Toshiba Satellite U845-S406 review

The Satellite U845-S406 does have a backlit keyboard and all the basic ports (Ethernet, HDMI, USB 3.0, SD card slot), plus a slightly larger-than-average 14-inch screen, but it weighs more than a Toshiba Portege R935 (the CPU-upgraded update to the Portege R835 CNET has reviewed), even though the Portege R935 also includes an optical drive and a faster processor. Even more oddly, some models of the new Portege are more affordable.

 

(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)

Simply put, Toshiba has too many laptops, but that's an argument for a different day. The Satellite U845-S406 offers what amounts to, for mid-2012, a solid, standard set of ultrabook specs and features, but in a rather generically designed package, and not at a standout price. It doesn't stand out from its peers. I'd try to get one for as little as possible and pay down for the entry-level model. This type of laptop should cost $750, not $879.

Starting price / Price as reviewed	$749 / $879
Processor	1.7GHz Intel Core i5-3317U
Memory	4GB, 1,600MHz DDR3
Hard drive	500GB, 5,400rpm + 32GB SSD hybrid
Chipset	Intel HM77
Graphics	Intel HD 4000
Operating system	Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
Dimensions (WD)	13.4x9.1 inches
Height	0.8 inch
Screen size (diagonal)	14 inches
System weight / Weight with AC adapter	3.7 pounds / 4.3 pounds
Category	ultrabook

31 July 2012 |  read more