Samsung N150 10.1-Inch Netbook (Blue) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I ordered the Samsung N150 after much research and have not been disappointed. The main reasons for my choice were: 1. Matte screen, which I prefer over the glossy screens of other netbooks I've seen in stores, 2. Battery life, 3. Matte blue finish of cover doesn't show fingerprints, 4. Positive reviews of keyboard, 5. Super-quiet fan. And so far, all of these features have lived up to my hopes. Other nice features: silky smooth operation of lid hinges, and the built-in webcam and microphone.
One downside as noted by a previous reviewer: the initial setup of the hard drive and software takes a LONG time (one hour, more or less). From what I've read, there are other netbooks out there with much shorter setup times. Fortunately, you only have to go through setup once with this netbook. Be patient, and you'll get through it fine. Just don't expect to be doing useful work until the day after your box comes in the mail.
Another negative is that the processor seems relatively slow (compared to desktop PCs or full-size laptops) at some operations like booting, doing data transfer, and unpacking/installing software. This is just because of the processor, which has been optimized for low power usage. And I imagine that other netbooks have the same shortcoming, so it's no particular knock against the N150. It's the price all netbooks pay for being small and power-stingy.
Having said that, once the Samsung gets itself booted and ready to go, it does fine at web browsing, email, word processing, and video watching. I was able to watch a streaming Netflix video with no problems. Speakers are decent, but a battery-powered iPod speaker like an Altec Lansing iM237 plugged into the headphone jack gives a much better and louder sound.
Suggestions:
1. Allow at least one hour for initial setup. Be patient.
2. Either turn off the automatic "Windows Update" in the control panel, or change the frequency of updates from "every day" to "one day per week." The automatic update hogs the processor each time it runs, and you'll be wondering why the netbook is running so slowly every morning.
3. In the Start menu, type "Task Manager" in the search box and put a shortcut for the Task Manager in your Start menu or on your taskbar. Get familiar with the Task Manager because it shows you CPU usage, memory usage, and what processes are running in the background. When the blue "hard disk" light starts flashing and the netbook slows down, the Task Manager will tell you why.
4. In the Start menu, type "gadgets" in the search box, and install the "CPU" gadget on your desktop. The large dial gives a constant readout of CPU usage, and the small dial a readout of RAM usage. Another good tool for monitoring the CPU workload. When the needle is pegged in the red zone (e.g. at startup) you're not going to get much done. Wait til the needle drops out of the red zone before trying to do any other CPU-intensive tasks.
5. Forget the installed McAfee antivirus program and download the free "Microsoft Security Essentials". It's free and it works great. Saved my other laptop from numerous attacks. Also download the free "Malwarebytes" program.
6. Forget the MS Office "trial" software and download the free Open Office, which works just like MS Office and can open MS Office files, and an save in MS Office format. (Open Office also plays better with this netbook than the included MS Works package. I downloaded Open Office and then uninstalled both MS Office and MS Works.)
Some owners have reported that replacing the 1GB RAM stick with 2 GB RAM improves performance. Before going that route, I tried the Windows ReadyBoost feature, which Microsoft says will improve performance in some operations. Exactly which operations is not clear, and when I tried using ReadyBoost with a 4GB USB emory stick, I wasn't able to discern any difference.
All in all, the Samsung is a competent netbook in a nice package. Two thumbs up.
Update: After upgrading to 2 GB RAM and having used this netbook for a couple of weeks, I like it even better. Upgrading the RAM definitely helped performance. And the matte screen is definitely better than the glossies, and the keyboard is much better than my friend's Asus eeePC keyboard. The trackpad is just too small for more than occasional emergency use, though, so I use an iHome mid-size wireless optical mouse, which I love and highly recommend. Being freed from the tiny trackpad and the marginal 1 GB RAM makes this little machine a pleasure to use.
PS--If you do install Microsoft Security Essentials, be sure to follow their instructions for uninstalling other antivirus programs first (in this case, McAfee). I apparently failed to do so, and eventually noticed an oscillation in CPU usage as shown by the Task Manager when the CPU should have been idle. A Google search suggested a conflict between two competing antivirus programs. I went back and uninstalled McAfee by using the "appwiz.cpl" command per instructions on the Microsoft Security Essentials site, and problem solved.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung N150 10.1-Inch Netbook (Blue)

