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MagyarReview Toshiba Portégé Z930-105 Ultrabook
For the original German review, see here.
Customers inevitably think of the Portégé range when Toshiba is mentioned in conjunction with high-end 13-inch business laptops. Here, a difference between the Portégé Z930 (ultrabook, 1.12 kg) and R930 (subnotebook, 1.5 kg, DVD drive) is made. The latter features almost all the interfaces that would be missed on the extremely thin Z range (e.g. eSATA, ExpressCard 54). Up to here, everything is clear – we are dealing with two different barebones.
The Portégé Z930 has a hard time in standing out from the Satellite Z930. The Satellite range encompasses Toshiba's consumer ranges, but the 13-incher is based on exactly the same barebone. We will examine whether there are any differences, inside or out, between the Z930 as a Satellite or Portégé in this review. This is relevant to the buyer because the price difference adds up to 380 Euros (~$505) for the same configuration (i5, 128 GB SSD).
There are only a few 13-inch business laptops in ultrabook style. Thus, we include consumer devices featuring very good workmanship and premium qualities as contenders. The following models for below 1500 Euros (~$1993) meet the criteria:
· Lenovo ThinkPad Carbon (1450 Euros /~$1926)
· ThinkPad T430u (950 Euros /~$1262)
· Asus Zenbook Prime UX31A (1050 Euros /~$1395)
· Samsung Series 9 900X3C-A04DE (1470 Euros /~$1953)
· Apple MacBook Air 13 Mid 2012 (1100 Euros /~$1461)
· Acer Aspire S7 391 (1380 Euros /~$1833)
Case
The height of 16 millimeters (0.63 inches) is still a figurehead, even if Acer's S7 has now topped this value with 12-13.5 mm (0.47-0.53 inches). We weighed 1091 grams (~2.41 pounds), which is even below the manufacturer's specification of 1120 grams (~2.47 pounds). The base's rigid build, considering its low height, already filled high demands on feel and workmanship in the Satellite Z930. We refer to this review for more details.
Connectivity
Some ultrabooks do not feature VGA or an Ethernet port (RJ-45) in order to keep the base units slim. Toshiba simply moves these ports to the back, over the feet. The interfaces create a small bulge on which the rubber feet are mounted. Thus the Z930 is elevated by almost three millimeters (~0.12 inches) from the surface, which it needs for air intake.
Communication
The latest Wi-Fi N standard and GB LAN belong to the basic configuration. Toshiba installs a premium product with Intel's Centrino Advanced-N 6235 (a/b/g/n), which supports the less frequently used 5 GHz band (dual stream) in addition to Wireless Display. This is particularly beneficial when several WLANs are running in one area and interfere with each other. This does not have any effect on the range; the Z930 loses the router's signal in a 40 meter (131 feet) setting. This is not the case in the identically equipped LifeBook P702 (signal strength @40 m two bars), which is likely due to the superior antennas.
The reception performance at a distance of three and ten meters (~10 and 33 feet/upper floor) was 5 and 4 bars respectively. It dropped to two bars outside of the building (15 m/49 feet). Those are comparatively poor rates similar to that of the IdeaPad U510 (Centrino Wireless-N 2230) consumer laptop. The Fritz!Box 7270's transmission performance dropped to 50% in every test device.
The 3G module HSDPA Ericsson H5321gw corresponds to the mobility claim. While consumer devices usually connect to the Internet via a smartphone because they lack a second SIM card (laptop via tethering; mobile hot spot), many business users like to make use of a second data card. The smartphone's runtime also appreciates that.
Accessories
Toshiba installs tools on the hard disk, some of which could prove to be useful when looked at closely. Nero 11 encompasses a backup solution, burner (media files) and a recovery tool (RescueAgent for deleted files). Toshiba's known Eco Utility enables an energy preset from the manufacturer and indicates the current consumption. Cheating is not allowed: The Eco mode setting may not be changed. Otherwise the profile is immediately disabled.
Warranty
The two-year warranty applies to a pick-up & return service and a two-year European warranty (no pick-up). However, the device has to be registered via the TEMPRO tool (warranty, support, service, assistance). This does not take long because TEMPRO detects model, part and serial number. Warranty upgrades to three or four years cost 64 Euros (~$85) and 109 Euros (~$145) respectively.
Input Devices
The backlit keys with a weak feedback and the touchpad with the extremely short drop are identical to those in the Satellite Z930 consumer laptop. Therefore, we refer to this review.
