Toshiba Satellite L650-BT2N23 Review

Gone are the days of what-you-see-is-what-you-get (WYSWYG) – nowadays the watchword is “customization.” When ordering a computer, you want to be sure it is the right fit for you. At resellers like Amazon.com and Office Depot, you can order from a menu, but an even better option may be to go straight to the manufacturer. Toshiba has a web store (Toshiba.direct.com) with a long list of features for you to select the hardware and software you prefer.  The question is: with so many options, how do you choose?

Start customizing now

To customize your laptop computer, you start by considering your wallet. At extremely attractive price tags across specifications, the 15.6 inch diagonal Toshiba Satellite L650-BT2N23 becomes a solid contender in the mid-range laptop market. It stands out from the rest because Toshiba has specifically committed to the customer service and technical support required to make this model “customizable.” You configure it the way you want it when you order. Toshiba has long been regarded as “the laptop expert” and as customers report, Toshiba delivers.

A base model ready to be upgraded

The base laptop comes with the first level of the newest Intel Core i3-370m processors, 4 GB of memory, a 320GB hard drive, and a 1366x768 native screen resolution. Like comparable laptops, it includes 802.11 wireless connection and integrated webcam. Some rivals leave off the all-important HDMI output, but you will find that plus 3 USB 2.0 ports so you can input all the files you want from digital media and output them via a HDMI cable (sold separately) to your high-def television or home theatre projector. With the LED backlit screen standard on this model, this laptop draws less power than others with LCD screens, giving this model longer battery life and reducing environmental impact. Literally hundreds of accessories are available from external monitors to docking stations to wireless range boosters to extreme backpacks.

Lots of free software

There is no extra charge for Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit or any of the Toshiba extras like Toshiba ReelTime™  which helps find your files with an innovative timeline or "reel,” Toshiba Bulletin Board which is like a customized mini homepage where you can drag and drop all your important files, notes, and links, and Toshiba Media Control which makes it easy to share videos, music and pictures from your PC’s media library with any compatible home entertainment network. Microsoft® Office® 2010 Starter comes preloaded (reduced functionality Word and Excel with advertising) — upgrades to the full version are available when you customize.

Upgrade or downgrade – the choice is yours

The fun comes when you start configuring your laptop to suit your tastes.  For a small fee, you can pick your favorite look:  the basic model comes with a Fusion® Finish in Helios Black with Standard Black keyboard, or you can choose White with White keyboard, Grey or Red or Brown with Glossy Black keyboard.

You can save money by downgrading memory just a bit to the 3GB DDR3 1066MHz SDRAM (2048MB+1024MB) or by selecting either 4GB DDR3 1066MHz SDRAM (2048MBx2) or the 6GB DDR3 1066MHz SDRAM (4096MB+2048MB).  Or for a bit more, upgrade to an Intel® Core™ i5-460M Processor 2.53 GHz (2.8 GHz with Turbo Boost Technology), 3MB L3 Cache or go for the top of the line with an Intel® Core™ i5-560M Processor 2.66 GHz (3.2 GHz with Turbo Boost Technology), 3MB L3 Cache.  Additionally, you can Upgrade to Windows 7 Professional for or go all out and order the 320 GB or even the 500 GB hard drive.

Extend your reach

Get more cord-free hours with an Extended Capacity Lithium-Ion Battery (6-cell, 61Wh) or  wirelessly connect with your Bluetooth devices by adding Broadcom Wireless LAN (802.11b/g/n) and Bluetooth® Version 2.1 +EDR, also at an additional but reasonable cost. Web surfers on a budget or in remote areas where no wireless connection is available will want to pay a little extra to get an integrated modem.

Conclusion

Whether you are computer-savvy or a shopper bewildered by the range of choices available on today’s market, check out the manufacturer’s website and reviews of computers that interest you before you buy. Find out how the lines and models differ: the Toshiba Satellite aims for the home and small business computing market where their Qosmio line aims at gamers and intense multimedia users, while the Tecra, Satellite Pro, and the ultra-thin Portege families of computers all serve business customers in different ways. Think about size and use – do you want a lightweight ‘Mini’ you can carry around or a large “film-friendly” display on a laptop that will replace your old desktop PC on your desk? Each line carries a variety of models to suit. currently on sale at amazon