Toshiba Satellite U840t

The Satellite U840t is one of three references in the Toshiba ultrabook range. It is a laptop with a 14 inch touch screen whose main mission is to follow you wherever you go. It comes in several versions and we had the opportunity to get your hands on one that is the most affordable it U840t-109-sold 800 euros.

Read more after the photos



This Satellite ultrabook is a notebook PC that is intended to take anywhere. Not too heavy (1.7 kg) and having a thickness just in the middle (2.2 cm), this gear 14 inch screen fits easily in a bag. Its battery gives it a more than 4 hours video playback. It could be higher than two hours (on average) if Toshiba opted for Intel Haswell components instead of keeping the "old" Ivy Bridge platform. However, it is more than enough to make applications run every day: word processing (Word), spreadsheet (Excel), Internet browser, video, music, etc.. Prefer headphones to speakers of the machine, despite the presence of SRS sound enhancing software gives relatively poor results. As the webcam elsewhere.

Some finishing details to review

Finishing "imitation magnesium" type of case is generally successful. Hood, rigid and thick, protects the machine and can withstand shocks related to transportation. On the sides are the regulatory range of connectors (1 and 2 USB 2 USB 3, HDMI, Ethernet, stereo output, microphone and memory card reader). The outline of the screen, shiny black plastic denotes fully with all and suffers from some minor assembly defects. Because it is soft, it deforms easily and tends to leave his home, creating small days. This phenomenon is particularly visible at the bottom of the screen. On a machine sold 800 euros, it goes hard.

A configuration that lack of storage

Equipped with a touch screen of 14 inches, a good backlit keyboard and a large touchpad, this device gives you the choice of weapons to control Windows 8 and your favorite software. They do not also have to be too resource intensive 3D because U840t does not carry a decent graphics card that name. It is indeed a small graphics controller of Intel Core i3 processor is responsible for displaying HD images (1366 by 768 pixels). The rest of the configuration comes down to 6 GB of memory and a hard disk of 500 GB, supported by a module 32GB SSD can not store anything on it. It simply and effectively boosts the storage unit to speed-among others-starts and exits before the machine. Note, there is no optical drive on the sides of the machine. Finally, applications side, Toshiba aligns its competitors also small game software or system maintenance, the manufacturer offers only limited evaluation versions of 90 days (virus for example).

Toshiba 14-inch ultrabook that is quite satisfactory given the price machine. Small finishing problems aside, the machine is fun to use. We only regret that Toshiba is behind a generation of processor on such machine. In fact, Intel's new platform significantly improves battery life in portable PC, which is always beneficial for a ultranomade machine.

Italy

Samsung UE65F9000

The new flagship of Samsung TVs is a UHD for Ultra-high resolution. UE65F9000 this model displays images in 3840 x 2160 pixels on a slab 65 inches diagonally. But - most importantly - it comes with a box containing all the external connectors. And it is interchangeable, which should allow the TV to be able to adapt to future compatible interfaces such as HDMI 2.0 UHD. We tested.

Armed with a huge slab of 65 inches diagonally, this TV displays 8.3 million pixels in an enclosure with a fancy design. The edges of the image are very thin, and even the back of the TV is fun to watch with a smooth hull. Only flaw in our annoying: the TV stand can not rotate the panel from right to left.

A very clean 2D image

Once set to cinema mode (the other picture modes are not designed to provide accurate colors but rather to dazzle the eyes), the display quality of this TV is hard to criticize. Shades of gray and the colors are true (gamma of 2.29, average temperature of 6411 ° K gray and medium DeltaE 1.87), with good coverage of 93% of the sRGB color space. The contrast ratio is good with deep blacks: it goes up to 3572:1 and 2565:1 in standard mode in movie mode (white at 165 cd / m² and black at 0.06 cd / m²). If necessary, the maximum brightness of the TV up to 409 cd / m². Will ensure good visibility in a brightly lit room.

Little better on some points

The uniformity of the backlight of the screen is pretty good, no obvious effect of clouding (gray spots on a solid black). We just found two minor light leakage in the left and right bottom corners of the slab. Another downside: the quality of the 3D (active) display of the TV is less than that of other Samsung TVs. Residual double image (crosstalk effect) is regularly seen in 3D when it had almost disappeared in the latest TVs from the Korean manufacturer. Finally, the viewing angles of the screen are still limited: the technology of the slab undergoes a loss of contrast as soon as viewed from the side.

Clever and well equipped, but some omissions

Samsung offers the most attractive and most ergonomic market menus, with an interface that has the merit of being smooth and responsive. It's rare enough to be appreciated. Only the interface of LG televisions are the same level. Connected services and many features are well presented, although some (like YouTube) are still far too slow to compete with a tablet (Apple iPad or Android) or laptop.

The problem is that the new remote from Samsung. It is equipped with a touchpad, which is not enough. It lacks a gyroscopic system score (to move the cursor on the screen), and also a real physical keyboard, to simplify the user's life. While it is possible to overcome this problem by controlling the TV with the smartphone. But we would prefer a remote control!

