Toshiba Satellite T135D-S1324 Review
Design & Build Quality
The T135D has a glossy black coating that commands your attention, but also tends to attract fingerprints. The notebook's Fusion Finish flows across the lid onto the deck and palm rest. Even the slightly indented TouchPad has this Fusion pattern, though with a textured finish. Combined with metal mouse buttons, the T135D looks like a classy, expensive notebook.
Weighing approximately 3.8 pounds, the T135D is both slim and light, though when handling the notebook you'll notice a small bulge at the back of the machine thanks to the battery. The T135D doesn't have a built-in optical drive. This isn't uncommon on notebooks of this class and price range, but we still miss having a built-in drive.
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On the left side of the T135D, you'll find a combination eSATA/Sleep-and-charge USB port that lets you charge your cell phone, MP3 player, or other gadget even if the system is powered off. There's also an HDMI out port so you can output full 1080p HD video and multi-channel digital audio to a HDTV. A standard VGA port and security lock slot reside near the hinge.
You'll find the T135D's 5-in-1 memory card reader, microphone in and headphone out connections, two additional USB 2.0 ports, a 10/100 Ethernet port, and the power connector on the right side of this notebook.
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The back of the T135D has no ports. On the front edge of the T135D, you'll find the following system indicator lights: AC power, On/Off, Battery, internal storage drive, memory card reader, and wireless indicators.
The T135D's keyboard feels average for a notebook of this size—not too small, but not as roomy as larger notebooks may offer. The keyboard itself was comfortable to type on. The metal design of the mouse button certainly looks great, but it can feel a bit stiff, particularly if you press near the center. Overall, the TouchPad is comfortable to use and the multi-touch functionality seemed to work well. The T135D doesn't have any keys dedicated to media controls. Instead, most of the additional functionality is handled via function commands. For example, you can control the volume by pressing Function+3 or Function+4.
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Like the Intel-powered T135-S1310RD, the T135D has a high-gloss screen that looks great but will also kick back some reflections. This 13.3-inch glossy LED-backlit screen has a native resolution of 1,366x768. Viewing angles were average. Above the display, you’ll find the system’s webcam and microphone. This camera is fixed and cannot be rotated independently of the laptop lid.
Build quality for the notebook is average. The notebook opens and closes smoothly but you'll need two hands to open the notebook because it tends to lift off the desk since most of the weight of the notebook is in the back near the battery.
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