Review Clevo W650SH (Wortmann Terra Mobile 1548) Barebones Notebook
For the original German review, see here.
We use the competitors Acer Aspire V5-561G (Core i5-4200U, Radeon R7 M265) and Lenovo IdeaPad Z510 (Core i5-4200M, GeForce GT 740M) for classification purposes.
The Terra Mobile 1548 is based on the Clevo-barebone W650SH. With the One K56-3F we have already tested an identically constructed model. Thus we will not have a closer look at the case, the connectivity, the input devices and the speakers. For the according information please refer to the review of the One K56-3F.
Display
The Terra Mobile is equipped with a matte 15.6-inch screen and has a native resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. The brightness value of 353.8 cd/m² puts the device in the top third of the table. Contrast (300:1) and black value (1.24 cd/m²), however, turn out to be quite meager. Nowadays, such values are unacceptable for a notebook for 700 Euros (~$955). Models like the Asus N56JR offer a significantly better display. The currently cheapest version - the N56JR-S4104H (Core i5-4200H, GeForce GTX 760M) - costs, however, 200 Euros (~$273) more than the Terra Mobile.
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Brightness Distribution: 89 %
Center on Battery: 371 cd/m²
Contrast: 300:1 (Black: 1.24 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 12.09 | 0.5-29.43 Ø4.91
ΔE Greyscale 14.07 | 0.5-98 Ø5.2
50% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
71% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
48.42% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.28
The DeltaE 2000 deviation of the display lies at 12.09 ex-factory. A value like this is typical for most of our measured displays. The target value (DeltaE lower than 3) is not reached by any color. The screen shows a blue cast, which can be eradicated via calibration. We tried it out.
Due to the bright display and the matte surface, working outside is no problem. Wortmann fitted the Terra Mobile with a TN panel, which only offers limited viewing angles.
| Wortmann Terra Mobile 1548 GeForce GT 740M, 4000M, WDC Scorpio Blue WD10JPVX-22JC3T0 | Acer Aspire V5-561G Radeon R7 M265, 4200U, WDC Scorpio Blue WD10JPVX-22JC3T0 | Lenovo IdeaPad Z510 GeForce GT 740M, 4200M, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive | Asus N56JR-S4080H GeForce GTX 760M, 4700HQ, Toshiba MQ01ABD100 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | -1% | 5% | 20% | |
| Display P3 Coverage | 48.42 | 48.35 0% | 50.8 5% | 58.1 20% |
| sRGB Coverage | 71 | 69.8 -2% | 74.4 5% | 86.2 21% |
| AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage | 50 | 49.65 -1% | 52.5 5% | 59.9 20% |
| Screen | -7% | 6% | 40% | |
| Brightness middle | 372 | 300 -19% | 317 -15% | 375 1% |
| Brightness | 354 | 280 -21% | 295 -17% | 341 -4% |
| Brightness Distribution | 89 | 85 -4% | 73 -18% | 76 -15% |
| Black Level * | 1.24 | 1.27 -2% | 0.97 22% | 0.58 53% |
| Contrast | 300 | 236 -21% | 327 9% | 647 116% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 12.09 | 10.93 10% | 8.52 30% | 4.14 66% |
| Greyscale dE 2000 * | 14.07 | 12.96 8% | 10.06 29% | 5.25 63% |
| Gamma | 2.28 96% | 2.39 92% | 2.51 88% | 2.48 89% |
| CCT | 13480 48% | 11591 56% | 10564 62% | 5699 114% |
| Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998) | 45.3 | 48.76 | 56.6 | |
| Total Average (Program / Settings) | -4% /
-5% | 6% /
6% | 30% /
34% |
* ... smaller is better
Performance
With the Terra Mobile 1548, Wortmann includes an all-purpose, 15.6-inch notebook in its range. The built-in processor has enough power for everyday use, and the GPU allows playing current games. Our test device costs 700 Euros (~$955). Other equipment alternatives are available. The differences lie in the processor (Core i5-4200M), the operating system (Windows 7) and the amount of main memory (8 GB).
