Toshiba’s Satellite M505-S4945 has good speakers ; decent typically performance ; including a 3G antenna. Positioned as a reasonable design-conscious Core two Couple laptop for under $700, Toshiba’s Satellite M505-S4945 is better for media than it is for all-day office work.

Equipped with a Core two Couple processor and integrated graphics, as well as better-than-average speakers and a -good 16:9 display, the M505-S945 presents the best value for someone that wants to view a large amount of media files ( so long as it isn’t full-HD ).

For heavy office employees and writers this slightly ungainly machine might disappoint.

The 1,366×768-pixel, 14-inch screen is the standard resolution for a 16:9 LCD of this size. LED-backlit, its colours were pointy and bright during video playback, and viewing angles were decent. Of specific note are the in-built Harman / Kardon stereo speakers that have great sound compared to most laptops in this range. They are similar to the speakers in the Lenovo IdeaPad Y450, and are a prominent improvement from the disappointing speakers in the recently-reviewed entry-level Satellite L305 and L505 PCs.

The Toshiba Satellite L505-S4945 is backed by an industry-standard, one year guaranty. Support is accessible 24-7 thru a toll-free telephone line, a web data base, and an internet site with driver downloads. While retail shops are pleased to sell you an in-store extended guaranty, they are frequently costly and tough to use, so we do not suggest them.