Toshiba Mini NB255-N245 10.1-Inch Netbook Review

The Toshiba Mini NB255-N245 is an upgraded version of NB305-N310. There is no significant changes in the specification of the Toshiba Mini NB255-N245 but it now comes with the latest Intel Atom N455 processor. Read the full review of Toshiba Mini NB305-N310.

Toshiba Mini NB255-N245 Specification

Operating System : Microsoft Windows 7 Starter (32-bit)
Processor : Intel Atom N455 (1.66GHz, 512KB L2 cache, 667MHz FSB)
Chipset : Mobile Intel NM10 Express
Display : 10.1-inch Widescreen LED Backlit LCD (Native Resolution:1024 x 600)
Graphics : Intel GMA 3150 (250MB shared graphics memory)
Memory : 1GB DDR2 667MHz RAM (easily self upgrade RAM to 2GB)
Storage : 160GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
Wireless Data Network : WLAN: 802.11b/g
Input/Output : 1 x VGA connector, 3 x USB 2.0 ports (1x with Sleep and Charge), 1 x LAN RJ-45, 2 x audio jacks(Headphone & Mic-in)
Camera : 0.3 megapixels
Audio : Integrated Stereo Speakers
Flash Media Slot : Secure Digital, SDHC, MMC
Optical Drive : No Optical Drive (optional external optical drive can be connected via one of the USB ports)
Battery : 6-cell battery(48 Wh) – Up to 8.3 hours of battery life
Dimensions : 10.4 x 8.3 x 1.27 inches (WxDxH)
Weight : 2.8 lbs

Upgrading Toshiba Mini NB255-N245 netbook memory from 1GB to 2GB

Take note of the following;

The netbook comes with only 1 slot and it is populated by a 1GB memory module
That means you have to remove the 1GB RAM module to insert the new 2GB RAM module
Make sure you purchase the right memory module. This entry level model only comes with a DDR 2 RAM, so you need a 200 pin DDR2 SODIMM notebook memory module (667MHz or 800MHz)
Installing the memory is a snap. You just need a tiny Philips screwdriver to remove one screw from back cover, pop out the old, pop in the new, replace the cover and boot it back up. Refer to steps outlined in easily self upgrade RAM

Toshiba Mini NB255-N245 Color Options

Available in Black Onyx only.

Software Included with Toshiba Mini NB255-N245

The following software comes with the netbook;

Microsoft Office 2010 Starter – Purchase of a Product Key required to activate to a full Office 2010 suite
Microsoft Office Live Essentials including Photo Gallery, Messenger, Mail and Writer
Windows Live Essentials
Microsoft Silverlight
Norton Internet Security 2010 (30 day trial)
TOSHIBA ReelTime – helps you cut down the time it takes to search for files
Toshiba Media Controller – offers simplified media sharing
Hard disc (HDD) recovery
WildTangent® Orb™ Games Console
TOSHIBA ConfigFree
TOSHIBA PC Health Monitor
TOSHIBA Bulletin Board – organizational and productivity application that lets you build your own personalized space on your desktop

User Reviews

During our research we found over 37 reviews online for the Toshiba Mini NB255-N245. Over 80% of the people that reviewed this product gave it either a 4 or 5 star rating and the 5 star ratings outnumbered the 4 star ratings by 2 to 1. The user reviews for this netbook are somewhat mixed.

Most of the reviewers loved everything about this netbook. They found it to be above par with many of the average netbooks on the market. One reviewer commented positively about his experience with the keyboard saying the keyboard is “almost” as good as a full keyboard.

There were a number of reviewers who mentioned that the audio quality is not great and the speaker has low volume. To be fair one must accept the fact that poor audio quality is pandemic of all netbooks and the dinky speakers are barely audible enough for a conversation in all but the emptiest of coffee shops. If you are running an application where audio is important, you may have to install external speakers

There were a number of other complaints about this machine as well including that the netbook does not feature the sleep and charge function and comes with only 160GB of hard drive. The Sleep and charge feature is supported on other Toshiba models, but not on this particular one as it is meant to be entry level model. For the same reasons the hard drive comes with a smaller capacity. These facts are indeed documented on the product’s website.

There were also some other negative reviews for this product but the majority of those came from people that either got a defective model or experienced poor customer service. A poor customer service experience from some users cannot be held against the product itself and an incredible percentage of the reviewers had nothing but high marks for this netbook.

After reading several reviews for this product the general consensus seems to be that the netbook is a good quality netbook for web surfing and portability, and is a good choice for netbooks in this affordable price range. It has very good battery life and although the manufacturer claims up to 11 hours, most reviewers were able to get 6 to 7 hours with average use on maximum brightness.

The Toshiba Mini NB255-N245 only runs one gigabyte of RAM so this unit will slow down considerably if you’re running too many programs at the same time. It is also limited if you intend to use it for gaming. Older games won’t be an issue but newer games could pose a problem.

If you expect a reasonable performance with a netbook than you won’t be upset with the NB255-N245. But too many people buy a Netbook with expectations of having the performance of a decent Notebook. It’s not going to happen. But the Toshiba NB255-N245 comes close to providing a good enough experience and does the basics very well.

If you need a no-fuss computer to bring to school or work, the Toshiba NB255 netbook may be your best option. You can also take it along on your travel or vacation. It’s affordable, durable, lightweight and compact. It’s very easy for us to give this netbook a strong recommendation.

Where to Buy Toshiba Mini NB255-N245 Netbook

We found Amazon.com to have the best prices on all netbook computers including the NB255-N245. Click on the links below to visit the product website for additional information and special offers. You can also compare prices from the numerous retailers by clicking on the More Prices link.

Toshiba Mini NB255-N245 10.1-Inch Black Onyx Netbook

Website: Click to Visit Product Website
Customer Reviews: Read Customer Reviews
List Price: $299.99
Amazon Price: View Sale Price Buy From Amazon
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Optional Upgrades

Crucial CT25664AC667 2GB 667MHz 200-pin SODIMM DDR2 Memory Module

Website: Click to Visit Product Website
Customer Reviews: Read Customer Reviews
List Price: $31.99
Amazon Price: $22.95 Buy From Amazon
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Microsoft Windows 7 Anytime Upgrade [Starter to Home Premium]

Website: Click to Visit Product Website
Customer Reviews: Read Customer Reviews
List Price: $79.95
Amazon Price: $65.48 Buy From Amazon
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Microsoft Office Home & Student 2010 [Disc Version]

Website: Click to Visit Product Website
Customer Reviews: Read Customer Reviews
List Price: $149.99
Amazon Price: $141.00 Buy From Amazon
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