C840-1012X has good specs with Core i3
processor, separate graphic card but reasonable price for students.
Toshiba
Satellite C840
C840 in Toshiba 800 series has just appeared
on the market since June with some difference in design and it looks less
chubby than previous models. This laptop aims at low-price segment for users
who are students preparing for new study semester and clerical officials.
C840 comes in many specs but the most
outstanding model is C840-1012X. This model has an Intel Core i3-2379M
processor (2.4GHz) which has just released in first quarter. Besides, there’re 2GB
of RAM, AMD Thames LE-M2 (Radeon HD 7610M) plus 1GB of VRAM, 500GB HDD and DVD
read/write optical drive. This is also our test laptop.
RRP is $540.
Overview
Good
Good specs for low price
Compact design bears resemblance to 13-inch
model despite its 14-inch screen
Good heat elimination
Nice stereo in comparison with model in the
same segment
Complete connectors
Bad
Keyboard is a little heavy and not
user-friendly, requiring users time to acquaint with
Inappropriate position of heat outlets causes
discomfort for users who regular work with external mouse
Design
Glossy
finish with concave checks
It is noticeable that C840 is less chubby
than previous low-priced laptops of Toshiba in 2011 though this laptop than
compete with other slim rivals. C840 owns a glossy finish with concave checks,
looking stylish. This, however, means that the case will easily get scratches
as well as fingerprints and requires a lot of cleaning. If this matters users, C800
is an alternative with tidy finish having convex patterns.
Though
the laptop can be listed among slim models, it looks less chubby than previous models.
C840 comes with 14-inch screen but its hem
is narrower than that of regular 14-inch laptops. This laptop has the same size
of 13-inch ones. Thus, it looks smaller but still thick, which is a feature of
Toshiba for mid-class models to enhance durability as well as heat elimination.
Although outside are glossy finish, inside palm
rest and area near speakers still own convex patterns. The design prevents
user’s hands from slipping and discomfort. Furthermore, stylized touchpad is a
bit lower than the surrounding.
Heat
outlets in the right make users, who work with external mouse, uncomfortable.
Optical
drive is in the left.
Despite being a mid-class laptop, C840 has
complete connectors including USB 3.0, HDMI for HDTV, VGA for projector, USB
2.0, LAN, headphone slot and card reader in the front.
It is a little confusing that replace the
position of heat outlets and DVD drive with each other’s one. Optical drive
lies in the left while heat outlets are in the right, which may cause discomfort
for users who use external mouse because the heat can affect hand placed
nearby.
Chiclet
keyboard with standard size
Function
keys like PgDn, PgUp, End and Home are separate placed, for “web followers” and
users familiar with typing.
Satellite C840 uses Chiclet keyboard with
standard buttons. Additionally, function keys like PgUp, PgDn, End and Home are
separately, which comes handy for users who regular type and browse webs. Though,
navigation keys are smaller than usual, they are still easily interacted. However,
typing adventure is quite short. The keys feel little heavy and they require more
time to be acquainted. Toshiba also sets multimedia buttons as main keys on
top. If users want to user keys such as F1, F2, F3 and etc… they must press Fn
key simultaneously.
Good
touchpad
As a compensation for keyboard, touchpad is
quite sensitive. Convex patterns are rough enough to prevent hands against
slipping during working. Furthermore, two mouse buttons bounce mediocrely, not
either heavily or slightly. This comforts users and makes them feel there’s no
need of external mouse for basic applications.
