Toshiba Satellite Click Mini, we've tested it

Mobility is increasingly important in the market. Users demand equipment that can be easily handled and reached anywhere , without giving up all the functionalities of a computer. Toshiba wants to take these ideas to their ultimate consequences with its Toshiba Satellite Click Mini. This device is committed to a format of just 8.9 inches, with a keyboard base that is attached through a mechanical latch. In addition, it includes the version of the Windows 8.1 operating system with Bing with access to all desktop apps and the Microsoft store. And all this with the inclusion of a double battery that takes the autonomy of the equipment up to amaximum of 13 hours. We have had the opportunity to test the Toshiba Satellite Click Mini, which is available on the market for a price of 330 euros. We tell you our impressions of this model.

Compact and versatile design

Without a doubt, the success or failure of the Click Mini depends largely on its design. We are talking about a team that bets on an 8.9-inch tablet format , a size that can create both defenders and detractors. On the positive side, we are talking about a team that lowers its weight below a kilo and that is very easy to transport anywhere. This can be an important advantage in settings such as a college or university classroom to lighten the weight of the backpack. Despite its size, we think that the keyboard is very well achieved.Despite having big hands, after a few minutes it is easy to gain control and type with hardly any mistakes. Of course, where it is likely that we are often confused is when entering accents, since the width of this key has been reduced too much.

To create this equipment, we have two pieces that are joined through a mechanical hitch. When we remove the part of the screen we can use it as a tablet to use, while its use as a laptop increases autonomy and allows us to type without problems. Although it is easy to attach and detach the panel, the hitch has not given us much sense of security. In addition, the screen remains too straight (even at its limit point), something that is uncomfortable if you use the portable mode on your knees. The dimensions of the tablet are 235 x 161 x 9.8 mm and weight of 472 grams. In case of using this device in portable format, the dimensions go up to 235 x 170.6 x 19.9 mm and its weight rises to 978 grams.

Full HD display

The Toshiba Satellite Click Mini panel opts for a compact 8.9-inch format with a Full HD resolution of 1,920 x 1,200 pixels. This is a good level of detail for viewing Windows content, especially high-resolution movies and videos. Also, it achieves a good brightness of 350 nits for viewing the screen outdoors. Of course, the fact that it has opted for the "glossy" or shiny finish will multiply the reflections on the screen when we receive the direct impact of a light source.

Windows 8.1 with Bing

Within this device we find the Windows 8.1 operating system with Bing. It is a specific version of this platform designed for the most humble models. This platform has the same functionalities as the full version of the system, but with a uniqueness. The default search engine is Microsoft's Bing. This does not mean that we are obliged to use it, since we have the option to configure other alternatives such as Google. In terms of how Windows itself works, there has been much criticism of the way in which the company has tried to combine the traditional desktop platform with a main interface oriented to touch devices. However, it does have some interesting features such as the revamped control panel.

The Toshiba Satellite Click Mini uses a quad-core Intel Atom Z3735F processor with a power of 1.33 GHz, capable of reaching up to 1.83 GHz in the moments of greatest need. This chip is combined with a 2 GB RAM memory that is enough for a basic use of the platform, but that is somewhat short when it comes to using several applications at the same time or working with several tabs in Google Chrome. Also, from time to time you notice a certain slowness when opening applications or files. On the other hand, the internal memory of the Click Mini goes up to 32 GB,although you have to take into account the space that Windows 8.1 occupies with Bing. That leaves us with just over 18 GB to store our personal files and applications.

Connections

Within the field of connections, we have a fairly complete set. To connect to the network, this model uses the WiFi connection . Of course, here it could have been very interesting to incorporate a 4G module to be able to navigate with mobile networks. An absence that can be alleviated via a USB modem thanks to its full-size USB 2.0 port (on the keyboard). In this part of the equipment we also have an SD card reader . Meanwhile, the tablet itself includes a MicroUSB 2.0 port (from where the Satellite Click Mini is charged), a mini HDMI port to bring high resolution images to a monitor or TV and a MicroSD port to expand the available space.

Autonomy, price and opinions

According to Toshiba's official data , this device is capable of reaching a range of up to 13 hours in portable format and up to 7 hours in tablet mode. In our use of this device we have stayed between six and seven hours with normal use of the computer (in portable format) browsing and using undemanding applications, with the brightness close to maximum. Of course, one of the points that we liked the least is the time we have to wait to fully charge the device (it takes hours to fully charge the battery). The price of the Toshiba Satellite Click Mini rises to 330 euros.In short, a proposal that can marry very well with the use required in environments such as education, thanks to the versatility of the design and the options offered by Windows 8. On the positive side, in addition to the design we have a good Full HD screen , a fairly comfortable keyboard (except for the key to put accents) and good connections. But there are elements that leave us some doubt as the magnetic coupling, an autonomy that could have been greater or the performance limitations that these models have with 2 GB of RAM.