The Toshiba NB505-N508BL is an ideal netbook for a traveler or student on a budget due to its low-cost, lightweight, and portable size. Weighing in at only 2.9 pounds, with a screen size is of 10.1 inches and a height of only 1.4 inches, this netbook is considered by many to be handy, yet durable. With 1 GB of pre-installed DDR2 SDRAM, a 2 GB RAM maximum, 512 kB of L2 cache memory, and an Intel Atom N455/1.66 GHz processor, the Toshiba NB505-N508BL is capable of accommodating the requirements of most consumers. The following are the summarized pros and cons of the Toshiba NB505-N509BL, as depicted by numerous user reviews:
Pros
Battery Run Time - Aside from its ideal size, another aspect that makes this netbook especially portable is its 6-cell lithium-ion battery that carries a run time of up to 8.3 hours.
Durability - Although this netbook is certainly lightweight and thin, it is known for having a very durable feel to it, with many users stating that it does not feel "cheap" or "fragile". In fact, because it is lightweight there is not a lot of weight to cause greater momentum if it is dropped.
Multitasking - while 1 GB of RAM may not seem appealing in comparison to the amount of RAM installed in high-performance laptops and netbooks, the Toshiba NB505-N508BL has been shown to utilize its available memory very efficiently, and is capable of handling multiple browser tasks and non-intensive software processes simultaneously. Furthermore, a compatible 2GB RAM upgrade can be found for approximately .
Extensive Storage Space - with a 250 GB hard drive this netbook provides storage space that is equal to that of many high-performance conventional laptops.
Built-In Webcam - While there are certainly better webcams available on the market, the integrated webcam is sufficient for video chat and recording home movies. The webcam is also easy to use and is compatible with various webcam software.
External Storage Compatibility - Includes a built-in SD card reader that can be used to upload content from your digital camera or another computer. The card reader supports SDHC, SDXC, SD Memory Card, and MultiMediaCard formats. There are also 3 Hi-Speed USB slots (4-pin, Type A).
Cons
Windows 7 Starter - while this is a matter of preference, some users have expressed their dislike for the Windows 7 Starter operating system, having rarely found it to be incompatible with specific software.
Cost to Upgrade - If you're not satisfied with the operating system the cost of upgrading to Windows 7 Pro is 0.
Conclusion
Although a very small minority of users have expressed their dislike for the pre-installed operating system, the Toshiba NB505-N508BL netbook is widely regarded as one of the most efficient laptops within its price range. If you're looking for an affordable, yet portable netbook that can accommodate all of your basic computing needs, this product may be the ideal solution.
