Friday, June 7, 2013
Lenovo G770 M533AGE Notebook Review
Essential G770 series models has been improved for Windows 7 Lenovo Enhanced Experience, which reduces the switching on and off the operating system up to 66 percent. In addition, applications should be twice as fast because of this feature.
Lenovo has integrated with Intel Core i7 laptop in G770 (M533AGE model), which also contains one of two graphics cards. Together with the integrated HD Graphics 3000, is dedicated to the AMD Radeon graphics card included, which is equipped with 1024 MB of memory.
The core clock speed of the dual-core processor is an Intel 2.7 GHz and 3.4 GHz can be increased by using Turbo mode. M533AGE G770 17.3-inch display, which may present a resolution of 1600x900 pixels. In addition, there are also 8 GB of memory, 2.5-inch Hard Disk 750 GB of storage capacity, and x8 DVD included.
By default, the Lenovo G770 M533AGE only 4 GB of RAM included, however: the current supply of Cyberport also offers an additional 4 GB of RAM and a module suitable laptop bag itself. With this configuration, the Lenovo G770 M533AGE should be priced around 799 euros (VAT included).
Specifications Lenovo G770 M533AGE :
- Processor : Intel Core i7 2620M 2.7 GHz
- Mainboard : Intel HM65
- Memory : 8192 MB, 4 GByte Hynix HMT351S6BFR8C-H9, 4 GByte Kingston 99U5428-042.A00G
- Graphics adapter : AMD Radeon HD 6650M - 1024 MB, Core: 600 MHz, Memory: 800 MHz, (Whistler), 8.813.3.2000, AMD Catalyst 11.1
- Display : 17.3 inch 16:9, 1600x900 pixel, SAMSUNG 173KT01-L01, glossy: yes
- Harddisk : WDC WD7500BPVT-24HXZ, 750GB 5400rpm
- Soundcard : Intel Cougar Point PCH - High Definition Audio Controller
- Connections : 3 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3.0, 1 VGA, 1 HDMI, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: 1x line out / headphone output, microphone input, Card Reader: 5-in-1 Cardreader (MMC, MS, MS Pro, SD, xD)
- Networking : Atheros AR8152 PCI-E Fast Ethernet Controller (10/100MBit), Atheros AR9285 Wireless Network Adapter (bgn), 2.1 Bluetooth
- Optical drive : DVD +/- RW Double Layer
- Size : height x width x depth (in mm): 45 x 416 x 272
- Weight : 3 kg Power Supply: 0.48 kg
- Battery : 48 Wh Lithium-Ion, LG PABAS024, 6 cells, 47520 mWh
- Price : 799 Euro
- Operating System : Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
- Additional features : Webcam: 1, Lenovo OneKey Recovery, Lenovo ReadyComm ,ooVoo, McAfee VirusScan Plus 2009 (60 day trial version), Microsoft Office 2010 (60 day trial version), Cyberlink Power2Go, 2 Jahre Bring-In Months Warranty
As for the appearance of Lenovo opted for a kind of style spoiler with a star schema. The area is certainly beautiful, and calls her look with polished metal. The case is almost identical to that used for the model of Lenovo G575 (15.6 inches).
The surfaces of the laptop attracts dust, unfortunately, in a magical way, and fingerprints quickly leave their mark as well. Lenovos marketing slogan "The books can be opened easily with one hand" could not be confirmed by us as the basic unit also moves up when they try to lift the lid. After opening, the palm rest area of brushed metal and a keyboard with separate numeric keypad AccuType appears.
Part of the 17.3-inch screen can be folded easily and can also be dented inward from behind. The two hinges do not give a reliable impression. During the review still had the feeling that they break at any time when the screen was opened as much as possible (~ 130 ° maximum opening angle). This was not the case, however, we still have a different idea of what the stability is good.
The stability of the base unit is much better, and nothing can be bent or broken. The palm rest and keyboard and touchpad are very strong and are embedded in an aluminum plate. The look is reminiscent of the Dell Vostro 3555. The similarity is intriguing, and it seems that Lenovo has removed the chrome rims.
The Lenovo G770 weighs 3 kg, including all of the 6-cell battery. Adapter while the weight reaches a total of 480 grams. The dimensions of the book extends to 416x45x272 mm.
Connectivity
Number of ports and connections is limited to a minimum. Along with four USB ports, one of which supports USB 3.0, we find only one VGA, one HDMI port, two audio connectors (1x headphone, 1x microphone), and one of the RJ45 port. The last of which is only compatible with Fast Ethernet. It is, as regards the interfaces to go: No eSATA, no ExpressCard slot, and a DisplayPort connector.
