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

Review Clevo W251EG Laptop, C4500BAT-6 / 6-87-C480S-4P43 computer batteries

Product ID:1002642 Battery Type:Li-ion Property:original computer batteries Battery Voltage:11.1 V Battery Capacity:49 Wh \ 4400 mAh Battery Color:Black

Battery Life

CLEVO W251EG Laptop Battery, W251EG batteries fast shipping to AU, Europe and World.

The 314 gram C4500BAT-6 Lithium-Ion battery comfortably slots into the back of the notebook. The all-rounder - as we are familiar with in this price segment - is equipped with a relatively feeble C4500BAT-6 6-cell battery, which provides just 49 Wh (C4500BAT-6).

Thanks to the Optimus technology the battery life is still quite substantial. While a DVD plays for about 2.5 hours (maximum brightness), a wireless internet connection is possible for approximately 3.5 hours (reduced brightness). If the notebook is exposed to a high level of utilization, then the battery packs up after an hour. During the Readers test with Battery Eater using the lowest brightness setting, the notebook at least managed to stay on its feet for 4.5 hours.

Case

The CLEVO W251EG chassis, which forms the basis for the device, is more or less the same as the E5121Q-Barebone (Schenker Xesia E510) we tested in 2011.

The dark black surfaces look very nice at first glance, but turn out to be very sensitive as a result of their high gloss finish. Anyone who doesn't clean the case regularly will be confronted by fingerprints, streaks of various kinds and other blemishes. Special care and attention is required when it comes to the scratch-prone display frame.

Visually the 15-inch notebook makes a decent impression. While the shape is rather unspectacular, the lid and the palm resting area stand out positively with a fine pattern of lines. Compared to the more expensive W150ER-Barebone, which contains Nvidia's GeForce GT 650M, the W251EG(Q) is not only a little bit lighter (2.5 vs. 2.8 kg), but also somewhat slimmer (4.3 vs. 4.7 mm). Even more pronounced differences become apparent when it comes to the AC adapter (370 vs. 735 grams). The W150ER meanwhile stands out positively with a blemish resistant finish, a sharper display, more interfaces, and two 2.5 inch shafts (Schenker XMG A502).

Let's get to the stability of the Nexoc M507II, which doesn't exactly turn out to be outstanding. The lid can easily be dented inwards considerably in the center, and the base unit gives way around the area of the optical drive as usual. The notebook is by no means rickety though, and not taking into consideration any base unit vibrations the hinges do their job quite well.

Interfaces

The selection of interfaces is relatively unspectacular. Not considering the two modern USB 3.0 ports, users are only provided with the standard options.

Starting off on the left side, there is a RJ45 Gigabit LAN port, followed by a VGA port and the power input towards the back. Above the cooling vent is a digital HDMI output and the aforementioned USB 3.0 ports. To top it all off, there is also an eSATA port and a 9-in-1 card reader. The right side is not quite as well equipped. Along with the optical drive, there is a USB 2.0 port and two audio sockets (surround sound only via HDMI). 

For comparison: the W150ER-Barebone is equipped with three audio sockets and three USB 3.0 ports. (HP TPN-C101 Battery)

The location of the ports is unlikely to be ideal in everyone's opinion. While right-handed users will unlikely encounter any difficulties using an external mouse, left-handed people could find the flow of warm air and limited maneuverability an issue. The front and back don't offer any possibilities for connectivity. According to the manufacturers information the webcam has a resolution of 2.0 megapixels.

Keyboard

We are already well familiar with the matte chiclet keyboard which has previously been used in several Barebones. Not surprising: Clevo has already been using the respective model for quite some time.

The rounded individual keys have dimensions of 14.5 x 14.5 mm, and provide decent typing haptics. The end stop and pressure point will satisfy most buyers. The layout on the other hand is unlikely to please everyone. The reason: Clevo has included a three column numeric keypad with half a 0 button. A further negative aspect: depending on the typing force, the keyboard sometimes sounds a bit like it is rattling.