Delivering high style while ensuring you have less to carry whie staying within your budget, the Samsung N150 netbook PC in blue features a 10.1-inch LED-backlit display, the latest Intel Atom N450 processor, Windows 7 Starter operating system, and up to 7 hours of battery life. This impressive battery-powered performance is possible because overall power consumption is reduced by the energy efficient LED display, optimized processing performance and Samsung's proprietary Enhanced Battery Life solution.
Great for writing e-mail and getting work done while on the go, it sports a 93 percent full-size keyboard for easy typing as well as a webcam for staying in contact via video chats. With the integrated Wireless-N Wi-Fi, you'll be able to connect to the Internet at home or at hotspots throughout town. Other features include a 160 GB hard drive, 1 GB of installed RAM, a 3-in-1 memory card reader, and three USB 2.0 ports.

Pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version), you'll be able to easily create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. Windows 7 is the easiest, fastest, and most engaging version of Windows yet. Better ways to find and manage files, like Jump Lists and improved taskbar previews, help you speed through everyday tasks. Windows 7 is designed for faster and more reliable performance, so your PC just works the way you want it to.

Key Features


Key Specifications
1.66 GHz Intel Atom N450 processor (512 KB L2 cache, 667 MHz FSB) combines performance and energy efficiency to explore the Internet and stay connected while mobile.
160 GB hard drive (5400 RPM)
1 GB of RAM (DDR2)
Intel GMA 3150 graphics
1.3-megapixel webcam integrated into the bezel
Wireless-N Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) for ultra-fast connectivity to home and business networks.
Three USB 2.0 ports with one slot that charges your peripherals even if the netbook is in sleep mode.
3-in-1 memory card reader (SD, SDHC, MMC)
Fast Ethernet (10/100) for wired networking.
VGA video output for connecting to an external monitor.
Headphone jack as well as mic input
Kensington lock compatibility
Built-in stereo speakers (1.5 W x 2) with HD Audio and SRS 3D Sound Effect capabilities.
Windows 7 Starter makes small notebook PCs easier to use because it puts less between you and what you want to do--less waiting, less clicking, less hassle connecting to networks. And Starter combines the latest in reliability and responsiveness with the familiarity and compatibility of Windows.
Get more features with Windows Anytime Upgrade. A small notebook PC running Windows 7 Home Premium is even easier to use. The new taskbar and advanced navigation features make launching programs, opening files, managing windows, and getting around your PC faster and easier. Personalize your PC to be just the way you want it with helpful gadgets and desktop themes--even turn your desktop into a slideshow of your favorite photos. And you get the best entertainment experience on a PC. With Windows Media Center, you can watch shows for free when and where you want with Internet TV.
Up to 7 hours of battery life from standard 6-cell battery.
Dimensions: 10.4 x 7.4 x 1.37 inches (WxDxH)
Weight: 2.73 pounds
Warranty: 1 year parts and labor

What's in the Box This package contains the Samsung N150, 6-cell rechargeable battery, AC adapter, power cord, printed user manual

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Samsung N120-12GW 10.1-Inch White Netbook - 6 Cell Battery Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this last week after reading a LOT of reviews on various netbooks. I wanted something lightweight, durable and reliable for traveling especially via plane. I have a fairly portable laptop already but every extra ounce seems to really seem heavy walking through airports, NYC, etc. I also like the idea of being able to carry a lightweight machine to public places where i can get a little work done without needing to carry a laptop, power cord, etc.
I was a little worried that a netbook would not be 'enough' but so far it has been outstanding!
This particular netbook is far nicer looking and seemingly more durable than ANYTHING i've seen at local stores. Although the screen is advertised as 'glossy' it is not overly so and looks nothing like the HP and Asus 'glossy' screens. The keyboard is fantastic and the built in track pad works really well. Battery life has been very good - I got close to 8 hours the first time I charged it. This netbook is comfortable to type on and has rounded edges. The speakers are decent and certainly better sounding than many other netbooks on the market.
I recently loaded Office 2007 - it runs just fine. I also UN-Loaded the pre-installed McAfee software, replaced with AVG and that was a good decision - things are much faster without McAfee. I plan to upgrade to 2 gb of RAM but right now everything runs just fine with the installed 1 gb.
Although a netbook will probably not ever replace my laptop, it is perfect for the times i want/need to have computer access for internet, email and word processing/office type work. The convenience of being able to take this very portable, lightweight machine with me is a real bonus!
Although this netbook is a bit more expensive than some others on the market, I think it's worth the extra money.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung N120-12GW 10.1-Inch White Netbook - 6 Cell Battery

