• expired

Toshiba KIRA Ultrabook 13.3" i5 5200U/8GB/128GB SSD/FHD $809.20 Delivered @ Bing Lee eBay

970
CTECHIE

Original CTECHIE eBay 20% off deal post

The SSD seems to be a mSATA and upgradable. RAM not upgradable. According to the Toshiba website this is only 1.1kg, lighter than a Macbook Air 13" but a bit thicker. Seems like a good buy for portable device with decent specs and a Windows 8.1 PRO license.

CPU: i5 5200U
RAM: 8GB DDR3L
Hard drive: 128GB M-SATA SSD
Screen: 13.3" FHD 1920x1080 non-touch matte screen
Weight: 1.1kg
Battery Life: 9 hours (Says 13hr on bing lee site)

Related Stores

eBay Australia
eBay Australia
Marketplace
Bing Lee
Bing Lee

closed Comments

  • Under $1000 - what's a better call, this one or the Asus Zenbook deal? (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/238755)

    Is there a fairly clear winner?

    • +3

      The Kirabook have a much powerful processor, also I don't see any use for such high resolution in the Asus.

      • Seems to be some concern over that very fact in the other thread. Cheers.

      • +1

        Besides, it's got 8GB RAM. I would take this over the Asus
        EDIT: The Asus also has 8GB RAM.

      • The display on this machine is not IPS, whereas the Asus ultrabook's display is. This is a pretty major downside as far as picture quality is concerned, resolution differences not withstanding.

        EDIT: I am seeing varied information about how some of the kirabook models do use an IPS display, or a panel type similar to IPS, and other reviews suggesting it is TN. Can anyone confirm?

        • Got a link saying its tn? Most lcd screens in laptops and tablets these days are ips, almost impossible to find a tn screen.

    • +6

      Both have their pros and cons. I was considering it too but when I did an ebay search found this one and it suits me better. I am not an expert but this is how i compared them:

      ASUS
      - Better known brand in laptop/ultrabooks with proven quality
      - Much higher res screen. 3200x1800 vs 1920x1080.
      - Touch screen
      - Looks better and seems to have better build quality
      - Fanless, the Toshiba has a fan (I guess this is cause it uses the low power CPU)

      Toshiba
      - Better more powerful CPU
      - Full size HDMI Port (ASUS only has micro HDMI)
      - Lighter slightly 1.1kg vs 1.2kg
      - Windows PRO license (better for programmers but not much for others)

      Both seem to offer similar battery life.

      Since I do processor intensive tasks I chose the Toshiba but for lightweight users the ASUS is probably a better buy?

      • Thanks for those thoughts - like you, I'm leaning towards this one for the processing power. Though I'm not exactly editing high-end vidoes, I've often got 10+ tabs open and several programs at once.

        Currently on 1440x900 Macbook Air 2013 resolution and can very comfortably watch movies on that to be honest.

        • +1

          The asus would be fine then. It has the same kinda processor as the super expensive MacBook.

        • @PVA: na, for the same reasons I would choose a 13 inch MBA over a macbook,I would get this Toshy over the zenbook.
          much more versatile, larger screen, still light weight, and much better battery life.

      • +2

        i disagree with brand, toshiba also good.
        0.1 kg is nothing
        i dont need windows
        but i like i5 instead of M

        for me asus is the winner

      • +1

        This is by no means a techie opinion but my 2c in the experience of my family. My sister had 2 asus models and I have had 2 Toshibas. Her first asus died in 3 years (acceptable) and her second within 1 year. I don't know the exact problem as I live interstate but it wasn't a drop/water spill etc it was a component failure of some description.

        My first toshi lasted 6 years before I dropped it. My second toshi is still going strong but I replaced it after 3 years for an upgrade.

        Thus in my limited experience I'd favour Toshiba as a brand.

        The higher res screen on the Asus is certainly visually appealing but it can really drain the battery. This is fine on my rMBP since I get 9 hours off charge but on all of Windows PCs I've seen, they struggle to get 5hours from 1080p screens. I would check battery reviews
        Also, some higher res screens do weird and wonderful things with scaling

        This again I would tentatively favour the toshi

        Both are pretty good value for the price though so you can't really be too disappointed either way.

        • I think sometimes it really depends on how a machine is used, it might even be that your sister use the computers in a more extreme way than you, or the Asus she had were just lower end models. It's never as simple as a brand being simply more durable than the other in this day and age because the laptops are in fact made by the same manufacturers (OEMs/ODMs).

