Reviews

Z3 on the rack. Acer has refreshed its entry-level devices and placed a dual-SIM, four-inch smartphone between its Z3 Duo and Z5. Their specs are very similar. The most interesting innovation is surely the Custom Profiles, which make the smartphone easier for newcomers to use.

More Flop than Flip. Sony's unique take on the convertible concept has produced a very nice-looking series of Flip notebooks to compete in the notebook-tablet hybrid space. The Flip 14 is eye candy for sure, but there is more than meets the eye.. and it's not all pretty.

Change of platforms. Acer now banishes Temash from the small subnotebook and relies on an Intel processor instead. The good-looking casing and IPS screen have been preserved. Our report uncovers whether the laptop benefits from its new CPU platform.

Two-in-one. HP introduces an affordable phablet with 3G, dual-SIM feature, and a budget SoC from Marvell dubbed Slate 6 6000en VoiceTab. Despite its low price of 199 Euros (~$271), there was still room for a bright 6-inch IPS screen. However, its performance is not as convincing.

Gaming tank. Big, heavy and a case full of fast hardware describes the new Alienware 17. Especially hardcore gamers will be interested in the GeForce GTX 880M, which is one of the fastest single-chip GPUs. But can the overall package support the good initial impression?

Trail Miix. Lenovo completely revamps last year's Miix 10 and outfits the new tablet, aptly named Miix 2 10, with a Bay Trail Atom processor, a high-res 1920 x 1200 display, and a magnetic keyboard dock for a seamless conversion to a subnotebook PC. How the Windows 8.1 tablet handles various daily duties is the subject of our review.

Fat office worker. Solid computing power, user-friendly maintenance options, and a good keyboard is what Lenovo's G510 offers for 500 Euros (~$681), and only 440 Euros (~$599) is due without a Windows operating system. Our report reveals whether Lenovo has added a decent device to its product line.

Boxy, menacing, fast. Asus launches a new gaming laptop featuring the overclocked premium GPU in its "Republic of Gamers" product line. High expectations are set when holding a laptop from this range. It is with good reason that Asus calls it Elite Series.

In a mini-frenzy. The smaller version of the giant high-end smartphone finally fits in anyone's pocket and houses many of the same hardware components as the larger flagship model. But the LG G2 Mini can't fill its big brother's shoes.

Pocket Idol. The One Touch Idol X+ is Alcatel's newest flagship model. Those looking for LTE, a super-fast CPU and expandable storage will be disappointed. Still, we are quite fond of this 5-inch device. Read on to find out why.

The second generation. That was fast. We just reviewed the Sony Xperia Z1 seven months ago – and we already have the successor in our editorial office: the Xperia Z2. Why an update for users of the predecessor does not make much sense, and why Sony still offers a great smartphone, is revealed in our review.

Play longer! The graphics card manufacturer Nvidia equips its entire GTX 800M series with this energy-saving option, which is supposed to allow longer gaming in battery mode. Find out in our test how the technology works and if the promised doubling in runtime is actually possible.

Beautiful design, low performance. Thanks to its 360-degree hinges, the HP Pavilion x360 can function as a laptop or a tablet -- in other words, a convertible PC. That sounds very practical, but in our tests we encountered several weaknesses.

Dragon Blood. Although the GE70 does not sport the strongest gaming graphics card, the 17-inch device supplies more than attractive performance. Unlike other laptop experts, MSI uses a GDDR5 rather than a DDR3 VRAM for the GTX 850M model. Our report shows just how big the performance difference is in practical use.

Slim phone. The configuration of the 5-inch dual-SIM smartphone by Zopo places it in the mid-range. It features a cutting edge octa-core processor in addition to an HD screen. Nevertheless, its price is below 200 Euros (~$273), and thus it is in the entry-level sector. The smaller drawbacks are found in details, but the phone might be an interesting alternative anyway.

Expensive = good? Buyers prepared to invest around 1500 Euros (~$2054) in a premium ultrabook will now find another alternative to Apple & co. in the new Toshiba Kira-101. We will reveal why it is not class best despite a speedy Core i7 processor, magnesium casing, and WQHD screen.

Reliable companion. Keyboard with large travel, firm pressure point, large touchpad, fast keys and Shockshield hard drive protection. Did a manufacturer recognize what a business notebook is really about?

