The Toshiba Satellite M200/M205 series is one of the newest lines of 14.1-inch notebooks from Toshiba. Packing a nice Core 2 Duo processor and plenty of multimedia functionality into a stylish case, the M205 is an attractive option for consumers looking for a 14-inch notebook for less than $1,000. While the design and features of the M200/M205 might seem like standard fanfare for a Toshiba notebook, the key factor that makes this laptop is the base MSRP of $899.99 (or less at some retail stores). With the holiday shopping season getting underway, is the M200/M205 the right choice for your next Christmas gift? Let's take a look.

The M200/M205 is available in multiple configurations with a range of Intel processors (from the 1.5GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5250 to the 1.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7100) starting at $899. The only screen offering is the 14.1" WXGA but the notebook can take up to 4GB of RAM. Built-in wireless 802.11 a/b/g is standard.

We reviewed one of Toshiba's preconfigured versions of the M200/M205 (M205-S7452), priced at $899.99. Following are the specs for the notebook as reviewed:

• Screen: 14.4-inch Diagonal Widescreen WXGA TruBrite (glossy finish) Display (1280x800)
• Processor: 1.5GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5250
• Hard Drive: 160 GB hard drive (SATA, 5400RPM)
• Memory: 1GB RAM (PC5300, 667 MHz, DDR2 SDRAM, 2 x 512 MB) -- 4GB max memory
• Optical Drive: DVD+-R Double layer / DVD+-RW Drive
• Ports and Slots: Four USB 2.0, one FireWire 400 port, one Type II PC card slot, one VGA, one S-Video, one 5-in1 card reader, headphone / line-out, microphone-in, modem, 10/100 Ethernet
• Webcam: 1.3MP
• Wireless: Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g)
• Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 (965 Express chipset with up to 251MB of shared RAM)
• Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
• Dimensions: 13.5" x 9.53" x 1.33" (WxDxH without feet)
• Weight: 5.5 pounds

Build and Design

The overall first impression that one has when looking at the M200/M205 series is that this notebook was designed to look smooth and compact with a few touches of flare. In truth, it looks a bit like Toshiba engineers took the 13-inch Satellite U305 and stretched it out to fit a 14.1-inch screen. While the result isn't jaw-dropping, this is a nice looking notebook. From the glossy Onyx Blue Metallic LCD cover to the silver palm rests and keyboard the M205 is a smooth yet simple design.

As mentioned above, the lid of the M205 is "Onyx Blue Metallic" which looks black unless light strikes the plastic at just the right angle. The lid's colored plastic has a glossy coat with an almost mirror like shine. It certainly looks stylish but is a magnet for fingerprints.The rest of the case plastics are made of matte black plastic or beige plastic that is painted silver.

The M205 lid does not have a latch to hold it closed, but the hinge mechanism works well and firmly holds the lid in place. There is some flex to the screen lid but it’s just enough to keep the LCD from being too rigid. There certainly isn’t enough screen flex to worry about.