Important comfort functions, such as for changing or (de-)activating the display brightness, volume, touchpad, webcam or the wireless module, are marked with blue, and are primarily lined up along the narrow F-row. Note: some Clevo models, such as the P150EM (Schenker XMG P502 PRO) contain a backlit keyboard.

Touchpad

The touchpad left a conflicting impression: thanks to the circular structure on the surface - and despite the absence of a lowered or colored area - the location of the touchpad is still discernible, but lacks in terms of its gliding properties. At least the operation feels more pleasant than with the W150ER-Barebone (characteristic of sandpaper). Considering the rubbery W350ET (Schenker XMG A522), touchpads certainly don't seem to be one of the strengths of Clevo. (CLEVO C4500Q batteries) 

During daily practical use the mouse replacement works quite well. The 87 x 46 mm dimensioned Elan Smart Pad can be used to control the mouse pointer reasonably quickly and precisely. Multi-touch support is also included. With the use of two or three fingers, it is possible to scroll, turn, flip and zoom the display content. The last of these functions was unfortunately quite stubborn in our test.

Great: the horizontal and vertical scrolling with the edge of the touchpad is already enabled when the notebook is first started. The two mouse buttons could be a touch better defined in our opinion though.

Display

The quality of the 15.6-inch non-glare display (16:9 aspect ratio) unfortunately didn't meet our expectations. Although Clevo primarily opts for relatively high-quality display panels, the W251EG(Q) regrettably has to make do with an average 08/15 product.

We were primarily disappointed by the black level; 1.5 cd/m² provides an extremely gray image in dark areas (immediately noticeable when booting). In order to achieve a luscious black, this value would have to be lower than 0.5 cd/m². The brightness of the LG LP156WH4-TLP2 panel is also not sufficient: 222 cd/m² may be enough for indoor surroundings, but outdoors the luminance deficiency will quickly come to light (comparison outdoor pictures).

Extrapolating the contrast of the display from our reviewed device led to a ratio of 151:1 - meager. As the Schenker XMG A502 shows, LG does have genuinely good models in their product line. The Full HD version LP156WF1 for example reaches a contrast of 600:1, and is therefore approximately four times better. Due to the lackluster colors (the panel already runs into difficulties with the sRGB color space) the movie and gaming atmosphere is additionally curtailed.

Those that are keen on multitasking could be especially irritated by the low resolution. 1366x768 pixels is no longer up to date in 2012. Depending on the application, a lot of scrolling could be required with a single window. It's a shame that Nexoc is not offering the HD+ version with 1600x900 pixels, which is also available according to the Clevo handbook. For less demanding games the graphics card would have enough performance reserves.

The narrow viewing angles are a further weakness of the TN panel. Regardless of whether horizontal or vertical: the picture changes after minimal deviations from the center. As an entertainment platform for several viewers the notebook is not an ideal candidate. Verdict: without an external monitor neither work nor use as a media device will be much fun. Clevo doesn't only forgo potential in this case, but also a few ratings points.

Speakers

The two speakers are hidden below the front of the notebook, contrary to their conventional location above the keyboard. Clevo has remained faithful to its lineage and has equipped the notebook with the THX TruStudio Pro technology, which makes the audio sound expectedly more whole and wider. With the pre-installed THX tool it is possible to switch the individual audio enhancements on and off according to preference.

Including the THX TruStudio Pro technology, we would rank the audio quality as halfway decent, while it is more or less in line with the usual notebook standard. The same applies to the acceptable maximum volume. Anyone who doesn't intend to use external speakers or a good pair of headphones and still expects a good audio quality would probably find the Dell XPS 15 or the Asus N56VZ to be more suitable options.

Verdict

The Nexoc M507II can probably be best described with the word solid. With the exception of the substandard HD display (narrow viewing angles, lackluster colors, low contrast) the 15-inch notebook hardly allows itself any mistakes. Whether input devices, interfaces, or mobility: in most categories the notebook is able to attain a decent to good rating.

The decently manufactured case may get annoying due to the sensitive glossy surfaces, but it is able to shine with comprehensive upgradability and practical input devices. Due to its moderate dimensions and decent weight (~2.5 kg), as well as the compact AC adapter, the multimedia notebook can also be easily transported.

Although the high performance components operate relatively efficiently, the M507II still gets quite warm and loud while running demanding applications. The majority of buyers should be able to come to terms with the emissions though.

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

Review ASUS S56CA / S56CM Laptop, A41-K56 / A42-K56 computer batteries

Product ID:1003107 Battery Type:Li-ion Property:original computer batteries Battery Voltage:15V Battery Capacity:2950mAh Battery Color:Black

Battery Life

ASUS S56CA Laptop Battery, S56CA batteries fast shipping to UK, Europe and World.

When we put the ASUS and its 4-cell juicebox through our A41-K56 LAPTOP Battery Test, which consists of continuous Web surfing via Wi-Fi with the display's brightness set to 40 percent, the S56CA took only 4 hours and 39 minutes to croak. That's a fairly weak runtime, as the average mainstream system lasts 5:40. Still, under the same conditions, the Acer V5-571 got an even more anemic mark of 4 hours and 12 minutes.

Design

The ASUS S56CA-DH51's lid is made of handsome brushed black aluminum with a silver ASUS logo in the center. The lid always felt cool in our hands, but attracted a fair amount of fingerprints. The deck is made of silver brushed aluminum and, like the top of the lid, felt cool to the touch. Black plastic covers the bottom of the laptop.

The power button sits in the top left hand corner. The area around the keyboard is sunken, so the keys sit a few millimeters lower than the power button and the touchpad. Six indicator lights are on the left side of the lip.

Beyond being extra thin and light, ASUS S56 ultrabooks pack a full feature set in just 21mm. The cool grey hairline design expresses a personal professional approach. One-piece molded top casing reinforces notebook strength and rigidity, and the entire style embodies subtlety that meets all your performance portability needs.

Display

The ASUS S56CA has a 15.6-inch glossy screen, which features a native resolution of 1366 x 768. When we watched the 1080p version of the Skyfall trailer, we noticed that colors such as the red bars on the British flag and the blue in Daniel Craig's eyes looked vibrant, but fine details such as wrinkled cloth looked fuzzy. (A42-K56 batteries)

When watching the trailer with the ASUS S56CA positioned 45 degrees to the left and right of us on our desk, colors did not wash out often. When they did, only dark hues were affected.When they did wash out, the reflective nature of the glossy display was somewhat distracting, but not enough to keep us from watching.

The ASUS's display notched a brightness rating of 159 lux, which is below the Acer Aspire V5's mark of 171 lux. Both scores are substantially below the 15-inch notebook average of 232 lux.

Audio

The ASUS S56CA sports a pair of hardware-optimized SonicMaster speakers nesting inside a horizontal bar. The bar is lodged within the top of the deck and situated in between the display's hinges. When we listened to Rico Suave by early '90's sensation Gerardo Mejia, we were pleased with the richness of vocals, wind instruments along with drums. When we listened to Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns N' Roses, guitars, drums and vocals all sounded accurate. At maximum volume, we noticed no distortion and the speaker filled our test room with music admirably.

Keyboard

We have mixed feelings about the island-style keyboard on the ASUS S56CA. On the plus side, the keys have plenty of space between them, and we like having a dedicated number pad. However, the travel was lacking, resulting in a mushy feel. When we took the Ten Thumbs Typing Test, we averaged 60 words per minute and a 3 percent error rate. Those are below-par numbers for us; usually we notch 68 words per minute with a 1 percent error rate. (ASUS A32-U47 batteries)

Touchpad

At 4.2 x 2.8-inches, the touchpad built into the S56CA's deck is large and provided an accurate pointing experience. Windows 8 gestures worked well, including swiping in from the right to activate the Charms menu and swiping in from the left to switch apps. Two-finger scrolling in both directions also worked well. The integrated button in the touchpad provided just the right amount of resistance.

