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Toshiba Mini NB205 Netbook Review - 6.5/7

With all the myriad models of netbooks out there and given the limitations that netbook manufacturers face in terms of computing power, it comes as a pleasant surprise when a netbook manages to stand out amongst the crowd. The Toshiba NB205 is one such netbook. Toshiba has created a netbook with up-to-mark specs, but it scores with a beautiful chassis, great keyboard-touchpad combo and a battery life that drowns out most competitors. Initially available at around the $400 mark, the NB205 now stocks at $341.99 which is great for all of you who want a netbook with a little pizzaz.

Toshiba Mini NB205 Netbook Review – Top Features

• Aesthetics – The NB205 looks fabulous and has a really solid build. The lid features raised horizontal lines, the hinge is bronzed elegance, and the shiny silver bottom complete the NB205′s professional look.
• Great useability – The keyboard-touchpad combine to make one of the most easy and comfortable navigation designs we’ve seen. Very sturdy.
• Long long battery – This netbook clocks in at eight plus hours of usage, giving it second place behind the ASUS 1005HA in terms of battery life.

Toshiba Mini NB205 Netbook Review – Drawbacks and things to keep in mind

• Battery piece juts out – The only design flaw is that the battery juts out of the back, breaking the smooth flowing lines of this netbook.
• Graphics – The graphics performance was below average.
• Touchpad issues – Some users have complained of non-responsive. There are just a few lemons out there.

Toshiba Mini NB205 Netbook Review – Ratings

1. Price and Value for money – 1.0 Star. With the drop in price to below $350, you’re getting a visually appealing netbook at a great price.
2. Speed and Performance – 0.75 Star. The Intel Atom N280 1.66Ghz does its job. The RAM can be extended to 2 GB.
3. Screen – 1.0 Star. Not too glossy, bright colors and good at different viewing angles.
4. Keyboard, Touchpad, Useability – 1.0 Star. We’ve been gushing about the keyboard and touchpad already, so as you can guess full marks to the NB205 here.
5. Portability and Battery Life – 1.0 Star. The NB205 is slightly heavier than other netbooks (3.4lbs), but the battery life is a real plus point. This netbook would make a great travelling companion.
6. Looks and Design – 1.0 Star. Toshiba realized that design is a major differentiating factor, went all out and created a smashing success.
7. Connectivity and Extensibility – 0.75 Star. The NB205 features all the standard ports that one would expect from a netbook. Bluetooth is not available in all versions.

This gives the Toshiba Mini NB205 an overall rating of 6.5 out of 7 Stars.

Toshiba Mini NB205 Netbook Review – Our Recommendation

In being one of the later entrants into the overcrowded netbook market, Toshiba really studied their competition and came out with a product that has everything one could want in a netbook. The NB205 has solid performance, a beautifully designed body, good screen, great battery life and really comfortable navigation. Well, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and buy this one.

Toshiba Mini NB205 Netbook Review – What have buyers on Amazon said?

Pros:

1. “I can easily say that, hands down, it is the BEST Netbook on the market today”
2. “Watched two movies on it and did 4 hours worth of web surfing afterwards — all off the power from the battery on a single charge”
3. “I started to type away on the keyboard and what a thing of beautiful engineering.”
4. “One major plus about the keys though: they are silver with black lettering, so they brightly reflect the screen light in the dark and you can clearly see the keys without backlighting!”

Cons:

1. “That’s when I discovered that the NB205 comes with a “limited” warranty that doesn’t cover shipping to their repair center.”
2. “Unfortunately, its many pluses are undermined by one shortcomings – Toshiba customer service.”

Different models of the NB205 are available on amazon; the more expensive ones feature the island keyboard and lid grooves. The base model sells for $341.99.

Toshiba Mini NB205 Netbook Review – Technical Specifications

• OS: Windows XP Home
• CPU: Intel Atom N280 1.66GHz processor
• RAM: 1GB DDR2 (Extendable to 2GB)
• Storage Space: 160GB Hard Drive
• Screen: 10.1 inch LED-backlit Widescreen Display, Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
• Connectivity: VGA output, 3 USB ports, Ethernet jack, Headphone & microphone slot, Multi card reader, WiFi
• Battery: 6 cells (5200 mAh)
• Weight: 3.4 lbs

Filed under: Netbook, Toshiba Netbook Review