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Toshiba Satellite Pro C850-1EQ

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3 Reviews
  • Reliability
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      15.09.2013 20:17
      Very helpful


      • Reliability


      Overall very good laptop

      I find this laptop very easy to use. It is very good on battery life, and can hold it charge for long periods of time even if it is being used for programs such at Google chrome and Microsoft word.

      The keyboard is very easy to get the hang of and includes a number keypad at the side so is more like a computer key board than a normal laptop keyboard. The screen is very big and bright.

      I find that the computer runs very fast as being a student who uses it in lectures i find that very useful. It is also an excellent computer for storing many photos on, and as a parent this is a wonderful feature.

      As a student i also have many additional programmes installed on the computer yet the computer still runs very fast and efficiently, and starts up in a very quick time.

      I do find that the laptop is quite heavy though so is not the ideal laptop to be carrying around for long periods of time.


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    • More +
      28.05.2013 23:49
      Very helpful



      My laptop...


      = The Company
      Toshiba Corporation is a Japanese information-technology company specialising in computing, medical equipment and office equipment. They are a big player in all ranges of laptops, from budget to premium models.

      =First Impressions
      The first thing I noticed about the Toshiba Satellite Pro C850-1EQ (catchy name), aside from the colour and relative slimness of the body and screen, was the matte black textured finish. This leaks onto the touchpad and is really unusual to touch at first. However, I did get used to it, and now my old laptop's touchpad feels like a skating rink in comparison. Those of you who detest touchpads will also be happy to know it is compatible with mice as well, but more on that later.

      I was initially reluctant to use the Satellite Pro as it was so much smaller, lighter and ... different than my previous laptop, which was older by it by about 5 years. Unsurprising, as the size specs are: 380.0 x 242.0 x 33.52 mm.

      = Portability
      The weight of the laptop starts at 4.3 kilograms (not taking into account any modifications, such as extra RAM), which sounds like a lot, but my older laptop is closer to 6kg. This may sound obvious, but this makes the laptop extremely portable. My older laptop had a faulty battery at the end of its life, so I was restricted to using it within the confines of its power cord length. The freedom I experienced with this laptop's portability led into the absurd as I sat on the kitchen floor to use it and attempted to balance it on my mother's head when she was sleeping.

      = The OS
      OK, the next most obvious 'feature' (please go back and read that in a sarcastic tone of thought) is that Windows 8 is pre-programmed onto the hard disk. I was initially in two minds about Windows 8; at that time, it had almost been universally panned by critics, but critics have a tendency to, ahem, criticise, and I wanted to see for myself. My older laptop had Windows Vista exclusively, and as buggy and slow as it was, it wasn't completely unusable. I have to say about Windows 8: it is *almost* completely unusable. As this review focuses solely on the laptop model (or should do, anyway), I will try and save my spewing of vitriol for somewhere more appropriate. However, I would urge potential buyers to pay for the downgrade to Windows 7 or download the free Classic Shell enhancement. This small file makes Windows 8 look like Windows 7, with features such as a Start Button and a main menu, as well as removing the annoying touch screen opener at boot-up.

      = Screen
      * size : 39.6cm (15.6")
      * type : Toshiba HD non-reflective High Brightness display with 16 : 9 aspect ratio and LED backlighting
      * internal resolution : 1,366 x 768

      Bigger than my TV screen! I am extremely pleased with my screen; my other laptop flickered.

      = Hard disk
      * 500 GB capacity (in reality, about 450 GB, as some is taken up by the OS, system files, and so on).
      * drive rotation of 5,400 rpm

      The 5,400 RPM drive rotation means a longer battery life than the 7200 RPM version, but for faster drive transfers the latter is preferable. The HD space is way too much for me to fill; I have used maybe 5GB including Skype, pictures, videos, my browser, and so on.

      I had some problems with the HD right off the bat. I constantly get the 'kernel error', wherein my laptop goes into hibernate and gets the BSOD and restarts. Great for losing your work.

