Ultrabooks are notebooks who follow Intel's specifications in terms of thickness, weight, performance and internal components (talk about it in an episode of the podcast). Among the options market is the LG Z330, a notebook / ultrabook that appeared here at the time of its release by giving boot into Windows 7 in less than ten seconds. Now, after spending two weeks with a unit for testing, I can share some thoughts about the product.
Before you begin, I must say that the reviews I write this Tecnoblog are focused on my experience using the product. A regular guy who works in a media vehicle, telling what worked and what failed to use the product. We have a laboratory for this purpose and even this is our goal. This article is the beginning of a conversation about the features of this LG Z330, not the definitive guide for anyone who wants to know whether to buy it or not.
Design and footprint
The Z330 (model 7426)) is no exception to what Intel has set a standard ultrabooks. I feel even that does not give much away to the combination of metal housing and the display of 11 "or 15" inches to get that result. We, therefore, the body made of aluminum with a texture very own: there are several risks along the notebook. The cover will also include texturing, but this time in circles that come with LG's trademark elliptical. In the facet of the display is used dark plastic, which gives more discretion for its emphasis on the 13 inch screen.
On the sides of the notebook is: the input to the charger, a USB 3.0 (high), door to an Ethernet network adapter (goes along with the accessory kit) and a long but narrow, input / output air to the left; output HDMI, 1 USB 2.0 (not energized), audio output on standard 3.5 mm and the microSD slot on the right. The bottom of the device brings several cuts for ventilation and seals from LG, the FCC and the OEM license of Windows 7 Home Premium.
Z330 LG: Right Side
It's a beautiful machine. Some people certainly will associate it with MacBooks that Apple sells a few years, with one body of aluminum. This formula is, so to speak, ultrabooks most common today. If Apple and Intel were the forerunners of these specifications, we can say that LG is doing well especially the booklet public semiconductor giant. Leave the reader to decide whether or not copies of cited MacBooks.
As this life thug we wandered from one place to another with the notebook, I might add that the Z330 is very light. But I make this comparison with the conventional notebooks. We know that ultrabooks should be even lighter. Gives 1.21 kg. Your back will thank you.
Keyboard
Keyboard ultrabook Z330: coarse letters
I quite liked the Z330's keyboard because it is not necessary to "punch" keys so that data entry occurs. Works of course, to the delight of those who may spend all day typing on the computer things. It should be good even to avoid the terrible RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury). The letters printed on the black keys are white or orange for special functions. The source chosen by LG facilitates the location of the keys: it is large and clear. I do not know anyone is interested the following comment: I noticed that the Z330 keyboard keys appear in uppercase (or Caps Lock). Unlike what HP does with the Folio 13, in which the letters appear in lowercase and labels.
Has no backlight
It made me want is that this keyboard illumination in other notebooks (some of Sony, for example). When it gets dark the machine automatically detects that there is less light and the illumination light. It helps in locating the keys. With the Z330 is not so. Being a dark keyboard, runs the risk of the user pick up corn for a while to get used to the new keyboard. Well that LG could adopt the illuminated keyboard in upcoming notebook / ultrabooks.
Trackpad
It seems that the creators of this product had to miss something, even if it was on purpose. As I said, the keyboard is excellent: soft pressing of the keys and large. The trackpad, in turn, is among the worst I have had contact with in my life.
Z330 trackpad disappoints
For starters, it follows the texturing of the carcass - species with horizontal grooves running through the tap area. In this way only increase the friction between the finger and the sensor. For example, drag and drop is terrible because the finger is "catching" on the trackpad. That touch the trackpad itself provide some notebooks does not work with the hit rate than I expected.
For completeness, the buttons are bad. I have the impression that the manufacturer used a large touch sensor (in terms of hardware) and then set up what would be the area of the right button, the button on the left and touch area. There is a tab embossed for separating these three areas. However, the buttons are lacking because the ring often has to be repeated with more force. There is a texturing the buttons makes no difference because the user usually does not slide your finger there.
Software installed
The Z330 comes with Windows 7 Home Premium factory installed. Even with Windows 8 at the door knocking, who will now buy the notebook to use a system that has its days numbered. LG adds some applications in the system yourself. There are few that deserve attention, the rest belongs to the category of crapware.
