AMD PowerXPress 4.0 aka BACON vs. Nvidia Optimus

We were able to test out AMD's take on automatic graphics switching with the help of the Dell Vostro 3550.   The 15.6" office/multimedia hybrid notebook contains a dual-core processor of Intel's most recent Sandy Bridge generation (Core i7-2620M) and a mid-grade dedicated graphics card with DirectX 11 support (Radeon HD 6630M).

In short, BACON makes its presence known after not very long at all.  When starting various programs, a notification window pops up, stating: "The program XYZ uses 3D images and/or video but is not currently assigned to a particular graphics processor".  In other words: the system does not know which of the two graphics cards to use for numerous programs.  If you close the notification window, it's usually the on-board graphics card that takes over—bad for games.  If you press the "configure" button, however, you'll be redirected to the Catalyst Control Center (the settings menu for the graphics card) where you can choose the specific settings for each application on a quick, user-friendly list.  Fortunately, the Catalyst Control Center saves your settings and the next time you open up a program for which you've chosen the GPU, there's no notification window that pops up anymore.All in all, Nvidia Optimus is a notch above AMD.  For one, you don't have to bother with irritating notification windows popping up, and Optimus recognizes which GPU to use better.  The price, on the other hand, is more appealing on AMD's side.  AMD's user interface is also a bit easier to get used to (partly because of its limited options).  The Nvidia Optimus menus, however, are not incredibly user-friendly.  Whether AMD's concept will work when the laptop is connected to an external monitor depends on the particular manufacturer of the laptop at hand.  Another limitation of the AMD concept is that the user will not be able to make use of certain features of the dedicated graphics card like Eyefinity when the HDMI output is connected to the on-board GPU (HD Graphics 3000, for example)—but the system can still switch over to the dedicated graphics card.

Review Toshiba Portege R830-110 Notebook

The most affordable version of the Portégé R830 series (R830-110) can keep up with the current more qualitative business subnotebooks in many respects. This is no surprise, since the chassis has already been used by Toshiba successfully with the Portégé R700. The more expensive R830 variants (Core i7, i5, SSD) may be based on better performing components, but they don't improve the core features of the subnotebook.

Those that invest 1130 Euros in a Portégé, receive an impressively light subnotebook with a battery life of between five and six hours. The performance with an Intel Core i3 processor from the newest generation, and a rotating hard drive, may lag behind that of an i7/i5 and SSD, but is nevertheless sufficient for office use while on a train or in an airport waiting area.

Owners don't need to make any compromises when it comes to connectivity, since this is sufficient for the small form factor with a docking port, eSATA, and USB 3.0. The Toshiba website also lists Wireless Display as a feature. Our tested device contained an Atheros WLAN card though, with which this is not possible. A DVD drive doesn't have to be foregone either, just like an integrated UMTS module (standard in all R830 versions).

The list of disadvantages is relatively small, although this highlights important elements such as the display and the input devices. The display doesn't satisfy high standards as far as the color space, contrast, or viewing angles are concerned. In addition to this comes the relatively low brightness of 196 cd/m². Due to this the display is dim and difficult to read from under direct sunlight. The keyboard provides a generous layout and a firm supporting surface. Fast typing is possible with this, although a short key travel (also touchpad buttons), and a narrow pressure point, have a negative impact on the feedback. Nevertheless the keyboard is significantly better than those on consumer notebooks.

The manufacturing quality has some weak spots in a few details (hinge covers, bending). Considering the light weight (thin material) the stability shortcomings can be accepted though. A Portege R830 (1468 grams, magnesium) is unfortunately not comparable to a Vostro 3350 (2190 grams, aluminum), or an Apple Macbook Pro 13 (2004 grams, aluminum unibody) as far as stability is concerned. These 13.3 inch devices are elephants in comparison to the Portégé. The 13" MacBook Air comes comparatively close to these thanks to its aluminum unibody case.

As long as the dim display doesn't disturb, and no workstation tasks are performed with the R830-110, then the 13.3 inch device is a viable alternative for all those on the search for a subnotebook with a long battery life, integrated UMTS modem, docking port, and the performance of a mid-range notebook.

Review Lenovo IdeaPad Y560p-M61G3GE Notebook

The Lenovo IdeaPad Y560P has one big weak point that pulls the whole (good) notebook down – the display. There have been massive cutbacks made on the 15 incher here. The display is reflective and definitely not bright enough for a multimedia notebook. A mobile use is also only possible to an extent due to the weak battery runtime. The Lenovo IdeaPad Y560P's system performance and its JBL speakers are impressive.

The laptop's main feature, the Core i7-2630QM, was fully convincing with its four cores. The AMD Radeon HD 6570M graphics card is sufficient for current games, providing you reduce the detail level and resolution a bit. The installed six GB DDR3 RAM are absolutely sufficient. A nice feature is the installed DVB-T tuner. Cutting edge interfaces, such as USB 3.0 or the latest Bluetooth version, aren't found, though.

The price of almost 800 euros is nevertheless a clear challenge. If you don't need long battery runtimes and can cope with a weak display, you'll get a strong multimedia notebook for a small price.

Review Toshiba Satellite Pro L770-116 Notebook

Communication

The wireless and network connections are up to date. The Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller (1000 MBit/s), the Atheros AR9002WB-1NG WLAN card and the Bluetooth module (3.0 +HS) are all capable of the fastest transmission.

Security

A number of installed tools are found under the name, Toshiba EasyGuard, that are to make handling data and PC more secure. Among them, for example, antivirus software (McAfee, extra charge), Password Utilities, a bios with Computrace (theft protection, extra charge), a PC diagnostics tool and a backup tool. And finally, there is also the compulsory Kensington cable slot. A 3D sensor for the hard disk (protection in case of vibrations), like in the Tecra and Portégé, isn't installed.

