3. Display, Keyboard and Track Pad

Display

The matte 15.4” widescreen display has a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels, but nowadays even the 14” class offers resolutions of up to 1440 x 900 pixels. In direct sunlight the display is still readable, so it’s suitable for outdoor use. The light distribution is fairly even, except in one spot in the upper-middle of the screen. With the brightness set to 100%, the peak is 196 cd/m², and the minimum is 140 cd/m². On average the display shines at 155 cd/m². The back level at 0.52 cd/m² is acceptable, so the contrast of the Tecra A9 is 298:1, although with a black screen you can see a halo at the lower edge of the display.

The matte 15.4”display offers a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels.

The Tecra A9 displays colors nicely, though they sometimes appear a bit pale (picture a sun-faded photo). And while the black level is relatively good, there tends to be a slight gray haze over the black during video play. Viewed from an angle, the horizontal display appears large; viewed from the bottom, text stays legible for a relatively long time. Colors stay stable as well.

Light distribution is relatively even.

The display hinges have strong resistance, so you have to use two hands to open the lid—and not just because of the opening mechanism. Due to the resistance, the lid stays in position even when the computer is moved quickly back and forth. The maximum opening of 180° is large enough to always find a good viewing angle.

A maximum viewing angle of 180° ensures you’ll always see the screen..

Keyboard

The Tecra A9 uses a standard notebook keyboard layout and standard-size notebook keys. The keyboard is rather stiff, but not uncomfortable. Around the keys in the middle, the keyboard bends a bit when pressed hard.

The keyboard feels stiff, but not uncomfortable; the hand rests are large. Easy to see: The extra track point.

The Fn key combinations give you direct access to many functions including standby mode, brightness and WLAN. The selection is displayed as an overlay on the desktop for visual confirmation. Alternatively you can access these functions through the menu bar that’s hidden at the upper edge of the screen and displayed when you move your mouse over it.

With the mouse you can...

Track Pad / Track Point

The track pad functions well. Above the track pad you can see the track point buttons.

The track pad sits a little lower than the surface of the hand rest, which makes it virtually impossible to touch it unintentionally when typing. It’s precise, and offers horizontal and vertical scroll functions. The buttons work well when you hit them in the middle, but their pressure points are a little soft toward the sides. Toshiba also puts a track point on the Tecra A9 that has its own buttons. This is pretty good as well, and its low position in the keyboard keeps it, too, from interfering with typing.