They flip, they slide, they swivel, they even detach. Gone are the days of the conventional clamshell laptop device that opened like a book; we now have hybrids that can be used in various ways, promising increased functionality.
As a member of Toshiba's Satellite range, the U920T is touted as a consumer-focused laptop rather than a business tool. According to the brand, the Satellite U920T Ultrabook allows users to enjoy the best of both worlds, by combining the productivity of a PC with the convenience of a tablet.
Look and feel
I would describe the Satellite U920T as the awkward teenager of devices. It's a tad big for a tablet, yet is not that much smaller than a conventional laptop. And, to continue my teenager analogy, the device is akin to that slightly chubby, uncoordinated kid who always got picked last during PT. This may sound a little harsh, but at 32cm x 21cm, and weighing in at 1.5kg, nothing about the Toshiba Satellite is lithe or compact. Essentially, it's a fablet - not the phone/tablet hybrid you may have heard of in the past, but rather a fat tablet.
That said, it feels sturdy and I wouldn't describe it as unattractive, just a little unrefined perhaps.
Usability
One of the main ideas behind the hybrid concept is to create something that can transform from being a tablet to a traditional laptop with little hassle. For the U920T, this is not the case. It took three adults about 10 minutes to figure out how to access the keyboard. We even consulted the user manual. The transformation from tablet to laptop involves sliding the touch-screen away from you, revealing the keyboard beneath. The screen then folds up like a conventional laptop. Personally, I have concerns as to how well this sliding mechanism will work over time.
I preferred using the Satellite in laptop mode. The keyboard is a comfortable size and the keys are well spaced, but typing took some getting used to because the keys are quite shallow. As such, I tended to favour using the touch-screen, even in laptop mode. For those who do not like using a touch-screen, there is a full trackpad with two click buttons. These are responsive and work much like those found on non-hybrid devices. I guess this is the bonus of a hybrid device, as users can utilise the device in a way they are most comfortable with.
According to Toshiba, the ultrabook allows for easy expansion, syncing and sharing. It features two USB 3.0 ports and a full-size HDMI port for sharing of digital content should you wish to use a bigger screen. NFC technology also allows users to transfer data across devices. It also has an SD card reader slot and an audio combo jack.
Display and sound
The LED backlight IPS display is adequate, but nothing special, although it is bigger than the average tablet screen, which is a plus. It boasts a less than full HD resolution display of 1366x768 pixels, which, again, is not great but not awful. It is good enough for most Windows 8 features and users can output full HD from the HDMI port should the screen not meet their needs. It features 300 NIT anti-finger coating on a scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass. I find this whole "fingerprint resistant" thing a bit of a misnomer to be honest, as few devices that claim to have fingerprint-resistant screens actually do, and the Satellite is no exception. An ambient light sensor (ALS) automatically adjusts the display depending on lighting conditions.
The U920T is fitted with a 1.0MP front-facing camera, as well as a 3.0MP rear-facing camera. Unfortunately, one is only able to use the higher MP camera when the Satellite is in laptop mode, which is inconvenient.
Toshiba has equipped this ultrabook with stereo speakers enhanced by SRS Premium Sound 3D, improving sound output. Should users want to tweak the sound, they can enhance the settings, and there is also the option to customise the sound performance should users want to hook up headphones or external speakers.
Under the hood
The device boasts a 1.8GHz Intel Core i5-3337U processor, 4GB RAM, with a 256GB solid state drive that aids overall performance. I had a few problems when running multiple programs at once and there was a slight lag during gaming. This hybrid is not a powerhouse gaming machine, but is easily able to handle less challenging entertainment needs. The ultrabook supports WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, wireless LAN and Bluetooth 4.0.
The Satellite U920T is Toshiba's first attempt at creating a Windows 8 hybrid and my two weeks with the device marked my debut experience of this updated software. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Having been subjected to the rather troublesome Windows Vista, I was pleased to see that Microsoft has opted to streamline its offering, creating something with touch functionality that is aesthetically appealing and easy to navigate. Because it is both a PC and a tablet, one is able to run full versions of Photoshop or Microsoft Office, which will be a draw card for some. Specific applications are available for download from the Windows store.
As far as the battery goes, this is where the Satellite U920T shines. The 3 400mAh allows users to watch several hours' of video without needing to charge the device. Should you be using it for general office tasks, it will last much of the working day. And one doesn't need too long to charge it fully, as this takes about two hours.
In a nutshell
On the whole, I would say the experience I had with the Satellite U920T tablet/PC hybrid ("fablet") was a good one. It feels solid and the battery life is impressive. Is it a genuine option for those who don't want to carry two devices? I think not. When trying to combine two devices into one, the point is to ensure that the product functions well in either mode, and I'm afraid the Toshiba under delivers in both categories.
Retailing at R10 999, the device is also a touch pricey.
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