heart on this machine. Everything else is either mundane or simply bad. Let's start, though, with the build quality. Sure, Toshiba has done a great job at keeping the weight down (3.1 pounds) and the machine slim — just an inch thick. These are, after all, the hallmarks of the Portege line. For a 13.3-inch laptop (screen resolution is 1366 x 768) with an optical drive, those are impressive feats, but sadly the tradeoffs just aren't worth it.

In an effort to keep weight and thickness down, Toshiba has trimmed design to the bone, giving the R705 a largely plastic chassis (with modest bits of magnesium alloy) that flexes liberally under strain — not good for a laptop designed for travel. Considerably worse, though, is the keyboard. The island-style chiclet keys are too small and have too much distance between them, and their rubbery action is more reminiscent of dialing a telephone than pleasantly touch-typing on a real keyboard.

Performance on the machine, while acceptable, is uninspired. Its benchmark scores are fine for a latest-generation Core i3-based computer, but naturally graphics (integrated here) are a no-show. Battery life of 3.5 hours is also about average for a 13-inch machine, and far from the promised 8.5 hours.

The net results of Toshiba's efforts are a computer designed for busy travelers but which neither looks particularly good nor works particularly well in day-to-day use because of its keyboard issues. Repackage it as a $500 executive netbook, and maybe we have a deal.

WIRED Slim and extremely lightweight. USB-eSATA combo port is handy. Touchpad responds well.

TIRED Keyboard is tragically designed. Chassis feels cheap and looks unappealing. Overpriced for its feature set, despite slim profile.

• Manufacturer: Toshiba
• Price: $890 (as tested)

Authors: Christopher Null

to know more click here