Toshiba mid-2015 laptop buying guide: optimised for Windows 10

27.05.2015
Veteran notebook innovator, Toshiba, has come out with a new range of computers that use a fresh design concept across the board. The new devices, which span numerous price points to ensure that there is something for everyone's budget, all have a sleek, refined look, as well as inclusions that make them optimised for Microsoft's Windows 10 operating system.

What does being optimised for Windows 10 mean For these devices, it means having dual microphones that can be used to more easily interact with Windows 10's personal assistant, Cortana. All models will get the Windows 10 upgrade once it's available -- presently, they all run Windows 8.1.

Other features to look forward to include improved sound over last year's models via bigger speaker grilles and Skullcandy tuning, faster Wi-Fi via 802.11ac in almost all models (though the speed varies), and HDMI 2.0 is featured a lot of the models, too, which can facilitate 4K video output.

Toshiba has also come up with a Bluetooth utility that can be used to control a smartphone from the computer. Toshiba always adds plenty of utilities and other software to its laptops, which can sometimes be an annoyance, so it remains to be seen if this one will be of practical use.

User improvements include contoured keys on most models, as well as a new palm rejection feature for the touchpads, which was implemented after user feedback concerning flying cursors while typing. The keyboard is now frameless.

We have broken down the new releases below, according to their series, and the available configurations and features within each series. This should make it easier to see what's available (from June 2015) and what fits your price range and needs -- mostly, these are mainstream machines that span hybrids to desktop replacements, from AMD CPUs, to Intel Core i7.

Bear in mind, though, that more models will be released later in the year, once Windows 10 arrives, along with new chips from Intel.

Satellite Radius Series

Toshiba Satellite Radius

The Australian market is said to be mostly ahead of the world in its adoption of 2-in-1 (or hybrid) style devices that can be used both as notebooks and tablets (and in other modes in between, depending on the model). The Radius Series from Toshiba describes the type of hybrid device that can be used as a notebook, and as a tablet.

The models in this range have somewhat confusing naming conventions: they are the Radius L40W, which is a 14-inch model, and the Radius L10W, which is an 11.6-inch model that gets a refresh.

Both feature hinges that allow the screen to tilt all the way back and around the other side. This means you can also use a couple of modes in between notebook and tablet, such as display (or presentation) mode, and tent mode.

Go for the Core i7 L40W model if you want the fastest, most responsive user experience and don't mind paying a bit more for it. Otherwise, the entry point is a Pentium model for $899.

Specs and pricing follow:

Toshiba Radius L10W 11-B00L (PSKVUA-00L001)

Price: $899Screen size: 11.6in (touchscreen)Resolution: 1366x768CPU: Intel Pentium Processor N3540RAM: 4GBStorage: 128GB solid state driveGraphics: Intel HDPorts: 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0, HDMINetworking: 802.11ac (433Mbps)Weight: 1.3kg (stated)Battery life: up to 6.3 hours (stated)

Toshiba Radius L40W 14 L40W-C009 (PSLZAA-009001)

Price: $1799Screen size: 14in (touchscreen)Resolution: 1366x768CPU: Intel Core i7-5500URAM: 8GBStorage: 128GB, M.2-based solid state driveGraphics: Intel HD 5500Ports: 2x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0, HDMI (4K capable)Networking: 802.11ac Wi-Fi (433Mbps)Weight: 2.06kg (stated)Battery life: up to 10 hours (stated)

Satellite C-Series

Toshiba Satellite C-Series

The Satellite C-Series is what Toshiba calls its 'classic' laptops, and they are aimed at those of you who are looking for basic computing at a low price point. They are primarily suitable for Web browsing, being social, checking email, online shopping, writing documents, and similar everyday, non-taxing tasks. You can even pop in a DVD. That said, the notebooks in this series still include a modern style that features a frameless keyboard and a relatively slim profile.

Toshiba Satellite C-Series detail

Specs and pricing follow:

Toshiba Satellite C50D-C00U (PSCQEA-00U00H)

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Price: $699Screen size: 15.6inResolution: 1366x768CPU: AMD Eq-7010RAM: 4GBStorage: 500GB, 5400rpm hard driveGraphics: AMD Radeon R2Ports: 1x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, HDMINetworking: 100Mbs Ethernet, 802.11n Wi-FiWeight: 2.2kg (stated)Battery life: up to 6.5 hours (stated)

Toshiba Satellite C50D-C00V (PSCQEA-00V00H)

Price: $799Screen size: 15.6inResolution: 1366x768CPU: AMD A4-7210RAM: 4GBStorage: 1TB, 5400rpm hard driveGraphics: AMD Radeon R3Ports: 1x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0Networking: 100Mbps Ethernet, 802.11n Wi-FiWeight: 2.2kg (stated)Battery life: up to 6.5 hours (stated)