Weighing just 2.8 pounds, the Samsung N120-12GW mini-notebook in white improves on its predecessors with a sleeker, curvier design, a glossy LCD screen, a larger touchpad, an integrated subwoofer for 2.1-channel surround sound (via SRS audio technology), and a 6-cell lithium rechargeable battery that provides up to 6 hours of continuous use. An affordable mobile PC that's ideal for all your online needs, the N120 is designed to go almost anywhere--from kitchen and living room at home to Wi-Fi hotspots at coffee shops, airports and more. It sports a 10.1-inch LED-backlit SuperBright screen and a 97-percent full-size keyboard that's easy to use.
It's powered by the 1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 processor, which is designed especially for mobile devices and features an innovative hafnium-infused circuitry that reduces electrical current leakage in transistors to conserve energy. The integrated 54g Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) will keep you connected to email and all your social networks, while the Bluetooth 2.0+EDR technology enables you to use handsfree communication headsets while video chatting via the integrated 1.3-megapixel webcam. This model comes in white, but it's also available in black.

Other features include a 160 GB hard drive, 1 GB of RAM, built-in speakers and microphone, SD/SDHC/MMC memory card reader, three USB ports (with two of them able to charge your peripherals), and a VGA output to an external monitor. It comes preinstalled with the Microsoft Windows XP Home operating system, which offers more experienced users an enhanced and innovative experience that incorporates Windows Live features like Windows Live Messenger for instant messaging and Windows Live Mail for consolidated email accounts on your desktop.



Processor The Intel Atom processor uses a brand new design structure that packs in 47 million transistors into a single chip sized at just 22mm (0.87 inches), and it uses just 2.5 watts of power--less than 1/10 of the 35 watts used by an Intel Core 2 Duo processor--for excellent battery management. This 1.6 GHz Atom N270 processor also includes a power-optimized front side bus of 533 MHz for faster data transfer on demanding mobile applications and a 512 KB L2 cache (which temporarily stores data).

Storage & Memory There's plenty of room for everything you download from the web with 160 GB of hard disk drive storage. Plus, you'll enjoy a quick system boot-up and fast access to stored information. The N120 offers 1 GB of installed RAM, delivering maximum netbook performance for accessing the Internet and enjoying streaming multimedia.

Screen, Video & Audio With its LED-backlit SuperBright 10.1-inch wide LCD, you can view the Internet or any application in full-screen mode (at a 1024 x 600-pixel resolution) without compromise and in a clear and comfortable display. Video is powered by Intel's integrated, power-efficient 945GSE Express chipset, which features a 32-bit 3D graphics engine based on the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950. Enjoy a full and rich multimedia experience on the go with high-quality sound thanks to the integrated SRS 2.1-channel system, featuring 2 x 1.5 watt stereo speakers with a dedicated subwoofer. It also offers an integrated audio chip that's compatible with HD Audio.

Integrated Webcam An integrated 1.3 megapixel digital motion camera makes it easier than ever to keep in touch with friends and family, using video-conferencing or live messaging. The camera combines the resolution and image quality of a still camera with the sustained high frame rates of a video camera.

Connectivity This Samsung N120 mini-notebook has an integrated 54g wireless LAN (Acer InviLink) that's compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g wireless networks, as well as an Ethernet jack for plugging into a wired network. With the integrated Bluetooth connectivity, you can communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones as well as use Bluetooth-enabled headsets for VoIP phone calls and handsfree video chats. To increase your storage capabilities, you can access optional memory cards (Secure Digital, Secure Digital High Capacity, and MultiMediaCard).Here's the full list of connectivity options:

3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players (2 chargeable USB ports
SD/SDHC/MMC memory card reader
1 headphone out/microphone in
RJ-45 port for 10/100 Fast Ethernet connection
VGA video output for external monitors

Operating System & Software Pre-installed with Windows XP, the Samsung N110 includes the following software: Samsung Recovery Solution III, Samsung Magic Doctor, Samsung Update Plus Easy Display Manager, Easy Battery Manager, Easy Network Manager, Easy SpeedUp Manager McAfee Virus Scan, Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Dimensions & Weight This netbook measures 10.71 x 7.4 x 1.17 inches and weighs 2.8 pounds.

