Toshiba T215D, solid 11.6 inch ultraportable, with AMD and top looks

Good to see more and more mini laptops boosting AMD’s new Nile platform popping out these days. It’s always great to have options when looking for a new computer. Now, it’s time for the Toshiba Satellite T215D, part of the 11.6 inch class, which the guys at laptopmag.com had on their test decks and give a spin.

First of all, they did test the version with the following specs: AMD Neo processor K125 (single core, clocked at 1.7 GHz), 2 GB DDR3 memory, ATI HD4225 graphics and a 250 GB hard-rive. This one will go for $469 in the States, but for some extra 30 bucks, you will be able to get the version equipped with the Dual Core AMD processor and bigger storage (320 GB), so I will definitely go for that option.

In terms of looks and build quality, the T215D is very solid, although it comes with a glossy patterned finish only, but available in a couple of different color themes. So in terms of aesthetics, this Toshiba feels like it surpasses its price class, looking as good as fancier devices. You do stick with the fingerprints/smudges problem, but as long as you don’t go for the black version, they should not be as easy to spot.

There’s the same metallic-feel keyboard inside like on the Toshiba NB305 and a big enough multi-touch trackpad, with individual click buttons. However, reviewers report keyboard to be quite cramped, which makes me think Toshiba only mounted a 95% Full Size one and not a 100%, like some other 11.6 inchers offer. Still knowing the smaller keyboard they have on the 10 inch devices, I’m more than confident this is one of the best keyboard/touchpad combo available in this class.

Toshiba T215D - solid overall 11.6 incher, with good price and great looks

In terms of performance, this is an AMD powered device and like most others, manages to perform well in all everyday tasks, while being able to play some games and run all kind of HD content. Now, the Dual-core version is recommended for its multitasking capabilities, but this one with AMD K125 processor ain’t that bad either. Of course, this is not a device meant to play games (see the Asus EEE PC 1215N if you want a gaming ultraportable), but it can face titles like World of Warcraft decently, just not at native resolution (which is 1366 x 768 px, as with all 11.6 inch display these days). Tested battery life scored almost 5 hours on a single charge for continuously browsing on Wi-Fi , which is decent, but not as good as the Intel powered device in the class can score.

Still, I’m confident this Toshiba T215D is a great machine to have. I might be a little subjective, as I am a Toshiba fan (based on my experience with their mini notebooks), but considering the looks and ergonomics, good performance and decent battery life, all for under $500, looks like a good deal. The device does come with some poorer parts: once again, like all mini Toshibas I’ve seen lately, speaker quality and volume are poor and WebCam is jerky, but for me these cannot be deal breakers.

The Satellite T215D Toshiba does have to face some tough competition, from AMD powered machines like the Dell Inspiron M101Z , Acer Aspire One 721 or HP Pavilion DM1z, plus the Intel armada lead by Acer’s 1830T and Lenovo’s U160 . More about all of these in the upgraded version of the best 11.6 inch mini laptops available on the market.

More info about this Toshiba are available in the review at LaptopMag.com and I can say I’m really looking forward to see one of these in action myself. I’m confident I will not be disappointed.

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Tags: 11.6" netbooks, AMD Neo processor, AMD Nile, Toshiba netbooks

Last updated: August 12, 2010 | Published: August 12th, 2010 | Add the first comment!