Tuesday, 23 March 2010

Review ASUS G73JH

The G73 is the latest gaming notebook in ASUS’ successful G-series product line. This 17.3-inch monster has a Core i7 processor, 8GB of RAM, and the most powerful mobile video card available, the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5870. Read on for our take.

Special thanks go out to Justin at XoticPC.com for sending us this unit.

Our ASUS G73JH-A2 has the following specifications:

  • 17.3-inch 1080p (1920x1080) display with LED backlighting
  • Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
  • Intel Core i7-720QM processor (1.6GHz/2.8GHz Turbo Mode, 6MB L3 cache)
  • ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5870 1GB GDDR5 graphics card
  • 8GB DDR3-1066 RAM
  • Two 500GB 7200RPM hard drives (Seagate Momentus 7200.4/ST9500420AS) (Non-RAID)
  • Atheros AR9285 802.11n Wireless LAN adapter
  • Built-in Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
  • 8X DVD Super Multi drive
  • Two-year limited warranty (one year on battery pack) with one year of accidental damage protection
  • 8-cell battery pack (14.8V, 5200mAh, 75Wh)
  • Weight: 8.5 pounds
  • Dimensions: 16.3” (W) x 12.6” (D) x 1.8” (H)
  • MSRP: $1,599

The ASUS G73JH is available as a pre-configured notebook only, though some dealers including XoticPC offer limited customization. Those looking for Blu-ray should check out the G73JH-A1 model, which has the same specifications as our test unit plus a Blu-ray drive for $1,699.

Build and Design
The ASUS G73 is has a “stealth” look, with non-traditional shape with angled surfaces and sharp lines that is clearly influenced by modern stealth aircraft. . The protruding rear end is especially aggressive with its angled exhaust vents.
The physical size of the G73 is intimidating, even compared to other 17-inch notebooks. The chassis is actually angled upward 5 degrees, which gives the notebook a more assertive feel and helps with ergonomics. The notebook has a rubberized shell, which has a pleasant touch and adds a measure of durability.


The G73 has strong build quality; it feels very solid (and heavy) when being held. The notebook is constructed entirely of thick and good quality plastic. The chassis is very resistant to twisting and surfaces like the palm rests barely flex under pressure. The lid has excellent support from two large and strong display hinges. The panel itself has ample support and twists less than most 17-inch notebooks. Furthermore, no ripples appear on the display when pressure is applied from behind the screen. Overall, the G73 is impressive in both the build quality and design departments.

Screen and Speakers
The G73JH comes with a 17.3-inch LED-backlit screen with a full HD (1920x1080) resolution. The display has a glossy surface that helps make colors more vibrant, but suffers from reflections as a result. The display is, in a word, beautiful. It is very enjoyable to use for gaming and multimedia. Viewing angles are about average; there is little color shift from side to side. However, colors quickly wash out and darken from above and below.

The display has a high-resolution as well, which is appreciated. With a full HD resolution, it’s easy to view two windows side-by-side without shrinking them too much. The higher resolution also helps bring out the finer details in games and reduces the amount of scrolling necessary while surfing the Web.

The G73 has two stereo speakers located below the display and a small subwoofer. The speakers get reasonably loud and there is measurable bass. For notebook speakers, these are more than acceptable.

Keyboard and Touchpad
The G73 has a full-size keyboard with a separate numeric keypad. The keyboard has a “Chiclet” or island-style keyboard, where the keys are raised above the keyboard surface and have more than usual spacing. The keyboard has a soft, rubbery feel (not a bad thing) and makes typing easy. While some flex is evident when you type and the keyboard could have slightly better support, these two factors do not affect its usability. The tactile feedback is adequate, though could be improved if the keys had a longer throw.


The G73’s keyboard is backlit and looks good in the dark. We like that the keys have a rubberized non-slip finish, which adds durability and makes them more comfortable to use over extended periods of time. The keyboard’s layout around the number pad is somewhat squashed though all keys are more or less in their expected positions. Overall, we like the keyboard and do not have any major qualms with it.


