Toshiba Updates Netbook Software for Windows 7

My dual-booting Toshiba NB205 gained something tonight that I’ve been waiting for since last month — compatible utilities for Windows 7! During my daily check of the Toshiba Downloads site, I noticed a new entry from earlier today. The Toshiba Value Added Package weighs in at 43MB and installed without a hitch. Although there are several apps and utilities, the one I’m most excited about is the Toshiba Power Saver. That’s the aggressive power management software that helps this netbook get between 8 and 9 hours on a single charge.

I won’t be able to see if Windows 7 affects the battery life with the new utility for a day or two, mainly because that’s how long it will take to test it. But I’ve already noticed that the Toshiba UI for managing power settings isn’t present under Windows 7 like it was for XP. About the only evidence I can see that the Power Saver utility is installed is one attribute in the standard Windows 7 Power Options. Hmmm….. along with battery testing, I’ll have to take a closer look at the attributes to see what else, if anything, has been added to the Power Options.