Haswell bargain. The search for a quiet, efficient and inexpensive home office notebook with decent battery life is over. The Packard Bell Easynote TE69HW-29574G50Mnsk, which sells for 299 Euro ($410), fits the bill exactly. An added bonus: the system is equipped with a Haswell Celeron CPU instead of a weaker Bay Trail processor.

Underdog. Mobile workstations do not always have to come from established manufacturers. MSI now offers solutions in this sector in the second generation, and its 17-inch GT70 catches attention with a high-performance configuration. We extensively tested whether that suffices for a permanent place in the professional field.

Gigantic ultrabook. The Asus P750LB relies on power- and space-efficient ultrabook components. How well will this concept work out when combined with an extraordinarily large 17.3-inch display? Can it compete against its competitors that rely on standard, higher-powered Intel chips?

More light! Nokia's first and last tablet with Windows RT 8.1 has an incredibly bright display, a fast processor and the ability to access the Internet via LTE -- but it also has some unusual weaknesses. The software and camera are no more than average, and the manufacturing quality is not exactly up to par either. We expected more from a company who was once a mobile communications pioneer.

Lookalike. Asus introduces a new 14-inch laptop with a touchscreen, upper-range configuration, and stylish looks dubbed VivoBook S451LB-CA072H. The bundle made a good impression in the test, though we expected more from the screen and storage device.

Juggernaut. The GeForce GTX 880M, still based on Kepler, is currently the fastest available laptop GPU. It rouses the highest expectations of gaming performance in conjunction with the i7 quad-core. We will reveal this much: Asus' latest ROG goes through the benchmarks like a hot knife through butter. Can its noise and temperature management control the brute power?

Studious. Commonplace plastic barebones, hard-rubber bezel, and the most basic technology. But a battery runtime of 14 hours and more! Who would buy such a laptop for a not exactly bargain price? Perhaps universities or colleges will be interested?

Couch surfer. Asus demands 370 Euros (~$507) for its little 11.6-inch F200MA-CT067H netbook. An energy-efficient processor allows for good battery runtimes and quiet operation. Thus, the computer looks good as a browsing machine in the living room. Our report uncovers the netbook's other talents.

Fast tablet. It is the thinnest and lightest tablet of its class, yet there is no apple on the case. There is also no aluminum case, only plastic. A high-resolution display, a fast Snapdragon 801 and the familiar IP-certification complete the package. Our review shows why it is still not enough for the top spot.

Maintenance-friendly all-rounder. The Terra Mobile 1548 is Wortmann's promising attempt to challenge the all-purpose notebooks of the big manufacturers. In addition to a very bright Full HD display and a GPU that is fit for games, the computer offers a lot of memory space. A treat: The computer can be fitted with a 3G module.

Frugal. The F551MA does not bring much processing performance. But, it scores with low power consumption and low emissions. Is this sufficient to stand against the competition in the lowest price segment?

Notebook for students. The ThinkPad Edge E145 delivers long battery runtimes and excellent input devices. This makes it ideal for those users who have to do desk work outside of offices and homes. We will scrutinize the computer in our review.

Space...the Final Frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Notebookcheck as she continues her mission to explore the (Samsung) Galaxy S5. The crew is hoping for a result that is out of this world - and although the scores fall slightly short of expectations, the S5 nonetheless earns the smartphone-crown.

Co-worker. Practical, enduring, reliable, and down to earth. Who does not want such a colleague? Our report reveals whether Dell's new 14-inch laptop adorns itself with these qualities.

Game mode: Domination. Following the release of Nvidia's 800-series, MSI revamps its gaming laptop line. While not much has changed in terms of external appearance, the performance levels have been improved considerably. Still, the main selling point of the Dominator will surely be its 3K display.

The Atom Renaissance. Windows RT is history – the new entry-level version of the Yoga-series uses Intel's Bay Trail and a full version of Windows 8.1 64-bit. More usage scenarios and more performance also result in a significant drop of the battery runtimes.

Price war. HP demands just 400 Euros (~$550) for the well-configured, gaming-capable Compaq 15-a024sg. Weaknesses cannot be excluded in view of the price, and thus, not only the battery runtimes are below average...

