| Product: |
Toshiba Satellite A200-12F |
| Date: |
06.11.07 (259 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Compact, portable, dual core, good sized screen, smooth keyboard
Disadvantages: None yet-fingers crossed
Hubby and I had been thinking about getting a laptop for a quite a while, by the time we finally bought one about four weeks ago. I had never used a laptop before but assumed that as I am fairly computer literate I would soon pick it up. We decided that a laptop was a good solution as we both tend to want to use the home PC at the same time. Also we would take it in turns to use the PC which is upstairs and found that we were only seeing each other in passing. So a few weeks ago we took a trip to town in order to buy a laptop computer.
Our town centre has only a few electrical outlets so we made our way to Curry's. I had browsed on line and had a rough idea of prices. Hubby and I had both decided to go for a Toshiba as it has been a trustworthy brand for us over the years. Curry's was near it's early Sunday closing time, by the time we had decided on our purchase. Now I shalll cut a long story short and explain that many of the laptops on sale in Currys were classed as 'Previously used' As the assistant explained that these may have been returned to the store unopened we thought we would go for one of these. However after many problems over the next couple of days getting our purchase sorted we cancelled the order and decided to buy on-line.
We choose our laptop from Dixons on-line and although a slightly different model it was still a Toshiba. Dixon's was easy to use and competitive and we settled for the A200 at a purchase price of £549.99 including delivery. The order went swimmingly and very soon Hubby was giving me a call at work to say the 'New toy' had arrived.
The Toshiba A200 has a matte black base and a shiny, black lid with TOSHIBA in silver across it. The first problem was how to open it. After much twiddling of knobs and buttons we finally found the catch to open the laptop. It actually opens very easily. It is just that it has other controls near it.
We especially wanted this dual core model so that we could access the internet via a wireless connection and router easily and quickly. It does this to a treat. Connection speeds are very quick. Windows Vista is installed as it is with most new computers these days. Vista was new to me also but I have found it fairly straightforward to use.
Near the opening catch on the front of this laptop there is a switch which needs to flicked across to connect to the internet. When it is moved a red light shows. Initially when connecting we tried everything but this, so make sure you move it across. I leave it turned across all the time but I suppose if you still have an internet connection where you pay for each call you may not want to do this. Of course you will need a good anti-virus also.
This computer has a good speed and is an ample size for my requirements. If it was to be your main computer you would probably need to add some space. There is a cd/dvd and sufficient USB ports. It is possible to attach a printer, scanner or mouse to this laptop easily. I must admit that I have had a few teething problems with the touchpad but I am getting used to it. The problem is that the slightest touch activates it and it is really easy to loose all the information you have typed in. However practice makes perfect as they say so fingers crossed. The keyboard felt strange initially also. I think this is just because I am used to using a conventional keyboard at work. Now I am used to it I find it really smooth.
The interior is silver and the keyboard is a pale grey so overall this Toshiba Laptop looks smart. I am not going to detail any of the specifications as if you are interested it will be very easy to check this out. I just wanted to tell you of my experiences using it.
CONCLUSION
I recommend this laptop as being:
Good looking
Lightweight. It would maybe feel heavy if carried for a long time but sits easily on my lap.
Good sized screen at 15 plus inches.
Reliable, up to now.
Easy to get up and running.
Easy to turn on, off and operate.
Great sound.
Fast paced.
Will run on battery for around 3 hours. Flashes an audible warning when the battery life is low.
Recharges quickly and easily.
Reasonable length of lead for use with electricity supply.
Sharp good colours.
So as you can see, although I have not experienced all the functions of my all singing all dancing laptop, I love it. The price was a little more expensive than some and cheaper than others. I feel that for a mid-price range computer I have got a great piece of technology and I hope it lives up to my expectations.
Thanks for reading
Copyright Eiley 2007
Summary: A great little computer which does what is required of it
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