Toshiba NB100 > Reviews (5)

I have a regular full size PC and was fed up with carrying my large lap top around with me, especially as it was old and fairly low spec. In fact I noticed that the specs were in line with the netbooks that were available today, so they caught my eye. I liked the idea of something portable and this model with its 8.9 inch screen and quality brand name seemed like the ideal thing.

It is available in 2 flavours but don't put off by the Linux Ubuntu version having lower specs. The fact is, such tailored operating system requires less resources. It is a tweaked version of Ubuntu designed the run on netbooks and is useage is very simple.

Adding programs is as simple as ticking the new ones you want installed from a list you download online. The whole screen (which is very sharp and bright ) is filled by a set of categories like Internet, Games etc and you just click on the list you want and the application you require. It comes built in with Firefox, Pidgin Instant Messenger and Open Office although there are many other things you can easily get for free. One problem I did have, when I updated the system the Wi-Fi and the sound drivers stopped working. I realised that I could save the install packages from these drivers on to a flash disk and install them again. I got the drivers from Toshibas site.

Wi-fi connection is fine, doesn't cut out etc etc. I also got my 3 mobile dongle connected which is handy as sometimes the wireless is a bit iffy in my house. This was done by using a program called Vodafone Mobile Connect Driver. Just look for Debian packages whilst searching Google, choose Ubuntu 8 and it's easier and more organised than Windows.

For this operating system 512mb of RAM, 1.6ghz processor and 80gb harddrive are more than enough to keep it running smoothly. One thing I do notice is the odd clicky squeak coming from the harddrive which really is more of an annoyance than anything affecting function.

The track pad, what it lacks in size it makes up in sensitivity so it is fine. I like the keyboard, it feels okay to type with for general Internet browsing. When open the netbook looks like a shrunk down version of any other Toshiba laptop. It's not the most stylish but I like its shiny case. The battery sticks out of the back but that's to make room for a bigger keyboard. Doesn't look that bad though!

As well as this, the netbook comes with 3 USB ports and a web cam which are all nice extras. Build quality of the whole thing is sturdy and there are no rattles when it's moved.

Overall, I recommend this net book but if you are going to get it, please get the Ubuntu version!