Black budget book. The mass producer Acer packs a current Pentium quad-core in one of its tried but also boring standard casings, and it demands prices starting as low as 350 Euros (~$483). Will saving here prove to be an agony, or is the speed and ergonomics enough for everyday tasks?

Moonlighter. The new generation of Dell's office workhorse, the Latitude E5540, is clad in a black, 15.6-inch suit and with a power-efficient Intel Core i5 processor. Is it a must for the office?

A real head-turner. Fujitsu puts a new convertible on the market that woos deep-pocketed business customers with a ULV Core i7, QHD touchscreen, security features and LTE support. How does the rotating joint concept do compared to other business devices? Can its connectivity options and ergonomics stand up to the demands of professionals? Our review tells it all.

Dual-SIM Galaxy. A 4-inch smartphone featuring two SIM card slots for an official budget price of 159 Euros (~$221): Curtain up for Samsung's Galaxy S Duos 2 GT-S7582. As the report reveals, the smartphone also gives a convincing practical performance.

Barefoot. Ahead of the competition with Barefoot 3 M10? This mass storage device brings strong benchmark results and an attractive capacity for a cheap price.

All-inclusive. Asus continuously refreshes its Transformer Pad series. The new Transformer Pad TF701T is a high-resolution 10-inch tablet that is supposed to compete with notebooks. It is equipped with a powerful Tegra 4 SoC clocked at 1.9 GHz, 32 GB flash storage and an IPS display, so the review unit might also be interesting for business customers.

Non-touchscreen multimedia. The Asus X550LB is a 15.6-inch gaming-capable notebook designed for everyday multitasking. A Haswell-generation CPU and GeForce GPU are paired up with a non-touch, standard HD-resolution display. How well the combo works is the subject of our review.

A confusing name. Ascend G610 is the name of Huawei's latest dual-SIM entry-level smartphone. The designation does not give any hint at the size or the generation, so what is the G610? A conveniently normal 5-inch smartphone.

Quad-core snail. The One Touch Easy Alcatel was a bestseller - 15 years ago. Meanwhile a lot has happened. The successor comes with a quad-core SoC and a 5-inch display and will stir up the entry-level segment. It is very unlikely that it is able achieve the same sales figures though.

Gigantic little Y. Huawei's Y product line is aimed at price-conscious smartphone newbies. The Ascend Y530 is no exception. The Chinese manufacturer bundles a rounded package for 149 Euros (~$206) and keeps a simplified usage in mind - and the 4.5-inch Y is available for less online.

Growling Dragon. MSI refreshes its GT70 series by adding on the new Nvidia GeForce GTX 880M. The graphics card works together with a quad-core CPU from Intel to deliver monstrous performance. The cooling is excellent and even offers the user the option to overclock the hardware. However, as is to be expected, this "dragon" is very loud. Find out more in our in-depth review.

Quantity or quality? Compared to the ever-slimmer competition the massive Dell Inspiron 15R appears as a cumbersome underdog, however with good equipment at a small price. Special highlight: The fast Radeon HD 8850M with GDDR5 memory.

Aluminum-clad twin. Acer's affordable all-round device of the Aspire E1 product line (e.g. E1-572G) convinced us with its good performance-for-money ratio. Now we have the aluminum-reinforced V5-561G model on our desk. It stands out with a bright Full HD screen and a gaming-suitable GPU from AMD.

Business by Schenker. Schenker classifies the B713 as a work device for both the professional environment and private use. The matte screen, strong Core i5 processor, Trusted Platform Module, and maintenance-friendly options make the laptop seem interesting. Our report reveals whether it is just as convincing in real-life use.

Temptation in red. From the technological point of view, the R510CA offers nothing more than your standard features. Noteworthy are the touchscreen and large hard drive. But the computer's big attraction is its red attire.

One for the road. It is once again time for new high-end smartphones and we start with the review of the HTC One M8 with the brand-new Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 SoC. We could read many things before the launch: Sturdy unibody chassis, low-resolution Duo camera, cheating during benchmarks. Read the whole truth in our in-depth review.

Entry-level business. Asus puts not one but two operating systems (Windows 7 Pro (64-bit) + Windows 8 Pro (64-bit)) in the P550CA-XO522G's box. Dedicated Windows 7 fans can use the laptop right away. Windows 8 first has to be installed via the included recovery DVD.