Heat

After running a full-screen Hulu video for 15 minutes, the S56CA's touchpad, underside and space between the G and H keys registered temperatures of 85, 83 and 88 degrees Farenheit, respectively. We consider anything above 95 degrees to be uncomfortable.

Ports

The left side of the ASUS S56CA houses full-size HDMI and VGA ports along with Ethernet, a power jack and a USB 3.0 port. The left side of the lip stores an SD card reader. Nesting on the right are a pair of USB 2.0 ports, an audio/mic 3.5mm combo jack, an 8X DVD-RW burner and a Kensington lock slot.

Webcam

In natural lighting, the ASUS S56CA's 2-MP webcam recorded images that were overly bright. As a result, dimmer features like facial hair and under-eye darkness were not as apparent as they should have been, while lighter details like highlights in hair were easy to spot. Under fluorescent lighting, the camera produced shots that looked grainy.

Verdict

The ASUS S56CA-DH51 delivers strong performance, a speedy boot time and good sound inside a slim and solid design. We just wish this system lasted longer on a charge and that the keyboard had a little more spring in its step. If you want to dip your toes into the Windows 8 pool --and you don't need touch -- then the S56CA-DH51 should serve you well for years to come.

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

Review Lenovo Thinkpad Edge E330 Laptop, 45N1057/45N1056 computer batteries

Product ID:1002657 Battery Type:Li-ion Property:original computer batteries Battery Voltage:11.1 V Battery Capacity:63Wh \ 5600mAh Battery Color:Black

Battery Life

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The manufacturer of the subnotebook promises a battery life of up to eight hours with the 45N1057 63Wh battery. We even measured 9 hours and 48 minutes in our unrealistic test (minimal brightness, wireless modules off, Battery Eater Reader's Test), and therefore an hour more than with the ThinkPad Edge E320. When it comes to a more realistic scenario, such as with the brightness set to 150 cd/m² while loading different websites, then the device manages to last for 5 hours and 45 minutes. Not a bad value; even though its predecessor - with similarly potent components - lasted for more than an hour longer. While utilized with the Battery Eater Classic Test we measured a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes, also less than with the ThinkPad Edge E320 (2 hours and 17 minutes).

Compared to its peers the ThinkPad Edge E330 ranks among the upper mid-range. Subnotebooks with better battery runtimes usually only have a processor with a TDP not exceeding 25 watts, and also generally have less processing power.

Case

With just about 1.8 kg the Thinkpad Edge E330 may not belong among the lightweights in the 13-inch segment, but in this case the battery accounts for 18% of the total weight. The display lid surface is covered with a black soft-touch material which is supposed to protect it from getting scratched. For those that find the midnight black to be a bit too much on the conservative side, there are also the colors red (heatwave red) or blue (Arctic blue) available to choose from. Regardless of the color of the display lid, the remainder of the notebook is made of a black plastic material. The surfaces are primarily kept matte, with the only exception being the keyboard, which is glossy - as with the predecessor.

While the slightly changed design still allows for divided feelings, the manufacturing quality should nevertheless be good enough to convince all the critics. With pressure applied to various areas we weren't able to induce any considerable indentations, and the rigidity of the case also doesn't allow any cause for criticism. Opening the display is only possible with two hands due to the stiff hinges. The silver hinges make a metallic impression, but closer inspection reveals that they are in fact composed of a plastic material. Nevertheless, they hold the display firmly in place and only allow it to teeter to a limited extent. One negative aspect is the battery, which is not sufficiently well fastened by the battery latch, and therefore wobbles back and forth in its slot a little bit. On top of this the display lid doesn't fit flush with the case everywhere. This was probably not planned this way by Lenovo, since the shape has been adopted from the clamshell design used by the more expensive ThinkPad series which is supposed to prevent the entry of dust and other dirt. Altogether the 13-inch notebook still leaves a very positive and well balanced impression. (45N1056 batteries)