The extra-large touchpad sits slightly off-center to the left of the chassis to line up with the keyboard. It has a much-appreciated matte surface, which is easy to track on regardless of whether fingers are moist or dry. The right side of the touchpad is a dedicated scroll zone however it required an unusual amount of pressure to use. Unfortunately, the touchpad buttons are subpar. While quiet, they are harder to push down than expected, and we don’t like that they are contained under a single piece of plastic.


Ports and Features

Given its size, the G73 has a relatively limited amount of input and output ports. All descriptions are left to right.


Left Side: Gigabit Ethernet, USB 2.0, optical drive, USB 2.0, microphone and headphone jacks


Right Side: Media card reader, 2x USB 2.0, HDMI, VGA, and AC power


Back: Vent, battery, Kensington Lock slot, and vent


Front: Status lights

Performance and Benchmarks
The G73 is a top-notch performer thanks to its arsenal of high-powered components. The Mobility Radeon HD 5870 is the fastest single mobile graphics card available right now, and coupled with 8GB of RAM and a Core i7 processor, the notebook can handle almost any game on the market at the highest visual quality settings.

Wprime processor comparison results (lower scores mean better performance):

PCMark05 measures overall system performance (higher scores mean better performance):

3DMark06 measures overall graphics performance for gaming (higher scores mean better performance):

Crysis gaming benchmark (1920x1080 and high settings):

Left 4 Dead 2 gaming benchmark (1920x1080 and high settings):

Mass Effect 2 gaming benchmark (1920x1080 and high settings):

HDTune storage drive performance test:

Heat and Noise
The G73’s cooling system is perhaps the best we have seen on a gaming notebook. Not only does this notebook handle heat well, but it also makes little noise. The notebook is almost silent at idle and can barely be heard under full load. Surfaces remain cool to the touch on the top and bottom, even while gaming. All external temperatures shown in the images below are listed in degrees Fahrenheit.

The internal components of the notebook stayed well under manufacturer-recommended temperatures. We saw the graphics card top out at 75 degrees Celsius and the CPU at 68 degrees Celsius.

Battery Life
While surfing the Web with minimum screen brightness, we squeezed one hour and 48 minutes out of the G73’s 8-cell battery pack. This is respectable for a large gaming notebook.

Included Accessories
The G73JH-A1 comes with a carrying backpack and Razer Abyssus gaming mouse. The backpack has a quality feel and thick padding for back support. It has ample room for the G73 and a textbook or two. The Razer Abyssus mouse is extremely responsive and is a perfect match for the G73. Its sensitivity is adjustable via a switch on the bottom.

Conclusion
The ASUS G73JH is a phenomenal gaming notebook and a fantastic value. It has more than enough power to handle any modern game while remaining quiet and cool to the touch. The keyboard is pleasant to type on and the screen is beautiful. The G73JH has strong build quality and the stealth-like design is unique. Other than a few minor quibbles with the touchpad, we found very little to dislike and highly recommend the G73 to gamers and multimedia enthusiasts alike.

Pros:

  • Excellent performance
  • Beautiful screen
  • Strong build quality
  • Runs cool and quiet
  • Good keyboard
  • Unique design
  • Decent speakers
  • Includes backpack and mouse

Cons:

  • Touchpad buttons too hard to press
  • Could use a few more input/output ports
Individual Ratings: *
Software & Support
Upgrade Capabilities
Usability
Design
Performance
Features
* Ratings averaged to produce final score

Saturday, 6 March 2010

Review Lenovo IdeaPad U150

Lenovo IdeaPad U150 11-inch battery life of notebook for highly mobile entertainment for the HDMI output, combined with the latest Intel processors, is equipped with Culver. netbook attractive alternative for routine tasks still small enough constant companion eit computer is enough performance. This amazing little notebook you spend $ 750 on the following should I do? Continue reading to find out.