Toshiba Satellite C70-C00M (PSCSJA-00M00F)

Price: $1399Screen size: 17.3inResolution: 1600x900CPU: Intel Core i5-5200URAM: 4GBStorage: 1TB, 5400rpm hard driveGraphics: 2GB Nvidia GeForce 930MPorts: 1x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0Networking: Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac (433Mbps)Weight: 2.6kg (stated)Battery life: up to 6 hours (stated)

Satellite L Series

Toshiba Satellite L-Series

One step above the C-Series is the L-Series (L stands for 'life'). This series features a little more power under the hood, meaning you will notice better responsiveness over a C-Series, depending on the model. There is also faster wireless networking (802.11ac), and better battery life to be had.

Toshiba Satellite L-Series keyboard

Toshiba Satellite L-Series detail

Specs and pricing follow:

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Toshiba Satellite L50-C036 (PSKWNA-036002)

Price: $999Screen size: 15.6inResolution: 1366x768CPU: Intel Core i5-5200URAM: 4GBStorage: 1TB, 5400rpm hard driveGraphics: Intel HD5500Ports: 2x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0, HDMINetworking: 100Mbps Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi (433Mbps)Weight: 2.2kg (stated)Battery life: up to 7.4 hours (stated)

Toshiba Satellite L50-C02X (PSKWSA-02X003)

Price: $1199Screen size: 15.6inResolution: 1366x768CPU: Intel Core i5-5200URAM: 8GBStorage: 1TB, 5400rpm hard driveGraphics: 2GB Nvidia GeForce 930MPorts: 2x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0, HDMINetworking: Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac (433Mbps)Weight: 2.2kg (stated)Battery life: up to 7.4 hours (stated)

Toshiba Satellite L70-C00J (PSKZEA-00J00H)

Price: $1899Screen size: 17.3inResolution: 1920x1080CPU: Intel Core i7-5500URAM: 16GBStorage: 1TB, 5400rpm hybrid hard drive with 8MB solid state cacheGraphics: 2GB Nvidia GeForce 930MPorts: 2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, HDMINetworking: Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi (433Mbps)Weight: 2.6kg (stated)Battery life: up to 6 hours (stated)

Satellite P-Series

Toshiba Satellite P-Series

For those of you looking for a more luxurious laptop, the P-Series (P for 'prestige') is more stylish than the L and C-series, and commands a higher price tag.

Laptops in this series are slimmer and they feature Intel Core i7 processing, which means they are primed for performing hard work and providing an optimal entertainment experience at home.

They feature a built-in DVD drive and are differentiated by graphics performance and storage speed -- the P50-C00X is faster due to its solid state drive. The P50-C00X is also suitable for gaming due to its more powerful graphics. The P70 is a larger system that is a bona fide desktop replacement laptop.

Read more:HP Spectre x360 convertible laptop

Toshiba Satellite P-Series detail

Specs and pricing follow:

Toshiba Satellite P50-C00W (PSPTSA-00W006)

Price: $1599Screen size: 15.6inResolution: 1920x1080 (Full HD)CPU: Intel Core i7-500URAM: 8GBStorage: 1TB, 5400rpm hard driveGraphics: 2GB Nvidia GeForce 930MPorts: 3x USB 3.0, HDMI (4K capable)Networking: Gigabit Ethernet and 802.11ac Wi-Fi (867Mbps)Weight: 2.2kg (stated)Battery life: up to six hours (stated)

Toshiba Satellite P50-C00X (PSPTSA-00X006)

Price: $1999Screen size: 15.6inResolution: 1920x1080 (Full HD)CPU: Intel Core i7-500URAM: 16GBStorage: 256GB M.2-based solid state driveGraphics: 4GB Nvidia GeForce GTX 950MPorts: 3x USB 3.0, HDMI (4K capable)Networking: Gigabit Ethernet and 802.11ac Wi-Fi (867Mbps)Weight: 2.2kg (stated)Battery life: up to six hours (stated)

Toshiba Satellite P70-B097 (PSPPNA-09700M)

Price: $1699Screen size: 17.3inResolution: 1920x1080 (Full HD)CPU: Intel Core i7-4720HQRAM: 16GBStorage: 1TB, 5400rpm hybrid drive with 8GB solid state cacheGraphics: 4GB Radeon R9 M265XPorts: 2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, HDMI (4K capable)Networking: Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac (433Mbps)Weight: 3kg (stated)Battery life: up to 4.4 hours (stated)

(www.pcworld.idg.com.au)

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