Editorial Product Review:Item Description:At under 3 pounds, the Toshiba Portege doesn't aim to replace your desktop or large notebook PC. Its tiny size is geared to a professional seeking a high-powered but extremely compact Windows XP solution that's easy, convenient, and efficient for active road use. It features a low-voltage Intel Pentium mobile processor optimized for longer battery life, helping you stay productive unplugged for up to 5 hours. The Portégé R205 also features numerous Toshiba EasyGuard enhancements for better durability, connectivity and security. Stay connected with integrated wireless LAN (802.11b and 802.11g compatible) and enjoy thesecurity of both a fingerprint reader and a Trusted Platform Module embedded security chip. Portege - it's a PC for the traveller. 802.11b and 802.11g compatible WiFi wireless network compatible Bluetooth version 2.0 plus Extended Data Range (EDR) CDRW / DVD-ROM drive 2-USB (2.0) ports for connecting peripherals SD media slot for digital memory card storage or to view pictures or to listen to MP3 files 10/100/1000 RJ45 Ethernet LAN RJ45 port for wired network or for broadband Internet access V.92/56K modem RJ11 port for instant dial-up web access Fast Infrared port for wireless communication with compatible devices Headphone jack for optional headphones RGB Monitor port for connecting to an external analog computer monitor Includes Microsoft Windows XP Professional with Toshiba selected pre-installed utility and productivity software
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Buyer Reviews
Average Buyer Rating:
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A truly portable laptop
If you want portable, this is it! Most other (standard) laptops are huge monsters weighing twice what this one weighs. Even the power brick is much smaller and lighter than most others ... I refuse to carry anything heavier, and it also looks good! It also compares favorably in design and size to the very best ultra-portable laptops available today.
The keyboard has a good typing layout IMHO, and excellent tactile feel. The supplied USB CDRW/DVD is small and compact. Using a bluetooth mouse means keeping both USB ports free for other uses if necessary. Operation is very quiet in general, although the fan does occasionally become noisier when extra cooling is required. The fingerprint reader is addictive, enabling Windows logon as well as website passwords and login IDs to be memorized. There are a few other nice touches such as the touchpad quick launch feature (quicker access to certain features without returning to the desktop and/or Start menu), the wireless "mapping" utility (for identifying available wireless networks, including bluetooth devices), and movement detection (which causes the hard drive heads to be "parked" in a safe location to avoid accidental damage).
The screen is adequate, without being anything to get excited about (no improvement from a previous Portégé bought way back in 2002). Standard office applications and Internet browsing work well IMO, although I did add an extra memory module just to be safe. My previous Portégé laptops have been extremely reliable, over periods of more than 5 years of intensive use.
In fact, my only major complaint is that, since I like to travel without the battery, to eliminate extra weight, this design does not allow the machine to be used normally without the battery in place: Two of the three feet under the front palm rest are actually on the battery itself, so removing it leaves the front area in mid air, and unstable for normal use.
Still, very highly recommended as a travel laptop. Perhaps not a good power user's desktop replacement, but definitely sufficient IMHO for normal usage that includes office applications, e-Mail and Internet. It does what I expected it to, and does it with excellence, style and true ultra-portability, not just movability.
Customer Rating: -
great portability, excellent value
Toshiba Portege R205-S209 12.1" Laptop (Intel Pentium M Processor 753, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB Hard Drive, DVD-ROM/CD-RW ComboDrive)
I had this laptop for over 4 months and I used to have is twin, the 205-S2062 (that was stolen after 1 year and a half of great work).
I carry it everywhere. it is soooo light and thin. Works fine, not incredibly fast, but excellent for basic computing/wireless/internet. I use it for work and I do Powerpoint presentations all the time.
This model comes with and external DVD- CDRW, very light and small, that you will use only to install applications (who ever uses the Cd rom?).
I bought a 1gb Ram for about 30$ and now it is 1.25GB ram and very fast.
Excellent!
Customer Rating: -
A great little companion
I don't understand all of the negatives here. I have used mine all day everyday and it has worked fine. It is so sleek and cute that you can comfortably carry it around with you. It plays DVDs fine and the battery used to last 4 hours (It's now down to one hour) Great for wireless web surfing and as a travel computer.
Customer Rating: 
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HUGE disappointment
This laptop is the slowest I have ever had, and my older pc with half the components run circles around this over priced version. Every software program I have (all MS Office, Outlook, IE, Adobe, etc.) runs extremely slow. The battery life is a joke. Forget using it for Music or Video. The only positive is the slim design, light weight, and screen brightness. If you do not install anything on here, and just use the factory programs, then it will probably work for you. However, in my experience everything runs extremely slow and frequently locks up and crashes. Frustrating and extremely disatisfied with this purchase.
I will avoid Toshiba at all costs the next time around.