The optical drive is on the right side, in this case an integrated DVD burner. A reader 5-in-1 is provided on the front right side of the laptop, and is protected by a fake card.
Location of the doors is only partially satisfactory 3-4 USB ports on the left side in front, when the distance between them is relatively small. If you use a large USB connector, this can quickly lead to problems. What is aware of all four USB ports, which were difficult to use. USB connectors, our test devices (USB mouse adapter, USB sticks and hard drives), it was difficult to connect to begin with.
On the back of the laptop was spared an interface or port, and there is no connector for docking station according to the laptop.
Communications
Lenovo G770 offers several options for connecting to your home or work, and then the internet. On the other hand is a Fast Ethernet port (10/100 compatible) wired option available, but on the other hand provides integrated wireless LAN communications using the IEEE 802.11b/g/n. Bluetooth is also included.
Security
Among the security features are the security lock (Kensington) and facial recognition software (VeriFace). Logging in place of the registered users with VeriFace without entering a password. By using the integrated webcam to analyze and check the face of users and allow access if it is (I hope). Unfortunately, the G770 does not have a fingerprint reader.
Accessories
In addition to the laptop and AC adapter, nothing more is included. Many software and manuals are available either on the hard disk or can be found on the Internet. Recovery files for the operating system, including all drivers can be created with the application 7.0 "OneKey Recovery." We were unable to find special accessories for the G770 in the online store. Just mouse, batteries and bags (all models) is provided.
Software
Together with the operating system Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit with SP1), the following programs are installed on Lenovo notebooks: Microsoft Office 2010 (60 days trial), CyberLink Power2Go, Cyberlink YouCam, McAfee VirusScan Plus 2009 (60 days test), ooVoo (video chat software).
Much more interesting, however, are other programs that will improve your Lenovo laptop. One of these is the power configuration software (Lenovo Energy Management), which offers several presets, and is simpler than the solution offered by Windows. ReadyComm 4.0 is integrated with the software management of communications with an intuitive user interface allows, President and CEO, and connections to the Internet. Facial recognition software for the blood to open notebook users do have the right of the screen in front.
Face Detection also worked aftershave and visit Seville (hairdresser)
What is also interesting is that unregistered users can leave a message via VeriFace, similar to a digital answering machine.
Another program that is put to good use in the G770, Lenovo Boot Optimizer is EE. With this, it is possible to optimize the boot process for Windows 7 that can get to work faster on the laptop. In addition to stopping and starting applications is also accelerated with EE Boot Optimizer.
We were able to reduce start-up, check the device for 60 seconds to 35 seconds. It starts the standby mode is also faster with this tool.
Warranty
The warranty period for this model a period of 24 months and includes a Bring-In Service. This can be extended with an "A three-year collect and return" policy for about 150 euros.
Input Devices
Keyboard
The keyboard with separate numeric keypad stuck, almost as if stuck in the database. There is enough space on both sides it was possible to distribute the additional keys. However there is still enough space between each key to allow a precise fast typing.
Registration for the Fn key combinations have been less successful. Description Orange characteristics that are recognizable under conditions of good lighting and view them in a dark environment is almost impossible. The addition of a backlit keyboard (like the Dell Vostro 3555) was a way to solve this problem.
During testing, we noticed a small noise that writing was not even annoying. The pressure point of the keys is very good when the slightly curved shape and concave buttons can when you write.
Touchpad
The touch pad keyboard in front of a number of features stand out: these are all pleasantly spacious, slightly irregular surface, the scroll area can be found, and corporate control. Using the key combination Fn + F6 keys touchpad can be disabled. Unfortunately, the appropriate LED will not be released.
Webcam
The 2-megapixel webcam in the middle of the screen of 17.3 inches can be used to take pictures and record videos, but may be disabled. The webcam is also used to VeriFace facial recognition software.
Display
Lenovo G770 is equipped with 17.3-inch backlit reflective screen (43.9 cm). Samsung panel (L01-173KT01) will be able to present a resolution of 1600x900 pixels ratio is 16:9. The screen surface is very shiny, and, unfortunately, reflects a more or less everything in front of it. Reflections of users belonging to another on a daily basis during the review period.
Using a VGA or HDMI port side of the G770, you can connect other external monitor / display. When a laptop can be used in the middle of a multi-display configuration. External resolution can be set up to 2560x1600 pixels.
