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CNET editors' buying advice
We have not reviewed this product but here is CNET's buying advice on Laptops. This content was chosen based on the features included with this model of laptop.
Mid-size laptop computer
Not all midsize laptops are inexpensive, but most inexpensive laptops are midsize. Why? Whereas a desktop replacement is designed to deliver high performance and a thin-and-light is optimized for portability, the typical midsize laptop isn't specialized. Rather, a midsize laptop gives you everything you need for basic computing (word processing, storing digital photos), home entertainment (burning CDs, watching DVDs), and online communication (e-mail and Web surfing). Slightly smaller than desktop replacements and with limited battery life, midsize laptops aren't particularly well suited for regular travel.
Read more in the Laptop Buying Guide
See more Mid-size laptop computer products
Microsoft Windows Vista for laptop computers
In addition to the core functionality of the Vista operating system, Microsoft portioned out extra features into different editions of Vista, aimed at different market segments and at differing price points.
| Feature | Home Basic | Home Premium | Business | Ultimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU support | One physical CPU, but with multiple cores | One physical CPU, but with multiple cores | Up to two physical CPUs | Up to two physical CPUs |
| Maximum supported RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Windows defender & firewall | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Scheduled backup | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Aero desktop experience | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobility center (centralized access to controls often used on portables) | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Tablet PC support | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Windows SideShow (display support for a variety of secondary devices) | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Extended media and entertainment capabilities (Media center, games,HD, movie- and DVD maker) | Yes | Yes | ||
| Remote desktop connection | Yes | Yes | ||
| Windows Fax and Scan | Yes | Yes | ||
| Sound Schemes, DreamScene (video desktop "wallpaper") | Yes | |||
| BitLocker drive encryption | Yes |
See more Microsoft Windows Vista products
Microsoft Windows 7 system requirements
Ready for Windows 7?
If you want to run Windows 7 on your PC, here's what it takes:
- -1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
- -1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
- -16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
- -DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
Additional requirements to use certain features:
- -Internet access (fees may apply)
- -Depending on resolution, video playback may require additional memory and advanced graphics hardware
- -For some Windows Media Center functionality a TV tuner and additional hardware may be required
- -Windows Touch and Tablet PCs require specific hardware
- -HomeGroup requires a network and PCs running Windows 7
- -DVD/CD authoring requires a compatible optical drive
- -BitLocker requires Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2
- -BitLocker To Go requires a USB flash drive
- -Windows XP Mode requires an additional 1 GB of RAM, an additional 15 GB of available hard disk space, and a processor capable of hardware virtualization with Intel VT or AMD-V turned on
- -Music and sound require audio output
from windows.microsoft.com
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Home user laptop computer
Home users are increasingly turning to notebook computers as their primary PCs, as they like that laptops can offer similar performance and features to those of a desktop PC, and can be easily moved from room to room. Though of course almost any notebook computer will do for typical home use, there are two types of laptops most suitable for home users: mid-size notebooks, which tend to be budget-friendly, and desktop replacements, which are usually packed with features.
Read more in the Laptop Buying Guide
Laptop computer memory size
To maximize battery life, notebook computer processors are often designed to save more energy and run cooler than desktop processors. The drawback is slower performance, but more memory can help, which it won't consume energy or radiate heat. Even better, up to 4GB of RAM can now be found in budget configurations. If you want more memory later, expansion is often a simple procedure.
See more Notebook computer RAM products
CNET product brief
Description: The Toshiba Satellite L355-S7817 is a 7.3-pound, general-purpose notebook computer.Compared to other consumer level notebooks on the market, it is very inexpensive at around $730.The 17 inch widescreen has a native resolution of 1440 x 900, which is better than most laptops.Built around the Intel Pentium dual Core chip.This configuration comes with a 160GB hard disk drive and 3 GB of memory.
Pros: None noted, given available product data.
Cons: Has a modest 1.86 GHz CPU speed.This is not out of line with the product's price, but is slower than the average notebook on the market today.Also, this notebook has a 7.3-pound weight, which is heavier than some similarly priced notebooks.For example, the HP Compaq Mobile Thin Client 2533t, at around $785, has only a 3.1-pound weight.The fair battery performance of this laptop means it has to be recharged more frequently than other notebooks in its class.Graphics-intensive applications (such as texture-rich games, DVD playback, and video editing) will hinder performance on a system that relies on shared video memory.
Suitability: Suited for those who just need a basic notebook.If you have a wireless network at home, wirelessly browse the Web from any room in your house with this Wi-Fi enabled laptop.Comes with a DVD writer, allowing you to convert home movies from your digital video camcorder onto DVDs.
Value: Given its very inexpensive price, this notebook has great features for the money.Generally, not targeted at the gaming crowd, this computer will likely fulfill more modest laptop needs.
Suggestions: (1) Given this device's Wi-Fi capability, you may want to get a wireless access point for your home, so that you can browse the Web more conveniently from any room.(2) The integrated camera, while it does not have the resolution of most digital cameras, can be handy if you want to video conference over the Web.
CNET's Product Briefs are generated by a software tool that combines product specifications with knowledge of our editorial experts. They do not reflect hands-on assessment or labs testing. For more information about how we create Product Briefs, contact us.
Toshiba Satellite L355-S7817 - Pentium Dual Core T2390 1.86 GHz - 17" TFT:
