Perhaps Apple Computers has a competitor after all. Toshiba unveiled one of the lightest, most pixel filled, smart laptops on the market.
While most notebooks and tablets compete in the lower end of the market, the Toshiba Satellite Radius 12 is taking aim at Apple’s Macbook Pro (the retina versions) and Microsoft’s Surface. All retail for more than $1200, plus add ons.
I will admit, I am partial to Macbook retina because of the bright screens, incredible depth of color, and sharpness. And for the first time in years, another laptop give the Macbook a run for its money.
When it comes to pixels, the Satellite Radius 12 is 3840×2160 compared to 2560×1600 on the Mac and just 1920×1080 on the Yoga.
The Technicolor Color Certified 4K Ultra HD display delivers true-to-life color and clarity, just what pro and wedding photographers need. The graphics display is top notch.
And for wedding photographers, the benefits get even better. Designed for travel, the Radius 12 weighs 2.9 pounds, has a slim 0.6-inch profile and 360-degree precision hinging that offers smooth transitions between its viewing modes.
The 5 viewing modes (Laptop, Tablet, Tabletop, Presentation and Audience), mean you can do anything on it from edit photographs and video to show future clients your portfolio. Even though the keyboard is disabled in the tablet mode (very smart), it is a tad uncomfortable having a keyboard resting on your legs.
But for those of you who put your notebooks, cameras, and phones to the limit of unbreakability, the glass on the Radius is Corning’s Gorilla Glass NBT – most durable on the market. Hopefully not iPhone glass durable though!
As for the hardware, the 6th-gen Intel Core i7 processor powers the beast and comes with 8GB of RAM, 256GB solid-state drive (more than most Macbooks at base level) and Harman Kardon speakers. Yea, play your Brittney Spears loud and proud.
The only thing that bothered me was the track pad. It’s not as smooth as it could be and the knee jerking on the tracker can become an irritant. Not a major one though.
Overall, this is my first PC since the days of IBM PCs that I love enough to recommend to others, especially photographers and those in the wedding industry. It’s lightweight, versatile, and rich in color. What more to ask for when displaying those beautiful flower centerpieces on your laptop?
For more information on the laptop, visit: Best Buy.
Disclaimer: We were compensated with a Toshiba laptop in exchange for this review.