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Review Toshiba Satego X200-21D

The next (last?) samurai. The currrent gaming-series by Toshiba is available in a number of different configurations. The 21D comes, e.g., with a more powerful CPU and a WSXGA display with a resolution of 1680x1050 pixel. Of course, these features raise the price, but, some potential buyers might still especially be attracted by the high-resolution display.

Toshiba Satego X200 logo

 

Note

Regarding case and input devices the Toshiba Satego X200-21D matches the  already reviewed Satego X200-20O. So, these section expect of the display video identical to the review of the Satego X200-20O. Here is the review of the Toshiba Satego X200-20O.

Case

The Toshiba Satego X200's design fits well to a gaming notebook and, so, it can easily be identified as such. Inlays with reflecting lacquer coating, slightly reddish speakers, the usual LED effects don't leave any doubts regarding intended field of operation.

In contrast to class competitors Toshiba still designed a very comfortable, yet striking, but nevertheless hardly pushing case. Especially the LEDs are very decent, so, contributing to the good look of the Satego.

If you browse the notebook specifications, the height might attract your attention. According to the specification it is actually 52mm, which appears incredible, because the X200 does not really appear to be so thick.  Due to skillful reductions of the height to the front side and the flanks the notebook still looks beautiful.

Considering the height, it's no wonder that the X200 scores high in the aspects flexural rigidity and pressure resistance. Furthermore, the notebook can be handled without creaking.

Somewhat unusual for notebooks of this size is the single central hinge which is additionally reversely attached. Besides we observed a clearly see-saw after adjusting the display's position, this design does not have any further disadvantages.

First of all, even during the short test period it got obvious that dust and dirt accumulates in the angle between display and hinge. But, it is also a good pencil groove, but be careful: If you forget about them before closing the display, the display is most likely broken.

An important aspect of DTR notebooks is the interface equipment and their order, especially, if the notebook is, as the Toshiba Satego X200, not equipped with a docking port. The display plays an important role here, because due to the chosen opening mechanism the interfaces had to be located at the notebook's flanks.

Unfortunately, the provided ports are also rather near to the front, because the back parts are used by the vent holes and the DVD drive.

So, all of the 6 USB ports, and also the LAN, Firewire, and HDMI port are near the front corners. The audio ports (audio in, S/PDIF, microphone, headphones) are even at the front edge.

Depending on the actual use, this can lead to cable spaghetti around the notebook, which might even disturb the user.

Toshiba Satego X200 Interfaces
Front Side: Audio ports, Card Reader
Toshiba Satego X200 Interfaces
Left Side: Power Connector, VGA-Out, Fan, LAN, 2xUSB, S-Video, HDMI, Firewire, ExpressCard
Toshiba Satego X200 Interfaces
Back Side: No Ports
Toshiba Satego X200 Interfaces
Right Side: 4xUSB, Modem, DVD Drive, Kensington Lock

Input Devices

The input devices are as spacious as the case. At the top side of the base unit a keyboard with clear layout, separate numerical pad, and molding with hot keys is provided.

All of the keys are of comfortable size. Also the the layout is alright, providing clearly separated groups of keys. The surface of the silver keyboard is interesting. It seems a little bit roughened and nearly ceramic in use.

The way typing feels does not totally fit to the otherwise high-quality impression. The keys have a very clear point of pressure, but, seem to wobble a little bit. Also the clattering noise and the dull noise when pressing single keys a little more forceful is a matter of taste.

The touch pad is placed in the center below the keyboard and this means rather at the left side of the base unit, due to the provided separate numerical block. It has good sliding properties and user-friendly buttons. By pressing a blue illuminated icon at the right top of the pad, other icons, provided directly at the pad, are activated. These can be used to launch some special functions.

Considering this aspect, also Toshiba's current Fn visualization might be interesting. If you press the Fn key, a graphical menu is moved down from the upper display edge. It can be used to control the provided options also by mouse. Unfortunately, this is rather slow, so, using the direct Fn + key combination might be preferable.

Toshiba Satego X200 touchpad
Touch pad
Toshiba Satego X200 keyboard
Keyboard

Display

Display Measurement
Color Diagram

As already mentioned, the primary change in the Satego X200-21D model is the WSXGA display with a higher resolution of 1680x1050. So, the desktop size of the 17 inch display is good. Especially, Internet and office applications profit from the higher resolution. However, it depends on the overall performance of the notebook, if it is possible to use a resolution of 1680x1050 when running games.

