The Toshiba Satellite series was once a household name, synonymous with reliability, durability, and innovative technology. For decades, these laptops were the go-to choice for students, professionals, and anyone looking for a dependable mobile computing solution. However, like all good things, the Toshiba Satellite’s reign eventually came to an end. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the Toshiba Satellite, its impact on the laptop market, and ultimately, when it was discontinued.
A Brief History of Toshiba’s Satellite Laptops
The first Toshiba Satellite laptop was released in 1992, during a time when laptops were still a relatively new concept. The initial model, the Toshiba Satellite T1900, was a bulky device weighing in at 4.4 pounds, with a 10.4-inch monochrome display, 80486 processor, and 2MB of RAM. Despite its size and limited capabilities, the T1900 was a groundbreaking device that set the stage for future Satellite models.
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Toshiba continued to innovate and improve the Satellite series. The laptops became thinner, lighter, and more powerful, with the introduction of color displays, CD-ROM drives, and eventually, DVD burners. The Satellite series was known for its durability, with many users reporting that their laptops could withstand the rigors of daily use for years on end.
The Golden Age of Toshiba’s Satellite Laptops
The mid to late 2000s are often referred to as the “Golden Age” of Toshiba’s Satellite laptops. During this period, the company released a string of highly successful models, including the Satellite A100, A200, and L300 series. These laptops were praised for their sleek designs, impressive performance, and affordable prices.
One of the most popular Satellite models from this era was the Toshiba Satellite A135-S2276. Released in 2007, this laptop featured a 15.4-inch widescreen display, Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of RAM, and a 160GB hard drive. The A135-S2276 was a best-seller, and its success helped establish Toshiba as a major player in the laptop market.
The Decline of Toshiba’s Satellite Laptops
Despite the success of the Satellite series, Toshiba began to struggle in the late 2000s and early 2010s. The rise of netbooks and ultrabooks led to increased competition in the laptop market, and Toshiba’s failure to adapt quickly to these changes ultimately hurt the company.
In 2010, Toshiba released the Satellite C655, a budget-friendly laptop that was intended to compete with the likes of Acer’s Aspire and HP’s Pavilion. However, the C655 was met with lukewarm reception, and its poor performance and build quality were criticized by reviewers.
As the years went by, Toshiba continued to release new Satellite models, but the series never regained its former glory. The laptops became less innovative, and the company’s focus shifted towards more profitable areas, such as tablets and smartphones.
The Final Nail in the Coffin: Toshiba’s Exit from the Laptop Market
In 2016, Toshiba announced that it would be exiting the laptop market in the United States and Europe. The company cited declining sales and increased competition as the reasons for its decision. While Toshiba would continue to produce laptops for the Japanese market, the Satellite series was effectively discontinued.
The last Toshiba Satellite laptop to be released in the United States was the Satellite Radius 12, a 2-in-1 convertible laptop that featured a 12.5-inch touchscreen display, Intel Core i7 processor, and 8GB of RAM. Although the Radius 12 received positive reviews, it was too little, too late, and the laptop market had already moved on.
What Happened to Toshiba’s Laptop Business?
After exiting the laptop market, Toshiba sold its remaining laptop business to Sharp Corporation, a Japanese electronics company. Sharp continued to produce laptops under the Toshiba brand, but the Satellite series was not revived.
In 2020, Sharp sold its laptop business to Foxconn, a Taiwanese electronics manufacturer. Foxconn has since continued to produce laptops under the Toshiba brand, but the Satellite series remains discontinued.
Legacy of the Toshiba Satellite
Although the Toshiba Satellite series is no longer in production, its legacy lives on. The laptops were known for their durability and reliability, and many users still swear by their old Satellite models.
The Satellite series also played a significant role in shaping the laptop market. Toshiba’s innovations, such as the introduction of widescreen displays and DVD burners, helped set the standard for future laptops.
Key Features of Toshiba’s Satellite Laptops
- Durable and reliable designs
- Innovative features, such as widescreen displays and DVD burners
- Affordable prices
- Wide range of models, from budget-friendly options to high-end gaming laptops
Conclusion
The Toshiba Satellite series was a beloved and iconic line of laptops that played a significant role in shaping the mobile computing market. Although the series is no longer in production, its legacy lives on, and many users still cherish their old Satellite models.
As for when the Toshiba Satellite was discontinued, the answer is 2016, when Toshiba announced its exit from the laptop market in the United States and Europe. Although the company continued to produce laptops for the Japanese market, the Satellite series was effectively discontinued.
In conclusion, the Toshiba Satellite series may be gone, but it will never be forgotten. Its impact on the laptop market and its loyal user base ensure that it will always be remembered as one of the greatest laptop series of all time.
| Model | Release Year | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Toshiba Satellite T1900 | 1992 | 10.4-inch monochrome display, 80486 processor, 2MB of RAM |
| Toshiba Satellite A135-S2276 | 2007 | 15.4-inch widescreen display, Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of RAM, 160GB hard drive |
| Toshiba Satellite Radius 12 | 2016 | 12.5-inch touchscreen display, Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB of RAM |
Note: The table above is a small sample of the many Toshiba Satellite models that were released over the years.
