Review Fujitsu Lifebook S752 / LifeBook S792 Laptop, FPCBP281 / FPCBP325

Product ID:1003132 Battery Type:Li-ion Property:original computer batteries Battery Voltage:11.1 V Battery Capacity:79 Wh \ 7200 mAh Battery Color:Black

Battery Life

Buy new FUJITSU LifeBook S792 Laptop Battery,11.1V 79Wh 7200mAh computer batteries

The LifeBook's primary power storage (lithium ion) has a capacity of 72 Wh, which is to enable a runtime of up to 12 hours according to the specifications. This is even supposed to be increased to a maximum of 18 hours via a secondary battery, which we unfortunately did not have for this test.

Although we cannot quite confirm these times, the FUJITSU LifeBook S752 proved to be a very enduring companion. 9 hours and 37 minutes in BatteryEater's Reader's test (energy saving mode, minimum brightness, wireless modules off) surpass the LENOVO ThinkPad L430 (57 Wh battery) by over two hours.

Our test device also did a good job with Wi-Fi surfing (brightness 150 cd/m²). The FPCBP325 battery's reserves were first drained after decent 6 hours and 27 minutes and that although the laptop shuts down when it reaches a charge state of 10 percent at latest. This spares the battery from excessive wear but it also reduces the battery runtime a few minutes.

With 1 hour and 51 minutes, the LifeBook just falls short of 2 hours in BatteryEater's Classic test (high-performance, maximum brightness, wireless modules on). Somewhat better runtimes could be expected if a more energy-efficient Ivy Bridge CPU were installed. Owing to a fast charging process, the laptop is ready for its next mission after roughly two and a half hours.

Case

Fujitsu Lifebook S752 comes with a balanced, yet rather unspectacular design. It is an overall decent machine, which leaves little room for complains and disappointments. Although Fujitsu doesn’t use metal materials, the chassis feels really rigid. The conventional keyboard design features ergonomic-shaped keys and the company seems to emphasize more on delivering a low-noise solution. The LifeBook is not exactly the most portable 14 inch laptop on the market with approximately 2.3 kilograms and 3.5 centimeters of height. However, it is on a similar level as the immediate competition. (FMVNBP210 batteries) 

The massive build pays off: Although the manufacturer largely waived on light metals, such as aluminum, the entire chassis conveys an extremely rigid, almost indestructible impression. Even extremely high force does not cause the case to warp or dent. Merely the display lid steps out of line a bit here. However, we would not say this is a real point of criticism. In return, the excellent display hinges compensate that with virtually perfect stability, minimum rocking and an enormous opening angle of over 180 degrees.

Fujitsu tops all this with an equally compelling workmanship. Even gaps and the casing's perfectly flush edges exhibit just that quality that we expect from a business laptop. Thus, the LifeBook is in no way inferior to a similarly priced Lenovo ThinkPad or Dell Vostro - quite the opposite.

The Fujitsu Lifebook S752 is treated with a high-resolution full HD camera, which should delight users with low-noise video calls. The Intel HD Graphics 3000 should cope well with basic multimedia tasks, such as 1080p video playback. Gaming performance is mediocre, with Diablo III scoring only at 24fps at high detail settings. The notebook supports more than 6 hours of continuous web browsing through WiFi and nearly 5 hours of non-stop DVD playback.

Connectivity

In contrast to the prior model, the manufacturer has only revised the connectivity marginally. There are still 4 USB ports, but now two support the fast USB 3.0 standard. One of the ports has been implemented as an eSATA combination even if this interface has largely been replaced by USB. Additional ports can be supplemented via a docking station or ExpressCard 34/54 mm. The full-sized DisplayPort is also noteworthy since many modern laptops only provide a mini socket that needs a special cable or adapter.

With exception of the LAN port at the rear and the audio jacks and the card reader on the front, all interfaces are located at the casing's sides. Fujitsu has done a satisfactory job with the positioning; only the narrow gap between the USB ports could prove to be a problem under certain circumstances.

Keyboard

The input device's quality belongs to the most important characteristics of a business laptop. While contenders like Dell and Lenovo now rely on chiclet-style keyboards, the LifeBook uses a classic layout with directly abutting 19 x 19 millimeter keys. Along with the keys' lightly curved surface, this is to ensure high accuracy and facilitate changing from a desktop keyboard.

In fact, we could adapt to the keyboard right away. The unusually generous key drop of 2.7 millimeters deserves a special mention because it results in an accurate yet not too firm pressure point. This positive impression is unfortunately marred slightly by the middling stability. Particularly the center area coils when typing vigorously. Apart from this complaint and the omitted backlight, the spill-proof keyboard earns a good rating. Beyond that, the additional hot keys and a dedicated button for Wi-Fi connections facilitate everyday use. (FPCBP281 batteries)

Touchpad

Unlike Lenovo's ThinkPad series, a TrackPoint is only optionally available for the FUJITSU LifeBook S752. Our test model did not feature one and we had to content ourselves with the small 6.5 x 5.5 centimeter touchpad. It comes from Synaptics and supports various multi-touch gestures, but only with a maximum of two fingers. On the other hand, the input excels with a pleasantly textured surface and outstanding precision.

Both mouse keys are located on the fingerprint reader's left and right. The crisp pressure point needs quite a bit of force, but they make a solid and long-lasting impression in return.

Display

The LifeBook S752 comes with a classic, professional size of 14 inches. However, it can only reproduce the modest WXGA resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels (WXGA++ optional). This might be acceptable in view of the fairly low price. However, we would have appreciated a somewhat higher pixel density (112 dpi) and consequently more desktop.

The same is true for the screen's brightness. With mere 184 cd/m², the LifeBook is hardly any better than Dell Vostro 3460 (150 cd/m²), while the ThinkPad L430 takes the lead with good 270 cd/m². The LED backlight of our test device is nevertheless generally sufficient for normal indoor lighting conditions.

The screen used in the FUJITSU LifeBook S752 come from Fujitsu's own production (Fujitsu FUJ5612) and is based on TN technology. Our measurements confirm our subjective impression: The black value of 0.67 cd/m² and contrast ratio of 287:1 is only adequate at most. Really good, and usually also expensive screens such as in the ThinkPad X230's IPS, can partly clearly outperform these rates.

The LifeBook has primarily been designed for Office use. CAD or image editing were not listed on the spec sheet. Consequently, little focus was placed on the screen's color reproduction which can only cover 57 percent of the sRGB standard. Like in many direct contenders that show similar weaknesses in this field, it does not significantly restrict everyday suitability.

Despite its non-glare surface, the S752 can only be used outdoors with restrictions. Again, it is due to the low brightness - Fujitsu should definitely make improvements here. At least the content remains legible when not used in direct sunlight. The laptop would be suitable for such scenarios with a stronger backlight of at least 250 cd/m².

Like known from most TN screens, the picture quality quickly deteriorates in slanted viewing angles. The slightest up or downward deviations are enough to falsify colors and contrasts which can result in absolute illegibility. The user has a bit more elbowroom horizontally. Like the comparably expensive contenders, the laptop is not recommendable for simultaneous viewing with several people.

Finally, we would like to praise Fujitsu for the analog VGA output's excellent signal quality. The output compels with high focus and minimum flickering even in a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. A difference to the digital transmission via the DisplayPort is hardly visible.