      = Processing Power
      * 3rd generation Intel® CoreTM i5-3210M Processor with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0
      * clock speed : 2.50 / 3.10 Turbo GHz
      * 3rd level cache : 3 MB

      The 3rd generation Intel® CoreTM i5-3210M Processor with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 is generally faster (and more expensive) but probably more future friendly with a wider range of future compatibility than the 2nd gen version. The clock speed and 3rd level cache are about average, though, at least on TOSHIBA machines currently.

      = Graphics
      * type : Intel® HD Graphics 4000
      * memory : up to 1,696 MB shared memory with 4 GB system memory installed (with pre-installed 64-bit operating system)
      * memory type : shared

      Pretty good. Obviously, this laptop's RAM and graphics card will not be appropriate for everyone, such as hard-core gamers or programmers. Then again, few laptops are.

      = Bundled software
      * Intel® AppUp Center
      * Intel® Rapid Storage Technology
      * McAfee® Internet Security (includes complimentary 30 day subscription)
      * McAfee® Security Advisor for Toshiba
      * Microsoft® FreshPaint
      * Microsoft® Office trial
      * Microsoft® Solitair Collection
      * SRS Premium Sound HDTM
      * TOSHIBA Desktop Assist
      * TOSHIBA Eco UtilityTM
      * TOSHIBA Function Key
      * TOSHIBA Media Player by sMedio TrueLink+
      * TOSHIBA PC Health Monitor
      * TOSHIBA Places
      * TOSHIBA Recovery Media Creator
      * TOSHIBA Resolution+ Plug-in for Windows Media Player
      * TOSHIBA Service Station
      * TOSHIBA System Settings
      * TOSHIBA Tempro

      This is what I hate about buying a pre-programmed laptop; the amount of junk pre-installed. I don't use any of these TOSHIBA programs; WMP for music and video, Chrome for browsing, and more increasingly, Chrome for viewing pictures, as Windows 8's in-built picture viewer is seriously heinous. Not impressed with all this flotsam floating on my machine before I've even powered her up! Beyond that, McAfee is seriously weak; I'd recommend the free anti-virus Avast in its place. Looking at this list, I feel like I have been diagnosed with a venereal disease.

      = Bundled hardware
      * AC adapter

      The plug, basically. My old laptop adapter used to give me electric shocks, so this is an improvement. The cord is perhaps half a meter long and coated in plastic like most wires these days.

      = Battery
      * technology : lithium-ion
      * maximum life : up to 4h00min (Mobile MarkTM 2012)

      The battery has two power options: Balanced and Eco. Eco is dim. No, literally dim; it's designed to save on power and the environment and Gaia spirit of earth and all that. I can't use it because I have terrible eyesight. Balanced, is, just as it sounds, a 'balance' between brightness and battery life. My old VAIO used to have a third option that may as well have been called 'down with the environment' as it was optimised for a bright display and a leaky battery; the Satellite Pro's only options are these. Upping Brightness manually (Control Panel > Hardware & Sound > Power Options) may reduce battery life. I find I tend to get 4-5 hours out of it on the Balanced option, and I have brightness pretty high in general.

      = Expansion Options
      * 2 × memory slots

      = Interfaces
      * 1 × external monitor
      * 1 × RJ-45
      * 1 × external microphone
      * 1 × headphone (stereo)
      * 2 × USB 2.0
      * 1 × Multi-Card Reader
      (supports SDTM Card up to 2 GB, miniSDTM/microSDTM Card with adapter up to 2 GB, SDHCTM Card up to 32 GB, SDXCTM Card up to 64 GB and MultiMedia CardTM up to 2 GB)
      * 1 × HDMI-out supporting 1080p signal format
      * 1 × integrated 1.0MP HD Web Camera (1,280 x 800) with built-in microphone
      * 1 × USB 3.0

      Microcard reader is at the front; one USB near the microphone/headphone jack and one near the power supply. The power supply, by the way, is at the left hand side. Modern.