The review of the brightness uncovered that this display is clearly less bright than the WXGA+ panel. The maximum measured brightness is 175.2 cd/ in the center of the screen. These are almost 35 cd/m² less compared to the 1440x900 panel.
However, it's illumination is 75.9%, so it rates better than the WSGA+ version, whose illumination is only 65%, regarding this aspect .

Another important aspect, especially for gaming notebooks, is the display's speed of reaction. If the speed of reaction is too low, the displayed picture will become blurred when running fast ego shooter games. This can compromise gaming fun and success.

The display of the Toshiba Satego X200-21D had already been criticized regarding this aspect. Therefore, we had a closer look at its reaction speed too. However, subjectively there weren't too many problems when running different games. Look at the following video to form your own opinion.

133
cd/m²
169.2
cd/m²
139.7
cd/m²
147.5
cd/m²
175.2
cd/m²
148.6
cd/m²
175
cd/m²
171.4
cd/m²
161.9
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
Maximum: 175.2 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 157.9 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 76 %
Contrast: 584:1 (Black: 0.3 cd/m²)

The black value is 0.3 cd/m², giving combined with the maximum brightness an excellent contrast ratio of 584:1. Compared to the WXGA display, it is clearly better in this aspect.

Outside, the 21D is nearly identical to the 20O version. The reflecting surface makes it hardly possible to work outdoors. Considering its big dimensions, the 21D fits anyway better too desktop work ...

Regarding viewing angles the built-in display does also not differ much from the one of the Satego X 200-20O. While they are good horizontally, they are rather moderate vertically. Furthermore, the display reflects, at acute horizontal angles.




Video of Display's Viewing Angles

Performance

At the first glance, different Satego models too not differ much regarding performance. Nonetheless, if you take a closer look, you'll find some. E.g., this model is equipped with a Core 2 Duo T7500 with 2.2 GHz, 4 MB of L2 cache and 800 MHz FSB.

This model is once again equipped with a NVIDIA Geforce of 8700 M GT graphics adapter, however, there is a small improvement: The 256 MB video memory of the X200 20O have been replaced by 512 MB DDR3 VRAM. Assuming that there are 4GB main memory available, a total of up to 2.3 GB are available as video memory. Checking chip and memory clock rate uncovered that they are identical compared to the 20O model, i.e., 625 MHz respectively 700 MHz.

We were highly interested how these minor upgrades would affect the benchmark  results. Right at the beginning we got already disappointed by the results on the 3D Mark 05 and 06 benchmarks. The result of the 21D was even slightly worse compared to the worse equipped 20O.

Playing Doom 3 in practice, the performance was better due to a higher frame rate. The same is true for the FEAR benchmark, where we also uncovered the same loss of performance comparing medium and maximum level. However, this should be due to  driver problems of current NVIDIA graphic adapters.

Overall, the game performance was slightly improved compared to the X200-20O. So, the Toshiba Satego X 200-21D should be fit for current games, however, you might need to reduce the resolution and the number of details for higher frame rates.

Equipped with 2 GB of main memory and two 120 GB hard disks, the 21D is identical equipped than the X200-20O regarding these aspects. These are a also a balanced choice in the 21D.

3DMark 05 Standard
8844 points
3DMark 06 Standard Score
4313 points
Help
120 GB - 5400 rpm
Transfer Rate Minimum: 0.1 MB/s
Transfer Rate Maximum: 44.4 MB/s
Transfer Rate Average: 28.8 MB/s
Access Time: 17.2 ms
Burst Rate: 55.5 MB/s
CPU Usage: 11.3 %
Doom 3
 ResolutionSettingsValue
 1024x768Ultra, 0xAA, 0xAF86.2 fps
 800x600High, 0xAA, 0xAF116.8 fps
 640x480Medium, 0xAA, 0xAF139 fps
 640x480Low, 0xAA, 0xAF132.2 fps
F.E.A.R.
 ResolutionSettingsValue
 1024x768GPU: max, CPU: max, 0xAA, 0xAF30 fps
 800x600GPU medium, CPU medium, 0xAA, 0xAF31 fps
 640x480GPU min, CPU min, 0xAA, 0xAF308 fps
Quake 3 Arena - Timedemo
 ResolutionSettingsValue
 1024x768highest, 0xAA, 0xAF424.1 fps

Emissions

Loudness

Unfortunately, we could not measure the noise emissions of the Toshiba Satego X200-21D. Subjectively, they are similar to the 20O model.

