Bose 201 Series IV - Left / right channel speakers - 2-way

Bose 201 Series IV - Left / right channel speakers - 2-way
Product Type: CE

Editorial Review:
Product Description
The Bose 201 Series IV Direct/Reflecting speakers are designed to create a listening experience that is very similar to a live concert. They deliver the performance that far exceeds what you'd expect from an entry-level speaker. That's been the hallmark of the Bose 201 speaker since its inception: a quality, inexpensive introduction to the benefits of Bose Direct/Reflecting speaker technology. And now it's been redesigned, both inside and out, to provide even greater value. A high-sensitivity, magnetic fluid-cooled 2" (5.1 cm) stereo targeting tweeter makes possible the balanced stereo sound throughout the listening area. A long-excursion 6 1/2" (16.5 cm) woofer delivers the lifelike bass performance, and the smoother, cleaner bass - especially at high volumes - is produced due to noise-reducing flared-port design. Intended for use in smaller-sized rooms, the Bose 201 Series IV speaker system is an excellent choice for your college dorm, first apartment, or bedroom.

Average customer rating: 3.5

a dud
good companion for traveller
Vista is not ready todo my work
Very good cost-benefit relation
Decent laptop, but has its quirks

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Toshiba Satellite U205-S5057 12.1" Notebook PC (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5500, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, SuperMulti DVD Drive, Vista Premium)

Manufacturer: Toshiba
Product Group: Personal Computer
Binding: Personal Computers
ASIN: B000MAJVIU
2007-01-30

Related Categories:

Notebooks

Satellite

| Toshiba | Computers Brands | Computers Features | Electronics

Toshiba

Amazon.com Product Description

Weighing just over 4 pounds, the ultra-portable Toshiba Satellite U205-S5057 notebook PC packs in an extraordinary amount of power and productivity into its elegant, compact package. The 12.1-inch widescreen display offers TruBrite technology for optimal image clarity and a 1280 x 800 resolution for extra desktop working space and a widescreen aspect ratio for watching letterboxed DVDs. Designed for road warriors, it's packed with Toshiba's exclusive LifeSmart Technology, a set of features that elevate system performance, durability and security with shock-absorbing technologies to protect the hard drive, a spill-resistant keyboard, fingerprint security, and a magnesium alloy case.

It's powered by the new Intel Core 2 Duo processor, which offers a 20 percent performance boost over its predecessor while using 28 percent less power--so you get the benefit of a powerful dual-core PC plus all the benefits of mobility. The dual-execution core T5500 Core 2 Duo processor provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance, and it features a 1.66 GHz speed, lightning quick 667 MHz system bus, and 2 MB L2 cache. Other features include a 160 GB hard drive, 1 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum), tri-mode 802.11a/b/g wireless connectivity, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 with up to 196 MB of shared video RAM, and 5-in-1 memory card reader.

It comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, which includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center. In addition to easily playing your DVD movies and managing your digital audio library, you'll be able to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV). Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.

The Basics
<ul>

Processor: The Intel Core 2 Duo T5500 processor has a 1.66 GHz processor speed, super-fast 667 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and large 2 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

The Intel Core 2 Duo processor has two computational execution cores in a single processor, providing greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It's optimized for multitasking and is ready to support the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. It can simultaneously run multiple demanding applications--such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching business productivity applications--while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background. Some of the advanced Intel innovations of the Core 2 Duo processor include: <ul>

Smart Memory Access: Improves system performance by hiding memory latency, thus optimizing the use of available computer data bandwidth to provide data to the processor when and where it is needed.

Advanced Digital Media Boost: Effectively doubles the execution speed for instructions used widely in multimedia and graphics applications.

Dynamic Power Coordination: Coordinates Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology and idle power-management state (C-states) transitions independently per core to help save power.

Deeper Sleep with Dynamic Cache Sizing: Saves power by flushing cache data to system memory during periods of inactivity to lower CPU voltage.</ul>

Hard Drive: The 160 GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 RPM) is about double the average in size for notebook PCs. It provides more than enough capacity for storing documents and productivity software and allows for a good-sized digital media library. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.

Memory: The 1 GB of built-in memory (PC4200, DDR2 SDRAM) is a good start for power users, and it offers a decently fast 533 MHz speed. It has two memory slots, enabling you to add up to 4 GB of RAM for worry-free handling graphics-intensive presentations and multiple open business productivity applications. To receive the faster data transfer benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.

