NetbookTech

PC World has released their review of the new Toshiba mini NB205 netbook calling it “a great value, packed with a collection of fantastic features and a marathon-ready battery life.” About the only complaint the reviewer had with the NB205 was the “pedestrian speed and guts” which of course means the Atom N280 processor, the 1GB of RAM and the 160GB 5400RPM HDD. Yes, not the fastest hardware out there but hey – we’re talking about a netbook of course!

Of course the real delights to the NB205 boils down to the amazing battery life (PC World got a whopping 9 hours and 53 minutes on their tests), the full size keyboard, and the large touchpad. All excellent features to have on a netbook system.

Here’s their final paragraph from the review:

“considering all the features packed into the N310–and how well it performs in a pinch–this is an easy-to-recommend netbook that’s perfect whether you are a budget-minded businessman or you just need a flexible minimachine for a long day of note-taking.”

[Check it out]

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.

[Check it out]