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Toshiba Satellite W30t-A-101 Convertible Review Update

Successful merge? The Satellite W30t intends to combine the advantages of a tablet with those of a notebook. Therefore, the device is equipped with an efficient Haswell processor and a conventional hard drive. Is it possible to merge tablet and notebook?

For the original German review, see here.

The Satellite W30t-A-101 is the Intel version of the Toshiba-Convertible. Already months ago the AMD version Satellite W30Dt-A-100 (AMD A4-1200Radeon HD 8180) was tested. The Convertible could not score more than a “Satisfactory” (71%). One reason for the poor rating is the weak AMD APU. The W30t is equipped with a significantly more powerful Haswell processor, which is supposed to lead to a better result. Our review will show whether that is the case.

A competitor of the Satellite is the HP Split 13-m010dx x2 (Core i3-3229YHD Graphics 4000). The device that we tested is equipped with an Ivy-bridge-processor. By now, most of the HP-devices can be bought with a Haswell processor, such as the HP Split 13-m115sg (Core i5-4200YHD Graphics 4200) which costs 800 Euros (~$1092).

Since the Satellite W30t-A-101 is identical to the Satellite W30Dt-A-100, we are not going to address casing, equipment, input devices and speakers. Corresponding information can be found in the review of the W30Dt.

Display

The display surprises: even though the same panel as for the Satellite W30Dt-A-100 is used, the W30t-A-101 version has completely different measured values. The brightness of 240.8 cd/m², for example, is significantly lower than its related version (308.1 cd/m²). In terms of contrast (641:1) and black level (0.39 cd/m²), however, it performs much better than the AMD version (292:1; 1.06 cd/m²).

258
cd/m²
251
cd/m²
243
cd/m²
226
cd/m²
250
cd/m²
217
cd/m²
238
cd/m²
259
cd/m²
225
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
LG Display LP133WH2-SPA1 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 259 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 240.8 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 84 %
Center on Battery: 211 cd/m²
Contrast: 641:1 (Black: 0.39 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 4.27 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 2.87 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
38.5% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
41.89% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
60.8% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
40.52% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.3
Satellite W30t vs. sRGB
Satellite W30t vs. sRGB
Satellite W30t vs. AdobeRGB
Satellite W30t vs. AdobeRGB

While the displays of the W30t and the W30Dt differ in terms of brightness, contrast and black level, they show identical color accuracy. On delivery, the average DeltaE 2000 deviation of the W30t display is 4.27 (target: DeltaE smaller than 3). The display does not show any sign of blue cast. 

CalMAN - Color Checker
CalMAN - Color Checker
CalMAN - Grayscale
CalMAN - Grayscale
CalMAN - Color saturation
CalMAN - Color saturation

Due to the IPS panel, the display can be read from all positions. Outdoor use is indeed possible. However, very bright environments should be avoided, and the display has to be positioned in such a way that no reflections appear.

Performance

For people who cannot decide between tablet and notebook, the Satellite W30t offers a good compromise. The Toshiba Convertible has significantly more processing power and graphics performance than the AMD. The Convertible costs 800 Euros (~$1092), whereas the AMD version, namely the W30Dt-A-100, is currently available for 600 Euros (~$819). 

Processor

The Satellite is equipped with an Intel Core i3-4020Y processor. This Haswell CPU has two cores and can treat four threads simultaneously. The operating speed is 1.5 GHz. There is no turbo. With a TDP value of 11.5 Watts, the processor belongs to the economical representatives of its class. The full computing capabilities of the CPU are only available on AC power, which is shown by the results of the Cinebench benchmarks. When running only on battery power, the tests are only processed with a speed of 600 MHz. 

