Looked at a lot of different options for my son's laptop. The biggest issue was which one. I looked at Apple products and they are really cool, but the idea of spending $2,000 on a computer for a High School student put me off. Also thought about a tablet, but my son actually uses his computer for something other than texting and playing video games, sometimes.I was very skeptical of Windows 8. Since he was most familiar with the Mac OS, I was worried. He was using it fully in 5 minutes. Since getting it his Mac has been back-benched.
The laptop is very thin and light, and still has connections for VGA and a wired Internet Connection. While WiFi is very prolific, the ability to connect to a wired connection is useful in difficult situations or dealing with old equipment often found in schools and Universities. With the bandwidth-sucking Tablets having an option could be the difference between a successful presentation and just standing there hoping the WiFi works.
The battery life is pretty good, but not awesome, about 4 or 5 hours under normal use so far. It is quiet and doesn't heat up the way laptops used to.
Special note about Windows 8. It is different. However, you can get a desktop if you prefer by hitting a button. People tend to freak out every time Windows makes a change. I remember Windows 3.1, 95, Windows 2000 (remember that fun), XP, Vista and 7. Each change generates a group of people who complain.
When Mac switched to Intel, I remember those freakouts. So don't let the fact it has a new OS freak you out. It actually is more App based and more like a Tablet. Younger users will figure it out quickly. Also, I imagine people with limited computer abilities will like it. Those of us who still know how to use the Command Prompt probably will suffer more of a learning curve.
The Bottom line is that for the price, this is an excellent laptop. It's not so expensive that I worry about it being attractive to thieves and while Apple likes to stay ahead of the curve (which is awesome for early adopters), students will still be able to hook up to the Ethernet connection at the Podium when the WiFi in the lecture hall goes out from all the people streaming Pandora during their presentation.
I give it 5 stars based on value for money. I would not recommend this for someone who plans to do a lot of Video Editing or processor intensive applications. This is a great option for someone choosing between a high-end tablet, an ultrabook or a laptop. WiFi is everywhere. When it doesn't work or there are 40 students connected in a lecture hall, I wouldn't want to depend on it when my grade was on the line or spend $100 on a dongle to connect to the VGA port in the old Conference Room.
Buy Toshiba Satellite S955-S5376 15.6-Inch Laptop (Ice Blue Brushed Aluminum) Now
Very fast computer with an elegant design. It connects to the internet in a few seconds, it loads up the desktop and all of the applications in a few seconds too. It's almost like an instant start device. I'm glad with this purchase.Read Best Reviews of Toshiba Satellite S955-S5376 15.6-Inch Laptop (Ice Blue Brushed Aluminum) Here
Love it so far. Would have been 5 stars, but read on....I found this item on Amazon but bought it directly from Adorama, only because I called to be sure it was in stock and they offered me free next day shipping at the same price.
One caution: Adorama advertises this with the correct CPU clock speed 1.7 GHz; Amazon deceptively uses the "max turbo speed" of 2.6 GHz. I was a little disappointed when I went into the system properties and saw the lower number. Google "Intel Core i5 3317U" and you will see what I mean.
From Intel's site:
"What is Intel® Turbo Boost Technology?
Intel Turbo Boost Technology is a way to automatically run the processor core faster than the marked frequency. The processor must be working in the power, temperature, and specification limits of the thermal design power (TDP). This results in increased performance of both single and multi-threaded applications."
*Amazon should give standard specs on the computers they sell, or at least give a disclaimer.*
Moving on. Similar to other reviews, I have struggled a bit with Windows 8, but am realizing everything is out there, just hidden. Hit the window button (looks like a 4-pane window, lower left of keyboard), you can start typing and search for your favorite Windows programs, like task manager, control panel, calculator, etc. You can pin them to the taskbar (bottom of screen) or the initial start window that freaks everyone out.
Once you get the desktop and start window clear of all of the junk apps, it becomes a manageable environment. I am an experienced PC user and do not think I should have to work this hard to figure out a new OS version. Would it have been so hard for Microsoft to include a Win 8 tutorial?
Best thing I have found so far if you are somewhat comfortable with computers, you can schedule explorer.exe to run whenever you start Windows this bypasses the Start window and goes directly to the desktop we all know and love.
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I needed a new laptop because my hard drive went out on my last one. This connects to the internet quick, has good speed and functions great...Negative is Windows 8...it's NOT user friendly, hard to find your files, save pictures to load later, I go straight to the "desktop" portion so I can have at least some funcionality. As a general use computer its good, for a work computer, not so much with the Windows 8.Save 13% Off
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