"Design-Smartphone" – that's what the South Korean manufacturer LG calls it. But the question is why, since the smartphone looks like any other smartphone at first. The rival Moto G is also powered by the Snapdragon 400 and has a 4.7-inch screen. So what is the L90 capable of?

Business luxury. Our latest Folio 1040 G1 review unit arrived with a 1080p IPS display panel and an upgraded CPU—not to mention a bevy of preloaded security software to make corporate IT life easier. Is this business as usual, or was it worth the wait?

A Shield to marvel at. This isn't Captain America's shield and unfortunately not made of Vibranium either, but we'd be damned if it isn't the best Android-based gaming platform currently in the market.

Light, slim, (more) affordable. Samsung's ATIV Book 9 Plus established itself as a high-end contender in the Ultrabook category. Equipped with identical hardware, but without the "Plus" in the name and sans the reflective QHD+ display, the cheaper ATIV Book 9 retails for about 350 Euro (~$480) less.

Quiet worker. A conservative Intel Core i7, a dedicated graphics card from Nvidia and a fast SSD ensure great system performance. The manufacturer promises and delivers long battery life, despite all these powerful components. Find out more about this model in our in-depth review.

Between gaming and multimedia. The M731 from Nexoc combines the advantages of an all-rounder and a high-end notebook. While the 17-inch chassis is still comparatively portable and not too bulky, the components offer a decent performance that is even sufficient for current games.

Windows for the back pocket. Windows 8 is gaining ground, particularly in the tablet segment. Although Android still clearly dominates the mass market, many manufacturers offer smaller 8-inch tablets with a full Windows install and thus x86 program-compatibility. With success?

Typing machine with gaming aspirations. The Acer TravelMate P255-MG is first of all a notebook for office use. Interestingly, the device is also outfitted with an AMD graphics solution that is usually strong enough even for more demanding games. Our review reveals more.

Enhanced transformation. We reviewed a Lenovo ThinkPad W540 model with rather weak hardware a few weeks ago. The second test model delivers many things we wished for. The impact of these differences will be illustrated in this review.

Haswell meets Maxwell. Asus offers a multimedia all-rounder for around 700 Euros (~$966) with the X750LN-TY012H. Thanks to the new GeForce 840M GPU, the notebook should be suited for gaming. Nvidia advertises a performance improvement of up to 35 percent compared to the predecessor – the GeForce GT 740M.

Slowed down. Besides the Core i7 processor and the improved memory equipment, it is the dedicated Radeon HD 8750M in particular that is supposed to justify the considerable price of the top version from the EliteBook 850-series. But can the thin chassis actually handle the additional heat?

Mainstream challenger. When thinking about gaming suitable laptops in a price range of 600 Euros (~$829), there is barely getting around Nvidia's mid-range GeForce GT 740M. AMD's new Radeon R7 M265 with a 128-bit memory interface opposes it now. And in fact, the review sample not only keeps pace in gaming but also proves to be quite competitive in other areas.

14-inch business. The ProBook 645 is a 14-inch business laptop. Besides a matte screen, swift hard drive and good input devices, the laptop features classic business qualities like a docking port and a SmartCard reader. The laptop can also be furnished with an LTE modem.

Sharp and matte. The version of the Lifebook U904 with a matte WQHD+ display and without a touchscreen has now found its way into our list of candidates for review. Does the anti-reflective surface do its job well? How does the notebook fare compared to its competitors? Read our review to find out.

Big, bigger, TESO. As one of the last publishers to do so, Bethesda Softworks tries an MMORPG by subscription. The Elder Scrolls Online (TESO) is intended to piggyback off of the success of competitors in its genre, like Guild Wars 2 and World of WarCraft. You will encounter hardly any new technological advances, but the title scores points for its visually appealing and interesting world. Our article primarily deals with the new game's hardware demands.

Evergreen. Only a few notebooks have such a long history as the ThinkPad T-series. Lenovo follows the current trend with the latest 14-inch version and focuses on mobility in particular. There are also new components and input devices. Read our review to find out what you can expect from the work tool.

Alternative? Not really. The highlight of the Flex 14 is surely its 300-degree swivel screen alongside the related multimedia and presentation options. Lenovo now expands this product line with a weak AMD APU from the E-series. Why this concept does not work can be read here.