Connectivity

As with the predecessor model, most of the interfaces have been distributed along the sides, so that the front only houses the speaker mesh, and the back is only occupied by the battery and the hinges. The selection of interfaces has also been modernized and changed. Lenovo has now forgone the eSATA port, and has instead included two equally fast USB 3.0 ports which now leads to a total of three USB ports overall. A further change has been made to the VGA port, which is now located between the HDMI port and the power input. This allows for a tidy desktop with a multi-monitor configuration, although putting this on the left side of the device would have been more comfortable for right handed users using a separate mouse. Interfaces at the back of the device would have represented the ideal scenario.

Keyboard

When it comes to the keyboard, Lenovo has opted for the tried and tested AccuType keyboard with a key size of 16 x 16 mm. The arrow keys have also grown and provide more comfort as a result. In addition to this, the keys provide a crisp pressure point with a well defined key travel, while also having a pleasant end stop sound. The upper row of keys is occupied by the special functions as standard. The F keys on the other hand are available in combination with the Fn key. Pressing the Fn key several times in a row elicits a popup message, which allows the behavior to be reversed. The only negative aspect of the keyboard is the swapped locations for the Fn and Ctrl keys, which makes copy paste operations a bit confusing in the beginning.

Touchpad

With the current ThinkPad models it is entirely up to users how they want to move the mouse cursor across the display, whereby a choice has to be struck between the TrackPoint integrated into the keyboard or the Synaptics ClickPad.

The ClickPad has dimensions of 92 x 42 mm, and has a slightly structured surface to improve its gliding properties. The buttons for the ClickPad are integrated into the touch surface and require more pressure than the conventional mouse buttons in notebooks. On top of this, the height to width ratio of the touchpad could also require a bit of getting used to.

The TrackPoint on the other hand leaves a fabulous impression. The three accompanying buttons beneath the space bar are quiet and have a pleasant pressure point. In this case: once you get used to the red knob you are likely to quickly learn to appreciate it and probably refrain from using the ClickPad.

Display

The non-reflective Samsung panel (type LTN133AT20) provides a WXGA (1366x768 pixels) resolution over the 13.3-inch display with an aspect ratio 16:9. The panel is based on the TN technology and uses white LEDs for its backlight.

The illumination of the display of 95% proves itself to be very good, and doesn't allow for a brightness variation to be visible between different areas of the screen, even with uni-colored display content. The black level is a bit of a disappointment though at 1.79 cd/m², which leads to the meager contrast ratio of 127:1. The predecessor was able to present a marginally better contrast ratio with 189:1. Meanwhile, the average picture brightness reaches a maximum of up to 222 cd/m², which amounts to an improvement of 28%, and thus ranks it among the mid-range. In addition, the display content is now also not dimmed during battery powered use, which allows for the full display brightness to be available without the power cable attached.

The sRGB and Adobe RGB color spaces are not covered as usual for this price segment. The notebook is clearly not suited for professional image editing, due to the low contrast and small display size.

Indoors and in the shade the available display brightness allows for unfettered working. Working under direct sunlight will likely lead to the conclusion that the brightness is not sufficient though. (DELL 2NJNF batteries) 

With the constricting viewing angles another characteristic feature of the TN technology becomes apparent. When moving horizontally by 45 degrees the colors may become slightly discolored, but the content still remains clearly visible. Changing the vantage point vertically leads to a noticeable change of the colors. Since a 13.3-inch notebook is nonetheless conceived for a single person, looking at the display from anywhere else than the center will probably be an unlikely scenario.