        • I guess you were lucky with the toshiba. I bought a nice toshiba about 5 years ago it was a quad core I7 with a bluray player combo drive.
          After about 6 months the hard drive and motherboard failed and were replaced under warranty. About 3 months after getting it back i had a break in and it was stolen but the insurance paid out which got me off the hook.

        • @paulaus:

          That sucks :( I guess it ended ok.

          Yep. Not being a wholesaler I can only speak of anecdotal experience with a very limited sample size.
          Toshis have served me well
          Alienware was great until going from win 8.1 to 10 broke all my drivers (never again)
          MacBook Pro has been fantastic (though expensive)

      • The Toshiba also has a better keyboard with real PgUp and PgDn keys.

    • +3

      As another option, I got my Dell XPS 13 i5/8GB/256GB/FHD from the Dell factory outlet for around $1150 recently. Couldn't be happier.

    • this 100% the asus sucks i owned it for a week

  • +4

    Also includes ac Wi-Fi, 3 x 3.0 USB ports and a backlit keyboard. Seems good value for money.

  • +2

    wonder how well Ubuntu runs on it….

    • +1

      Let me know if you find anything, looking to update my Lenovo X230 which runs Ubuntu

    • There's very little information out there, based on my googling. There shouldn't be too many issues in theory. Intel graphics driver support in linux is very good, and weird graphics issues tend to be the main issue with linux and laptops (e.g. 'hybrid' graphics like nvidia optimus etc.)

      The only other issues you might run into are UEFI/secureboot & ACPI mappings for hardware buttons (e.g. brightness control). But these sorts of issues can usually be worked around.

  • Good deal. Bought the Z930 for $764 more than 3 years ago from the deal below and still using it.
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/80721

  • Man, this would be awesome if it was QHD

    • +1

      Do you really care at this size? I personally love FHD resolution @ 13.3".

      • Yeah at 13" need to fit more or as much as my eyes can handle

        Or perhaps I'm just finding reason not to buy it! :)

        • Haha fair enough. Resolution is definitely one of those things that affects different people differently :)

  • How do you get postage outside of nsw?

    • ebay ad says it ships Australia wide.

      • Bing Lee eBay doesn't ship to WA at least

  • +1

    Reviews says screen backlight is not so bright, does anyone own one to comment……The Kira's longer battery life, compact stylings and attractive looks (with the lid open) are all plus points for Toshiba's second Ultrabook, but some of the flaws are real deal-breakers. The most glaring one is the display's lackluster backlight, which is an unfortunate one considering the highly reflective nature of the display and its average viewing angles.

    • +1

      Wrong model I think. This one isn't supposed to have a shiny/glossy screen.

  • +1

    This or the XPS 13?

    • +8

      well with this you get $1000 change

    • if you're happy to pay twice the amount, the xps 13 is one of the best ultrabooks out there. so if you're going for value, then this. If you're going for premium, then xps 13

    • I got my Dell XPS 13 i5/8GB/256GB/FHD from the Dell factory outlet for around $1150 recently. Couldn't be happier.

      • so still 30% more than this notebook.

        good that you like the dell though.

  • +1

    Heads-up: the KiraBook's fan is very loud. Even under in a power-saving state it's audible. If you're doing anything graphics intensive it sounds like a jetliner taking off.

    • +1

      Can confirm, I have this and it'll go crazy at random points in time, even times when you'd think it's not doing anything intensive.

    • +1

      dealbreaker?

      • I have an old HP Ultrabook, which also has this issue, but still love it to bits!

      • unless you are the type that breaks up with your gf just because she is noisy sometimes then yes

  • +1

    I got the i7, 256GB model for my dad for Christmas. Pretty good laptop. Stupid light, crazy battery life (10+ hours+), despite what the screen tech is, viewing angles are good and the backlight is plenty bright enough.

    I'd say this laptop's biggest letdown is the keyboard. It's not crap and it gets the job done, but it is a bit mushy with little travel.

  • -5

    RAM not upgradable ? It is probably 'not easily upgradable'. If you get 1 X 16GB RAM Module, you can most likely replace the 1 x 8GB inside.
    No manufacturer will be stupid enough to solder the RAM on the board.

    • +3

      No manufacturer will be stupid enough to solder the RAM on the board.

