Test: Asus Maximus Formula V

Introduction

It's been almost four months Intel has launched its new platform "mid-range" which replaced the socket LGA 1155 platform based chipsets P67/Z68. In that time, an impressive number of motherboards based on the new chipset Z77 was born, the war between the various manufacturers are well underway. A few months after testing the Maximus Gene V, which proved to be one of the Z77 motherboards fastest, we received the model ATX Asus ROG range, the Maximus Formula V. Tour of ...

ROG, and more ...

Like all motherboards ROG range, the box (barely larger than the motherboard) the "M5F" is composed of two compartments: one containing the  Dell XPS M1530  motherboard itself, and one for all bundle. At the rear of the latter, one can find the innovative features put forward by the manufacturer, such as Thermo Fusion, SupremeFX IV mPCIe Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Combo Dual-band 4.0 and finally GameFirst II. Autand features more or less useful that we will be able to enjoy the benefits.

The Maximus Formula V adopts a black PCB and components red or black, with a sports car look. It incorporates a socket LGA-1155 and operates the Intel Z77 (that you'll understand). This XPS M1330 motherboard standards eATX (extended ATX) and therefore measures 30.5 x 25.7 cm.

Map all angles

We can distinguish the LGA 1155. The older generation processors Sandy Bridge (i5 2400, 2500, 2500K, i7 2600K, 2700K ...) are, as explained above, 100% compatible with this chipset that is the basis for the Ivy Bridge processors. Cooling systems are of course identical to those found for P67 motherboards (LGA 1155) or even P55 (1156). Food processor, integrated graphics processor and memory is completely controlled by the new functionality Extreme Engine Digi + II. Just like its sister the Maximus Gene V, it includes 12 power phases for the CPU and graphics.

The card has four ports DIMM supporting DDR3 dual-channel 2800MHz up (or 3000 MHz speed only works on some processors). These ports are powered by two phases. Asus uses its mounting strips with clips without pin mechanism on one side, as on all its latest motherboards. This Dell Latitude E5500 mounting system facilitates retrieval of memory modules when you have big fingers and it does not use excessive force on the graphics card!

On the Z77 there are also LED display system diagnostics. And like all models ROG. Was entitled to Start and Reset buttons. Practice when the card is installed on a test bench. In addition to the 24-pin power connector, there is a connector that allows us to activate or deactivate the LN2 (liquid nitrogen) using a jumper. This enables better control of the extreme overclocking motherboard and enables additional functions hidden in the Bios. As Ivy Bridge processors like the cold ... this feature is extremely useful when overclocking pushed under liquid nitrogen.

Like other motherboards from Asus, the M5F is also provided with the small button GO ensures better compatibility with different types of DDR3 can be found on the market. Close DIMM slots, you can easily get Latitude E6400 different voltages of the card using a multimeter without having to search the different measurement points of tension around the map. We have the right to these different measuring point 2 land VPLL, vCCSA, vCCIO, vDRAM, in vIGPU finally vCore.

Intel Z77 chipset is cooled by a small black radiator not too high so as not to interfere with different graphics cards. Intel Z77 chipset does not much heating, a larger radiator would not be necessary. Compared to the Extreme version the card has a single removable Bios function but has however USB bios flashback which I invite you to read the tutorial here on the forum Asus ROG France. It allows to update the BIOS of the motherboard without a processor, without memory, etc.. Simply plug the ATX power cable and have a USB drive containing the BIOS on your motherboard. Practice!

Thermo Fusion to "watercooler" its power stage ...

In the picture above we can distinguish one of tips watercooling system used by Asus to cool the power stage of the processor. This watercooling system is called "Thermo Fusion" and according to Asus much more effective than single radiator cooled only by the flow of air in our boxes. For those who do not have watercooling circuit, the cooling system can also be used as a simple radiator, obviously.

Level of expansion slots, Asus has opted for three PCI Express 3.0 16X (16X a map, two maps 8X-8X, three cards 8X-4X-4X), a PCIe 4X, three PCIe 2.0 1X and a PCIe mini port 2.0 1X on the module mPCIe Combo. The card has no PCI slots. Note that the card is compatible with AMD CrossfireX technology, Nvidia SLI and Virtu LucidLogix MVP.

