Toshiba Satellite C855-S5123 Overview

The Toshiba Satellite C855-series 15.6-inch notebook configurations released since the official launch of the laptop about a year ago don’t differ much from each other. They all have Intel processors ranging from the Celeron to the Core i3, and rarely have the Core i5. The i3-3120M-powered 380-dollar Toshiba Satellite C855-S5123 with Windows 8 OS is one of the better equipped configurations, since the included chip offers fairly respectable performance, thanks to its dual cores at 2.5GHz, 3MB of cache, and HyperThreading technology for up to two computing threads per core.

Toshiba Satellite C855-S5123

In the PassMark benchmark test, the i3-3120M yields solid performance, registering 3,560 points, whereas the commonly-used Pentiums are around 2,000 mark. In real world, modern Pentiums deliver enough horsepower for day-to-day tasks and the i3 is a nice step up if you do something more intensive like video editing. For ultimate performance the i7 is a way to go, but due to higher costs, you can opt for the i5 and still get excellent speed. One of well-balanced and good looking i5-based laptops is Lenovo’s P500 – 59372845 retailing for $500.

Intel Core i3-3120M Test

On the system memory and internal storage front, we have capacities of 4GB and 500GB respectively, which are average for the inexpensive laptop category and satisfactory for most users. For storing your files, the C855-S5123 has a DVD burner, which also enables you to enjoy your library of DVD movies and audio CDs and install software from these old media formats.

Of course, there’s also an option to put your data on an USB flash drive or external HDD and for that purpose the Toshiba provides three USB ports. You can benefit from high USB 3.0 data transfer speed if you have a compatible device, since one of these ports is USB 3.0.

The 15.6″ 1366×768 screen is managed by the Intel HD 4000-series integrated graphics processor, which is good for HD videos and 2D games, but not enough powerful for the latest 3D gaming titles.

As for the battery, we know that it has six cells but we have no info on how long it lasts. However, it’s a conventional battery so it probably doesn’t stand out much in good or bad way when compared to similar competitors.

For data transfers over local networks and Internet, the Toshiba C855-S5123 sports Wi-Fi (industry’s standard 802.11n) and Etnernet LAN (unfortunately not 1000/100/10 Gigabit, but only slower 100/10).

Other important and useful stuff include a 720p webcam for Skype and other video chat platforms, HDMI and VGA output ports for connecting the Satellite to monitors and TVs, a multi-format digital memory card reader supporting six different formats listed in the specs sheet below. For sound, the laptop has a built-in pair of stereo speakers.

Finally, let’s take a look at design of the C855-S5123. When you see the laptop, you know right away that it is a budget machine. It has no luxurious elements and fancy materials. Opposite, it’s a simplistic 1.3-inch thick machine with textured matte plastics in black color and rounded edges. The keyboard has tile-style keys which are big enough for comfortable typing but not as attractive looking as isle-style keys.

The notebook weighs 5.4 pounds, which is an average for the class.

Overall, $380 isn’t much for an i3 machine with all common notebook features included, so we can freely recommend the Toshiba Satellite C855-S5123 as a decent buying choice. However, the L855-S5119 model with the same processor, a larger 640GB hard drive, more interesting silver-colored chassis, and only $20 higher price is an alternative worth checking out.

Lid of the C855-S5123

Toshiba Satellite C855-S5123 Specifications

  • Display: 15.6-inch 720p glossy screen
  • Processor: 3rd Generation Intel Core i3-3120M, two cores, 3MB cache, 2.5GHz clock, HyperThreading
  • Graphics: Intel HD 4000 integrated
  • Memory: 4GB DDR3 1,600MHz included, 16GB maximal
  • Storage: 500GB 5,400rpm hard disk
  • Optical drive: DVD±RW/CD-RW DVD writer
  • Webcam: Yes, 720p
  • Audio: stereo speakers
  • Network: 802.11n Wi-Fi, 10/100 Ethernet LAN, no Bluetooth
  • Input: full-size keyboard, dedicated number pad, multitouch touchpad with physical click buttons
  • Ports and Slots: 1 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x HDMI, 1 x VGA, multi-format memory card reader (Secure Digital, Secure Digital High Capacity, SDXC, miniSD, microSD and MultiMediaCard)
  • Battery: 6-cell lithium-ion
  • Dimensions: 1.3 thickness x 15 width x 9.5 depth
  • Weight: 5.4 pounds
  • OS: Windows 8 OS
  • Warranty: 1-year

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