NetbookTech

Do we have a new king of 10 inch netbook systems in the Toshiba mini NB205? Based on this review of the netbook over at LaptopMag, it certainly appears so. The mini NB205, although late to the netbook party, appears to trump other netbooks in two key areas – battery life (8.5 hours according to LaptopMag), and keyboard size (nearly full sized).

A comfortable keyboard in the 10 inch form factor is very important for many users out there who don’t want to move to the larger 11.6 or 12 inch form factor just to get a more comfortable keyboard. But to get 8+ hours of power on top of that?? That’s just pure sweetness.

Here’s the verdict from LaptopMag (which gave the netbook its Editor’s Choice award):

“In creating its first netbook for the U.S., Toshiba has learned from the mistakes and successes of its rivals, and one-upped them all. Its mini NB205 has everything we’d recommend in a netbook: an attractive chassis, comfortable keyboard and touchpad, and more than eight hours of battery life for an affordable price. While Samsung’s N110 and ASUS’ Eee PC 1000HE continue to be good choices, Toshiba’s $399 mini NB205 provides an all-around solid package, and longer endurance than the competition.”

Here are the specs to the NB205:

• 1.66GHz Intel Atom N280 processor
• 1GB of RAM upgradeable to 2GB
• 160GB 5400RPM SATA HDD
• 10.1 inch 1024 x 600 resolution display
• Intel GMA 950
• 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
• Ethernet, Headphone, Kensington Lock, Microphone, VGA
• 3 in 1 media card reader
• Measures 10.4 x 7.6 x 1.3 inches and weighs 2.8 pounds

And yes.. if you’re looking for the system right now, you probably can’t find it. The Toshiba website here mentions that the mini NB200 series will be available starting on June 23rd. You can sign-up for email reminders on their website.

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