I spent a lot of time reading reviews, looking at YouTube videos and actually doing hands-on in retail shops before committing myself to purchasing this netbook. I read somewhere that streaming video could occasionally get stuck because of processor speed or the graphics card, but I feel this is an issue for a number of netbooks. It hasn’t been a setback for me, although if you are planning on playing video games online, then I recommend this Toshiba may not be your best choice.
The Toshiba is quite typical in terms of general performance, but shines in certain areas. The Toshiba NB305 has a smart case, a new battery with 6 cells, a wide keyboard and a 250GB hard drive compared to the standard 160GB. Battery life is claimed to be 11 hours, but I haven't managed it - my record is 8 hours before a charge. This is still pretty amazing considering a full size laptop can't usually manage more than 4 hours. The case is finished in a textured plastic that fortunately won't show fingerprints, but I do feel that having nine functional LEDs on the keyboard is a bit unnecessary.
Specification
The NB305 10-F comes with Windows 7 Starter edition as standard, an Intel Atom N450 processor and a 250GB hard drive. I have the standard configuratiion of 1GB RAM, but I believe that it is possible to double this depending on who you buy it from. Few netbooks can compete with the NB305 in the keyboard and display areas - they are just too good. The 85 tablet shaped keys make the Toshiba's keyboard a truly usable feature - it is possible to touch type using it . It also has a huge mouse pad (or touchpad) that makes life easy, and features built-in stereo speakers, a fast Ethernet (10/100) port, and an SD card reader that is also compatible with Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC). The normal RS32 modem port and 3 USBs are standard, as is a built in wireless card and a webcam in the lid.
The screen bezel tapers a little towards the sides, but not as much as some making it look slightly chunky although it's the same thickness as the NB205. The display is undoubtedly bright enough to view outside even on a sunny day, but the brightness cannot be changed, and if it is turned off while suspended, it will not switch back on. By using a new CPU and battery design, the Toshiba NB305 is an advance over the already excellent NB205, meaning you will be able to go through an entire day of school or work without worrying about a recharge.
Wrapping up
The Toshiba is the winner because of its display and keyboard, but it also has a robust exterior and a "go-anywhere" feel to put it ahead of its rivals. Toshiba score well in their energy tests for this netbook, with a 5* Energy rating and WEEE and RoHS compliance. It even manages to decrease its use of lead and mercury during manufacture. The only niggle is that even though the volume can be adjusted via the keys, there is no visual sign to what you are setting it to. Verdict: 4.5/5
Author Resource:
Danny Ellise is a professional writer and college tutor from England. He tests and reviews technology products for a number of publications. Read a full review of the Toshiba NB305 10 f here.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/rss.jpg "XML Feed For RSS")