Toshiba Satellite U205-S5022

With the Satellite U205-S5022, Toshiba stuffs a ton of useful features into a durable design that won't weigh you down or cost a bundle. In addition to a speedy Intel dual-core processor, you get a ton of storage space, a DVD burner, a 5-in-1 memory card reader, and a fingerprint sensor to protect your data. It's not the slimmest 12.1-inch system we've seen, and the touchpad is way too small, but otherwise this thin-and-light notebook delivers.

 

Weighing 4.1 pounds and measuring 11.8 x 8.8 x 1.3 inches, the U205 can be easily stashed and toted to the office or the nearest coffee house. The colorful, 12.1-inch TruBrite LCD is perfect for watching DVDs and sports decent viewing angles. On the other hand, the screen suffers from heavy reflections when you stray too far to the left or right of center.

 

If you want to watch DVDs (or listen to CDs) without waiting for Windows to boot, just press one of the two Express Media Player buttons above the keyboard. A row of playback buttons is located to the right of that button.

 

The right side of the U205 houses two of the three USB ports, the volume control, a dual-layer DVD burner, Wi-Fi on/off switch, 5-in-1 memory card reader, and VGA port. The left side contains the PC Card slot, Ethernet port, and the other USB port; the back of the machine is bare.

 

We found the typing experience a little cramped on the U205, but at least the Enter and Shift keys are relatively large compared with other 12.1-inch systems. Unfortunately, the touchpad and touchpad buttons are laughably tiny. You'll need to do a lot of finger sliding to move that cursor around the screen.

 

Toshiba crafted the U205 to withstand the rigors of life on the road. LifeSmart technology includes a hard drive protection system, a spill-resistant keyboard, and a shock-absorbing design. For added security, a biometric fingerprint reader is located to the lower right of the keyboard.

 

With a MobileMark score of 236, road warriors can expect good productivity performance. The 1.83-GHz dual-core engine held up under the pressures of a virus scan and playing a DVD simultaneously; we didn't notice any dropped frames or audio hiccups. As expected, the U205 turned in a low 3DMark03 score, owing to its integrated graphics.

 

The U205 lasted 3 hours and 17 minutes with Wi-Fi on, a runtime which slightly increased to 3 hours and 19 minutes with Wi-Fi turned off. That's good enough to get some work done or watch a couple of flicks on a flight. Unfortunately, there aren't any larger-sized batteries available for the U205-S5022; you're limited to a six-cell battery.

 

The U205 performed well in our wireless testing, turning in 13.7 Mbps from 15 feet and 13 Mbps from 50 feet. Those looking to sync wirelessly may want to invest in the optional $44.99 Bluetooth 2.0+EDR module.

 

A wealth of software is bundled for work and play, including Microsoft OneNote 2003, Microsoft Works 8.5, InterVideo WinDVD Creator 2 Platinum, and Yahoo Music Engine.

 

Although it has its flaws, the Toshiba U205-S5022 is a solid notebook for mobile users. Its durability, security, dual-layer DVD burner, and vibarant display should satisfy those looking for a portable with pep and protection.