Ready for the future, for now it tinkers with videos UHD

You said it was very difficult to find and disseminate 4K video to "feed" the new UHD TVs ... Samsung illustrates the problem with a craft that makes you smile. The TV can not play video in 3840 x 2160 pixels through its USB ports. The only solution for now, Samsung has provided us with a USB stick containing four separate Full HD video, the TV assembles into a single image UHD when playing. A very convoluted system ...
However, Samsung is the only manufacturer to offer a UHD TV really ready for the future. Indeed, all the electronics and connectors on the TV remote is in an external enclosure, which can be changed to take advantage of new UHD interfaces (including HDMI 2.0). Warning, this case very hot, and the future model UHD can be costly ...

In short, it UE65F9000 Samsung is one of the most successful UHD TVs we've tested (face models from Sony, LG, Philips), but it is not perfect either. Again, it has not made it very useful in the absence of video content available UHD. But at least this is the only really be ready for the future!

Asus fonepad

This is an effective tablet, but also a tough smartphone! The fonepad inaugurates the era of "phablettes" Asus in this time with a 7-inch screen worthy of a true small digital slate. Equipped with a good screen and an attractive aluminum casing, the device is comfortable to use thanks to the responsiveness of the interface. Its function "phone" may, however, leave the user perplexed, because it is not a matter of wearing the device to his ear because of its size and weight (340 grams).

And because the Taiwanese manufacturer has not compromised on the template of the device, while phablettes Samsung and Sony (Xperia Galaxy Mega and Ultra Z) has a slightly smaller screen, especially a housing thinner and lighter (a little over 6 inches and 200 grams). Clearly, the fonepad is a 7-inch tablet that can connect to 3G, texting and phone calls. So be sure to keep in a purse or briefcase, and use a hands-free kit (wireless preferably a wired one is provided), with little hope of effectively replace a smartphone.

A very original point

But for the rest, the fonepad is a pleasure to use. Its Android system is fast, and the animations are fluid interface in all circumstances, even in the heaviest web pages. While Samsung, LG or HTC substitute their own graphic interface than Android, Asus simply just slightly touch the system. The drop-down notification panel has been redesigned for better access to basic parameters of the device (WiFi, data, Bluetooth, etc.).. The manufacturer also adds a new start menu to open small floating windows to use multiple applications simultaneously. A true multitasking that will appeal to advanced users.

We well recognize here Asus, which offers features designed by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, but leave the coup beginners side. If all the features and applications added by Asus are very useful (file explorer, backup applications, etc..), Their interface is too austere to seduce inexperienced user.

Very powerful but enduring

Despite its high-end appearance, the fonepad is a "low-cost" slate to less than 220 euros. So it features a few swift processor that does not allow him to run sophisticated video games. It will therefore be limited to a purely office use (Internet, email, basic 2D games, etc..). The screen also displays the phablette a beautiful image with realistic colors, but its brightness is too low for use in direct sunlight. However, these small weaknesses allow fonepad provide a very satisfying life: 27 hours in voice chat (screen off), nearly 7 hours of video playback and 8 hours of 3G web browsing. In standby, the fonepad hardly consumes energy and thus can survive several days without recharging.

If fonepad approaches ultimately more of a tablet than a smartphone, this device is a good deal with his broken price (219 euros), with a 3G phone function and no extra cost!

Nokia Lumia 925

The range of Windows Phone Nokia has a new top model, the Lumia 925. With this smartphone, the Finnish manufacturer announced uen picture quality further improved. We tested this mobile to make sure.

reality

With its new Lumia 925, Nokia Windows Phone book that hits both his photograph skills by its overall performance. With a comfortable grip and a lot lighter in the pocket than its predecessor 920 (139 g against 185 g), the new Lumia adopts a rejuvenated with a back polycarbonate design and brushed metal strapping. With, also, a large high-definition 4.5-inch screen, 925 wins with finesse but lacks the hull compatible with wireless charging (induction) of 920. Burden on the consumer to purchase an additional hull equipped with the device for benefit (30 euros). However, we can only lament the lack of microSD (requires finesse!): The user must be content with 14.5 GB available and 7 GB of virtual SkyDrive. A shame for a device-oriented multimedia.

Talent for photography and video in low light

As one of the high-end Windows Phone, the Lumia 925 has the latest version of the Microsoft operating system. It provides, for example, support for FM radio. But Nokia has especially benefited from this improved version to optimize image processing (Pureview) and add new features. Gain quality pictures in low light with 8.7-megapixel image sensor is quite stunning, surpassing the already excellent 920. In bright light, the 925 is among the best in photo as video. Is appealing multimedia enthusiasts, especially the moving bed major video formats up to 1080p and enjoy the exclusive Nokia services (Music, GPS, etc). Ultimate good surprise, the 925 wins considerably autonomy from the 920 and especially surfing on 3G network (over 10 h). Only downside, it uncomfortably hot when used intensively.