Our Lenovo IdeaPad U150 Specifications:

  • Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
  • Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300 Processor (1.30GHz, 800MHz FSB, 3MB L2 cache)
  • 4GB DDR3 SDRAM (1066MHz)
  • 320GB 5400 rpm SATA HDD
  • 11.6-inch diagonal WXGA (glossy, 1366x768)
  • Intel X4500M integrated graphics
  • Intel 5100AGN, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
  • Dimensions: (LxWxH) 11.4 x 7.5 x 0.5-1.35 inches
  • Weight: 2.97 lbs. (not including weight of AC adapter)
  • 6-cell 57Wh battery
  • One-year standard warranty
  • MSRP: $749 (configurations starting at $649 at Lenovo.com)
Build and Design

Lenovo is the best company inherited the business known for IBM ThinkPad notebooks, but the new IdeaPad laptops in the consumer market centers, managed, thanks to its unique design and a modest price to generate some calls. Lenovo IdeaPad U150 an attractive 11-inch this trend, offering a Dell Inspiron 11z to compete with the HP Mini 311th Most of the current market value of portable 11-inch U150 netbook based on a full-featured laptop with Intel Celeron - 42 is a fine line. U150 and more powerful than the typical keunhajiman netbook $ 400 price $ 650 - $ 900 from high-end Core 2 Duo with impressive features and the size of a typical laptop computer is not enough. In other words, the U150 definitely matte black, a combination of black plastic and shiny silver space offers an attractive design.


The fabric appears to cover the logo on the cross U150 IdeaPad U350 has a glossy cover and 11-inch laptop can see a good alternative. The bottom half of the chassis is stable thanks to accept, build, we can see more with the structure of the notebook and sheets and plastic panels and plastic cover on screen, palmrest suffer a bit more flexible than the cost of U.S. $ 600. Unless they want to know or palm raised pressure on the screen granted, most of Flex in the plastic case that consumers would not know it, but 11-inch notebook inside the backpack is usually carried out at the school with a heavy book ... U150 So we want to be a bit harder. On the other hand, textured matte cover (again, a combination of thin plastic and metal), as well as imprinting patterns hidden in the day to create harmony risks do not look good everyday abuse. Moreover, the plastic exterior hides blemishes and fingerprints of the notebook cover a very good job. Probably very good IdeaPad U150 will be held until the end of the abuse of user ... But on a laptop, you will definitely not trying to stand.


Who can find U150 (extra RAM, new hard drive or SSD, or a new wireless card) Aftermarket Parts upgrade your notebook computer upgrades, these people are very simple. The second panel of a wireless card and a mini-PCI - E slot can be accessed on a hard disk and RAM for the panel to provide access. Only around inside the laptop, which remove the sticker, but not explicit "that does not guarantee will not find a sticker inside, some Lenovo brand of RAM, WiFi card, the edges of the lid and heat sink screws can be used to represent the modulation power .Who can find U150 (extra RAM, new hard drive or SSD, or a new wireless card) Aftermarket Parts upgrade your notebook computer upgrades, these people are very simple. The second panel of a wireless card and a mini-PCI - E slot can be accessed on a hard disk and RAM for the panel to provide access. Only around inside the laptop, which remove the sticker, but not explicit "that does not guarantee will not find a sticker inside, some Lenovo brand of RAM, WiFi card, the edges of the lid and heat sink screws can be used to represent the modulation power .

