Toshiba is one of the first PC makers to use a new Intel (INTC) technology called Wireless Display, or WiDi. It creates a wireless network that pairs the laptop with a Netgear (NTGR) Push2TV receiver that's included with the computer's purchase. This lets users easily display images from the E205 on a big-screen TV. Once the connection is established, it takes just a button push in Intel's Wireless Display software to initiate the transfer.
Toshiba's Energy - Saving E205 Laptop...
For the past couple of years, retail giant Best Buy (BBY) has been putting more of its own stamp on laptops for consumers at its stores. Toshiba's recently introduced E205-S1904 Satellite laptop is one collaborative result. The verdict: It's a $999 laptop with snappy performance and the ability to beam videos to a big-screen TV, but it has too many mechanical flaws for me to recommend it wholeheartedly.
Toshiba designed the E205 as part of Best Buy's "Blue Label" program. The retailer uses the program to influence product design so computing will be easier for consumers, based on what they've said they want. Toshiba seems to have taken the name literally: The laptop's royal blue, molded-plastic case feels cheap, compared to other Toshiba models. Its glossy lid shows too many fingerprints and smudges.
The E205 features a springy keyboard and big touchpad. But a further construction flaw I found was that the left and right mouse buttons are very hard to reach. Even with large hands, I had to stop typing to stretch my thumbs down and apply enough force to click the stiff buttons.
While the laptop's overall appearance wasn't to my liking, there's a lot to be impressed with. The Toshiba laptop takes other, more useful design cues from Best Buy recommendations for Blue Label products. On the left side, there are jacks for a headphone and microphone, as well as a USB input. Designers moved the heat-dissipation vents to that side instead of the bottom, where on many notebooks they end up grilling one's knees. The E205's right side includes a slot-loading DVD player, a conventional USB port, and another USB input that accepts eSata cable, too. There's also an HD multimedia (HDMI) output.
WiDi for image display on TV
Above the keyboard, there's an ambient-light sensor that automatically adjusts the brightness settings on the energy-saving, 14.1-inch, HD-resolution, LED-backlit screen. To the right of the keyboard, there's a touch-control panel to adjust the volume and playback of music and videos. The keyboard is nicely backlit as well, which helps in low-light situations.
Toshiba is one of the first PC makers to use a new Intel (INTC) technology called Wireless Display, or WiDi. It creates a wireless network that pairs the laptop with a Netgear (NTGR) Push2TV receiver that's included with the computer's purchase. This lets users easily display images from the E205 on a big-screen TV. Once the connection is established, it takes just a button push in Intel's Wireless Display software to initiate the transfer.
There are a couple of caveats. The technology doesn't currently work with copy-protected DVDs. And the laptop's display is disabled during the transfer, so users can't do something else on the laptop—such as deal with e-mail—while watching videos or listening to music.
Overall performance was nimble. The laptop runs on Intel's new Core i5 processor and includes a generous 4 gigabytes of memory, which can be expanded up to 8 GB. The 500-GB hard drive is generous for a laptop in the E205's price range. Battery life is a fairly typical 3.5 hours when running video at normal screen brightness.
some graphics chips unwelcome
Toshiba decided to use the 64-bit version of Microsoft's (MSFT) Windows 7 Home Premium operating system, which processes data in larger chunks than the 32-bit version. The E205 had no problems running multiple programs simultaneously. It worked without a hitch when I played video and listened to music at the same time, using Apple's (AAPL) iTunes software.
Intel's integrated graphics chip always seems to need a few seconds to work out the kinks when playing video, and this system was no different. An odd quirk of the E205 and other WiDi-equipped laptops is that users can't easily add more potent graphics chips from Nvidia (NVDA) or ATI (AMD). That could limit the machine's appeal for video game players. Intel executives say PC makers can create software that would let them add other graphics chips to their machines.
The E205 comes with a trial version of Microsoft Office and Works and Symantec's (SYMC) Norton Internet Security. There's also Best Buy's Software Installer application, which contains a list of programs and Web sites—including Netflix (NFLX), Roxio Creator (SNIC), and The Wall Street Journal (NWS)—that can quickly be installed. It's a neat way to shop for software to personalize your computer without being hobbled by preinstalled clutter you don't want.
The Toshiba E205's design may not work for everyone, but it's a powerful and affordable laptop whose innovation and ease of use packs a wallop.
Toshiba's Energy - Saving E205 Laptop Review
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