Though the median person might not routinely regard of Samsung when it comes to laptops, that's expected to change if he sees this new preferred of ours. The wiring hulk has a outrageous repute in HDTVs, smartphones, and other gadgets, and its 2010 forays in to cover computers have turn only as notable. We were bullish about the sleek, affordable Samsung Q430 in our back-to-school sell laptop roundup, and now, commanding even that model, you admire the QX410 more.
A full set of features, inclusive an Intel Core i5 CPU, Nvidia GeForce 310M Optimus-enabled graphics, and Intel Wireless Display, are interconnected with a high-end steel framework and edge-to-edge shiny manifestation for $849. That's significantly reduction allowance than the stirring $1,079 Toshiba Satellite E205-S1980 you only reviewed, with the same specs, and the Samsung has a better-looking pattern to boot. Dell's entry-level XPS 15 expenses the same and offers improved graphics and speakers, but the XPS is far incomparable and has worse battery life.
Aside from scarce Blu-ray or more-advanced graphics, there unequivocally isn't anything this laptop lacks. It's a discount for a not clear-cut high-end machine, and a great legal holiday laptop collect this year.
At initial glance, the smooth brushed-metal look of the Samsung QX410 resembles a high-end Asus. Clean lines, smooth contours, and a gaunt body give the QX410 a great feel in the hand. The integrated battery fits seamlessly in to the laptop's interior, with no updated bulge. The entire package feels premium, on standard with the HP Envy, and similar to the arrange of fine Vaio laptop we'd have expected to pay at least $1,200 for only 6 months ago. Few people would look at the QX410 and ever theory it only cost $849, creation it the fancy thrifty laptop collect of the season.
Inside, the QX410 feels precisely similar to the delicately programmed children of a MacBook Pro and a Sony Vaio. An edge-to-edge shiny manifestation is even thickly bezeled in black similar to a MacBook Pro, nonetheless the updated bezel and higher-than-normal shade height above sea level make for a deeper, wider 14-inch laptop than we're routinely used to. The expanded bottom half features a somewhat recessed raised-island set of keys that's exceedingly MacBook Pro reminiscent. Even the surrounding set of keys rug is covered in the same matte aluminum. We're not complaining, though; the QX410 feels great and is very cozy to use.
Though the set of keys isn't backlit and the right-hand mainstay of the page up/page down buttons cramps access to the Enter and Shift keys, you instead found it great to type on. Additional controls such as shade liughtness aren't function-reversed for easy access similar to they are on a few Apple, HP, and Dell laptops, but a tiny set of dedicated volume/mute buttons above the set of keys take caring of any functional loudness-adjustment issues. There's even a dedicated and blue-lit Wi-Fi on/off button, that is most invalid (we thought it was a dedicated Wireless Display button, that would have done somewhat more sense).
A far-reaching multitouch hold desk pad is moreover a acquire surprise, both manageable and incomparable than average. The operation of multitouch gestures the desk pad established were limited, but worked improved than on other Windows 7 laptops we've not long ago tested. It's yet other underline that creates the Samsung QX410 feel modern and upscale compared with similar midprice competitors.
The 14-inch shiny 16:9 LED-backlit manifestation has a limit fortitude of 1,366x768 pixels, standard for a laptop this size. The screen's somewhat higher-than-normal height above sea level obviously afforded a improved perspective in normal desktop use. The liughtness and color were average, but all from mainstream games to office work to movie-streaming on Netflix looked good, nonetheless we'd have preferred an even aloft shade fortitude to make for a indeed reward experience. The stereo speakers embedded in a grille correct next the screen's hinge sounded ample louder than in a few new competitors, fitting for music, games, or video playback.
The enclosed Webcam has a limit video fortitude of 640x480 pixels, and had fitting difference and photo high quality to lift off a decent Web chat, but is far from high-definition.
Despite a gaunt body, the Samsung QX410 has a standard supply of ports that cover most bases. An out of the ordinary dust-shielding cosmetic hinge reveals two secluded USB 2.0 ports and HDMI. One of the two USB ports has Samsung's chronicle of sleep-and-charge, and may be used to USB-charge a smartphone or other device even when the QX410 is hibernating or powered down. A third USB dock is dark on the correct side, at the back the DVD drive. There's no ExpressCard container or eSATA, but all normal bases are covered.
Connectivity perks on the QX410 particularly add both Intel Wireless Display for audio/video playback of laptop calm on a HDTV, and a WiMax receiver for high-speed mobile broadband compatibility where existing (in the U.S., users are paltry to Sprint and Clear for WiMax service). However, the QX410 lacks Bluetooth; you'll need a plug-in USB adapter for that.
Intel Wireless Display, as we've created about before, is a utilitarian wireless protocol for transmitting audio and HD video calm to a TV without wires. WiDi requires the use of a $99 Push2TV box from Netgear , that is sole separately. Other technologies such as Apple's own AirPlay and massive solutions from HP and Asus' WiCast offer somewhat not similar solutions, moreover wireless. Wireless Display blocks calm from DVD or Blu-ray playback, but it waste utilitarian for home users seeking to make their laptops facilely work as segment of a home entertainment setup. Considering the already low cost of the QX410, it's a good add that's not unequivocally costing any extra.
The 4GB of enclosed mental recall may be expanded up to 8GB, and the larger-than-normal 640GB hard disk is a strike up from the 500GB most manufacturers now offer.
The Intel Core i5 CPU in the QX410 is a great mainstream processor, as shut to a best selection is to median laptop consumer as there is in 2010. Its speed is appreciably swift and multitasking is a zephyr for most programs. The QX410 performs at least together with any other laptop with a Core i5 that we've not long ago reviewed, and at a descend on the whole price.
The Nvidia GeForce 310M graphics in the QX410 are entry-level, but fitting sufficient for simple mainstream gaming. Unreal Tournament III at local 1,366x768-pixel fortitude played at 38.1 frames per second, a opening that was scarcely same to the likewise versed Toshiba Satellite E205-S1980. We played Activision's Blur at local fortitude and intermediate graphics settings, and even though the framerate wasn't silky smooth, it was good sufficient to be enthralled in. These graphics are improved than nothing at all, and Nvidia's Optimus automatic-switching technology enables a few battery conservation, too.
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