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On August 26, CNET launched a substantial redesign of its Web sites. As part of the changes, we've altered the rating system to include numerals (1 through 10 with decimals) and a five-star system, with half stars. Nothing changed regarding how we test products or calculate their ratings. (Read more about this process below.) You can send feedback by clicking on the link at the top of this page.
- Reviewed on:
- 11/02/06
- Updated on:
- 11/02/06
- Released on:
- 09/27/06
- Click here to see CNET editors' review for Toshiba Satellite M115-S1061
Editors' rating: laptops
CNET editors rate laptops on a scale of 0.0 through 10.0 (see "What the numbers mean" below). The editors calculate the overall rating from a series of subratings, on a scale of 1 to 10, that gauge key aspects of the product. On the product review page and elsewhere
on the Web site, the overall rating is displayed as a series of stars, based on a five-star scale with half stars (see conversion details below). The laptops we review generally fall into one of five classes: ultraportable, thin-and-light, midsize, desktop replacement, and tablet. Each subrating is weighted based on its relative importance within a specific product class. For example, the performance subrating is given greater importance when calculating the overall score of a desktop replacement than that of an ultraportable.
The rating criteria with the weightings by class are:
This subrating corresponds to the quality of a laptop's physical design, with particular emphasis on size and weight. Keyboard and cursor controls are critical: Keys should be of sufficient size, offer decent travel, and be logically organized, and the touch pad and the pointing stick (or both) should be responsive and precise. We look for a sensible layout of drives and ports. Extra points are awarded for especially sturdy construction and the use of materials that make a laptop stronger. This subrating is given the greatest emphasis in categories where portability is paramount.
- Ultraportable: 30 percent
- Thin-and-light: 25 percent
- Midsize: 20 percent
- Desktop replacement: 10 percent
- Tablet: 25 percent
Features
This subrating corresponds to the quantity and quality of a laptop's features, which can vary widely depending on category and price. Features include display size and resolution; hard drive and optical drive; networking components; multimedia components, such as speakers, instant-on media players, and memory card readers; included software and utilities; and ports. Though we give consideration to a laptop's intended audience--whether it be business, consumer, multimedia enthusiast, gamer, or other--generally, the larger the laptop, the more complete the feature set should be.
- Ultraportable: 15 percent
- Thin-and-light: 20 percent
- Midsize: 35 percent
- Desktop replacement: 40 percent
- Tablet: 20 percent
Performance
This subrating corresponds to the strength of a laptop's computing performance as measured by a combination of independent, industry-standard benchmark tests and CNET's own proprietary benchmarks. Note that we rate battery life separately. For more detail on our benchmarking and test methodology, see the CNET Labs site.
- Ultraportable: 15 percent
- Thin-and-light: 20 percent
- Midsize: 25 percent
- Desktop replacement: 40 percent
- Tablet: 20 percent
Battery life
This subrating corresponds to the length of a laptop's battery life measured with an independent, industry-standard benchmark test. Desktop-replacement laptops do not receive a battery life subrating (as they're not designed for mobile use), though we may include battery life data in desktop replacement reviews. For more detail on the benchmarks we use and our test methodology, see the CNET Labs site.
- Ultraportable: 30 percent
- Thin-and-light: 25 percent
- Midsize: 10 percent
- Tablet: 25 percent
Service and support
This subrating measures the competitiveness of a company's service and support policies, including the term of the warranty (parts and labor), the turnaround time for repairs, coverage for onsite service, and availability of technical support via phone (toll-free), e-mail, and the Web.
- Ultraportable: 10 percent
- Thin-and-light: 10 percent
- Midsize: 10 percent
- Desktop replacement: 10 percent
- Tablet: 10 percent
What the numbers mean
9.6 to 10.0 = 5 stars (Spectacular):
This exceedingly rare score is reserved for a product that is as perfect as it could be.
9.0 to 9.5 = 4.5 stars (Outstanding):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores high on all of its rating criteria. It succeeds at meeting all of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful drawbacks.
8.0 to 8.9 = 4 stars (Excellent):
A product that receives a rating in this range is superior in so many ways that its relatively few drawbacks are not very important.
7.0 to 7.9 = 3.5 stars (Very good):
While the strengths of a product scoring in this range certainly outweigh its weaknesses, it has some minor faults that certain users should be aware of.
6.0 to 6.9 = 3 stars (Good):
This range represents a product that is above average. Its strengths slightly outweigh its weaknesses, making it good for most uses but not a standout.
5.0 to 5.9 = 2.5 stars (Average):
A product that scores in this range is functional but unremarkable.
4.0 to 4.9 = 2 stars (Mediocre):
Products in this range are below average. They fall in the middle of the pack for most features, but suffer from a few additional major flaws.
3.0 to 3.9 = 1.5 stars (Poor):
You probably should not consider a product in this range or lower. There may be one or two specialized circumstances, however, that could justify the purchase of this product for a very low price for a specific demand.
2.0 to 2.9 = 1 star (Terrible):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores low on all of its rating criteria. It does not satisfy any of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful strengths.
1.0 to 1.9 = 1/2 star (Abysmal):
A product in this range should never have been produced. This product has no redeeming qualities and worse, may actually harm you or your productivity.
0 - 0.9 = 0 stars
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.
Thin-and-light laptops
A thin-and-light laptop offers the optimal combination of portability, performance, features, and cost. Power-tuned mobile processors deliver enough power to keep you working smoothly, and unlike ultraportables, most thin-and-light laptops have a more reasonably sized keyboard and display, a larger hard drive, and a built-in optical drive. Yes, they're more expensive than slightly larger, heavier mid-size laptops, but if you need maximum productivity in a portable package, this is the best choice.
Read more in the Laptop Buying Guide
See more Thin-and-light products
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 |
RoHS compliant notebooks
Electronic products sold in the EU market that comply with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive have reduced levels of toxic chemicals including lead, mercury, and cadmium.
See more RoHS compliant products
User reviews
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