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Review Toshiba Satellite C850-1LX Notebook

Add some contrast to the office. A Celeron dual-core processor from the Ivy Bridge generation powers this Toshiba notebook. The processor joins forces with a 15.6-inch display, plenty of hard drive space and Windows 8. On paper, the computer claims to serve the needs of most users. Whether this is true in practice is a question for our review to answer.

For the original German review, see here.

If you are on a hunt for a new notebook but do not want to pay a lot of money, it will not take long for you to find a treasure trove of options. In today's market, the buyer is spoilt for choice -- practically every manufacturer offers numerous devices in the 300 to 400 Euro (~$392 to $523) price range. Toshiba adds to the rich assortment with various models from their Satellite C850 series. Our review of the Satellite C850-1LX reveals whether or not the notebooks are much good.

To position the notebook in its rightful place in the lineup, we'll measure it against the competing Samsung Series 3 355E5C-S02DE (AMD E2-1800Radeon HD 7470M) and Asus F55A (Pentium B980HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)).

Case

Toshiba selected a black plastic case for their Satellite C850. The aesthetic and design are familiar from the Satellite Pro C870 (17.3-inch notebook). The manufacturer implemented exclusively matte surfaces, with one exception: The touchpad is encircled by a glossy ring. The palm rest, backside of the lid, and touchpad (including the keys) are clothed with a textured surface that adds traction and hides fingerprints. Both the Samsung computer and the F55A are dressed in purely plastic cases as well.

Overall, the base unit only yields slightly under pressure. The left front edge is a weak spot. In this area, the case can be easily forced inward. This is not particularly surprising, given that the DVD burner is located underneath that portion of the case. The computer's torsion resistance could be stronger; the base unit twists too noticeably and easily. The notebook's lid can be bent with little force too. In many areas of the backside of the lid, the plastic can be forced inward far enough to cause alterations on the screen. The hinges hold the lid tightly in position and bounce a little. It is not possible to open the lid with only one hand.

There is a maintenance hatch.
There is a maintenance hatch.
The surface texture increases traction.
The surface texture increases traction.
The case is made of plastic.
The case is made of plastic.

Connectivity

All three of the notebooks we are comparing are equipped with today's customary connections. All the computers possess at least one USB 3.0 port. The two competitors have an advantage over the Satellite machine: Both devices offer a Gigabit Ethernet connection. The Satellite can only provide a Fast Ethernet connection. The C850's connections are not positioned in the most optimal locations. Most connections are located in the front section of the right side.

A memory card reader is located on the front side (SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC).
A memory card reader is located on the front side (SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC).
Right side: Headphone jack, Microphone jack, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, HDMI, Ethernet, VGA output, slot for a Kensington lock
Right side: Headphone jack, Microphone jack, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, HDMI, Ethernet, VGA output, slot for a Kensington lock
Left side: Power supply connection, USB 2.0, DVD burner
Left side: Power plug, USB 2.0, DVD burner

Communication

WLAN module from Realtek (RTL8188CE) is at work in the C850. This module supports the WLAN standards 802.11b/g/n. The WLAN reception presented no problems. Neither in direct proximity (about three meters/~10 feet) nor two floors beneath the position of the router (transmitting power: 50 percent) did the connection break. The Ethernet chip is also from Realtek. Unfortunately, Toshiba installed only a Fast Ethernet chip -- in the year 2013 a Gigabit Ethernet chip should be standard. A Bluetooth module is not available, though Bluetooth can be used via a Bluetooth USB stick. The webcam (1 megapixel) produces a completely satisfactory image up to a resolution of 1280x800 pixels.

Accessories

The accessory assortment is sparse. A quick-start pamphlet and a user handbook are included in the packaging.

