The R705 is unique in packing a full-performance CPU, DVD writer, and a 13" screen while weighing the same as a 10-inch netbook.
You will appreciate the lightness, but may have to get used to the thin and hollow feel of panels and casings. The internal structure should prove reliable, though. Rather than the MacBook's all-round sturdy feel, this machine is engineered to be solid where it counts. It weighs 30% less than the 13-inch unibody Macbook Pro: 3.2 lbs vs 4.5
The only catch is that full performance means "integrated graphics", if you can live with that. I develop websites and run virtual machines, so it's not that big a difference with enough RAM and reliable drivers.
Toshiba designed this model to be a "business-class" machine, with a 3 year warranty and life-cycle. So I wouldn't worry about the 1 year warranty, if that means business quality at consumer prices.
You will appreciate the lightness, but may have to get used to the thin and hollow feel of panels and casings. The internal structure should prove reliable, though. Rather than the MacBook's all-round sturdy feel, this machine is engineered to be solid where it counts. It weighs 30% less than the 13-inch unibody Macbook Pro: 3.2 lbs vs 4.5
The only catch is that full performance means "integrated graphics", if you can live with that. I develop websites and run virtual machines, so it's not that big a difference with enough RAM and reliable drivers.
Toshiba designed this model to be a "business-class" machine, with a 3 year warranty and life-cycle. So I wouldn't worry about the 1 year warranty, if that means business quality at consumer prices.
The 13-inch 16:9 display is something of a cross between the newer glossy displays and older matt displays. It's a bit more reflective than the VAIO Z panel, and the angles are not as good. Colors are just as great, though. It's not as spacious as the Macbook's 13-inch 16:10 display, but nowhere as near reflective.
Lastly, the cooling fan is a little noisy, but only if some buggy software or script-heavy browser session is occupying your CPU. The nice thing about a Core i5 CPU is that it does all the work quickly and returns to idling, unlike ultra low-voltage CPUs which drag on. If anything you can kill runaway processes on the i5 more quickly.
All-in-all, a worthwhile investment in lightweight portability and productivity.
Product Features
- Intel Core i5-460M Processor 2.53 GHz (2.80 GHz with Turbo Boost Technology), 3MB L3 Cache
- Configured with 4GB DDR3 1066MHz (max 8GB)
- 500GB (5400 RPM) Serial ATA hard disk drive with TOSHIBA Hard Drive Impact Sensor (3D sensor), DVD SuperMulti drive supporting 11 formats
- 13.3" diagonal widescreen TruBrite TFT display at 1366 x 768 native resolution (HD) with Native support for 720p content and LED backlit, Mobile Intel HD Graphics with 64MB-1696MB dynamically allocated shared graphic memory
- Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium, 8 hour battery life (measured by MobileMark 2007)
Product Features and Technical Details
Processor, Memory, and Motherboard- Hardware Platform: PC
- Processor: 2.53 GHz Intel Core i5
- Number of Processors: 2
- RAM: 4 GB
- RAM Type: SODIMM
Hard Drive
- Size: 500 GB
- Type: Serial ATA
- Speed: 5400
Graphics and Display
- Graphics Card: Mobile Intel HD Graphics
Cases and Expandability
- Size (LWH): 8.94 inches, 12.44 inches, 0.72 inches
- Weight: 3.2 pounds
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Laptop Computers