On the rear panel of the card, there is an extensive connection. It therefore has the right to a Clear CMOS button, a button ROG Connect on / off, four USB 2.0 ports (one port can be used ROG Connect port), four USB 3.0 ports, an eSATA port and a gigabit LAN RJ45. We also find the audio outputs 8 channels IV and Supreme FX audio ports S / PDIF In / Out Optical. Outputs on the card is equipped with an HDMI port and a DisplayPort.

On this map, Asus offers us ten SATA ports, two SATA 3.0 Gb / s (black) and six SATA 6.0 Gb / s (red). The last two ports are present on the rear panel of the card, it is an eSATA 3.0 Gb / s and mSATA port 3GB / s on the module mPCIe Combo. Asmedia ASM1042 controller and the Intel Z77 are responsible for managing the six USB 3.0 ports. The Latitude E6500 four ports located on the rear panel and two additional ports can be used by the USB 3.0 connector on the front panel of the case.

The card has a power connector IDE named EZ-PLUG to bring more power to the graphics card in a multi-card configuration. Close controller Supreme FX IV, one can distinguish the system by LED backlight is already on the Maximus IV Formula. When the card is turned on, the left side will illuminate red for a guaranteed effect tuning ...

Tags:  Dell Studio 1555, Dell Studio 1558, Inspiron 1300 Battery

The war was launched tablets and Christmas 2012 could be the scene of clashes between the ruthless largest manufacturers. Will there many survivors there in January? Is that Santa Claus is a Apple fanboy or an Android addict? These questions, we will answer later. For now, let us on one of the stars of this holiday season, the Nexus 7 Asus and Google. On paper, it has all the necessary qualities: perfect format for mobile use, enticing features, Android Jelly Bean 4.2 and, most importantly, an attractive price: 199 € for the 16GB version, € 249 for 32GB and € 299 for the 32GB with 3G +. At first glance, therefore, it is the 7-inch tablet at the moment. After spending a week in the shelling, this reputation is usurped it? This is what we will try to find out. Note that this is the 16GB version is tested here.

An object well finished, but some gaps on the connection

With almost 20 cm high, 12 cm wide and 1.5 cm thick, with a weight of 340 grams, the Nexus 7 fits perfectly in one hand and immediately finds its place in any bag. By comparison, the Kindle Fire from Amazon (its direct competitor) weighs 400 grams. Only the iPad mini can boast of being lighter, with only 308 grams on the scale. Useless to argue any longer: in terms of weight and size, the Nexus 7 is faultless. The back of the tablet has a plastic coating dive pleasant to touch, makes (some) think leather. It also allows you to avoid the risk of slipping when the catch a little abruptly. Rounded shapes remind them about the Dell Vostro 1400 and finish seemed very satisfactory. The only downside to the location of buttons and volume switch on the side, which seemed a little high and forcing the coup to slightly reposition his hand to reach them. A slight lack of ergonomics that we end up being quickly accommodate.

               
See the complete gallery (13 photos)

In terms of connectivity, Asus and Google seems he decided to optimize maximum manufacturing costs and, where fans will be delighted simplicity, all the fans of hack will be disappointed. The Nexus 7 is in the simplicity and proposes, all in all, a mini-USB Host and 3.5 mm jack. And that's all. On this point, the tablet is behind the Kindle Fire HD, which itself has micro-HDMI port to send only content on the TV. Lack obvious here, as the Nexus 7 could be a perfect mobile media player. The radius of regret, we can also mention the lack of micro-SD port which would have increased the storage capacity of the device at low cost. Damage.

A beautiful screen messy, autonomy satisfactory

With a size of 7 inches and displays a definition 1280 x 800 IPS capacitive screen of the Nexus 7 won largely at first glance. The colors are true and hot enough, while the contrast is very good. This Pavilion DV2000 slab is clearly part of the top of the basket in the category of 7-inch tablets. In use, however, two things we regret, unfortunately common on this type of equipment: fingerprints coming soon and highlights important when there is a little light. The maximum level of brightness, meanwhile, could be a bit higher. Anyway, the screen of the Nexus 7 is one of the strengths of the unit.

