I was deciding between this (Toshiba Satellite M645-S4055 LED TruBrite 14-Inch Laptop (Black)) and the ASUS 14 in bamboo (ASUS U43JC-X1 14-Inch Bamboo Laptop (10 Hours of Battery Life)) which was the same price, but the ASUS was on pre-order forever it seemed and this one was out of stock or available elsewhere for more $$. I happened to catch it back in stock one night 8/5/10. I needed to replace a 5+ yr old HP laptop and a 2 yr old HP desktop, so I wanted the power of a desktop (or near) with the portability of a laptop, and I really like the size/weight of the 14 in. This Toshiba and the ASUS were pretty even on many specs hard drive, 1 gb graphics, RAM, keyboard style, OS, i5 processor, etc so at the time it came down to availability and features. I say at the time because now that the ASUS is available, it also comes with a 150 GC which I can always use. That would've probably made me wait on the ASUS had that been made known when it was still on pre-order.ASUS over Toshiba:
Longer battery life, 8 cell vs 6 cell on the Toshiba
USB 3.0 currently don't have a use but good for the future
WiDi I currently don't have a use for it
Bamboo finish very nice looking, would look great just sitting on the end table!
And for a limited time, that it comes with a 150 gift card, making it the cheaper option
Toshiba over ASUS:
Graphics card (both 1 gb NVIDIA plus integrated, but Toshiba's is 330 vs ASUS 310)
RAM 8 gb max both come with 4 gb but that's where ASUS maxes out
Sound reportedly better on the Toshiba but I can't say for sure, I know it sounds good and full to me
Keyboard backlit
Sleep & Charge USB port bonus but not essential for me
Sleep & Music bonus but again not essential
Labelflash printing pretty cool and might use this, so far haven't tried it
Have also seen on a couple of reviews that even though the ASUS has a 2.0 mp webcam, the quality isn't good. I don't use a webcam much so this wouldn't have been a dealbreaker either.
Trackpad buttons two instead of one like the ASUS. I've used the ASUS on a 14 in thin & light I got for my nephew and it's awkward, though I'm sure one can get used to it in time.
Bluetooth you have to get the ASUS U43JC-A1 to get bluetooth for more money.
At the same price, I think the Toshiba is probably the better deal, however the ASUS with the 150 GC would've been the better deal of the two.
Now that I have the Toshiba, what do I think? It's great so far, though nothing's perfect! The fusion finish is pretty neat and I wasn't sure what to expect based on the pictures.
Keyboard, Trackpad, mouse buttons I like the slight pattern on the trackpad, have a better feel of where I am on it without feeling like it's friction. As expected, the backlit keyboard is nice. The keyboard itself is good, the spacing, not soft, haven't noticed any flex. The keys are "slick" at first it felt odd but getting used to it. There's a row of "buttons" at the top that are touch buttons they control sound level, play/pause, wifi, and eco mode. These stay lit for easy access, as does a small light bar above the trackpad. The trackpad also has an easy on/off button above it.
DVD Playback I've burned DVD's with no problem. I went to play back a dvd I had just burned to check it, and playback was stuttering, I was worried. However, the laptop had been on for days I rebooted and all was well, playback was fine. Playing a movie was great, smooth, and the sound was full (the movie 2012). The slot loading dvd drive made a little more noise than I expected at times like during software installation but maybe that's normal? Something I'm going to monitor to make sure there's not a problem. I plan to do some home movie type editing, the reason I wanted the 1 gb VRAM and a decent processor, so have to make sure the noise doesn't indicate an impending problem.
Battery Life I'm averaging about 4 hrs when I run it all the way down. Though longer battery life would've been nice, I don't travel much at all and it would be rare that I'd need to run off of battery any longer than that. I believe a higher capacity battery is available though (12 cell) if I decide I need it. I looked into that before purchasing.
Windows 7 I had only had brief experience with Win7, while working on others' computers so this was my first real taste of it. Was still using XP except had Vista on a desktop (that is being sold now!). So far I like it, and def better than Vista. There's a slight learning curve but there are some things I have set so that things like the task bar at the bottom are more like I'm used to. I was also able to install a 32-bit software that I wasn't sure would install and run, much to my surprise. The software is several years old but it's a title I like and am used to, and was sad to think I couldn't use it. Installation however was smooth and it is running just like it did on my old XP laptop (just faster!).
WiFi I have a Cradlepoint router with N (verizon mobile internet), and had no problems connecting to it. Also have a WiFi printer (Epson Artisan 810) went to the Epson site first to get the right Win7 64 bit drivers and am able to print and scan via WiFi as well.
Noise For the most part it's quiet. My old HP laptop and desktop were deafening at times. It's not as quiet as the Dell I use for work, but close.