Speakers

The two speakers at the front of the notebook are able to score thanks to a high maximum volume. In addition to this, the audio doesn't distort when the volume is set to its limit. On the other hand, the bass is almost entirely neglected, and also the high frequencies are not particularly distinctive. In this case, the equalizer settings in the Dolby Advanced Audio v2 software can't make a meaningful improvement either.

For a better audio experience there is always the possibility of using external speakers though, which can be connected to the 3.5 mm mini-jack socket, or the digital HDMI port. (LENOVO 0A36290 batteries) 

Verdict

Third time lucky really does seem to be the case and Lenovo has managed to create a solid package this time around. The manufacturer seems to have listened to its customers and has ironed out the shortcomings from previous models. Among these is the case stability, which is now once again up to the expected ThinkPad standard. Furthermore the display no longer dims when battery powered and also has a higher maximum brightness. In the case of the system noise Lenovo has also introduced some improvements, and the cooling fan now generates a maximum of 36 dB(A) (stress test). The only point of criticism compared to its predecessor is the shorter battery life when utilized. Compared to the competitor models Dell Vostro 3360 and the HP ProBook 6465b, it is nevertheless still able to impress, although these have an advantage when it comes to the manufacturing quality.

Those that spend a great deal of time writing on a notebook should consider the ThinkPad due to its good keyboard. The E330 also has the advantage of being well suited for daily transportation with its compact dimensions, low weight and solid case. It could be ideally suited to students and others who require more processing power than that provided by a netbook.

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

Review Asus X301A-RX005V/RX004V Laptop, A32-X401 / A31-X401 computer batteries

Product ID:1003062 Battery Type:Li-ion Property:original computer batteries Battery Voltage:10.8 V Battery Capacity:47 Wh \ 4400 mAh Battery Color:Black

Battery Life

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It does not depend on a few watts more or less, the important thing in the end is the A32-X401 battery life, and this is very acceptable for this low cost notebook: the WLAN test (150 cd/m² luminance) ends after 4 hours 41 minutes. Also videos were played in that time. If used economically, the user might even get another hour.

The capacity of the removable A32-X401 battery is not even that great: 47 watt hours. In WLAN test, the competitor Aspire V5-431 only runs for three hours, which is due to the low capacity of 37 Wh. The Lenovo IdeaPad S400 with its 3 hours 18 minutes is not much better, which again is due to 32 Wh. A HP ProBook 4530s-B0Y11EA with the same hardware (47 watt hours) keeps going for 4 hours 20 minutes, which shows that Asus makes the most of its battery.

Case

Optically, the contrast between matte, black plastic materials (chassis, frame) and sleek white surfaces works well. The finish - tiny silver squares that become bigger towards the edges - prevents fingerprints effectively. The frosted touchpad has a pleasant feel as well.

All this, however, cannot take away from a firm but creaking chassis. This creaking noise appears when the notebook is lifted by one hand. The hinges are mounted rather loosely and make the lid wobble. The lid surface gives in slightly upon a bit of pressure; the corners flex even without much force.

Due to the lack of maintenance flaps, users have to disassemble the entire device to exchange RAM or HDD. For the benefit of the lender, we avoided that rigmarole. On the other hand, it is surprising that the manufacturer did not create a rock solid chassis, in spite of doing without optical drive and flaps. The flexing of the keyboard is particularly disappointing.

Comes packed with a Intel GMA HD card with a 1024 RAM size. You will get a decent gaming experience with this. The graphics are smooth and able to keep up with the ever changing intensity of in game motion and textures.

Connectivity

Asus does not use the absence of a DVD drive for a row of ports, but simply bundles them up on the right-hand side. The card reader can only read two formats (SD, MMC); however, in return, an SD card fully disappears in the case, and cannot break during use, which is not always the case with notebooks (Aspire V5-431).

Keyboard

The detached keys have a lot of space in between, and pressure point and key stroke are distinctive. The key depression, however, is that soft and wobbly that it ruins everything. The surface gives in considerably across the full width.

