One of my all time favorite gadgets is the iPad. It is a 9.7 inch lightweight tablet that runs a operating system (iOS) built for touch. These days, many people are looking to eliminate the need for extra devices and prefer computers that can move from laptop to tablet and from tablet to laptop with ease. The Toshiba Satellite Fusion 15 is a fairly large convertible laptop, but I was anxious to give it a try.
Note: I get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products in this post.
Note: I get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products in this post.
Appearance and Ports
The Toshiba has a slick, brushed aluminum appearance with a black strip across the top. The word "Toshiba” is also etched into the lid. The bottom has 4 air vents. It is not a unibody design, so there are screws that can be removed if you want to open it up.
The side of the computer has two fast USB 3.0 ports and another USB 2.0 port that can be used for a mouse or something that doesn’t need the faster speeds. One of the USB 3.0 ports can be configured to charge your smartphone (or nearly anything that charges from USB) even while the computer is off.
This “Sleep and Charge" technology can be setup to your own specifications. For instance, if you are charging your phone while the Toshiba is running off its own battery, you can tell it to stop charging the phone when the Toshiba battery gets to 10 percent.
It also has an HDMI port (more about that later) and a card reader. I tested the card reader with an SD card from an Olympus camera and it read the files into Lightroom without a problem. There is a “Windows” button and volume buttons on the side of the Toshiba, as well. These help when you are in tablet mode and want to control volume or quickly go back to the main screen.
The side of the computer has two fast USB 3.0 ports and another USB 2.0 port that can be used for a mouse or something that doesn’t need the faster speeds. One of the USB 3.0 ports can be configured to charge your smartphone (or nearly anything that charges from USB) even while the computer is off.
This “Sleep and Charge" technology can be setup to your own specifications. For instance, if you are charging your phone while the Toshiba is running off its own battery, you can tell it to stop charging the phone when the Toshiba battery gets to 10 percent.
It also has an HDMI port (more about that later) and a card reader. I tested the card reader with an SD card from an Olympus camera and it read the files into Lightroom without a problem. There is a “Windows” button and volume buttons on the side of the Toshiba, as well. These help when you are in tablet mode and want to control volume or quickly go back to the main screen.
Convertible Design
One of my main arguments against convertible machines is that they are typically too small for my needs. I still prefer a 15 inch screen for spreadsheets and photo editing, but tablet mode can be cumbersome with a screen this size. TheToshiba has a 15.6 inch screen, however, the design at least gives you a few ways to distribute the weight of the screen and make it a little easier to deal with. Since the screen can rotate 360 degrees, you can put it in “tent” mode (Toshiba calls this “Presentation” mode) and it will stand up on a table and make it easy to use that way. You can also sit it with the keyboard down and the screen up. Toshiba calls this “Audience” mode and it is very useful for watching videos or movies because you can adjust the screen to the perfect angle for your needs. As a side note, the latches that the screen uses to rotate feel very sturdy.
“Tablet” mode is when you have the bottom of the computer and the front cover completely folded back to back. If you have a pillow or some way to prop it up in this mode, it is easier to handle. I do have one minor gripe and that is the fact that the keys are not recessed and locked in when rotating like some other convertibles. In other words, you can still feel the spring in the keys when you are holding it. I wonder how much wear and tear this will create over time when resting the weight of the computer on the keys when using “Presentation” mode, but I guess time will tell.
The Toshiba weighs in at 5.1 pounds, so I personally get tired of propping it up after a while, but I do like the option because it is fantastic for watching movies, using Flipboard (a great app for accessing articles on the web/Twitter/Facebook), Youtube, Lynda, and other apps. I won’t be selling my iPad, though. The 9.7 inch screen and light weight of the iPad is just a lot better for reading books and magazines. I did try the magazine app called “Texture” on the Toshiba, but the text doesn’t look as sharp and crisp as it does on the iPad. However, if you are going out of town and don’t want to carry both devices, the Toshiba will work fine as long as you have some way to prop it up while using it.
“Tablet” mode is when you have the bottom of the computer and the front cover completely folded back to back. If you have a pillow or some way to prop it up in this mode, it is easier to handle. I do have one minor gripe and that is the fact that the keys are not recessed and locked in when rotating like some other convertibles. In other words, you can still feel the spring in the keys when you are holding it. I wonder how much wear and tear this will create over time when resting the weight of the computer on the keys when using “Presentation” mode, but I guess time will tell.
