Tuesday, February 3, 2015

DELL ALIENWARE A17 - LAPTOP Conqueror

When the legendary title «Alienware» adherents playing style shudder. They are like no one else knows what adventures await them, should be involved in the process of playing on such a powerful laptop. Is not the first year, these truly terrible Soup occupy a leading position, and their competitors are the least productive laptops, for example, MSI or ASUS. By the way, despite the high cost, fans Alienware is not reduced.

At the time, we became acquainted with a number of laptops of this family, each left an indelible mark and did not disappoint. For example, the 18-inch Dell Alienware's flagship is equipped with CPU Core i7-4800MQ and two powerful discrete graphics card NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M, working in mode SLI; a relatively small 14-inch displays high performance, thanks to the GeForce GTX 765M graphics and quad-core Intel Core i7-4700MQ. In no way inferior and Dell Alienware M17x, which has its undeniable advantages, including no less productive filling, supplemented by two terabyte hard drives in RAID 0.

Familiarity with Dell Alienware 17 Release 2014 promises to be no less interesting. It also uses the top-end graphics, works in conjunction with the processor Haswell, possibly gaming "alien" is as perfect as his brothers in the shop and on reason.

technical characteristics


  • Processor: Intel Core i7-4710MQ 2500MHz
  • Memory: 16 GB DDR3 1600 MHz
  • Information Storage: 1000 GB HDD 7200 rpm, 80 GB SSD
  • Display: 17.3 "1920x1080 Full HD LED, matt
  • Video card: Intel HD Graphics 4600, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 880M 8 GB GDDR5
  • Drive: DVD ± RW
  • Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g / n, Bluetooth 4.0
  • Audio: Dolby Home Theater v4, 2 speakers
  • Interfaces: 4xUSB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort, combined HDMI, RJ-45, a card reader, microphone input, headphone output, combined audio jack
  • Extras: 2 MP webcam
  • Battery: 8-cell Li-Ion 7800 mAh
  • Dimensions and weight: 413.5h299h48-46 mm, 4.15 kg
  • Operating System: Windows 8.1 64-bit
  • Options: Dell Alienware A17-9226


design

On the power and uniqueness of this laptop can "see" even through the prism of his appearance. Militant and partly minimalistic look of the laptop Dell Alienware 17, as well as a recognizable face on the cover of a stranger produces, as before, an unforgettable experience. Sloping lid panel have a dark gray matte finish, they do not look rough, and with stripes backlight notebook on the contrary, quite original. Even seemingly massive elements like not only gamers, but also simple layman, indifferent to the entertainment.

Form laptop traditionally difficult to bring to a common denominator - exaggerated a rectangle, which is closer to the rear end has a sloping cut corners. Sidewall casing particularly noticeable due to the large insertion, but this merely adds to the overall ideas of designers. As a result, the appearance of this laptop is quite recognizable to the previous model, everything has finished appearance and uniform style.

The materials used in the building, complement the image of an unyielding laptop. Here live well brushed aluminum and magnesium alloy. All this protects the Dell Alienware A17 of random vibration, as well as small mechanical damage from the outside, inevitable in daily operation.

The bottom surface is half occupied vents. Of course, too powerful devices differently and should not be, because the heat dissipation must be in the case of high load is intense enough. Assembling the notebook is excellent, no squeaks, no flex. Hinges connecting the display to the base, stand the set of opening / closing. In general, in another way, and could not be, because requirements in this respect at least high.

It is unlikely that the choice of Dell Alienware A17 you a big worry for large size and considerable weight. However, this information should not be neglected. Thus, the size of the notebook 413.5h299h48-46 mm and weighs 4.15 kg. Definitely not a game, but an ordinary 17-inch laptop is often more compact than this.

