First Look: The NB200, Toshiba's new netbook

 

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Posted on 24 Apr 2009 at 16:31

At a London launch event this week we saw the latest Toshiba netbook, the NB200. It uses a 10.2in display, just like the excellent Samsung NC10, rather than the 8.9in display used on Toshiba's first netbook, the NB100.

Actually, there are two versions of the NB200. The cheaper one has a traditional keyboard and a bland-looking black finish, while the more expensive model (pictured) has a stylish textured lid and Sony Vaio-styled tiled keyboard. We tested the cheaper version and weren't too impressed with the feedback from the keys, though it was a pre-production model. Both keyboards extend across almost the entire width of the chassis, so the keys are as big as you can expect on such a small device.The touchpad is big too, being wider than most we've seen.

All NB200's will use a 160GB hard disk. This is hugely preferable to a small SSD, but normal hard disks are more vulnerable to damage. Toshiba has compensated for this by including a shock-detection system for the drive. This detects free-fall, bumps and shocks, and then quickly park the drive heads to prevent loss of data. Such systems have been used on expensive ultra portable laptops for years but this is the first time we've seen it on a netbook.

Toshiba has opted to use Intel Atom processors - rather than moving to VIA or AMD chips, like Samsung and HP have done with their latest models. The cheaper model will use the usual 1.6GHz N270 Atom, with the more stylish design using the newer 1.66GHz N280 - which benefits from a faster 667MHz front side bus.

As well as the two variants described, the NB200 will be available in a variety of colours, with both 3-cell and 9-cell battery options (lasting for a claimed four and nine hours respectively). Exact pricing for all the possible variations isn't available yet, but prices will start from a fairly hefty £319 inc VAT. We'll bring you a full review as soon as we get finalised hardware.

Author: Seth Barton