What was the Toshiba Satellite laptop series?
The Toshiba Satellite laptop series was a line of consumer-grade laptops produced by Toshiba, a Japanese technology company. The series was known for its affordability, reliability, and wide range of features, making it a popular choice among home users and small businesses. The Satellite series was first introduced in the 1990s and quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality displays, comfortable keyboards, and robust performance.
Throughout its lifespan, the Toshiba Satellite series underwent numerous design and hardware updates, with various models catering to different user needs and preferences. From budget-friendly options to high-end configurations, the Satellite series offered a diverse range of laptops that appealed to a broad audience. However, despite its initial success, the series eventually declined in popularity, leading to its discontinuation.
When was the Toshiba Satellite laptop series discontinued?
The Toshiba Satellite laptop series was discontinued in 2016, although the exact date of discontinuation varied by region and country. Toshiba announced its decision to exit the consumer laptop market in 2015, citing declining sales and increased competition from other manufacturers. As a result, the company began to phase out its consumer-grade laptop lines, including the Satellite series.
The discontinuation of the Toshiba Satellite series marked the end of an era for the company, which had been a major player in the laptop market for decades. Although Toshiba continued to produce laptops for the business and enterprise sectors, its exit from the consumer market had a significant impact on the company’s overall sales and revenue. Today, Toshiba no longer produces laptops under its own brand, instead focusing on other areas of its business, such as semiconductors and industrial equipment.
What were some popular models in the Toshiba Satellite series?
Some popular models in the Toshiba Satellite series include the Satellite C655, Satellite L655, and Satellite P755. These models were known for their affordability, reliability, and feature-rich configurations, making them popular among home users and small businesses. The Satellite C655, for example, was a budget-friendly option that offered a 15.6-inch display, Intel Core i3 processor, and 4GB of RAM, making it an attractive choice for those on a tight budget.
Other popular models in the series included the Satellite L655, which offered a larger 17.3-inch display and more powerful processor options, and the Satellite P755, which featured a sleek and slim design, making it a popular choice among those who valued portability and style. These models, along with others in the series, contributed to the Satellite’s reputation as a reliable and affordable laptop brand.
What were some common issues with Toshiba Satellite laptops?
Some common issues with Toshiba Satellite laptops included overheating, battery life, and hardware reliability. Many users reported that their Satellite laptops would overheat during prolonged use, leading to reduced performance and potentially damaging the internal components. Additionally, some models were criticized for their short battery life, which could be as little as 2-3 hours in some cases.
Other issues with Toshiba Satellite laptops included hardware reliability, with some users reporting problems with the laptops’ keyboards, touchpads, and hard drives. Some models were also prone to software issues, such as slow boot times and frequent crashes. Despite these issues, many users were satisfied with their Toshiba Satellite laptops, and the series remained popular throughout its lifespan.
Can I still buy a Toshiba Satellite laptop?
Although Toshiba no longer produces new Satellite laptops, it is still possible to buy refurbished or used models from third-party sellers. Many online marketplaces, such as Amazon and eBay, offer a wide range of used and refurbished Toshiba Satellite laptops, often at discounted prices. Additionally, some electronics retailers may still carry remaining stock of Toshiba Satellite laptops, although availability is likely to be limited.
However, buyers should exercise caution when purchasing used or refurbished laptops, as they may not come with the same warranties or support as new devices. It’s essential to research the seller, read reviews, and carefully inspect the laptop before making a purchase. Additionally, buyers should be aware that Toshiba may no longer provide support or updates for its discontinued laptop models.
What are some alternatives to Toshiba Satellite laptops?
Some alternatives to Toshiba Satellite laptops include laptops from other manufacturers, such as Acer, Lenovo, and HP. These brands offer a wide range of laptops that cater to different user needs and preferences, from budget-friendly options to high-end configurations. For example, Acer’s Aspire series and Lenovo’s IdeaPad series offer similar features and price points to the Toshiba Satellite series.
Other alternatives include laptops from newer manufacturers, such as Asus and Dell, which offer innovative features and designs. For example, Asus’s Vivobook series and Dell’s Inspiron series offer sleek and slim designs, making them popular among those who value portability and style. Ultimately, the best alternative to a Toshiba Satellite laptop will depend on the user’s specific needs and preferences.
What happened to Toshiba’s laptop business?
Toshiba’s laptop business was sold to Sharp Corporation in 2018, although the exact terms of the sale were not disclosed. As part of the deal, Sharp acquired Toshiba’s laptop business, including its manufacturing facilities, intellectual property, and employees. Sharp has since continued to produce laptops under its own brand, although it has not revived the Toshiba Satellite series.
Toshiba’s decision to exit the consumer laptop market was likely due to increased competition and declining sales, as well as the company’s desire to focus on other areas of its business, such as semiconductors and industrial equipment. Today, Toshiba is no longer a major player in the laptop market, although its legacy lives on through its discontinued laptop models, including the Satellite series.