless you need or desire to watch HD movies via the machine (with HDMI output I guess it is feasible).

***craig5320*** · Apr 22, 2008, 10:01 AM

Great spec and great price, usually I found when looking for a budget system that design goes out of the window, but that laptop looks great.

May I ask one question... What on Earth were you doing looking on the PCWORLD website?!

Zardon · Apr 22, 2008, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craig5320

Great spec and great price, usually I found when looking for a budget system that design goes out of the window, but that laptop looks great.

May I ask one question... What on Earth were you doing looking on the PCWORLD website?!

I actually walked into our local store to get a replacement sata cable ! thats my excuse anyway.

chol99 · Apr 23, 2008, 10:13 AM

Just checked the toshiba website as well as phoned currys about above laptop. They advise that it doesn't have an hdmi port. How did you get one on your model?

Toshiba Spec Satellite A300-177

Zardon · Apr 23, 2008, 11:11 AM

Actually you are right it doesn't. I haven't used it yet, however their website stated it did (pcworlds) and the manual does (however its a generic manual for the whole subrange).

Sorry about misleading info. I thought it was next to the VGA port ! (which is there).

**kris23** · Apr 23, 2008, 02:42 PM

no DVI either?

Zardon · Apr 23, 2008, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kris23

no DVI either?

In a £500 laptop? jezz you guys are hard to please. (my sony laptop which cost £1200 last year has only vga out too).

Judas · Apr 23, 2008, 06:13 PM

I'd like to know how toshiba does in thier "bloatware" and service takeovers on that machine......

Zardon · Apr 23, 2008, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Judas

I'd like to know how toshiba does in thier "bloatware" and service takeovers on that machine......

Well I have yet to find a system with a perfect OS install unless I did it myself, but everyone can say that. No two systems will suit any one person.

This laptop? works is installed. trial of office 2007. crap mcafee trial as well. all deinstalled and my own apps installed (full office 2007 enterprise and avast pro).

Overall took me about 20 minutes to clean it out and sort out the registry, but for the average user it would be a decent start point on a software level.

No spyware is installed or call back apps........... (dell seem to do that the odd time as do a few other makers).

Incidentally the hard drive performance is very good for a laptop. gets around 5 on the vista performance tool (for what thats worth).

Falstaff · Apr 24, 2008, 10:26 PM

got the A350 instead for 500 quid...a damn good deal and a lovely machine, thanx for the tip Allan..

Zardon · Apr 24, 2008, 11:03 PM

where did you buy it Jeff? what spec?

Judas · Apr 24, 2008, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zardon

Well I have yet to find a system with a perfect OS install unless I did it myself, but everyone can say that. No two systems will suit any one person.

This laptop? works is installed. trial of office 2007. crap mcafee trial as well. all deinstalled and my own apps installed (full office 2007 enterprise and avast pro).

Overall took me about 20 minutes to clean it out and sort out the registry, but for the average user it would be a decent start point on a software level.

No spyware is installed or call back apps........... (dell seem to do that the odd time as do a few other makers).

Incidentally the hard drive performance is very good for a laptop. gets around 5 on the vista performance tool (for what thats worth).

Excellent..

What about Toshiba's own Wireless applications or additional apps toshiba likes to pop on?

Sounds like it's an excellent laptop,

Checking supplier... I'll see i can get a price on it.

Zardon · Apr 24, 2008, 11:36 PM

yeah they have their own apps for wireless but it was painless to connect. I also like the interface system via the FN key, I always thought Dell had that nailed on their laptops but this is a step above.

When you get the laptop incidentally you get no discs for OS reinstall (minus point), however there is a hidden partition for the OS reinstall as the 200 gig drive is split into 2 partitions, with backup and repair utilities on D: drive. I also think this is a good idea as users can store important files on D without fear of losing them on a possible future OS reinstall, wish more manufacturers would have the sense to do this.

Toshiba also supply a tool to make your own DVD backups which works flawlessly.

Interesting to see you can log into the OS if you wish by face recognition technology via the built in webcamera........ If I think of anything else ill let you know ....

**kris23** · Apr 25, 2008, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zardon

In a £500 laptop? jezz you guys are hard to please. (my sony laptop which cost £1200 last year has only vga out too).

lol well it is only an integrated graphics laptop so i guess that was asking much....

i think my sister will really like this thing, looks gorgeous!

i have a toshiba satellite with the same audio system and its the best i heard for laptop speakers...

ill see if i can get it for anything close to $600

P.S. where can i get laptop barebones? zipzoomfly has Compal barebones that theyre using in their new laptop line but i dunno how good they are...

Judas · Apr 25, 2008, 05:08 PM

FINALLY Toshiba has followed that route.. meaning we don't have to go searching for a "restore" disk at any point in time..

that's one of my favorite things that Acer or other laptops had vs the toshiba lineup.

Acer's newest model i had in recently had both face and finger security system.... but imo it's completely unnessary for the general public... just more things to go wrong.