Heat Warm (just near the back) but bearable Though they never recommend it, I can sit it on my lap without feeling like I'll need burn cream after. Keyboard, trackpad, etc have all stayed cool.
Software/Bloatware Not bad, not as much as I thought there would be and is usually on new machines. I uninstalled Norton AV since I already have a multi-user license for McAfee Total Protection. McAfee downloaded, installed and is running with no problems. I have not tried the Toshiba online backup and don't plan to. It keeps reminding me which is annoying so I've got to see how to stop that. If I need online backup the McAfee I have actually comes with it. I transferred all my email over to Windows Live Mail from another computer. Comes with IE but I installed and use Firefox.
Office 2007 Trial Mentioning this specifically because I saw a review of another M645 model that they had problems with the trial. I didn't use it, I already had Office 2007 Enterprise, so I uninstalled the trial and installed my version.
Update 8/27/10 Picture posted. Finally stuck a SD card in, and you know how most laptops (at least my last 3) you have to push the card in til it clicks and sometimes it doesn't want to? Don't on this one. It slides in smoothly right up front (under the indicator lights, right of touchpad) and it sticks out just slightly, even less because of the angled front.
That said, I ran 3dMark06 on this, and got a score of around 5000 or so, can't remember exactly (~14-34 FPS at Proxycon, ~12-22 at Firefly, ~7-32 at Canyon, ~15-25 at Frost, something like that).
Final Fantasy IVX's official benchmarking program gave this a ~760 out of 8000 at 1280x720 resolution. Comparatively my PC got around ~1800 at same resolution. Those are both really poor scores, but then again I don't really have time to play much PC games these days.
Previous reviews have been comparing this laptop to the Asus' new Bamboo ASUS U43JC-X1 14-Inch Bamboo Laptop (10 Hours of Battery Life), but I'll compare to what I considered while still browsing for laptops ASUS Republic of Gamers G51JX-X3 15.6-Inch Gaming Laptop (Blue), This was 1,100 two months ago, but has dropped their price to as low as 1,000 every now and then.
Going by pure functionality, the Asus gaming one wins out in multiple areas:
-500 GB HDD @ 7200 RPM (Faster load times)
-15.6" Full HD 1920x1080 LED LCD Display; Nvidia GTS 360M Graphics Engine with 1GB DDR5 dedicated VRAM
^ This is where the Asus shines. The GTS 360M is slightly more powerful than the desktop GT 240, not exactly a pure gaming card either but over twice the power of the GT 330M!. 15.6" may be a tiny screen, but to be able to support 1920x1080 means watching Blu-ray quality videos at dot-by-dot pixel accuracy: crisp sharp images. The Toshiba plays 720p videos well but scrunches up 1080p videos making it look a bit fuzzy.
-2.0 MegaPixel web camera; I don't know too much about cameras, but my old Sony Ericsson S500i phone has a 2.0 MP camera and takes better pictures than the Toshiba's web camera. Watching myself in the web cam application, there was a lot of noise and it wasn't too clear. The webcam isn't that big of a deal as I don't really use it, but a 2.0 MP resolution web camera should be standard by now.
-10-key Numberpad: Frankly, some things are just easier with a numberpad.
So how does this Toshiba laptop hold up compared to that Asus?
-It's smaller and lighter, it may be a 14" screen but it's pretty thick itself. Granted it's stuffed with lots of integrated goodies like Bluetooth (which the Asus also has). Bluetooth actually inteferes with Wifi frequencies so I normally have it off, but to be able to have the convenience of connecting supporting peripherals is nice.
-Toshiba's processor is slightly faster; meaning its max Turbo-boost frequency is also higher; higher cpu clock frequencies means less battery life. Wait a minute...
Actually Asus also has an ability (Power4 Gear) to overclock the CPU to at least match the i5 450M frequencies, but again, not something you want to do while away from the power outlet.
Luckily with dynamic frequency clocks and Windows 7's automatic (and adjustable) power management you can underclock to save power.
Continuing on about power consumption, this Toshiba laptop incorporates the fairly new Nvidia Optimus technology. From what I understand about it, the integrated Intel HD Graphics solutions offered by the built-in GPU on the i5 chip is the primary display driver. The Geforce GT 330M takes a backseat and is only supplemental, offering processing power when deemed necessary. "Deemed necessary", that's the problem right there. Occasionally there will be a program out there that is slightly incompatible with Optimus technology because all it sees is the Intel HD Graphic's 64 MB of video memory, and not the 1 GB attached to the GT 330M. This may either cause the program to crash, or run poorly because it doesn't know about the extra GT 330M, therefore cannot utilize it. Other times the program initially runs under the Integrated graphics solution, but crashes when suddenly the Optimus technology realizes it should switch up to the High Performance.