Cinebench R10 Shading 64Bit
4471 Points
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 64Bit
6503 Points
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single CPUs 64Bit
2940 Points
Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
4300
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
5004
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
2241
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
18.78 fps
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
1.63 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
0.67 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
152 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
60 Points
Help
Cinebench R11.5 - CPU Single 64Bit (sort by value)
Toshiba Satellite W30t-A-101
HD Graphics 4200, 4020Y, WD Blue UltraSlim WD5000MPCK-22AWHT0
0.67 Points
Toshiba Satellite W30Dt-A-100
Radeon HD 8180, A4-1200, WD Blue UltraSlim WD5000MPCK-22AWHT0
0.24 Points -64%
HP Split x2
HD Graphics 4000, 3229Y, Micron RealSSD C400 MTFDDAT128MAM-1J2
0.59 Points -12%
Toshiba WT310
HD Graphics 4000, 3339Y, Toshiba THNSNF128GMCS
0.84 Points +25%
Dell Latitude 13 3340 Education Series
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
1.04 Points +55%
Asus ASUSPRO Essential PU301LA-RO064G
HD Graphics 4400, 4500U, Toshiba MQ01ABF050
1.3 Points +94%
Cinebench R11.5 - CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value)
Toshiba Satellite W30t-A-101
HD Graphics 4200, 4020Y, WD Blue UltraSlim WD5000MPCK-22AWHT0
1.63 Points
Toshiba Satellite W30Dt-A-100
Radeon HD 8180, A4-1200, WD Blue UltraSlim WD5000MPCK-22AWHT0
0.45 Points -72%
HP Split x2
HD Graphics 4000, 3229Y, Micron RealSSD C400 MTFDDAT128MAM-1J2
1.41 Points -13%
Toshiba WT310
HD Graphics 4000, 3339Y, Toshiba THNSNF128GMCS
1.81 Points +11%
Dell Latitude 13 3340 Education Series
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
2.52 Points +55%
Asus ASUSPRO Essential PU301LA-RO064G
HD Graphics 4400, 4500U, Toshiba MQ01ABF050
2.95 Points +81%

System Performance

The device works very smoothly. The results of the PC Mark Benchmarks are also positive. In direct comparison with the AMD variant, the Satellite clearly wins; it is equipped with a significantly more powerful processor. 

PCMark Vantage Result
4225 points
PCMark 7 Score
2399 points
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
2044 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2
1810 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
2516 points
Help
PCMark 7 - Score (sort by value)
Toshiba Satellite W30t-A-101
HD Graphics 4200, 4020Y, WD Blue UltraSlim WD5000MPCK-22AWHT0
2399 Points
Toshiba Satellite W30Dt-A-100
Radeon HD 8180, A4-1200, WD Blue UltraSlim WD5000MPCK-22AWHT0
1011 Points -58%
Asus Transformer Book T100TA-C1-GR
HD Graphics (Bay Trail), Z3740, 32 GB eMMC Flash
2339 Points -3%
Asus ASUSPRO Essential PU301LA-RO064G
HD Graphics 4400, 4500U, Toshiba MQ01ABF050
2475 Points +3%
Dell Latitude 13 3340 Education Series
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
2928 Points +22%
HP Split x2
HD Graphics 4000, 3229Y, Micron RealSSD C400 MTFDDAT128MAM-1J2
3366 Points +40%
Toshiba WT310
HD Graphics 4000, 3339Y, Toshiba THNSNF128GMCS
3820 Points +59%

Storage Devices

The device is equipped with a Western Digital hard disk. It uses the same version as used in the Satellite W30Dt-A-100. The hard disk has a capacity of 500 GB and works at 5,400 rpm. CrystalDiskMark shows a reading speed of 106.2 MB/s. HD Tune provides an average transfer rate of 83 MB/s (this is average for a 5,400 hard disk). 

WD Blue UltraSlim WD5000MPCK-22AWHT0
Transfer Rate Minimum: 3.7 MB/s
Transfer Rate Maximum: 121.2 MB/s
Transfer Rate Average: 83 MB/s
Access Time: 19.4 ms
Burst Rate: 142.9 MB/s
CPU Usage: 2.6 %

Graphics Card

The Intel HD Graphics 4200 graphics core supports DirectX11 and works with speeds between 200 and 850 MHz. The GPU of the this Satellite clearly outperforms the AMD version. 

3DMark 11 Performance
828 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
34297 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
3449 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
512 points
Help
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance (sort by value)
Toshiba Satellite W30t-A-101
HD Graphics 4200, 4020Y, WD Blue UltraSlim WD5000MPCK-22AWHT0
828 Points
Asus Transformer Book T100TA-C1-GR
HD Graphics (Bay Trail), Z3740, 32 GB eMMC Flash
209 Points -75%
HP Split x2
HD Graphics 4000, 3229Y, Micron RealSSD C400 MTFDDAT128MAM-1J2
425 Points -49%
Dell Latitude 13 3340 Education Series
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
774 Points -7%
Asus ASUSPRO Essential PU301LA-RO064G
HD Graphics 4400, 4500U, Toshiba MQ01ABF050
843 Points +2%

Gaming Performance

The CPU-GPU combination of the Satellite is capable of playing computer games smoothly – at low resolution and quality settings. If a game has no high requirements on the hardware, higher settings can be chosen. This is the case, for example, with Counter-Strike: GO. Games that are designed for the Windows Metro interface do not cause any problems in general.  

low med. high ultra
World of Warcraft (2005) 64.6 53.4
Trackmania Nations Forever (2008) 130 43.9
Dirt 3 (2011) 67.8 34.1 20.4
Medal of Honor: Warfighter (2012) 22.9 15.1
Far Cry 3 (2012) 26.2 16.5
Tomb Raider (2013) 44.4 22.4 12.8
StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm (2013) 109.2 38.8 22.7
GRID 2 (2013) 51.1 25.7 17.9
Need for Speed: Rivals (2013) 14.1
X-Plane 10.25 (2013) 26.2 13.9
Thief (2014) 14 5.3
The Elder Scrolls Online (2014) 43.1 23.4 15
Wolfenstein: The New Order (2014) 27.2 21.9

Emissions

System Noise

Unlike the W30Dt, the Convertible is equipped with a fan. Excessive noise is not noticeable. While idling, almost no noise is generated. The fan is quiet most of the time and one barely notices the noise generated by the hard disk. When more processing capacity is required, the fan has to work more. Even then, any noise is masked by the surrounding ordinary noises. When running on battery, the fan starts less frequently, since the processor is not reaching its maximum speed anymore. 

Noise Level

Idle
27.7 / 27.7 / 30.1 dB(A)
Load
35 / 0 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-300 (15 cm distance)

Temperature

Stress test of the Satellite.
Stress test of the Satellite.

All in all, the Convertible barely heats up. The highest temperature was measured on the keyboard dock during the stress test. On the right edge, temperature increases to 41.5 degrees Celsius (106.7 Fahrenheit) at one location. 

During the stress test (Prime95 and FurMark are running for at least one hour), the CPU runs (on AC power) at 800 MHz, the GPU works at 550 to 600 MHz. When running on battery, the speed decreases only slightly. The processor works then at 700 MHz, and the graphics core reaches speeds between 450 and 500 MHz. The CPU temperature levels off at 70 degrees Celsius (158 Fahrenheit, AC power during stress test).

Max. Load
 37.8 °C
100 F
39.6 °C
103 F
35.4 °C
96 F
 
 33.6 °C
92 F
34.7 °C
94 F
33.9 °C
93 F
 
 32.1 °C
90 F
35.5 °C
96 F
35.4 °C
96 F
 
Maximum: 39.6 °C = 103 F
Average: 35.3 °C = 96 F
32.7 °C
91 F
37.2 °C
99 F
38.8 °C
102 F
31.6 °C
89 F
34.9 °C
95 F
35 °C
95 F
32.1 °C
90 F
32.4 °C
90 F
32.6 °C
91 F
Maximum: 38.8 °C = 102 F
Average: 34.1 °C = 93 F
Room Temperature 23 °C = 73 F | Raytek Raynger ST
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 35.3 °C / 96 F, compared to the average of 30.2 °C / 86 F for the devices in the class Convertible.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 39.6 °C / 103 F, compared to the average of 35.3 °C / 96 F, ranging from 19.6 to 55.7 °C for the class Convertible.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 38.8 °C / 102 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 28.2 °C / 83 F, compared to the device average of 30.2 °C / 86 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are reaching skin temperature as a maximum (35.5 °C / 95.9 F) and are therefore not hot.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.1 °C / 82.6 F (-7.4 °C / -13.3 F).
Max. Load
 25.1 °C
77 F
27.9 °C
82 F
37.2 °C
99 F
 