Screen and Speakers
1.6 U150 screen is noticeably visible from a shallow angle, contrasting colors and offers decent, but the pain is average. Most thin and light notebooks with low-quality TN screen digital display, but, and "The Color" Te degrees through the forest to produce our images. about 10, had to change the color of your surfing and do not notice the pattern of activity, such as writing documents, pictures and soft colors, but looks a bit dark to see the movie to refrain from viewing. For those who are good vertical viewing angles when you move back and look again to get started. overall, some of the colors in nature, with an angle too steep to hold more. lighting on the screen very far inside, but enlightenment Office workspace is very bright, is not strong enough to overcome placed outdoors in direct sunlight, reflections from the glossy screen.1.6 U150 screen is noticeably visible from a shallow angle, contrasting colors and offers decent, but the pain is average. Most thin and light notebooks with low-quality TN screen digital display, but, and "The Color" Te degrees through the forest to produce our images. about 10, had to change the color of your surfing and do not notice the pattern of activity, such as writing documents, pictures and soft colors, but looks a bit dark to see the movie to refrain from viewing. For those who are good vertical viewing angles when you move back and look again to get started. overall, some of the colors in nature, with an angle too steep to hold more. lighting on the screen very far inside, but enlightenment Office workspace is very bright, is not strong enough to overcome placed outdoors in direct sunlight, reflections from the glossy screen.



Stereo speakers or the occasional TV streaming to listen to the radio, but many lack the basic fine. Since the loudspeaker at the bottom of the front edge of the notebook, audio out "on your laptop using a laptop can tend to sound moderate." However, U150 and sound desk, is the table surface towards the heel and User rest. Still, headphones, so this laptop, thanks to a weak base and mid-range to enjoy music and movies are the best option is built-in speakers. Another option is to use HDMI home theater systems, digital audio is delivered.

Keyboard and Touchpad

Almost full keyboard for typing, you can expect the laptop to the 11-inch chassis is a great good. Tilde key and the spacebar is a little adjustment, but little has been reduced in size as it should please the public key. Even in our office that he was the editor of our "keyboard Chiclete - the desired style from the buttons, such as between the traditional keypad, providing more space to make a fundamental distinction. To be honest, the keyboard preferences of people, most of the problems, so your brain is already 11 Chiclete keyboard and a traditional laptop, the island can continue to inch notebook is the key. The keyboard itself is very firm flex free, no great pressure on the entry. Each button "issues - click, click," the press does not destroy the type of classroom. Great travel and curiosity, or at least the beginning of each key is firmly attached to the scissors mechanism. In other words, U150 keyboard we've seen on a 11-inch laptop is one of the best.



Reasonable IdeaPad U150 offers a Synaptics touchpad, and a 11-inch laptop we've seen the best touchpad. The structure is somewhat uneven plastic surface gives good grip difficult to finger over the surface without it. Speed and accuracy to the default settings as well as in our tests did not notice any lag in the cursor. The frequency of updating on the surface of the touchpad is very good, we have in the past two Synaptics touchpad which I have seen all the "listen" to stop it. Make an appropriate match for each accelerometer to move the cursor on the screen to help with the keyboard, the touchpad on a Dell Inspiron 11z (), and is consistent with the movement of a finger. Touchpad buttons behavior is deeply and calmly and perfectly elastic, "" when you press the Click thanks to the fantastic.


Ports and Features
Surprisingly, works a select IdeaPad U150 good. If you receive a mitneun HDMI VGA - Out Of Gigabit LAN, audio in / out and SD card slot and 3 USB ports (two regular and a combo USB / eSATA one). eSATA port for external hard drive is much faster than you can use with laptop and so, and we Lenovo Combo USB / eSATA not use USB needs of these customers use the eSATA port, because I'm happy. "/ P that"

front SD slot equipped with a spring, and transfers to the U350 card slot, unlike the larger and you can sit recessed in the slot. When you give me your full SDHC to set the standard. Do not expect to see this feature built-in optical drive, laptop computer, so if you reinstall the operating system, or an external USB optical drive, you get DVD of his plans. Multimedia key mute button and Lenovo "OneKey" software to create a recovery backup system for disaster recovery systems, direct-access buttons are limited.