DVD/CD Drive: The double-layer DVD drive is compatible with a wide range of formats, including both DVD+RW and DVD-RW discs, CD-RW discs, and dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can hold up to 8.5 GB of data--great for backing up your MP3 collection or your most important documents. It features the following speeds: 2.4x DVD+R DL, 2x DVD-R DL, 8x for both single-layer DVD+R/-R, 4x DVD+RW, 4x DVD-RW, 3x DVD-RAM, and 24x/10x for CD-R/RW. It reads DVD-ROM discs at 8x and CD-ROMs at 24x.

Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 84-key keyboard and electro-static two-button touchpad. It also offers a launch button for the Express CD/DVD media player and control buttons (play, stop, next, previous) as well as a volume control dial. </ul> Screen, Video & Audio
This Toshiba Satellite has a 12.1-inch TFT display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. It also provides TruBrite technology, which makes images brighter and more vivid thanks to its anti-glare feature. Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950, which uses Intel Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT) and provides up to 196 MB of shared video memory. It offers a VGA hook-up for connecting to a monitor and headphone/microphone jacks.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
This laptop has an integrated tri-mode Intel 3945ABG wireless LAN, which is compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and wi-fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments). You get a fairly basic offering of connectivity options: <ul>

3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players

1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals

1 VGA monitor port

1 PCMCIA (or PC Card) slot (Type II, PCMCIA R2.01, PC Card16, CardBus)

1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack

5-in-1 memory card reader (Secure Digital, MultiMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD Picture Card) </ul> It also has an integrated 56K modem (V.90) and an RJ-45 LAN network port (for a 10/100 Ethernet connection to networks and DSL/cable modems).

Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect to your favorite WiFi hotspot.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software
Toshiba software includes Disc Creator, Recovery Disc Creator, and Speech System. Third-party software titles include Microsoft Works 8.5, Microsoft Office OneNote 2007, InterVideo WinDVD 8 SD and Creator 2 Platinum, Google Desktop and Toolbar, McAfee Internet Security Suite (with 30-day trial), and Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student Edition (60-day trial).

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 11.8 x 8.9 x 1.4 inches and weighs 4.1 pounds.

Power
It's powered by a 6-cell rechargeable lithium-ion battery (4700 mAh), which has a battery life of up to 4.5 hours (depending on usage). It has a recharge time of approximately 3 hours.

What's in the Box
This package contains the U205-S5057 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty.

Product Description

Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5500 / 1GB PC-4200 DDR2 Memory / 160GB Serial ATA Hard Drive / 12.1-inch Widescreen TruBrite LCD / Windows Vista Home Premium 12.1-inch Diagonal Widescreen TruBrite TFT LCD Display 1280x800 Toshiba V.92 Software Modem Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 Intel PRO 100 Network Connection 10/100 Base-TX Ethernet Integrated Wi-Fi Wireless LAN 3945ABG 802.11a/b/g One PCMCIA Type I & II Card Slot 5-in-1 Bridge Media Adapter - Secure Digital, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, MultiMedia Card (MMC), xD Picture Card Ports - Video RGB Output, Audio Microphone & Headphone, iLINK Firewire, 3 Port USB 2.0, RJ45 LAN and RJ11 Modem Security - Slot for cable lock and fingerprint reader Operating System - Geniune Windows Vista Home Premium Dimensions - Width 11.8 x Depth 8.86 x Height 1.34 inch Weight - 4.1 pounds

Customer Reviews:

a dud.......2007-05-16

this was the first unit I got -it was returned because the bed was warped
The second unit came from j&r it was returned as part of hard drive was corrupt
j&r were very professional -I gave them the Toshiba i.d. service number and they credit my account shortly after they received the unit it their facility. A very satisfactory ending to a horror story of Toshiba

good companion for traveller.......2007-05-14

This Toshiba is small, light, gets you a wireless connection anywhere. Great for the road.

Vista is not ready todo my work.......2007-05-13

I love Toshiba product. I bought this model to replace my M55/S3293 which I had to return to my previous employer. I love everything that the U205-S5057 has to offer, light, compact and powerful. My biggest mistake was to purchase it knowing that it is pre-loaded with Vista which after 2 frustrating weeks I realized that it does not work with most applications that I need to do my work. Also, my broadband card from Verizon does not support Vista. Finally I returned the unit to Amazon which was easy to do. And purchase again from Amazon (shipped from Tiger) a U205-S5034 which has Windows XP. I am happy now.

