Laptops Reviewer

Clearly aimed at the premium buyer, the $1,699 Samsung X460 has a similarly thin profile as the MacBook Air (albeit slightly larger to accommodate the 14-inch screen), and a distinctive chassis that mixes glossy black plastic with red brushed metal. Components are decent, with discrete Nvidia GeForce 9200 graphics and an Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 processor, but it's still overpriced for what you get--about $600 more than 14-inch systems, such as the Asus X83VM-X1 (with better graphics) or the Toshiba Satellite E105 (with only integrated graphics, but a backlit keyboard) that delivery comparable performance.

Product summary

The good: Very slim and lightweight; distinctive look; excellent battery life; solid brushed-metal construction; comfortable keyboard.

The bad: Overpriced compared with comparable 14-inch laptops; you'll need to appreciate a black-and-red color scheme.

The bottom line: If you want a thin-and-light 14-inch laptop or just love the distinctive look, the Samsung X460 is an impressive piece of hardware, but you'll find better value elsewhere.

Samsung X460 Technical Specifications

General

* Platform Technology Intel Centrino 2
* Built-in Devices Bluetooth antenna , Wireless LAN antenna
* Width 13.3 in
* Depth 9.7 in
* Height 1.3 in
* Weight 4 lbs
* Localization United States
* Notebook type Ultraportable (Under 4 lbs.)
* Wireless capabilities IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11 n (draft), Bluetooth

Processor

* Processor Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 / 2.26 GHz
* Multi-Core processor technology Dual-Core
* 64-bit processor Yes
* Data bus speed 1066 MHz

Cache Memory

* Type L2 cache
* Cache size 3 MB

RAM

* Installed Size 3 GB / 4 GB (max)
* Technology DDR3 SDRAM - 1066 MHz
* RAM configuration features 1 x 1 GB + 1 x 2 GB

Storage Controller

* Storage controller type Serial ATA
* Storage Controller / Serial ATA Interface Serial ATA-150

Storage

* Floppy Drive None
* Hard Drive 320 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 5400 rpm
* Storage Removable None
* Hard drive type Portable

Optical Storage

* Type DVD?RW (?R DL) / DVD-RAM

Optical Storage (2nd)

* 2nd optical storage type None

Card Reader

* Card reader type 7 in 2 card reader
* Supported flash memory cards MMCplus , Memory Stick , MultiMediaCard , SD Memory Card , XD-Picture Card , Memory Stick Pro , SDHC Memory Card

Display

* Display Type 14.1 in TFT active matrix
* Max Resolution 1280 x 800 ( WXGA )
* Widescreen Display Yes
* Features SuperBright technology
* Screen type Widescreen

Video

* Graphics Processor / Vendor NVIDIA GeForce 9200M GS
* Video Memory GDDR3 SDRAM - 256 MB

Audio

* Audio output type Sound card
* Audio Input Microphone

Notebook Camera

* Camera Type Integrated
* Notebook Camera / Sensor Resolution 1.3 Megapixel

Input Device(s)

* Input device type Keyboard , Touchpad
* Features Anti-bacteria coating

Telecom

* Modem Fax / modem
* Max transfer rate 56 Kbps
* Protocols & Specifications ITU V.92

Networking

* Networking Network adapter
* Networking / Wireless LAN Supported Yes
* Data link protocol Ethernet , IEEE 802.11a , IEEE 802.11b , IEEE 802.11g , Fast Ethernet , Gigabit Ethernet , Bluetooth 2.0 EDR , IEEE 802.11n (draft)
* Networking standards IEEE 802.11a , IEEE 802.11b , IEEE 802.11g , Bluetooth 2.0 , IEEE 802.11n (draft)

Expansion / Connectivity

* Expansion Slots Total (Free) 2 ( 0 ) x Memory , 1 ( 1 ) x ExpressCard/34
* Interfaces 1 x Display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15) , 1 x Audio / video - HDMI - 19 pin HDMI Type A , 1 x Headphones - Output - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm , 1 x Microphone - Input - Mini-phone 3.5 mm , 3 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A , 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45 , 1 x Modem - Phone line - RJ-11 , 1 x Docking / port replicator

Miscellaneous

* Features 802.11a/b/g/n Wireless LAN , Camera , Bluetooth 2.0 , Intergrated fingerprint sensor

Battery

* Technology 6-cell Lithium ion
* Installed Qty 1
* Mfr estimated battery life 5 hour(s)

Operating System / Software

* OS Provided Microsoft Windows Vista Business
* Software Magic Doctor , McAfee VirusScan , Samsung Update Plus , Adobe Acrobat Reader , Samsung Play AV Station , Samsung Easy Battery Manager , Samsung Easy Display Manager , Samsung Easy Speed Up Manager , Samsung Recovery Solution III , Microsoft Office Professional 2007 (60 days trial)

Manufacturer Warranty

* Service & Support 1 year warranty
* Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 1 year

MacBook Pro is a brilliantly designed Premium notebook with excellent workmanship, which is to our opinion worth the high price. As in former models the ratio of performance and weight is excellent. Furthermore, Apple could also keep the emissions very low (under usual load).