Display, sound, webcam

The laptop is equipped with 17.3-inch Full HD-display with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. TFT-matrix has a matte surface, but not perfect visibility. But the size of the screen is easy to play, not to mention watching videos and other tasks. The display has excellent color and detail, as well as a sufficient level of brightness (an average of 260 - 270 cd / m2). In addition, thanks to the good contrast black really is as close to ideal.

Webcam Laptop Alienware 17 is much better than in many other laptops. It has a 2-megapixel resolution is complemented by two stereo microphones, in general, is ideal not only for Skype, but if you need to take pictures.

Also, do not fail speakers Dolby Home Theater v4 and Support Klipsch. For sound coming from the speakers will be characterized by saturation, frequency balance and volume. You can clearly hear the bass and do not strain your ears, because the volume is missing. In the games soundtrack is quite important, so do not once again explain how such speakers have in place. By the way, it will be more advantageous in comparison with Dynaudio, standing in gaming laptops MSI, and will maximize the plunge into what is happening on the screen. In the end, you can connect headphones to experience total immersion in the game and appreciate the sound close to ideal.

Keyboard and Touchpad

While using a laptop keyboard you will enjoy not only the standard mode, but you can tell the whole working surface, as used herein matte soft-touch coating. From that your fingers will not slip at the wrong time. In addition, the keypad is quite clear impact and a good move with a minimum of noise when pressed, is available nampad.

I would also like to note the interactive branded lighting AlienFX, which understood, will manage it easily. As a result, special settings can be highlighted not only the touchpad, power button, but the whole keyboard or its separate areas.

ASUS TRANSFORMER PAD TF303CL - IDEAL TRANSFORMER found!

Perhaps today it is incorrect to attribute transformer as noutbuchnogo segment of the market, to the category of new products. Such devices are already well accustomed to the store shelves, and even won a niche buyers. In addition, hybrids are becoming more functional, and if before the unit can boast of, say, a powerful stuffing, at this stage apparent serious improvement.

In general, all the lyrics, which, however, brings you to the hero of our review - Transformers 2-in-1 Transformer Pad TF303CL from ASUS. Maybe this model is not too remarkable in their appearance, but inner filling it will certainly appreciate.

technical characteristics


  • Processor: Intel Atom Z3745 1330 MHz
  • RAM: 2 GB
  • Information Storage: 16 GB of internal memory
  • Display: 10.1 "1920x1200 WUXGA LED IPS, glossy
  • Video card: Intel HD Graphics (Bay Trail)
  • Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a / b / g / n, Bluetooth 4.0, 3G, 4G, GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS
  • Audio: 2 speakers
  • Interfaces: Micro-USB, Micro-HDMI, card reader microSD, a slot for micro-SIM, combo audio jack; Dock Keyboard: USB 2.0
  • Optional: 1.2 megapixel front webcam, a 5 megapixel rear webcam
  • Battery: 3-cell lithium polymer 25 Wh
  • Dimensions, weight: 257h178h20 mm, 1 kg 145 g; Pad: 257h178h10 mm, 550 g
  • Operating System: Android 4.4 KitKat
  • Options: ASUS Transformer Pad TF303CL (90NK0142-M00940)


design

The gadget is available in two colors: blue and gold. Suffice unusual move for the producer, because usually the device dressed in black and white body. On the other hand, it is fashionable today to stand out, but the usual banal colors clearly no surprise.

Such material is typical for manufacturers of mobile gadgets and familiar to users. Of course, the metal - it's stylish and beautiful, but at the same time, high-quality plastic and did not spoil the device. However, without the metal still has not done: because of his engineers designed hinge connecting the upper part to the lower.

Returning to the lid, more precisely, to its surface. Plastic soft-touch is remarkable that non-slip and superficially looks very well, and most importantly, the device is quite comfortable to hold. Unfortunately, there is here and fly in the ointment: the lid on itself actively collects fingerprints. Exactly in the middle of it is the logo ASUS, above it - the rear webcam. At the ends evenly "scattered" interfaces.