 24.2 °C
76 F
26.9 °C
80 F
35.6 °C
96 F
 
 23.8 °C
75 F
24.9 °C
77 F
26.2 °C
79 F
 
Maximum: 37.2 °C = 99 F
Average: 28 °C = 82 F
41.5 °C
107 F
31.8 °C
89 F
25.3 °C
78 F
36.7 °C
98 F
32.7 °C
91 F
25.6 °C
78 F
28.8 °C
84 F
26.8 °C
80 F
25.3 °C
78 F
Maximum: 41.5 °C = 107 F
Average: 30.5 °C = 87 F
Power Supply (max.)  43.7 °C = 111 F | Room Temperature 23 °C = 73 F | Raytek Raynger ST
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 28 °C / 82 F, compared to the average of 30.2 °C / 86 F for the devices in the class Convertible.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 37.2 °C / 99 F, compared to the average of 35.3 °C / 96 F, ranging from 19.6 to 55.7 °C for the class Convertible.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 41.5 °C / 107 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 25.3 °C / 78 F, compared to the device average of 30.2 °C / 86 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 26.2 °C / 79.2 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(±) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.1 °C / 82.6 F (+1.9 °C / 3.4 F).

Energy Management

Power Consumption

Power intake of the Convertible when idle is almost the same as for comparable 13.3-inch notebooks. Under moderate (3D Mark 06 is running) or full stress (stress test, Prime95 and FurMark are running), the power required is however too high, after all, the device makes use of a ULV processor with a TDP of 11.5 Watts. No surprise: under stress, more power is required for the W30t in comparison to the W30Dt. The W30t has a more powerful processor and graphics core. 

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.1 / 0.2 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 4.5 / 8.2 / 9.7 Watt
Load midlight 29.2 / 36.9 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

When idle, the Satellite achieves a battery life of 10:50 h, very similar to the Split x2 (10:57 h). The idle-mode is tested through the Battery Eater Reader’s Test. The display is set to the lowest brightness, the energy-saver profile is activated and the wireless modules are disabled. Under load, the Satellite runs 2:12 h, significantly less than the Split x2 (3:25 h). The run time under load is determined by the Battery Eater Classic test. Here, the screen runs at full brightness, and the high-performance profile and the wireless modules are enabled.

The Wi-Fi test is finished after 6:30 h for the Satellite; for the Split x2 a value of 6:01 h is obtained. During that test, websites are called automatically in 40-second intervals. The energy-saver profile is activated and the display brightness is set to 150 cd/m².

Overall, the Satellite has good battery life. It hardly surprises that the AMD version has better battery life since its power demand is less. 

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
10h 40min
WiFi Surfing
6h 30min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
5h 30min
Load (maximum brightness)
2h 12min
Toshiba Satellite W30t-A-101
HD Graphics 4200, 4020Y, WD Blue UltraSlim WD5000MPCK-22AWHT0
Toshiba Satellite W30Dt-A-100
Radeon HD 8180, A4-1200, WD Blue UltraSlim WD5000MPCK-22AWHT0
HP Split x2
HD Graphics 4000, 3229Y, Micron RealSSD C400 MTFDDAT128MAM-1J2
Asus Transformer Book T100TA-C1-GR
HD Graphics (Bay Trail), Z3740, 32 GB eMMC Flash
Asus ASUSPRO Essential PU301LA-RO064G
HD Graphics 4400, 4500U, Toshiba MQ01ABF050
Battery Runtime
30%
17%
72%
-14%
Reader / Idle
640
650
2%
657
3%
999
56%
664
4%
WiFi
390
430
10%
361
-7%
647
66%
317
-19%
Load
132
236
79%
205
55%
256
94%
95
-28%

Verdict

The Satellite W30t-A-101 has mostly the same strong and weak points as the W30Dt-A-101. Differences exist however, since they are equipped with different CPUs and GPUs. The W30t has significantly better CPU and GPU performances, it needs however more power. Battery life is slightly lower and unlike the W30Dt, a fan to cool the processor is required. The display of the W30t is not as bright as the one used for the W30Dt, but it has a higher contrast.