Speakers

The integrated stereo speakers are only average quality like in many other business laptops. Although trebles and mids are rendered quite clearly, there is absolutely no bass and the maximum volume is very low. The audio signal can also be transmitted via DisplayPort or the 3.5 mm jack to an external AV receiver or headphones, which is particularly advisable for movies and music.

Verdict

If Fujitsu's LifeBook S752 had to be summarized in only one word, "unspectacular" might come to mind. However, this is not at all meant in a negative sense, but rather the balanced manner that the LifeBook rushed through our test course. Only a few details mar the compelling overall impression and prevented an even better rating. However, a look at the single details:

There is not much room for complaint in the decisive exercises, i.e. casing, input devices and emissions. The chassis is manufactured well and it is very rigid although the manufacturer does not use light metals. However, the slightly yielding keyboard center should be improved. Many customers will be pleased that Fujitsu did not use the new-fangled chiclet style and opted for a conventional design that features a generous key drop and ergonomic-shaped keys. We can emphasize the low noise and temperature development just as positively.

In terms of performance, it is not as much the Core i3 2328M as the tight memory configuration that slows the laptop. Why the manufacturer offers a version with only 2 GB of RAM and such a slow hard disk remains a mystery. At least the user can upgrade both components in a few steps. In return, the somewhat too dark screen that makes outdoor use difficult is even more aggravating. That is too bad since the LifeBook has the best requirements for this with an impressive runtime of over 6 hours including enabled Wi-Fi - and even longer with the additional battery.

But this is basically our only real criticism. Apart from the screen and the irrelevant gaming performance in this case, the FUJITSU LifeBook S752 manages over 80 percent in the other ratings and achieves the same final grade as Lenovo's ThinkPad L430: 85 percent. Therefore, the LifeBook has honestly earned its purchase recommendation.

More info: laptop-batteries.com.au , laptop-battery.org.uk, battery-store.eu

Review HP ProBook 4540s / 4530s Laptop, HSTNN-OB2T / HSTNN-DB2R computer batteries

Product ID: 1002936 Battery Type:Li-ion Property:original computer batteries Battery Voltage:11.1V Battery Capacity:93Wh / 48Wh Battery Color:Black

Battery Life

The battery in the ProBook 4540s lasted for 7:18 h in idle mode, which is only marginally shorter than the ProBook 4530s (7:24 h). Asus B43E lags far behind the competition with 4:57 h. The ThinkPad Edge E535 lasts the longest of all four contenders with 8:26 h. Idle mode is ascertained via BatteryEater's Reader's test, where the screen is set to minimum brightness, the energy-savings profile is enabled and the wireless modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) are disabled. The laptop ran for 1:24 h in load. The 4530s (1:37 h) and Edge E535 (1:31) exhibit a similar runtime. Asus' laptop clearly stands out with a runtime of 2:31 h. BatteryEater's Classic test runs on the laptop in the load test. For this, we set the screen is set to maximum brightness and enable the high-performance profile as well as the wireless modules.

The hp ProBook 4540s achieved a Wi-Fi runtime of 4:10 h (4530s: 4:16 h; E535: 4:48 h; B43E: 3:19 h). Websites are automatically opened every 40 seconds in this test. The energy-savings profile is enabled and the screen's brightness is set to roughly 150 cd/m². DVD playback stopped after 4:09 h on the 4540s (4530s: 3:30 h; E535: 3:46 h; B43E: 2:51 h). The wireless modules are disabled, the screen is set to maximum brightness and the energy-savings profile or a higher profile, should the DVD not run smoothly, is used for the DVD test. The runtimes of all four laptops can be compared well with each other because the batteries have very similar power capacities (HP HSTNN-OB2T 47Wh Batteries; Lenovo and Asus: 48 Wh).

Case

The HP ProBook 4540s cannot deny its relationship with the ProBook 4530s. Both laptops look very much alike. However, there are differences in the details. The casing of both HP laptops is mostly made of plastic. The lid's back and the base unit's top both feature an aluminum insert. This gives the devices a higher quality look and additional stability. The 4540s has more curves than the 4530s. The edges of the display's back and the base unit are lightly rounded. The plastic frame of the base unit's top is also broader than in the 4540s. The ThinkPad Edge E535 cannot serve with metal parts and is completely made of plastic. The back of Asus' B43E is made of aluminum.(HP HSTNN-LB2R batteries)

The ProBook 4540s features the same stability as it precursor. The device shows good workmanship. The base unit hardly yields. Only the perforated cover above the keyboard should be spared from too high pressure. The base unit warps when picking it up at the front corners. Here, you notice that the device is mainly made of plastic. The lid can also be twisted to an extent. The big aluminum plate on the rear provides stability. More force would be needed to damage the screen. The aluminum back also prevents the lid from denting to a large degree. The hinges keep the lid firmly in position and only rock marginally. Consequently, the lid can easily be opened with one hand.

Connectivity

The connectivity of both the ProBook 4540s and 4530s are mostly identical. The 4540s sports a second USB 3.0 port. Moreover, HP does not color-mark the USB 3.0 ports and the ProBook 4540s no longer sports an ExpressCard slot as found in the 4530s. The connectivity of the ThinkPad Edge E535 and the 4540s is very similar. However, Lenovo's laptop sports 3.0 ports. Asus' B43E offers the most different interfaces. In addition to the same ports as the other three laptops, it also features an eSATA port, an ExpressCard socket and a docking port. The number of interfaces can be increased via the optionally available docking station.

Keyboard

The chiclet keyboard in the 4540s has also been used in other HP laptops, such as the ProBook 4530s. The main keys measure 15 x 15 mm and feature a medium drop as well as a clear pressure point. The keyboard fits tight in the casing and does not yield while typing. A marginal coiling is only noticed above the optical drive. The ProBook's keyboard is spill-resistant, like Lenovo's laptop. Both Asus' B43E and the ThinkPad Edge E535 also sport good keyboards, but cannot quite compete with the one in the ProBook. None of the four laptops feature a backlit keyboard.

Touchpad

Synaptics' touchpad in the ProBook 4540s is inserted slightly deeper in the wrist rest than in the ProBook 4530s. The sleek surface does not impair the finger from gliding over it. The multi-touchpad's size of 93 x 53 mm is the same and bids enough room for multi-touch gestures. All gestures can be en- and disabled in the configuration menu. For example, the scroll function is disabled by default. A small LED is located in the pad's upper left corner and indicates the pad's status. The pad can be turned off and on by double-tapping the LED with a finger. Both mouse buttons feature a short key drop and a clear pressure point.

Display

The ProBook 4540s sports a matte 15.6 inch screen with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. HP does not offer any other screen models. The average brightness of 211.3 cd/m² is in the midfield. The recently reviewed ProBook 4530s model featured a brighter screen (239.7 cd/m²). The screen in Lenovo's ThinkPad Edge E535 is even brighter than both HP counterparts with 259 cd/m² and the screen in Asus' B43E lags behind the other laptops with 204.3 cd/m².

The 4540s presents acceptable rates with a black value of 0.6 cd/m² and a contrast of 370:1. The HP ProBook 4530s's screen has an almost identical black value of 0.58 cd/m², but a better contrast of 436:1. The screens in the LENOVO ThinkPad Edge E535 (2.24 cd/m²; 123:1) and Asus' B43E (1.03 cd/m², 206:1) are defeated by both HP laptops. The screen in the 4540s cannot reproduce either the sRGB or AdobeRGB color space.