Operating System and Recovery

Windows 8 (64-bit) is installed on the Satellite C850's hard drive. A Windows 8 DVD is not included. To freshly install the operating system after switching out the hard drive (for instance in favor of a quick SSD), the user will need to run recovery DVDs. To that end, Toshiba included the Recovery Media Creator tool. For those who do not particularly like Windows 8 and would rather install Windows 7, the necessary Windows 7 drivers are available on the Toshiba website.

To repair the operating system in case of a defect, the Windows 8 recovery system is at the user's disposal. The system can be accessed by continuously pressing the F9 key as the computer is booting.

Maintenance

After removing the maintenance hatch, the user has access to the hard drive, working memory and the BIOS battery. There is no access point to the fan. The Satellite C850 is outfitted with two working memory banks; one bank is occupied by a four-gigabyte module. According to the Toshiba website, the device supports up to 16 GB of working memory. The hard drive can be switched out easily; the drive can be simply pulled out. The Satellite is equipped with a 9.5 mm notebook hard drive. Any hard drive in which the connector is integrated into the caddy will fit in the notebook. Thin hard drives (7 mm) are of course also a viable option.

Warranty

The Satellite C870 is furnished with a 12-month Bring-In-Warranty. In the event of a warranty claim, the notebook's owner must send the device to Toshiba. By registering with Toshiba, the warranty can be extended to 24 months free of charge -- including pick-up service. Buyers of the Samsung computer also obtain a two-year warranty. Owners of an F55A have to be satisfied with a 12-month warranty. Toshiba offers further warranty options at additional cost: A three-year on-site warranty can be obtained for about 100 Euros (~$131), and a four-year warranty is available for about 150 (~$196).

Input Devices

Keyboard

Toshiba equipped the Satellite with a conventional keyboard. It does include a number block. The main keys have smooth, flat surfaces and measure 17 x 15 mm. Overall; the keys have a mid-length travel and a good tactile response. We would have liked the resistance of the keys to be a little stronger. Unfortunately, the keyboard yields with each keystroke and therefore does not provide a very good typing experience. Both the arrow and the enter keys could have been a little larger.

Touchpad

The C850's multi-touch-capable touchpad was conceived by Synaptics and measures about 8.6 x 4.6 cm (~3.4 x 1.8 inches). The pad is encircled by a glossy plastic ring that separates the touchpad from the palm rest. Both the pad as well as the mouse keys are spread with the same surface texture as the palm rest and the backside of the lid. The texture does not interfere with the glide of fingers. The various multi-touch gestures can be turned on and off individually in the touchpad's configuration menu. The two mouse keys have a short travel and a good tactile response.

The keyboard yields to pressure while typing.
The keyboard yields to pressure while typing.
The touchpad is multitouch-capable.
The touchpad is multitouch-capable.

Display

Toshiba built the Satellite with a glossy 15.6-inch display with a native resolution of 1366x768 pixels. Other display types are not offered for the device. Those interested in a matte display might like to take a look at a model from the structurally identical Satellite Pro C850 series. We measured the display's average brightness at 184.4 cd/m², which is on the lower side of average for its price class. The displays of the F55A (239.8 cd/m²) and the Samsung computer (226 cd/m²) both reached substantially superior brightness values.

181
cd/m²
184
cd/m²
186
cd/m²
191
cd/m²
197
cd/m²
191
cd/m²
178
cd/m²
180
cd/m²
172
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
Chi Mei N156B-L0B tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 197 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 184.4 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 87 %
Center on Battery: 151 cd/m²
Contrast: 1094:1 (Black: 0.18 cd/m²)54.9% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
79.2% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
53.2% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Satellite C850 vs. sRGB
Satellite C850 vs. sRGB
Satellite C850 vs. AdobeRGB
Satellite C850 vs. AdobeRGB

The big surprises were the display's contrast (1094:1) and black value (0.18 cd/m²). Both values are very good. It is hard to come across results of this caliber even in considerably more expensive notebooks. Neither the Samsung computer's display (400:1, 0.59 cd/m²) nor the F55A's (241:1, 1.08 cd/m²) even came close to these exceptional values. The Satellite's display can reproduce neither the AdobeRGB nor the sRGB color gamut.