The HP Split X2 is an equivalent alternative to the Satellite. However, the HP is equipped with a faster Solid State Drive.

Overall, the Convertible concept cannot convince. In principle, it is a tablet with a bad keyboard to plug in, all for 800 Euros (~$1092). For less money, more powerful and durable 13.3-inch notebooks can be bought. An example is the Dell Latitude 3340 (Core i5-4200UHD Graphics 4400), which can currently be purchased for 600 Euros (~$819). 

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In Review: Toshiba Satellite W30t-A-101. Test model provided by Toshiba.
In Review: Toshiba Satellite W30t-A-101. Test model provided by Toshiba.

Specifications

Toshiba Satellite W30t-A-101 (Satellite W30 Series)
Processor
Intel Core i3-4020Y 2 x 1.5 GHz, Haswell
Graphics adapter
Intel HD Graphics 4200, Core: 850 MHz, 10.18.10.3345
Memory
4 GB 
, DDR3, Dual-Channel
Display
13.30 inch 16:9, 1366 x 768 pixel, 10 point multitouch, LG Display LP133WH2-SPA1, IPS HD TFT, glossy: yes
Mainboard
Intel Lynx Point-LP
Storage
WD Blue UltraSlim WD5000MPCK-22AWHT0, 500 GB 
, 5400 rpm, 400 GB free
Soundcard
Intel Lynx Point-LP - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
1 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 HDMI, Audio Connections: Audio Combo, Card Reader: Micro-SD Card Slot (UHS-I Support), Sensors: Brightness Sensor, Alignment Sensor
Networking
Intel Wireless-N 7260 (b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 4.0 + LE
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 25 x 331 x 230 ( = 0.98 x 13.03 x 9.06 in)
Battery
46 Wh Lithium-Polymer, 23+23 Wh, Tablet+Dock
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 8.1 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: 0.9 MP HD Web Cam (1.280 x 720), built-in Microphone (with noise cancellation)
Additional features
Speakers: Stereo Speaker (tablet and dock with 2 speakers each), Keyboard: Chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, Micro A USB to USB Type A (female) and Micro B USB (male), Microsoft Office 365 (trial version), 24 Months Warranty
Weight
2.14 kg ( = 75.49 oz / 4.72 pounds), Power Supply: 230 g ( = 8.11 oz / 0.51 pounds)
Price
700 Euro

 

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HP Split x2 13-m210eg Convertible Review
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HP Pro X2 410 G1 Convertible Review
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Links

Price Comparison

Pros

+Decent performance
+Wide viewing angles due to an IPS-panel
+Long battery life due to 2 batteries
+Solid, stable construction
+Relatively many ports (USB 3.0 Type A)
 

Cons

-Spongy keyboard feedback
-Large tablet weight

Shortcut

What we like

Solid performance 

What we are missing

Definitively a better keyboard. Also, a simple access to the interior parts of the laptop could be helpful.

What surprises us

Nothing. 

The competition

HP Split x2 (Convertible), Toshiba Satellite W30Dt-A-100 (Convertible), HP Spectre 13-h205eg x2 (Convertible), Toshiba WT310 (Tablet), Asus PU301LA-RO064G (Notebook), Dell Latitude 3340 (Notebook), HP Probook 430 G1 (Notebook)

Rating

Toshiba Satellite W30t-A-101 - 06/23/2014 v4(old)
Sascha Mölck

Chassis
76 / 98 → 78%
Keyboard
65%
Pointing Device
67%
Connectivity
52 / 80 → 65%
Weight
62 / 35-78 → 63%
Battery
88%
Display
80%
Games Performance
55 / 68 → 81%
Application Performance
57 / 87 → 66%
Temperature
92%
Noise
97%
Audio
40 / 91 → 44%
Camera
43 / 85 → 51%
Average
67%
73%
Convertible - Weighted Average
Sascha Mölck, 2014-07- 2 (Update: 2014-07- 3)