Disadvantages are once again the mediocre interface equipment and the reflections of the 'glossy' screen.

For user who want to run this notebook mainly under Windows (per Bootcamp parallel installation) it is important that the results are not that perfect as under Mac Os X (because the battery runtime is shorter, the drivers for the input devices are worse, and the system noise is louder). The performance is thanks to Core 2 Duo with high clock-rate and a fast middle-class graphics card as expected very good. Compared to the predecessor model there aren't many changes in games except of the slightly faster graphics card.

Competitors of the MacBook Pro are the powerful business and workstation models from Dell (e.g., Precision M4400), HP, or also Lenovo (Thinkpad T500). Even the clearly cheaper multimedia consumer notebooks, e.g., the Acer Aspire5930G have a comparable performance. The strongest competitor in the consumer sector is the smaller MacBook also made by Apple. It mainly differs by a smaller size, the smaller and slightly worse screen, and the lower graphic performance.

Product summary

The good: New aluminum unibody construction comes to the 17-inch model; useful multitouch trackpad gestures; attractive edge-to-edge glass on display; dual graphics provide more power or more battery life.

The bad: All-clicking trackpad is a bit awkward; matte screen option costs extra; switching GPUs is not as seamless as it should be.

The bottom line: A little late to the party, Apple's redesigned 17-inch MacBook Pro joins the 15-inch model with a redesigned aluminum body, new trackpad with expanded functionality, and a dual-graphics setup for either longer battery life or better performance.

Apple MacBook Pro 2009 Technical Specifications

General

* Built-in Devices Stereo speakers , Bluetooth antenna , Wireless LAN antenna
* Width 15.5 in
* Depth 10.5 in
* Height 1 in
* Weight 6.6 lbs
* Notebook type Mid-size laptops (6-7.5 lbs.)
* Wireless capabilities IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11 n (draft), Bluetooth

Processor

* Processor Intel Core 2 Duo 2.66 GHz
* Multi-Core processor technology Dual-Core
* 64-bit processor Yes
* Data bus speed 1066 MHz

Cache Memory

* Type L2 cache
* Cache size 6 MB

RAM

* Installed Size 4 GB / 8 GB (max)
* Technology DDR3 SDRAM - 1066 MHz
* Memory specification compliance PC3-8500
* RAM form factor SO DIMM 204-pin
* RAM configuration features 2 x 2 GB

Environmental Parameters

* Environmental & energy standards compliance EPA Energy Star, EPEAT Gold
* Min Operating Temperature 50 ?F
* Max Operating Temperature 95 ?F
* Humidity Range Operating 0 - 90%

Storage Controller

* Storage controller type Serial ATA
* Storage Controller / Serial ATA Interface Serial ATA-300

Storage

* Floppy Drive None
* Hard Drive 320 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 5400 rpm
* Storage Removable None
* Hard drive type Portable

Optical Storage

* Type DVD?RW (?R DL) - Integrated
* CD / DVD read speed 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD)
* CD / DVD write speed 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD?R) / 4x (DVD?R DL)
* CD / DVD rewrite speed 10x (CD) / 4x (DVD?RW)

Optical Storage (2nd)

* 2nd optical storage type None

Display

* Display Type 17 in TFT active matrix
* Max Resolution 1920 x 1200 ( WUXGA )
* Widescreen Display Yes
* Features Glossy , LED-backlit
* Screen type Widescreen

Video

* Graphics Processor / Vendor NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT / GeForce 9400M
* Video Memory GDDR3 SDRAM - 512 MB

Audio

* Audio output type Sound card
* Audio Input Microphone

Notebook Camera

* Camera Type Integrated

Input Device(s)

* Input device type Trackpad , Backlit keyboard
* Features Multi-touch technology

Telecom

* Modem None

Networking

* Networking Network adapter
* Networking / Wireless LAN Supported Yes
* Data link protocol Ethernet , IEEE 802.11a , IEEE 802.11b , IEEE 802.11g , Fast Ethernet , Gigabit Ethernet , Bluetooth 2.1 EDR , IEEE 802.11n (draft)
* Networking standards IEEE 802.11a , IEEE 802.11b , IEEE 802.11g , Bluetooth 2.1 , IEEE 802.11n (draft)