The brightness on battery power is sufficient for outdoor use. However, direct sunlight should be avoided.

The screen's viewing angle stability is unsurprising and is on a par with that of the precursor. The picture distorts quickly when the vertical viewing angle is altered and the horizontal viewing angle is more generous.

Speakers

The laptop's stereo speakers are above the keyboard behind a perforated metal grille. The sound is similar to that of the precursor. They produce a slightly fuller sound that lacks bass. Speech is well-intelligible. The audio experience can be enhanced by using a headphone or external speakers. (HP HSTNN-LB2R batteries)

Verdict

The verdict for the ProBook 4540s is similar to that of it precursor. The laptop features a great casing, a decent keyboard and more than enough power for applications. We also liked the improved maintainability. Moreover, the device including a two year warranty can be acquired for below EUR 500 due to a current cash back promotion. However, the 4540s' permanently audible fan is annoying and makes it difficult to concentrate on work in a quiet surrounding.

More info: laptop-batteries.com.au , laptop-battery.org.uk , battery-store.eu

Review HP Envy 4-1000sg / Envy 6-1000sg Ultrabook, EL04 / EL04XL computer batteries

Product ID:1003122 Battery Type:Li-ion Property:original computer batteries Battery Voltage:14.8 V Battery Capacity:52 Wh \ 3100 mAh Battery Color:Black

Battery Life

Hewlett Packard promises a EL04XL battery life of up to eight hours. We were able to confirm this result using the Battery Eater Reader's Test: we measured 8 hours and 5 minutes. For this test, we deactivated wireless, turned the display brightness to its lowest settings, and used the power saver profile. To simulate a more real-life scenario, we use a script that visits different webpages every 40 seconds. The battery life of the Envy 4 was almost cut in half - we recorded 4 hours and 20 minutes before we needed to plug the notebook back in. Under maximum load, the Ultrabook lasts 2 hours and 23 minutes - a pretty average result.

HP uses a 52 Wh lithium ion battery for this model - nothing spectacular. Given the power consumption and battery life of the notebook, the capacity is right around where we would have expected it to be.

Case

Although the Ultrabook is offered at a price point that had to require some compromises along the way, both the design of the chassis and the material selection manage to impress: the lid and the palm rest are made from black, brushed aluminum, while the underside is a matte red and makes for a visually appealing contrast. The chassis mirrors the one of the HP Envy 6-1000sg - down to the susceptibility of the surface areas for dirt and fingerprints. The high-end aluminum requires more frequent cleanings with a cloth than matte plastic would - the palm rest is especially prone to prints and smudges.

The weight of 1.8 kilograms (3.97 pounds) is on par with similar notebooks; the thickness of almost 2 centimeters (0.79 inches) is on par with the (larger) Envy 6. Stability is comparable as well: the hinges manage to hold the torsionally not very rigid display securely in any position without any noticeable wobbles when opening the lid or when the notebook is subjected to vibrations. The red underside is quite sturdy for an Ultrabook - we already commended this feature when we reviewed the Envy 6.

HP generally has a good reputation as far as the design of their chassis is concerned - and the Envy 4 is no exception. Overall, we consider the quality above average for this price segment.

Connectivity

Thin Ultrabooks frequently don't offer a lot of ports, and dongles are usually not an option in this price range. The Envy 4-1000sg has all the necessary ports: the left side houses two USB 3.0 ports, HDMI, a card reader, and a Gigabit LAN connector (which features a spring-loaded cover). The right side is home to the power jack, a USB 2.0 port, audio jacks, and the Kensington Lock slot. The port selection mirrors the one of the bigger brother Envy 6.

Keyboard

The keyboard is a chiclet design and a carryover from the HP Envy 6-1000sg. The overall impression is positive: the keyboard is slightly recessed and the top of the keys are on the same level as the palm rest. The short keystroke is paired with good feedback and allows for a comfortable and speedy typing experience. The space between the keys actually aids in finding the correct placement for the fingers. Some users might not appreciate the smaller arrow keys or the smaller keys in the function row. (HP EL04 Battery) 

We should also mention the LEDs which illuminate some keys, like volume (when deactivated), WLAN, and Caps Lock. This thoughtful and nice looking addition adds to the upscale impression. A little bit unusual is the reverse configuration of the Fn keys, which allows for direct access of display brightness, volume levels, and the WLAN on/off switch. Those who would like to use F1 to F12 directly can change a setting in the BIOS.

Touchpad

The touchpad is also unchanged: it measures 11 x 7 centimeters (4.33 x 2.76 inches) and is also recessed a bit. The pad features a plastic surface with a concentric pattern. Fingers glide easily which allows for precise cursor control. Multitouch gestures (scrolling with two fingers or pinch to zoom, for example) are supported and work without a hitch. A double tap on the left upper corner deactivates the touchpad (a little orange LED indicates when the touchpad is off). The two lower corners function as mouse buttons and offer a well-defined click point.

Display

The reflective 14-inch display features a standard resolution of 1366x768 pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio. Only more expensive notebooks offer higher pixel density - even the HP Envy 6, which has a larger display of 15.6-inches, features the same resolution.

Unfortunately, the Envy 4-1000sg suffers from the same weaknesses we noted when we reviewed the Envy 6. The display measurements are pretty disappointing: a maximum brightness of only 168 cd/m², for example, is what we would expect to see on notebooks in the bottom price bracket. The contrast ratio of 165:1 is also very low. In order for the Ultrabook to be suitable for outdoor use without any reservations, those values should be a least double that. A good quality screen can be had even in this price range - case in point: the Samsung Series 5 535U4C reaches a screen brightness of 300 cd/m²; the display of the Asus UX32A features a contrast ratio of 513:1.

Since the contrast is quite low, the black point of 1.0 cd/m² is not surprising. The average brightness distribution of 95% is actually quite decent and means a uniform brightness level.

The color gamut is as expected for a notebook in this price range: the display doesn't even get close to covering sRGB and especially AdobeRGB. Color accuracy is normally not of the utmost importance to the average user - although it matters a great deal to professionals who work with photos or graphics.

The viewing angle stability, on the other hand, is important - especially if there are additional users trying to watch a movie. The fact that this is a low-priced panel becomes apparent once again: in the vertical plane, the picture inverts quickly if the user is not directly in front of the screen. Horizontal viewing angles are slightly better but of course the viewing angle stability is not nearly as good as what a higher quality IPS display is capable o.

Webcam

The 1-megapixel webcam can capture images and video in resolutions up to 1280 x 720p using Cyberlink YouCam 3. In natural lighting, the webcam produced grainy images. Colors, such as our emerald green shirt were slightly washed out as was Xerxes' royal blue dog collar.

Speakers

Just like the HP Envy 6-1000sg, the Envy 4 uses Beats Audio components and thus promises high quality sound. Similar to the bigger brother (which sounds pretty much identical), our review model features two speakers and a subwoofer. The 2.1 audio system definitely lacks bass, even though the software equalizer ("Beats Audio Control Panel“) allows the user to change some settings. Although the highs are somewhat over-emphasized, the quality is certainly good enough for the occasional movie or for listening to music sometimes. Maximum volume is quite loud too - but we did notice distortion at the highest levels.

