Toshiba Libretto W105 - One Year Update

One year ago today I posted my review of the Toshiba Libretto W105. In the year I've used the W105 as my personal machine and had a work machine (ThinkPad X200T soon replaced with an HP Slate 500). I'm still in love with machine, I don't think anything out currently can compare to it, Viliv N5 is more portable but less powerful and the company is out of business and battery life isn't that much better and slates still require the use of keyboards for long emails and content creation, a struggle I know well using the HP Slate since February.

Earlier this summer I grew frustrated with managing two computers and was tempted to sell the Libretto but couldn't bring myself t it because I've been in lust with the Libretto since 1995 and now I own one and arguably the sexiest Libretto. So what was I going to do?

A couple a weeks ago I was using my HP Slate on a VOIP Conference Call discussing an Excel Report taking ink notes in OneNote with Outlook open and the machine was choking pretty bad (Not sure why, I've done this same thing many times before with same result but that night it bothered me). It dawned on me that my Libretto is so much more powerful machine at approx. the same weight (and since I'm always carrying the HP Slate Dock, Bluetooth keyboard and mouse the weight difference disappears). As I thought about it the more I was tempted to use the Libretto as my only machine, it has more power, a user replaceable battery and has the ability to type using the haptic touch keyboard, so I would need to carry any additional accessories.

So I went ahead and took the plunge and started using the Libretto as my personal and work machine and I must say I'm very happy. There are drawbacks, battery life if I'm conservative I can get 3 hours and Bluetooth 2.1 is older and struggles with audio. In of course the fan does run more using it for work. In the end I still use the Slate for inking in meetings and on conference calls, but now my Libretto is used for the VOIP, Excel and Outlook and the Slate for OneNote (I synch the notes using Live Mesh).

The Libretto is the best UMPC/mobile productivity on the market and happy that I made the switch. I use a Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse at my office and Home Office but only carry the Libretto while mobile (which is about 45% of my time). To make this work for my work machine I purchased a second 8 cell battery and bought the Plantronics UC Bluetooth Headset designed for Microsoft Lync 2010 which compensates the built-in Bluetooth Audio Issues. I use it docked using both screens for productivity either landscape or portrait) and use the Bulletin Board on the second screen while mobile. Even carrying both the Libretto and Slate and it is only 3.3 lbs. and offers the most flexibility. I'm very happy with this solution.

 

Glad to hear!

Keep us updated with any other news.

 

I had a play around with one of these again today, absolutely love it. If I didn't already own an iPad I would have bought one when I first saw it 6 months ago. Actually talking to my brother about them now. He's after a tablet, doesn't want an iPad, was thinking of an Acer or Samsung. I mentioned the Libretto, he's now looking at how he could use it with work things.

Thanks for posting your updated thoughts. Hearing how users are progressing further down the track is great.

 

I will confess that the Samsung Series 7 Slate is very tempting, but I've found a groove using my HP Slate as a digital notepad and Libretto for my laptop workhorse...

 

What sort of bluetooth keyboard are you using with it? I'd imagine the touchscreen keyboard could get tiresome when typing out documents!

 

I use the Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000 carried in my bag, when I docked at home or travelling I carry Cygnett Keyboard KeyPad - Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard

I use the the Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard 6000 (same as the one that ships with the Asus EP121)

I use the on-board keyboard when mobile or couch servering...