Samsung N230 Series N230-11 10.1-Inch Netbook (Black)

Samsung N230 Series N230-11 10.1-Inch Netbook (Black) Review

This is my first netbook. I have always preferred desktops over laptops, but I needed something lightweight and portable, so after some research I decided to give this Samsung a try.

Good:
- Build quality is excellent. Chrome hinges on the lid, and the base feels sturdy when typing. It is very light and easy to toss around.
- Display is great to look at and easy on the eyes.
- Keyboard is amazing. I can type with better accuracy on the N230 than I can on my desktop, and with less fatigue.
- Hardware compatibility. I am using the N230 to dual-boot Windows 7 Starter and Ubuntu Netbook Remix 10.4 and it handles both with ease.
- The speakers are the best I've ever heard coming from a netbook/laptop. The 2.1 sound (that's right, there's a subwoofer!) blows away the Harman/Kardon speakers on my Toshiba laptop I have at work.

Average:
- The battery life is not quite what I had hoped. I prefer to work with a higher brightness, and can usually drain the battery in 3-4 hours of medium-heavy use. I was hoping I could get it in the 5+ hour range. It would be nice if Samsung made the N230 available with the bigger battery.
- The screen resolution is lacking, and makes performing certain tasks difficult. This has more to do with the fact that it is a netbook and has a 10" screen, but it is definitely a compromise that has to be made when considering the N230 for purchase. The higher resolutions really distort the text too much to be used in more than a handful of specific situations, but it is nice to have that ability when absolutely needed, and you can get used to it after some time.

Bad:
- There really isn't anything bad about the N230. There are areas that fell short of my wants/expectations, but in my opinion it has no glaring faults.

Other Thoughts:

I upgraded from 1GB to 2GB of RAM before I ever turned the N230 on, and it has been plenty fast for all that I've asked it to do. For the price I paid, I am very pleased. My research led me to believe that the N230 would be a great first netbook for me, and so far I have not been let down.

Samsung N230 Series N230-11 10.1-Inch Netbook (Black) Feature

• An ultra-thin form factor of less than an inch thin makes the N230-11 easy to slip into a bag; backpack or briefcase.
• A convenient gesture user-interface lets you scroll; pinch-zoom in/out; and rotate via touchpad.
• A 3-cell battery allows the N230-11 to surf the Web for up to 7 hours on a single charge.
• The 93% size and the ergonomic design of the N230-11's island-style keyboard provides a larger separation between individual keys; for easier
• Because of its extreme energy efficiency and zero use of hazardous materials; the N230-11 is rated EPEAT Gold and is TCO 5.0; RoHS and Energy Star compliant.

Samsung N230 Series N230-11 10.1-Inch Netbook (Black) Overview

The Samsung N230-11 10.1" netbook computer features an ultra-thin profile. It's less than an inch thin; for ultra-sleek style. Featuring a light weight of just 2.2 lbs; it's clear this is a computer made for your lifestyle. When you turn it on; the sharp; colorful LCD screen with LED backlight comes to life. Since the LED backlight requires less energy; the battery lasts up to 7 hours. And the ergonomic island-style keyboard and gesture-user interface touchpad make work more comfortable. It's ultra-thin. It's ultra-productive. It's the Samsung N230-11 netbook computer.

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Sep 19, 2010 11:32:04