Power This mini-notebook includes a six-cell (5200mAh) lithium-ion battery for up to 6 hours of use.

What's in the Box This package includes the Samsung N120-12GW, rechargeable battery, AC adapter, and printed operating instructions. It's backed by a one-year warranty.

Click here for more information about Samsung N120-12GW 10.1-Inch White Netbook - 6 Cell Battery

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Samsung N110-12PBK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook - 6 Cell Battery (9.5 Hours) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I received my N110 from Buy.com earlier this week. First off, let me say that I would have preferred to order this item from Amazon.com, but it was unavailable at the time of my purchase. Amazon is by far my first choice for all my purchases due to their incredible customer service and low prices, and I wish that the N110 would have been available here sooner. That said, here is the skinny on the N110.
So far it has met all my needs and expectations for such a small computer. I have seen a lot of people give bad reviews to netbooks based on their lack of an optical drive, small keyboards/track pads, or their poor performance with 3D gaming. To these people I say - do some research and know what you are buying before you purchase it. It's a netbook people, not a 15" laptop that has been magically shrunk to fit in a 10" casing. Like all things in life, some things had to be sacrificed in order to achieve such a small computer. Processing power and track pad/keyboard size had to be decreased to fit everything into such a small package and get extended battery run times.
Before purchasing the N110 I had about a weeks experience with the Samsung NC10 Special Edition. I returned it to Amazon.com due to some squeaks and creaks coming from the casing on the left hand side. I know that some netbooks have flimsy construction and that this can be attributed to their low costs, but from the reviews I have read on the Samsungs, this should not be the case. Since the build quality's reputation on the Samsung is impeccable, I determined that I must have a defective unit and sent it back to Amazon. Amazon.com took it back with no questions asked for a full refund. Thanks Amazon!!
Since the N110 was starting to show up on online retailer's sites, I decided to hold off on ordering another NC10 SE and get the N110 instead.
Boy, am I glad that I did. The chassis on the N110 is beautiful (with zero squeaks or creaks). I definitely find the red stripe on the N110 easier on the eyes then the chrome one found on the NC10 SE. Also, the round edges on the N110's chassis give it a much more modern look then the NC10's square chassis. Here is my breakdown from a previous review of the NC10 vs NC10 SE vs N110. I am reposting this because I am sure that a lot of people who are interested in the N110 will also be looking at the NC10 and NC10 SE. Hopefully this helps some of you to come to your decision.NC10 vs. NC10 Special Edition:
1. Larger battery on NC10 SE: Both are 6 cells. 5200 mAh for standard NC10 vs 5900 mAh for Special Edition.
2. Larger track pad on NC10 SE. (see pic here: http://www.liliputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/nc10-touchpads.jpg)
Essentially the Special Edition has the same specs as the new Samsung N110, just with the NC10's chassis. Further details on the differences below.NC10 Special Edition vs. N110
1. N110 has glossy screen, and NC10 SE is matte. At first I thought I would not like a glossy screen, but after using my new MacBook Pro 15" for the past few months, my mind has been swayed.
2. Ingratiated graphics: N110 has Intel 945 GSE w/ 128 MB VRAM vs NC10 having Intel 945 GSE w/ 64 MB VRAM. No sure how this will impact video playback, buy my philosophy is more is always better.
3. Different chassis. Edges are rounder on the N110, along with the strip of red around the edges. One of my TVs is a Samsung w/TOC, and I like it just fine.
Is it worth it? It depends. Since one of the biggest complaints I've read regarding the standard NC10 is its track pad size (a hardware element that cannot be modified), The extra costs for the N110 is a small price to pay to have a little more real estate on the track pad and more battery power (an extra bonus). If you use an external mouse, the track pad size is moot and does not matter, so the N110 may not be worth the extra money. As far as purchasing the NC10 SE over the N110, if you like the square chassis and matte screen, I would say go for the NC10 SE. At the time of this review, the NC10 SE was currently unavailable and has this message up from Amazon:
"Item Under Review
This item is currently unavailable from Amazon.com because customers have told us there may be something wrong with it, the way we were shipping it, or the way it's described here. (Thanks for the tip!)
We're working to fix the problem as quickly as possible"
I don't know what this means, but it looks like the NC10 SE may not even be available anymore. Hope this insight is of some help.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung N110-12PBK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook - 6 Cell Battery (9.5 Hours)

