Save Samsung NC10-14GB 10.2-Inch Blue Netbook - 6 Cell Battery

As a Mac user, I was very intrigued by the popularity of NetBooks. After researching the plenitude of 10" models and some 8.9" ones, after reading reviewers comments about the netbooks they own, after test driving a few floor models from electronics stores such as Best Buy, Frye's Electronics, and Radio Shack, I've come to the conclusion the Samsung NC10 was the NetBook to get. When comparing all the other models, most NetBooks come with similar features such as a 1.6Ghz Intel Atom processor, 2 or 3 USB ports, media card readers, WiFi, 1GB Ram, 160GB Hard Drive (often times smaller capacities are equipped), VGA port, 1.3MP cameras, under 3 lbs., smallish trackpads (the nature of NetBooks), and FastEthernet.

What sets the Samsung apart from the rest are the included 6-cell battery and the awesome keyboard. The keyboard has a nice positive feel and it doesn't feel cramped at all. The MSI Wind, my second choice, is a strong performer but the Samsung's longer battery life was the deal breaker. A couple of nice features that come standard are Bluetooth and a Matte screen display (less glare).

In terms of performance, its standard 1GB RAM is sufficient. I can get about 5 and half hours of normal use - checking email, WiFi on, listening to iTunes radio streaming, and downloading books from Sony's ebook store. If I were a little more frugal, say WiFi on and surfing the net and nothing else, I could get over 6 hours. The Samsung's battery performance is phenomenal. My Black MacBook's normal usage gets about 3 hours.

Two minor complaints are the trackpad and the media card reader. The trackpad, as with most NetBooks, is small. You run out of room when dragging anything. The texture is the same as the palm rest, lending confusion to using the trackpad. I purchased a Verbatim portable Bluetooth laser mouse and all my niggles went away. The other small gripe is the media card reader. When an SD card is inserted it sticks out a little bit. If you leave it in the reader, you have to be careful when transporting your NC-10. Otherwise you run the risk of damaging the card reader, the computer, or both.

If Apple came out with a NetBook, I would be all over it. As it stands, the Samsung NC-10 is the best out there so far. Pound for pound, it has all the features I wanted and needed. It's also a good looking NetBook with a cool chrome accent on the side - especially in a deep metallic blue. It's not the smallest or the lightest Netbook, but the Samsung hits the sweet spot in terms of performance, size, and features. Despite the 8 year old Windows XP, it's a winner.Get more detail about Samsung NC10-14GB 10.2-Inch Blue Netbook - 6 Cell Battery.