Toshiba Satellite S955D-S5374 review

It’s packed with powerful computing resources, including a SuperMulti drive that can burn a lot of disc formats, and plenty of ports and storage allowing you to expand, or hold more files and media. And thanks to the built-in webcam and Toshiba Face Recognition software on this machine, you’ll enjoy a more convenient way to communicate, log on, or share your laptop among the family.

Are you ready to take advantage of big revolution in PC computing: Windows 8? Redesigned Start screen has all of interesting informations in one place, such as your contacts, the weather, and the next appointment on your calendar. Start Page is fully reinvented interface with interactive tiles that remain up-front and center and they dynamically change and update in real-time.

With the power of your new Windows 8 Toshiba Satellite PC, you get applications that are always on and easily accessible from your Start screen. You will also get new, built-in applications for the things you do most, like new Microsoft Mail, Calendar, SkyDrive, Photos, People, and Messaging.

On your Microsoft 8 Toshiba Satellite PC, the Charms bar replaces the Start button, offering quick and easy access to features, sharing, search, devices and settings. Enjoy the convenience of seeing everything front and center, right where you need it.

AMD A8-4555M Quad-Core APU

Adapted for Windows 8, this 2nd-generation, quad-core AMD APU features 256 Radeon Cores 2.0, allowing you to run multiple programs in the same time without slowing yor computer down. Experience HD entertainment with amazing visuals on your laptop, share and edit HD photos and videos in record time and enjoy immersive 3D gaming and stunning Blu-ray 3D movies (with optional Blu-ray Disc drive).

Toshiba Satellite combines a 1.6 GHz CPU (boosted up to 2.4 GHz with AMD Turbo Core Technology) and an AMD Radeon HD 7600G graphics processing unit (GPU) on a single chip, allowing to accelerate daily apps while also delivering lower power consumption. The APU can quickly offload demanding tasks and apps from your CPU to the GPU, enabling you to do more with your computer in less time.

Premium Raised-Tile Keyboard

All keyboards are not created equal. The premium raised-tile keyboard on select laptops sets itself apart because it’s handsomely handy. Whether you’re doing homework, writing a letter or updating your social status, it makes typing more comfortable and easy.

Speakers

Chambered stereo speakers with SRS Premium HD audio enhancement.

Touchpad with Multi-Touch Control

Now it’s much easier to peruse web pages, work with long documents, and show off photos with the larger touchpad, which supports the new Windows 8 Modern gestures like scrolling and pinch zoom–giving you the freedom and fluidity or movement as of a touch tablet or smartphone.

Super-speed USB 3.0 Port

Technology is getting bigger and faster. Fortunately, your laptop can keep up with the best of them, thanks to built-in USB 3.0 ports. You’ll not only get much faster transfer speeds, but your USB 3.0 devices won’t require a separate power cable either, unlike eSATA technology.

USB Sleep and Charge

Another Toshiba innovation, USB Sleep and Charge lets you power your smartphone and other devices attached even when the laptop’s asleep or off. It’s perfect for travelers and gear heads. And it’s a great way to charge a empty device when you carry your PC around.

HDMI Output

Supporting for Full 1080p HD video and sound, the HDMI connection on your PC lets you enjoy high-end multimedia on the go, or at home on your big screen TV.

Toshiba Resolution+ Video Enhancement Technology

Make old movies, photos and clips look a lot better on your HDTV or HD laptop screen with Toshiba Resolution+ technology. It’s an exclusive innovation that converts standard definition DVD movies and instantly improves sharpness and color in real time for a picture that looks and feels more like HD.

Here is how it works: Color Correction and RGB Gamma improve brightness, color saturation, contrast and hue. Advanced Color Image fine-tunes environmental and character colors, like sky, grass, leaves and skin, to give these images a more natural appearance.

Key Specifications

15.6-inch TruBrite LED-backlit display with 1366 x 768 resolution for native HD 720p viewing
amd vision a8
1.6 GHz AMD A8-4555M quad-core accelerated processor (APU) (up to 2.4 GHz with AMD Turbo Core Technology 2.0; 4 MB cache)
750 GB SATA hard drive (5400 RPM)
6 GB of installed DDR3 RAM (1600 MHz; 16 GB maximum)
AMD Radeon HD 7600G integrated graphics for everyday computing with support for Microsoft DirectX 11 games
8x SuperMulti CD/DVD drive with support for 11 formats
Built-in stereo speakers with SRS Premium Sound HD audio enhancement
6-cell battery
Dimensions and Weight: 14.94 x 10.3 x 0.97 inches (WxDxH); 5 pounds

Wireless & Networking

Wireless-N Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) for ultra-fast connectivity to home and business networks.
Bluetooth 4.0 for connecting to peripherals like a wireless mouse, headset, and more
Fast Ethernet (10/100)

Connectivity & Expansion

2 super-speed USB 3.0 ports (1 with Sleep and Charge capabilities)
1 standard USB 2.0 ports
HDMI audio/video output with support for Full HD 1080p high-definition video.
VGA video output (analog, RGB)
Multi-format memory card reader compatible with Secure Digital, SDHC, SDXC, miniSD, microSD, Multi Media Card (shared slot; may require adapter for use)
Microphone and headphone jacks

What comes in the Box

This package contains the Toshiba Satellite S955D-S5374 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions.

Preloaded Software

Toshiba eco Utility. When it comes to helping the environment, every amp, volt and watt counts. Equipped with the power-saving eco Utility, this laptop helps you use electricity wisely through improved power management. With just a click, you can quickly adjust the settings and power plan of your laptop, and monitor your ongoing power usage.

It also comes with the following software:

Microsoft Office (trial); Internet Explorer 10; Microsoft Essentials; Norton Internet Security 2013 (30-day trial); Norton Online Backup (30-day trial); Norton Anti-Theft (60-day trial); WildTangent Games Console

Environmental Specifications

Energy Star 5.0 certified
Gold EPEAT designation for meeting standards to help reduce its environmental impact.
RoHS compliant effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances.