 | Brand : Samsung Model : NP-NC20-KA02US Overall Rating :  From : 22 Reviews Color : Black |
Shop online, surf the internet and chat with ease. The mini-notebook NC20 gives you the freedom to do more running. Enjoy the pictures full of vibrant colors on a bright LCD screen with resolution 1280 x 800. NC20 mini-notebook is the ideal solution for mobile access to all your online needs. [...] |
Technical
- VIA Nano ULV U2250 1.3 GHz Processor, 800 MHz Front Bus speed
- 1024 MB DDR2 RAM
- 160 GB (5400RPM) Hard Drive
- Microsoft Windows XP Home, 6 Hour Battery (6 Cell Lithium Ion)
- 12.1 Diagonal WVGA (1280 x 800) SuperBright Display
Customer's Rating & Reviews (All-Reviews)
Dat Le I could not rationalize the purchase of a 10" Netbook, the Screensize is too small for my taste in performing tasks in Office Word or Excel for long periods of time. Some say it's acquired a notebook and netbook for different tasks, but there are some facts about money, and I would have a net Notebooks for all needs. I bought my NC20 almost 6 months ago, at that moment there was such a large selection of 12 "netbooks as now exists and while the NC20 was perhaps the best on the market, and I think is still one of the best 12 "netbooks available.
For me the most attractive feature of the NC20 is the 1280x800 screen resolution, the higher vertical resolution compared to other 12" 1366x768 resolution Netbook screens is a lot more useful imo, than having a lot wider screen (though your taste may vary depending on use). I work in Microsoft Word a lot, and a higher vertical resolution is just more useful to see more of the page, most of the time a wider screen would just go un-used. With Wi-fi turned off and the screen brightness toned down a bit (around 70% screen brightness, very readable), the NC-20 does get the advertised 6 hours of battery life, great for Office productivity; expect around 4 hours for heavy web usage.
Having owned the NC20 for nearly 6 months now, I can't help but feel a little bit of envy for all the new, more powerful netbook configurations, such as the Core 2 Solo's "Netbooks" and other ION-powered machines. However, I'm happy with my purchase, it does what I need it to do well (Office work), and is still powerful enough for everyday webrowsing and watching standard videos on Hulu, Netflix, or Youtube. Compared to the most recent 12" Netbook releases, the NC20 is a bit underpowered, but if you can live without streaming 720p content (it can play encoded 720p content from the hard-drive flawlessly, but isn't powerful enough for streaming 720p from the web), for $400 I would whole-heartedly recommend anyone purchase the NC20!
I also have installed Windows 7 Home Premium on my NC20, and everything (namely the Aero interface) works smoothly; also Samsung has updated all their software and drivers for Windows 7 on their website.
For me the most attractive feature of the NC20 is the 1280x800 screen resolution, the higher vertical resolution compared to other 12" 1366x768 resolution Netbook screens is a lot more useful imo, than having a lot wider screen (though your taste may vary depending on use). I work in Microsoft Word a lot, and a higher vertical resolution is just more useful to see more of the page, most of the time a wider screen would just go un-used. With Wi-fi turned off and the screen brightness toned down a bit (around 70% screen brightness, very readable), the NC-20 does get the advertised 6 hours of battery life, great for Office productivity; expect around 4 hours for heavy web usage.
Having owned the NC20 for nearly 6 months now, I can't help but feel a little bit of envy for all the new, more powerful netbook configurations, such as the Core 2 Solo's "Netbooks" and other ION-powered machines. However, I'm happy with my purchase, it does what I need it to do well (Office work), and is still powerful enough for everyday webrowsing and watching standard videos on Hulu, Netflix, or Youtube. Compared to the most recent 12" Netbook releases, the NC20 is a bit underpowered, but if you can live without streaming 720p content (it can play encoded 720p content from the hard-drive flawlessly, but isn't powerful enough for streaming 720p from the web), for $400 I would whole-heartedly recommend anyone purchase the NC20!
I also have installed Windows 7 Home Premium on my NC20, and everything (namely the Aero interface) works smoothly; also Samsung has updated all their software and drivers for Windows 7 on their website.
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SamFan ( Wisconsin ) After many months of research and having my NC20 for two months, below are some points for consideration. Please keep in mind my NC20 has 1GB memory.
Pros:
1. Typing experience is phenomenal for netbook - Windows key on right side of space bar is non-issue; FN key's placement is just fine
2. Battery life is as advertised - I get 5.5hrs+ consistently with light duties including word processing, surfing and an occasional
video; have not drained battery with watching dvd only
3. Only 3.3 pounds
4. 12.1" screen is sharp with good contrast although colors appear to be "washed out" as some expert reviews note; I could not get
used to 10" screen regardless of resolution
5. Wireless G is solid
6. Handles multiple browser pages but I don't regularly have more than three up at any one time
Cons:
1. Wireless G and not N - maybe Samsung's biggest omission
2. Trackpad can be finicky especially in low light conditions when required to "feel" vs. "look"; divoted mouse button would be
helpful; overall size of trackpad is great however; nothing that wireless mouse won't address
3. Not necessarily a con as simply an adjustment - if you use NC20 as companion to more powerful laptop/desktop, it'll take some time to get used to the limitations of the processor (I have a Dell XPS 1530 as primary laptop)
Overall, my NC20 is one of the best purchases I've made. The build quality is excellent so far. The glossy screen has not been much of an issue. If you know you don't like glossy screens, don't choose this one. I also have an external Targus dvd drive which works well. The NC20 is no longer available on Samsung's website. However it continues to be available online and I've recently seen it at a great price...$150 off list. Even if I paid full price, the NC20 is a perfect blend of form and function. It excels at what it's supposed to do. I will gladly trade portability for a more comfortable user experience anytime.
Pros:
1. Typing experience is phenomenal for netbook - Windows key on right side of space bar is non-issue; FN key's placement is just fine
2. Battery life is as advertised - I get 5.5hrs+ consistently with light duties including word processing, surfing and an occasional
video; have not drained battery with watching dvd only
3. Only 3.3 pounds
4. 12.1" screen is sharp with good contrast although colors appear to be "washed out" as some expert reviews note; I could not get
used to 10" screen regardless of resolution
5. Wireless G is solid
6. Handles multiple browser pages but I don't regularly have more than three up at any one time
Cons:
1. Wireless G and not N - maybe Samsung's biggest omission
2. Trackpad can be finicky especially in low light conditions when required to "feel" vs. "look"; divoted mouse button would be
helpful; overall size of trackpad is great however; nothing that wireless mouse won't address
3. Not necessarily a con as simply an adjustment - if you use NC20 as companion to more powerful laptop/desktop, it'll take some time to get used to the limitations of the processor (I have a Dell XPS 1530 as primary laptop)
Overall, my NC20 is one of the best purchases I've made. The build quality is excellent so far. The glossy screen has not been much of an issue. If you know you don't like glossy screens, don't choose this one. I also have an external Targus dvd drive which works well. The NC20 is no longer available on Samsung's website. However it continues to be available online and I've recently seen it at a great price...$150 off list. Even if I paid full price, the NC20 is a perfect blend of form and function. It excels at what it's supposed to do. I will gladly trade portability for a more comfortable user experience anytime.
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Bert Mahoney ( Ojai, CA USA ) I bought this computer based on a review in WIRED magazine. It turned out to be an excellent purchase.
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Ronald T. Ruffo ( Vancouver, WA ) My greatest disappointment is with Samsung. Prior to purchasing this notebook or netbook (still don't know what to call it) I contacted Samsung support to see if I would be entitled to a free of charge upgrade to Windows 7. They assured me that I would be entitled. I also checked the website and there was a statement there that said "all laptops purchased between specific dates will get the free upgrade" and then some small print. Well, once Oct 22 came along and I tried to get my upgrade Samsung said that my model was not eligible. That is what completely turned me off to this computer after that experience.
Otherwise the product is mediocre at best. The Nano processor seems to run inconsistently. I'm not sure if it's the connections I get or what. It seems slow to me. I LOVE the keyboard. This is one of the reasons why I chose this computer. However if I had to do it over again I think I may have gotten a smaller 10.1 inch only because I like the portability. I think that if you want something this size you lose the purpose of portibility so might as well get a "real" laptop. But the overall quality is excellent.
I'm just in a bad frame of mind because I feel deceived by their (Samsung) promise of an upgrade and failure to do so. But the product is OK.
Otherwise the product is mediocre at best. The Nano processor seems to run inconsistently. I'm not sure if it's the connections I get or what. It seems slow to me. I LOVE the keyboard. This is one of the reasons why I chose this computer. However if I had to do it over again I think I may have gotten a smaller 10.1 inch only because I like the portability. I think that if you want something this size you lose the purpose of portibility so might as well get a "real" laptop. But the overall quality is excellent.
I'm just in a bad frame of mind because I feel deceived by their (Samsung) promise of an upgrade and failure to do so. But the product is OK.
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Accessories
- Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite
- JBL Duet Speakers, White
- Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition FULL VERSION with SP2
- Logitech Z-2300 THX-Certified 200-Watt 2.1 Speaker System (Silver)
- Kensington Lift-off Portable Notebook Computer Cooling Stand - 60149
Related
- Crucial Technology CT25664AC800 2GB 200-pin SODIMM DDR2 PC2-6400 Memory Module
- Samsung USB 2.0 8x DVD Writer External Optical Drive SE-S084B/RSBN
- Samsung NC20 CaseCrown Check Point Friendly Double Memory Foam Laptop Sleeve - Black Faux Suede
- rooCASE Samsung NC20-21GBK 12.1-Inch Netbook Sleeve Case - Dual-Pocket Black
- Samsung USB 2.0 8x DVD Writer External Optical Drive for Mac and PC SE-S084C/RSBN (Gloss Black)
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