Samsung NC10 Netbook
Posted by Notcot on Mar 27, 2010 in PCs & Laptops |
Product Description
Samsung Black NC10 Atom N270 16GHz 1x1GB 160GB 101 INCH WSVGA XP Home NPNC10KB02UK Laptops Notebooks
5 CommentsReply |
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After a fair bit of research and looking at all the available makes/models, I brought this and set it up last week (Note: this is the newest version of the NC10 in black – sold on Amazon alongside the more expensive older version! – still can’t see what the difference in spec is other than a 10.1″ screen rather than a 10.2″ [2.5mm]). I got a great price from Amazon and fast delivery, even on Super Saver.
I didn’t want the HD left in the as-delivered two partition mode (for backup/restore). Any secure backup is only really going to be onto another (external) HD, so I don’t see the point of this, a bit of a gimmicky feature. For my own purposes, I want to use all the available HD space in one partition, hence I deleted the existing partitions and reloaded XP from a USB stick (easy to do using the free WinSetupFromUSB utility – just Google it). It was also the easy way of getting rid of the pre-loaded trial antivirus and gimmicky Samsung software that I didn’t want (the useful/essential programmes are Battery Manager, Play Camera, Easy Display Manager and the User Guide).
Having done this and loaded all the other software I need (eg. MS Office), the machine seems to be working really well. The Wireless LAN is available as soon as XP has booted and it’s giving quick detection of available networks and very good connectivity. The Bluetooth works flawlessly to sync my mobile etc.
I have large fingers and generally don’t like touch pads, but I’m having no difficulty using this one, and for intensive use it’s easy to plug in an external USB mouse. The keyboard is great (almost full-size) with a good feel for a small machine – again, no problems for my large fingers to type straight away at my normal speeds. The battery life is fantastic giving 7 hours and still over 5 on ‘intensive’ workload (make sure you know how to best treat/recharge a Lithium ion battery for maximum lifespan – as far as possible, recharge before it’s fully discharged – there’s no problem with memory on Lithium ion batteries).
The thing is well built and for its size, solid and sturdy. It looks great when in use with the lid open, but BEWARE, as others have noted about the NC10 in black, the top surface of the whole lid is high gloss which I don’t think looks great and is even worse when every finger and hand print is smudged all over it – impossible to prevent unless you only ever handle the thing with gloves on! For me, the key issue is functionality, not aesthetics, but I really don’t understand what Samsung are doing on this, which I feel spoils the looks of what is otherwise an excellent Netbook. Hence the 4 stars rather than 5. Would I recommend? Yes.
Rating: 4 / 5
Brilliant is the only word for this netbook.
It’s surprisingly fast and very easy to use.
The matt screen is great, with good adjustment.
Battery life looks good, should get 6 hours easily with custom settings.
The trackpad takes a bit of practice as it is small, but other than that I cannot find any negatives.
Amazon Super Saver Delivery took 3 days, great service and a great price.
Rating: 5 / 5
I purchased this netbook for my daughter, who is at Uni. It is tiny, but really easy to set up and use. The reduced keyboard takes a little getting used to but is soon used like any normal sized keyboard.
My daughter loves it and on her visits home its portability is great – slips into a shoulder bag and is not as obvious as a laptop bag.She loves it…and I’m envious!
Rating: 5 / 5
I bought this net book based on previous reviews but was horrified to find the Atheros Wlan is a very temperamental being indeed! It would not work wirelessly with my home router – Netgear DG834G – even though it said the connnection was excellent. I have not had a problem with three other laptops, an ipod touch and a Nokia phone.
I am reasonably adept in the workings of computers and it has taken me two days of googling and research to find the solution – to download an OLD driver.
During my research I discovered that I am not alone.
Given that the reason for buying a netbook is to get on the net, then people should be warned.
The NC10 looks nice, seems nice and, hopefully, it will be nice. Amazon’s delivery was second to none. But I am not sure how many people would persevere with the foibles.
Rating: 2 / 5
This little machine solves the problem of overseas travel and keeping my business going. I always found a lap top too heavy and cumbersome especially with limited allowances when flying. The NC10 is so light it can be carried in one hand. I soon got used to the small screen and despite warnings of slow operation I found it quick enogh for surfing, checking e-mails and sending attachments.
Rating: 5 / 5