Front of the tablet in the eye catches a wide frame around the screen. Orientation gadget horizontal, the speakers are located on the right and left of the display, at the top - is a webcam front, next to which another, but now a small sign ASUS.

While many manufacturers try to make the process of transformation "pozakovyristey" in this ASUS decided not to bother. Its principle is simple to ugliness: a tablet with a keyboard connected through Lasik and snaps. For the reverse transformation, just press a special button on the hinge.

By the way, if you wish, you can purchase additional cover plate, which performs two functions: it protects the device from scratches and other damage, and also serves as a support to, for example, it was convenient to watch movies on your tablet.

Of course, the dimensions of the transformer - it is also an important aspect, because the device is still mobile, accordingly, should not bring discomfort to the user's life. So, part of the tablet ASUS Transformer Pad TF303CL following dimensions: 257h178h10 mm, weight - 550 g In the video connections vary only the thickness, growing by 10 mm. The mass also becomes larger, accounting for 1 kg 145 In general, hybrid produces an excellent impression. One can see that it is made to the "5+", because absolutely nothing to complain about, no squeaks, no backlash or subsidence.

Display, sound and webcam

Screen device has a diagonal size 10.1 inches and a resolution of 1920x1200 pixels (WUXGA). Fortunately, the matrix has a standard IPS, which ensures good viewing angles and generally high quality picture. The brightness of about 220 cd / m2 can not be called a record, but, in principle, it is not bad. On the contrast (766: 1) the situation is much better, it is just excellent.

Of course, the display of the hybrid sensor, and it is capable of supporting up to 10 simultaneous touches. On the sensor there is absolutely no problem, it works quickly and accurately, without the need to restart.

Given the landscape orientation of the tablet, confusing the question remains: why the manufacturer put the speakers in locations where the user holds the tablet hands? Unfortunately, this sin many brands, and the logic of such actions is difficult to explain. Sound, by the way, pretty good, but still for normal listening will either connect a headset, or else connect the tablet to the keyboard and use it as a laptop or just put it beside him. In the end, we are not dealing with a player and certainly not with a multimedia gadget.

With web-cam is simple: the resolution is 1.2 megapixel front, rear - 5 megapixel. The first is good for video calling, with the help of a second can make quite normal pictures. By the way, the rear camera has autofocus, but no flash.

DELL INSPIRON 15 5000 (5547) - Budget handsome

Global Update-known and quite popular in our market Dell Inspiron line in the summer of 2014. Then it was presented just three family laptops Dell Inspiron: 3000-series, 5000-series and 7000-series. We were on the review was of the middle 5000-series - Dell Inspiron 15 (5547), hereinafter referred to in this review we will call it a Dell Inspiron 5547. This model can be characterized as a premium laptop budget segment. The fact that this is a very peculiar laptop that is 100% can not be attributed to a particular class, it has a well-balanced filling, aluminum trim, long operating time, but at the same mediocre multimedia capabilities due to the characteristics of the display.

There are many different complete sets Dell Inspiron 5547, and first of all it is worth noting options with discrete graphics and touch screen, these models can already be attributed to multimedia classrooms, even entry-level. We were also testing got the base version with integrated graphics Intel HD Graphics 4400 and not the usual touch screen.

technical characteristics

  • Processor: Intel Core i5-4210U 1700 MHz
  • Memory: 6 GB DDR3 1600 MHz
  • Information Storage: 500 GB HDD 5400 rpm SATA II
  • Display: 15.6 "1366x768 WXGA LED TN, glossy
  • Video card: Intel HD Graphics 4400
  • Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g / n, Bluetooth 4.0
  • Audio: 2 speakers
  • Interfaces: 2hUSB 3.0, USB 2.0, HDMI, RJ-45, a combined audio jack, card reader
  • Optional: 1 megapixel webcam
  • Battery: 3-cell lithium-ion 44 Wh
  • Dimensions and weight: 380x259x21.9 mm, 2.38 kg
  • Operating System: Windows 8.1 (64-bt)