Expansion / Connectivity

* Expansion Slots Total (Free) 1 ( 1 ) x ExpressCard/34 , 2 ( 0 ) x Memory - SO DIMM 204-pin
* Interfaces 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45 , 1 x IEEE 1394b (FireWire 800) - 9 pin FireWire 800 , 3 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A , 1 x Display / video - Apple mini-DisplayPort , 1 x Audio - SPDIF input/line-in - Mini-phone 3.5 mm / TOSLINK , 1 x Audio - SPDIF output/headphones - Mini-phone 3.5 mm / TOSLINK

Miscellaneous

* Included Accessories Cleaning cloth
* Features Aluminum enclosure , Ambient light sensor , Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately)

Power

* Power device form factor External
* Voltage Required AC 120/230 V

Battery

* Technology Lithium polymer
* Installed Qty 1
* Battery capacity 95 Wh
* Mfr estimated battery life 8 hour(s)

Operating System / Software

* OS Provided Apple MacOS X 10.5
* Software Front Row , Apple iCal , Apple iChat , Photo Booth , Apple Safari , Apple Spaces , Apple Dashboard , Apple QuickTime , Apple Spotlight , Apple iLife '08 , Apple DVD Player , Apple Quick Look , Apple Address Book , Apple Time Machine , Apple Mac OS X Mail , Drivers & Utilities , Apple XCode Developer Tools

Manufacturer Warranty

* Service & Support 1 year warranty
* Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year , Technical support - Phone consulting - 90 days

While there are better looking netbooks on the market, the Eee PC 1000HE comes at a very attractive price point and offers excellent battery life. It's also very easy to use thanks to the large keyboard, and has all the features that the competition offer plus a little extra. Combine these aspects and you have one of the best netbooks currently available.

Asus Eee PC 1000HE Technical Specifications

* Processor Atom N280 1.66GHz
* Memory 1GB DDR2
* Harddrive 160GB
* OS Windows XP Home
* Weight 3lbs
* Screen 10 inches
* Screen resolution 1024x600
* Graphic Card Intel GMA 950
* Battery Life 7.5 hours

Product summary

The good: Excellent battery life; improved keyboard; competitively priced.

The bad: Slightly faster Intel Atom CPU fails to impress; other Netbook-makers have shown more innovation.

The bottom line: Asus practically invented the Netbook market, and the Eee PC 1000HE is an overdue overhaul that offers a new CPU and great battery life, but misses some of the competition's bells and whistles.

You don't expect a whole lot of battery life from a 15-inch laptop with a 6-cell battery, but the IdeaPad was still able to deliver 2 hours and 45 minutes during average to heavy use that involved browsing and using Word while playing music and video files in the background. Watch a DVD and you can shave roughly half an hour off that total.

So far, Lenovo has only delivered durable, quality laptops and continues to do so in its IdeaPad consumer series. If you're on the market for a 15.4-inch entertainment laptop, the Y530 is definitely worth considering.

Lenovo IdeaPad Y530 Technical Specifications

* Processor 2GHz P7350 Core 2 Duo
* Memory 2GB DDR2
* Harddrive 250GB
* OS Windows Vista Home Premium
* Weight 6.6 lbs
* Screen 15.4"
* Screen resolution 1280x800
* Graphic Card Nvidia 9300M GS
* Battery Life 2:45

Product summary

The good: Simple, subdued design with solid construction; reasonably priced; light-touch media controls; Dolby Home Theater sound with four speakers plus subwoofer; face recognition software; decent battery life.

The bad: Overly reflective screen; heavier than similar-size systems.

The bottom line: Though its subdued design may strike some as square, but the midsize Lenovo IdeaPad Y530 delivers a decent media experience for less than $1,000.

If you're looking for a netbook, the Mini 9 should definitely be taken into consideration - it's a solid, highly customizable little laptop available at a very attractive price point.

Dell Mini 9 Technical Specifications

* Processor Atom N270 1.6GHz
* Memory 512MB-1GB
* Harddrive 4GB-64GB
* OS Linux (Ubuntu)/Windows XP Home
* Weight 2.3lbs
* Screen 9
* Screen resolution 1024x600
* Graphic Card Intel GMA950
* Battery Life 3:07

Product summary

The good: More configurable than other Netbooks; good battery life; XP and Linux OS options.

The bad: Some awkward keyboard compromises; no SSD options larger than 16GB.

The bottom line: Dell's entry into the Netbook market means it's time to take these low-cost, low-power PCs seriously. The Inspiron Mini 9 is an excellent example of the form, if not radically different from the competition.