Display
The 13.3-inch, non-glare screen features a standard resolution of 1366x768 pixels and a very good average brightness of 290 cd/m². That is more than we measured in the Satellite Z930 (257 cd/m²). According to the part number TPS5091 read out, the screens are identical. The manufacturer tuned the brightness but the TN screen's other characteristics are equally poor.
The low contrast of 171:1 (Satellite 131:1) is still disappointing. That results in pale colors lacking substance and contours. It is very remote from the vivid colors of an IPS screen (Zenbook Prime UX31A, Samsung 900X3C, Aspire S7 391). The customer can expect more for 1300 Euros (~$1727) nowadays.
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Brightness Distribution: 80 %
Center on Battery: 293 cd/m²
Contrast: 171:1 (Black: 1.718 cd/m²)37.97% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
54.9% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
36.93% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
The Z930's old-new screen fails in sophisticated qualities, such as the sRGB color gamut. sRGB and AdobeRGB are clearly missed (pictures 1 and 2). The comparison with the Aspire S7 391 (IPS) shows how much better this can look. The color spectrum should not be confused with the contrast. The Aspire can boast with 497:1 at a brightness of 361 cd/m² here. However, a wide spectrum of reproducible colors is not as crucial for business users as for professional image editors.
Consequently, the Z930's only advantage is that its high brightness remains stable on battery power. The illumination of 80% is still homogeneous enough to prevent spots caused by poorly illuminated areas (white LED backlight).
Our daylight pictures were made in overcast conditions, which is an advantage for the Z930 and its maximum brightness. 290 cd/m² is the ideal brightness in this outdoor scenario (frontal view) when we do not look at the desktop from too slanted an angle, at which point the matte screen dims quite severely.
Viewing angles are a precarious issue for the Z930. The following screenshot shows the screen in different positions. Simple TN screens, like built into the majority of notebooks as well as the Z930, only offer tight viewing angles of about 45 degrees horizontally. Larger angles cause so-called ghosting. Everyone who has ever watched a movie or looked at pictures knows this phenomenon. And this is also the case in the Z930. We have to reckon with even stronger restrictions vertically. Deviations of only a few degrees up or down let colors distort and the brightness decrease.
Performance
Intel's Core i5-3427U (1.80 GHz) is an economic low-voltage processor (TDP: 17 Watts) for subnotebooks. The clock is marginally higher than in the frequently used i5-3317U (Turbo up to 2.6 GHz). The CPU can clock up to 2.8 GHz in Turbo (single-core, theoretical rate). Until now, the CPU featuring the integrated HD Graphics 4000 (single-channel memory bus) is exclusively used in premium ultrabooks, e.g. Apple's MacBook Air 13 or Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Carbon. The frequently mentioned Satellite Z930 is available as both an i7 and i5 but only the 3317U version. Except for the clock difference, the 3317U and 3427U feature absolutely identical properties.
Moreover, Toshiba installs 2x 2048 MB of DDR3 RAM in the two banks (dual-channel mode). A maximum of 2x 4 GB are possible should an upgrade be wanted. A 128 GB SSD from Toshiba is used as the storage device in the Z930 (Toshiba THNSNS128MCP, mSATA) There is no 2.5-inch slot; the SSD solution via mSATA is standard for this slim ultrabook.
Processor
Does the i5-3427U offer enough performance or should the buyer invest around 200 Euros (~$266) for the i7 version (3667U Portégé & Satellite)? This gets interesting for the consumer device because Toshiba's Satellite Z930-125 is available with this i7 and a 256 GB SSD for just under 1200 Euros (~$1594). An i5 Satellite version is not available alongside this SSD.
The i7 achieved a higher performance of only 4% with 2.47 points in Cinebench R11.5 multi-core test (X1 Carbon). Although the i7-3667U calculated 13% faster than an i5-3317U in this test, the installed 3427U could keep pace quite well. Even performance geeks would have to use very specialized multi-core tools to convert the additional 200 Euros (~$266) in time-saving. The clock was at 2.6 GHz during the test, which is clearly within the Turbo range of up to 2.8 GHz.
The integrated graphics lag behind other HD 4000 units although it is connected to the working memory in dual-channel mode. Other identical GPUs are up to 23% faster in the OpenGL test (MacBook Air 13). This is unlikely due to the clock frequency because it is around 1100 MHz in AC mode and around 950 MHz on battery. We again have to assume an inaccurate MHz recording (GPUZ) because the OpenGL score is always identical with and without the power supply. However, this 12 to 23% difference should not be a decisive argument for buying because the graphics performance is at a very low level compared with dedicated GPUs.