The golden mean? The HP EliteBook 840 G1 wants to beat the business rivals from Lenovo and Dell. Thanks to an extensive diet, the 14-inch device is thinner than ever, but you do not have to waive a fast Core i7 processor, sufficient memory and comprehensive features.

The unequal duel. Nvidia offers two different versions of its latest high-end GPU GeForce GTX 860M. Besides a version based on the Maxwell architecture, there is also a GPU from the old Kepler generation. We compared the performance of the two DirectX 11 chips and found a winner.

Pocket Windows II. Acer launched an 8-inch Windows tablet based on the Clovertrail platform just a little under a year ago. Now its successor is beginning to take shape with the Bay Trail SoC. Does it add power to the pocket?

AMD business. HP asks for about 750 Euros (~$1030) for their ProBook 655 business notebook. For that price, the buyer gets an office device with an AMD APU, a matte display and a quick hard drive. Additionally, the computer is pre-equipped for the installation of an LTE modem and offers easy access to its inner workings for maintenance. But does the notebook do well in practice? Read our review to find out.

Turbo data. A 4.5-inch smartphone powered by Android 4.2.2 and high-speed LTE for a price considerably below 300 Euros (~$416): Samsung's Galaxy Core LTE SM-G386F enables a browsing speed of up to 150 Mbit/s - not its only advantage, as our review proves.

Good combination. Several companies in Germany offer powerful and configurable high-end laptops. One of them is the Bavarian Nexoc GmbH. The manufacturer wants to attract the attention of gamers with the G728II, and one of the most important components is Nvidia's brand-new Maxwell architecture.

Participant. HP jumps on the bandwagon of handy Windows convertibles and builds one at an affordable price for the average consumer. Does the glossy design of the current Pavilions meet our taste? Do the wider diagonal, the second battery and the Bay Trail Pentium justify the rather high price?

Competitive? Samsung's newest 8-inch tablet features many upgrades: A high-speed SoC, more working memory, four times the screen resolution, and the latest operating system in the 4.4 version. Has the major corporation done everything right, or does something come up short due to the multiple changes.

Gamer's choice? Schenker beefs up its ultrabook with a GT 745M, SSD plus HDD, decent upgradability, matte Full HD screen and an aluminum, rather than plastic, lid. Is it the ideal contraption for the performance geek?

Enduring. Fujitsu wants to lure mobile computer workers into buying its new 13.3-inch Lifebook S904 laptop. In addition to a low weight, the computer features an IGZO-WQHD screen, a docking port, and a 3G/LTE module. Beyond that, the company also promises a battery runtime of up to 24 hours and includes a three-year warranty. Sounds too good to be true?

8-inches of metal. You're looking for an affordable tablet that is compact and stylish? Then you should look at Acer's Iconia A1-830 that wants to convince with a metal back and Intel Atom processor for a price of 170 Euros (~$233).

All-rounder. Nvidia’s Tegra Note 7 is a well-equipped 7-inch tablet for just 209 Euros (~$287). SoC is an Nvidia Tegra 4 processor with a clock of 1.8 GHz, which is supported by a GeForce GPU as well a 1 GB RAM. Furthermore, you get 16 GB storage, a powerful battery and Android 4.4.2 KitKat. Is that sufficient for a top-ten position?

Chasing records. Schenker Technologies wants to offer the fastest desktop replacement with the XMG P724. The bulky 17-inch chassis can be configured with up to four storage drives and two high-end graphics cards. But does such a package make sense, or is a single GPU sufficient for passionate gamers? Our review of the GeForce GTX 880M SLI gives the answer.

Bread-and-Butter. A decent-looking 15.6-inch touchscreen notebook with basic hardware and good battery life courtesy of a frugal quad-core SoC - this is how one could sum up the Aspire E1-510P-2671. How the notebook fares as a daily companion is the subject of our review.

17.3-inch netbook. Packard Bell equips the EasyNote with a energy-saving APU that was originally intended for use in mobile and thin subnotebooks/ultrabooks. Theoretically, the customer should receive a 17.3-inch office notebook that works as quiet as a whisper and needs very little energy. But is that really the case? Read our review to find out.

Diet. Samsung offers light versions of its smartphone models under the product name Neo. The Galaxy Note 3 Neo is a slimmed down version of its big brother. The manufacturer has made cutbacks in many areas of the device, and only the wireless communication options and the typical Note S Pen remain untouched. Find out what limitations have to be accepted here.