Processor
Our configuration of the Terra Mobile comes with a Core i3-4000M processor. The dual-core CPU is based on Intel's current Haswell architecture. It runs at 2.4 GHz, has no turbo and is a common mobile processor (no ULV) with a TDP of 37 watts.
The full CPU performance is provided during power supply operation. The Cinebench scores of the Terra Mobile lie about level with those of the Aspire since their processors have about the same level of performance. The IdeaPad delivers the best results. It is equipped with one of the most powerful CPUs. When the Terra Mobile is powered by the battery, the CPU speed decreases to 1.4 GHz and thus the scores of the Cinebench benchmarks decrease as well (Cinebench R11.5: single: 0.63; multi: 1.42).
| Cinebench R11.5 - CPU Single 64Bit (sort by value) | |
| Wortmann Terra Mobile 1548 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E545-20B2000PGE | |
| HP Compaq 15-a024sg | |
| Asus X550LD-XX023H | |
| Acer Aspire V5-561G | |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Z510 | |
| Cinebench R11.5 - CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value) | |
| Wortmann Terra Mobile 1548 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E545-20B2000PGE | |
| HP Compaq 15-a024sg | |
| Acer Aspire V5-561G | |
| Asus X550LD-XX023H | |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Z510 | |
System Performance
The system runs relatively smoothly and Windows is also started quickly. This subjective impression is backed up by good results in the PC Mark benchmarks. However, the Aspire and the IdeaPad deliver even better results. The Aspire benefits from the stronger GPU, the IdeaPad from its stronger CPU and the hybrid drive.
| PCMark 7 Score | 2515 points | |
| PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2 | 2374 points | |
| PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2 | 2882 points | |
| PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2 | 3007 points | |
Help | ||
| PCMark 7 - Score (sort by value) | |
| Wortmann Terra Mobile 1548 | |
| Asus X550LD-XX023H | |
| HP Compaq 15-a024sg | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E545-20B2000PGE | |
| Acer Aspire V5-561G | |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Z510 | |
Storage Devices
Wortmann fitted the Terra Mobile with a hard drive from Western Digital's Scorpio Blue series. It offers a capacity of 1 TB and runs at 5,400 revolutions per minute. The drive shows good transfer rates, especially the 4k read/write values turn out to be above average - for a conventional hard drive.
Graphics Card
An Optimus combination, consisting of Intel's HD Graphics 4600 GPU and the GeForce GT 740M graphics core is used in the Terra Mobile. The GeForce core is responsible for graphics demanding applications such as computer games, while Intel's chip takes care of the everyday and battery use. Both cores support at least DirectX 11. The GeForce graphics core is part of the GPU mid-range. Its base speed lies at 980 MHz. Via turbo the speed can be increased to 1,058 MHz.
Even though the Terra Mobile and the IdeaPad are equipped with the same GPU, the Lenovo computer reaches better results in the 3DMark benchmarks. This is owed to the stronger CPU. The scores of the Aspire lie level with those of the competitors.
| 3DMark 11 Performance | 1940 points | |
| 3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score | 45229 points | |
| 3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score | 5193 points | |
| 3DMark Fire Strike Score | 1067 points | |
Help | ||
| 3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance (sort by value) | |
| Wortmann Terra Mobile 1548 | |
| Asus X550LD-XX023H | |
| HP Compaq 15-a024sg | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E545-20B2000PGE | |
| Acer Aspire V5-561G | |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Z510 | |
Gaming Performance
The CPU GPU combination of the Terra Mobile is able to display most games smoothly with HD resolution (1366x768 pixels) and medium to high quality settings. This includes current top titles like Titanfall and The Elder Scrolls Online.