Performance and Benchmarks
SU7300 Culver systems with Intel processors, maximum performance for everyday tasks such as surfing and checking e-mail is reasonable, MS Office, even the basic photo editing, click Edit. In other words, we have some of the latest Lenovo notebook overclocked to 1.73GHz and SU7300 processors in the same way Alienware Asus and losing, "he said. Many programs load faster or to access and compare the Core 2 Duo SU7300, but the information to make a much more powerful processor than the battery life does not give greater benefits. Our test configuration of 4GB memory and 320GB hard drive and a reasonably fast laptop is also very poor in most of the Intel Atom-based netbooks enough for an ordinary PC users do not deliver the package. HD video playback, this pretty well, thanks to the Intel X4500 integrated graphics, an HDMI port works with your laptop can connect to an HDTV. In other words, U150, some delay while the browser and Microsoft Office and multi-tasking is a pain trying to watch HD video. As mentioned, the system can not be a problem SU7300 dual-core processor, overclocked version of the delay is included. IdeaPad U150, so I can see compared to other laptops all that said, here is a quick look at synthetic benchmarks.

Wprime processor comparison results (lower scores mean better performance):

PCMark05 measures overall system performance (higher scores mean better performance):

3DMark06 measures overall graphics performance for gaming (higher scores mean better performance):

HDTune storage drive performance test:

Heat and Noise
Most of the IdeaPad U150 to the surface outside the normal scope of a unit of our analysis of the hot spot next to the RAM, it was a warning. However, the temperature is very uncomfortable for a short time, but rather at the bottom of the laptop, for some users on your knees and keep you warm and also take longer than an hour. If the sound level on the computer of this size was about average, but if your laptop is used to calm the mind can be a fan. U150 running all the time, to fans of both cases maintain low temperatures in some areas the temperature tends to keep the processor. Fan noise is only slightly larger than the noise the hard drive, but if you're away from it with a hair dryer running in the background looks really good to hear.

Battery Life
SU7300 6-cell battery and the battery life is very good. Brightness and 70% in our tests, Windows 7, "balanced" profile settings of energy and a system for wireless communications, active 5 hours, 22 minutes before the changeover to the standby mode has been set. During this test showed 9-10 watts. Perhaps you have less than 30% low battery life and screen brightness of more than 6 hours on a notebook for wireless communication can take you to disable the online status is not.

Conclusion
The Lenovo IdeaPad U150 offers a terrific balance of portability and value combined with enough performance to satisfy most consumers. Compared to similar 11-inch ultraportables like the Dell Inspiron 11z, the U150 delivers a better keyboard and touchpad for a modest increase in price. On the other hand, the IdeaPad U150 looks a little underpowered and expensive compared to the new Alienware M11x, which offers superior graphics horsepower, a backlit keyboard, the addition of DisplayPort, and better build quality for roughly the same price.

Bottom line: If you need a basic netbook alternative with HDMI and eSATA then the IdeaPad U150 should probably be at the top of your shopping list.

Pros:

  • Good value
  • Includes eSATA!
  • VGA and HDMI video output

Cons:

  • Average performance
  • Weak plastic construction

Wednesday, 3 March 2010

Laptop Computer Toshiba Satellite E205 Review

Satellite E205 is the latest "Blue Label" Toshiba notebook computer for Best Buy. Package 14-inch WXGA display, Intel Core processor to I5, and the latest Intel GMA High-definition graphics, this notebook is a feature that no other model provides Intel Wireless Display. Intel Wi - Tue enables high-definition notebook-quality video streaming to a compatible receiver to your HDTV, so you do not have any cable needed to share the video. The test we have to note that carried the Toshiba Satellite E205-depth understanding, if the Intel wireless card change is the way we use computers to home theater.

