Samsung NC20
I finally got my netbook. In the end I went for the Samsung NC20. This is a ‘larger-screen netbook’ and it has a 12.1″ screen as opposed to the 9″ and 10″ screens more commonly found on netbooks. It has a screen resolution of 1280 x 800 which again is bigger than most other netbooks on the market. The downside of this extra screen space if of course a heavier and larger netbook but I was pretty sure the smaller resolutions would not be practical and a smaller netbook would end up not being of as much use as I hoped it would.
Samsung NC20
I’ve had it a day now and I am used to the smaller keyboard already. The right shift key is quite short but I am now hitting it every time as I type. The Windows key and the right-click key have been swapped over for some reason which is a bit annoying but what can you do?
So far I am very happy with it. The battery seems to last for five hours so it will be perfect for taking out with me in the day and doing some work from various locations. I think five hours of work will be enough!
The Samsing NC20 comes with 1gb of ram but I have also ordered a replacement 2gb stick of ram but at the moment it is doing everything I ask of it without complaining but I have yet to install Photoshop and Dreamweaver.
If you want a very portable laptop for a reasonable price I can’t recommend the Samsung NC20 enough.
Samsung NC20
Awesome, I picked up a Acer Aspire One when the netbook craze started, I promptly returned it a few days later. I am now the proud owner of a Dell XPS M1330 (13 inch screen) which suits me much better, big enough to work on most things and still good enough to carry around.
I think 12inch laptops must be the sweet spot!
That Dell looks good. My other laptop is a 13″ and its been great but its quite old and therefore a bit heavy.
When I’m rich I will get something like this Sony: http://www.pcpro.co.uk/reviews/laptops/253308/sony-vaio-vgn-z31vn-x/specifications
The Vaio’s are always nice! Mind you, if I was spending that kind of money I would seriously consider a Mac!
I like the look of Macs but don’t think I could switch to the dark side. I think I’m too old to learn a new OS. Learning Unix was enough for me!
Hi Joe,
Is the Samsung NC20 still your main travelling laptop that you work from? Or have you replaced it?
I also own an NC20, but I’m considering upgrading (as I’d like something that can play 720p video consistently – without taxing the CPU to 100%). Also YouTube HD and 1080p playback would be nice.
Does your laptop have a glossy screen, and if so, how do you find it in the Thailand sunshine?
all the best
Hobbsy
Hi Hobsy,
Yes I am still using the NC20 as my main laptop (apart from watching films). I find the NC20 too glossy in the sun which is a shame.
When I got the NC20 I was also looking at the Q310 I think it was which was more powerful but quite portable.
I think the NC20 is still too big for backpacking so am thinking of getting something more portable for trips. Not really sure what is out at the moment though.
I bought an ipod touch recently which I hoped could be used for a bit of affiliate marketing stuff but its too small and has no keyboard!
Let us know if you find anything.