System Performance
PCMark 7 examines the total application performance (PCMark Vantage score was incorrect). The score of 5307 points surpasses all ultrabooks used for comparison. This is also true for the expensive Zenbook Prime UX31A (i5) and Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Carbon (i5). The graph shows that an i7 processor (Samsung 900X3C / Aspire S7) is hardly significant in this discipline anymore. More important is a swift SSD, which is why we depict the PCMark 7 System Storage score. The S7 reaps in the top score with its two RAID 0 SSDs, but +2% are not significant for a purchase decision. Will the pure storage device tests differentiate this issue better?
| PCMark 7 Score | 5307 points | |
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Storage Devices
The 128 GB Toshiba THNSNS128GMCP SSD (mSATA) is connected to the 6 GB/s SATA port. It is not the same model as in the Satellite Z830-10J. Our Satellite Z930 test device sported the 256 GB version THNSNS256GMCP.
The read rate of 471 MB/s can keep up perfectly with the depicted ultrabook SSDs (CDM & AS SSD). The Aspire S7's RAID 0 systems steps out of line a bit (+96%). The Aspire could not score quite as well as our Portégé Z930 in the 4K test of reading out small dispersed blocks. Our test device reigns supreme before the gathered contenders. Toshiba had the right instinct regarding this SSD.
More data about SSDs can be found in the corresponding benchmark chart in the FAQ section.
Graphics Card
We already discovered that the HD 4000 lags a bit behind its potential. This acknowledgment is put into perspective in the 3D benchmarks, such as 3DMark 2006, which load both the processor as well as the graphics card. Although the MacBook Air 13 is still in the lead (+19%), Samsung's 900X3C and the Aspire S7 391 only lag behind by slim +4 and +1%. These results are confirmed in the following games.
| 3DMark 06 Standard Score | 4895 points | |
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Gaming Performance
Even if gaming is not a primary task of a business laptop, we tested three up-to-date games in different settings. The HD 4000 generally ranges on a very low level. The user will certainly have to accept reduced resolutions and low details. No ultrabook featuring an integrated Intel graphics is better in this regard. One exception is the ThinkPad T430u (14-inch) alongside its dedicated GeForce GT 620M aimed at the same target group. It even allows playing Dishonored in high details with 38 fps.
| low | med. | high | ultra | |
| Borderlands 2 (2012) | 27.2 | 21.7 | 15.8 | |
| World of Tanks v8 (2012) | 55 | 26.2 | 21.6 | |
| Dishonored (2012) | 35.2 | 20.5 | 20.2 |
Emissions
System Noise
The fan's behavior very much appealed to us. It simply remained disabled over longer idle periods. We only measured 31.4 dB (A) even when it was enabled in basic office load (web browser, etc.). The fan increased up to 44 dB (A) within a short time when we performed our stress test comprised of simultaneous Prime95 and FurMark. This audible noise level however only occurred when the CPU and GPU were stressed at the same time. Prime95, i.e. CPU multi-core stress test, performed alone only produced 38 dB (A). Important: The fan spins steadily and gently switches between the speeds. We measured 36 dB (A) during 3DMark 2006.
Noise Level
| Idle |
| 29.4 / 29.8 / 31.4 dB(A) |
| Load |
| 37.7 / 43.9 dB(A) |
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30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud |
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min:  , med:  , max:  Voltcraft sl-320 (15 cm distance) | ||
Temperature
The Portégé's keyboard and wrist rest stayed cool at idle. The bottom and the area around the keys only warmed up slightly more. The temperatures increased very quickly during constant load; the hot spots above and below the air intake and output were particularly affected. Nevertheless, it was still possible to use the Z930 on the lap because the heat source is located in the casing's center.
The Z930 survived the multi-hour extreme test without CPU throttling. Although the Turbo rate of 2.6 GHz could not be permanently maintained like in the pure CPU tests, the nominal clock of 1.8 GHz is not within a throttling range. The Turbo shutdown is a protective function of Intel's Core. It occurs when the cooling cannot maintain a specific temperature limit. This result should not worry users because the Turbo shutdown only occurred during simultaneous Prime95 and FurMark load. As soon as the graphics stress test was finished, the clock frequency again climbed to 2.6 GHz quite fast. The subsequently performed 3DMark 2006 finished with the same score as after a cold start.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 43 °C / 109 F, compared to the average of 35.9 °C / 97 F, ranging from 21.4 to 59 °C for the class Subnotebook.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 44.8 °C / 113 F, compared to the average of 39.5 °C / 103 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 28.6 °C / 83 F, compared to the device average of 30.7 °C / 87 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 27.6 °C / 81.7 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(±) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.3 °C / 82.9 F (+0.7 °C / 1.2 F).