      Apple and Razer are just two manufacturers I can think of, off the top of my head, that do exactly this.

    • +1

      Actually, most manufacturers now solder the RAM on ultrabooks. Lenovo is another brand with X1 - http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/review/lenovo/thinkpad-x1-carb… - "Memory can't be upgraded due to it being soldered directly onto the motherboard, so you have to make sure that you purchase the model with the memory capacity you require (the maximum is 8GB)."

      • Guess all these Manufacturers are "stupid"
    • +1

      All Ultrabooks have non-upgrade-able RAM. It's a standard limitation, given thickness and weight constraints.

  • Actually, lot's of manufacturers, particularly apple, solder the ram onto the motherboard!

    • +2

      I'm gonna pretend I'm surprised to hear that

  • +2

    is this touch screen ?

    • No, not this model. Different model in Kira range does.

      • +6

        Old gil likes touchscreen

  • If I use this, am I likely to end up in trouble with wild-haired sweet-loving detectives?

  • lol look at all that bloadware !

  • My name is Kira.. I should buy one of these

    • +2

      I'm L. I will hunt you down Kira.

      • What is your real name, L?

      • :( But i'm not even a guy!

  • -2

    I got this laptop from work last week (which they paid full price btw). The features sound awesome, yet I am very unhappy with the performance. If I had paid for it myself I'd be really upset.

    It might be just Windows 8 or the laptop, but I'd recommend to go to the shop and playing with it before buying it.

    I just got myself a macbook pro with very similar characteristics, paid double than this but I think it's totally worth it. Huge difference!

    • Also a totally different operating system and hardly comparable in my books..

  • Tempted to get one of these just to see if it works like death note

  • Not bad for ultrabook at this price.

    Also picked up for $279.20.
    Toshiba - Satellite C40D-C004 Notebook - AMD/2.2GHz - 2GB - 500GB HDD - 14"

    But, looks like it ended??

  • Can be upgraded to Windows 10 for free?

    • I think it should be able to. It says so on MS website but its a limited time offer so I'd do it ASAP!

      https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/windows/windows-10-upgrade

    • I bought one and picked it up today. On first boot and configuration it prompted for upgrade to Windows 10. I postponed for later so have not confirmed but I doubt it will ask for any payment.

  • +2

    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/321688224515?_trksid=p2060353.m27…

    just in case anyone else wanted the official toshiba sleeve for this laptop. $10 cheaper than RRP

  • +3

    NICE, would the word, if I had to use only one to describe this ultrabook. With two words? - very nice. First impressions - cannot fault it. I've only used it for one evening so far and not tested/taxed its performance but there is no loud fan problem, in fact it's off while browsing the Internet in Chrome and display brightness is fine/good. As are the keyboard and touchpad. It's super light yet feels stiff/sturdy and the battery lasts a really long time. And, I'm really pleased with the price - $785.71 pick up if/when I receive the 1.35% back from cashrewards.

    • Thanks for the quick review. When does the fan kick in? How about when watching some 1080p youtube?

      I am still waiting for it to arrive in VIC. eBay estimate says Monday! :S.

  • +2

    No longer available! Was going to purchase one tonight before the 20% off ended. I'm was talking to a local store and they still had stock for pickup.

  • I also bought this after spilling water on my old laptop. Just in the process of setting up the dual booting of windows 10 and Ubuntu 15.10. Also very happy with the laptop. The battery seems to last forever!

    • How is ubuntu support like?

      • Its pretty good. I have it dual booting nicely. The BIOS isn't exactly great though.

      • I must admit that I am still trying to come to grips with the whole UEFI and old style BIOS setup and getting both OS's installed and playing nicely with each other.

        All good now though.

  • +2

    Guys if you are planning to format, make sure you backup the OEM Windows key as its not on the back of the laptop. Found some guides here: https://itsolutionsblog.net/3-ways-to-extract-the-windows-8-…

  • +1

    Laptop seems pretty good, fans a bit loud but I'll get over it. I'm returning the toshiba sleeve from ebay though, it arrived defective & the finish seems a bit cheap. Might get a crumpler sleeve instead…

    • +1

      Really? I haven't noticed the fan but I've only been using it for Internet browsing/email on the go/couch or at a distance plugged into my TV via HDMI to play HEVC/H.265 videos, which it does fine. This is my perfect laptop. I am really liking it. Thanks for the heads up about the sleeve.

Login or Join to leave a comment