      I hate built-in webcams. There is nothing worse than trying to change your Skype profile picture and accidentally seeing yourself unwashed and somewhat slightly dazed. I have been turned to stone before. I covered my webcam up (it's in the middle at the very top of the screen/lid) and I would suggest others do the same when not using it. Especially as some Javascripts can access your webcam without you knowing...

      = Audio
      * supported audio format : 24-bit stereo
      * speakers : built-in stereo speakers with SRS Premium Sound HDTM

      These speakers are awful! They make everything so tinny. Use headphones/earphones or buy some cheap PC speakers to avoid this torment. I use Logitech ones. To give the speakers their dues, they may be quiet and tinny, but the sound is panoramic. Unfortunately!

      = Keyboard
      * keys : 102
      * Windows keys : Yes
      * special features : Flat matt black keyboard and 10-digit numeric keypad

      An average QWERTY keyboard. The keys are more spaced out than other laptops/PCs I have used, and I quickly adapted to the extra typing room. What annoys me is that the keyboard is FUNCTION enabled - to do anything you have to press and hold the function key. For example, to refresh, I would usually press F5; now I have to press function + F5. Same with printscreen and so on. More annoying than you'd think. This has a flipside, though. My niece often wants to watch Peppa Pig on the computer, and by pressing F5 (not with function enabled) I can freeze the screen so she can't mess anything up. This is the opposite to other set-ups I've seen - usually to freeze the screen is function + F5. Go on, try it now.

      As typical UK keyboards go, there are no diacritical marks available.

      The keyboard does get filthy easily, as does the textured touchpad.

      The keyboard is no quieter or louder than any other keyboard I've used; I am a fast and furious typist though.

      = Touchpad
      * type : Touchpad with multi-touch control supporting various scroll, zoom and launch functionalities at your fingertips.

      Average as touchpads go; I keep accidentally zooming in and out though. It's like an episode of CSI.

      = DVD Drive
      * type : DVD Super Multi (Double Layer) drive

      Reads DVDs and CDs but not Blu-Rays. Get ready for some rocket launching noise during playback.

      = Video Quality
      * Max Resolution : 2,048 x 1,536
      * Max Refresh Rate : 100 Hz
      * Non-interlaced resolution with max refresh rate : 1,600 x 1,200

      The refresh rate is ok. It should be able to play even the more HD files. Don't expect to be multi-tasking though.

      = Wireless Technology
      * Manufacturer : Atheros
      * Wireless Technology : Bluetooth® 4.0 + LE
      * Version : 4.0 + LE
      * Compliancy : Wi-Fi®
      * Network Support : 802.11a/b/g/n
      * Manufacturer : Atheros
      * Wireless Technology : Wireless LAN
      * Version : WB222

      Most people will want to connect to the Internet using their laptop. I cannot say for sure whether my poor Internet connectivity is due to the machine's technology or my router. It hasn't been great. Wireless LAN is pretty standard, connecting to the Internet through a router rather than a dongle (though the USB is supported). Along with the laptop's overall portability Wireless out and about should be no problem.

      = Wired Technology
      * topology : Gigabit Ethernet LAN
      * speed : 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX/1000BASE-T

      Again, standard Ethernet access with a twisted pair cable. I have never used this.

      = Security
      * HDD password on request
      * slot for Kensington Cable Lock
      * supervisor password
      * user password

      The last two are only applicable to a laptop with multiple user accounts; I only have one (I like the sound of 'admin'). Annoyingly, Windows 8 makes you enter a password before the start screen comes up. Extremely irritating when paired with random kernel errors.


      = Warranty
      * 1 year European Carry-in incl. local Pick-up & Return in the UK & Ireland. Toshiba also offers a large range of services to upgrade your standard warranty, please have a look at our website www.toshiba-europe.com/services to find the right service for your product.

      = Certification
      * The manufacturer declares that this product complies with the following directives and regulations for the CE-marking. Responsible for CE marking is Toshiba Europe GmbH, Hammfelddam 8, 41460 Neuss, Germany.

