While its main competitors saw their sales decline from the fourth quarter of 2010, Samsung is the only Top 10 sellers of notebooks to record a growth in shipments in the first quarter of 2011.
Samsung has indeed shipped 3.11 million notebooks in early 2011 which allowed him to show a sales growth of 1% compared to end 2010.
A performance report when sales are usually declines in the first quarter compared to the previous quarter, this time enjoying the holiday season. Apple could also benefit from the growth in sales earlier this year but that did not materialize due to a fall in deliveries of MacBook in March. As a result, the firm ended the quarter the apple down 6% from the previous quarter.
Among other competitors, HP saw its shipments drop 20% over the period, Acer 13%, 6% Dell, Toshiba, Lenovo and Asus 10%, 14% and Fujitsu. Sony is facing the most serious deterioration in sales from one quarter to another, to -29%.
Suppliers of components for laptops, however, expect a better performance in sales in the second quarter where they should be up 5% to 10%. Only Acer should be an exception because of problems including stocks.
After the R830 13.3-inch format Toshiba launches in France another laptop matte tile in Intel platform Huron River, but this time format 14-inch Satellite R840-117. Less than 860 euros, it displays a weight of 1.9 kg, a beautiful self-announced eight hours, Sandy Bridge processor i5, a DirectX 11 graphics card AMD, good storage space and USB 3.0.
Toshiba R840-117 – Performance (April 2011)
Processor | Graphics Card | Weight | Autonomy |
@@@@ | @@ | @@@ | @@@@ |
Technical
Slab | 14”HD LED Backlight WXGA (1366 × 768, anti-glare matte) |
Processor | Intel Core i5-2410M (2.3 GHz) |
RAM Installed (Max) | 4 GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3 1333 MHz (8 GB), 2 slots |
Storage | 640 GB 5400 rpm / min |
Graphics Card | AMD Radeon HD6450M 1 GB DDR3 dedicated |
Optical Drive | DVD burner |
Audio System | 2 speakers |
Webcam | VGA 0.3 megapixel with microphone |
Network | Wi-Fi b / g / n + Gigabit Ethernet |
Bluetooth | Yes, Bluetooth 3.0 + HS |
Card Reader | SD / MMC |
Output (s) video | HDMI, VGA |
Fingerprint reader | Yes, TPM security chip |
Input (s) / Output (s) | Headset, Microphone |
ExpressCard | – |
Firewire | – |
USB | 2 USB 2.0 combo with 1 e-SATA USB 3.0 + 1 Sleep’N’Charge |
Operating System | Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit |
Battery | Li-Ion 6 cell 6200mAh |
Autonomy announced | 8 hours max |
Dimensions (mm) | 341 x 239 x 19.9-27.4 |
Weight | 1.9 Kg (with battery) |
Guarantee | 1 year |
Other | Spill-resistant keyboard, multi-touch touchpad |
Software | Microsoft Office 2010 Starter, Toshiba LifeSpace, Eco utility and backup software read / write DVD |
The hard drive is protected against impact with 3D Sensor technology that parks the read head when a fall is detected. Technology (TMC Toshiba Media Controller) is also present to share media files easily with DLNA certified devices.
This notebook features an original appearance while being restrained by its dark blue hull and interior textured black.
Proposed less than 855 euros there SurcoufThe Toshiba R840-117 is positioned as one of the few class to benefit from a slab mate, platform Huron River and weight as content.
While the 16:9 format and resolution of 1366 × 768 are conventional, the screen of this laptop is distinguished by its matte anti-glare treatment which as its name implies appears much less prone to glare than glossy, especially in light environment.
This model also benefits from a proper connection with Wi-Fi, VGA, HDMI and two USB 2.0 combo with 1 e-SATA. The new releases in 2010 are part of or the Bluetooth 3.0 + HS and USB 3.0 transfers to enjoy up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0.
Other advantages to its credit, its weight content below 2 kg and good battery capacity that allows it to offer a self-announced eight hours. However, as always, only specific tests allow us to know what it is really convenient.
In addition, this laptop runs on Intel platform Huron River with Sandy Bridge processor i5-2410M, which coupled with 4 GB of RAM onboard guarantee good performance in current use and multitasking.
The hard drive provides good storage space of 640 GB but some may regret that it is not faster. Finally, the dedicated graphics card Radeon HD6450M is obviously capable of playing HD videos without worry but the games are not his strong point. It is indeed a model of entry and only old games resource-efficient 3D will then pass.
After the 13.3-inch R830 and 14-inch R840 , Toshiba’s Satellite for declines in Intel platform independent and Huron River in a 15.6-inch version with a first model to less than 800 euros, the Toshiba Satellite R850-12G. The program for this model, a graphics card AMD last generation, a self-announced seven hours, USB 3.0, a slab mate, good storage space and a Core i3 Sandy Bridge.
With a crimson shell, this laptop does not go unnoticed. The interior is black with no money, but is more discreet, a textured finish covering the wrist.
The spill-resistant keyboard and hard drive is protected against impact with HDD Protection technology and a 3D accelerometer that detects falls and automatically park the read head.
Toshiba R850-12G – Performance (April 2011)
Processor | Graphics Card | Weight | Autonomy |
@ @ @ | @ @ | @ @ | @ @ @ @ |
Technical
Slab | 15.6”WXGA HD LED backlight (1366 x 768, matte anti-glare) |
Processor | Intel Core i3-2310M (2.1 GHz) |
RAM Installed (Max) | 4 GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3 1333 MHz (8 GB), 2 slots |
Storage | 500 GB 5400 rpm / min |
Graphics Card | AMD Radeon HD6450M 1 GB DDR3 dedicated HyperMemory up to 2.8 GB |
Optical Drive | DVD burner |
Audio System | 2 speakers Toshiba Bass Enhanced Sound System |
Webcam | VGA 0.3 megapixel with microphone |
Network | Wi-Fi b / g / n + Gigabit Ethernet |
Bluetooth | Yes, Bluetooth 3.0 + HS |
Card Reader | SD / MS / SDHC / MMC / MS / MS Pro / xD |
Output (s) video | HDMI, VGA |
Fingerprint reader | – |
Input (s) / Output (s) | Headphone / mic combo |
ExpressCard | – |
Firewire | – |
USB | 3 USB 2.0 combo with 1 e-SATA USB 3.0 + 1 Sleep’N’Charge |
Operating System | Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit |
Battery | Li-Ion 6 cell 6600mAh |
Autonomy announced | 7:00 max |
Dimensions (mm) | 379 x 252 x 20.8-25.4 |
Weight | 2.49 Kg (with battery) |
Guarantee | 1 year |
Other | Chiclet keyboard with numeric keypad, multi-touch touchpad can be disabled |
Software | Microsoft Office 2010 Starter, Toshiba LifeSpace, Eco utility and backup software read / write DVD |
It’s a laptop with a mix of performance and autonomy that we propose with his Toshiba Satellite R850-12G.
Performance side, the brand has chosen an Intel platform Huron River with 4 GB of RAM and a Core i3-2310M for operation in multitasking and common use.
She is an assistant dedicated graphics card Radeon HD6450M DirectX 11 for smooth playback of HD video and the ability to play tracks resource-efficient 3D games are indeed not the strong point of this entry-level GPU .
To provide the user with a good battery life, Toshiba has integrated in this laptop a good capacity battery which it says can take up to 7 hours away from an outlet, what remains for the moment verify in practice. In addition, it displays a weight rather content to a laptop with an optical drive and a dedicated graphics card not to mention a great finesse.
The R850-12G Toshiba Satellite reserves other surprises. If the screen displays a resolution of 1366 × 768 and a 16:9 format, as an overwhelming majority of his colleagues 15.6 inches, it has a matte treatment appears to be much less prone to glare in a bright environment glossy.
The connection has not been neglected and should suit many users since it contains the essential: Wi-Fi, VGA, HDMI, 3 audio ports and USB 2.0. In addition, one of the USB 2.0 combo e-SATA technology Sleep’N’Charge to charge a small device even if the laptop is in standby or off. A USB 3.0 port for transfers up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0 devices with USB 3.0 and a Bluetooth 3.0 + HS module complete the package. As for the hard disk, it offers a very decent storage capacity of 500 GB
In the end the R850-12G Toshiba Satellite does not position itself as a great warrior but as a fine machine weight relatively content with a beautiful autonomy announced while ensuring overall performance very accurate as long as the games are not a priority .
