Comments on: Toshiba NB205 Netbook Benchmarks — Full Power vs Long Life

By: David

David — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:54:56 +0000

So how is the battery life on power saving versus full power? That makes me wonder if the 9+ hours some of these manufacturers are quoting is in slow power mode.

By: HG

HG — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 03:14:33 +0000

I’m traveling and choose to take my NB205 on the road with me, because of the great battery life. I will posting pictures, email, and keeping in touch with friends, and family. I”m also going to upgrade the RAM to 2GB, I have a extra 2GB stick at home, just didn’t have time to install it. Besides I still have XP on it so I really don’t need more than that at the momment. Kevin keep us posted if you put Windows 7 on the 205 and let us know how it compares to the MSI Wind. I’m really liking the big track pad.

By: palle04

palle04 — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 02:36:50 +0000

yes you will

By: Kevin C. Tofel

Kevin C. Tofel — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 23:37:56 +0000

Hmmm… not sure on the timing, Jake. I’ll probably put Windows 7 on before the RAM upgrade, but don’t hold me to that. I know that Toshiba has a bunch of beta drivers and apps for Windows 7 on the NB205 support site, so I may have to wait a bit in either case. Then again, beta drivers never stopped me before. ;)

I’ve run various builds of Windows 7 on the MSI Wind and it doesn’t seem all that bad to me. Of course, we’ll take a closer look with the final build.

By: Jake

Jake — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 23:34:16 +0000

I know you’ve said that you want to stick with XP while you review this but will you be installing Windows 7 before you upgrade the RAM? I’m a bit skeptical about running 7 on netbooks but I’d like to see how it runs with the default specs.

By: Cliff

Cliff — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 21:07:37 +0000

The Toshiba has lots going for it, but durability and customer support aren’t on the list: the spacebar on my NB205 started sticking after a month of very light use. After more than two very frustrating hours on the phone with Toshiba’s ill-informed customer service people I learned that their netbooks come with a “limited” warranty that doesn’t even cover the shipping on nearly new defective devices. What does Toshiba know that we don’t? If they’re not even willing to stand behind the device for a measly 30-plus days maybe their just peddling junk. Buyer beware.

By: Kevin C. Tofel

Kevin C. Tofel — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 20:53:21 +0000

Actually, I did see the Gateway LT3103u. It was on the other side of the NB205. It offered an 11.6″, higher resolution display, but when I saw that the 6-cell battery was rated for an estimated 5 hours, I never even considered it. Battery life is higher in my personal requirements. ;)

By: Brook

Brook — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 20:49:17 +0000

Did you see the netbook from Gatway with the AMD?
Was that something you would have considered?

By: Gadgetmaster

Gadgetmaster — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 19:46:49 +0000

Excellent write-up! I’m still happy with my NC10. But if the NB205 came in all black (at the top end model), I’d consider it.

By: mikej

mikej — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:49:46 +0000

For completeness, is there a similar drop in performance on the MSI Wind when its operating in mobile mode?