We’re big fans of the Samsung range of netbooks, as the Samsung NC10 and its follow-up, the Samsung N110, truly define what a netbook could and should be. So, can this latest version, the Samsung N130, really live up to expectations? Check out our review of the Samsung N130 and find out for yourself…
In many respects the N130 is the spiritual successor to Samsung's original netbook, the much-loved NC10. Certainly on a component level there's very little difference. Slotted inside the N130 is an Intel Atom N270 processor, 1GB RAM and a 250GB hard drive, with Wireless-N Wi-Fi on-hand for connecting to wireless networks. Only the hard drive (160GB on the NC10) and the Wi-Fi has been upgraded.
The 10.7 x 7.4 x 1.2-inch, 2.6-pound N130 is almost the same size as the N140, but has a shape reminiscent of the pebble design on the Samsung Go (N310) minus the grainy, rubberized surface. Instead, a matte plastic graces the lid and chassis-this is no fingerprint magnet like the N140. We still like the rounded edges on this design and appreciate the more subdued logo. Unfortunately, the N130 only comes in white with two different colors for the lid-Slate Blue and Pink-and no chrome accents.
There isn’t a great deal that’s unique about the Samsung N130. It uses the now standard 10.1-inch screen with a clear 1024 x 600-pixel display. Samsung has used a matt finish to the screen, which helps keep the price down and reduces glare when using it out and about. However, we did find that it had a reduced brightness range compared to other netbooks.
Usability is excellent. All the keys are large with tapered edges, making them easy to access. They also move with a quiet and firm motion when typing.
The screen size allows for a typical 93 per cent full-size keyboard that we found a pleasure to use. Sure, it takes a little getting accustomed to but the keys have a good degree of travel and the overall quality is high.
The 10.1-inch screen features a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, so movies are shown to their best potential. Brightness and contrast are poor, however, and while the matt finish eliminates reflections, it also results in fairly flat images.
You won’t find Bluetooth onboard but Wi-Fi is present. Samsung is pitching this device as an entry-level model, so it’s a cheaper netbook than other Samsung’s in the range.
When it comes to battery life, we found the Samsung N130 could muster just over four hours, which is less than we expect from a high-end netbook but for this budget offering, it’s more than acceptable.
Storage is average but capable, with a 160GB hard drive and a 3-in-1 card reader in place. Three USB ports let you connect peripherals, while 802.11n Wi-Fi provides high-speed wireless connectivity.
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