Toshiba Satellite L655D-S5164RD

Toshiba Satellite L655D (S5164RD)

What do you think of when you see a sticker proclaiming "Quad Core Processor" on a notebook? Speed and power, right? The 15.6-inch Toshiba Satellite L655D-S5164RD has such a sticker on its keyboard deck that alludes to the Phenom II processor inside. Coupled with 4GB of RAM, ATI Graphics, and a 640GB hard drive, it sounds like this $659 notebook is capable of great feats for the price. Read on to find out how much oomph you get for your money.Like many of Toshiba's Satellite notebooks, the L655D features its Fusion finish, which has a subtle, circular checked pattern underneath a glossy finish on the plastic lid and keyboard deck. Our system came in Helios Red, which is characterized by dark, brick red hue. It's also available in Helios White, Helios Brown, and Helios Grey. The red is offset by the glossy black finish of the keyboard, a strip where the power button and speakers reside, and the screen bezel. The underside of the notebook is a basic matte black plastic.The Satellite L655D registered mostly cool temperatures. After playing a 15-minute clip from Hulu at full screen, the touchpad was just 85 degrees Fahrenheit, the space between the G and H keys reached a slightly warmer 89 degrees, and the underside was 90 degrees.