Toshiba Satellite 1135-S125 Laptop (1.80-GHz Celeron, 256 MB RAM, 30 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive)

Based upon a 1.8 GHz Intel Celeron processor, the Satellite 1135-S125 clearly sports less raw power than its pricier Pentium 4-equipped Satellite counterparts. Toshiba has matched this CPU with an adequate allotment of 256 MB RAM (expandable to 1024 MB), a 32 MB Intel 852GM graphics chipset and an adequate 30 GB hard drive. Consequently, the system is quite satisfactory for most common business and personal applications apart from high-end games and 3-D animation packages.

Otherwise, the Satellite 1135-S125 is equipped with a multitude of features normally reserved for mid- to high-end models, including a full 15-inch display screen capable of 1024 by 768 resolution. The system's integrated optical drive incorporates DVD-ROM with CD-RW technology to allow you to backup your data, listen to and burn music CDs and watch the latest movies. The integrated keyboard features 85 full-size keys, 12 function keys and a TouchPad pointing device with scroll capability. And if you need future expandability, the Satellite 1135-S155 features two memory slots (both of which may be occupied) and dual PC Card slots.

The long list of connectivity options includes an integrated 56K modem for low-speed e-communications, a 10/100 Ethernet LAN for high-speed Internet and network operations, an S-Video TV-out, a printer port, and a trio of ultra-fast USB 2.0 ports. The system does not include an IEEE 1394 FireWire connection, nor does it permit wireless communication.

The Satellite 1135-S125 is unexpectedly portable at 13 by 11 by 1.7 inches and just 6.8 pounds. Under ideal conditions, battery life is estimated at 3 hours.

APPEARANCE
Looks nice. Serious deep blue on black. No foo-foo arty pastels. Professional looking.

BUILD QUALITY
Robust construction, definitely above average. Underside gets uncomfortably warm when sat on lap for extended period. Keyboard quite good, perhaps a little soft, but way ahead of main competitors in this price range.

Display bright - viewing angle restrictive - color fidelity not that great especially on skin tones, yellows, reds generally. Blues dark. These defects not the least uncommon on wide range of TFTs, not just this Toshiba display. It's really rather a good'n in its class. 1024x768 resolution is just fine with 15 inch display.

Windows XP is resident OS and should be endured only by repenting sinners deserving of the torture. I replaced it within a week with Win 2000 Pro.

MEMORY
I found Samsung 256MB memory stick to add to installed 256MB for $25 after mail-in rebate, for total of 512MB.

WIFI
Contrary to editorial review this page, you *can* easily install internal mini PCI WiFi card. Got mine from Computers4Sure for $90 inclusive of tax and shipping. Advantage over external PCMCIA card is attachment to internal antenna which provides greater range. Found much easier to pick up roaming hot spots. Nothing sticking out to get snapped off, either.

CPU
Contrary to Toshiba official line, the processor *is* socketed and upgradeable (least ways, upgradeable by your resident geek). Should take the 2.4GH Celeron without a problem. Same bios revision. Not economical now given price, but maybe in future. Maybe get you 12% usable performance increase, or, if the original processor fries, it can easily be replaced.


Excellent Machine for the $$$   July 7, 2003
Sam Sagar (USA)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

I recently got this laptop. The machine performs really good. The screen is very clear with no distortion. I have a 1.6 pentium desktop. I cannot see any difference between this celeron laptop and the my desktop. Excellent features for everyday use. Simple layout and less weight. I higly recommend this unless you want to spend some extra $$$ just for a pentium name.


Very Nice - I Like It.   June 29, 2003
Ryan McLin (Socorro, NM United States)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

I just recently purchased this laptop model and I am very satisfied with its performance. I like the fact that the lcd screen is very sturdy. A good way to test this is to press your fingers behind a "test" model in a retail store and look for the distortion on the screen in the form of "press waves" on the plasma. All of the Toshiba laptops I did this to had no distortion whatsoever. Other comperable brands such as HP and Compaq (stay away from these), did in fact distort. To me that means the screen is quite flimsy. For a grad student like myself, this had everything I could want in a laptop for a price just over a grand. I strongly recommend you opt for the 2-3 year extended life warranty if such a place offers it to you. This covers any accidental dammage or hardware problems. It's usually about 250 dollars extra but it is so worth it...