We measured the display in its factory settings (target color space sRGB) and detected substantial DeltaE 2000 deviations from cyan. The display's DeltaE deviations from red, blue, yellow, magenta and the grayscale were smaller (between 5 and 10). Only green and white fell in the target color space (DeltaE deviations less than 5). The display's overemphasis of blues yields a cool impression.

CalMan - Color saturation
CalMan - Color saturation
CalMan - Grayscale
CalMan - Grayscale
CalMan - Color accuracy
CalMan - Color accuracy

The display's high contrast value ought to enhance its readability in outdoor areas. Unfortunately, the low maximum brightness cancels out that advantage. Our pictures reveal that the screen content is barely readable. The photo below was taken on a cloudy day. In full sunshine the image would be almost completely obscured.

The display's mediocre viewing angle stability once again betrays the notebook's price class: Changing the vertical viewing angle quickly leads to inversions of the image. The screen is more generous as the angles change in the horizontal direction. The display can be read from the side (up to nearly 180 degrees), though the image darkens progressively.

Viewing angles Toshiba Satellite C850-1LX
Viewing angles Toshiba Satellite C850-1LX
The Satellite in outdoor use.
The Satellite in outdoor use.

Performance

The Satellite C850 series consists of inexpensive 15.6-inch notebooks. All the models offer enough performance for everyday applications like word processing, Internet communication, video playback, etc. Our review device is currently available for between 400 and 450 Euros (~$523 and $588). The Toshiba website presently lists a total of 15 models in the Satellite C850 series. The devices differentiate in terms of their processor (from Celeron to Core i3), hard drive size, amount of working memory, and operating system (Windows 8 or Windows 7). The most inexpensive model on the market at the moment (C850-11V) is available for about 350 Euros (~$457). The device is a Windows 7 Home Premium system, equipped with a Celeron B815 and a 320 GB hard drive. 

Under the label Satellite C850 Pro, Toshiba is selling a structurally identical series of notebooks for private and corporate use. The main difference between the two series (apart from the usual difference in components) is that the devices in the Satellite C850 Pro series are equipped with a matte display.

System info HWInfo
System info GPUZ
System info CPUZ RAM SPD
System info CPUZ RAM
System info CPUZ Mainboard
System info CPUZ Cache
System info CPUZ CPU
System information Toshiba Satellite Pro C850-1GR

Processor

In our review model, an Intel Celeron 1000M dual-core processor provides its services. This processor is from the Ivy Bridge generation. The CPU works at a speed of 1.8 GHz. The Celeron has no turbo mode.

The processor completed the Cinebench benchmark's CPU tests continuously at full speed (1.8 GHz). The Samsung computer's AMD processor (AMD E2-1800Radeon HD 7470M) is only 100 MHz slower, but it did considerably worse. The F55A's Pentium processor (Pentium B980HD Graphics) was the clear winner. The Pentium worked at a markedly higher speed (2.4 GHz) than the Celeron and thus completed the tests strides ahead. If they were to have the same clock frequency, the Celeron would certainly come out on top, since the superiority of the Ivy Bridge architecture over the Sandy Bridge architecture would be evident.

The Samsung computer possesses the strongest GPU and achieved the best results in the Cinebench R11.5 GL test. Surprisingly, in the Cinebench 10 tests the Samsung's GPU came in behind both of the competitors. Here the Samsung computer's weak CPU revealed its true nature. Although the Satellite and F55A's Intel graphics cores both bear the HD Graphics title, performance-wise they were not consistent. Here again the reason lies in the differing architectures (Ivy Bridge vs. Sandy Bridge). In every GL test the Satellite outdid the F55A.

Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
2480
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
4757
Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
3534
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single CPUs 64Bit
3151 Points
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 64Bit
6023 Points
Cinebench R10 Shading 64Bit
3399 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
0.74 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
1.46 Points
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
9.23 fps
Help
Cinebench R11.5 - OpenGL 64Bit (sort by value)
Toshiba Satellite C850-1LX
HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge), 1000M, TOSHIBA MQ01ABD075
9.23 fps
Asus F55A-SX099D
HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge), B980, Seagate Momentus Thin ST320LT020-9YG142
7.35 fps -20%
HP Compaq Presario CQ58-350SG
Radeon HD 7310, E1-1200, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E380
7.64 fps -17%
Lenovo B575e
Radeon HD 7340, E2-1800, WDC Scorpio Blue WD5000BPVT-00HXZT3
8.53 fps -8%
Fujitsu LifeBook A512
HD Graphics 3000, 2328M, Toshiba MK3276GSX
9.11 fps -1%
Dell Vostro 2520
HD Graphics 3000, 2328M, Seagate Momentus Thin ST500LT0 12-9WS142
9.24 fps 0%
Lenovo B590 MBX2JGE
HD Graphics 4000, 3110M, Seagate Momentus Thin ST500LT0 12-9WS142
13.02 fps +41%
Samsung Serie 3 355E5C-S02DE
Radeon HD 7470M, E2-1800, Hitachi Travelstar 5K750 HTS547575A9E384
14.5 fps +57%
Acer Aspire V5-551-64454G50Makk
Radeon HD 7500G, A6-4455M, Seagate Momentus 5400.6 ST9500325AS
19.5 fps +111%

System Performance

The system runs steadily and fluidly. The device's good result in the PC Mark 7 benchmark confirms the accuracy of this impression. The system is on par with that of the Dell Vostro 2520 (Core i3-2328MHD Graphics 3000), which is outfitted with a faster and stronger Core i3 processor. The F55A's (Pentium B980HD Graphics) PC Mark 7 results and those of the Samsung computer (AMD E2-1800Radeon HD 7470M) were considerably poorer. In both cases the competitors' slow hard drives are to blame. The weak processor is an added handicap for the Samsung computer.

Since there is only one main memory module in the Satellite, the main memory works in single channel mode. The CPU and GPU generally profit from a second main memory module, since they are more efficient in dual-channel mode. But on the whole, the Satellite does not profit from a second module. We installed a second module and ran the PC Mark 7 and PC Mark Vantage tests again -- in both cases the results were identical to those recorded in single channel mode. We expected a 10 percent improvement. However, installing a used SSD (Corsair Nova V32 - 32 GB) elevated the PC Mark 7 values considerably -- by about 22 percent, to 2555 points.

4.7
Windows 8 Experience Index
Processor
Calculations per second
5.9
Memory (RAM)
Memory operations per second
5.9
Graphics
Desktop performance for Windows Aero
4.7
Gaming graphics
3D business and gaming graphics
6.2
Primary hard disk
Disk data transfer rate
5.9
PCMark Vantage Result
3762 points
PCMark 7 Score
2093 points
Help
PCMark 7 - Score (sort by value)
Toshiba Satellite C850-1LX
HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge), 1000M, TOSHIBA MQ01ABD075
2093 Points
HP Compaq Presario CQ58-350SG
Radeon HD 7310, E1-1200, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E380
1073 Points -49%
Acer Aspire V5-551-64454G50Makk
Radeon HD 7500G, A6-4455M, Seagate Momentus 5400.6 ST9500325AS
1201 Points -43%
Lenovo B575e
Radeon HD 7340, E2-1800, WDC Scorpio Blue WD5000BPVT-00HXZT3
1237 Points -41%
Samsung Serie 3 355E5C-S02DE
Radeon HD 7470M, E2-1800, Hitachi Travelstar 5K750 HTS547575A9E384
1348 Points -36%
Asus F55A-SX099D
HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge), B980, Seagate Momentus Thin ST320LT020-9YG142
1678 Points -20%
Dell Vostro 2520
HD Graphics 3000, 2328M, Seagate Momentus Thin ST500LT0 12-9WS142
2071 Points -1%
Fujitsu LifeBook A512
HD Graphics 3000, 2328M, Toshiba MK3276GSX
2087 Points 0%
Lenovo B590 MBX2JGE
HD Graphics 4000, 3110M, Seagate Momentus Thin ST500LT0 12-9WS142
2531 Points +21%