| low | med. | high | ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomb Raider (2013) | 91.8 | 43.6 | 23.7 | 11.7 |
| Wortmann Terra Mobile 1548 GeForce GT 740M, 4000M, WDC Scorpio Blue WD10JPVX-22JC3T0 | Acer Aspire V5-561G Radeon R7 M265, 4200U, WDC Scorpio Blue WD10JPVX-22JC3T0 | Lenovo IdeaPad Z510 GeForce GT 740M, 4200M, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomb Raider | 14% | 8% | |
| 1024x768 Low Preset | 91.8 | 95.2 4% | 97 6% |
| 1366x768 Normal Preset AA:FX AF:4x | 43.6 | 45.8 5% | 47 8% |
| 1366x768 High Preset AA:FX AF:8x | 23.7 | 31.5 33% | 25.9 9% |
Emissions
System Noise
During idle the fan turns very slowly and is barely audible. Even under medium load (3DMark06 running) it does not run noteworthily fast. As soon as the notebook is under full load (stress test) though, the fan knows no limits and is clearly audible. We measured a sound pressure level of 46.8 dB. Positive consequence of it all: Even during the stress test the notebook barely gets warm.
Noise Level
| Idle |
| 31.2 / 31.2 / 31.2 dB(A) |
| HDD |
| 33.3 dB(A) |
| DVD |
| 34.8 / dB(A) |
| Load |
| 33.7 / 46.8 dB(A) |
 | ||
30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud |
||
min:  , med:  , max:  Voltcraft sl-320 (15 cm distance) | ||
Temperature
Despite the powerful hardware, the Terra Mobile barely heats up across the entire load range. During the stress test we even measure lower ambient temperatures than during idle mode. This is owed to the fan, which is running at full speed under full load. Both competitors warm up more under full load than the Terra Mobile.
The graphics core of the Terra Mobile runs through the stress test (Prime 95 and Furmark running for at least one hour) in power supply as well as battery mode at full speed (1,058 MHz). The CPU runs during the stress test at 2.4 GHz in power supply mode and at 1.4 GHz in battery mode. The CPU temperature leveled off at about 50 °C in the stress test (power supply mode).
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 30.9 °C / 88 F, compared to the average of 36.9 °C / 98 F, ranging from 21.1 to 71 °C for the class Multimedia.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 32.6 °C / 91 F, compared to the average of 39.2 °C / 103 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 29.2 °C / 85 F, compared to the device average of 31.3 °C / 88 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 30.9 °C / 87.6 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.8 °C / 83.8 F (-2.1 °C / -3.8 F).
Energy Management
Power Consumption
Under medium (3DMark06 running) and full load (stress test, Prime95 and Furmark running) the power demand of the Terra Mobile stays within the normal range of a notebook with a mid-range CPU and a conventional mobile processor. However, the computer (10.8 to 15.8 watts) requires too much power in idle mode. The values of the IdeaPad (7 to 10.4 watts) show how it should be done.
| Off / Standby | 0.2 / 0.4 Watt |
| Idle | 10.8 / 15.6 / 15.8 Watt |
| Load |
38.2 / 56.8 Watt |
   
| |
Key:
min: ,
med: ,
max: Voltcraft VC 940 | |
Battery Runtime
The practically oriented WLAN test calls up websites automatically in 40-second intervals. The energy-saving profile is activated, and the display brightness is set to about 150 cd/m². The Terra Mobile reaches a runtime of 3:50 h, which is a respectable value for an all-purpose notebook. The Aspire (3:32 h) and the Z510 (3:27 h) are both played out more quickly.
| Battery Runtime - WiFi (sort by value) | |
| Wortmann Terra Mobile 1548 | |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Z510 | |
| Acer Aspire V5-561G | |
Verdict
Wortmann delivers with the Terra Mobile an all-in-all well-made all-rounder. The notebook offers a good application performance and even cuts a good figure when playing games. This is topped off by a lot of memory space and simple maintenance possibilities. A slot for a 3G modem is quite exceptional for an allround notebook. To us, this seems like a good idea and we would not mind seeing other manufacturers adopting it. The display has its pros and cons: On the one hand it has a matte surface and is very bright, on the other hand it is very low in contrast and bluish.
The Acer Aspire V5-561G offers a slightly better gaming performance than the Terra Mobile. The Lenovo IdeaPad Z510 has the most CPU power at its disposal among our reference devices.
