Toshiba Mini NB205-N312/BL 10.1-Inch Royal Blue Netbook - 9 Hour Battery Life
Must Have Checklist - Choosing a Mini Laptop
A new generation of low cost, lightweight laptops is rapidly becoming a global sensation. For many people around the world, owning a personal computer has long been considered a luxury. In the last couple years, manufacturers of mini laptops (also referred to as mini notebooks or mini notes) have managed to strip down a lot of the bells and whistles that come automatically with standard laptops, to make a lite version that fits in more peoples’ hands…and pocketbooks. Unlike previous computer products that aimed at reducing size and cost, these mini machines have powerful processors, substantial memory and come with all the basic software, entertainment options and Internet most people need.
To entertain the possibility that each family member could have their own computer without a significant financial investment opens up a whole new world of opportunity for most of us. Children, stay at home parents, senior citizens and disabled family members can easily get plugged in to the larger world around them, and going wireless gets us all out into the world more. Similarly, many small businesses struggle to get by with old, unreliable computers that are stretched thin between employees. To be able to equip each employee with a powerful, affordable computer expands the business’ potential for growth tremendously. With a price range of $100-$500, mini laptops or notebooks make this a reality for them.
Distinguishing Features of Mini Laptops
1. Weighs about two pounds (compared to the standard laptop’s six pounds)
2. Typical cost is $100-$500 (compared to $800-$1500 for a standard laptop)
3. Screen is about 7-9 inches wide and backlit (compared to a standard laptop’s 15″ display)
4. Available with Windows XP Pro or Vista, Ubuntu, Linux, MAC operating systems
5. Around 512 to 1 GB of memory and around 20 - 80 GB of storage space
6. Easily upgradable with memory cards and flash drives
7. Low on battery usage
8. Lean, mean and green - these smaller computers carry with them less impact on the environment
9. Software for the basic needs of most people (users can create documents, spreadsheets and presentations, read email, watch videos, listen to music, browse the web, take pictures, instant message, etc.)
10. Enabled for wireless and Bluetooth
Keep in Mind
• Keyboard size is smaller than a standard laptop
• Look for sturdy casing (usually hard plastic)
• Look for flexibility in upgrading
• Make sure needed software is available for specific models
Charities and governments worldwide are making great strides with donations of mini laptops. MIT’s One Laptop Per Child project and Intel’s Classmate PC programs are two examples of corporate charity endeavors with global impact.
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Related Reviews
Toshiba Mini NB205-N312/BL Reviews and Ratings (Top 10)
 | Top #1 Toshiba Mini NB305-N410BL 10.1-Inch Royal Blue Netbook - 11 HoursOverall Rating (8/10) | |
| Review by turkiye (USA) 2010-07-26 It seems very nice, has bigger keyboard providing better typing compared to other netbooks. But windows 7 lowers the running performance of the netbook, add 1gb ram and close off all visiul effects, i will be better. there is a camera display problem while connecting the internet, actua... Read more reviews | ||
 | Top #2 Toshiba Mini NB305-N410WH 10.1-Inch Frost White Netbook - 11 HoursOverall Rating (8/10) | |
| Review by Debra Wright (NEW YORK) 2010-07-31 This is my first netbook. I wanted something that looked good, had basic functionality, and easy to use. (I really wanted an ipad). Price and functionality comparisons compelled me to choose a netbook. This one met all my requirements. Set up was extremely quick and simple. I carried it on vacation.... Read more reviews | ||
 | Top #3 Toshiba Mini NB305-N410BN 10.1-Inch Java Brown Netbook - 11 HoursOverall Rating (8/10) | |
| Review by Sean Albro (SEGUIN, TX, US) 2010-07-28 I love the portability of the Toshiba Mini, but the keyboard often requires hitting a letter several times to get it to appear. I can not tell you how frustrating it is to have to continually go back to retype something often having to hit the key pretty hard. This review should have only taken me 2... Read more reviews | ||
 | Top #4 Toshiba Mini 300 Series NB305-N310 10.1-Inch Netbook - Black OnyxOverall Rating (8/10) | |
| Review by Jose Morillo (USA) 2010-07-26 Excelent product, functional, comfortable, easy to handle outside the house or office. Perfect for students or people who work outside the office and need to bring information with them.... Read more reviews | ||
 | Top #5 Toshiba Mini NB305-N440RD 10.1-Inch Ruby Red Netbook (8 Hour BatteryOverall Rating (6/10) | |
| Review by Weagle (GA) 2010-07-18 Count me in as one who is disappointed. I did my research and bought the laptop and recommended memory for the upgrade on the same day (about a week ago now - NB305440BL) and attempted the install, got frustrated at the 2nd install attempt, and finally returned the memory. Read more reviews | ||
 | Top #6 Toshiba Mini NB205-N325BL 10.1-Inch Royal Blue Netbook - 9 HoursOverall Rating (8/10) | |
| Review by Duffer. (CONYERS, GA UNITED STATES) 2010-06-25 This replaced a HP notebook which was too heavy for travel. One of the reasons it was heavy is that is was jam packed with more crapware than the local landfill. I could not remove all the crapware so I gave the laptop away. But, back to the netbook. it is light, works well and was reasonably priced... Read more reviews | ||
