Toshiba Mini NB205-N230 - The Toshiba Mini Now Comes with Windows 7 Starter OS

The Toshiba Mini NB205-N230 comes with Windows 7 Starter OS.  This  presents a real dilemma.  Should you go with the Windows XP version or should you move on to Windows 7 Starter?

The decision depends very much on how you plan to use your new netbook.  It also depends on how comfortable you are with customizing your computer.

For instance, if you are seeking a real easy way to carry a computer around, the Toshiba Mini Netbooks are for you.  Real easy may mean just moving it from room to room in your house.  For example, if your laptop serves as a desktop replacment, it may never leave the confines of its space, until you renovate the house, change residences or it dies!

In this case, you probably won't need a lot of extra functionality in your netbook.  And if your web experience lies between YouTube, GMail, iTunes, IMing, and social networking it will be all you need.

Or you might want to just drop it in bag and get going. In that case, you'll probably want word processing and spreadsheet capability.  The Toshiba Mini NB200 series handles all this with ease.  It's full spectrum, full sized keyboard makes for comfortable typing, increasing accuracy and minimizing distractions.  And Windows Starter 7 provides word processing and spreadsheet capability with Microsoft Works software.

Note Windows Starter 7 OS does impose limitations. For example, you can only open 3 programs at a time.  This does not mean you can only keep three tabs open in a browser at the same time.  Or multiple files from the same program.  Moreover, certain types of programs, such as internet security software, are exempt. 

Windows 7 Starter does incrase efficiency in certain areas.  It has a feature called "Jump Lists" which help locate and manage files quickly.  It makes it even simpler to connect printers and other peripherals.  And most importantly, connecting wirelessly now is easier than ever before.