Storage Devices

CrystalDiskMark
CrystalDiskMark
HD Tune
HD Tune

Toshiba furnished their Satellite notebook with a hard drive from their own company. The drive has a capacity of 750 GB and works at 5400 rpm. At that number, there is ample space for music files, videos and pictures. CrystalDiskMark recorded a read speed of 98.1 MB/s. HD Tune reported an average transfer rate of 79.7 MB/s. These values are completely respectable for a 5400-rpm hard drive. The short access time of 16.7 ms is a highlight for the notebook.

TOSHIBA MQ01ABD075
Transfer Rate Minimum: 5.4 MB/s
Transfer Rate Maximum: 104.5 MB/s
Transfer Rate Average: 79.7 MB/s
Access Time: 16.7 ms
Burst Rate: 131.2 MB/s
CPU Usage: 4.2 %

Graphics Card

The Toshiba computer's GPU is also from Intel and bears the HD Graphics title (Ivy Bridge). It works at a speed of 350 to 1000 MHz and supports DirectX 11. The GPU's performance is stronger than that of the graphics core of the same name based on Sandy Bridge architecture. The GPU takes its position between the HD Graphics 2000 and the HD Graphics 3000.

There is no surprise in the results from the various 3D Mark benchmarks: They simply correspond to the performance abilities of each GPU. The Samsung computer (AMD E2-1800Radeon HD 7470M) achieved the best results, the F55A (Pentium B980HD Graphics) the worst. The Satellite placed between the two. The 3D Mark 11 benchmark results were not improved by installing a second working memory module (dual-channel mode). The same went for the 3D Mark Vantage benchmark, though in the 3D Mark versions 03, 05 and 06 the results increased by about 10 percent with the installation of a second working memory module.

3DMark 2001SE Standard
10349 points
3DMark 03 Standard
7451 points
3DMark 05 Standard
5186 points
3DMark 06 Standard Score
2894 points
3DMark Vantage P Result
1478 points
3DMark 11 Performance
366 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
20208 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
1875 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
251 points
Help
3DMark 06 - 1280x1024 Standard Score AA:0x AF:0x (sort by value)
Toshiba Satellite C850-1LX
HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge), 1000M, TOSHIBA MQ01ABD075
2894 Points
Asus F55A-SX099D
HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge), B980, Seagate Momentus Thin ST320LT020-9YG142
2597 Points -10%
Samsung Serie 3 355E5C-S02DE
Radeon HD 7470M, E2-1800, Hitachi Travelstar 5K750 HTS547575A9E384
3537 Points +22%

Gaming Performance

The Satellite's CPU-GPU combination runs some current 3D games fluidly at low resolution and low quality settings. A less demanding game, like FIFA 13, can be played at the display's native resolution (1366x768 pixels) at medium quality settings. The frame rates can be partly increased with the use of a second working memory module. With two modules, the working memory runs in dual-channel mode, which benefits the GPU. As previously stated, the results from the various 3D Mark benchmarks were only partly improved with the installation of a second working memory module. The same was true in the gaming benchmarks. The frame rates in the F1 2012 game did not improve, but in Starcraft 2: Heart of the Swarm the frame rates increased by 10 percent. In Tomb Raider the frame rates went up by about 5 percent.