      = Conclusions Drawn
      I really wanted to like this laptop, but it's hard, because it is terrible. Maybe terrible is too strong a word. I have several problems: the bundled software (ridiculous amounts of tat); the kernel error in the hard disk; Windows 8; the speakers. For light use, this laptop would be great, maybe for a student. However, considering how much I use it, these mild faults become a thorn in my paw that give me septicemia. It's a shame, as it is really good looking, super portable and technically sound. It's still better than my previous laptop, but, I am still disappointed.

      = Advice
      The expansion options for the laptop are good, as are the graphics card and so on, but this will never be a PC. It probably won't last as long as a PC or perform as many functions at once or as fast. While laptops are portable, if you want a computer for any serious art or games, a PC is probably best.

      Due to the large size of the hard disk, it might be perfect for two people or more to use as a shared laptop.

      The laptop is still ok looking, but it does get dirty, as in grubbiness on the touchpad or keyboard and dust on the screen. Cleaning with an alcoholic wipe or a duster is absolutely fine. I have had no problems with letters wearing off or the black colour wearing away.

      Likewise, internally, sometimes this computer fails to boot properly. Do not be afeared; take out the battery (it does not need a screwdriver) give it a blow, and reinsert. Good as new. No idea why it does that, but, I am glad I found a solution.

      Some more miscellaneous info:

      *Installation was easy; charge the laptop, then go through the rigmarole of Windows 8.

      * The lights on the front correspond to battery power, hard disk and Internet connectivity.

      * When opening the lid, the computer boots up (if it has over 50% battery). This is extremely addictive. You may do what I did and open the lids of other laptops and wait (possibly forever) for them to boot up. You can disable this.

      * Holding the power button down forces a shut down. Useful for frozen moments.

      * A power cord, an information booklet and a big ole box come with it, courtesy of Toshiba.

      = Price
      £ 389.00 (exc VAT)
      Example of price with VAT: £499 (from Amazon)

      Shop around. Available at Amazon, Dabs, Ebay. Probably eligible for cashback at Quidco or Topcashback. You may pay more for security systems sold with it. Don't. Avast is brilliant and free.

      = Final Thoughts
      To summarise, I have mixed feelings on this laptop and cannot wholeheartedly endorse it on behalf of TOSHIBA (not that I need their permission). However, I am stuck with it, and I don't particularly resent that fact apart from some niggles of mine which I am resigned to live with. If you are interested in buying it, go and try it out at PC World or something first, but buy online as it will be cheaper. Though it isn't a perfect fit for me, it may be for you.

      For more information, visit:
      http://www.toshiba.co.uk/ (Most of the technical specifications are from here, but it is still worth a look, especially the specifications I missed out because I did not understand their relevance.)


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      • More +
        07.02.2013 09:17
        Very helpful



        If it's speed you want, Toshiba will deliver.


        Figuratively speaking, I am a 'belt and braces person, in that I like to have a backup system so that if one fails the other will keep me going until a solution is found.
        With all the various technological bibs and bobs available, I still prefer a desktop computer to work on, rather than laptops, tablets or whatever else is popular at the time.

        My laptop, which I can and do use when working elsewhere, is my backup should my desktop dare throw a wobbly or on the rare occasion when a power cut occurs.

        My previous laptop was programmed Vista basic, which I really came to dislike after the introduction of Windows 7, a much quicker and easier system altogether in comparison, so I decided it was time to get something as near as fast as my desktop as I could. Hence, one reason I am now in possession of a Toshiba laptop; the other reason is that I can be an impatient little tyke at times when working with less efficient systems.

        After grilling a member of staff at my favourite computer store, MicroBitz, who assured me that the Toshiba Satellite Pro 850 - 1E laptop, which they already had in stock, had all the qualities I was looking for; I decided to look no further.

        A quick demo on one they had set up was enough to convince me, that for the price, I could not do much better. The following day I fetched it from MicroBitz, after they had set it up for me, all I needed to do was link it wirelessly to my router and download the Office Home and Student 2007 programme; both simple enough tasks.
        The cost to me, inclusive of BullGuard security system and all essential software installations came to £545.

