Dynabook Satellite Pro C40-J-11I, hands on: A well-priced 14-inch workhorse

Dynabook would not ring the design modifications with each new laptop computer and outwardly the 14-inch Satellite tv for pc Professional C40-J is little totally different to earlier choices from the corporate previously often known as Toshiba. The darkish blue chassis, which appears virtually black, is business-like and unassuming. 

The Satellite tv for pc Professional C40-J-11I mannequin reviewed right here is light-weight and eminently transportable, weighing ‘underneath’ 1.55kg and measuring 328mm extensive by 224.8mm deep by 18.9mm thick. It ought to slot right into a backpack with ease.  

The £625 (ex. VAT, £750 inc. VAT) price ticket is engaging for a workhorse-type laptop computer with an excellent all-round specification. Anybody who bemoans the paucity of connections on many laptops could also be drawn by the vary on provide right here: there is a pair of USB-A ports, a full-size HDMI connector with 4K assist, a USB-C port (not Thunderbolt), a MicroSD card slot, a 3.5mm headphone jack and even a Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45) port. The latter has a hinged base in order that the port can slot neatly into the comparatively slim chassis. Energy is delivered through a devoted round-pin connector, leaving the USB-C port accessible for different duties. 

C40-Sequence Satellite tv for pc Professional laptops can be found within the US, beginning at $769.99. The £750 (inc. VAT) value of the UK mannequin reviewed right here interprets to round $950 on the time of writing.

Nonetheless, some could rue absence of Thunderbolt assist, and the Wi-Fi solely extends to 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5). The Satellite tv for pc Professional C40-J-11I ships with Home windows 10 Professional (and Home windows 10 Dwelling in some iterations) as customary, however may be configured with Home windows 11 if required.

The 14-inch FHD (1920 x 1080, 157.3ppi) show is non-reflective however would not have nice brightness (220 nits) or viewing angles. Anybody desirous to take pleasure in some after-hours video viewing will discover it lacks vibrancy and punch. The identical goes for the stereo audio system, that are OK however nothing particular by way of sound high quality.

The display screen’s restricted brightness definitely would not bode nicely for many who could want to work open air. And the big bezels, notably on the backside edge, make this laptop computer appear fairly old school. Arguably, it is time Dynabook rethought its method to the show. 

The keyboard could be very mild contact, with sufficient bounce within the keys to make typing a satisfying expertise. Typing elicits a lightweight, hole ‘clacky’ sound that should not disturb any co-workers. The Enter key’s giant, as are the Fn keys, and I had no downside touch-typing at my regular pace. The ClickPad is an effective measurement and properly responsive.  

My Satellite tv for pc Professional C40-J-11I evaluate unit was powered by Intel’s Core i5-1135G7 processor with built-in Intel Iris XE graphics, 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. There are many different fashions, beginning with the £459 (ex. VAT) C40-J-11F (Core i3-1115G4, 8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD) and rising to the £759 C40-J-11J (Core i7-1165G7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD.

Though there’s a sensible choice of specs, there are some fastened parts. For instance, the webcam — a 720p HD digicam with twin microphones – is customary throughout the vary, and lacks a privateness cowl. The 14-inch FHD show would not change between fashions, both, so there are not any touch-screen choices. 

Dynabook says the Satellite tv for pc Professional C40-J-11I’s 45.6Wh battery ought to maintain it going for 9 hours 50 minutes – snug ‘all-day’ battery life, in different phrases. Primarily based on my testing with a mixture of mainstream productiveness and undemanding leisure workloads, that appears possible. This laptop computer’s vary of ports, together with wired Ethernet, is a plus level, however the 14-inch display screen’s limitation to FHD decision and reasonable brightness could flip off some potential consumers. 

Dynabook Satellite tv for pc Professional C40-J-11I specs

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