The notebook is surprisingly quiet in the office mode or without load. Under load the fan speeds up. However, one can still easily stand the maximum noise level, especially when playing games.

Temperature

Compared to the 20O the surface temperature of the Satego X 200-21D was a little lower. Basically, you can expect that these two notebooks are similar regarding this aspect, as the processor of the 21D is only a little more powerful.

Max. Load
 27.7 °C
82 F
28.4 °C
83 F
26.7 °C
80 F
 
 28.2 °C
83 F
27.8 °C
82 F
28.7 °C
84 F
 
 27.7 °C
82 F
28.4 °C
83 F
27.2 °C
81 F
 
Maximum: 28.7 °C = 84 F
Average: 27.9 °C = 82 F
32.4 °C
90 F
33.1 °C
92 F
29.1 °C
84 F
32.1 °C
90 F
31.2 °C
88 F
28.2 °C
83 F
29.7 °C
85 F
27.9 °C
82 F
26.2 °C
79 F
Maximum: 33.1 °C = 92 F
Average: 30 °C = 86 F
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 27.9 °C / 82 F, compared to the average of 33.8 °C / 93 F for the devices in the class Gaming.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 28.7 °C / 84 F, compared to the average of 40.4 °C / 105 F, ranging from 21.2 to 68.8 °C for the class Gaming.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 33.1 °C / 92 F, compared to the average of 43.2 °C / 110 F
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 28.4 °C / 83.1 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(±) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.9 °C / 84 F (+0.5 °C / 0.9 F).

Speakers

Regarding speakers, the X21D is identically equipped to the X200-20O. Above the keyboard there are left and right optically striking speakers. In total four Harman/Kardon speakers are provided at the top side.

Additionally, there is a sub woofer at the bottom side, which supports the speakers a the top side with rich sound. The result is convincing: Sonority, quality, and maximum volume are brilliant.

There is only one point of critique: The speakers are beneath a cover with spacious holes, which cannot easily be removed. It's a mystery how dust particles, which will unavoidably penetrate, can be removed from the diaphragms again...

Battery Runtime

It's to be expected that the X21D has a similar battery runtime than the  X 200-20O, i.e., between 3.5 and 4 hours. The slightly more powerful CPU might shorten the runtime under load a little bit.

Verdict

Overall we had the same positive impression that we had of the Toshiba Satego X200-20O we reviewed a while ago. Although the dimensions are rather big, it appears smaller due to a good design. Workmanship and stability of the case are also alright.

The display has a higher resolution, but, in turn, the brightness is lower. Generally, this is a matter of taste.

The performance of the reviewed Satego X 200-21D is about equal to the 20O. While the benchmark results were slightly worse, playing games in practice it proved a higher performance.

There were no surprises regarding emissions. The temperature is always alright, while the noise emissions are alright in office mode and a little high, but, still acceptable under load.

The battery runtime should be about the same than the X200-20O's, granting about 4 hours unplugged work. However, the Toshiba X200-21D is in general not designed for long mobile work.

Toshiba Satego X200
Toshiba Satego X200

Many thanks to the company MediaMarkt Wels which kindly provided us with the reviewed notebook. You can also buy the notebook there.