Still waiting on a price from suppliers

Apr 21, 2008, 09:20 PM	#1
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 179	Toshiba A300 177 Laptop: Zardon's Bargain Of The Month April 08 Well its not often I recommend a product available from PCworld, but this month I have been playing with one of the best laptops ive seen in a long time, especially considering the modest Uk Price of £500 inc vat. It is the Toshiba A300 177 It comes with the following: Intel Core 2 Duo T5550 2 GB DDR2 200 GB Hard Drive DVD Supermulti Dual Layer - 4x DVD burner/24x CD Burner 15.4 WXGA TruBrite (1280x800) ( 8 out of 10 screen IMO ) Intel GMA X3100 56k Modem 4 USB ports (2 either side) VGA out 1 Firewire port 5 in 1 Card Reader Li Ion battery Lovely Gloss Black Finish Windows Vista Home Premium (Service Pack 1 included) 2.72kg Harmon Kardon speakers Wi FI That is a great specification for the price, however I must draw special attention to the screen quality, it is almost as good as the high end Sonys and with the lovely Tru Brite finish makes all the colours and tones look very vibrant onscreen. It also has a great keyboard and trackpad as well as luminous soft off pink shaded glowing button and media centre buttons. Highly recommended, so much so I bought one myself to add to the collection (I don't recommend anything on DH I wouldn't buy myself)! Make sure you check out the gallery on the page linked above.

Apr 21, 2008, 09:44 PM	#4
Falstaff Old Codger Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: USAFA Posts: 19,048 Rep Power: 207	we can get toshiba's here for a decent price, and sony FZ and AR series machines, and I think they are coming with blue ray, thanx for the tip Z. I think I can get it for a tuppence.. or maybe a thruppence.. __________________ "Inspiration is always a surprising visitor."

Apr 22, 2008, 10:01 AM	#6
*craig5320* HH Administrator Join Date: May 2002 Location: Manchester, UK Posts: 8,568 Rep Power: 445 System Specs	Great spec and great price, usually I found when looking for a budget system that design goes out of the window, but that laptop looks great. May I ask one question... What on Earth were you doing looking on the PCWORLD website?! __________________ HardwareHeaven on Facebook

Apr 23, 2008, 02:42 PM	#10
kris23 Going Insane..... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 6,018 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	no DVI either? __________________ Hardwareheaven Super-Moderator Building a new computer system and not sure where to start? Click Here! last updated (5/18/11) Rosewill FUTURE case replaces CM 690 II with its greater interior length. Building a PC: Step by Step Guide Written by Kristopher Pedemonte and Nathan Marks-Forder Edited by Allan Campbell Questions or Comments? feel free to post them in the forums!

Apr 24, 2008, 10:26 PM	#14
Falstaff Old Codger Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: USAFA Posts: 19,048 Rep Power: 207	got the A350 instead for 500 quid...a damn good deal and a lovely machine, thanx for the tip Allan.. __________________ "Inspiration is always a surprising visitor."

Apr 21, 2008, 09:33 PM	#2
Alex Driverheaven Lover Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 260 Rep Power: 45	that is a sexy looking machine, can't believe the price. Just in time was looking for one Z. thanks. (im fussy about screens too).

Apr 21, 2008, 09:50 PM	Thread Starter #5
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 179	a blu ray drive would be a nice addition, however it would certainly increase the price by a few hundred pounds at least, then if you factor in the price of the blank discs... still not sure its a viable medium unless you need or desire to watch HD movies via the machine (with HDMI output I guess it is feasible).

Apr 23, 2008, 10:13 AM	#8
chol99 DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1 Rep Power: 0	Just checked the toshiba website as well as phoned currys about above laptop. They advise that it doesn't have an hdmi port. How did you get one on your model? Toshiba Spec Satellite A300-177

Apr 23, 2008, 11:11 AM	Thread Starter #9
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 179	Actually you are right it doesn't. I haven't used it yet, however their website stated it did (pcworlds) and the manual does (however its a generic manual for the whole subrange). Sorry about misleading info. I thought it was next to the VGA port ! (which is there).

Apr 24, 2008, 11:03 PM	Thread Starter #15
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 179	where did you buy it Jeff? what spec?

Apr 24, 2008, 11:36 PM	Thread Starter #17
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 179	yeah they have their own apps for wireless but it was painless to connect. I also like the interface system via the FN key, I always thought Dell had that nailed on their laptops but this is a step above. When you get the laptop incidentally you get no discs for OS reinstall (minus point), however there is a hidden partition for the OS reinstall as the 200 gig drive is split into 2 partitions, with backup and repair utilities on D: drive. I also think this is a good idea as users can store important files on D without fear of losing them on a possible future OS reinstall, wish more manufacturers would have the sense to do this. Toshiba also supply a tool to make your own DVD backups which works flawlessly. Interesting to see you can log into the OS if you wish by face recognition technology via the built in webcamera........ If I think of anything else ill let you know ....