The state of the art in computer technology is so fast-moving that only the most dedicated can keep up with it. As for me, I’m just an average person who wants my computer to perform certain basic (and some not-so-basic) functions. When I purchased my current laptop from Toshibadirect.com, I knew the things I wanted: Windows XP Pro, Office 2003, a good warranty package and some features I didn’t need at the moment but thought I’d need in the future, such as a wireless network adapter.
I’ve heard it said by countless forum gurus across the internet: when you’re shopping for a laptop, buy the best one you can afford. That way it won’t become obsolete as quickly, and it’ll have a longer useful lifespan. If you count the add-ons like software and warranty, I spent about $2000 on this system in 2005. Without these extras, the price would have been more like $1500. For 2005, that would be about midrange.
Users have different ideas on what constitutes the average laptop’s life span, but the consensus is anywhere from 1-5 years. Gamers and extreme users usually burn out a laptop in a year or less, while folks like me, who are basically using the laptop as a desktop replacement, tend to get more life out of them. Mine is beginning its 7th year of service. By modern standards, I have been rather gentle with my Satellite M50, using it mainly for record-keeping, writing, Excel, Photoshop and multimedia. I do challenge it a little bit by continually switching back and forth between English and Japanese fonts, while multitasking in 3-4 different programs at once. I’m nowhere near the usage intensity of your average heavy gamer, though.
The general specifications are thus:
Intel Pentium M processor, 1.73 GHz 512 MB RAM 80 GB capacity HD (IDE ATA-6) 4 USB 2.0 ports (very useful!) Headphone jack, microphone jack and analog VGA port (I’ve used this to connect to my digital television with good results) Modem and LAN ports Wireless network adapter PC card slot (I don’t have a PC card, so I’ve never needed this). Allows you to install one Type I or Type II PC card CD-RW/ DVD-ROM multidrive: I bought a peripheral DVD writer to overcome the lack of a DVD writer, as I didn’t anticipate needing one when I bought the unit. The HP DVD writer sits on my desk next to the laptop, and I only hook it up when I need it. Somewhat cumbersome but doable for me. 14″ diagonal TFT active-matrix LCD display, native resolution 1440X900 12 cell battery
Not long ago, I upgraded the memory to its maximum capacity, which is 2 GB. I also purchased an external DVD writer about 2 years ago. Other than that and regular operating system updates and patches from Microsoft, I haven’t had to modify it very often.
This leads to the salient point when anyone considers owning an older laptop: compatibility with newer operating systems and capacity to take on the demands of newer software. The memory upgrade I performed has improved the Satellite’s internet surfing capability quite nicely; previously, my Firefox browser froze and crashed on a regular basis, and it took me up to 10 minutes just to load email because of the numerous script errors. 2 GB is the maximum this system can take, however, due to hardware limitations.
Although Windows XP Pro runs well enough on the system with the memory improvement, the Microsoft security updates for XP (Service Pack 3) will end in 2014, after which time it becomes an “operate at your own risk” proposition. Windows 7 requires 1 GB of memory to run, and 2 GB if you want to run it in “XP Mode,” in case some of the software isn’t Windows 7 compatible. This means that its useful life may be circumscribed somewhat by the Microsoft product life cycle that dictates the obsolescence of older OS’s after a given period of time on the market.
To help me figure out whether this old Satellite could conceivably run properly with Windows 7, I installed and ran Microsoft’s Windows 7 Upgrade Adviser. To my surprise, most of my hardware is compatible and some that isn’t can be fixed by downloading a new driver. Windows 7 32-bit would be my only option, as 64-bit would require more RAM than I have. So, upgrade would be possible for this system to a point, possibly extending its useful life by several years.
I was satisfied with the service given by Toshiba as part of my extended 3-year warranty, as I utilized it twice for an unexpected hard drive crash and another issue that was not as serious, when I did not trust to my own skills to diagnose the causes. The only beef I had with the warranty service is that it required me to send the unit by UPS (there were no close-by warranty centers), and I had to drive to Huntsville, Alabama (50 miles away) to send it for repairs. Other than that, I found the level of service quite satisfactory. I’m not really sure it was worth the $250+ I paid for it, but that’s purely a judgment call.
I have re-installed the OS twice (once with the help of the Toshiba tech support phone line). Toshiba provides a proprietary Recovery/Applications/Drivers DVD, rather than a copy of Windows XP Pro itself on disc. Thus, when I have had to reformat and re-install the factory software, I have had to patiently remove the old programs and trial software packages I didn’t want, reapply the upgrades to XP and Office 2003 (which did come on its own Microsoft disc), and most of all, get rid of the annoying musical screen saver that does its best to sell you on Toshiba products.
The old laptop is showing its age in other ways, but so far it has managed to remain viable. The LCD screen flickers to almost whiteout sometimes and the fan sputters noisily at times. After my adventures in memory replacement, I am confident I can also replace a fan or perhaps even a display unit. So I estimate I have a few years to gather up enough dough to replace the old Toshiba, but it is possible that the advances in web technology will make demands sooner that may eventually overwhelm even my maxed-out 2 GB RAM. I must say it has held out and given good service in the 6 years I’ve owned it.