Verdict

Great on the outside, mediocre in all other aspects: the HP Envy 4-1000sg is a mix of good and bad. HP's chassis are usually quite decent - and the Envy 4 is no exception: the aluminum used for the lid and around the palm rest not only looks very classy (and quite suitable for an Ultrabook), but also does its part in making the notebook quite rigid and sturdy. The keyboard and the touchpad also manage to convince.

A quick look at the specs leads us to believe that the notebook with the outdated Sandy Bridge processor won't offer the best price performance ratio, since other (only marginally more expensive) Ultrabooks come equipped with substantially more powerful CPUs from Intel's Ivy Bridge lineup. Our tests confirm what we already suspected: playing games on this notebook requires the user to lower expectations significantly. For surfing the internet or office tasks, the notebook with its i3 processor is still suitable. We think that the larger HP Envy 6-1000sg is a better alternative for most users - not only because of the more powerful Intel Core i5-3317U, but also because of the larger 15.6-inch display. The HP Envy 6 is just slightly bigger, 400 grams (0.88 pounds) heavier, and costs only about 100 Euros more.

The Ultrabook also suffers from some teething problems: the surface temperatures are above average (although still within acceptable limits) - even though HP promises the opposite with their CoolSense technology. The fan, which doesn't do a good job in cooling down the system, emits a high frequency whirring sound and gets annoying, since it constantly turns on and off.

More info: laptop-batteries.com.au , laptop-battery.org.uk , battery-store.eu

Review HP Envy dv6-7202eg / ENVY dv6-7204ax Laptop, HSTNN-YB3N / 672412-001computer batteries

Product ID:1002991 Battery Type:Li-ion Property:original computer batteries Battery Voltage:11.1V Battery Capacity:62Wh / 100Wh Battery Color:Black

Battery Life

While idle, the HP Envy dv6 has a run time of 7:24 hours. We use the Battery Eater Readers test to measure the idle run time. This test will put the brightness to minimum, activate the Power Saver Windows profile and switch off all wireless modules. A full battery charge of our test model is depleted after 1:25 hours at full load. The Lenovo IdeaPad Y580 lasts 9 minutes longer and the Asus N56VZ quits after 1:57 hours. We used the Battery Eater Classic test to measure the minimum run time. This test sets the brightness to max, activates the High Performance Windows profile and turns on all wireless modules.

The WLAN test reflects the run time a user can expect in everday use. The HP model lasts 4:17 hours (Asus: 3:14 h, Lenovo: 4:26 h). This test runs an automatic script which loads websites every 40 seconds. The Power Saver Windows profiles is active and the brightness is set to roughly 150 cd/m2. Finally, we run a DVD/Blu-Ray test to check how the dv6 performs when playing DVDs/Blu-Rays. The test model lasts 3:20 and 3:17 hours respectively. The run times of the competitors (Asus: 3:03 h, Lenovo: 3:31 h) in the DVD test are quite close.

Overall, the Envy dv6 can offer good run times for a notebook with a quad-core CPU and a GeForce GPU. The run times of the three notebooks are not directly comparable as they use batteries with different capacities (HP: HSTNN-LB3N 62Wh Battery, Asus: A32-N56 56Wh battery, Lenovo: L11L6F01 68Wh Battery).

Case

Hewlett Packard brings a very attractive model to the market: the Envy dv6. HP has named the color of the laptop: Midnight Black Aluminum. The back of the display cover and the top of the base unit are made of matt aluminium, and the bottom of the laptop is made of matt synthetic material. Sadly, HP did not stick to matt surfaces: the display and the keyboard borders are glossy. A silver-grey synthetic material border around the display and base unit provides a nice contrast to the black of the notebook. The competitors, Lenovo IdeaPad Y580 and Asus N56VZ, will not be left behind in terms of looks - in fact, they are partially comprised of metal components.

The case of the HP Envy dv6 is very sturdy and is only deforms slightly under pressure. The base of the laptop can be bent a little if the user grabs the front edges and presses. The display cover is quite resistant, and the stiff hinges hold the screen securely in place. It is not possible to open the laptop with one hand.

Overall, the HP Envy dv6-7202eg is a solid all around laptop. It has good build quality, a sleek design, a good graphics card, fast processor, USB 3.0, and much more. The laptop runs on a quad-core Intel Core i7-3630QM CPU, Switchable graphics are included: either the Intel HD Graphics 4000 IGP or the Nvidia GeForce GT 630M GPU provide graphics output. The storage device is a 1 TB hard disk and the icing on the cake is a Blu-Ray burner.

Connectivity

The connectivity of our test model is similar to that of the Lenovo IdeaPad Y580 and the Asus N56VZ. The attentive buyer will notice that the HP model does not use the typical blue USB 3.0 ports. Still, the Envy dv6 is equipped with three USB 3.0 interfaces.

Keyboard
The HP Envy dv6 uses a chiclet keyboard. The main keys measure 14 x 14 mm and are made of matt black synthetic material. They look very reliable and high-quality. The keys have medium stroke distance and comfortable resistance. The pressure point is clearly noticeable and the keyboard is securely installed in the case. It does not give way under pressure. However, HP was a bit careless in the middle of the keyboard: in this area, the device can be bent inwards slightly and the keyboard does not sit flush at the bottom edge. Although these are small workmanship errors, the buyer can not tolerate them at a price of 1,200 Euros. Overall, we felt that the keyboard is quite good. Nice extra: the wireless module, mute and Caps Lock key each include a clear LED, which lights up when they are active. Keyboard backlight is also included.

Touchpad
The Synaptics touchpad of the Envy dv6 is placed in a depression. A silver metal border separates it visually and by feel from the rest of the case. The touchpad measures 9.8 x 4.7 cm. The smooth surface allows the finger to slide without issues. At the top left edge of the touchpad, we have a switch, which allows the user to turn the touchpad on/off. A small LED shows the status of the touchpad. The device is capable of recognizing multi-touch gestures like zooming with two fingers. The individual gestures can be configured (turned on/off) in the settings menu. Not all functions are on by default; for example, the scroll function is deactivated. The two mouse keys of the touchpad are easy-to-use and have medium stroke distance. The pressure point is tangible.

It appears as if there are some issues between the touchpad and some programs and Windows 8. When certain programs are started (like HWinfo or Hardware Monitor), the touchpad just turns off and can not be turned back on. This did not occur at each start of the afore-mentioned programs, but when it did, the issue could only be corrected by restarting the laptop. We circumvented this issue by connecting an external mouse every time the touchpad crashed.

Display

Hewlett Packard uses a matt 15.6 inch display in the Envy dv6-7202eg. The native resolution is 1,920 x 1,080 pixels (Full HD). Other models of the Envy dv6 series are only equipped with a HD panel (1,366 x 768 pixels). The Asus N56VZ is also equipped with a Full HD panel. The Lenovo IdeaPad Y580 we previously tested, used a HD display. However, the laptop was available with a Full HD display as well. The average brightness of the panel of our test model is 257.6 cd/m2 - a good number. However, this can not measured up to the display of the Asus notebook (298.8 cd/m2), but it can beat the Lenovo display (231.4 cd/m2).

The display offers good contrast. Our subjective impressions were confirmed by the measurements: the black value of the panel is 0.52 cd/m2 and the contrast is 537:1. These values are in good regions. The displays of the Lenovo IdeaPad Y580 (0.46 cd/m2, 535:1) and Asus N56VZ (0.59 cd/m2, 514:1) are similarly good, and prove to even be slightly better. Sadly, the screen can not cover the sRGB or AdobeRGB color spectrum.