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Toshiba Satego X200
Reviewed: Toshiba Satego X200

Specifications

Toshiba Satego X200-21D
Graphics adapter
NVIDIA GeForce 8700M GT - 512 MB VRAM, Core: 625 MHz, Memory: 700 MHz, GDDR3
Memory
2048 MB 
, DDR2 PC5300 667 MHz, 2x1024MB, max. 4096MB
Display
17.10 inch 16:10, 1680 x 1050 pixel, WSXGA TFT Display, glossy: yes
Mainboard
Intel PM965
Storage
120 GB - 5400 rpm, 120 GB 
, 5400 rpm, 2nd hard disk: 120 GB 5400 rpm Hitachi HTS 541612 J9SA00
Soundcard
Realtek ALC268 HD Audio
Connections
1 Express Card 54mm, 6 USB 2.0, 1 Firewire, 1 VGA, 1 HDMI, 1 S-Video, 56 Kbps V.92 Modem Modem, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: Audio In, S/PDIF, Microphone, Headphones, Card Reader: 6-in-1 Bridge Media Adapter (supports SD Card, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, MultiMedia Card, xD-Picture Card, SD IO)
Networking
10/100/1000 LAN Card (10/100/1000MBit/s), Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth Bluetooth
Optical drive
TSSTcorp DVD-RW TS-L632D
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 52 x 288 x 399 ( = 2.05 x 11.34 x 15.71 in)
Battery
65 Wh Lithium-Ion, 6000mAh (10.8V)
Operating System
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 32 Bit
Additional features
remote control, Toshiba Tools, Ulead DVD MovieWriter, Norton Internet Security 2007, InterVideo WinDVD,... , 24 Months Warranty, fingerprint reader, 1.3 mp webcam
Weight
3.98 kg ( = 140.39 oz / 8.77 pounds), Power Supply: 1.04 kg ( = 36.68 oz / 2.29 pounds)
Price
1799 Euro

 

Toshiba Satego X200 Image
The Toshiba Satego X200's design is typical for gaming notebooks ...
Toshiba Satego X200 Image
The sound of the Harman/Kardon speakers is, combined with the sub-woofer on the bottom side, very good.
Toshiba Satego X200 Image
The same is true for the temperature emissions.
Toshiba Satego X200 Image
Still the noise emissions are even under load alright.
Toshiba Satego X200 Image
ensuring very good benchmark results.
Toshiba Satego X200 Image
It comes with a Core 2 Duo CPU and a NVIDIA Geforce 8700 M GT video card,
Toshiba Satego X200 Image
Highlight of the X200-21D is its hardware equipment.
Toshiba Satego X200 Image
The X200-21D comes with a reflecting WSXGA display with average brightness.
Toshiba Satego X200 Image
The keyboard looks good and is user-friendly due to a good layout.
Toshiba Satego X200 Image
Regarding mobility you should also consider the weight of the power supply, which adds another kilo to the total weight.
Toshiba Satego X200 Image
Among others 6 USB ports and a HDMI port are provided.
Toshiba Satego X200 Image
It is generously equipped with interfaces, however, their order could be better.
Toshiba Satego X200 Image
No wonder, it's height is rather big.
Toshiba Satego X200 Image
Workmanship and robustness are also alright.
Toshiba Satego X200 Image
Still, it looks good.
Toshiba Satego X200 Image
... striking look, colorful chassis, glossy surfaces, and the usual LED lights.
Toshiba Satego X200 Image
The battery runtime was also alright.

Pros

+Good performance
+Low noise emissions
+Good sound
+Passable battery runtime
+Big input devices
+Generously equipped with interfaces
+Robust case
+Nice design
 

Cons

-Big dimensions and weight
-Unfavorable order of the interfaces near the front
-Display's moderate viewing angles

Devices from a different Manufacturer and/or with a different CPU

Review Asus G2SG Gaming Notebook
GeForce 8700M GT, Core 2 Duo T9300
Review Toshiba Satego X200 Notebook
GeForce 8700M GT, Core 2 Duo T7300

Devices with Same Screen Size and/or Weight

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GeForce GTX 770M, Core i7 4700MQ, 17.30", 3.418 kg
Review Toshiba Satellite P70-A-104 Notebook
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Review Toshiba Satellite L875D-10E Notebook
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Toshiba Qosmio X870-119 Notebook Review
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Review Toshiba Qosmio X770-11C 3D Notebook
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Toshiba Satego X200-21D - 10/22/2007
J. Simon Leitner

Chassis
88%
Keyboard
90%
Pointing Device
92%
Connectivity
94%
Weight
56%
Battery
74%
Display
77%
Games Performance
97%
Application Performance
99%
Temperature
85%
Noise
78%
Add Points
96%
Average
86%
89%
Gaming - Weighted Average
J. Simon Leitner, 2007-12-11 (Update: 2012-05-26)