The Toshiba weighs in at 5.1 pounds, so I personally get tired of propping it up after a while, but I do like the option because it is fantastic for watching movies, using Flipboard (a great app for accessing articles on the web/Twitter/Facebook), Youtube, Lynda, and other apps. I won’t be selling my iPad, though. The 9.7 inch screen and light weight of the iPad is just a lot better for reading books and magazines. I did try the magazine app called “Texture” on the Toshiba, but the text doesn’t look as sharp and crisp as it does on the iPad. However, if you are going out of town and don’t want to carry both devices, the Toshiba will work fine as long as you have some way to prop it up while using it.
Windows 10
I have been using Macs for running both OS X and Windows (Bootcamp/VMWare Fusion), so using Windows 10 in a touchscreen environment has been a new and delightful experience. The 1920x1080, IPS screen is fantastic from all angles and works in both horizontal and landscape modes. It is a glossy display, so be aware that you may notice reflections.
I have just started using Cortana and it is nice for launching apps and other features that you want to get to quickly. You can set it up to listen for your voice, all voices, or you can set it to launch when you click on the microphone icon in the search field. From my experience, it works similar to Siri in iOS. If you are new to Windows 10, you may want to look into some articles about privacy in this operating system (the subject is too deep to go into on this review) before jumping in.
The “Continuum” mode is awesome. It allows Windows to go from “desktop/mouse” mode into "touchscreen/tablet" mode by just moving the screen from laptop position to one of the more touch-friendly positions. (Note: You can always use the touch screen, but when it isn't in its normal laptop configuration, they show an onscreen keyboard and the icons are more touch-friendly.)
I have just started using Cortana and it is nice for launching apps and other features that you want to get to quickly. You can set it up to listen for your voice, all voices, or you can set it to launch when you click on the microphone icon in the search field. From my experience, it works similar to Siri in iOS. If you are new to Windows 10, you may want to look into some articles about privacy in this operating system (the subject is too deep to go into on this review) before jumping in.
The “Continuum” mode is awesome. It allows Windows to go from “desktop/mouse” mode into "touchscreen/tablet" mode by just moving the screen from laptop position to one of the more touch-friendly positions. (Note: You can always use the touch screen, but when it isn't in its normal laptop configuration, they show an onscreen keyboard and the icons are more touch-friendly.)
Performance
TheToshiba I am reviewing has 8GB of RAM, an Intel Core i7-6500U CPU and a 256GB SSD. I don’t play video games, but the machine is plenty fast for my needs. I ran a “CrystalDiskMark” test and with its basic (Seq/Q32T1) settings it had a read speed of 543.8 MB/s and a write speed of 305.9 MB/s. Restarting the Toshiba takes less than 20 seconds to close down, restart, and get back to the lock screen. Once you sign in, it takes a second or two to load Windows. I also looked at how long it takes to simply power on and go to the sign in screen. It consistently takes about 7 seconds.
I ran an online speed test to determine if the internet speed was as expected. I pay for a 75mbps internet connection and it ran at 89.62Mbps down and 12.04Mbps, so the results were better than I expected. I was able to stream a large 22 GB, 1080p movie over the local network without problems using JRiver Media Center. It uses 801.11 A/C WiFi, so it is plenty fast.
The webcam will record at 1280x720p/30 fps and photos taken with the camera are also in that resolution (assuming you choose 16:9). I hesitate to talk about battery power since it depends on your settings and what tests you run, but I expect it to last 5 to 8 hours depending on what I am doing. The Toshiba also has an "eco utility" app that can help you use less battery when desired .
The keyboard is great and has backlighting available. One thing I love about it is the number pad. I use spreadsheets quite a bit, so this was a very welcome addition. As I said before, I would prefer the keyboard to retract and lock so you can’t feel the spring in the keys when you hold it in tablet mode, but so far, that hasn’t been an issue. The touchpad seems like your standard touchpad. Once I got used to it, it is has been easy sailing.
The “Skullcandy” speakers are some of the best I have heard on a laptop. However, be aware that they are located at the top of the keyboard, so if you are holding the Toshiba in tablet mode, the speakers will be facing away from you. This isn’t unusual, though.
I ran an online speed test to determine if the internet speed was as expected. I pay for a 75mbps internet connection and it ran at 89.62Mbps down and 12.04Mbps, so the results were better than I expected. I was able to stream a large 22 GB, 1080p movie over the local network without problems using JRiver Media Center. It uses 801.11 A/C WiFi, so it is plenty fast.
