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Before buying a netbook, I did a lot of research and determined that the Toshiba NB205 series would be best for me. Instead of buying it immediately and having Windows XP as my OS, I decided to wait a few days until Windows 7 was released. The only problem I encountered was that the scroll built into the touch pad stopped working. I figured that it had something to do with the 6 Windows updates I did, so I restarted the netbook and it worked fine again, and I haven’t had the problem since. After getting used to the netbook, I decided to download some wallpaper, so I searched for some good 1024×600 images, and discovered what everyone else with Windows 7 Starter quickly found out: you can’t change the wallpaper. While not critical to the operation of the netbook, this is a pointless and very annoying feature to leave out. When searching for a solution to this, I found several other features that Windows 7 Starter leaves out;
You can’t change themes
No personalization
Can’t log out
No DVD support
No XP mode
There are more features left out, but the point is, there is no reason I should be paying more for a netbook with Windows 7 Starter than the same netbook with Windows XP, when 7 limits what I can do. Right now I am considering trying to return this for a full refund or seeing if I can load a Mac OS on. Again, the netbook is a good choice, but pay attention to the operating system before buying.
After two weeks of use I am very happy with this netbook. I like the way in looks and feels, high quality. The upgrade to 2GB of ram was money well spent. It was 5 minute job (including the time it took to find a small screw driver) to change the ram chip and I immediately saw a noticeable increase in performance. I also purchased a Samsung USB 2.0 8x DVD Writer External Optical Drive for Mac and PC SE-S084C/RSBN (Gloss Black)for installing software, ripping CDs, and watching movies. If you want to watch movies from the DVD I suggest that you install VLC Media Player, it works fine and it’s a free download. The Nero software that came with the Samsung drive didn’t work.
I have read some reviews citing problems with the wifi and a Linksys router; I have that setup and have experience no problems. I did stay at one hotel in France where sometimes the wifi would work and other times it wouldn’t but I could never figure out if it was the Toshiba or the hotel. Two other hotels worked without a hitch.
Pros: excellent keyboard, large mouse pad, finger-print resistant design, and high quality feel.
Cons: over-sized battery, lo-res webcam, lack of N wifi, and old-school mouse pad (no pinching or rotating).
I have had my Toshiba N205-N325BL for a week. I had never used a laptop before so the touch pad took some getting used to. I have since purchased a mouse and external DVD to use with it. The user manual is a file on the internal disk so learning how to find my way around the laptop and Windows 7 was a challenge but I doubt if any computers come with a hard copy user manual anymore. I called Qwest to get help configuring my DSL modem for wireless and they even helped me with the laptop. It only took a few minutes to get it all working. I have had no problem with the netbook and am very happy with my purchase. I had considered the ASUS for a long time but the negative customer reviews regarding the AC adapter/charger and their customer service convinced me the Toshiba was a better choice. I don’t think it’s fair to give the Toshiba a bad review based on Windows 7 Starter. Toshiba doesn’t make Windows and all the netbooks with Windows 7 Starter will have the same restrictions. If you want all the bells and whistles of a full sized laptop then buy a laptop and not a netbook.