NbC: Samsung N510 Review
December 31, 2009 at 10:50 am
Build & Design
The Samsung N510 follows the design cues seen its 10-inch offerings. Let’s be honest the N510 won’t win any design awards but it does have an understated elegance. The edges are curved but do not taper as aggressively as seen in the 10-inch N120. This is partly due to the extra size of chassis needed to accommodate the 11.6inch display. The bottom is that much thicker, which Samsung has nicely disguised by running a faux-chrome strip on the front and both sides.
Build quality is sturdy, just as you would typically expect from Samsung. We noticed no creaking when applying pressure to the lid and palm rest areas and the hinge had just the right amount of resistance.
Despite the fact that the chassis houses an 11.6-inch panel, it is not any thicker than most other 10-inch netbooks. At its thickest point, the N510 measures just 30.3mm (1.2 inches) in thickness. The battery provides a nice tilt for using the keyboard.
The matte lid of the Samsung N120 was one of the nicest & practical that we’ve seen to date. The satin finish used meant that fingerprint marks were not a problem and it always looked in great condition even after heavy use. The same can’t be said of the N510’s glossy lid. It attracts fingerprint marks like there’s no tomorrow that means you’re constantly trying to keep it clean. Black glossy lids are renowned to be worse for this than white models, but the N510 doesn’t come in white so you’re stuck with here.
The Samsung N510’s bezel houses the webcam. Thankfully the bezel isn’t as thick as the N120 that had to accommodate two front facing speakers on either side of the display.
Due to the bigger display, the chassis doesn’t close as flush as we’ve seen on other models. However, it maintains a slim profile when closed and it’s here that you can notice the chrome strip used on the bottom.
Your typical Samsung logo sits in the middle of the glossy lid and is thankfully less over-bearing than the logo seen in the Samsung N310.
A matte finish is used in all parts of the interior including the keys, palm rest and bezel. Samsung had the right idea here and we’re glad they didn’t marry a glossy bezel with matte display, which can just be a bit distracting in our opinion.
The Samsung N510 has a total of five status indicators towards the left of the touchpad. Starting from the left, the first indicator is the caps lock, you then get HDD access and Wi-Fi indicators. You then have the charge status light, next to the power indicator that sits to the far right.
The lid could be pushed back as far as was needed to be used comfortably. I tested the netbook whilst on the move and didn’t find this restrictive at all.
I also didn’t notice any weight distribution issues with the screen fully pushed back. The bottom is heavy enough for the netbook to be used comfortably at full stretch, without worrying it would tip over.
A faux chrome effect is used in a strip along the entire bottom, which adds some class to the N510.
The hinge has a good level resistance, which means it’s not too difficult to open/close the netbook. Two hands are needed to open and close the lid which is the way the hinge should be. The glossy lid is quite reflective.
The full matte interior used in the N510 can be seen quite clearly below. Samsung has used an all black theme, although we wonder whether chrome hinges would have added to the aesthetics.
Overall we do like the design, it’s more functional than beautiful but it feels solid and even has a certain rugged look to it.
December 31st, 2009 11:06 PM
you should try to make your review a little more thorough- lol jk
January 5th, 2010 1:31 PM
Very nice review Tej! It certainly seems like a winner, until a newer one comes out…
One question though: For you XP is a negative while I would think it is more of a positive at is keeps cost down, less likelyhood for ‘errors’ (craches), longer batery life and the ability to run all necessary programs at the same time.
The latter referring to Windows7 starter of course.
Keep up the good work lads!
Igor
January 5th, 2010 1:50 PM
Fair points Igor. I suppose compared against the Asus Eee PC 1201N, which will come with Windows 7 Home Premium, I just felt that the N510 should be priced more keenly. Especially as both have the same recommended price, but the 1201N is also equipped with a dual-core Atom.
Personally, I have no isses with Windows XP, but when it comes to DXVA compatibility (bult-in WMP12) and likely better future driver support (just look at the situation with GMA500 drivers), Windows 7 has the edge if you’re keen on playing HD video content.
However, saying that, I had no problems in getting HD video to work in XP, you just have to know the right programs to use (a lot of people don’t!) I’m also not sure whether I’d want to suffer the battery downgrade that W7 would also bring…
January 6th, 2010 7:47 PM
Hi,
You know if the motherboard has eSata capabilities ?
I see your modd on the asus and i would like to know if it’s possible with the N510 🙂
Thanks,
January 7th, 2010 6:22 PM
XP works well. Hopefully we still get to see XP in newer netbooks to dish out HD content flawlessly, save battery life and ofcourse cost even if MS is gunning for Win7 sales. I use XP & its doing its job well & so I intend to keep it running for a long time.
Couldn’t have asked for better reviews … this is best !! We await newer model reviews from Tej. Any from CES ?
March 15th, 2011 12:32 PM
The NVIDIA chip on this is not compatible with Philips HD tvs. So if you connect it via HDMI you get video but audio stays on the N510.
Not an issue for most, but it is for me, as I bought it specifically to connect to a Philips.
March 28th, 2011 11:26 AM
The Samsung N510’s battery (Samsung aa-pb0uc3b).