At the conference Google I / O to be held on May 10 in San Francisco, the new operating system OS Chrome could benefit from an effective launch. A 12.1-inch ultraportable running this system, called Samsung Alex, comes from elsewhere on the web filter.
The 12.1-inch Samsung in Google Chrome OS, whose code name is “Alex”, filtered following the publication of documents from Google.
We learn that Alex would have a Samsung 12.1-inch panel with a resolution of 1280 × 800 and the display format thus adopts a 16/10 while the 16:9 largely dominates the market for several quarters, what delight those ranting against the 768px height of 16:9 that require a little scroll in office and surfing the Net.
It would also be equipped with a Dual Core processor Atom N550 clocked at 1.5 GHz associated with 2 GB DDR3 RAM. The storage would be entrusted to a SanDisk SSD while the P4 connector side, there are modules Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G, a card reader and USB ports and a VGA output. Would also present a Synaptics touchpad and a webcam Namuga.
We should know more about this 12.1-inch Samsung Alex at the Google I / O, some arguing that its release could come later this summer.
Korean would in any case not the only position themselves in the machinery sector Chrome OS. Indeed, it is also the case of Acer , from Asus or Sony .
As a reminder, Chrome OS is an operating system based on Linux and browser built around Google Chrome. The applications are stored online in order to guarantee the user the use of the latest versions of its software and preferred this way to increase security. The downside, this type of system is very dependent on internet connection, essential to really benefit from its functionality.
Asus released their G73SW-91183V, a new versatile laptop performance-oriented games and multimedia platform that appears under Intel Huron River to less than 1800 euros to a Full HD 3D technology, a quad-core Sandy Bridge processor, graphics card Geforce GTX 460M, USB 3.0, a significant amount of RAM and a storage space of 1.2 TB
Asus G73SW-TZ191V – Performance (April 2011)
Processor | Graphics Card | Weight | Autonomy |
@@@@@ | @@@@@ | @ | @ |
Technical
Slab | 17.3”WUXGA LED Backlight ColorShine 3D (1920 × 1080, glossy) |
Processor | Core i7-2630QM (2.0 GHz) |
RAM Installed (Max) | 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) DDR3 1333 MHz (16 GB max), 4 slots |
Storage | 1.28 TB (2 x 640 GB) |
Graphics Card | Nvidia Geforce GTX 460M 1.5 GB dedicated GDDR5 |
Optical Drive | Blu-Ray/graveur DVD combo drive |
Audio System | 2 speakers + 1 subwoofer Altec Lansing THX TruStudio EAX Advanced HD 5.0 |
Webcam | 2.0 megapixels with microphone |
Network | Wi-Fi b / g / n + Gigabit Ethernet |
Bluetooth | Yes |
Card Reader | 3 in 1 SD / MS / MMC |
Output (s) video | HDMI 1.4, VGA |
Fingerprint reader | – |
Input (s) / Output (s) | Headset, Microphone |
ExpressCard | – |
Firewire | – |
USB | 3 USB 2.0 USB 3.0 + 1 |
Operating System | Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit |
Battery | 8-cell Li-ion 5200mAh 75Whr |
Autonomy announced | – |
Dimensions (mm) | 415 x 320 x 18.9-56.9 |
Weight | 3.85 Kg (with battery), 3404 kg (without battery) |
Guarantee | 1 year |
Other | Backlit keyboard with numeric keypad, backpack, mouse and Nvidia 3D glasses provided |
Software | Express Gate, Smart Logon |
The screen adopts indeed a beautiful full HD resolution that is ideal as the 16:9 format for watching videos, especially media such as 1080p Blu-Ray that can be read through the optical drive onboard. It also has the advantage of providing a good working space and recreation, the audio 2.1 is responsible for providing superior sound quality than the average.