Some options by clicking the floating
Attention is given to a central options that, when installed, adds a floating screen button. Click here makes that a pretty animation, but ordinary, arise some interesting options for quick access to the user: connect to a projector, power settings, magnifying glass, access to Windows Mobility Center settings and Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, among other . These are options that make no difference to the computer geek who knows (he knows where to find them), but can be of great value to consumers "normal" computer. Common functions are just a click away. Only dispense even the floating button (I do not know if there are settings to hide this button).
Media FUNtasia: LG software to view photos, videos and music
For group photos, videos and music has FUNtasia Media, another unique application of LG suspects that scans directories for content that interests you. I was particularly pleased with the search function of pictures. Much better than trying to get that image last year on a day that you do not even remember what it was. It is a simple application that may be available for download on the Internet. Should please some of the public.
There's nothing productivity Z330 by default. It comes with Office, but are actually links that lead to the purchase page of the productivity suite. Moreover, featuring Windows Live Mail. Only.
Using and abusing
Excellent processor, RAM 4 GB SSD one of respect. Of course, the Z330's performance impresses the user out of a traditional notebook (heavier and HD) for tests. This ultrabook have what is best in terms of hardware, from what I see. In my daily use (remember that this review relates to my experience?) Had no crashes, blue screens or anything like that for the tasks of editing text in Word, use the Chrome browser and Firefox or quickly treat the image in Photoshop. The machine responds quickly even when there are 13 tabs open in your browser. It was what I expected and notebook fulfills very well.
The famous boot which I spoke at the first presentation of the Z330 for the Brazilian market was confirmed in everyday use. The SSD has an important participation in this rapidly across, so perhaps the more merit is to create Intel's specifications ultrabooks. Anyway, it's true: the boot is fast. The return from hibernation or sleep mode it is with great speed. Are always two or three seconds to get the device up and running in front.
Below I reproduce some benchmark tests. This is not our main goal when writing a review, but may serve as a baseline for readers who care more this kind of information. Note that there were those who ran right.
Battery Performance
I never ask how many hours of battery life, LG promises to ultrabook Z330. Working on a normal day lasted just over 4 hours and 30 minutes on a machine running Windows power plan set to "balanced" connection via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth off and screen brightness by 70%. I already mentioned above which are the applications that I use and the tasks that usually meet during the day. There is an eternity, without a doubt, but it represents half of the eight hours of work that most of us should follow.
Restoration without Wi-Fi
When we receive a product to test typically we restore to factory settings. We understand that this is the correct way to test, because, well, we use what the guy at the store will also use to buy the device. That said, I noticed that the restore wizard back to the original settings and disables the WiFi I do not know why this happens. When restored, the Z330 simply no longer displays the wireless network adapter in Device Manager. I questioned the vendor about this curious aspect of the device and will publish the response here as soon as it arrives.
Verdict
Z330
The ultrabooks are a class of products in which it gives very innovative. Were thought to be high-end and charting trends to be followed in the rest of the industry. LG knows it and follows it with the Intel Z330 demand. We have a beautiful product, light weight, good performance and quality hardware apparently. This game has a price: R $ 4,099.00. I assure you that delivers everything it promises. However, in terms of price, only you can tell which is the limit. There are notebooks simpler and cheaper than serve to fulfill my tasks with ease. This unit goes beyond being a top-notch.
Importantly, Z330 uses second-generation Core i7. Some ultrabooks already the third generation of processors (Ivy Bridge) are coming to market. Another factor against the product, is an integrated Intel GPU HD 3000 Graphics.
Technical Specifications - Samsung Z330
Processor: Intel Core i7 second generation / 1.70 GHz to 2.80 GHz
RAM: 4 GB DDR3
Chipset: Intel HM65
GPU: Intel Graphics HD 3000
Display: 13.3 inch / 1366 × 768 pixels / LED
Storage: 256 GB SSD SATA3
Doors :: 1 USB 3.0, 1 USB 2.0, Mini-RJ45, 3.5 mm audio and HDMI
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet WiDi (with adapter)
Webcam: 1.3 megapixel camera with microphone
Battery: 3 cells
Weight: 1.21 kg
Dimensions: 31.5 x 1.4 x 21.4 cm