 
THE mini-USB port of the Nexus 7, and its screen which clearly fingerprints

Autonomy is another important aspect of a tablet format. We had high hopes, and overall we are not disappointed. In video playback, the Nexus 7 is for a little more than 5:20 (on 720p) with Wi-Fi turned on in the background. Daily, if you use the camera so diligent and varied (games, Internet video playback, listening to music ...) you can have between 8 and 9 hours of battery life. Basically, a true addict Nexus 7 will reload at the end of the day to enjoy a decent hope. A typical use, it will be connected to a power outlet every two or three days. A very respectable average.

Performance at the rendezvous

Despite its small size and price, Nexus 7 enjoys an Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core, 1GB of RAM, the presence of an NFC chip and a 1.3 megapixel front sensor. This is certainly a Tegra 3 version T30L "only" 1.2 GHz, but our benchmarks have shown that rivaled the machine power, especially regarding the Inspiron 6000 battery performance of the CPU and the graphics, as you can see in the screenshots below.

 
SunSpider Benchmark AnTuTu 0.9.1 and 3.0.2 show excellent results

In practice, it is difficult to take the Nexus 7 in default. The Tegra 3 displays an almost total fluidity on 3D games more greedy (as long as they are optimized for the Nvidia chip) and video playback in 720p and 1080p is without any addict, a time hardware decoding enabled (though, oddly, the 1080p playback with VLC does not work well but goes perfectly with another soft). Ago when the memory is saturated few jerks open applications that are felt and the transition from one job to another may make a second. But overall, the performance of the Nexus 7 seem excellent and can take full advantage of Jelly Bean.

 
Whether in a game (here Dead Trigger) or in a video in 1080, the Nexus 7 provides.

Jelly Bean, a resounding success

Upon first use, the Nexus 7 shows its desire to become a reader of essential content. The widget library appears on the first window and some free books available can be started immediately. Generally, Jelly Bean 4.1 (after 4.2.1 update) has an interface fully in line with the tablet and we can only rejoice. Google has streamlined certain aspects to make the whole more intuitive and easy to access, but retains its basic OS "free" to the delight of hackers. Primarily designed to be used in portrait mode, Jelly Bean has some welcome news, as the replacement of the Android browser with Chrome, Dell Inspiron 1525 managing multitasking more visual, fluid and fun, and of course, the arrival of Google Now. And intelligent personal assistant, Google Now wants both a calendar, a reminder, a directory, a weather service ... Anyway, it's a little confusing at first glance, but in practice, Now optimize your journeys restaurants advise you when you are in the same geographical area, reminds you of your appointment when you arrive at work, and if you are friendly with him, you just tuck the evening by telling you a story ... In short, his omniscience can fear, it is true, but the performance is commendable. More generally, Jelly Bean seems to be a sort of culmination for Google, which has managed to excel on both the usability and simplicity of the range of possibilities.

So should it crack?

To recap: a 7-inch screen perfect for use in portrait mode, dimensions that just falls into the hand, a nice OS to use and very powerful, incredible performance for this price range ... The Nexus 7 hits hard and

HP Pavilion DV4  arises dream as a tablet to view content, and play. For those who want to do more (photo, writing, production of all kinds), you should know that the format is not very specific ideal. The lack of backbone prevents camera simply take snapshots and keyboard rather limited, can not type text in an optimal way (even if the automatic correction proves effective). This is obviously clean all shelves of this size, but we must be aware of. As it stands, the Nexus 7 is both an excellent reading light, a very good media player and a portable game console powerful.

Difficult to find fault with the Nexus 7. If we can blame him for some faults of taste, as the absence of micro-SD port or screen a little too messy, these complaints are that these defects chipotages and tiny compared to the qualities of the tablet from Asus and Google. It's simple, for this price, it will be difficult to find more efficient and complete with global access to the Play Store. A great success, which confirms the interest of major manufacturers for tablets powerful and affordable.