Speakers
Both speakers are located on the front below the wrist rest. They produce a midrange-focused sound that lacks low ranges. The small membranes start to hiss and distort at high volumes. This is still acceptable for presentations. External speakers or high-quality headphones would be recommended for enjoyment.
Energy Management
Power Consumption
The consumption measurements from the outlet (battery charge: 100%) show a modest ultrabook. At first glance, the low idle consumption of 5 to 10 Watts is surprising considering the screen's high brightness. Most contenders offer the same: X1 Carbon (282 cd/m²), UX31A (375), Samsung 900X3C (378) and Air 13 Mid 2012 (279). The Z930 is not as extremely energy-efficient compared with the 13.3-inch contenders as Toshiba's Eco Utility would want to make us believe.
Apart from the exception (the T430u features a dedicated GPU), almost all premium ultrabooks of this category have a similar load consumption (last rate in brackets): Lenovo ThinkPad Carbon (3-10; 39); ThinkPad T430U (7-11; 42; GT 620M); Asus Zenbook Prime UX31A (4-10; 36); Samsung Series 9 900X3C-A04DE (5-11; 38); Apple MacBook Air 13 Mid 2012 (5-10; 30); Acer Aspire S7 391 (7-12; 35).
| Off / Standby | 0.05 / 0.3 Watt |
| Idle | 5.3 / 9 / 10 Watt |
| Load |
35.8 / 39 Watt |
   
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Battery Runtime
The Z930 cannot fulfill Intel's specification of an ultrabook runtime of at least five hours. The 13-inch laptop achieved a runtime of 249 minutes in the Wi-Fi test, which equals 4:09 hours. In this test, a script opens websites every 40 seconds, partly with video playback. The brightness during the Wi-Fi test was 116 cd/m² (dimmed 3 levels). A better approximation to our standard brightness of 150 cd/m² was not possible because of the coarse brightness level settings, or it would have been much higher than the target value, which would have been a disadvantage for the Z930 in the runtime test.
Apart from two exceptions, the contenders did a better job in the Wi-Fi test: ThinkPad X1 Carbon (367, 45 Wh); ThinkPad T430U (205, 47 Wh); Zenbook Prime UX31A (282, 50 Wh); Samsung 900X3C (407, 44 Wh); MacBook Air 13 Mid 2012 (363, 50 Wh); Acer Aspire S7 391 (209, 35 Wh).
The 8-cell, 42 Wh lithium-ion battery is again non-removable (like in Satellite Z930/Z830). As shown in the list, the 13-inch devices with a high-capacity battery do not always have the best runtimes (T430u). The Z930 needed 3:12 hours for recharging the battery.
Verdict
Toshiba's Portégé Z930-105 (1280 Euros /~$1700) is aimed at demanding ultrabook customers who need an everyday suitable office subnotebook; Matte surfaces, solid build within the scope of what's possible, viable runtimes and an AR-coated screen. The swift work speed via the 128 GB SSD and Core i5 (no throttling) is just as enticing. The slim chassis also scores in ergonomics.
The Portégé Z930 does not seem overpriced for less than 1300 Euros (~$1727) in the vicinity of its contenders. However, when we consider the only satisfactory input devices (weak feedback) and the screen's low-contrast and poor viewing angle stability, we find superior premium ultrabooks among the contenders that are even less expensive. First to be mentioned would be Asus' Zenbook Prime UX31A with good inputs and a perfect (IPS) screen. The same applies to Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Carbon (1450 Euros/~$1926, TN LED) and Samsung's Series 9 900X3C-A04DE (PLS screen), which are however more expensive. Apple's MacBook Air 13 Mid 2012 seems almost a bargain in this comparison, but it sports the fewest interfaces of all devices. Acer's Aspire S7 391 with a regrettably dark IPS screen first becomes relevant when a touchscreen is desired.
The bargain in view of business qualities is doubtlessly the ThinkPad T430u (900 Euros /~$1196). Its very good input devices outshine our Z930, but then again, its TFT's low brightness and short runtime curb our enthusiasm.
If you have taken a liking to the Z930, you should remember the enormous price difference to the identical Satellite Z930. The consumer laptop, featuring a Core i5-3317U and a 128 GB SSD (similar configuration) only costs 900 Euros (~$1196). Or in different words: Toshiba demands a surcharge of 380 Euros (~$505) for the added value given by the integrated HDSPA modem in the Portégé. There are otherwise no differences in build, interfaces, screen or input devices. If you can accept the comparatively poor input devices and you connect to the Internet via tethering (using a smartphone) anyway, you can get the Satellite Z930 for an attractive price.