On battery, the brightness of the display does not change, which is promising for outdoors use. The matt display surface and good contrast ensure good outdoors suitability.

The viewing angle stability of the Envy dv6-7202eg is impressive; regardless how the display is turned or looked at, the picture retains its colors to a good extent. The brightness can drop slightly. The displays of the Asus N56VZ and the IdeaPad Y580 can not keep up with the panel of our test model.

Speakers

Hewlett Packard packs four speakers and a subwoofer in this 15.6 inch model. The speakers are placed above the keyboard and the subwoofer can be found at the bottom of the laptop. The Beats Audio caption promises high-quality sound output, and the user will not be disappointed with this audio system. The Envy dv6 emanates loud, well-balanced sound. Thanks to the subwoofer, the output includes tangible bass. Overall, HP offers a good audio system, which most notebooks can not even dream of. However, this Beats audio system is comprised of notebook speakers and as such even external speakers, which cost a mere 30 Euros, should offer better sound quality. (DELL ADP-180MB adapters) 

Verdict

Buyers of the HP Envy dv6-7202eg receive a powerful multimedia notebook packed to the brim with modern technology. This laptop can complete any task with ease and look good while doing it. We especially like the high contrast Full HD display with great viewing angle stability and matt surface. The packet will set you back around 1,199 Euros - a high price, but there are alternatives. The other available Envy dv6 models work with the same CPU and GPU but have to cut corners in other areas. The cons of this notebook would be the high noise emissions, which kick in at medium load, and high heat emissions at load.

The Asus N56VZ and the Lenovo IdeaPad Y580 are two competitors the buyer can consider, but these two models focus more on games. Their GPUs offer higher frame rates in games than the GPU of the Envy dv6.

More info: laptop-batteries.com.au , laptop-battery.org.uk , battery-store.eu

Review Dell Vostro 2520 / Vostro 3560 Laptop, J1KND / J4XDH computer batteries

Product ID:1002113 Battery Type:Li-ion Property:original computer batteries Battery Voltage:11.1V Battery Capacity:48Wh / 90Wh Battery Color:Black

Battery Life

The DELL Vostro 2520 achieved a runtime of 8:27 h in idle (HP 650: 6:32 h; Asus: 8:55 h). We use Battery Eater's Reader's test to simulate idle mode, i.e. the screen is set to minimum brightness, the energy savings profile is enabled and the Wi-Fi modules (WLAN, Bluetooth) are off. The Vostro managed a runtime of 1:33 h in load (HP 650: 1:17 h; Asus: 1:49 h). Battery Eater's Classic test is used for the load test. For this, we set the screen to maximum brightness, enable the high-performance profile and wireless modules.

Dell's notebook lasted for 5:24 h in the Wi-Fi test (HP 650: 4:44 h; Asus: 4:12 h). Websites are automatically opened every 40 seconds by a script in this test. Energy saving mode is enabled and the screen's brightness is set to approximately 150 cd/m². If you are looking for a laptop to regularly watch DVDs, the DELL Vostro 2520 will not disappoint you. One battery charge was enough for playing DVDs for 5:10 h (HP: 4:01; Asus: 4:05 h). The screen is set to maximum brightness, energy savings mode or a higher profile (should the DVD not run smoothly) is used and the wireless modules are off.

Dell has to be praised for the battery runtimes. The company extracts much longer times from the DELL Vostro 2520 in the realistic Wi-Fi and DVD tests than Asus or HP do. Particularly since Asus's laptop sports a higher capacity battery (Asus: 56 Wh, Dell 48 Wh, HP 47 Wh).

Case

The DELL Vostro 2520's casing is mainly made of plastic. Only the base unit's top is metal and gives the laptop a much higher quality look. HP's 650 and Asus P53E do not sport any metal parts. The Vostro 2520's casing features a dark, matte gray color, which Dell has dubbed "London Slate". The silver-gray plastic bezel that surrounds the base unit supplies a color contrast. Regrettably, Dell has decided to not completely rely on matte surfaces. The keyboard's bezel and the gaps between the keys are glossy and downright attract fingerprints.

The base unit makes a robust impression. It only dents marginally under pressure. It yields more intensely when the casing is pressed in the keyboard's lower left area. The casing's stiffness is also acceptable in view of the price. It can only be warped slightly when held at its two front corners and produces a noise in that case. The Vostro 2520 does not have to fear a comparison with the Vostro 3560's casing. Nevertheless, the latter exhibits an overall more stable build.

The lid's back is coated with a ribbed, rubber layer that protects the back from bumps and scratches. The lid is quite easily warped and its back can be dented without much effort. The hinges keep the lid firmly in position. It's not possible to open the lid with only one hand because the hinges are pulled too tight. (DELL 6TM1C adapters) 

Connectivity

With two USB 2.0/eSATA port, another USB 2.0 port, an SD card reader, HDMI out, VGA out and gigabit Ethernet, it's well appointed too. Our particular review model was equipped with a Core i3-2328M , 4GB RAM, a 500GB hard drive and Intel HD Graphics 3000.

Keyboard

Dell installs a chiclet keyboard in the Vostro 2520 which we already know from other laptops, such as the Vostro 3560. The main keys feature a size of approx. 14 x 14 mm. The keys could have been one millimeter wider and deeper; enough room would have been available since Dell did not install a number pad. The keys exhibit a sufficient drop and a clear pressure point. The keyboard recoils a bit while typing. This effect is more intense in the keyboard's center than at the sides. The Vostro 2520's keyboard is defeated by the one in Asus' Pro P53E-SO102X.

Touchpad

The touchpad presents a size of 9.1 x 4.9 cm. The sleek surface allows the finger to glide pleasantly. The touchpad supports multi-touch gestures and functions like pinch-to-zoom are available. All gestures can be enabled or disabled in the touchpad's configuration menu. Two mouse buttons are positioned below the pad and feature a medium drop as well as a clear pressure point.

Display

As is common for low-cost 15.6-inch laptops, an LED backlit screen with a native resolution of 1366x768 pixels is installed in the Vostro 2520. The matte surface reinforces the laptop's business claim. Both HP's 650 and Asus' Pro P53E-SO102X also sport such a screen. Other screen models are not available for either Dell's laptop or the two contending models. The average brightness of 237.8 cd/m² is within a good range. HP's 650 (167.7 cd/m²) and Asus' Pro P53-SO102X (165.2 cd/m²) lag far behind the Vostro 2520.

The screen's black value of 0.84 cd/m² is in the upper midfield and its contrast ratio of 304:1 is decent. The screen does not cover either the sRGB or AdobeRGB color spectrum.

Attentive readers will notice that the DELL Vostro 2520's black value and contrast ratio are superior to that of HP's 650, although both laptops likely sport the same screen according to the label. We measured the screen in Dell's laptop with another meter than used on HP's 650. Beyond that, possible manufacturing tolerances of identical screens also have to be considered.

The screen's brightness is easily enough for outdoor use. Its matte surface also makes things easier.

The viewing angle of the DELL Vostro 2520 correlates to the price range and is on a par with HP's 650 and Asus' Pro P53E-SO102X. Changing the vertical viewing angle quickly leads to image distortions. In return, the horizontal viewing angles are more generous.

Speakers

Both stereo speakers in the Vostro 2520 are located far above the keyboard. The sound does not stick out of the mass of other laptop speakers and is adequate for an office device. They tend to sound tinny. If the sound does not satisfy you, you can always connect external speakers or headphones to the device.

Verdict

The advantages of Dell's Vostro 2520 are found in the good battery life, decent application performance, 24 month warranty and matte screen. The screen's contrast, black value and brightness are more than acceptable for the laptop's price range. The device can easily cope with routine application scenarios and provides more than enough power for most computer users. Regrettably, Dell has not placed much value on good maintenance. The entire laptop has to be disassembled to exchange the hard drive or clean the fan. The Vostro 2520 could also be a touch less noisy. It is an office laptop and you would want a quiet surrounding here.

Users who put value on low noise development should look closer at HP's 650. It produces less noise over the entire load range. The advantage of Asus' P53E-SO102X over the Vostro 2520 is the superior keyboard including number pad.

More info: laptop-batteries.com.au , laptop-battery.org.uk , battery-store.eu

Review Dell Precision M6700 / M6600 Laptop, FV993 / 312-1176 computer batteries

Product ID:1003109 Battery Type:Li-ion Property:original computer batteries Battery Voltage:11.1 V Battery Capacity:97 Wh \ 8700 mAh Battery Color:Black

Battery Life

The test model reached a surprisingly good 5.5 hours in BatteryEater's Reader's test (maximum runtime, minimum brightness, wireless off, energy-saving mode). That is a very good runtime for such a high-performance machine and confirms the installed hardware's good energy-saving mechanisms. We could still work for a good 4 hours on FV993 battery power in the practical Wi-Fi test (approx. 150 cd/m², energy-savings mode, wireless on). Playing movies using maximum brightness, energy-saving mode and Wi-Fi off was possible for just short of 3.5 hours. The battery was drained very fast with about one hour in BatteryEater's Classic test (maximum brightness, wireless on, high-performance profile). Unlike in many other contending models, only a minor throttling occurs on battery power and it is possible to take advantage of the still high performance.

Case

We already know the solid casing from Dell Precision M6600 precursor. We did not discover any differences in quality or build. Even the minor fitting irregularities in the display lid's area were found again in the present test device. Otherwise, the casing is very solid and rigid; although the display lid can be warped marginally and the wrist rest can be dented slightly above the ExpressCard slot. One of the feet is still adhered to the battery on the bottom, so the laptop does not have a secure stand without it. As usual, the bottom cover can be opened after removing two screws and enables access to the vital components. The test weight of just below 3.75 kg is on class average and indisputably qualifies the test device for desktop use.

Connectivity

Port selection is generous, with two USB 3 sockets, FireWire, an SD card reader, ExpressCard slot and battery status lights on the left-hand side, two more USB 3 ports and a DisplayPort output on the right, and HDMI, D-SUB, Gigabit Ethernet and eSATA on the rear.

The M6700 is also one of the most upgradeable laptops we’ve seen. The base comes off with two screws, and once inside, repairs, replacements and additions are easily made. The cooling fans can be popped out in seconds, both SO-DIMMs are easily accessible (one was free on our review model), there’s a free 2.5in hard disk cage, and there are spare mini-PCI Express and mSATA slots as well. The machine’s primary hard disk is easily accessible, too: a button underneath the battery pops it out of its own bay on the side of the machine.

Keyboard

Like in the DELL Precision M6600, the keyboard pleases with a medium key drop, quiet typing noise and high-contrast lettering. The surface's stability has improved noticeably. The keyboard only yields marginally while typing on the present test model and only dents in the right key area under moderate pressure. We only still really miss a backlit keyboard that our test device does not feature, but which can be ordered optionally. The necessary FN combinations, a few hot keys and the dedicated number pad round off the overall picture and make a very positive impression.

Touchpad/Pointstick

The touchpad is just big enough for today's standards and a bit more room, particularly for multi-finger gestures, might be desired. Otherwise, the gliding traits, response and the rubber-coated touchpad buttons are very good, which makes it an overall decent mouse replacement. The additional Pointstick including dedicated keys is on the level of HP's EliteBook and ThinkPad W series in usability. Being accurate and easy to use, it provides a good pretense to leave the mouse at home. (VGP-BPS30 batteries)

Display

Dell offers four different screen options for its 17-inch Precisions. The HD+ screen can be seen as the entry-level model, which is standardly installed in the low-end basic configurations, and features a resolution of 1600x900 pixels. Beyond that, a Full HD screen with wide viewing angles, a Full HD RGB-IPS screen and a Full HD 3D Vision Pro screen are available. The standard Full HD screen is installed in our test device and is very balanced in terms of value for money.

We ascertained brightness rates from 251 cd/m² up to 330 cd/m² at nine different measuring points, which is a very good prerequisite for many application fields. The average brightness of 284 cd/m² is not only sufficient for bright rooms, but also for outdoors when direct sunlight is avoided. The brightness is maintained on battery power. Despite the rather varying brightness rates, clouding or bright spots are not seen on monochrome backgrounds. The brightness decrease toward the lower edge is also barely visible for the naked eye. (ASUS A41-K56 batteries) 

The assessed contrast of 507:1 clearly excels the usual laptop standard of below 200:1 and is also noticed in more saturated colors. This is extremely positive particularly in pictures, movies and games and ultimately leads to a more natural and vivid representation. The color spectrum nearly covers the entire sRGB color space. Just a few cyan and magenta hues are not quite covered. Users who require larger color space coverage can take the aforementioned optional IPS-RGB screen that should also feature more stable viewing angles and higher contrast (not tested).

The viewing angles do not quite achieve the level of previously tested IPS screens, but still stands out positively from the usual TN standards. The content virtually remained unchanged horizontally and was only affected by a minor discoloration with an increasing red part and slight brightness reductions. In return, color shifts are no longer noticed horizontally, but the image fades visibly when looking from above. The content inverts in the other direction, so when tilting the screen extremely towards the back, but it always remains sufficiently readable.

Speakers

The built-in speakers surpass the usual standard equipment found in business laptops owing to a quite balanced sound quality. They provide bass and midranges alongside the somewhat dominant trebles. Presentations in a small group are quite possible since the undistorted maximum volume is high enough to reach all participants. The good volume control and the dedicated audio port, which also allow using standard headsets via two jacks, are pleasing.

Verdict

Dell's Precision M6700 especially convinces with a silent operating noise in low load alongside its high performance. Office tasks, internet research and basic image editing projects can be performed on a virtually inaudible work device. (DELL 312-1176 batteries)

When it comes to the sheer computing and graphics performance, then the system has to give up in certain CAD applications, whereby apparently existing driver problems prevent a better performance.

Dell's good work with the casing, screen, expandability and support options makes the very complete bundle extremely attractive for the professional field.

It is no question that the price for Dell's premium workstation is high. The included on-site service for the next business day, which the competition usually only offers for a surcharge, does not change anything about that. In return, Dell offers an extraordinarily vast scope of configuration options that embraces almost all conceivable needs.