Tags: Dell 451-10584 Battery, Dell 312-7414 Battery , Dell 312-0910 Battery

The war was launched tablets and Christmas 2012 could be the scene of clashes between the ruthless largest manufacturers. Will there many survivors there in January? Is that Santa Claus is a Apple fanboy or an Android addict? These questions, we will answer later. For now, let us on one of the stars of this holiday season, the Nexus 7 Asus and Google. On paper, it has all the necessary qualities: perfect format for mobile use, enticing features, Android Jelly Bean 4.2 and, most importantly, an attractive price: 199 € for the 16GB version, € 249 for 32GB and € 299 for the 32GB with 3G +. At first glance, therefore, it is the 7-inch tablet at the moment. After spending a week in the shelling, this reputation is usurped it? This is what we will try to find out. Note that this is the 16GB version is tested here.

An object well finished, but some gaps on the connection

With almost 20 cm high, 12 cm wide and 1.5 cm thick, with a weight of 340 grams, the Nexus 7 fits perfectly in one hand and immediately finds its place in any bag. By comparison, the Kindle Fire from Amazon (its direct competitor) weighs 400 grams. Only the iPad mini can boast of being lighter, with only 308 grams on the scale. Useless to argue any longer: in terms of weight and size, the Nexus 7 is faultless. The back of the tablet has a plastic coating dive pleasant to touch, makes (some) think leather. It also allows you to avoid the risk of slipping when the catch a little abruptly. Rounded shapes remind them about the Dell Vostro 1400 and finish seemed very satisfactory. The only downside to the location of buttons and volume switch on the side, which seemed a little high and forcing the coup to slightly reposition his hand to reach them. A slight lack of ergonomics that we end up being quickly accommodate.

               
See the complete gallery (13 photos)

In terms of connectivity, Asus and Google seems he decided to optimize maximum manufacturing costs and, where fans will be delighted simplicity, all the fans of hack will be disappointed. The Nexus 7 is in the simplicity and proposes, all in all, a mini-USB Host and 3.5 mm jack. And that's all. On this point, the tablet is behind the Kindle Fire HD, which itself has micro-HDMI port to send only content on the TV. Lack obvious here, as the Nexus 7 could be a perfect mobile media player. The radius of regret, we can also mention the lack of micro-SD port which would have increased the storage capacity of the device at low cost. Damage.

A beautiful screen messy, autonomy satisfactory

With a size of 7 inches and displays a definition 1280 x 800 IPS capacitive screen of the Nexus 7 won largely at first glance. The colors are true and hot enough, while the contrast is very good. This Pavilion DV2000 slab is clearly part of the top of the basket in the category of 7-inch tablets. In use, however, two things we regret, unfortunately common on this type of equipment: fingerprints coming soon and highlights important when there is a little light. The maximum level of brightness, meanwhile, could be a bit higher. Anyway, the screen of the Nexus 7 is one of the strengths of the unit.

 
THE mini-USB port of the Nexus 7, and its screen which clearly fingerprints

Autonomy is another important aspect of a tablet format. We had high hopes, and overall we are not disappointed. In video playback, the Nexus 7 is for a little more than 5:20 (on 720p) with Wi-Fi turned on in the background. Daily, if you use the camera so diligent and varied (games, Internet video playback, listening to music ...) you can have between 8 and 9 hours of battery life. Basically, a true addict Nexus 7 will reload at the end of the day to enjoy a decent hope. A typical use, it will be connected to a power outlet every two or three days. A very respectable average.

Performance at the rendezvous

Despite its small size and price, Nexus 7 enjoys an Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core, 1GB of RAM, the presence of an NFC chip and a 1.3 megapixel front sensor. This is certainly a Tegra 3 version T30L "only" 1.2 GHz, but our benchmarks have shown that rivaled the machine power, especially regarding the Inspiron 6000 battery performance of the CPU and the graphics, as you can see in the screenshots below.

 
SunSpider Benchmark AnTuTu 0.9.1 and 3.0.2 show excellent results

In practice, it is difficult to take the Nexus 7 in default. The Tegra 3 displays an almost total fluidity on 3D games more greedy (as long as they are optimized for the Nvidia chip) and video playback in 720p and 1080p is without any addict, a time hardware decoding enabled (though, oddly, the 1080p playback with VLC does not work well but goes perfectly with another soft). Ago when the memory is saturated few jerks open applications that are felt and the transition from one job to another may make a second. But overall, the performance of the Nexus 7 seem excellent and can take full advantage of Jelly Bean.

 
Whether in a game (here Dead Trigger) or in a video in 1080, the Nexus 7 provides.