Supplies

Recovery DVDs for Windows 7 Professional (64bit) has to be created via Recovery Media Creator. Only a small manual and a quick start guide are in the scope of delivery. In addition to various Toshiba tools (e.g. WebCamera, Face Recognition, HWSetup, Recovery Media Creator, Media Controller, etc.) there are also programs like Nero Multimedia Suite 10 Essential installed. The user has find out if there's something useful among the vast amount of tools and programs. Commercial bundles, like "Photo Service" (myphotobook) sooner belong in the "delete" category. We found the WiFi radar and HWSetup remarkable. It allows activating/deactivating devices or performance qualities easily.

Warranty

The Satellite Pro L770 is subject to only a one year warranty. It includes a pickup service after registering via the Toshiba hotline in Germany and Austria. The manufacturer also offers a warranty extension of up to 3 or 4 years (64, respectively 109 euros). Scope of service: spare parts and labor.

Review Dell XPS 15z Notebook

Facts about the Dell XPS z series was kept rather secretive for a long time. After all, it is the successor of the famous Adamo, or rather Adamo XPS. However, what we could judge with the first representative, the 15 inch XPS 15z, remains below the fueled expectations.
Without doubt, Dell delivers a good performance in terms of design and material appearance. In particular, innovative approaches that made the Adamo to what it was have been left out (for now). So, we'll have to wait and see how the XPS z series develops, especially the smaller models that will hopefully follow.

Dell has almost done a good job with the given interfaces and the stylish keyboard. However, the display's presentation is rather more average. The Full HD display, available for a surcharge, is bright and has a good contrast, but the reproducible color gamut is on an entry level standard. This may not be problematic for the average consumer. However, it could be a make-or-break criterion for professional users in the photo and graphics field, who are very well a potential target group among the "rising stars" in our opinion.
The available performance reserves pacify the potential customer. In the end, the Intel Sandy Bridge CPUs, together with Nvidia's Geforce GT 525M graphics card, supply enough power for application scenarios. The graphics card will quickly prove to be a bottleneck merely in serious gaming use. The 7200 rpm hard disk installed in every case supplies good benchmark scores, but can't convince in terms of emissions. A hybrid drive or even a solid state drive would definitely have been the better choice in this case, and it would have also matched better to the device's clean-cut image.

The high temperatures, as well as the high noise during load, did surprise us in view of the installed hardware. The slim base unit (about 20 millimeters) likely takes its toll here. Nevertheless, possible opponents from the Apple corner do a much better job with this. Only the used mass memory puts a wrench in the works in office mode and deters an otherwise pleasantly tempered, and at the same time quiet, notebook.

You'll only be able to enjoy the irremovable battery as long as it does its job without problems. It worked quite well in the test. Thus, the Dell XPS 15z can also be used well on the move with battery runtimes of 5-6 hours.

Review Sony Vaio VPC-EE4J1E/WI Notebook

The Sony Vaio EE4J1E/WI with an Athlon II P360 (2x2.30GHz) is a home laptop with low office performance data. The incorporated GPU, ATI Radeon HD 4200, can only render the latest 3D games in low details and resolutions, if at all. Therefore, if you are serious about gaming, you should look around for at least a HD 6550 or Nvidia GT 540M.

The ergonomic key figures are very good (temperature, noise, quiet DVD drive). In return, the battery runtimes come too short due to the weak 30 watt hour battery pack. The spongy, because yielding, keyboard unfortunately risks the otherwise exemplary qualities. The layout is only slightly inferior to that of a generous desk keyboard. The pressure point is clear and the keys can be use accurately (conic concavity).

A reflective and too dark screen, that makes working in the sun almost impossible and is even annoying indoors, join in on the tight battery life. In the end, the Sony Vaio VPC-EE4J1E/WI is a stylish 15.5 incher with low performance. The market environment bids better processors (Intel Core i3) and longer battery runtimes for considerably less than 528 euros. For example, the Fujitsu Lifebook A531 with a 2010 Core i3 starting at 485 euros or the HP Pavilion G6-1032eg with a Radeon HD 6470 and the same CPU for 460 euros.

Review Alienware M14x Notebook

Amazing workmanship has always been Alienware's trademark. Like its sister models, the M14x draws attention with its futuristic design. The Alienware models look a lot like sports cars with their slanted lines and enticing curves. The "ruber coating"("Soft-Touch“) found on the notebook cover and the keyboard borders serves two purposes. First, it gives the laptop surface a nice, soft feeling, and second it prevents annoying visual imperfections such as fingerprints (matt surface).

However, the glossy display is susceptible to dirt particles and fingerprints. The material quality is high, and it makes other laptops seem cheap. The sturdiness of the laptop is also very good - except for the slightly wobbly display. The case will only give way under enormous pressure.

2.86 kg total weight is a lot considering the 14 inch form factor. Most other models in this category are many 100 grams lighter. The case is also very deep, around 25.8 cm, which is usually seen in 15 inch notebooks. Frequent transportation will not be a problem thanks to the flat 150 W power adapter (540 grams).

The extensive case lighting is the feature which sticks out the most. The alien head, the Alienware logo on the display border and two bars in the front can be lighted up. In addition, the keyboard (four zones) and the touchpad can also be lighted. Almost any colour imaginable can be used for the lighting, even a bright mix is possible.

Friends and acquaintances will surely be jealous of this 14 inch model. The lighting is not only nice to look at, it also allows the user to recognize which key is where even in a dark room. So anyone who likes to work at night, or play games till dawn, would find the laptops from Alienware perfect for their needs.