Toshiba Satellite E205 Specifications:

  • 14-inch WXGA (1366x678) LED Backlit (Glossy finish)
  • Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
  • Processor: Intel Core i5-430M (2.26GHz, 3MB Cache)
  • 4GB DDR3 RAM (2GB + 2GB)
  • 500GB Hitachi HDD (5400rpm)
  • Slot loading DVD+/-RW
  • Intel 6200 802.11AGN, Intel Wireless Display
  • Mobile Intel HD Graphics
  • Netgear Push 2 TV Adapter
  • 5800mAh 6-cell, 75W 19V AC adapter
  • Dimensions: 13.7" x 9.57" x 1.22" without feet
  • Weight: 5lbs 2.4oz
  • Retail Price: $899
  • Warranty: 2 Year

Build and Design
Toshiba Satellite E205 is the first 14 "consumer notebook PCs, which succeeded in maintaining the shape, modern design, thin, while maintaining the look and feel. E205 rounded edges, respectively, including the exhaust port of the CPU I think it's cool . The only part of the proceedings in the wrong, so I was the size of the battery back is exaggerated, because it also depends on the reverse side of the screen and includes port. color looks great blue diamonds, the screen covers the changes in the structure of black and metallic blue diamond pattern decoration. even with their peer-mounted touchpad design, with the same model palm rest and an overview of the special treatment of matt surface inside.


The establishment of quality higher than the average consumer of ultra-thin notebook design, but the structural strength of the screen and include a number of weaknesses. Curved screen for the medium-pressure, but still not subject to distortion, unless your screen wrapped difficult. The current global notebook computer screen inside the frame seems ugly, but found only for the glass like an exact opposite. The keyboard and palm rest show only a very slight bend under pressure. Best Buy exclusive notebook than the previous year, as we recall Satellite E105 - E205 is a significant improvement in quality and design.


Screen and Speakers
Toshiba Satellite E205 is based on an integrated 14-inch screen, rather than 13.3 "- Best Buy since research has shown that most of their customers prefer to remain that size. It offers a 1366x768 WXGA display resolution 720p HD video capacity . screen than the average rate, similar to the screen, light bleeding visible black screen with backlight and a limited vision. to watching movies, viewing photos, or visit the website, we found that the color saturation and contrast when on closer thanks to the smooth surface, while the peak. brightness, problems we see a clear duty on the screen. vertical viewing angles are distorted and colors tend to have started in 15 to 20 degrees average.

And horizontal viewing angle good to about 60 degrees, the former single reflective mirror display.
The Toshiba Satellite E205 is one of the most interesting features to show or Intel Wireless Wi - Tue This technology enables the transmission of high-definition content that you have connected to high-definition TV receivers. Recipient of Netgear, and connect to TV with HDMI connection and streaming video and audio from your notebooks. What we've been using this technology include the fact that there is no performance penalty, depends on the source is considered. USB 2.0 and Wireless USB docking station, I support DVI output is on two-dimensional finite bandwidth. Intel Wireless display the other hand, the full 3D-accelerated video stream, including games, not video quality. Another big advantage of Wi - 2 surface compared to the wireless USB is its scope. We take the case of a break is not connected to our office. Only left our house and closed the metal door down enough for the signal to make a connection. For an average family is not a problem that the wireless display technology from Intel, unless you try to use in your trunk in your garage use.

Intel Wi - in technology have at this time, some limitations. Wi - Not currently only supports 1280x720 video streaming and set limits, such as the wireless display. They are usually limited to only clones, which are lagging behind the number of interfaces can show is a good thing. In tests we have found the video and audio displays, wi - two aspects of one or two short of what is being shown on the notebook computer with the local seconds. This does not mean that the video or audio sync, but Wi - receiver with a larger buffer. Watch from your computer or stream high-definition video performances, it's no problem ... But remember to use this game. Even completed, as surfing the wireless network, the main task, and in this context is intolerable, unless you look at the laptop screen.

E205 speakers in various kinds of shots a round as a rule to determine if you are listening to streaming audio or video, but had a lot to be desired program, if you want to enjoy the film. Because it really is a different problem is that their voices low, when the laptop on your lap or sit very soft surfaces directly. Enjoy music and video while on the road is actually the preferred alternative to headphones. If you watch films at home plan, Intel's Wi - line interface or via the HDMI port directly is the best choice.

