2180CDT: affordability and functionality all in one package
Written: Aug 14 '00 (Updated Jan 03 '01)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Affordable
Cons: Weight
|
|
|
| redwolfoz's Full Review: Toshiba Satellite 2180CDT (PS218U-E81J08) PC Noteb... |
Due the unexpected death of my old notebook, I was once again on the hunt for a replacement.
My notebook is used as my main base for web design and I need to run HomeSite, PhotoShop, Netscape, Internet Explorer and a few other odds and ends. Nothing overly taxing, so I'm not looking for a top of the line machine. After a comparison search through E-Store, I decided on the Toshiba 2180CDT.
A couple of weeks of comparing prices from the list of resellers provided on Toshiba's web site, narrowed it down to E-Store and Computelec.com. As both stores offered very competitive prices, Computelec.com won out due to their amazingly effective phone centre staff — you talk to enough of these guys and you really start to appreciate trained personnel — their bundled extended warranty and the very cool carry bag they stocked.
Features
• Processor: AMD K6-2 475MHz microprocessor with a 95MHz front side bus
• Memory: 64Mb RAM expandable to 192Mb with a 512Kb integrated L2 cache
• Storage: Internal 4.3Gb Enhanced IDE hard drive, internal 24X CD ROM [US version offers DVD], internal 1.44Mb 3.5" floppy drive
• Display: 12.1" active matrix TFT display at 800 x 600 resolution
• Ports: USB, Connection for external SVGA display, 2x Type II or 1x Type III, 32 bit CardBus compatible, 1 x 9 pin RS-232C serial, parallel printer and PS/2 keyboard or mouse
• Battery: Lightweight removable, rechargeable Li Ion battery and AC adapter [2.5 hour battery life]
• Multimedia: ES1978 PCI sound processor, 2x integrated stereo speakers, microphone & headphone ports, line-in port, Sound Blaster Pro compatible, RJ-11, integrated v90 56k modem
• Weight: 3.1kg
• Keyboard: 85 key, dedicated Win keys, Accupoint integrated pointing device, 4 easy keys (internet browser launch, CD/DVD - player keys)
The active matrix display is impressive after using an LCD display. You still get the unreliability of colour tones that is inherent with all notebooks, but the screen is viewable from all angles, which makes life easier. I'd prefer a 1024 x 768 screen resolution, but them's the breaks if you're looking at a budget notebook, and the 800 x 600 is sufficient when viewed on the 12.1" screen size.
The 4.3Gb hard drive is perfect for my needs, as anything big (or unessential) is dumped on my desktop. The capacity is twice that of my previous machine, so I'm more than happy, but if I was using it as a standalone machine I would be wanting more space.
64 Mb of RAM is, again, twice that of my previous machine, and as I'm running the same software plenty for my needs. The only problem I had running at 32Mb RAM was with PhotoShop occasionally having a hernia and crashing, and I'm yet to have that happen. I'm still tossing up whether to add another 64Mb RAM, but I'll see how the current configuration performs first.
A DVD would always be a nice option, but at this end of the market you can forget it. As it is the huge novelty of having both the floppy drive and the CD both internally integrated still has me deliriously happy. Steer clear of any machine that offers only one drive integrated, my last notebook claimed to be able to hot swap the components — and it did, as long as you didn't mind having to reboot after it locked the system. It's a pain and not worth the hassle.
Toshiba laptops use an Accupoint device that looks like a furry green nipple lurking amid your keyboard. I'm not a fan, but then I'm not terribly impressed with touchpads either. It's an individual preference, so I'll happily stick to my external mouse.
The sound is a bit tinny, so if you plan on playing music through the speakers either invest in headphones or prepare for those around you to pummel you mercilessly. My Army of Darkness Windows theme was not met with the delight it deserves when I relocated my notebook to the lounge room — barbarians.
Being a geek at heart, I wasn't overly enthused with the preloaded software. I'd much rather have a windows CD as backup than the files eating space on my hard drive. I bought my notebook from a company that specialises in supplying schools, so I don't know if this is a blanket loading for the education industry or a Toshiba policy.
The lithium ion rechargeable battery has a claimed life of 2.5 hours. For the most part I usually run on AC power, but on the few occasions I've been sans power, 2.5 hours of life seems about right. This is one of the shortest battery charges I've seen. If you plan on using this machine to cart from meeting to meeting, invest in a second battery. The one thing I hope out of this battery is for it to outlast the 6 month lifespan of the NiCad in my last notebook — not impressed.
At 3.1kg, this is not a light notebook. It really only moves around my house, so weight is not really one of my considerations. But when I do have to bring it to work, it feels like I'm carrying bricks. If you want to be ultra mobile, look at another machine.
The case I selected is the Tufapak 2000. It's as ugly as every other carry bag on the market, but it was designed specifically for the Satellite notebook with schoolkids in mind. The notebook slides into the well padded main body on the bag from the top and all your peripherals go in the big pocket on the side. There are heavy duty rubber feet on the base and the bag is claimed to protect your notebook from a 1 metre drop. I don't care to put it to the test, but that statement alone sold me on it.
I asked a lot of questions about the Toshiba Warranty and have yet to hear anything bad. The warranty is honoured by Toshiba themselves, so even if the store you bought from vanishes, you won't be left out in the cold. It is also covered internationally, so if you're a jet setter this is a big plus. As I got burned in the past when dealing with another notebook manufacturer, I opted for the extra 2 years warranty.
The only real niggle I have with the 2180CDT is the on switch. It has a transport lock that is located under the switch in a position that is almost under the computer. It is so unnoticable that, at first, I completely overlooked it and thought the switch was just difficult to turn on.
This is one of the computers recommended for Australian schools. It's perfect for the purpose, but I really feel for kids having to cart this notebook around. But then how many parents are prepared to shell out A$6000-A$8000 for a lighter alternative? It's the Catch 22 of the wonderful world of notebooks.
Overall this is an excellent notebook that more than meets my needs and I am delighted with its performance so far. If you're in a SOHO situation, it's well worth considering, especially if weight is not a factor. But if you plan on taking it everywhere, I'd recommend giving this notebook a miss.
Toshiba Australia
http://www.isd.toshiba.com.au/
E-Store
http://www.estore.com.au/
Computelec.com
http://www.computelec.com/
© 2000 Red Wolf — All rights reserved
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
redwolfoz
|
|
Member: Red Wolf
Location: Sydney, Australia
Reviews written: 56
Trusted by: 102 members
About Me:
Frequently found in darkened rooms watching the flicker of lights across a silver screen
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.