Samsung NC20

The Samsung NC20 was released after the Samsung NC10. The NC20 is definitely bigger with a 12.1-inch screen, an almost full size keyboard with a six-cell battery. This VIA-based netbook comes with 1GB of RAM, 160GB hard drive and VIA Chrome9 HC3 Integrated Graphics.
Is this 12.1-inch display slim laptop a catch or simply a miss? Read on to find out.

Specifications
Processor: Via Nano ULV U2250 1.3GHz with 800MHz FSB
Memory: 1GB DDR2-667 (1 DIMM)
Chipset: Via VX800
Graphics: Via Chrome9 HC3 IGP
Display: 12.1? TFT with WVGA (1280×800) resolution and LED backlight
Storage: Samsung Spinpoint M HM160HI 160GB 2.5? 5400RPM hard drive
Battery: 6-cell Li-Ion 5900 mAh
Price: $549

Design, Display & Sound
The NC20 has a neat design and it is available in pearlescent white, pure white or black. It measures 11.5 x 8.5 x 1.2 and weights 3lbs 5.8oz. The 12.1-inch screen has excellent image quality with its glossy surface. Viewing the screen in a bright room was fine but once we brought it outside, it was a difficult to view anything on the screen. On the Samsung NC20, there are three USB ports, VGA, LAN, audio jacks, and a 3-in-1 multi-card reader. Speakers are located on the bottom of this netbook offer an average sound system with no bass and midrange felt. We found that using headphones made the situation better otherwise don’t expect too much from it.

Keyboard
The keyboard of the NC20 is excellent is easy to use. We liked at how comfortable it is to type on it and its size is almost that of a notebook’s keyboard. We also appreciated the fact that the keys come with no sound; we don’t hear anything when we type. We would have happily wished for the keys to be spaced out. Its Synaptics touchpad is nice as well and it is slightly larger than other netbooks’ touchpads.

Battery
Battery life lasts for about 5 and a half hours with the screen’s settings changed and lowered by us. We find it alright by a netbook’s standards but the ASUS Eee PC 1000HE can last longer than that. Doing multi-tasking on the netbook might cut down the time.

System
The NC20 comes with Windows XP Home. The Via’s Nano processor is a low power, PC-compatible CPU rating at 1.3GHz. On this netbook, it is slightly better than the Intel’s processor. Basic tasks can be done without any scuffle such as checking emails, online browsing and typing documents. Boot time is fast and opening up applications is not a long wait either. The Samsung Spinpoint hard drive featured works really well. Upgrading the hard drive and memory is easy and price for an upgraded memory is affordable.

Conclusion
The Samsung NC20 looks almost like a notebook with its large keyboard and even larger screen It performs well with its VIA The Samsung NC20 looks almost like a notebook with its large keyboard and even larger screen It performs well with its VIA Nano platform and non-disappointing battery life. Priced at $549, if you don’t mind the low sound then we can say that the Samsung NC20 doesn’t disappoint. It looks great in black! On the whole, this is a good netbook worth buying.