Toshiba Satellite U405

This isn’t the ho-hum Toshiba Satellite you’re accustomed to seeing. Sporting a dazzling new design, the 4.6-pound Toshiba Satellite U405, the company’s successor to the U300 line, strikes a fine balance between sweet looks and portability.

Any discussion about this machine has to start with its stylish new digs. Measuring 12.4 x 9.0 x 1.0 inches and weighing 4.6 pounds, the U405 is roughly the same size and weight as the 12.2 x 8.9 x 1.3-inch, 5-pound U305. We love the new in-mold Fusion Finish design that serves up a glossy gotta-touch-it, black-and-gray gradient color scheme; it even extends across the face of the touchpad for a more unified look.

While the U405′s styling looks like it was taken straight from the HP school of design, Toshiba adds its own unique visual flair by embedding the power button, touch-sensitive multimedia keys, a section of the touchpad, and the Satellite logo on the base of the system with a cool-looking white LED light that radiates a futuristic feel. The keyboard is equally attractive with its super-glossy keys, but they were too spongy for our tastes. Still, we liked the small, but serviceable keyboard that offered enough room for users with large hands to touch type.
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