Optimus technology isn't bad, I really like the seemless transition that I didn't see when trying out laptops with AMD Vision technology. When switching between ATI and Intel's integrated solutions, they warn of flashing and blackening of the screen, which in that case is normal during switch. This isn't the case with Optimus, everything works in the background, because rather than two seperate entities like ATI/Intel, it's Intel + Nvidia. Eventually (and hopefully) they'll have it all sorted out.
Examples of Optimus Technology flops:
-Running Adobe Premiere Pro CS4 under High Performance Nvidia GPU: Program stalls and eats up 25% (one "core") of the i5's total processing power. Had to run under Integrated Graphics in order to use the program.
-Running the PS2 Emulator PCSX2 0.9.7 under Integrated Graphics will crash as soon as it overflows the 64 MB of video memory (At least that's what I think, or it could be the attempt to switch up, because starting off with the GT 330M I was able to run stable past the crashing point. Final Fantasy X After the initial Square-Enix logo + Final Fantasy X Project, crashed entering the opening Zanarkand scene, Error message referenced the Intel HD Driver)
-I can't run Portal, even with the latest Nvidia drivers + Optimus updates. Launching from Steam hl2.exe*32 will appear in task manager for a split second then apparently crash. SAD THERE IS NO CAKE. I will try and try again, some people have managed to get Portal running with Optimus but depended on their integrated hardware.
Other things to talk about in this long review:
-The Toshiba laptop BIOS has an option to disable multi-core processing. THIS IS NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH DISABLING HYPER-THREADING. I did not find an option to disable HT, but disabling Multi-core processing will disable both HT, *AND* the one of the logical Cores. Congratulations, this option sends us back to the 2003 era. A single core can easily gets stressed out, disabling HT but keeping dual-cores would only be 2 years backwards, except rather than a 45nm Intel Core 2 Duo, you have a 32nm Intel "Core 2 Duo", which uses up less power and generates less heat. HT may have changed since the days Pentium 4s were using them, but back then they generated more heat and requires additional power and hardware resources. Basically two physical cores is better than a single core with HT.
-The plastic encasing for the screen is a bit flimsy, it's strong enough that you can grab hold of the laptop with one hand to walk around with, fingers clamped on the side, but the plastic encasing will bend. Don't think the screen itself is bending with it, but I wouldn't want to stress the center "Toshiba" part of the screen too much to find out.
-The slot loading drive is nice, but no matter what design they make, a DVD disc will always take up the same amount of space going in and out.
-Both the Toshiba and Asus have the backlit keyboard, not sure which one is brighter, but Toshiba's is bright and normally I find myself turning off the keyboard illumination. One review I read says the Asus' logo on the outward side of the screen lights up too, making is really apparent you're using a high-end laptop. Same with the Toshiba, there's no way to just illuminate the keyboard, have not have the "Satellite" on the lower left hand corner light up.
-Battery Life: I was able to get little over 3 hours of usage with a full charge while in classes doing very little, 2-3 hours worth of "normal" usage. Full stress of CPU + GPU will have power usage of over 55 Watts/Hour. Since the 6-cell battery they give is rated 48 Wh/Hour, the battery will be depleted before a hour is over. 5 hours is completely "realistic" only if you turn on the laptop, open notepad, set to Eco mode, and do nothing but type one letter every 3 minutes or so. They're practically screaming for you to buy their ~61 Wh/Hour 6-cell battery on their Toshibadirect website. Currently there's a deal going on where you can get ~30% off with two coupons, but it's expiring soon, if not already (This review written Sept 14 2010).
In conclusion, if you're looking for a decent laptop with plenty of features and portability, this is one to check out. Competition is fierce and there's plenty of other laptops that may have just what you need (that Asus Bamboo other reviews are talking about for maximum portability beyond a netbook for one, and like I said before I compared it with the Asus gaming laptop because of its specs + price). Other things you'd need to consider is laptop size, this Toshiba one is a bit on the thick side for a 14", given its internal components. I do admit the Asus Bamboo for $850 after $150 Gift Card is awesome. The comparable Asus' gaming laptop for the around the same $1000 price however has nearly all matching or better specifications but is around 2 pounts heavier, bigger, but its screen is best in its class for 15.6".
Just need portability and no need for any games? Get the Asus Bamboo!
Something inbetween? Get this one!
High performance graphical processing needed? Get the Asus Gaming models!
Want to spend rediculous amounts of money on inferior specifications? Get a MacBook Pro!
Thanks for anyone who took the time to read this; I don't regret getting this particular laptop too much, it's basically perfect for what I need. It's just once I start comparing purely from specs rather than what I need.. well you read it!
