Processor
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. Some of today's notebooks are equipped with high-end CPUs on par with those found in top-of-the-line desktop PCs, though these machines are usually noticeably larger and more power-hungry than their less powerful counterparts. For the Satellite A75-S226, Toshiba has selected a super-fast 3.06 GHz Pentium 4 532. This CPU is part of the new second generation of Intel's potent Pentium 4 series, offering improved power efficiency, extra Level 2 cache for quicker access to recently viewed data, and hyperthreading (a technology that allows a single-CPU system to behave at times like a double-CPU system). Running at 3.02 GHz, this is a very powerful CPU that'll handle virtually anything you can throw its way.

Memory
Computers typically store information on their hard drives, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in random access memory (RAM). More RAM means faster computing, superior multitasking, and less strain on your hard drive. The Satellite A75-S226 includes 512 MB of RAM, an allotment that's considered quite adequate even for a lot of multitasking. The system also allows you to expand to a whopping 1.5 GB, more than enough for any situation you'll ever encounter.

Video
CPUs are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). This system's graphics controller is an ATI Mobility Radeon 9000 IGP with 128 MB of shared video memory. Though dedicated video memory would be ideal, the truth is that 128 MB is an impressive amount, even when shared. As such, the Satellite A75-S226 will smoothly and accurately display all 2-D and most 3-D applications. You may need to upgrade the video controller if you plan to operate super-high-end games and 3-D animation packages, but the system is otherwise a video powerhouse.

Display
At 15.4 inches and featuring a widescreen format suitable for playing movies on DVD, the unit's WXGA TFT active-matrix display is great for multimedia enthusiasts. The screen's highest supported resolution of 1,280 by 800 pixels is superior to the genre's average 1,024 by 768, delivering crisp images and lots of fine detail.

Hard Disk
The Satellite A75-S226 features a solid 60 GB of hard disk space. This is average for today's notebooks, offering enough room for general applications and files and a small library of music or multimedia files too.

Optical Drive
An optical drive is essential in today's computing environment. A CD-ROM drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A CD-RW drive adds CD burning, so you can also back up your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can watch DVD movies. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can write home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVDs, which boast more than seven times the storage capacity of CDs. Some drives allow you to do a combination of or all of these tasks. This particular system features an extremely versatile "SuperMulti" drive that supports all of the above in every currently available CD or DVD format.

Audio
The system features an integrated audio processor that mimics the spatial awareness of surround sound through its two stereo speakers.

Keyboard and Controls
You'll control your notebook via an 85-key keyboard with 12 function keys and a TouchPad pointing device. CD control functions include play/pause, stop/eject, previous, and skip/next.

Connectivity and Expansion
The Satellite A75-S226 offers a wide variety of ways to keep in touch, including a 56K modem for low-speed dial-up Internet and e-mail access, an RJ-45 Ethernet port for high-speed wired networking and Internet, and an integrated wireless LAN for cordless e-communication at home, at the office, or on the road via a local public hotspot. Other key amenities include three high-speed USB 2.0 ports for fast interaction with plug-and-play devices such as external drives and digital cameras, and an IEEE 1394 FireWire port, commonly used for quick uploads from digital camcorders.

Operating System and Software
Toshiba has fitted the system with today's most widely accepted operating system, Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition.

Dimensions and Weight
Notebook computers are manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and weights. Many of today's most powerful notebooks are also the largest, weighing ten or twelve pounds or more, therefore too big and cumbersome for extensive, continuous traveling. These are often referred to as "desktop replacements." On the other extreme are "thin and lights" or "ultraportables," super-miniaturized units that typically aren't as powerful as their larger brethren but weigh as little as two pounds and will often fit comfortably inside a large purse. The Satellite A75-S206 is considered quite slim by today's standards, at just 1.1 inches thick. Otherwise, it is of average size at 14.4 by 10.8 inches and 7.7 pounds.

Power
The system is equipped with a 12-cell lithium-ion battery. Though you won't experience the long battery life of today's ultralight notebooks (often powered by super-efficient but less powerful Intel "Pentium M" processors), the Satellite A75-S226 will deliver in excess of 2 hours between charges, an impressive duration considering its level of power.