The direction keys are set apart from the other keys, but very small. The clear labeling of the keys is pleasant, as well as the big layout and the upwards angle of the work surface, This means your hands rest on the keyboard like in a flat bowl.

Touchpad

The Elan Touchpad works precisely and lets the fingers slide with little friction over the surface, measuring 10.7 cm in diameter. The pad can be turned off by the Fn key. The multi-touch gestures recognize the use of two fingers. Finger gestures are therefore possible (zooming, scrolling, page turning). There is no longer a one finger scrollbar, and they cannot be added either. (ASUS EXA0703YH adapters) 

As ClickPad, this mouse replacement does not feature any separate buttons, but they are under its surface. Additionally, a right mouse click can be generated anywhere on the pad. The finger should not wander further above than the center of the touchpad though, as there is no more touch detection. The biggest drawback of the Elan Touchpad is its loud, dull clicking noise. Those who use it in the library or during a lecture will quickly go out of favor with their neighbors.

Display

The surface of the 13.3 inch screen (16:9; 1366 x 768 pixels), which has no anti reflection coating, disappointss the reviewer, and this glare-type-display will also scare away some potential buyers. Although in the price segment of under 800 euros, screens like the CMO N133BGE-L41 are common, low cost devices by HP (HP 650) or Lenovo (Edge E330) show that also matte screens can be low budget.

A broad color range would be vital for professional image processors, who would, however, not go near the X301A with a barge-pole, due to its poor performance. For the sake of completeness, we still tested the color ranges. sRGB and Adobe RGB are not covered. Moreover, the high black value of 1.41 causes pale colors and a hazy black. This is not a given though, as proven by devices such as the Asus UX31A, which costs three times as much though.

The reflecting TFT surface and the relatively low brightness of 217 cd/m² on average make the ASUS X301A unsuitable for use outdoors in the summer. The user should at least look for a shadowy place, as shown by picture 1. Otherwise, the glare-type reflects the surroundings that much that work becomes impossible. To be able to read the display even in the sun, luminance would have to be at least 300 cd/m.

The viewing angles of cheap notebooks are usually less than good. This is due to the TN panel type (Twisted Nematics). Also in the X301A, it only allows for horizontal views up to 45 degrees maximum (view from the side, see picture). Beyond this, there are massive inversions. These are caused by a vertical deviation upwards or downwards, already with the slightest change of angle (from 10 degrees).

Speakers

Where are the stereo speakers? Hidden away under the wrist rest, they use the table, if existent, as reflective surface for the sound pressure. That is why the sound turns nasty when the notebook is being carried. A carpet or the like makes it sound as if someone had hidden speakers under a blanket.

The ideal scenario on a table emphasizes mid-range sounds and neglects low sounds. There is no bass at all, and pitches are not presented in a differentiated way. To cut a long story short: This is the typical sound of notebook speakers, but without volume or character. Multimedia books usually come with a subwoofer, but this is not common in this price range.

The volume can be turned on fully, but this does not make anything better, as high pitches come with a rattling noise. The small speakers produce a deafening noise, which is quite unusual for a 13.3 inch notebook. Music lovers should connect a headset or external speakers via the analogue audio/microphone combination.

Verdict

The Asus X301A-RX005V gets noticed - hovewer, not so much because of its positive qualities, but mainly because of its looks in white and black, matte surfaces, pleasant haptics without fingerprints and a cool case. Who needs anything else?

The user! Besides attractive looks, users need mobile qualities fit for working. Battery life with more than four hours (WLAN test) is great, but the reflecting screen with its mediocre brightness is not. OK, let's stay inside then. The noisy keyboard and the loud clicking of the touchpad annoys us as well. It is just not necessary, as pressure point and key stroke are pleasant otherwise. The wobbly key depression ruins this impression again though. 

Emissions are similar: There is little waste heat, the noise of the fan is within limits, and the cooling system even turns off in idle mode. However, this perfect picture gets destroyed by a noisy rattling hard drive. This makes the notebook impossible to use in libraries.

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