Toshiba Satellite U925t reviews

Among Toshiba's new Windows 8 systems announced at IFA and set to launch this fall, the most interesting is certainly the Satellite U925t. The U925t is Toshiba's take on the newly invigorated hybrid laptop, combining a 13-inch ultrabook with a touch screen, usable as either a laptop or tablet.

The U925t utilizes a sliding hinge mechanism that shifts the display from upward facing to front facing, similar to a traditional laptop. The keyboard slides behind the screen, leaving the screen exposed for use as a tablet.


The 12.5-inch display has an IPS panel, a protective layer of Corning Gorilla Glass, and will track up to five points of contact at a time. The slim convertible ultrabook measures less than 0.8-inch thick, and weighs under 3.5 pounds.

 

It's a form factor that's not without potential flaws, however, as the screen will not have the adjustable angles available now on regular-hinged laptops. Also, the sliding hinge feels fragile, but that may be fixed by the time the actual release rolls around in late October.

 

When used as a traditional laptop, the U925t offers a full-size backlit keyboard, and a spacious touchpad offers support for Windows 8 gestures. The U925t also includes all of the sensors associated with tablets and smartphones, including an ambient light sensor, 3D accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope, and magnetometer. The convertible ultrabook is equipped with two USB 3.0 ports, 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity, and Intel's WiDi.

 

Between tablet and laptop modes, the U925t also can be used as a tablet with camera, utilizing a 3-megapixel, rear-facing camera built into the back side of the display. The U925t can also be used in a flat open mode, where the keyboard is extended, but the touch screen still lies horizontal.

 

The U925t is outfitted with a third-generation Intel Core i5 processor and solid-state drive (SSD), but specifics on the CPU model and the amount of included RAM are yet to be seen. The Satellite U925t will be equipped with a 128GB solid-state drive (SSD) for speedy storage and near instant boot and restart times.

Pricing has not been revealed at this time, but the Satellite U925t will be available to purchase on Oct. 26.

Specs

General

• TypeTablet
• Form factorConvertible
• Bundled OSWindows (8)

Display

• Screen size12.5 inches
• TouchscreenCapacitive [finger]

Processor

• Processor makeIntel
• CPU familyCore i5

Networking

• WiFi802.11 b, g, n
• WiFi encryptionWEP, WPA, WPA2

Video

• Graphics adapterIntegrated
• Graphics (integrated)Intel
• GPU modelHD Graphics 4000
• Video outputsHDMI

Environmental

• System coolingFan-cooled

Other features

• Integrated webcamYes
  
  
  

Memory and storage (basic)

• Hard drive(s)128 GB (total)
  SSD

Input

• KeyboardBacklit
• Pointing deviceTrackpad

Connections

• USB3.0 (2 port(s))

Audio

• Audio outputs3.5mm
• Audio channelsStereo
• Built-in microphoneYes
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Pricing & availability

  • AvailabilityPre-release
  • Announced (US)August 29, 2012

  Colors

  Black