Weighing just 2.8 pounds, the Samsung N110-12PBK improves on its predecessors with a sleeker, curvier design, a glossy LCD screen, a larger touchpad, and a 6-cell lithium rechargeable battery that provides up to 9 hours of continuous use. An affordable mobile PC that's ideal for all your online needs, the N110 is designed to go almost anywhere--from kitchen and living room at home to Wi-Fi hotspots at coffee shops, airports and more. It sports a 10.1-inch LED-backlit SuperBright screen and a 93-percent full-size keyboard that's easy to use.
It's powered by the 1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 processor, which is designed especially for mobile devices and features an innovative hafnium-infused circuitry that reduces electrical current leakage in transistors to conserve energy. The integrated 54g Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) will keep you connected to email and all your social networks, while the Bluetooth 2.0+EDR technology enables you to use handsfree communication headsets while video chatting via the integrated 1.3-megapixel webcam.

Other features include a 160 GB hard drive, 1 GB of RAM, built-in speakers and microphone, SD/SDHC/MMC memory card reader, three USB ports, and a VGA output to an external monitor. It comes preinstalled with the Microsoft Windows XP Home operating system, which offers more experienced users an enhanced and innovative experience that incorporates Windows Live features like Windows Live Messenger for instant messaging and Windows Live Mail for consolidated email accounts on your desktop.



Processor The Intel Atom processor uses a brand new design structure that packs in 47 million transistors into a single chip sized at just 22mm (0.87 inches), and it uses just 2.5 watts of power--less than 1/10 of the 35 watts used by an Intel Core 2 Duo processor--for excellent battery management. This 1.6 GHz Atom N270 processor also includes a power-optimized front side bus of 533 MHz for faster data transfer on demanding mobile applications and a 512 KB L2 cache (which temporarily stores data).

Storage & Memory There's plenty of room for everything you download from the web with 160 GB of hard disk drive storage. Plus, you'll enjoy a quick system boot-up and fast access to stored information. The N110 offers 1 GB of installed RAM, delivering maximum netbook performance for accessing the Internet and enjoying streaming multimedia.

Screen, Video & Audio With its LED-backlit SuperBright 10.1-inch wide LCD, you can view the Internet or any application in full-screen mode (at a 1024 x 600-pixel resolution) without compromise and in a clear and comfortable display. Video is powered by Intel's integrated, power-efficient 945GSE Express chipset, which features a 32-bit 3D graphics engine based on the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950. This mini-notebook includes two stereo speakers that provide a total of 3 watts of power (1.5W x 2) and an integrated audio chip that's compatible with HD Audio.

Integrated Webcam An integrated 1.3 megapixel digital motion camera makes it easier than ever to keep in touch with friends and family, using video-conferencing or live messaging. The camera combines the resolution and image quality of a still camera with the sustained high frame rates of a video camera.

Connectivity This Samsung N110 mini-notebook has an integrated 54g wireless LAN (Acer InviLink) that's compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g wireless networks, as well as an Ethernet jack for plugging into a wired network. With the integrated Bluetooth connectivity, you can communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones as well as use Bluetooth-enabled headsets for VoIP phone calls and handsfree video chats. To increase your storage capabilities, you can access optional memory cards (Secure Digital, Secure Digital High Capacity, and MultiMediaCard).Here's the full list of connectivity options:

3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
SD/SDHC/MMC memory card reader
1 headphone out/microphone in
RJ-45 port for 10/100 Fast Ethernet connection
VGA video output for external monitors

Operating System & Software Pre-installed with Windows XP, the Samsung N110 includes the following software: Samsung Recovery Solution III, Samsung Magic Doctor, Samsung Update Plus Easy Display Manager, Easy Battery Manager, Easy Network Manager, Easy SpeedUp Manager McAfee Virus Scan, Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Dimensions & Weight This netbook measures 10.27 x 7.3 x 1.19 inches and weighs 2.8 pounds.

Power This mini-notebook includes a six-cell (5900mAh) lithium-ion battery for up to 9 hours of use.

What's in the Box This package includes the Samsung N110-12PBK, rechargeable battery, AC adapter, and printed operating instructions. It's backed by a one-year warranty.

Click here for more information about Samsung N110-12PBK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook - 6 Cell Battery (9.5 Hours)

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