Buy Toshiba Satellite M645-S4055 LED TruBrite 14-Inch Laptop (Black) Now
Bottomline: Laptops are difficult to upgrade as technology improves and computer programs demand more RAM or graphics power, I felt the RAM upgradeable feature and the better graphics card put this Toshiba over the top. That along with the higher build quality means that this Toshiba offers good value at this price.Best features: i5-450M processor, Nvidia 1gb GT330M, 4gb RAM (8gb expandable), Harman/Kardon Speakers, and Backlit Keyboard!
Like other reviewers I wanted a good quality, powerful, and lightweight laptop. This Toshiba M645-S4055 really had the best bang for the buck when compared to the competition.
Sure you pay a bit more for the Toshiba, but really having owned HP's in the past, I can say thatToshiba is the best PC maker, they are probably the only PC maker that can compete with Apple for build quality.
I compared this 14" to the ASUS bamboo 14" and although now Amazon gives your the $150 gift card with the ASUS, I still think this Laptop will be better in the long run. I checked out the ASUS at bestbuy to visually get a hand on the Bamboo covering, for sure its nice and I almost purchased it. But the bamboo finish felt cheaper and shows finger prints easily.
The Toshiba is better in these select but important categories:
Quality Build: The Laptop feels solid and high quality, the Fusion finish is cool and solid.
Keyboard: Backlit LED lighting (now that I have this, I can't be without it)
Graphics: Nvidia 1gb discrete and switchable graphics (GT 330M vs. 310M, the Toshiba graphics are faster).
RAM: 4gb, but most importantly expandable to 8gb (ASUS is 4gb max)
CD/DVD: The load drive is a slot not a carrier you have to pull out, this design is much better.
Speakers: Sound is probably the best laptop at this price, clear room filling.
Touchpad: has pinch to zoom and hand swipe recognition.
Ultimately the price of the ASUS with the $150 GC is a good deal, but I feel like I can get more life and years out of the Toshiba, which in the end will justify the price. Also the keyboard and touchpad on the ASUS with Bamboo does not feel solid and pressing on the mouse buttons is hard and without much feedback.
Read Best Reviews of Toshiba Satellite M645-S4055 LED TruBrite 14-Inch Laptop (Black) Here
I use my M645 daily as my main computer, as I don't have a desktop computer. I am enjoying using it quite a bit.Pros:
1)Great speakers. The best speakers I've ever had on a laptop. My girlfriend bought an external add-on speaker bar for her laptop because her laptop speakers suck. The M645's are just as good as her externals.
2)Keyboard. My previous laptop was a Macbook Pro from 2007. I liked that keyboard quite a bit, but I like this one more. The keys are "clickier" which lets me know for sure whether I've pressed a key completely or not. I didn't think I'd be a fan of where the FN key is (between CTRL and "Windows" keys), but it turns out that it's not a problem at all.
3)Game playing. It rocks at games. I admit I haven't played anything super new, but the games I've played haven't had any problems at max settings. These include Fallout 3, Mass Effect, Bioshock, and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Just make sure to have the latest drivers from nVidia because I had problems with Fallout 3. Some games have a problem recognizing the discreet graphics chip and the latest drivers help with that.
4)"Chain link" texture. Almost the entire body is covered in a chain link texture. It's very nice. It's grippy, prevents glare, and keeps fingerprints from showing up. Two thumbs up!
Now the CONS:
1) I don't care for the touch strip above the keyboard. All the functions (and more) are replicated with the FN key.
2)Bloatware. It comes with a lot of Toshiba crapware. All of which can be uninstalled and I recommend it. Some of it's kind of cool, but ultimately useless for most people.
3)The keyboard lighting is nice, but it can't be dimmed or controlled in any way, short of turning it off. I came from a Mac, and that keyboard automatically dimmed based on lighting conditions. I'm unimpressed with Toshiba on this.
4)Screen dimming is not very useful. It's the same complaint as my last one. My Mac would automatically dim or brighten based on lighting conditions. At least Toshiba implemented a crappy dimming feature versus none at all. It has 8 brightness levels. Which sounds like a lot, but the difference between them isn't enough. I basically only use the lowest and highest settings.
5)Battery. I know it's got a lot more power than my old Mac, but the battery drains really quickly while not doing much at all.
That's about it. I hope this helps anyone reading this to make a more informed decision! Overall I would definitely buy it again.
Want Toshiba Satellite M645-S4055 LED TruBrite 14-Inch Laptop (Black) Discount?
Toshiba manufactures the M645-S4050 exclusively for Best Buy, the everyday price is $720. It is identical to this laptop in every respect except for 3 items. The M645-S4055 comes with Bluetooth, a slightly more powerful graphics card, and a backlit keyboard. If these features are not that important to you, you could save at least a couple hundred after tax on the M645-S4050. I own one and for the price it is quite a bargain.
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