Toshiba upgraded its Satellite P15 series today, boosting the processor speed on this consumer-focused desktop replacement but keeping Microsoft's Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 operating system. The big, blue Satellite P15 series sports a 15.4-inch, wide-aspect display and is the junior version of the massive Satellite P25-S607.
Upside: The Satellite P15 series is a great way to combine personal computing with TV viewing and DVD burning in a package that's more portable than the Satellite P25-S607. The Satellite P15 series now features a desktop 3GHz Intel Pentium 4 processor, 512MB of RAM, a DVD Multidrive, integrated dual-band Wi-Fi, and Nvidia's GeForce FX Go 5200 graphics processing unit.
Downside: The base model of the Satellite P15 series has dropped to about $1,900, but that's still more expensive than many other wide-screen notebooks. And it didn't lose any weight in the revision process; it continues to tip the scales at a shoulder-straining 8 pounds.
Outlook: The convergence of notebooks with home entertainment systems is still in its infancy. Ultimately, the combination of a notebook such as the Satellite P15 series with your TV and stereo could be a boon for couch potatoes everywhere. Check back later for our full review.