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"Super Performer for the Money" on by kanepuu
Pros: Size, weight, value, fingerprint reader, screen resolution
Cons: keyboard layout, small touchpad, standard growing pains adjusting to Windows Vista
Summary: Obviously I like this notebook, but one's frame of reference is everything.
My previous notebook was a Sony VAIO VGN-A150 which was a reliable laptop, but it was large, heavy, and unwieldly particularly when traveling.
The first draw to this notebook was the size and weight. Second was value. I travel extensively and this notebook travels well. I considered the ultra small Sony VAIOs 13.3s, 11.1s, etc, but I paid $1250 for this Toshiba notebook and chose not to spend $500 to $1250 more on the VAIOs with similar features. The size factor even extended to the AC adaptor which is light, and the cords are not shy on length.
The U205-S5057 comes with a healthy 160 GB hard drive. My previous larger notebook only had a 80 GB hard drive, so I find this refreshing for a notebook this size.
The fingerprint reader was novel and seemed a bit gimmicky at first, but I've really come to appreciate the improvement in security and ease of logging in.
The screen resolution is outstanding for a notebook of this size. Having worked with a much larger screen with my previous laptop, I thought I'd lose out with a small screen and possibly compromise in resolution, but that hasn't been the case at all.
The size of the keypads are good to go, but the layout has been challenging for a few of important keys. The main one is positioning of the delete key. Unlike many keyboard layouts where the insert/delete keys are in the upper right, this has the those keys in the lower right, which requires a bit of getting used to. Additionally there's no right control key, which hasn't been a problem for me, but may be a problem for some. The first few weeks were the toughest getting used to this. Initially the delete key placement was irritating, but now at about 6 weeks into using this notebook, the delete key is no longer irritating, but rather, it's become tolerable.
I'll acknowledge that the touchpad is a tad small, but I use it only when I absolutely have to. With this notebook as with my previous one, I prefer to use a mouse. With the reduction in size of the computer I've opted to start using a Logitech LX7 wireless optical mouse, which has been outstanding.
I'd also read reviews that the sound on the notebook was so-so, but it is actually better than my VAIO's. All the same, since I like to travel with my music, I purchased some Logitech V20 USB speakers which are ultra portable, travel well like the notebook, and their sound is awesome.
The last item I'll address is that this is my first time working with the Windows Vista operating system. I'll put it this way. It's had its share of frustration, but no more than any OS migration. Whether from 3.11 to 95 or 98 to XP, they've all had their challenges. Actually, despite the adjustments I've had to make to Vista, it's actually been a pretty pleasant experience. I know there are lots of hard core naysayers out there, but for every issue I've had, I've been able to resolve it. And in terms of ergonomics of the Vista OS, I couldn't be happier. It's simple and intuitive.
In summary, the size, weight and value for the price earns the Toshiba U205-S5057 notebook a nine (9) out of ten. -
"Portable with a minimal price" on by mitchchess2
Pros: Relatively lightweight, nice screen, included biometrics, hard drive protection, good overall build.
Cons: Screen hinges seem weak, relatively slow processor, not as light as its competition
Summary: I searched the internet for a lightweight, powerful, inexpensive laptop. The Toshiba u205 is almost a perfect fit. Its footprint is fairly small, it has a built-in optical drive, and the fingerprint reader is a nice extra. Overall, I have been impressed with this Toshiba.
This isn't to say that the laptop isn't without its faults. One of the biggest complaints I have is that the touchpad and mouse buttons are so small (it's ridiculous). Also, the inability to upgrade to a larger battery detracts from its value.
I will say that if you do a lot of traveling, this is not the computer you want. If you want something portable and powerful enough to play the Sims for a reasonable price, you've found your notebook. It cannot match the Dell XPS1210 or any of the ThinkPad line, but for the price, it doesn't have to. -
"Great laptop, horrible cutomer service" on by captainwin
Pros: Light, fast, quiet, keyboard, battery life,
Cons: Screen, build, touchpad, speakers, no AV out, customer serive
Summary: I should note that I have the U200, which is basically the same laptop, just with a smaller harddrive, and I bought it from Toshiba's web site.
Well, its a great laptop, I love it. I replaced my clunky and heavy Sony PCG-FRV25 with this and I could not be more happy.
