Toshiba Satellite U205 buy or not buy?

I would not worry about vista. First of all it will run an all modern laptops, the only question is if the new aero interface will since it will require DirectX 10 capable graphics. IMO, if it's going to use that much just to run, then I don't want it on my system hogging resources anyway. Also, MS has been pulling some of the features out of vista in order to meet their release date. That means to get everything they origiannly intedned to have Vista run, we'll have to wait until at least Service Pack 1 or so, which I'm guesing will be another year or so down the road.

As for the U205, I would suggest you go to a computer shop and take a look at some ofthe 12" that they have there to see if it will be big enough for you. Personaly, since I work exclusigvely on my laptop, I find 14" to be the perfect balace between mobility (sicne they are usually around 5lbs or less) and having a big enough screen and KB to work on comfortably for longer periods of time.

One thing you could look at, if you are still interested in a 12", is the Tecra M6. It's the same size and about the same price, but offers a Docking station (at an additional cost). The docking station is great if you have a desk that you will be using it at most of the time since you can attach all the periferals (external KB, mouse, a bigger screen, internet) to the dock. Then when you sit down to work it's all connected in one shot without having to plug everything in.