Review: Toshiba Stirs Up the Netbook Space

Toshiba wasn't exactly the first PC maker to jump into the netbook arena, as many of its key rivals staked out territory there first. However, that doesn't mean it can't be a serious contender.

With its Mini nb205, we think it becomes just that.

Pre-loaded with Microsoft Windows XP and built with an Intel Atom N280 at 1.66 GHz and featuring 1 GB of memory, the nb205 seeks to leverage industry-standard platforms and get a little bit more out of them.

Tipping the CRN Test Center lab scales at 2 pounds, 14 ounces and showing off a 10.1-inch LCD, the nb205 clears the first important hurdle of being a functional and serious netbook: it's light and mobile. Toshiba has also built it with a black, glossy fit and finish and a comfortable keyboard with two "shift" keys (Some other netbook manufacturers have been known to build keyboards without the right shift key).

The On-Off switch is right on top, between the keyboard and the base of the LCD in the form of a nice, easy-to-see lighted button. It's built with three USB 2.0 ports and an Ethernet port in addition to its wireless capability.

The nb205 scored 918 when we benchmarked it with Primate Labs' Geekbench 2.1 software. That's slightly higher than netbooks we've seen of late from other Tier 1 vendors.

Using the Test Center's standard battery life test, which is to disable all power-saving features and run a video from the hard drive continuously until it turns off, the nb205 provided a very healthy 6 hours and 23 minutes of battery life. That's a nice selling point in Toshiba's favor.

The real test comes in actually doing stuff with it. Writing documents, showing presentations via projector and watching video were all pleasant and easy experiences -- unhampered by low memory or too-small keyboards. The netbook's thermodynamics were fine and the unit only got a little warm to the touch on the side panel, but was only noticeable if it's something you were intentionally examining.

The one minor quibble is that the audio quality on the nb205 was too low for our liking, and lower than other competitors we've seen over the past year. That's certainly far from a deal breaker, though. Its street pricing ranges from $350 to about $400.

While we've not been completely convinced at the overall value proposition of the netbook as a platform, outside of pure price or size, Toshiba makes a strong case. For those inclined to opt for a netbook or offer it as an option to customers, the nb205 is one we can recommend.