And that’s not all that screen also benefits from 3D technology, but the glasses is necessary in what may put off some. Once the 3D mode enabled, the user then has a better sense of immersion, especially in movies and games.
But if video playback in 3D poses no concern in the activation of the games 3D mode causes a loss of performance compared to conventional 2D: 3D application, in fact many more calculations on the part of the map dedicated graphics as 2D.
Therefore if the Geforce GTX 460M is able to run games properly, even the most resource-intensive 3D and new market, and this in 2D, it will be more difficult under the most demanding tracks in 3D mode. The user must then make a choice: carry out a reduction in levels of detail and / or resolution of the screen, or switch from 3D in games.
The orientation of the portable media continues in all cases in his heart with the presence of a large amount of RAM, 8 GB and a Quad Core processor, the Core i7-Sandy Bridge 2630QM, both of particularly suited to work like video editing and photo editing for fast treatment. And of course, the duo also delivers a solid performance in almost all applications, shouldering much the Geforce GTX 460M.
The two onboard hard drives allow their side to keep many files on many and varied the total space of 1200 GB, however, their speed of operation is not specified and it is hoped therefore that these models at 7200 rev / min for more responsiveness to versions 5400 rev / min.
Although a little behind mainly because of the lack of e-SATA port and a second USB 3.0 connectivity proves correct, therefore, with the presence of a USB 3.0 as well as 3 USB 2.0, what transfer up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0 files with USB 3.0. Modules Wireless Wi-Fi n and Bluetooth audio ports as well as VGA and HDMI video outputs are also present, the HDMI 1.4 being the standard capable of transmitting media 3D unlike HDMI 1.3.
Finally, we appreciate that the keyboard is backlit, and this laptop is more suitable for use as sedentary nomads because of its weight and dimensions.
Microsoft reports earnings related to its third fiscal quarter 2011 ends March 31. It exceeds analysts’ expectations with sales and earnings rise, but sales of Windows stall.
The Redmond company recording a turnover of 16.43 billion dollars for its third fiscal quarter 2011 to a net profit of 5.23 billion dollars, up 31% year on year.
Peter Klein, CFO (Chief Financial Officer – CFO) of Microsoft, said:
We delivered strong financial results despite a mixed PC, demonstrating the strength and breadth of our business. Consumers buy many products Office 2010, X-Box and Kunect, and businesses of all sizes acquire Microsoft platforms and applications.
Microsoft Business Division moreover increased by 21% year on year, thanks to Office 2010 while those of the Server & Tools (servers) is up 11% against 14% for that of the Online Services (online services ) and even 60% for the branch Entertainment & Devices (entertainment), which was boosted by sales of consoles X-Box 360 and Kinect.
Although Windows 7 continues to remain the Windows system the fastest selling in history with more than 350 million licenses passed to date , the revenues were down 4.4% to 4.45 billion dollars. Nevertheless, the company Steve Ballmer still dominates the OS market.
To Microsoft, those responsible for this decline are to be sought in PC sales rather dull. For IDC, the market fell 3.2% against 1.1% for Gartner .
For its entire fiscal year 2011 ending on June 30, Microsoft expects operating expenses of between 26.9 and 27.3 billion dollars and expected to increase costs by 3% to 5% for its fiscal year 2012 .
By this weekend, we find a test of the Samsung 900X.
You are reminded that the opinions below are those of the editors. We try wherever possible to transcribe about their feelings and objectively. If you disagree with the comments mentioned, the easiest way is to contact our colleagues.