Jelly Bean, a resounding success

Upon first use, the Nexus 7 shows its desire to become a reader of essential content. The widget library appears on the first window and some free books available can be started immediately. Generally, Jelly Bean 4.1 (after 4.2.1 update) has an interface fully in line with the tablet and we can only rejoice. Google has streamlined certain aspects to make the whole more intuitive and easy to access, but retains its basic OS "free" to the delight of hackers. Primarily designed to be used in portrait mode, Jelly Bean has some welcome news, as the replacement of the Android browser with Chrome, Dell Inspiron 1525 managing multitasking more visual, fluid and fun, and of course, the arrival of Google Now. And intelligent personal assistant, Google Now wants both a calendar, a reminder, a directory, a weather service ... Anyway, it's a little confusing at first glance, but in practice, Now optimize your journeys restaurants advise you when you are in the same geographical area, reminds you of your appointment when you arrive at work, and if you are friendly with him, you just tuck the evening by telling you a story ... In short, his omniscience can fear, it is true, but the performance is commendable. More generally, Jelly Bean seems to be a sort of culmination for Google, which has managed to excel on both the usability and simplicity of the range of possibilities.

So should it crack?

To recap: a 7-inch screen perfect for use in portrait mode, dimensions that just falls into the hand, a nice OS to use and very powerful, incredible performance for this price range ... The Nexus 7 hits hard and

HP Pavilion DV4  arises dream as a tablet to view content, and play. For those who want to do more (photo, writing, production of all kinds), you should know that the format is not very specific ideal. The lack of backbone prevents camera simply take snapshots and keyboard rather limited, can not type text in an optimal way (even if the automatic correction proves effective). This is obviously clean all shelves of this size, but we must be aware of. As it stands, the Nexus 7 is both an excellent reading light, a very good media player and a portable game console powerful.

Difficult to find fault with the Nexus 7. If we can blame him for some faults of taste, as the absence of micro-SD port or screen a little too messy, these complaints are that these defects chipotages and tiny compared to the qualities of the tablet from Asus and Google. It's simple, for this price, it will be difficult to find more efficient and complete with global access to the Play Store. A great success, which confirms the interest of major manufacturers for tablets powerful and affordable.

Tags: Dell 451-10584 Battery, Dell 312-7414 Battery , Dell 312-0910 Battery

The war was launched tablets and Christmas 2012 could be the scene of clashes between the ruthless largest manufacturers. Will there many survivors there in January? Is that Santa Claus is a Apple fanboy or an Android addict? These questions, we will answer later. For now, let us on one of the stars of this holiday season, the Nexus 7 Asus and Google. On paper, it has all the necessary qualities: perfect format for mobile use, enticing features, Android Jelly Bean 4.2 and, most importantly, an attractive price: 199 € for the 16GB version, € 249 for 32GB and € 299 for the 32GB with 3G +. At first glance, therefore, it is the 7-inch tablet at the moment. After spending a week in the shelling, this reputation is usurped it? This is what we will try to find out. Note that this is the 16GB version is tested here.

An object well finished, but some gaps on the connection

With almost 20 cm high, 12 cm wide and 1.5 cm thick, with a weight of 340 grams, the Nexus 7 fits perfectly in one hand and immediately finds its place in any bag. By comparison, the Kindle Fire from Amazon (its direct competitor) weighs 400 grams. Only the iPad mini can boast of being lighter, with only 308 grams on the scale. Useless to argue any longer: in terms of weight and size, the Nexus 7 is faultless. The back of the tablet has a plastic coating dive pleasant to touch, makes (some) think leather. It also allows you to avoid the risk of slipping when the catch a little abruptly. Rounded shapes remind them about the Dell Vostro 1400 and finish seemed very satisfactory. The only downside to the location of buttons and volume switch on the side, which seemed a little high and forcing the coup to slightly reposition his hand to reach them. A slight lack of ergonomics that we end up being quickly accommodate.

               
See the complete gallery (13 photos)

In terms of connectivity, Asus and Google seems he decided to optimize maximum manufacturing costs and, where fans will be delighted simplicity, all the fans of hack will be disappointed. The Nexus 7 is in the simplicity and proposes, all in all, a mini-USB Host and 3.5 mm jack. And that's all. On this point, the tablet is behind the Kindle Fire HD, which itself has micro-HDMI port to send only content on the TV. Lack obvious here, as the Nexus 7 could be a perfect mobile media player. The radius of regret, we can also mention the lack of micro-SD port which would have increased the storage capacity of the device at low cost. Damage.

