- Core 2 Duo 64-Bit Processor
- Very Large Hard Drive
- Lacks ExpressCard Slot
- Media Controls Prevent Keyboard From Being Larger
- Intel Core 2 Duo T5200 Dual Core Mobile Processor
- 1GB PC2-4200 DDR2 Memory
- 160GB 5400rpm Hard Drive
- 8x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
- 15.4" WXGA (1280x800) LCD and Intel GMA 950 Integrated Graphics
- v.92 56Kbps Modem, 10/100 Ethernet and 802.11a/b/g Wireless
- Four USB 2.0, One FireWire, Type II PC Card Slot and 5-in-1 Card Reader
- 14.2" x 10.5" x 1.5" @ 6 lbs.
- Vista Home Premium, MS Works, WinDVD, Ulead Movie Factory
4/12/07 – One of the biggest features that stands out on the Toshiba Satellite A135-S4467 is the Core 2 Duo processor. While the overall performance of this is not much higher than the previous generation Core Duo's, this gives the system 64-bit software support. This means that it could use the 64-bit version of Vista, but instead Toshiba uses the 32-bit version of Home Premium. This does give the system a bit more future proof design for software support though.
Storage is exceptional for the Satellite A135. Toshiba has packed in a very large 160GB hard drive that is almost double the size of most budget notebook computers. The 5400rpm spin rate also gives it higher performance than smaller drives or similar sizes with the more traditional 4200rpm speeds. Rounding out the storage is the dual layer capable DVD burner that lets users record or read CDs and DVDs.
There are a few items that Toshiba could improve on the Satellite A135. The first of these is the lack of an ExpressCard expansion slot. While there are still a number of Type II PC Cards available on the market, it is severely limited in its bandwidth and ExpressCard is gaining ground with a wider range of peripherals to replace the aging Type II interface. The other issue is the keyboard design. Toshiba puts a number of media controls on a section just to the left of the keyboard. It would be nice to see them move these to eitehr the front or above the keyboard and expand the key sizes.
After all is said and done, the configuration of the Satellite A135-S4467 is definitely a strong choice for those looking at a budget notebook. The 64-bit CPU and large storage space provide plenty of space for growth over time.