Compatible with 4G and NFC

Equipped for the new 4G networks and NFC transfers, Lumia adds to its good performance equipment choice as the largest AMOLED screen with vivid colors and deep blacks or double solid heart at 1.5 GHz processor. In the limit, of course, the restrictions imposed by Microsoft. Windows Phone does not yet support full HD, NFC or even HDMI or MHL output video type definition. Like its predecessor, the 925 can be used with gloved hands with a hyper sensitive touch interface. The MicroUSB port on the device has now be at the top of the screen which can be problematic for those who want to clip the mobile on a dock. Finally, note that the innovations introduced by Amber, the new version of Windows Phone 8 fitted to the 925, such as FM radio or clock display on the screen saver should be deployed before the end of August on all Windows Phone. Similarly, some Lumia benefit from the return of the new settings pictures present on the 925.

Thanks to its autonomy and its picture / video capabilities - especially in low light conditions, is rare enough to be mentioned - the Lumia 925 Windows Phone is one of the best. Penalized by its non-stretch in the absence of MicroSD memory card reader, it takes second place in our ranking just behind ATIV S from Samsung.

Vine for Android upgraded

The Vine application on Android unfolds its updates. After that occurred in June 2013, an update is again available for download on Google Play to satisfy lovers sharing short videos (6 seconds) taken on the spot.
Vine has the equivalent of the Retweet function, applied to the sharing of mini video clips shot with this application. A fashion "ghost" can view and overlay an image taken previously. A tool for development of video sensor is also being introduced.

Most original, the application now installs a button ( widget ) on the screen of the Android smartphone. As a result, it becomes possible to turn a mini video clip instantly and on the fly, without having to launch the application.

This accelerated pace of updates is to bring new competition suffered Vines (Twitter) since the appearance of sharing short videos (15 seconds maximum) on Instagram application (Facebook).

Eric Schmidt: Τhe Google driverless cars arrive in a few years

The chairman of Google, took advantage of the very popular annual conference, hosted by Allen & Company, to release some information about its relationship with Apple company and also on the status of future projects.

He has revealed that over the past year, after "many, many meetings," the relationship between Google and Apple are much improved. The two companies are "in constant business discussions on a long list of subjects" , he continued, according to Reuters. Tim Cook, who was also present at the event does does not it seem to take a position on this point.

Google Car approaching

Moreover, as he had been very careful so far on the subject, Eric Schmidt said that Google Cars are not so far from becoming reality. They come not in a few decades but just a few years. On this point, he joined with a little delay, Sergey Brin , co-founder of Google, who said in September 2012 that "will take several years of testing" before you see happen on our roads. Before adding, "a number of years than I can count with one hand" .

Confirming some outputs Sergey Brin and rumors appeared in the American press, Eric Schmidt also said that Google is or has been in discussion " with all automakers. " And to conclude, to put things in perspective: "The technology must be well thought out. Laws and regulations should be well thought out. Partnerships should be well thought out. "

The question of the economic model that will keep Google is always open. Does it follow that which has been proven with Android and that is to provide access to its technology to various players to quickly create a strong ecosystem? The answer in "a few years" . only

Philips 60PFL8707S

TP Vision will market to return a high-end TV Philips 60 inch only 1.35 cm thick. With such a simple thin LCD, one wonders if the OLED screens will actually have a future. In the meantime, this beautiful TV is undoubtedly one of the finest in the market.

Guarantee bright atmosphere!

Another novelty of this model is the Philips Ambilight 4 XL system, which will provide a light beam on the four sides of the screen. The Ambilight 4 system consists of 94 independent LED located at the back and center of the screen, and whose colors are synchronized with those of the image. It is also possible to synchronize the Ambilight TV (and all those produced from 2011) WiFi with LED bulbs Philips Hue. And, thanks to the application Ambilight + Hue 'available on Google Play and the App Store. Hue bulbs installed in the room therefore provide the same colors as the Ambilight.

A Smart TV with quad core processor

For the rest, called Elevation TV Smart TV will be a nicely equipped and offer the same features as the other models of the brand. Á namely WiFi Miracast, features content sharing with smartphones and tablets, the MultiRoom function (to watch the same program at the same time on two different TVs). Plus a wide multimedia compatibility via the network or one of the three USB ports using the DLNA certification, the ability to access NetTV portal and browse the Internet with the remote keyboard with integrated pointer comes with the screen, the HbbTV compatibility, etc.. All this under the guidance of a quad core processor loaded faster access to online services and displaying Web content.

Treatment and 900 Hz passive 3D

Video processing side, we will find the traditional battery comprising Philips Perfect Pixel HD Engine, a 900 Hz scan mode, a management tool backlight, the 3D Perfect Natural Motion, options specific settings contrasts with course The passive 3D compatibility and the availability of a converter 2D> and 3D depth adjustment tools terrain. Four pairs of 3D glasses will also come with the device.

Remains unknown: the price. It should be around 3 000. Note, however, that in addition to the remote and 3D glasses, TP Vision will also provide support for table, wall mount and camera to use Skype.