Toshiba Libretto U100

The Toshiba Libretto U100 is a sub-notebook, similar to Fujitsu's Lifebook or the trendy OQO. It packs a full-featured PC into a very small package. In this case: a Pentium M 1.2Ghz with 512MB RAM, 60GB HD and a 7.2" widescreen running Windows XP Home.

I purchased my Libretto about a month ago in preparation for traveling to a conference. A local big box store had them on clearance, including the optional dock. The dock adds ...
...- this machine replaced my Toshiba M205 convertible tablet - and the Libretto is no exception. I would not have purchased it at full price, but at a couple hundred dollars off it was a good deal. It is very well built, and I appreciated the portability and battery life while I was traveling Combined with 2 USB ports, built-in wireless, Firewire, Bluetooth and video-out (through a dongle) the Libretto can handle almost any task you throw at it.
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The Toshiba Libretto U100 is a sub-notebook, similar to Fujitsu's Lifebook or the trendy OQO. It packs a full-featured PC into a very small package. In this case: a Pentium M 1.2Ghz with 512MB RAM, 60GB HD and a 7.2" widescreen running Windows XP Home.

I purchased my Libretto about a month ago in preparation for traveling to a conference. A local big box store had them on clearance, including the optional dock. The dock adds a DVD multi-recorder.

Maximum power combined with maximum portability were my primary considerations in purchasing a new notebook, and I have been pleased with the Libretto. Its a unique machine, however, and not without issues relating to its novelty.

Some of the positive aspects of my experience with the Libretto:

Storage: the Libretto has a 60GB HD, unusual for a sub-notebook and a good size for any portable. This allows you to store most of your work on it, as well as a good selection of music and video files for traveling The screen also makes watching video a real pleasure. It is a respectable size, and although I am undecided on the glossy screens that are on most notebooks now, in this case it works well. Sound is also good considering the Libretto's size (in other words, not terrible, but certainly not as good as a normal notebook).

Speed: the Libretto is quick enough for most tasks. Notebooks are obviously a compromise: good enough for most purposes, but not fast enough to play the latest games. This is the case with the Libretto. Short of a large, heavy, top spec, desktop-replacement notebook such as the Dell XPS, the Libretto will keep up with almost any other notebook on the market. Except it is much more portable.

Battery life: is exceptional. Another advantage of sub-notebooks: the smaller screen usually lets them run for a long time on batteries. I easily averaged 4 hours on a charge, sufficient to watch 2 full length movies and then work for 30-60 minutes. This is in real life situations, and in spite of what you may hear from manufacturers most notebooks are unlikely to get this kind of battery life.

Novelty: this is a very attractive machine. It does almost everything most other notebooks do, but is much smaller! Aptly named a Libretto, it weighs about 2 lbs and is roughly the size of a paperback novel. The dock is also cleverly designed to attach to the bottom of the Libretto, adding some weight but fitting the machine perfectly.

However, the novelty value comes with a couple issues:

Keyboard: the keyboard is apparently 25% smaller than a normal computer keyboard. While better than typing on a Blackberry or cell phone, it takes time to adapt and you will likely not ever attain your full typing speed. Of course, if you normally hunt-and-peck this isn't an issue. On the flip side, the Libretto uses a trackpoint pointing device for a mouse (the rubber eraser-head). If you prefer this device to a trackpad - as I do - its a great feature. I should also note that the Libretto has Bluetooth, so you can use at least a Bluetooth mouse to improve control.

Biometrics: the Libretto is equipped with a fingerprint reader. This is a great novelty, and in theory, a nice feature (aside from all the comments you may have heard about how easy it is to trick fingerprint readers). You can use this to login to the computer or your network by swiping your finger across the sensor. Unfortunately, the software is very poor and this feature has worked inconsistently for me.

I have always liked Toshibas - this machine replaced my Toshiba M205 convertible tablet - and the Libretto is no exception. I would not have purchased it at full price, but at a couple hundred dollars off it was a good deal. It is very well built, and I appreciated the portability and battery life while I was traveling Combined with 2 USB ports, built-in wireless, Firewire, Bluetooth and video-out (through a dongle) the Libretto can handle almost any task you throw at it.

You have to ask yourself, however, if you can put up with the keyboard, get used to it, or get around it. Because that is the only issue that would take me back to a full-size notebook.  

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