A relatively small update to the satellite A660/A665, the A665 S5176 offers a good value.

Toshiba has just recently, an update of the popular satellite A665 notebooks with the latest Intel Sandy Bridge processors and graphics. Is the new A665 a worthwhile upgrade to last year’s laptop? Keep reading to find out.

Toshiba Satellite A665 (A665-S5176) Specifications:

15.6. Inch 720 p (1366 x 768) display with LED BacklightingWindows 7 Home Premium (64-bit) Intel Core i3 2310M (2.1 GHz, 3 MB cache) Intel HD Graphics4GB DDR3 RAM (1066mhz) hard disk drive 500 GB 5400RPM (Toshiba MK5065GSX)802.11b/g/n WirelessBlu-ray/DVD SuperMulti (+/-double layer) guarantee): 1-Yr parts and labor, 1 year Battery6 cell Li-ion battery (48Wh) and 90W power AdapterWeight: 5.9 LbsDimensions: 15 x 10 x 1, 2-1, 5 InchesPrice as configured: $799.99

Build and design

I have something like a mixed opinion about the design of the new satellite A660/A665-notebook. Because there is a “Update” the existing satellite A660/A665 series is the new A665 S5176 virtually identical with the A665 model, which we reviewed last year. The only significant changes worth mentioning are the use of “Sandy Bridge” a new Intel processor with improved Intel integrated graphics and some subtle changes to the ports on the side of the notebook. The design of the A665 remains very traditional with sculpted edges, a blend of smooth and textured shiny plastic and some attractive LED accent lighting. Although the design is not particularly exciting, essentially that same design makes production easier and cheaper for Toshiba… meaning can pass Toshiba the cost savings to you.

The exterior of the A665 falls in Toshiba called the “fusion X 2 finish in coal.” As my review of last year’s A665 is said that only black shiny finish basically pattern structured plastic with a “Chain” printed to help hide fingerprints and dirt on the surface. Despite the silly marketing name for the target much better than a smooth shiny lid is the texture. The structured chain pattern offers you the modern look of shiny plastics, but looks not out as a terrible magnet for stains, dirt, or what is also always a member of the family on the laptop leaks.

Construction of the A665 is very good with a permanent main chassis, not Squeak, creak or flex also under considerable pressure. The screen hinges on this model are close as we reviewed the A665 last year, i.e.. You can open the laptop, still with one hand, but the screen is not accidentally move if you bump the laptop. While we’re ‘ on the topic of the screen, the screen does not offer lid is as much protection as we want to. If you press on the back of the screen while the laptop is running you will see obvious distortion on the screen itself. The lid to too strong inside on the screen… turn causes lid screen more than a serious textbook marketing suggests in addition that the screen cover offer not much protection during the trip.

The bottom of the notebook contains two access plates for the RAM and the hard disk. Despite the fact that this type of general purpose or light multimedia notebook buy most consumers do not upgrade Toshiba engineers made is very easy to get this laptop. You need to access a single screw on the hard disk and to remove a screw in the memory.

Ports and features

The new satellite A665 has a few changes in the layout of the port. You now get three USB 2.0 ports and a USB 3.0 port “Super Speed” instead of two USB 2.0 ports and an eSATA/USB 2.0 combo port. Unfortunately come these changes to the Express card slot, so that if you one of those people that like with ExpressCard devices this laptop for you not. The A665 features dual-video output ports: a VGA connection for HDMI and old school projectors for new monitors and HDTVs. The A665 S5176 includes a Blu-ray drive configuration, so you can play your favorite 1080p movies on a HDTV or external monitor. All image descriptions are links to the right.