A good 14-inch laptop with many features and nice look, but it “feels” like a low-cost PC.

Disadvantages

Cheap feel to ConstructionNo separate video card OptionIntegrated touchpad buttons work not well. The new Toshiba E305 is a best buy exclusive laptop with a 14-inch screen and a price around $900 packed processor 4 GB with an Intel Core i5 “Sandy Bridge”, RAM, a 500 GB HDD and a Blu-ray drive, this is the next great family PC? Keep reading to find out.

Toshiba Satellite E305 (E305-S1990X) Specifications:

720 p 14.0 inch (1366 x 768) display with LED BacklightingWindows 7 Home Premium (64-bit) Intel Core i5-2410M processor (2.3 GHz, 3 MB cache, 2.9 GHz with turbo boost) Intel HD graphics with Intel wireless display Technology4GB RAM DDR3 (1333MHz) hard disk drive 500 GB 7,200 RPM (Seagate Momentus XT hybrid drive with 4 GB flash memory)802.11b/g/n WirelessBlu-ray/DVD SuperMulti (+/-double layer)) Warranty: Two years standard warranty (1 yr on battery) 6 cell limited lithium-ion battery (67Wh) and 65W power AdapterWeight: 4.95 LbsDimensions: 13.46 x 9.13 x 1.25 InchesMSRP: $1,089.99 ($899.99 at best buy)

Because the E305 not I can feel but exclusively at best buy, that the “MSRP” of $1,089.99 slightly disingenuous, because best buy has sold it for $899.99 from the first day. Despite this small quibble about the price, you get a reasonably well equipped notebook for about $900.

Build and design

At first glance the new satellite E305 has many design elements with other Toshiba notebooks currently on the market. The rounded clamshell body wrapped in a combination of plastic and aluminium is a mixture of silver and black. In contrast to last year E205 this best buy “blue label” exclusively in metallic blue color covered is not job… something we are happy to see. The new E305 looks more like a “premium” notebook in comparison to the laptop from the last year… but your opinion may change after you pick it up.

The screen lid and the upper region that surrounds the keyboard are both structured aluminum but the metal casing is very thin and notebooks flexibility similar to such as the plastics, visit the most Toshiba. In fact, was to say the “aluminium finish” on the E305 my first reaction when reading of: “This is not aluminum.” On closer examination it is aluminium but in fact… it is very thin. The hatched pattern on the lid and the remains of the Palm, that prevents that fingerprint stains and scratches not appear as simple as on an Apple MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, but the Toshiba feel not just as durable.

The combination of thin aluminum plates and construction from introduces main chassis that flexes under pressure and gently squeaks when you squeeze it in addition to the built-in Blu-ray drive. The screen hinges on this model are relatively narrow and keep the screen in position when you move the laptop from one location to another. I suspect this laptop will survive quite well as a desktop replacement and regular travel can handle, would be as long as it is packed in a good laptop bag, but I hesitate to carry with me every day without some additional protection the E305.

The bottom of the notebook is no more upgrade options. Fortunately, Toshiba contains a Fast 500 GB hard drive within the E305 (the Seagate Momentus XT hybrid drive) to update can be unnecessary memory. There are also no convenient access panel for the upgrade of RAM. In fact, all the screws that hold the notebook together with small rubber plugs are covered. Toshiba you only one area on the bottom of the notebook with access to the wireless card if you need to replace or update this component. In short, this is not a laptop for people who want to buy aftermarket upgrades.

Ports and features

The new satellite E305 has a rather nice collection of ports. You now get two USB 2.0 ports and a USB 3.0 port “Super speed” for connecting standard accessories. There is no express card slot for adding new ports, but you get two video out ports: a VGA connection for HDMI and old school projectors for new monitors and HDTVs. Toshiba was also friendly, offer a Blu-ray drive (although the integrated screen does not support 1080p resolution) and the E305 comes your laptop to a HDTV with Intel wireless display technology so you can wirelessly close you compatible or connect it to an HDTV with a wireless adapter.