The bright 17-inch screen was developed to measure our "nine points". We have measured values between 176 and 204 cd / m² (average reading of 187.1 cd / m²). The backlight was at 86 percent. We also determined the black level to maximum brightness. It was at 1.35 cd / m². The contrast is therefore only an average ratio of 151:1.
The panel-type reflections improves color perception optically, which does not affect the measurements. Representable color space does not cover the entire spectrum sRGB, but this is something that should concern only graphics and image editors.
For outdoor use reflections in bright screen became upset during use. Under direct sunlight the images displayed were almost unrecognizable. In the shadows were still able to see the images that appear relatively well. One thing that struck us, however, is that the glossy screen frame much thought to the surrounding garden.
Photo on the right seems almost as if we forgot to remove the protective film, which is attached to the notebook display many when decisions are made. This laptop has presented without a protective film on the screen though.
The viewing angles of the screen are not that great with this laptop Lenovo. When the screen is placed at an angle of 90 degrees, the images shown are easy to see on the front and sides. The colors displayed on the screen of 17 inches are saturated and have a good contrast.
If the screen is moved up or down, displaying the content becomes upside down. With an angle of + / - 45 degrees, the images are almost unrecognizable. We only had proof that the contents of the test is displayed. The images were too upside down, or the display of light in these positions.
Performance
Lenovo G770 Intel Core i7 uses a 2620m 4 MB of Level 3 cache. Dual-core processor-based architecture Sandy Bridge (32 nm production process, 624 million transistors of the die size of 149 mm ²). CPU: Intel can handle up to four threads simultaneously thanks to Hyper-Threading. 2620m Core i7 is the basic clock frequency is 2.7 GHz, single core and can overclock up to 3.4 GHz, thanks to the Turbo Boost technology. The requirement here is just a CPU cooler. Higher temperatures in the nucleus was less than the turbo boost was used.
The heart of Intel dual processor has integrated DirectX 10 graphics chip - Intel HD Graphics 3000 - and the memory controller (DDR3-1066/1333 memory controller, up to 8 GB). Using DPC Latency Checker program, we tested the potential problems with latency interfaces, as a result of timing errors that can occur with external hardware.
As the screenshot indicates, not all measurements were green. We found errors in the synchronization of this laptop a result of our measurements (clearly visible as red columns). When the red columns are visible, it means that the potential limitations when transferring data, such as audio and video.
With Cinebench R10 (single report) in 64-bit mode, the G770 Lenovo slightly below the expected level of performance of Core i7 processors, with a score of 5360 points. With multi-rendering (64 bits) with the same reference point, he was able to correct Lenovo faults passed with a score of 11,711 points.
With Cinebench R11.5 (64-bit CPU), we were able to determine the average score of 3.1 points. Using the laptop benchmark PCMark Vantage managed to score 8561 points, putting the top-level results. Judging points, laptops would fit between the Nexoc E643 (P 8363) and the MSI GT780R (P 8599).
There are two options available for your Lenovo G770 graphics processing: On the other hand HD 3000 Integrated Graphics Intel Core i7, and the other dedicated to the card AMD Radeon HD 6650M graphics. Depending on the application, and power consumption (battery or less), users can decide which graphics option for individual programs should be used.
The move to Intel and AMD graphics cards do not require restarting the laptop. During battery operation, users are recommended to use the integrated HD 3000 graphics Core i7 CPU, because the ATI Radeon HD 6650M requires considerably more power.
The AMD Radeon HD 6650M is not only faster than the integrated graphics chip, but also supports DirectX 11.
To compare the two graphics options, we realized the individual benchmarks Futuremark times more series. Time with the HD 3000 Graphics, and once with AMD Radeon HD 6650M: The benchmark 3DMark 06 led 3980 (Intel) vs. 8177 (AMD) points, which shows an improvement of ~ 105 percent with graphics cards AMD. A comparison with 3DMark 11, it was not possible due to incompatibility with DirectX 11 (Intel graphics).
The rest of the Futuremark benchmark series in line with expectations of a good reference point for comparison with other results in our reference database.
Stress Test
We are not able to notice the negative things of 2620m Intel Core i7 during our stress tests simulated. Processor clock speed of 3.0 GHz was originally, and gradually varies from about 2.7 GHz during the 90 minutes of stress testing. Clock frequency is below the base speed of the Core i7 clock 2620m at any time.
HDD performance
The hard drive on Lenovos laptop is a 2.5-inch drive from Western Digital. The model WD7500BPVT-24HXZ tour with 5400 rpm and has a storage capacity of 750 GB (total). The reader of the Scorpio Blue series has an 8 MB cache, and is connected to SATA-II.
The average transfer rate was determined using "HD Tune Pro, and came to 75.1 MB / s on average. The measurement of the explosion determines a value of 115.2 MB / s. The results obtained with" CrystalDiskMark " the test program were slightly higher.
Gaming Verdict
With the HD 3000 integrated graphics in Intel, it is only possible to play some games, even during mobile use. The frame rate with graphics intensive games such as Mafia II is less playable (<9 fps), even with the resolution set at low (800x600).
Using the dedicated graphics card (Radeon HD 6650M), the device has a significantly better performance, and even lead to acceptable frame rates with higher resolution settings. If users are willing to compromise, and scale back the detail settings or resolution of 1024x786, so that all games can be played with smooth frame rates as well.
What current game works, how well the mobile graphics cards can be found in our extensive computer database "on graphics cards for laptops."
Emissions
The system noise
Even if the fan is always active G770 notebook, we were not able to measure the noise level of no more than 37.6 dB (A). Our distance from the measuring device (VOLTCRAFT SL-320) was 15 cm.
During the different test scenarios of the laptop is barely visible in terms of system noise. A burst of activity of the cooling fan was not audible at any time. At an average distance of about 60 cm, was the "drone" barely audible. During video playback, the fan is audible during quiet passages of the film.
Temperature
With a high processing load is mainly the left area of the laptop that the increase in temperature, which increases to 40.6 degrees Celsius. It is also the area where the vents are located, through which the heat of the internal components are carried out.
On the right side of the cell surface is significantly cooler, even with a high processing load. We measured about 20 degrees Celsius in this area in an inactive state. With a high processing load on CPU and GPU, only the measured temperature field risen by about 4 degrees.
Temperatures in the area before the laptop (Palm rest area / touchpad) found differences of up to 10 degrees. 24.7 degrees was measured in an inactive state, compared to 33.4 degrees with a processing load.
The AC adapter has also been given a lot of stress test more power, and therefore becomes hotter. Temperatures measured in this case was 50.3 degrees, 24.1 degrees to the sleep mode.
Speakers
G770 is equipped with two small speakers in the laptop to produce the basic sound. The sound quality is unfortunately limited due to the lack of bass. The volume up, you realize that the laptop is bouncing up and down, and the sound becomes very distorted.
Battery Life
The power consumption of laptop Lenovo is 0.6 watts in standby mode. When you are out of our measurement device was 0.3 Watts. In a state of rest, consumption was determined between 8 and 15.9 Watts Watts out of the plug.
During the first measurement of the brightness was turned down, the WLAN is turned off and the power plan was to save energy. The opposite was the case of the second measure: the maximum brightness, power plan in the position best performance, and WLAN enabled.
For the highest power consumption (high processing load to maximum brightness, no power saving settings, WLAN active), we measured a total of 73.7 watts.
The first battery of tests, the "Classic Test" by BatteryEater (maximum brightness, WLAN off) resulted in only a battery life of 57 minutes, after several iterations. Using the "test readers", the maximum power saving, wireless connections turned off and the lowest brightness, the battery lasts 4 hours and 13 minutes. Navigate using the built-in wireless LAN: in this case, the battery lasts 2 hours and 50 minutes. During the test, the screen brightness was set to appear in the photos were clearly visible.
Verdict
Lenovo G770 has left a good impression, although additional features such as VeriFace and EE Boot Optimizer makes the greatest contribution in this regard. The hardware of the laptop of 17.3 inches, which consists of a 2620m Core i7, AMD Radeon HD 6650M one, and 8 GB of RAM and a 750 GB hard drive, rounds the whole package. Fast CPU, graphics card compatible games, and lots of storage space, what more could you want?
When the battery, integrated HD 3000 Graphics with Intel CPUs can be used as an alternative to AMD graphics card, in order to prolong battery life significantly. Comfort offered by Nvidia GPU Optimus pass is not available.
The 17.3-inch screen on the G770 has not been able to impress: its reflective surface may look good, but work inside. Colors and contrast are present and in the ideal viewing angle, but a light quickly lead to strong reflections.
With a total weight of 3 kg, the G770 is not exactly an ideal laptop for outdoor use, but is more suitable as a desktop replacement and the work device. In this scenario, the relatively short battery life of approximately 3 hours much more sense.
At present, the Lenovo G770-M533AGE obtained from Cyberport to 799 euros. As part of an inclusive agreement, the laptop is equipped with 8 GB of RAM instead of the standard 4 gigabytes. In addition, a laptop bag suitable Cyberport is also free of charge.