Scope of delivery

Since we had an engineering sample, in the box except for the laptop and a small power supply there was nothing else. However, notebooks available for sale should be completed, at least, a set of documents, and possibly some other accessories.


design

Design Dell Inspiron 5547 is undoubtedly his forte. Looking at the laptop and evaluating its appearance, most people are likely to bring it to the class of image, in fact before us a budget model. The main "culprit" in an erroneous evaluation of the class of this laptop is brushed aluminum lid, which suggests association with the more expensive line of XPS. In addition to the horizontal grinding, cover also boasts a rounded shape (it seems to be down at the back side) and is easily recognizable company logo DELL, which is placed in the center.

But not only cover one interesting design Dell Inspiron 5547. Of the aluminum frame is also made of the bottom, which surrounds the central portion of the plastic. Matte plastic is also used on the edge of the notebook and interior finishing work surface. It is worth noting that this is quite a qualitative plastic and most importantly - practical. The only glossy part in this notebook - the frame around the display.

By the way is very interesting and the appearance of the faces of the notebook. If you look at the closed notebook side, we see a black layer between two silver plates, these layers are just the edge of the notebook, on which the ports. But these black insert gradually tapering to the front face. Something similar is often used in Ultrabooks. Thanks to this design decision Dell Inspiron 15 (5547) looks much thinner than it actually is. Have this model is another unusual for budget notebooks feature - complete lack of ventilation holes on the sides, which further suggests the comparison with the ultrabook.

The bottom of the Dell Inspiron 5547 is more like ultrabuchnoe or some other more expensive laptop, but not a budget device. Here we see an aluminum edging and plastic centerpiece. However, if you remove the very central part of the pre-unscrewing a couple of screws, you can see that it is under the aluminum frame, which features hard drive bay, two bars and a memory module Wi-Fi. Still it is possible to note the presence of only one small ventilation slots and two rubberized strips that serve as legs.

ASUS ZENBOOK UX303LN - Plunge into the world

It is considered that ultrabook - a device that performs more aesthetic function, but not practical. Typically, these gadgets are endowed not the most powerful stuffing, but because, for example, to play modern games on them is unlikely to succeed. However, as it turned out, that judgment has long been nothing more than a stereotype, and the hero of this review - a clear proof of this.

ASUS ZENBOOK UX303LN, as befits ultrabook looks presentable and stylish. Resolution of its display (1920x1080) optimal for such a compact laptop hardware components are the envy of everyone. As the video here involved NVIDIA GeForce 840M, which can run multiple demanding applications. Of course, the good performance of the processor will provide the latest generation Haswell.

technical characteristics:

  • Processor: Intel Core i7-4510U 2000 MHz
  • Memory: 8 GB 1600 MHz DDR3L
  • Storing information: 1 TB HDD 5400 rpm
  • Display: 13.3 "1920x1080 Full HD LED IPS, matt
  • Video card: Intel HD Graphics 4400, NVIDIA GeForce 840M 2GB DDR3
  • Drive: None
  • Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11b / g / n, Bluetooth 4.0
  • Audio: 2 speakers
  • Interfaces: 3xUSB 3.0, HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, a card reader SD / SDHC, combo audio jack
  • Optional: 1.3-megapixel webcam
  • Battery: 3-cell lithium polymer 50 Wh
  • Dimensions and weight: 323h223h20 mm, 1.45 kg
  • Operating System: Windows 8.1 64-bit
  • Options: ASUS ZENBOOK UX303LN (90NB04R1-M03380)

design:

As befits a representative class ZENBOOK, gadget looks great. The design is dominated by minimalism, and the metal housing, no doubt, makes it elegant and stylish. Interestingly, the cover is additionally coated with glass Gorilla Glass, which is not only aesthetic character, but also practical. Thus, due to this, the upper part ultrabuka turned sufficiently thin and light.