        Specifications (For those interested)
        Weight: 2.24kg
        Dimensions: length 38cm, width: 24cm, depth: 3cm.
        Screen size: 15.6-inches, LED backlit.
        Energy Star rating 5 ..set to enter low power sleep mode within 15 minutes of inactivity.
        Intel Core i5-3210M-2.5 processor.
        Processor clock speed: 2.5Ghz
        Hard drive: 500GB
        Internal memory : 4GB
        Internal RAM: 4.096MB
        Max internal memory: 8GB
        10/100Lan and 802.11N wireless.
        3 x USB ports, two of which are USB2.0 and a one USB 3.0 (which has the capacity to transfer rates up to ten times faster than Hi speed USB 2.0)
        Headphone jack
        DC IN 19V jack
        Microphone jack
        HDMI -out port,
        LAN jack
        External RGB monitor port.
        Optical disc drive. Supports DVD, CD and Blue -ray
        HD Web cam and stereo speakers.
        Operating system: Windows 8 home (64-bit)
        Manufacturers' warranty: 1-year

        The very first thing I noticed about this laptop was its matt black, textured casing ; even the touch pad and surrounding area was textured; a welcome change from the usual glossy black efforts that attract and display dust and finger marks like fashion accessories. The word TOSHIBA is emblazoned on the lid exterior in large silver letters.

        Supplied with the Toshiba, was the power cable and adaptor, plus an A4 sheet of diagrams and information labelled Quick start, and a small booklet with about 40 pages of advice on safety when using the device and how to sit comfortably whilst using it.

        An extensively detailed manual was installed with a short cut to view it, so that it could be found and opened quickly if and when more information was needed.

        The battery life when working without mains power is approximately 6 hours, a vast improvement on the three-hour battery life of my previous laptops.
        It is recommended that the battery be allowed to discharge to the point where the alert signal kicks in, and then be fully recharged again at monthly intervals, which apparently extends the life of the battery.
        According to the manual, when not in use, the battery will remain charged for about 8 to 10 months.

        The keyboard has large, silent keys with large, white lettering and numerals, when I say 'silent', I mean they do not sound like the clatter of a dog's paws along a wooden floor when I type, unlike my computer keys.

        The textured touch pad is set off centre, giving plenty of space to rest the palm whilst typing. The web cam is situated centrally at the top of the laptop lid.
        The speakers are placed above the keyboard, one on the left, one on the right.

        On the left hand edge of the base is the power input jack, the universal USB 2.0 port and the optical disc, a small inset button opens the disc tray.

        On the right hand edge is the headphone jack, microphone jack, USB 2.0 port USB 3.0 port, HDMI out port, LAN jack, external RGB monitor port and security lock slot. The cooling vents are also located on the right.

        At the front is the Memory media slot for memory cards; the wireless communication indicator; the power light and battery indicator.

        One of two methods can switch on the Toshiba (a) by pressing the power button at the rear of the base above the keyboard, or (b) by opening the lid. I have mine set to boot up when I open the lid.

        My experience, thoughts and opinion

        I must admit, that Windows-8 is taking some getting used to. At the moment, I still prefer Windows-7. Although I do have sufficient knowledge of Windows 8 to use the laptop without encountering any holdups or problems; I did purchased a book to help me discover any useful features, as yet unknown to me, of Microsoft's new baby.

        Booting up takes seconds, 10 to be precise, and it shuts down immediately. The log-in times are on a par with my desktop computer, so I am delighted with that, it being the main reason for my purchasing this particular Toshiba model.
        Price-wise the Toshiba Satellite Pro C850 is, in all probability, at the lower end of business laptops, it is fast, efficient, the battery charge lasts longer when used without mains connection and it is energy efficient, does not collect fingerprints, is reasonably lightweight and affordable. All I need do now is explore all the possible advantages of Windows -8 over Windows-7.

        I find that I am using this laptop far more frequently than any of my previous ones, but I still favour my desktop.


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