New Portege Z830

[pjc123]

Barring a lot of problems showing up with this laptop over the next couple of months, it very well will be my next laptop, actually my first non-business supplied laptop. Other than the fan noise, I noticed another problem on Toshiba's forums regarding an unresponsive space bar key, although they did not go into detail. Anyone else having this problem?

I especially like the fact that the i5 and i7 processors used in these laptops have both VT-x and VT-d virtualization features (VT-d is not available in too many i5 and i7 laptops, along with other missing processor features that I can make use of).

As a side note I found the actual spec sheets for these laptops:

[pjc123]

Has anyone tried Linux on the Z830 (Live, dual boot, main OS, whatever)? I would like to hear how well it supports Linux. Although I do not care what distro, because it at least gives an idea how compatible it is, I personally would be interested in installing one of the following (Centos, Scientific Linux, or Fedora) as dual boot with Windows 7. Please list the distro, version, and if possible what was verified as working (even if it at least boots and can be logged in to).

[alexUW]

Barring a lot of problems showing up with this laptop over the next couple of months, it very well will be my next laptop, actually my first non-business supplied laptop. Other than the fan noise, I noticed another problem on Toshiba's forums regarding an unresponsive space bar key, although they did not go into detail. Anyone else having this problem?

I especially like the fact that the i5 and i7 processors used in these laptops have both VT-x and VT-d virtualization features (VT-d is not available in too many i5 and i7 laptops, along with other missing processor features that I can make use of).

As a side note I found the actual spec sheets for these laptops:

I saw the mention of a "space-bar" issue on Toshiba forums, but haven't seen the specifics.... Know maybe where I can find it?

Portégé Laptops - Toshiba Forums

[Apparition]

Thanks for the specs....mine is the 8302 but the Cdn number is diff. No probs whatsoever with space bar.

[alexUW]

Has anyone tried Linux on the Z830 (Live, dual boot, main OS, whatever)? I would like to hear how well it supports Linux. Although I do not care what distro, because it at least gives an idea how compatible it is, I personally would be interested in installing one of the following (Centos, Scientific Linux, or Fedora) as dual boot with Windows 7. Please list the distro, version, and if possible what was verified as working (even if it at least boots and can be logged in to).

I've heard Linux support on Toshiba laptops can be a bit of a hit and miss. I don't think anyone has tried it yet, but maybe in the very near future someone can let us know.

[z830guy]

Barring a lot of problems showing up with this laptop over the next couple of months, it very well will be my next laptop, actually my first non-business supplied laptop. Other than the fan noise, I noticed another problem on Toshiba's forums regarding an unresponsive space bar key, although they did not go into detail. Anyone else having this problem?

I especially like the fact that the i5 and i7 processors used in these laptops have both VT-x and VT-d virtualization features (VT-d is not available in too many i5 and i7 laptops, along with other missing processor features that I can make use of).

As a side note I found the actual spec sheets for these laptops:

I also had seen reference to that space bar problem. I'm not experiencing it here.

I started using the z830 as my desktop replacement within 7 hours of receiving it.

[1994F7PT]

the keyboard is likely the same as the one on my R700 and i've never had a response problem with the spacebar in the last year i've owned the laptop.

however of all the keys on the board its suffering the most from use, it still responds but it no longer feels sturdy like it used to and it also squeaks everytime i strike it which can be a little offputting.

however, for the hammer its had its not done bad :-)

[leggy]

Bestbuy reduced the price to $799

[BigNerd]

Bestbuy reduced the price to $799

Hmm... what's going on with flip-flopping?

I think I'll order one just so I can do an unboxing video and unleash some Bieber on everyone (and I want to see how it compares to my MBA).

[Apparition]

UPDATE!!!!!!

I am just testing my Z830 with the T50 Runcore SATA 3 and am getting full SATA 3 speeds !!!!!!!

This is very unusual because I never originally but....well here.... Wahoo!!!!!!!