A beautiful screen messy, autonomy satisfactory

With a size of 7 inches and displays a definition 1280 x 800 IPS capacitive screen of the Nexus 7 won largely at first glance. The colors are true and hot enough, while the contrast is very good. This Pavilion DV2000 slab is clearly part of the top of the basket in the category of 7-inch tablets. In use, however, two things we regret, unfortunately common on this type of equipment: fingerprints coming soon and highlights important when there is a little light. The maximum level of brightness, meanwhile, could be a bit higher. Anyway, the screen of the Nexus 7 is one of the strengths of the unit.

 
THE mini-USB port of the Nexus 7, and its screen which clearly fingerprints

Autonomy is another important aspect of a tablet format. We had high hopes, and overall we are not disappointed. In video playback, the Nexus 7 is for a little more than 5:20 (on 720p) with Wi-Fi turned on in the background. Daily, if you use the camera so diligent and varied (games, Internet video playback, listening to music ...) you can have between 8 and 9 hours of battery life. Basically, a true addict Nexus 7 will reload at the end of the day to enjoy a decent hope. A typical use, it will be connected to a power outlet every two or three days. A very respectable average.

Performance at the rendezvous

Despite its small size and price, Nexus 7 enjoys an Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core, 1GB of RAM, the presence of an NFC chip and a 1.3 megapixel front sensor. This is certainly a Tegra 3 version T30L "only" 1.2 GHz, but our benchmarks have shown that rivaled the machine power, especially regarding the Inspiron 6000 battery performance of the CPU and the graphics, as you can see in the screenshots below.

 
SunSpider Benchmark AnTuTu 0.9.1 and 3.0.2 show excellent results

In practice, it is difficult to take the Nexus 7 in default. The Tegra 3 displays an almost total fluidity on 3D games more greedy (as long as they are optimized for the Nvidia chip) and video playback in 720p and 1080p is without any addict, a time hardware decoding enabled (though, oddly, the 1080p playback with VLC does not work well but goes perfectly with another soft). Ago when the memory is saturated few jerks open applications that are felt and the transition from one job to another may make a second. But overall, the performance of the Nexus 7 seem excellent and can take full advantage of Jelly Bean.

 
Whether in a game (here Dead Trigger) or in a video in 1080, the Nexus 7 provides.

Jelly Bean, a resounding success

Upon first use, the Nexus 7 shows its desire to become a reader of essential content. The widget library appears on the first window and some free books available can be started immediately. Generally, Jelly Bean 4.1 (after 4.2.1 update) has an interface fully in line with the tablet and we can only rejoice. Google has streamlined certain aspects to make the whole more intuitive and easy to access, but retains its basic OS "free" to the delight of hackers. Primarily designed to be used in portrait mode, Jelly Bean has some welcome news, as the replacement of the Android browser with Chrome, Dell Inspiron 1525 managing multitasking more visual, fluid and fun, and of course, the arrival of Google Now. And intelligent personal assistant, Google Now wants both a calendar, a reminder, a directory, a weather service ... Anyway, it's a little confusing at first glance, but in practice, Now optimize your journeys restaurants advise you when you are in the same geographical area, reminds you of your appointment when you arrive at work, and if you are friendly with him, you just tuck the evening by telling you a story ... In short, his omniscience can fear, it is true, but the performance is commendable. More generally, Jelly Bean seems to be a sort of culmination for Google, which has managed to excel on both the usability and simplicity of the range of possibilities.

So should it crack?

To recap: a 7-inch screen perfect for use in portrait mode, dimensions that just falls into the hand, a nice OS to use and very powerful, incredible performance for this price range ... The Nexus 7 hits hard and

HP Pavilion DV4  arises dream as a tablet to view content, and play. For those who want to do more (photo, writing, production of all kinds), you should know that the format is not very specific ideal. The lack of backbone prevents camera simply take snapshots and keyboard rather limited, can not type text in an optimal way (even if the automatic correction proves effective). This is obviously clean all shelves of this size, but we must be aware of. As it stands, the Nexus 7 is both an excellent reading light, a very good media player and a portable game console powerful.

