Toshiba mini NB505

For just $299, this netbook offers long battery life, a solid keyboard, and multiple color options.

Although more and more consumers are flocking to tablets as their secondary computing device of choice, netbooks still have some advantages. In the case of the Toshiba mini NB505, the biggest edge is its low price. For $299, Toshiba's low-cost alternative to its dual-core, aluminum-clad NB305 features plenty of battery life and a stylish EasyGrip finish that protects your investment
. Not bad for a Windows 7 machine that costs $200 less than the cheapest iPad. But how much value does this netbook really deliver?

Design

The mini NB505 makes a good first impression despite its rock-bottom price. This 2.6-pound netbook sports an EasyGrip finish on the lid that's available in multiple colors. Ours came in turquoise, but you can choose from blue, brown, green, and orange. We really like the rubbery feel of the lid, although some may prefer the blue aluminum top on the NB305.

The dimpled pattern continues on the black palm rest of the mini NB505, but this surface has a harder matte plastic surface instead of soft-touch paint. Nevertheless, we like the unified look. What we don't like is the recessed power button in the middle of the display hinge; it's too difficult to press.

Measuring 10.3 x 7.5 x 0.65-1.4 inches, the mini NB505 slipped easily into our backpack, even when sharing space with a 14-inch laptop. Although the six-cell battery creates a small bump on the bottom of the netbook, it doesn't get in the way. We also appreciated the rubber feet on the bottom of the system, which prevent slippage on a desk.

The mini NB505 won't heat up your lap, either. After playing a Hulu video for 15 minutes, the netbook registered temperatures 85, 85, and 90 degrees between the G and H keys, on the touchpad, and on the underside of the chassis. We consider anything above 95 degrees to be uncomfortable.

Keyboard and Touchpad

One of the sacrifices you make on the NB505 versus the NB305 is that you don't get a chiclet-style metal keyboard. This less expensive netbook has plastic keys that are closer together, and some keys (such as the right Shift and Enter) are shrunken. Still, we found the typing experience comfortable. The terraced keys offered strong tactile feedback.

Measuring 3.1 x 1.5 inches, the mini NB505's Synaptics touchpad provides plenty of room for navigating the desktop. Pinch-to-zoom gestures worked well both in the browser and with photos. However, we sometimes zoomed in on a document accidentally when our left palm brushed up against the touchpad while typing. In addition, two-finger scrolling was a bit jumpy.

The two black mouse buttons on the mini NB505 are among the best we've used. They're large and easy to press without being mushy.