While I’m basically comparing this product to a very barebones system running Linux SUSE 10 and with an outdated processor, I have to say that thus far, the Toshiba really is top of the line. I can essentially run any combination of programs at any time with no slowdown, it has no problem handling streaming video, and it boots up in seconds (very nice when dashing from class to class with little time for waiting around). One of the features that attracted me to this netbook versus the many others flooding the market was the chicklet-style keyboard. It doesn’t just look snazzy; the spaces between keys really cuts down on typing errors, and considering crowded keyboards are basically de rigeur for most netbooks, this was a great addition. Having a trackpad layout identical to larger laptops was a great relief, also; having the mouse buttons on either side on my older netbook was something I never really got used to, and the Toshiba boasts a much more familiar and comfortable setup.

I was concerned that the large battery, despite adding much more functional life between charges, would make the unit look and/or feel awkward, but this really isn’t the case. Also, everything good that’s been said about the battery life is absolutely true; considering what I use it for, I could probably keep it running throughout the day without having to plug it in, which is invaluable in situations when power outlets are at a premium. Overall the unit looks and handles wonderfully (I’ve only had it two days and have in fact received several compliments on it, even a few from those using those sleek Macs). I haven’t encountered any problems with excessive heat despite running it for a few hours at a time.

The NB 205 features an accelerometer much like the Mac laptops which senses when the unit shifts suddenly or experiences an impact and locks the hard drive in place to prevent damage. This is an excellent feature and was the only element that made me comfortable purchasing a netbook with an actual hard drive versus a solid state drive; solid state drives have no moving parts and so are less likely to incur damage when jostled, and so the extra protection, while still benefiting from the large storage capacity, is a huge plus.

The unit itself, when placed next to other 10.1 inch netbooks, looks deceptively larger. It’s an interesting optical illusion, however; when placed side by side with my wife’s Acer, the screens are actually the same size, and the Toshiba is only slightly bigger overall. The weight difference is negligible, also, which is impressive given the system’s capabilities.

Some reviewers mentioned difficulties with adjusting the display to achieve a comfortable clarity; I have already used it in a variety of lighting environments and have yet to experience this problem. Maybe my eyes are just more willing to adapt to sub-par conditions, but no adjustment was necessary for me.