Slab | 13.3”WXGA HD LED Backlight SuperBright More 400nits, 1300:1 (1366 x 768, matte) |
Processor | Intel Core i5-2537 m ULV (1.4 GHz) |
RAM Installed (Max) | 4 GB (1 x 4 GB) DDR3 (8 GB), 2 slots |
Storage | 128 GB SSD |
Graphics Card | Intel GMA 3000 HD integrated processor |
Optical Drive | – |
Audio System | Two 1.5W speakers SRS 3D Sound |
Webcam | 1.3 megapixels with microphone |
Network | Wi-Fi b / g / n + Gigabit Ethernet (adapter) |
Bluetooth | Yes, Bluetooth 3.0 + HS |
Card Reader | Micro SD |
Output (s) video | mini HDMI (optional adapter) |
Fingerprint reader | – |
Input (s) / Output (s) | Headset, Microphone |
ExpressCard | – |
Firewire | – |
USB | 1 USB 3.0 USB 2.0 + 1 Sleep’N’Charge |
Operating System | Professional 64-bit Windows 7 |
Battery | Li-Ion 6 cell 6300mAh 46Whr |
Autonomy announced | 7:00 |
Dimensions (mm) | 328.5 x 227 x 15.9-16.3 |
Weight | 1.35 Kg |
Guarantee | 3 years |
Other | Chiclet keyboard backlit, multi-touch touchpad |
Software | Applications Samsung |
It is thin and light, and has a robust design duralumin, but it seems less solid than the Apple MacBook Air when taken in hand. Its look is elegant but original and fingerprints are clearly apparent on the hull and inside. Regrets that the tester did not use the brand of metal everywhere. But he stresses that is better than its competitors, with the exception of the MacBook Air.
Chiclet keyboard with matte black keys well spaced from each other allows a nice entry, but sometimes the touchpad is activated when the palm rest above. However, this can be corrected via the drivers. The tester is pleased that the backlight of the keyboard can be automatic or manual.
The multi-touch touchpad is great, pleasant to use and responsive. And while the tester is usually disappointed with the built-in buttons, it is not here, ensuring that the touchpad buttons integrated with this model is one of the best he had in his hands.
The sound quality is good for a laptop of this type but lacks bass, and the display even more impressive, with good viewing angles horizontally and vertically, a backlight and a good quality level of contrast resulting in deep blacks and detailed. It is more bright and clear, and enjoy a treatment mat makes little prone to glare.
Its connectivity is good as a webcam, some ports are cleverly hidden behind masks. It is quiet and temperatures are contained.
He obtained a score of 8149 points in PCMark Vantage offers a quick start and has a range from 7.30 mode productivity with wireless modules disabled. It was noted 8 / 10.
Pixmania is currently offering a promotional offer on the Samsung Netbook N220 Premium Plus, a rather high-end model compared to its competitors.
Slab | 10.1”WSVGA LED Backlight Gloss Non-glare (1024 x 600) |
Processor | Intel Atom Pineview N450 (1.66 GHz) |
RAM Installed (Max) | 2 GB DDR2 667 MHz (2 GB), 1 slot |
Storage | 320 GB 5400 rpm / min |
Graphics Card | Intel GMA X3150 integrated processor, up to 128 MB shared |
Optical Drive | – |
Audio System | Two 1.5W speakers SRS 3D |
Webcam | 0.3 megapixel with micro Ditital LiveCam |
Network | Wi-Fi b / g / n + Ethernet |
Bluetooth | Yes, Bluetooth 3.0 + HS |
Card Reader | 4 in 1 |
Output (s) video | VGA |
Fingerprint reader | – |
Input (s) / Output (s) | Headset, Microphone |
ExpressCard | – |
Firewire | – |
USB | 3 USB 2.0 including 1 Sleep’N’Charge |
Operating System | Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit |
Battery | Li-Ion 6 cell 4400mAh |
Autonomy announced | About 10 |
Dimensions (mm) | 265 x 188.9 x 26-35.6 |
Weight | 1.31 kg (with battery) |
Guarantee | 1 year |
Other | – |
Software | Microsoft Office 2010 Starter, Samsung Fast Booting, Easy Resolution Manager |
As you can see from the description above, the Samsung N220 Premium Plus is characterized by the presence in standard 2 GB of RAM, but also by the Home Premium version of Windows 7, while most competitors simply netbooks usually the Starter Edition that has some limitations.
Another highlight of this model, its storage space is quite large with the presence of a 320 GB hard drive Some users will also appreciate the anti-glare panel or autonomy announced close to ten hours.
The rest of the configuration is more typical Intel Atom N450 with its GMA X3150 graphics chipset. Similarly, the connection is standard for a netbook with three USB ports and VGA output. Sleep’N’Charge this functionality on one of the ports, however, is a little more and can charge a USB device without having to turn on the computer.