More info: laptop-batteries.com.au , laptop-battery.org.uk , battery-store.eu

Review Tecra R940-S9440 / R950 Laptop, PA3929U-1BRS / PABAS250 computer batteries

Product ID:1002442 Battery Type:Li-ion Property:original computer batteries Battery Voltage:10.8V Battery Capacity:5800mAh / 8100mAh Battery Color:Black

Battery Life

The Tecra's battery life is slightly behind the Portege's as well. In our PA3929U-1BRS battery test, which stresses processor and graphics at 100 per cent with the TFT slightly dimmed, the R940 achieved a respectable 126 minutes. As with many other Toshiba models, however, this one offers an eco mode that cuts power and performance to some key components. In this mode, the R940 lasted a very respectable 231 minutes. You do lose the full capabilities of the processor and graphics in this mode, but if you need to work on the move for an extended period, the TOSHIBA Tecra R940 will provide this, with the added option of greater performance if you need it for shorter periods. The battery is removable, too, so you could carry a spare if required.

Case

Although there exists a considerable amount of confusion surrounding the materials used by Toshiba to construct the casing of the Tecra laptops, it actually isn’t magnesium alloy (as is commonly believed); that material is reserved for use only in the Portégé line. Instead, Toshiba refers to it merely as “a fiberglass reinforced chassis with honeycomb rib structure.” Ultimately, it’s a higher-grade variety of plastic, but it seems to do the job quite nicely. Since so little has changed since our review of the TOSHIBA Tecra R840, it’s safe to say that anyone who appreciated that design will have no qualms with this one.

Of particular importance is the meticulous build quality. Parts fit together tightly with no exception. Owing partially to the sturdiness of the chosen construction materials, there is very little flex anywhere across the base of the unit. The only areas which experience any notable bending under pressure are those which border the keyboard on the left- and right-hand sides; and of those two, only the right-hand side (just above the optical drive) exhibits any truly significant flex. Unless the notebook is gripped and held up only from the right side, this is unlikely to be apparent under the scrutiny of typical use. The notebook is also comfortable for use on the lap. Its reasonable weight of 2.084 kg (just slightly heavier than its predecessor) combined with the rigidity of its casing puts it in the same league as such competitors as Dell’s Latitude E5430 and Lenovo’s ThinkPad T430.

The TOSHIBA Tecra R940 display lid is built from the same high-grade plastic as the rest of the unit, featuring a characteristic (yet subtle) grooved pattern which is also found on the palmrest. Although this material is highly fingerprint resistant, it can’t compare to the sturdiness of the metal-construction aluminum and magnesium alloy lids of the Latitudes and ThinkPads. LCD distortion results if any degree of significant pressure is applied to the lid, something which is harder to provoke in many other business-grade notebooks. Still, it’s a clear step above most consumer-grade notebooks, which feature flimsy plastic display lids that hardly protect the panel in the event of an accident.

Meanwhile, the hinges supporting the lid do a fine job. The display remains reliably cocked at whatever angle the user desires in spite of any incidental shifts in movement. About the only point of contention with the design here is the questionable durability of the shiny plastic hinge covers (meant to resemble stainless steel), which seem somewhat out of place when coupled with the rest of the notebook’s construction.

Connectivity

The TOSHIBA Tecra R940 provides an adequate selection of expansion ports, though the number of included USB ports (3 in total—2 of which are USB 3.0 and one of which is USB 2.0/eSATA) might seem a little restrictive. The USB 2.0/eSATA combo port also features Sleep and Charge functionality, which (optionally) enables you to charge any device attached even while the notebook is sleeping. There’s also an ExpressCard 34 mm slot and a docking station port on the bottom, both of which could be used to add more ports if desired. (PABAS235 batteries) 

The ports are crammed together puzzlingly in such a way that any attached USB devices are almost certainly guaranteed to eventually get in the way of other devices, whether it’s an ExpressCard adapter or another USB device. Part of the reason for the unforgiving port positioning is the lack of ports on the rear of the notebook (which is obstructed by the display lid when open), but there is a surprising amount of wasted space on both sides of the single DisplayPort which ideally could have been repurposed to give the nearby USB ports a little more room to breathe.

On the brighter side, that single DisplayPort actually can be used (along with the adjacent VGA port and the built-in LCD) to facilitate up to four different simultaneous displays. This is a feature which many businesspeople are likely to find liberating.

Keyboard

The TOSHIBA Tecra R940 includes an impressive chiclet-style keyboard that feels nearly perfectly-tuned. The keys have a crisp stroke and require just a bit of force to depress, featuring sufficient travel and decisive feedback that makes typing a pleasure. The surface of the keys is smooth and comfortable, and it almost feels like it’s made of magnesium alloy. About the only criticism is the small arrow keys, which work fine, but are easy to confuse with one another due to their identical feel and the almost single-key design of the up/down buttons. It’s so far ahead of the keyboards on Toshiba’s lower-end Satellite models that it makes us wish they weren’t only reserved for the business segment.

Touchpad

On the other hand, the integrated Alps Electric touchpad leaves something to be desired. It isn’t bad, per se, but the pointer controls lack the accuracy of, say, comparable Synaptics-brand touchpads. The response speed also appears to be a bit delayed. Even the buttons below the touchpad, for all their quietness, lack the detectable “click” feel that makes using them second-nature, and instead exude a sort of mushy feel. On the positive side, the pad is certainly sufficiently large, and its finish is smooth and unrestrictive.

The included pointing stick is almost too tiny to be practical, but those accustomed in its use may well prefer it to the touchpad. A small button below the spacebar disables the touchpad with a single press.

Display

Toshiba offers two different 14-inch display options for the TOSHIBA Tecra R940: a standard HD (1366x768) display and an HD+ (1600x900) display, both thankfully augmented with a matte finish. Our review unit includes an HD+ display, and, as many business professionals would surely agree, we appreciate the additional real estate it provides. Having said that, the actual subjective quality of the display, both in terms of brightness and color quality, is unremarkable. Colors are somewhat washed-out, and brightness appears lacking in well-lit environments.(PA3832U-1BRS batteries) 

We turned to our measurements for quantification of our initial observations. In terms of luminosity, the display yielded an unexceptional 200 nits, a fact which presents no problems in standard indoor lighting, but which quickly shows its limitations when brighter circumstances are introduced. The panel’s abysmal contrast ratio of 136:1 has this to thank, coupled with the unfortunately high black value of 1.71 cd/m². Brightness distribution is also relatively disparate at just 78%. In spite of its shortcomings, the display still suffices for office use; given conventional indoor lighting conditions, most users will likely find a brightness setting of around 7/8 most comfortable (approx. 150 cd/m²).

It should come as no surprise that the included panel is equally disappointing in terms of sRGB coverage, where it manages just 64% of the spectrum. As always, it’s important to remember that, while greater color space coverage can provide a better overall experience, it is generally only critical to those interested in photography, graphic design, and other such activities. If color accuracy is important to you, it might be prudent to consider competing options, such as the HP Probook 6465b or, best of all, any number of notebooks with high-end IPS displays, such as the ASUS Zenbook UX32VD or the Dell Precision M4700 with upgraded RGB LED display option.

Thanks to the screen’s matte finish, outdoor use is possible, but certainly not optimal thanks to the detrimental brightness and contrast ratio values. Operation in shaded environments is recommended, as when direct sunlight is introduced, the screen quickly washes out even on the highest brightness setting. Many competing business notebooks (such as the Dell Latitude E5430 and Lenovo ThinkPad T430) provide better outdoor capabilities thanks to brighter panels and better black values.