Keyboard and Touchpad
Satellite-E205 keyboard, spacious and very comfortable typing. Typing is much shorter than the average laptop keyboard, but as ... do not feel like a chiclet layout of keypad buttons island. Threw a short letter, it seems more likely, it seems that my input speed of normal speed. The keyboard itself has a good layout, I found that almost touch-sensitive buttons are a problem. My finger continues to press a single button and triggered one of the functions. It depends on the size of your hand, you may not have this problem. A handy feature of the E205 keyboard is fully backlit so readily into the lights as you type.


The E205 includes a spacious multitouch-enabled Synaptics touchpad. We found the touchpad to be a breeze to use in our testing with a responsive surface with no discernible lag. The lightly-texture matte surface was easy to slide your finger across when damp and had no hard boundaries around the touchpad zone. The only complaint I could come up with was regarding the stiff touchpad buttons which were hard to press with the edge of your thumb. Even though the buttons are wrapped around the leading edge of the palmrest, to activate a button from the front requires a ludicrous amount of force.

Ports and Features
Port selection was average with two USB ports, one USB/eSATA combo port, VGA-out, HDMI-out, audio jacks, and LAN. The E205 also offered a slot-loading optical drive and flush-mount SDHC-card reader. The biggest feature by far though is the Intel Wireless Display.


Front: Wireless On/Off and activity lights


Rear: Kensington Lock slot, AC-power, LAN, and VGA-out


Left: Heat vent, one USB, and audio jacks


Right: Optical drive, one USB, USB/eSATA, HDMI-out, and SDHC-card reader

Performance and Benchmarks
System performance was very good even with integrated graphics. The newer Intel HD Mobile graphics performed like a champ in light gaming or playing HD video. We had no trouble playing 720P or 1080P movies from this notebook through HDMI or the Wi-Di interface to watch them on an HDTV. The Intel Core i5-430M processor had no trouble handling our battery of system tasks, including typing documents, surfing the web, watching 1080P HD Flash off YouTube, or just compressing movies in iTunes. For its intended market of media-oriented consumers the Toshiba Satellite E205 is more than capable as long as you have no intention of playing many of the latest games.

Wprime processor comparison results (lower scores mean better performance):

PCMark05 measures overall system performance (higher scores mean better performance):

3DMark06 measures overall graphics performance for gaming (higher scores mean better performance):

HDTune storage drive performance test:

Heat and Noise
The Toshiba Satellite E205 is a very quiet notebook while running in balanced mode. During our tests the fan rarely came on if the notebook wasn't under a significant load. The loudest part about the entire notebook was its hard drive and even that was quiet. If you upgraded this notebook to make use of a SSD you would probably forget it was even turned on. With such a lax cooling system the E205 did run a bit on the warm side which may be a problem for some users. During our battery test where the system is only browsing the web, and not under any significant load, we measured a peak temperature of 96 degrees Fahrenheit on the bottom of the case.

Battery Life
For a recent-generation notebook with integrated graphics I have to say that I was not especially impressed by the power consumption of the E205 running on battery. While operating near idle the E205 consumed between 11 to 13 watts of power. In our test with the screen brightness set to 70%, wireless active, and Windows 7 set to the Balanced profile the Toshiba Satellite E205 stayed on for 4 hours and 45 minutes.

Conclusion
The Toshiba Satellite E205 is one of the nicest 14-inch consumer notebooks we have reviewed in a while. It offers an excellent modern design, a great color scheme, and very useful features. Wireless technology has come a long way in the past few years with Wireless USB usually being mentioned the most. Unlike Wireless USB, Intel Wireless Display actually works very well. We had no trouble pressing a single button and automatically connecting with a nearby Wi-Di receiver. Once connected the interface streamed 1280x720 resolution video without any audio/video sync issues and handled 3D-accelerated software as well as HD video. Wi-Di is one feature that I really want to be included in more notebooks and I am glad to see Toshiba bringing it to the market with the E205.

Pros:

  • Streams HD video wirelessly
  • Excellent design
  • Good build quality

Cons:

  • Touchpad buttons feel stiff
  • Case gets hot during use