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Toshiba is one of the most respected laptop manufacturers in the world and the new Toshiba Satellite L505-GS5037 Laptop is a welcome addition to the Satellite range of portable PCs. It has suitably modern hardware, an understated, classy design and a set of vital statistics that will suit most users looking for a functional, un-fussy laptop.

Inside the L505-GS5037 is a new Intel processor that comes from its i3 range, which means that multi-core processing and high end functionality are assured. The i3-330M is a dual core processor which has hyperthreading enabled on both cores, allowing it to deal with four different threads simultaneously. Running at 2.13 GHz it is not the most powerful processor out there, but it will trump the capabilities of many current generation laptops. Up to 4GB of DDR3 RAM can be installed in the L505-GS5037, which is great if you want to keep multiple programs running at the same time without slowing the system down. A 500GB hard drive can also be chosen, along with a DVD writer optical drive.

The L505-GS5037 is finished in a simple and sleek black and grey look, with a premium sheen given to the shell. It has a 15.6 inch display which has a native widescreen aspect ratio and a resolution of 1366×768. This allows it to handle high definition video content in 720p, which makes for some interesting playback possibilities, particularly since popular video sharing site YouTube now supports HD clips and shows. A webcam is integrated into the L505-GS5037 above the screen, along with a microphone to let you chat online, shoot stills or record clips to share with friends.

The L505-GS5037 supports the latest Wireless N standards for Wi-Fi connectivity, which means you can surf the internet and download files at the fastest possible speeds and with the widest areas of coverage. It also has a standard Ethernet connection for wired internet access. An onboard card reader lets you pop in memory cards from your digital camera, mobile phone or other portable device to upload data and transfer files. There is also a selection of two USB ports and a hybrid port which lets you connect an eSATA device or USB device, depending on your preference.

Toshiba includes the full retail version of Windows 7 Home Premium with the L505-GS5037, so you will have access to the latest operating system from Microsoft as soon as you turn it on. A whole host of other software is also bundled with this laptop, including Microsoft Office for word processing, spread sheet creation and presentation building. Anti-virus software from Norton is also included via a trial, so you can stay protected online.

If you are looking for a laptop to pair with a wireless broadband connection, then the Satellite L505-GS5037 from Toshiba is an excellent choice. This is because the Wireless N connectivity means that modern routers will be able to deliver data faster than older technology. It is also backwards compatible with previous generations of networking standards, so you will not be stranded. Most providers of wireless broadband will include a free router to any new customer, but not every firm will give you a router capable of delivering Wireless N speeds, so this is something that may impact your choice.