Special attention should be the color of the device, including, and cover. Manufacturer called it «Smoky Brown», that is, somewhere between brown and gray. In the middle of the lid is hard to miss the brand logo ASUS, whose letters are highlighted in white. Unfortunately, the upper part of the laptop turned out quite a mark, due to the presence of glass on it. That's why you need to carry a towel to wipe her if necessary laptop.

Display, of course, also covered with a protective glass, you can see the top of the webcam, and under it - the company logo. Hinging also made of aluminum, it is strong in appearance and makes a good impression. Podladonnaya surface in color does not differ from the cover, but the keys - black. The bottom of the whole, are located around the perimeter of the four rubber feet that do not allow the device to slide on the surface. In the back, next to the joint can be seen vents, performing the function of a heat sink.

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Overview of the tablet Trekstor SurfTab Wintron 10.1

Cure for amnesia. Unlike most other commercially available Windows-plate model of this review, is equipped with a sufficient amount of RAM. But its advantages do not end there.

2 GB of RAM instead of 1 GB - it's good. Though not as good as 4 GB. As already guessed, dear reader, Wintron 10.1 boasts serious variety of configuration options that uncommon in the world of tablets.

In our review involved the most inexpensive model with WXGA screen instead of Full HD, and without built-in 3G-modem.

Features of the tablet. design

Despite the adequate amount of RAM, internal users have very little: 32 GB flash memory constant freely only about 20 GB. Place is the operating system Windows 8.1 with the search Bing, it is added pre-installed Microsoft Office (license for one year).

Extend the built-in memory allows memory expansion slot micro-SD. Available also micro-HDMI video output and even one full-port USB 2.0, in addition to micro-USB. Also supported by WiFi and Bluetooth. A decent set for a tablet.

With a thickness of about 9 mm and weight body, equal to 0.66 Kg, Wintron 10.1 slightly heavy for long holding the weight in one hand. Working with him is convenient, just put on the table or on your knees, or other surface. However, Android-tablet with a similar screen sizes weigh only slightly less.

Looks dark with silver stroke on the side faces quite serious. Would not hurt, however, little to diversify the monotony - many users would appreciate the opportunity to choose the orange-and-white, or even any bright color instead of the usual gray. But what is not, it is not.

display

The manufacturer used the Mighty IPS screen with a resolution of 1280x800 pixels. It is suitable for reading (in any orientation), and to view photos and videos. Touch coating does not require calibration accuracy when first turned on, and always instantly reacts to touch dry fingers.

We measured the brightness and contrast are good, as well as viewing angles. Tablet copes with sunlight (the contents of the screen is still readable).

Factory calibration matrix is not bad, and problems with color reproduction, in addition to slightly evolved cold (blue) colors, either by eye colorimeter could not be detected.

A brief overview of the notebook MSI GS60 2QE Ghost Pro 4K

Its weight in gold. The updated model of a thin gaming notebook from MSI is now available with a powerful but more economical nVIDIA graphics card series Maxwell, Ultra HD screen and golden colors. Is it worth the money or should choose simpler and cheaper?

Last summer we tested MSI GS60 2PE Ghost Pro 3K - thin and light notebook with a high-resolution screen and powerful gaming components. They are clearly not enough cooling, and in 2880 to 1620 pixels were explicit enumeration, the installed graphics card nVIDIA GeForce GTX 870M to play on this resolution is simply not designed. But as soon as it became possible, it was replaced by the new GTX 970M, based on economical architecture Maxwell - power consumption and heat have been reduced, and it is possible that the laptop is no longer cool.

Productivity also rose, and MSI decided that the laptop screen should be replaced by more precise, this time "4K" (in fact, of course, correct its resolution called Ultra HD - read why), ie 3840 to 2160 pixels . It is 4 times more than in Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels), and even the graphics card for desktop PCs with such a resolution in games cope with difficulty. Detailed testing of the screen will reveal its strengths and weaknesses and help you decide whether or not to pay extra for a configuration with GS60 Ultra HD.