The hinge design of the TOSHIBA Tecra R940 limits its opening angle to about 120 degrees, which is quite narrow in comparison with most other business notebooks. Regardless, the practicality of its use in such situations is questionable at best thanks to the panel’s unimpressive viewing angles. As is typically the case with most low-grade TN display panels, don’t expect to be able to comfortably view the screen at anything greater than 45 degrees to any side.

Speakers

As illustrated by our photos of the system, the TOSHIBA Tecra R940 speakers are tiny indeed. The sound completely lacks bass and is overall quite flat. However, it goes without saying that, for all its strengths, the TOSHIBA Tecra R940 doesn’t seek to compete in the realm of entertainment. As a business notebook, very little can be expected of the audio system, which essentially exists merely to provide the very basics. If more is desired, there is always the option of an external speaker system.

Verdict

The R940-1CW isn't the hugely equipped Toshiba Tecra of old, but it isn't as hugely expensive either. It is a little more pricey than the average 14in notebook, but has a reassuringly solid build, understated looks and some useful extra features, in particular the ExpressCard slot, DisplayPort and 3G data option. It's not breaking any boundaries, but won't disappoint as a solid business traveller, where 13in models are just that little bit too small.

More info: laptop-batteries.com.au , laptop-battery.org.uk , battery-store.eu

Review Vaio SV-E1712F1EW Laptop, SONY VGP-BPS26 / VGP-BPL26 computer batteries

Product ID:1002726 Battery Type:Li-ion Property:original computer batteries Battery Voltage:11.1 V Battery Capacity:5300mAh / 7950mAh Battery Color:Black

Battery Life

SONY rechargeable battery pack,VGP-BPS26 11.1V 11.1V 7950mAh 5300mAh 4000mAh Li-ion

Many manufacturers have already shown that even a small 44 Wh battery in conjunction with an energy efficient system can produce considerable battery life. Unfortunately the Vaio SV-E1712 does not meet these conditions, as we already described in the Power Consumption section.

We begin with Battery Eater Reader's test (minimum brightness, energy saving mode, wireless modules off): without any load, the battery is out in just under 4 hours. There can be no comparison to the Pavilion g7, which easily lasts double that time.

Even in the more practical WLAN test (150 cd/m², energy saving mode), the Vaio does not fare better. Although the difference with the competitor from HP shrinks, the 2 hours and 36 minutes is not an excellent value.

In order to increase battery life, the manufacturer has restricted the clock frequency of both the core and the memory of the graphics card to 400 MHz. Despite these measures, the Battery Eater Classic test (maximum brightness, high performance mode, wireless modules on) finished in just 52 minutes. You should therefore give up the idea of playing games on battery power.

Case

Similarly to its small sister model, the SONY Vaio SV-E1712 comes in an interesting, two-color look: black and white plastic (other combinations also available) make for a diverse combination that distinguishes the notebook from the usually dull masses. Apart from the color, Sony has chosen not to experiment with the rest of the design - unfortunately that includes the dirt-prone glossy surfaces.

Without the use of light metals such as aluminum, the Vaio cannot score points with compact dimensions (38 mm thickness) or low weight (3.2 kg). The mobility is not among the notebook's strong points, but it has, for this price range, a properly good stability and workmanship. Pressure on the case is met with minimal deformation, for example, in the area of the DVD drive. In detail, some gaps and material transitions could be improved, but overall we found no major shortcomings to be criticized.

The display is held in position by two tight hinges, which wobble a bit after opening. Both the base unit and the display lid are made of simple, but solid plastic, which leads to a proper rigidity. Overall, the SV-E1712 places just ahead of the HP Pavilion g7, but still has room for improvement. (CF-VZSU43 batteries)

Connectivity

It took a couple of years, but now USB 3.0 is standard even for the cheaper notebooks. The Vaio SV-E1712 is limited to only one port, although this should suffice for the connection of fast USB sticks and external hard drives. The three USB 2.0 ports provide more than adequate transfer rate for most peripherals.

Beyond that, Sony has included the essentials: HDMI and VGA for video output, Gigabit LAN, and the mandatory audio jacks (3.5 mm) - all located on the sides of the notebook. The rear is left empty, while the front houses the two card readers for MS (Pro Duo) and SD memory cards. Annoyingly, the distances between the interfaces are too small, which leads to the HDMI and VGA blocking each other. (SONY VGP-BPS26A batteries)

Keyboard

A good keyboard is not restricted to just being found on expensive business notebooks: the affordable Vaio convinces us with a crisp, medium-strength stop and excellent feedback thanks to the brushed surface of the keys. The bad workmanship and loud noise we criticized last time are now gone. Only the slight wobble during energetic typing is still present.

Touchpad

The 10 x 5.6 cm small touchpad is somewhat lost in the 40 cm wide palm rest; in order to move the cursor from one end of the screen to the other, one must lift his finger a couple of times. However, the Synaptics device has above average precision and excellent gliding properties. The mouse buttons, integrated below in the touchpad, could have had a slightly firmer pressure point, but otherwise perform their task perfectly.(VGP-BPL26 batteries)

Display

Regardless of the increasingly larger resolution of the smartphones, tablets, and ultrabooks, the 17-inch notebook standard is still 1600x900 pixels. The resulting pixel density of 106 dpi makes for a large enough image, but it limits the available working space.

The display, with LED backlight and 11 adjustment steps, has a good maximum brightness of 244 cd/m². The Vaio is even brighter than most of the competition: the HP Pavilion g7 could only achieve 180 cd/m². The illumination is very uniform across the whole screen, leaving no bright patches or other irregularities.

The panel itself is manufactured by Samsung and is of the conventional TN type. With a contrast ratio of 268:1 it easily beats other entry-level notebooks, although the black level seems mediocre at full brightness (0.92 cd/m²).

Sony's Vaio SV-E1712 counts among the consumer notebooks and does need to have an extensive color space coverage - at least if the customer does not use graphics application or Photoshop too much. The sRGB color space is covered to about 75%, which does not hinder the everyday use of the device.

Since the Vaio is a large multimedia notebook, it is supposed to rarely be used outdoors. Thus, Sony has chosen to go with a glossy surface. If you venture outside, the viewing experience is quickly affected by disturbing reflections. However, thanks to its high brightness, the display is appropriate for use in the shades away from direct sunlight.

As is the case with most TN panels, the Samsung display in our test candidate has poor viewing angles. Even slight deviations up or down cause the decrease of contrast and the distortion of colors. Horizontally, the viewer again has very little freedom of movement - poor conditions for a movie night.

 

Speakers

Large grills, but with nothing behind them: the stereo speakers of the SV-E1712 can be described this way (slightly exaggerated). They are relatively loud, but not particularly good. The sound lacks bass and is flat. If possible, external speakers or headphones should be used. Too bad - we expected more of a multimedia oriented notebook. We must note here that the competitors offering higher quality speakers are in at least one price class above our test candidate.

Verdict

The Sony Vaio SV-E1712F1EW did not run through our test course perfectly, but showed rock solid overall performance, and proved: nowadays, there are attractive notebooks that do not cost a lot and have sufficient capabilities for a number of everyday tasks.

Many budget notebooks lack acceptable workmanship or stability. Sony also had to make economies here and there and has not used expensive aluminum. Nonetheless, the simple, but not cheap-looking, case manages to surpass many similar or higher priced alternatives. In combination with the properly good input devices, the Vaio makes for a good office notebook as well.

More info: laptop-batteries.com.au , laptop-battery.org.uk , battery-store.eu