Question 1

Does this come with Windows 7?

Accepted Answer

I have the 5358 and wow has the price dropped already! I paid $799. just a month ago.  It is shipped Free (nice!) from Newegg with Windows 8.0 which requires 72 Windows updates (today--more tomorrow??) , then upgrade to Windows 8.1 (whew, much better, but takes a while!) then install 11 Toshiba updates including new BIOS, another couple of hours to accomplish. But all done now and everything working OK. I agree it is sort of "cheaply" made-- see the negative review-- which means in my mind they did a lot of cost trimming but the machine and its guts seem to work as advertised. (I might have a fluky USB 2 port, don't know if it the Toshiba or the mice) The display is nice but in some light surprisingly directional. But to buy a more robust laptop you need to shell out another $200-300 bucks (or go to Mac, yikes), so take your choice. I admit I am scared of dropping it; my HP Pavilion survived two nasty falls and kept on tickin' and I don't think this machine would. But, all in all I think you would be happy if you are not expecting a luxury machine. And in Windows 8.1, trust me, you can configure the desktop EXACTLY like an older version (I came from XP) , and never have to see start or a lockscreen or have to look at a "tile"...save those for your smartphone.  Remember to budget some time to removing quite a bit of bloatware especially if you are not into "social apps".  OK, more here than you were asking, but I think all relevant to your buying decision. Good luck! (However if you are really looking for Win 7, then this info might all be extraneous)

Question 2

is this a touch screen computer?

Accepted Answer

No it is not a touchscreen.

FYI  other reviewer is right about very small spacebar.   However, it also less sensitive when pressing anywhere than the middle.   Had to stick thin cardboard under spacebar sensor to make more sensitive when pressing at ends.  Didn't have to take key off, just lift up with tweezers.

Overall good computer for $800.  HD is only 5400rpm, which makes the other specs seem less than they are.

Question 3

how long can it run on battery?

Accepted Answer

I would say about 5 hours. I only use it for online classes, checking emails and occasionally watch netflix on it.

Question 4

Does it have a slot for msata SSD?

Accepted Answer

No

Question 5

can this laptop be downgraded to windows 7 with having to buy windows 7 software?

Accepted Answer

If you want a win 7 interface for win 8 go to classicshell(dot)net and download and install the program.  View a video review here at you tube (/watch?v=ppzxvu4ZRwA).  Good Luck.

Question 6

What is the upgrade option for Windows 8.1?

Accepted Answer

You do that manually at the app store, and it is free if you already have windows 8 on it.  Later models might have it already.

Brand	TOSHIBA
Model	S55-A5358
Part Number	PSKK2U-00W005

CPU Type	Intel Core i7 4th Gen
Processor Name	Intel Core i7-4700MQ
Core Name	Haswell

Screen Size	15.6"
Wide Screen Support	Yes
Display Type	FHD
Resolution	1920 x 1080
Display Features	diagonal widescreen TruBrite TFT LCD display

GPU/VPU	Intel HD Graphics 4600
Video Memory	Shared system memory
Graphic Type	Integrated Card

LAN	10/100/1000Mbps
WLAN	802.11b/g/n Wireless LAN
Bluetooth	Yes

TOSHIBA Laptop Intel Core i7-4700MQ 8GB Memory 1TB HDD Intel HD Graphics 4600 15.6" Windows 8 S55-A5358

Learn more about the Toshiba S55-A5358

Customer Reviews of the Toshiba S55-A5358

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Warranty, Returns, And Additional Information

Warranty

Return Policies

Manufacturer Contact Info

USB	2 USB 3.0 + 1 USB 2.0
Video Port	1 x VGA
HDMI	1 x HDMI
Audio Ports	1 x Microphone Jack, 1 x Headphone Jack

Audio	DTS Studio Sound
Speaker	Built-in harman/kardon stereo speakers

Keyboard	Premium Raised Tile Keyboard with 10-Keypad LED Backlit
Backlit Keyboard	Backlit
Webcam	Yes
Card Reader	Secure Digital, Secure Digital High Capacity, Secure Digital Extended Capacity, Mini SD, Micro SD, Multi Media Card [shared slot; may require adapter for use]

General
Style	Standard
Type	Mainstream
Usage	Consumer

Power
AC Adapter	90-watt AC Adapter
Battery	4-cell Lithium Ion

Dimensions & Weight
Dimensions (W x D x H)	14.9" x 9.6" x 1.0"
Weight	5.1 lbs.

Item#: N82E16834216672