Difficult to find fault with the Nexus 7. If we can blame him for some faults of taste, as the absence of micro-SD port or screen a little too messy, these complaints are that these defects chipotages and tiny compared to the qualities of the tablet from Asus and Google. It's simple, for this price, it will be difficult to find more efficient and complete with global access to the Play Store. A great success, which confirms the interest of major manufacturers for tablets powerful and affordable.

Tags: Dell 451-10584 Battery, Dell 312-7414 Battery , Dell 312-0910 Battery

With the arrival of Windows 8, the manufacturer Lenovo took the opportunity to renew its range of PC including the model output halfway between a laptop and a netbook, the Idea Pad S400. This is not exactly an Ultrabook because it does not meet the criteria required by Intel. However, it is very similar to this family of machines in terms of its technical characteristics. Moved from 499 €, it could represent an interesting offer.

We tested the Lenovo Idea Pad S400 notebook Windows 8 for configuration with an Intel Celeron B810 Sandy Bridge, 4GB RAM, ATI Radeon HD7470M graphics chip, a screen of 14 inches with a resolution of 1366x768 pixels, storage space of 500 GB, wireless connectivity and many connectivity including a USB 3.0 port and an HDMI output.

Here are our impressions during a complete test of the Lenovo Idea Pad S400 Windows 8.

The handling

He does not belong to the category of Ultrabook PCs, the Idea Pad S400 looks like a lot. Indeed, externally, the Dell U444C Battery design is relatively thin and rather successful. It is 21.9 mm thick and weighing less than 1.8 kg what is reasonable. It boasts finishes. The lines are fine and well cared for. The bottom shell and the rear of the screen have a coating pleasing to the eye and touch. It is dark red. The rest is black. Too bad only the start button enjoys a backlight (dotted rather classify it) and not the keyboard but at this price, you can not have everything.

The keyboard is chic let style but "Accutype." The keys are slightly rounded in their lower part. This allows them to "catch" more easily. By cons, it is regrettable that the keys back to the line, go to the end of the line, page up and page are placed to the right of the Enter button which can sometimes cause some data entry errors. Overall, the  T749D Battery keys are large enough to make typing comfortable if we take care to hit each key from the top. 

You can also count on multimedia keys directly (without going through the touch of a button Fn) to manage the volume, disable the touchpad, manage brightness, launch Task Manager, disable the screen or cut enable wireless networks, switch to another screen or just close a window. The multitouch touchpad is quite large and can take actions necessary to control certain functions of Windows 8, the shift from one side to the center open for research, access the home menu, and Device Management parameters or applications running.

On the left edge of the computer Lenovo Idea Pad S400, there is a button that allows you to restore the system to a single pressure. We appreciate it. It is sufficiently integrated (read "down") to not press it accidentally. Always to the left, there is also an RJ45 Ethernet port, HDMI output and a USB 3.0 port to recharge a mobile terminal, for example. The front portion has some discrete diodes that allow knowing the state of the computer. Profile right Idea Pad S400, there is a memory card reader SD / MMC, two USB 2.0 ports, audio output / microphone and the power connector.

The display hinges seem solid and the test of time, a trademark of Lenovo which attaches special attention to this component. The screen measures 14 inches. It displays a definition of 1366x768 pixels which is okay but not great. It enjoys a very good homogeneity of backlight and does not suffer from leaks. The contrast and color are satisfactory although it is regrettable that the viewing angles are not larger. You have to put relatively front of the screen not to lose contrast.

Above the screen, there is a 0.3 Mp webcam. There is no optical drive so impossible to play DVDs. Back, we note that the R640C Battery can be changed very easily. By cons, for the other components, it is less obvious since we remove all the rear cover.

Tags:Dell RU006 Battery, R331H Battery,  NHXVW Battery

Author Bio: We are an experienced group of internet sellers, offer a wide range of quality laptop accessories for most major brands including Dell, IBM, Compaq, HP, Apple, Asus, Sony, Toshiba, Acer, Fujitsu etc. All of our items are directly purchased by various reputable manufacturers throughout the world.