The webcam will record at 1280x720p/30 fps and photos taken with the camera are also in that resolution (assuming you choose 16:9). I hesitate to talk about battery power since it depends on your settings and what tests you run, but I expect it to last 5 to 8 hours depending on what I am doing. The Toshiba also has an "eco utility" app that can help you use less battery when desired .
The keyboard is great and has backlighting available. One thing I love about it is the number pad. I use spreadsheets quite a bit, so this was a very welcome addition. As I said before, I would prefer the keyboard to retract and lock so you can’t feel the spring in the keys when you hold it in tablet mode, but so far, that hasn’t been an issue. The touchpad seems like your standard touchpad. Once I got used to it, it is has been easy sailing.
The “Skullcandy” speakers are some of the best I have heard on a laptop. However, be aware that they are located at the top of the keyboard, so if you are holding the Toshiba in tablet mode, the speakers will be facing away from you. This isn’t unusual, though.
HDMI
For my needs, it is very important to be able to connect the Toshiba to an external display. The Toshiba is capable of putting out a 4k signal through its HDMI port, which for me was a requirement. I did have issues playing 4k videos from Youtube using Chrome and Firefox, but I was able to get them to play with the Edge browser. My guess is that there is a setting that I need to change, but I thought I would mention it in case others ran across this issue. I also launched Lightroom CC and Photoshop CC and edited a couple of RAW files (22.1 megapixels) and the extra detail in 4k was very useful. Every bit of resolution helps when editing large files.
I haven't tried video editing on it yet because I have been using iMovie and now I need to find a Windows-friendly replacement. I don't really edit enough video to pay a lot for an editor, so let me know if you have a suggestion in the comment section or you can always shoot me an email.
I haven't tried video editing on it yet because I have been using iMovie and now I need to find a Windows-friendly replacement. I don't really edit enough video to pay a lot for an editor, so let me know if you have a suggestion in the comment section or you can always shoot me an email.
The Wrap Up
This Toshiba Satellite Fusion 15 is the convertible for the person that needs a large, beautiful 15.6 inch touchscreen and is willing to pay the price for that extra weight when using it in other viewing modes. As I mentioned, I typically just use an iPad when I want to use a tablet and a laptop when I want to use a laptop. However, this gives me the extra flexibility to make that decision based on what I am doing.
Note: I get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products in this post.
While the convertible features make it great for the road, the ability to connect it to a 4k display at home makes it even more versatile. I have been using a Roku in my office to take advantage of my 4k display, but having a computer that can send the monitor a 4k signal gives me many more options for creating content.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this type of computer, but I have to say that I really like it. Whether I am editing photos, working on spreadsheets, watching video, or just typing out an email, the Toshiba has been a pleasure to use.
Upsides:
Very capable, speedy, laptop
Great, backlit keyboard with number pad
4K HDMI output
Gives you numerous, useful viewing modes
USB 3 ports
Beautiful Touch, IPS Display
Continuum modes for ease of use
The speakers are awesome for a laptop
Downsides:
Heavy (5.1) pounds
Doesn't (easily) run OS X - Macs will easily run Windows
Wish that the keys locked down when not using "laptop" mode (Lenovo has this feature)
Lack of documentation in the box
Note: I also want to mention a small pet peeve and it is the Toshiba splash screen that pops up before bringing up the Windows screen. I will have to research how to get rid of that screen. Also, it has a bunch of Toshiba apps that I could live without.
Note: I get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products in this post.
While the convertible features make it great for the road, the ability to connect it to a 4k display at home makes it even more versatile. I have been using a Roku in my office to take advantage of my 4k display, but having a computer that can send the monitor a 4k signal gives me many more options for creating content.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this type of computer, but I have to say that I really like it. Whether I am editing photos, working on spreadsheets, watching video, or just typing out an email, the Toshiba has been a pleasure to use.
Upsides:
Very capable, speedy, laptop
Great, backlit keyboard with number pad
4K HDMI output
Gives you numerous, useful viewing modes
USB 3 ports
Beautiful Touch, IPS Display
Continuum modes for ease of use
The speakers are awesome for a laptop
Downsides:
Heavy (5.1) pounds
Doesn't (easily) run OS X - Macs will easily run Windows
Wish that the keys locked down when not using "laptop" mode (Lenovo has this feature)
Lack of documentation in the box
Note: I also want to mention a small pet peeve and it is the Toshiba splash screen that pops up before bringing up the Windows screen. I will have to research how to get rid of that screen. Also, it has a bunch of Toshiba apps that I could live without.
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