Those who wish to play games often should contemplate purchasing a different notebook. The Aspire E1-571G (Core i3-3110MGeForce GT 620M) and the Packard Bell EasyNote TS11SB-250GE (AMD A8-3520MRadeon HD 6620G + Radeon HD 7670M) are two inexpensive 15.6-inch notebooks with good gaming performance. Both computers run most current games fluidly.

low med. high ultra
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011) 16.9 9.4
F1 2012 (2012) 20 18 16
Fifa 13 (2012) 69.7 42.7 20.9
Tomb Raider (2013) 21.5 10.5
StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm (2013) 80.8 19.3 10.8

Emissions

In idle mode, we measured a sound pressure level of 32 to 32.2 dB(A). The fan does stand still occasionally, but even then, the computer is not silent -- the hard drive still whirs audibly. If the fan is running alongside the hard drive, the resulting noise is quite bothersome in quiet surroundings. The Samsung computer (31.2 to 34.8 dB(A)) was even louder than the Satellite. The F55A (30.6 dB(A)) ran the most quietly. At 34 dB(A) under medium load (3D Mark 06 running) and 37.7 dB(A) under full load (stress test, Prime95 and FurMark running), the Satellite was not overly loud and was on par with the Samsung notebook (35.4 and 37.5 dB(A)). The F55A (40.1 and 42.2 dB(A)) was considerably louder.

Noise Level

Idle
32 / 32 / 32.2 dB(A)
HDD
32.5 dB(A)
DVD
37.7 / dB(A)
Load
34 / 37.7 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Voltcraft sl-320 (15 cm distance)

Temperature

The Satellite C850 in the Stresstest.
The Satellite C850 in the Stresstest.

The Satellite does not have problems with overheating, and it is cool enough to set on a lap in every load range. In idle mode, we measured temperatures between 25.4 and 33.9 degrees Celsius (77.7 and 93 degrees Fahrenheit). Under full load, the temperatures even fell to 22 to 32 °C (71.6 to 89.6 °F). It is not uncommon that a notebook's case warms up more in idle mode. The fan generally runs more slowly than under full load (or not at all) and therefore blows less warm air out of the case. The F55A and the Samsung computer both warmed up more than the Satellite under full load, but both of their temperatures were still in the green zone.

The CPU and GPU completed the stress test (Prime95 and FurMark both running at least an hour) both in AC power mode and battery mode at full speed (1.8 GHz and 1000 MHz, respectively). The CPU temperature leveled off at about 57 degrees Celsius (134.6 °F) in AC power mode.

Max. Load
 22.1 °C
72 F
27.9 °C
82 F
29.1 °C
84 F
 
 22.2 °C
72 F
28.1 °C
83 F
30.9 °C
88 F
 
 22 °C
72 F
24.1 °C
75 F
29 °C
84 F
 
Maximum: 30.9 °C = 88 F
Average: 26.2 °C = 79 F
32.5 °C
91 F
29.1 °C
84 F
22.7 °C
73 F
28.3 °C
83 F
29.7 °C
85 F
23.6 °C
74 F
28.7 °C
84 F
27.9 °C
82 F
23.5 °C
74 F
Maximum: 32.5 °C = 91 F
Average: 27.3 °C = 81 F
Power Supply (max.)  37.4 °C = 99 F | Room Temperature 21 °C = 70 F | Voltcraft IR-360
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 26.2 °C / 79 F, compared to the average of 29.5 °C / 85 F for the devices in the class Office.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 30.9 °C / 88 F, compared to the average of 34.2 °C / 94 F, ranging from 21.2 to 62.5 °C for the class Office.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 32.5 °C / 91 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 28.3 °C / 83 F, compared to the device average of 29.5 °C / 85 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are reaching skin temperature as a maximum (32.5 °C / 90.5 F) and are therefore not hot.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 27.7 °C / 81.9 F (-4.8 °C / -8.6 F).

Speakers

The Satellite's stereo speakers are located above the keyboard, underneath a plastic covering punched with tiny holes. The speakers produce a very thin, metallic sound. Bass tones are completely absent. The sound experience is considerably better with headphones or external speakers.

