Toshiba Mini NB205 Notebook Debuts

Toshiba's first entry into the U.S. mininotebook market comes in the form of the Mini NB205, a compact, lightweight device with a full-size keyboard, 9 hours of battery life and a $349.00 starting price. The Toshiba Mini NB205-N310 and Mini NB205-N210 will be available starting in late June.

The mininotebooks run on Windows XP and each comes equipped with a Hard Drive Impact Sensor that guards data from the thumps today's actively mobile devices inevitably incur, while a USB port with a "Sleep-and-Charge" function enables users to charge various electronic devices even when the notebook is turned off. Also included is a one-year international limited warranty.

As with many entries in the mininotebook market, Toshiba has wrapped the NB205 line in attractive packaging: The NB205-N310 has a textured finish and a chrome hinge (available in four metallic color finishes), while the Mini NB205-N210 features a "Fusion Finish" in black onyx. In addition to looking pretty, the NB205 is power-efficient, meeting the requirements of the upcoming EnergyStar 5.0 standard. The notebook is also RoHS-compatible and achieved EPEAT (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool) Gold status.

"We're raising the bar in the mininotebook category with a premium brand that truly delivers on the portability promise these companion PCs were originally designed for," said Jeff Barney, vice president and general manager of digital products for Toshiba America Information Systems. "The addition of the Mini NB205 expands our product line to meet the ever-increasing demands of consumers and exemplifies Toshiba's reputation for quality that they expect and reflects the company's long history of building mobility platforms."

Under the raised keyboard rests an Intel Atom N280 processor and 160GB of storage. Also included are a built-in Web cam, speaker and microphone, Toshiba PC Health Monitor software, an RGB port for connecting to external displays, a memory card reader slot, and a security lock slot.

Bob O'Donnell, vice president of clients and displays research at marketing and research company IDC, said U.S. consumers are rapidly realizing the benefits of mininotebooks. "They are figuring out that this evolving category of PCs fits well into their lives, their budgets and their backpacks—the record growth in retail volume is a testament to that," he said.

Toshiba is also offering several accessories for the Mini NB205 series, including a Portable DVD SuperMulti Drive, available today for $99.99, a USB Mini Retractable Mouse, available later in June for $14.99, and a 12-inch Envoy fabric or leather carrying case. A 10-inch dual-function hard-side case and a 10.1-inch neoprene sleeve will also be available in June directly from Toshiba.