
Review Summary
The Toshiba Satellite C55D-B5242 15.6" Notebook Computer from Toshiba features a textured resin design with a jet black finish. The 15.6" TruBrite LED-backlit display has a 16:9 aspect ratio and a 1366 x 768 native resolution with native support for 720p HD content. The visuals are handled by integrated AMD Radeon R3 graphics.
The system is powered by a quad-core 1.8 GHz AMD A4-6210 accelerated processor. It also has 6GB of 1600 MHz DDR3L RAM, a 750GB 5400 rpm hard drive, a SuperMulti DVD burner, a multi-format media card reader with support for SD, SDHC, SDXC and MMC (miniSD and microSD are also supported, but require an adapter), 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, an integrated webcam and a microphone. There are also built-in stereo speakers.
Windows 8.1 is the installed operating system. Windows 8.1 improves the user experience of Windows 8 with several additions and changes. The Start button returns, but has two limited core functions. A left click takes you to the redesigned Start screen featuring tiles that update in real-time. A right click brings up an advanced menu where you can access the Device Manager, Control Panel and more. You will also be able to boot directly to the traditional desktop screen instead of the Windows 8.1 Start screen. Windows 8.1 provides a unique user experience that differs from previous versions of Windows.
LED Backlit Display
Last longer, use less power and warm up quicker with the unique LED backlit display. The 15.6" TruBrite widescreen display of the Toshiba Satellite C55D features LED backlighting, a 16:9 aspect ratio, a 1366 x 768 native resolution and integrated AMD Radeon R3 graphics, which allow the C55D to play 720p HD content natively without upscaling or letterboxing. The screen also features a glossy finish for vibrant color. You can also output video to an external display via the HDMI port.
Webcam
The built-in webcam on this PC makes it easy to Skype and chat live with friends and family or videoconference with co-workers. You'll also be able to take and store still pictures.
Numeric 10-key Pad
Enjoy faster typing, smoother data entry and more convenient gaming commands with a full-size keyboard and a handy numeric 10-key pad.
Touch pad with Multi-touch
Enjoy the ability to pinch, swipe, rotate or scroll through images on the display screen with a simple brush of your fingers.
Memory Card Reader
Transfer files easily from your digital camera, camcorder, MP3 player or smart phone, sharing home movies and playlists with SD cards, Memory Sticks and more.
USB 3.0
Get maximum performance when connecting the latest external devices, with blazing fast transfer speeds. USB 3.0 can provide data transfer speeds of up to 5 Gbps, which is 10 times faster than USB 2.0. USB 3.0 is also backwards compatible with USB 2.0 as well.
HDMI Port
Scale up your gaming, movies and music on a home theater - with full 1080p high-definition video and amazingly immersive surround sound.
Eco Utility
Quickly adjust the settings and power plan of your laptop and monitor your ongoing power usage with just a click.
Energy Star Qualified
Engineered with respect to our planet, 93% of Toshiba laptops, netbooks and Tablet PCs have met the ENERGY STAR 4.0 standard since it was established in 2007.
Stay Connected
The Toshiba Satellite C55D can connect to a home or public wireless network via 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi. If you require a more reliable Internet connection, you can utilize the 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet RJ-45 LAN jack.
Resolution+
With Toshiba Resolution+ Upconvert Technology for Media Player, you'll be able to upscale standard definition DVD content to HD quality for sharper pictures and more vibrant colors. Please note that viewing enhancements may vary depending upon content quality, display device capability, functionality and settings.
Windows 8.1
The Return of the Start Button
After many requests from Windows users, the Start button makes its return in Windows 8.1. While it may not be exactly the same as its predecessor in Windows 7, the Start button has two core functions. A left click on the Start button will take you to the Windows 8.1 Start screen featuring live tiles. A right click on the Start button brings up an advanced menu where you can access the Device Manager, Control Panel, Network options and more.
Boot Directly to the Desktop
Windows 8.1 gives you the choice of booting to the Windows 8.1 Start screen with live tiles or booting to the familiar desktop screen of Windows 7. Users can also boot directly into an app or app view if they choose to.
To the Cloud
With Windows 8.1, when signed in using your Microsoft account, you'll have instant access to your personal Start screen, themes, language preferences, browsing history and browser favorites. You can also connect to services such as Microsoft Outlook, Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter and more.
Windows Store
In the Windows Store, you can search for or browse thousands of apps. Choose from the featured apps or grab one of the most frequently downloaded apps to see what all the hype is all about. You can also see how other people rate apps. For certain apps, you can try it out before you buy it, so you can make sure you absolutely want an app before you spend your hard-earned money on it.