Very good cost-benefit relation.......2007-05-12

Very good buy with very good performance. I have problems with the optical disk driver after installing specific programs, but i could fix with Iris help. Lightweight. Nice and bright screen but not the best. I still don't know how to configure the media buttons, when i press the buttons the system start up and its suposed that it could not happen.

Decent laptop, but has its quirks.......2007-04-30

I purchased this laptop as a temporary laptop while mine was in for repair, and as an eventual gift for a friend. Having used it for a month, I felt I had enough time with it to give a thorough review.

Before I go through it, you should know that most of these companies do not manufacture their own laptop. They are manufactured by Original Design Manufacturers (ODM) such as Quanta, Compal, Clevo, Mitac, Asus, AOPEN (Acer), Uniwill, and TwinHead. So for the most part, when you buy a laptop, the difference for the most part comes down to service, support, and the loads of junk that they load onto your laptop.

The laptop first caught my eye when I saw it at WorstBuy. It is compact and fairly feature-packed in a light package at about 4 pounds. As with any laptops I look at, to test the durability of the laptop, I press down firmly on the lid of the laptop to see the flex of the lid, and if it causes any distortion of the screen. This is a fair indication of whether or not its using cheap plastic, or if it could withstand the occasional fall.

The laptop is fairly quick for normal applications. With the launch of Vista, Microsoft has developed a new rating system for all computers which rate your system's processor, memory (RAM), graphics, gaming graphics, and primary hard disk. Below are the ratings given by the system, and can be good for comparing other laptops.

Processor: 4.7
Memory (RAM): 4.5
Graphics: 3.2
Gaming Graphics: 3.1
Primary Hard Disk: 4.9
System Base Score: 3.1

What the base score means, according to Microsoft's description, is that you can confidently purchase software that has a base score of 3.1 or lower. With Vista Home Premium, which has the much publicized AeroGlass capability, this system runs it perfectly fine (though I have yet to even put it to use). Because this system has integrated graphics, it should NOT be expected to blaze through graphic-intensive games or applications (e.g. CAD).

Because this is a 12" notebook, they had to shrink the keyboard a bit and get creative with the placement of keys. Perhaps I'm just not comfortable with it yet, but I hate how the keys are placed. The insert and delete keys are just to the right of the space bar, the Windows key is at the top right. I know that this is rather subjective, but I like the feel of the keys as it does have some click.

This laptop does not get too hot, even running 24/7. This would most certainly be OK for putting on your laptop as it barely even gets warm! The heat vent is on the left side of the laptop, which is GREAT for all the right-handers out there that use an external mouse. Left-handers need not worry, it doesn't get that hot (at least not in my experience). This laptop is SILENT, except when you're running some resource-intensive application that will make the fan run a bit faster.

Connectors: The power, network, firewire, modem, one USB 2.0, and PCMCIA is on the left side. On the right, we have 2 USB 2.0, external monitor output, card reader, and DVD-writer.

Bundled Software (mostly trial bloatware junk): Yahoo! Music Jukebox, Google Desktop, eBay (for some reason, theres a shortcut to an eBay executable file), Intervideo WinDVD, Microsoft Money Essentials, Microsoft Office 2007 trial, Microsoft Works, Ulead DVD MovieFactory, McAfee Internet Security trial, Protector Suite (for fingerprint reader).

Strengths:
- Compact & Lightweight
- Built-in microphone (contrary to a previous reviewer, there IS a mic)
- Built-in fingerprint reader
- Glossy Screen

Weaknesses:
- Is fairly thick for a compact notebook at about 1"+
- Keyboard layout isn't that great
- Weak speakers, no bass. Common in lightweight laptops. The speakers are built-in just below the LCD.
- No bluetooth. Haven't seen any of the U205 models with that option, thuogh their website says it should be available.
- Bundled software
- Battery life has been around 3 hrs or so.

If you don't plan on playing lots of games, or running graphic-intensive applications, and can easily adapt to the keyboard, I'd most certainly recommend this laptop. Before you decide to take the plunge, you may want to check it out at WorstBuy for yourself as they should have a display model.

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