Appearances are deceiving. You could think that the M504 is just an usual office notebook when you look at the case. But you couldn't be more wrong: Underneath the IPS display are many powerful components. Main attraction is Nvidia's price-performance miracle GeForce GTX 850M.

A cheap premium laptop? Asus adds a cheap 13-inch Ultrabook to their collection. The laptop contains a Haswell processor and its case has stayed similar to that of the predecessor. It includes a touchscreen as well. How good an Ultrabook can we get for such a low price?

Ruggedized. ADATA offers a robust external USB 3.0 HDD with the HD650. It can convince us with a quiet operating noise, decent transfer rates and a robust construction.

Old-school ThinkPad? Performance, security and office qualities are very important aspects of the new Lenovo ThinkPad T540p. Our review shows what the top version with a quad-core CPU, 250 GB SSD and integrated UMTS module for around 1,800 Euros (~$2482) is capable of.

Austerity package. Samsung introduces its new and affordable ATIV Book 8 featuring the latest Haswell CPU and an Nvidia graphics card. Instead of a glossy touchscreen, Samsung now relies on a matte and bright display. Are those the only differences? We took a closer look.

Potent rivals. The next round in the fight between the two graphic cards manufacturers, Nvidia and AMD, has begun. After the GeForce GTX 880M showed its capabilities, we now look at the also very powerful GTX 870M in this article. Can the high-end model excel the Radeon R9 M290X?

Race for the summit. Although Nvidia's new premium model is still based on the Kepler architecture, no other laptop GPU currently comes close to the GeForce GTX 880M. The "green giant" demands a corresponding price for the high-end chip. After Alienware, MSI, and Asus, Schenker Technologies is one of the first companies to offer the luxury model. Clear the stage for the XMG P704...

Affordable mid-range. Acer's Liquid Z5 jumps on the bandwagon of 5-inch smartphones and catches attention at first glance with a price of 170 Euros (~$234). But what does it have to offer?

Workhorse. Lenovo updated its devices with the latest hardware but did not change the concept of the cheap Edge series. The company offers many different models and our review will reveal whether the surcharge for the top model is justified.

Icon or illusion? The 7-inch Iconia B1-721 is Acer's new contribution to the tablet market's 200 Euros (~$275) price class. Its driving force is a 1.3 GHz MediaTek MT8312 alongside an integrated Mali MP400 graphics chip. 1 GB of DDR3 RAM, 16 GB of flash storage and 3G wireless complete the package. But the display only offers 1024x600 pixels. Is that still enough for the tablet to hold its own in the entry-level class?

Old chassis, new technologies. Buyers looking for a speedy gaming laptop that does not excessively burden their wallet might find something at Schenker Technologies. The base configuration of the XMG A504 with a GeForce GTX 860M "only" costs 949 Euros (~$1305). We sent a somewhat lusher version through our benchmark tests to answer pressing performance questions.

Luxury for the executive level. Ultrabooks are normally designed for home users – but that's not always the case. Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Carbon, for example, targets affluent business customers who are willing to spend almost 2000 Euro (~$2800) for the top-of-the-line version. If this amount is money well spent is the subject of our review.

Minimal. With the HP 255, HP focuses on private and professional users looking for the cheapest possible work tool. A price of significantly below 400 Euros (~$549) is definitely "cheap." Our review reveals whether the notebook is also convincing.

Slim, fast, perfect? HP slimmed down its 14-inch mobile workstation this year and focused on frugal components. We tested if the device can meet the high performance requirements of the customers.

Towering heights. Someone who offers a 2000 Euro (~$2749) ultrabook is aiming at especially demanding customers. Thus, we ask ourselves why a TN screen is installed in an otherwise very elegant device with some notable cutbacks. Will the review sample nevertheless manage to stand up against the competitor's flagships, and to score in the targeted business range?

Slim, fast and gaming-ready. In 2011, Acer introduced the Aspire S3-951, the first ever Ultrabook. After three years, we are delighted to meet the successor, the Aspire S3-392G. A strong Haswell CPU, a gaming-ready GPU and a lot of memory is packed into this small, compact computer. Our review will reveal what this 13.3-inch machine is capable of.