Toshiba Satellite 1135-S155 Laptop (2.0-GHz Celeron, 512 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive)

Based upon a 2.0 GHz Intel Celeron processor, the Satellite 1135-S155 clearly sports less raw power than its pricier Pentium 4-equipped Satellite counterparts, but Toshiba has matched this CPU with a whopping 512 MB RAM (expandable to 1024 MB), a capable 32 MB Intel 852GM graphics chipset, and an ample 40 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.

Furthermore, Toshiba has incorporated an array of features normally reserved for mid- to high-end models. The unit's viewing screen, for example, is a comfortably large 15-inch XGA display capable of 1024 by 768 resolution. Its integrated optical drive combines 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 system's 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, a microphone and headphone port, and, most impressively, a trio of ultra-fast USB 2.0 ports. The system does not include an IEEE 1394 FireWire connection or high-speed data transfer from external devices such as digital camcorders.

The Satellite 1135-S155 is unexpectedly portable at 13 by 11 by 1.7 inches and just 6.2 pounds. Under ideal conditions, battery life is estimated at three hours.