First of all, its really light. I have no problems stuffing it in my back pack or messenger bag and carrying it around. Its also fairly fast. Im not sitting around for too long before it boots up and Im ready to go.
Its also very quiet. The fan and vent is on the left side which doesnt make any noise. But it stays cool plugged in or when running on battery alone.
And although, its only a 12.1 inch screen laptop, the keyboard is fine. They keys are standard size (except for the keyboard) and for me, its not a problem even though I have long fingers.
However, I do have issues with the laptop. Although the screen is colorful and works great indoors, taking outside into the sun makes it almost impossible to work with. There is just so much glare and you have to tilt it around just to make it barely manageable.
The build doesnt seem to strong either, well for the cover. Its a little bubbled and pushes down fairly easy and feels like cheap plastic. And I dont know if its built intentionally like this, but the plug for broadband internet is very loose. It works fine, but in my opinion, moves around WAY too much than it should or need to.
The touch pad is also very small. Although you get used to it, I found myself pressing the wrong button, or both at the same time. And my thumb gets fairly cramped using it.
The speakers are okay and can get be very loud. However, it also gets distorted once in a while, even on low volume.
There is also no AV out. You need to buy an adapter to connect your laptop to a TV unless you have like a Plasma or LCD in which case there is a plug for a monitor.
But worst of all is the customer service. They operate only on the weekdays, and its not a 24 hour service. I had to call several times just to check on the status of my laptop. And the information I received usually conflicted from what I was reading in my emails and status page.
Its a great laptop for the price, I paid about $1180 for mines (1.66 core 2 duo, 1Gig of Ram, 60 GB HDD), but with taxes and S&H, it got pushed to $1300. I would recommend this laptop, but I would say buy it in-store. You dont want to have to wait since it takes them forever to make it and talking with their reps are a pain. -
"Tech support/customer service nightmare" on by erockebomb
Pros: reasonably priced
Cons: no wireless connectivity/no customer service
Summary: I am a young working professional that clocks eleven hour days and needs a laptop that will work. This laptop worked fine for 3 weeks and has not connected to the internet since. I have spent hours on hold with tech support and customer relations and keep getting transferred. I was directed to bring it to an 'authorized service center' which I did. First off I live in downtown San Francisco and the only service center in the area is literally a hole in the wall private contractor in a residential building. I left my laptop there and was promptly informed that there is no problem with the laptop. So I took it home and tried connecting. Cannot connect. I have tried multiple networks in multiple locations and no luck. So I called customer relations, apparently I have an 'out of scope' problem that will require me to pay for tech support. So I was put on hold to be transferred where after 45mins I got an answering machine which always promises a call back within 4 business hours. The callback never happens. Apparently I have escalated this matter as high as it can go and have no further recourse. Save yourself the trouble and pass on Toshiba.
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"A solid performer and a great value." on by Lolli_
Pros: Massive hard drive, solid construction, features are nice, upgrade options improve it's staying power, core 2 duo.
Cons: No built in webcam, I could do without the fingerprint feature, scroll box is tiny, bloatware, battery life.
Summary: I have had this computer for over two years and I have to say I really like it. Also unlike some of the other reviewers I have had nothing but positive experiences with customer service on the occasions I had to call them.
My computer was a former floor model and has some scratches on the hinge to show for it. The only problem I ever had to take up with the warranty was my DVD drive which was nonfunctional. Initally the customer service representative walked me through several mundane troubleshooting steps, but as he realized my computer's drive really did have a problem he was quick to direct me to their local care center and in about a week and a half I got my laptop back and haven't had a problem since.
The screen is great the picture is bright and the screen is not overly glossy to me. While the battery life leaves much to be desired (two hours and 15 minutes) I like how I can count on the meter that lets me know how much time I have left so I don't have to scramble when my battery life is low.
The keyboard is very comfortable when typing, and although the scroll box is small, I have to say I've gotten used to it and it doesn't bother me at all.
I recently began toying with upgrading to a Macbook but after comparing specs between this model and the 2.0 GHz Macbook I didn't see enough of a jump to warrant the high cost and instead purchased some RAM for a Memory upgrade. Same for the newer PC's, I'll keep my U205 for a year or two longer.
There are great deals on this PC online if you look hard enough, I would say it's still a player even with the system improvements on newer models.
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