Energy Management

In idle mode, we measured a power draw of between 8.5 and 12.1 Watts. With those measurements the Satellite proved to be markedly more frugal than the F55A (up to 16.2 Watts) and the Samsung computer (9.7 to 15.3 Watts). Under medium load (3D Mark 2006 running) and under full load (Prime95 and FurMark running) the Satellite contented itself with 27.1 and 30.5 Watts, respectively. Here the distance between the Satellite's results and the Samsung (35.2 and 43.9 Watts) and F55A's results (40.6 and 47.6 Watts) proved to be even greater.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0 / 0.3 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 8.5 / 9.6 / 12.1 Watt
Load midlight 27.1 / 30.5 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Voltcraft VC 940
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.

Battery Life

In idle mode the Satellite ran for 6:24 h and thus achieved a better result than the F55A (6:15 h) and the Samsung computer (6:07 h). We measure the battery run time in idle mode with the help of the Battery Eater Reader's test. The screen runs at the lowest brightness setting, the energy-saving profile is activated and the wireless modules are turned off. Under load, the Satellite ran out of steam after 1:44 h. The Samsung computer reached a considerably longer run time (2:47 h). The F55A (1:11) came in behind both competitors. We measure the device's run time under load with the Battery Eater Classic test. The screen runs at full brightness, and both the high performance profile and wireless modules are activated.

In the more practically relevant WLAN test, the Satellite ran 3:47 h. The 355E5C (3:51 h) and the F55A (4:12 h) both lasted a little longer. In this test, websites are automatically loaded at 40-second intervals. The energy-saving mode is active and the display brightness is set to about 150 cd/m². After recharging the battery, the machine played a DVD for 2:49 h. Once again the competition (Samsung: 3:24 h, Asus: 3:47 h) lasted a little longer. The DVD test is run with the energy-saving profile active (or a high profile, if the DVD does not play fluidly), at full screen brightness and with the wireless modules deactivated.

The battery run times of the three devices are easy to compare, since their batteries all have similar capacities (Samsung, Toshiba: 48 Wh, Asus: 47 Wh).

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
6h 24min
WiFi Surfing
3h 47min
DVD
2h 59min
Load (maximum brightness)
1h 44min

Verdict

The Toshiba Satellite C850-1LX.
The Toshiba Satellite C850-1LX.

The Toshiba Satellite C850-1LX gains points for its good application performancevery high contrast display and its 24-month warranty. In addition, the case always remains cool and the computer's energy consumption is moderate. Thanks to the large hard drive, there is plenty of storage space. However, the notebook has its problems too. The display brightness is low and the keyboard sags while typing. The buyer also has to make do without Gigabit Ethernet. The hard drive also makes a lot of noise, and in combination with the fan, the sound is rather bothersome in quiet surroundings. The case could be more stable as well.

The Asus F55A offers more computing power and a longer battery life. Those who are able to make do without more computing power can currently purchase the F55A's entry-level variant (Celeron B830, Ubuntu Linux) for about 260 Euros (~$340). The Samsung Series 3 355E5C-S02DE should be the first choice for anyone who needs a matte display and/or a good keyboard.

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In Review: Toshiba Satellite Pro C850-1GR
In Review: Toshiba Satellite Pro C850-1GR, courtesy of:

Specifications

Toshiba Satellite C850-1LX
Processor
Intel Celeron 1000M 2 x 1.8 GHz, Ivy Bridge
Graphics adapter
Intel HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge), Core: 1000 MHz, 9.17.10.2875
Memory
4 GB 
, DDR3, Single-Channel, 2 Banks
Display
15.60 inch 16:9, 1366 x 768 pixel, Chi Mei N156B-L0B, TN LED, glossy: yes
Mainboard
Intel HM70 (Panther Point)
Storage
TOSHIBA MQ01ABD075, 750 GB 
, 5400 rpm
Soundcard
Intel Panther Point PCH - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
2 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 VGA, 1 HDMI, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: Microphone Jack, Headphone Jack, Card Reader: SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC
Networking
Realtek RTL8102E Family PCI-E Fast Ethernet (10/100MBit/s), Realtek RTL8188CE Wireless LAN 802.11n (b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/)
Optical drive
TSSTcorp CDDVDW SN-208AB
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 33.5 x 380 x 242 ( = 1.32 x 14.96 x 9.53 in)
Battery
48 Wh Lithium-Ion, 10.8 V, 4200 mAh
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 8 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: 1 Megapixel
Additional features
Speakers: Stereo, Keyboard Light: no, McAfee Internet Security (60 day trial version), Microsoft Office 2010 (trial version), Toshiba Video Player (DVD playback), Nero 12 Essentials, 24 Months Warranty
Weight
2.3 kg ( = 81.13 oz / 5.07 pounds), Power Supply: 241 g ( = 8.5 oz / 0.53 pounds)
Price
449 Euro

 

...and offers a capacity of 48 Wh.
...and offers a capacity of 48 Wh.
The battery weighs 298 grams...
The battery weighs 298 grams...
9.5 mm hard drives in which the connector is integrated into the caddy also fit (here an SSD).
9.5 mm hard drives in which the connector is integrated into the caddy also fit (here an SSD).
The hard drive can be switched out easily.
The hard drive can be switched out easily.
The BIOS battery is accessible.
The BIOS battery is accessible.
There are two working memory banks.
There are two working memory banks.
The open maintenance hatch.
The open maintenance hatch.
The speakers are located above the keyboard.
The speakers are located above the keyboard.
There is a number block.
There is a number block.
The power supply weighs 241 grams...
The power supply weighs 241 grams...
...and provides up to 65 watts of power.
...and provides up to 65 watts of power.
The texture on the backside of the lid adds traction.
The texture on the backside of the lid adds traction.
Toshiba offers a warranty upgrade free of charge.
Toshiba offers a warranty upgrade free of charge.
With the help of the System Settings tool various BIOS settings can be changed. These are effective following the next start-up.
With the help of the System Settings tool various BIOS settings can be changed. These are effective following the next start-up.
Instead of a recovery DVD, a USB recovery drive can also be created.
Instead of a recovery DVD, a USB recovery drive can also be created.
The Satellite in outdoor use (on a cloudy day).
The Satellite in outdoor use (on a cloudy day).
The hinges hold the lid tightly in position.
The hinges hold the lid tightly in position.
The DVD burner reads and writes every kind of DVD and CD.
The DVD burner reads and writes every kind of DVD and CD.

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Links

Price Comparison

Pros

+Very high contrast display
+24 month warranty
+The case always remains cool
+Moderate energy consumption
 

Cons

-Only Fast-Ethernet
-Dark display

Shortcut

What we like

The two-year warranty and the high contrast display.

What we'd like to see

Gigabit Ethernet and a brighter display.

What surprises us

Toshiba furnished a low-priced notebook with a very high contrast display.

The competition

Samsung Series 3 355E5C-S02DE, Lenovo B590, Acer Aspire V5-551, HP Compaq Presario CQ58-350SG, Lenovo B575e, Asus F55A/X55A, HP 650, Fujitsu LifeBook A512, Dell Vostro 2520, Acer TravelMate P253-M

Rating

Toshiba Satellite C850-1LX - 04/17/2013 v3(old)
Sascha Mölck

Chassis
72%
Keyboard
72%
Pointing Device
79%
Connectivity
65%
Weight
84%
Battery
84%
Display
77%
Games Performance
58%
Application Performance
83%
Temperature
94%
Noise
88%
Add Points
81%
Average
78%
79%
Office - Weighted Average
Sascha Mölck, 2013-05- 2 (Update: 2018-05-15)