Toshiba Satellite L505-S5966 Review

The Toshiba Satellite L505-S5966 proves that consumers can get much, if not all of what they need in a system that costs less than $600. Priced at $549, this mainstream notebook features a 15.6-inch screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio—ideal for watching widescreen movies. While those looking to play the latest 3D games or do serious multitasking will be disappointed, consumers who need a notebook for simply surfing the Web, running Microsoft Office, and listening to music should be more than satisfied with the L505.


Full Specifications
CPU 2.0-GHz Intel Pentium T4200
RAM Included 3GB
RAM Upgradable 8GB
Hard Drive Size 320GB
Hard Drive Speed 5,400rpm
Hard Drive Type SATA Hard Drive
Optical Drive Type DVD RW
Optical Drive Speed 8X
Display Size 15.6
Native Resolution 1366x768
Graphics Card Intel GMA 4500M
Video Memory 128MB
Wi-Fi 802.11b/g
Bluetooth
Mobile Broadband
Operating System MS Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
Ports (excluding USB) Ethernet; Headphone; Kensington Lock; Microphone; Modem; USB/eSATA; VGA
USB Ports 2
Card Slots / Readers 5-1 card reader
Warranty/Support One-year limited/24/7 toll-free phone
Size 15.1 x 10.2 x 1.6 inches
Weight 6.0 pounds

Design

For a sub-$600 system, the Satellite L505 is attractive but not exactly striking. Its lid and keyboard deck sport Toshiba’s Fusion Finish with a grey Breeze pattern—essentially, lines running diagonally across the system. Both the lid and deck are glossy, but the neutral color hides any fingerprints. The design carries across the touchpad, making it all but invisible when viewed from certain angles. While a clever touch, the fact that it is also flush with the deck had us looking for it a little harder than we should have. The keyboard and bezel are a matte black that contrasts nicely with the rest of the chassis.

At 15.1 x 10.2 x 1.6 inches and an even 6 pounds, the Satellite L505 isn’t exactly travel friendly, but it’s a reasonable size and weight for a 15.6-inch system.

Above the keyboard is the power button, plus four media playback buttons: Play/pause, reverse, forward, and mute. Unfortunately, there are no volume buttons; Toshiba continues to use an old-school volume wheel, which in this case is on the front edge of the L505.

[via laptopmag]