At this time, we were sent to test the model with golden colors of the shell (Sales also still have a black). The case itself is completely changed and talk in detail about it, we will not - related information, refer to our review of the previous model GS60. The same applies to interfaces, keyboard and klikpadu, speakers and communications. This time is used by the wireless module Qualcomm, not Intel, but their capabilities and the reception quality are the same. So pay attention to detail UHD-screen and a new video card: configuration for notebook MSI with them requires more than 130 thousand rubles, which is approximately equal to the value of recently tested Asus G751JY with more powerful components, and almost any other gaming laptop for the money could be your - even as thin as our GS60. Know whether it is right MSI appreciated his creation, and whether it will suit everyone.

Matrix resolution screen made by Samsung, is 3840 to 2160 pixels (Ultra HD). It's very, very much, because even in 1920 by 1080 pixels on a 15.6-inch diagonal provide quite a clear picture. However, if we compare it with the screen Apple MacBook Pro Retina 15 (2880 by 1800 pixels), the difference is still noticeable. But this is not the limit, our Ultra HD screen looks even more accurate, though the difference is not so great.

However, if the Mac OS X for such a high resolution adapted perfectly in Windows 8.1 is still experiencing problems. More precisely, not so much in itself Windows, in applications written for it, developers do not follow this precise guidelines as in the case of the Mac. Take, for example, the game client Origin of the well-known company EA (Electronic Arts). Its current version is clearly not designed for such high-definition screens, as our GS60: Fonts menu tiny, and 30 games in our library took only half of the screen.

Black level can not be considered high, but at the same time of 0.45 cd / m² - no more than the average result for the modern premium-level screen. Black seems a little grayish, but no more than 3K-model (0.43 cd / m²), and IPS-matrix result is not so bad, the values in the 0.2-0.3 cd / m² are rare. Given this figure and the highest measured value of brightness, the maximum contrast ratio was 536: 1, quite mediocre for such an expensive laptop result. 3K-U model it is 751: 1, and best IPS-matrix exceeds 1000: 1. Thus, the screen provides a very clear picture, but the colors seem a little faded.

The new processors Qualcomm Snapdragon. The first information

Anticipated problems processor Snapdragon upper price range 810 is still not confirmed, however, some producers have declined to use it. For example, the smartphone Samsung Galaxy S6 may instead use the chip Samsung Exynos.

But Qualcomm has other suggestions, more successful (like Snapdragon 801), and the company is preparing to soon expand even list them. We are talking about completely new 64-bit chips, which will be familiar to the various smartphones and tablets around the second half of this year.

Snapdragon 616. The logical development of Snapdragon 615, with eight cores architecture Cortex ARM A53 with a frequency of 1.8 GHz to 2.2 GHz. Claim to support LTE Cat. 6 (up to 300 Mbit / s) and built-in Adreno 408 graphics accelerator.
Snapdragon 620. Uses Qualcomm's own architecture called Taipan (the details are still unknown) and uses 4 cores with graphics chip Adreno 418. Supports LTE Cat. 10 (up to 450 Mbit / s). In turn, the chips with indices 625 and 629 use the same graphics chip and the same standard LTE, but equipped with 8 cores and are able to work with a mobile RAM LP DDR4.
Snapdragon 815 uses eight cores, both of which are active only 4 (four weak core to save power or four powerful for demanding tasks). Standard LTE - Cat. 10 (up to 450 Mbps), a graphics accelerator - Adreno 450 is supported LP DDR4.
Snapdragon 820. The fastest and most interesting of all, it will be produced by Global Foundries and fast to use 8 cores. Responsible for the graphics adapter previously unseen Adreno 530, LP DDR4 and 450-Mbps LTE in place.