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Feel the powerDec 28, 2012 (Khaleej Times - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Got a lot to do The Toshiba Satellite P850 is for you Once again, I'm faced with a monster. Well, actually, two monsters: first is the broken-loose Tyrannosaurus Rex from the 1993 film Jurassic Park, and second is the thing I'm watching it on -- the Toshiba Satellite P850 series laptop. Now you could have guessed it: here we go again with another of those portable PCs that stuff everything into it, right Well... if that's what you're thinking, you're damn right. At first glance, you could exactly make out what's in store for you on the Satellite P850 -- considering all the madness in today's tech world. Does it live up to its billing... We're about to find out. Just to clarify, the unit lent to me is the Satellite P850-B385. FORM Alright, since I've labelled it a monster, it should look like one, right Well, it's nowhere near scary, but I like the aluminium-all-over finish of the Satellite P850, giving it the impression that it's really tough (more on that later). But man it's damn heavy at 2.66kg. Naturally, you'll get the most out of its 15.6" screen that shines vividly. The clickpad is a tad bigger than others I've seen, which also supports a tonne of multi-touch gestures. On the sides you got the usual suspects -- ports for USB 3.0, HDMI, multi-SD card reader and a DVD super multi drive that has a really lovely crust that looks like a ruler (or is it, Toshiba ). Aside from the omnipresent power button, you got this little pushy-thing that sets off the device's Eco Utility that allows you to set power preferences with that press. You'll also notice Harman/ Kardon engraved on the right speaker, so you can be assured of great sound. And plus points for the backlit keyboard, which makes typing in the dark even more fun. THE GOOD STUFF How I would love to bust this device open. 3rd Generation Intel Core i7-3630M processor. 8GB of RAM. 1TB drive. Add Windows 8, and you're ready to rumble. PERFORMANCE, FEATURES Do they all really complement each other Answer: Yes. The Satellite P850 starts up really fast and reacts fast from both off and sleep modes. But I find the keyboard a bit too spacey; personally, I think the extra nano-spaces in between the keys compared to other standard 'boards may affect fast typists -- like me. It may hamper your speed a bit. But again, this will vary from user to user; not a big deal. AND SO... Winner, except for a few bumps that are not necessarily big deals. Someone like me could use the Satellite P850 to crunch word after word -- and some numbers as well. My only concern is that it is a bit heavy, which may put the portability into question, save for a nice backpack or carrying case. But the disturbing part is the price; if you have Dh4,899 to spare, go ahead. Otherwise, Toshiba nailed it good right here. Happy New Year, everyone! [email protected] ___ (c)2012 the Khaleej Times (Dubai, United Arab Emirates) Visit the Khaleej Times (Dubai, United Arab Emirates) at www.khaleejtimes.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |