Samsung X360 / 13.3-inch Laptop Review
If you’ve fallen in love with the MacBook Air but just can’t stand the thought of muddling through OS X, becoming a snooty Mac user, or suffering through Apple’s skin-deep quality and often-shoddy workmanship, Samsung is aiming its .66-inch-thin X360 laptop directly at you.
This 13.3-inch laptop weighs a mere 2.8 pounds and shines where the MacBook Air skimps: It’s the inputs, stupid. How’s three USB ports (compared to the Air’s 1), a 7-in-1 card reader (compared to the Air’s none), HDMI and Ethernet ports (no such thing on the Air), VGA port, and of course, Wi-Fi, 1.3-megapixel camera, LED-backlit display, and a 128GB solid-state hard drive sound?
Best yet, a couple of our buddies have laid their hands on this beauty and tell us it’s solid as a rock. Now if Samsung can just beat that MacBook Air price — which should be easy to do — it’ll make the MacBook Air look like it’s for AirHeads. For all the details, see the Samsung press release after the jump, or just peek at the gallery below to see the luxo finishes, colors and beauty of this fine machine. We want.
Samsung's Press Release:
Berlin, Germany, August 29, 2008 - Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a market leader in consumer electronics and world leader in IT technology, today lifted the lid on the most innovative addition to its ever expanding notebook range – the ultra-lightweight Samsung X360. Capable of meeting the extreme performance and connectivity needs of the new aristocrats of the mobile world, the X360 sets a completely new standard in mobile computing – offering a comprehensive set of features unlike anything of its kind on the market.
Even though it is the lightest notebook in its 13.3 inch class, weighing a miniscule 1.27 kg*, the Samsung X360 incorporates all of the extensive functionality demanded by ultra mobile and results-driven professionals. Unlike the claims of some other "light" notebooks, the X360 is fully featured without compromise, including 3 USB ports, a built-in HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) connection, a 34mm express card slot and VGA output. For fast and easy transfer of documents, images, video or music it incorporates a highly flexible 7 in 1 memory card reader, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR* (Enhanced Data Rate) and super-fast 802.11n wireless technology. It also boasts an integrated digital motion camera, so it's easy to stay in touch with colleagues or friends using video-conferencing or live messaging. But there is more, for business and home office users the X360 incorporates a 10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN connection and support for Samsung P-Dock, docking station – which simplifies cabling and provides a 'single click' connection and easy access to a wide variety of ports..
"The X360 pushes back the boundaries of form and function to deliver real style with substance," said HS Kim, Executive Vice President of Samsung Computer Systems Division. "It offers a tremendous reduction in size and weight but without compromising on functionality, so users have everything they need for life on the move," Mr. Kim added.
The X360 will be available from September this year in European countries including UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy, and also in Russia, China and Hong Kong.
For non stop productivity on the move, the X360 incorporates a removable 6 cell battery that enables up to 10 hours continuous use – making all day mobile computing a practical reality. Its efficient power consumption is supported by the use of Intel(R) Centrino(R) 2 Ultra Low Voltage processor technology and an innovative 13.3" WXGA (1280x800) LED screen, whose backlight technology consumes significantly less power but delivers around 33 percent improved brightness over a traditional LCD screen, so it is easier to work in a range of conditions. And with security at a premium, it even has a secure biometric fingerprint and trusted platform module authentication system to ensure that your data is always fully protected.
With its captivating craftsmanship, the X360's Protect-O-Edge casing is built using durable magnesium alloy to provide amazing strength and superior reliability coupled with enhanced ergonomics and premium styling. And, wherever possible, Samsung uses its own components from memory, batteries and screens. This focus on manufacturing excellence means Samsung mobile computers have one of the best reliability records in the industry, lowering the total cost ownership.
The X360 also features the option of an ultra-fast and reliable 128GB Solid State Drive (SSD)*, which significantly enhances performance compared to a typical hard disk drive (HDD), with a boot time that is 25-50 percent faster and data access times that are 300 percent faster (53 MB/s) for reading and 150 percent faster (28 MB/s) for writing. With no moving parts SSDs also weigh less, uses significantly less power and are less prone to errors and damage - in fact, the X360 is equipped to withstand twice the impact of the hard-drive-enabled model. So, the notebook will perform faster and last even longer.
Finally, the X360 features an amazing Samsung innovation - Silver Nano Technology. By sprinkling incredibly small, nano-sized silver ion powder on the keyboard your system will remain "bacteria free" for even longer.
FEATURES: World class mobile performance
Featuring state of the art Intel(R) Centrino(R) 2 Ultra Low Voltage processor technology, which delivers unrivalled performance, energy efficiency and connectivity too keep you working longer. The X360 comes with the all new 45 nano-meter sized Intel(R) Core™2 Duo mobile processor, which literally puts the power of two processors into one, so you can open up all of your favourite applications with no compromise on performance.
Sharper display Its 13.3" wide display provides up to 30% more viewing area than traditional screens and allows you to enjoy photo-like image quality, greater viewing angles and better text legibility, reducing eye strain and therefore increasing productivity. Using LED technology also means that the screen is thinner, up to 33% brightness, and uses much less power than traditional LCD screen. Even the durability of the system is better, because there are fewer breakable parts.
Light Weight and Durable Despite being ultra lightweight and slim at just 1.27kg, the X360 is built to last. It's durable Protect-o-Edge(c) casing provides amazing strength and superior reliability. As a result, the X360 is more than capable of withstanding the inevitable hardships of life on the move, which all translates into a measurably lower Total Cost of Ownership.
Simple data sharing Incorporating a 7 in 1 memory card reader (MS, MS Pro, SD, SDHC, MMC, MMC plus, xD) and 3 x USB ports, it lets you to seamlessly move data from your digital camera, camcorder, MP3 player or PDA straight to the notebook. Alternatively you can use the Bluetooth 2.0+EDR* (Enhanced Data Rate) capability to quickly connect to other Bluetooth devices at speeds that are 3x faster than previous generations.
Wireless World Featuring the super fast 802.11a/b/g/n wireless, delivering up to five times the performance and up to twice the range of previous-generation technologies.*
Based on Factory specification
Your connection to the Digital World For the ultimate in viewing experiences simply connect it to your HD monitor, Television (HDTV) or home theatre system using the X360's built-in HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) connection, which allows 100% transmission of visual and audio digital signals, and experience richer colours, beautiful rendering and perfect image and sound reproduction.
Smile, you are on camera* Featuring an integrated 1.3 mega pixel digital motion camera, it offers a simple way to keep in touch with friends or family, using video-conferencing or live messaging.
Optimised graphics, premium experience Featuring the new Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator X4500 graphics core, which dynamically allocates system memory to provide incredible visual quality, faster graphics performance and flexible display options.
Revolutionary Battery Life The battery life is vastly improved. It can deliver battery powered performance of up to 6-10 hours based on usage scenario. The longer battery life is guaranteed by the LED display and the flash-based SSD which require less power to run.
Huge 128GB Solid State drive Its Solid State Drive (SSD) has a boot time that is 25-50 percent faster than systems that employ a traditional, rotational hard disk drive (HDD). Overall system performance is also significantly enhanced, as the SSD is capable of reading 300 times faster (53 MB/s) and writes 150 percent faster (28 MB/s) than typical HDDs, and the seek time (the amount of time required to find information in the system memory) is also greatly reduced. Having no moving parts means that power consumption is reduced dramatically, extending battery life, and it is capable of withstanding much greater impacts, so there is no loss of data.
Bacteria free By sprinkling incredibly small, nano-sized silver ion powder on the keyboard your system will remain "bacteria free" – for even longer.
Total security For complete peace of mind, the X360 incorporates a secure biometric fingerprint authentication system and a trusted platform module, so your valuable information will always remain safe from prying eyes - and you may never need to remember another password!
Fast docking Is compatible with Samsung's P-Dock docking station, which simplifies cabling and provides a 'single click' connection and easy access to a wide variety of ports, including Serial, 5 x USB, LAN, HDMI, SIO, e-SATA and DVI (Digital Video Interface) to deliver outstanding digital image quality on large displays and projectors.
ECO friendly Samsung's own certification mark (ECO), which guarantees ECO-friendly features, including removal of hazardous substances and material, optimised energy efficiency and effective material usage for a more environmentally friendly product.
Warranty, On Time, On Us All this is backed up with the peace of mind that your notebook is protected by Samsung's class leading warranty service. In the unlikely event that something goes wrong with your notebook, the Samsung International warranty infrastructure will provide you with a fast track collection repair and return service for your notebook in order to minimise disruption and get you back working as quickly as possible.
X360 Specifications :
based on factory specification, Subject to change. Errors and
omissions accepted. Battery life based on mobile Mark test scores that
will vary based on configuration
Processor :
Intel(R) Centrino(R) 2 ULV Processor Technology (FSB 800MHz)
Operating System :
- Genuine Microsoft Windows(R) Vista(R) Home Basic
- Genuine Microsoft Windows(R) Vista(R) Home Premium
- Genuine Microsoft Windows(R) Vista(R) Business
Memory :
- DDR3 1066MHz 1GB ~ 4GB
LCD :
- 13.3" WXGA (1280 x 800) SuperBright(c) LED backlit
HDD :
- 64/ 128 GB Solid State Drive
- 120 GB (5400 rpm S-ATA)
Optical Drive :
- External DVD Super Multi Dual Layer Writer
Graphics Processor :
- Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator X4500 graphics core
Wireless LAN :
- Intel 802.11 a/b/g/n
- Bluetooth 2.0 + Enhanced Data Rate*
LAN :
10/100/1000 Ethernet
I / O Ports :
- 7-in-1 Card Reader (MS, MS Pro, SD, SDHC, MMC, MMC plus, xD)
- 3 x USB 2.0
- 1 x PCI Express Card Slot (34 mm)
- 1 x HDMI
- 1 x Headphone-out
- 1 x Mic in
- 1 x Integrated Mic
- 1 x VGA Port
- 1 x RJ45 (LAN)
- 1 x Docking Port
Multimedia :
1.3 Mega Pixel Web Camera*
Battery Life :
Up to 10 hours
Source : [http://dvice.com/archives/2008/08/samsung-x360-la.php]
This 13.3-inch laptop weighs a mere 2.8 pounds and shines where the MacBook Air skimps: It’s the inputs, stupid. How’s three USB ports (compared to the Air’s 1), a 7-in-1 card reader (compared to the Air’s none), HDMI and Ethernet ports (no such thing on the Air), VGA port, and of course, Wi-Fi, 1.3-megapixel camera, LED-backlit display, and a 128GB solid-state hard drive sound?
Best yet, a couple of our buddies have laid their hands on this beauty and tell us it’s solid as a rock. Now if Samsung can just beat that MacBook Air price — which should be easy to do — it’ll make the MacBook Air look like it’s for AirHeads. For all the details, see the Samsung press release after the jump, or just peek at the gallery below to see the luxo finishes, colors and beauty of this fine machine. We want.
Samsung's Press Release:
Berlin, Germany, August 29, 2008 - Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a market leader in consumer electronics and world leader in IT technology, today lifted the lid on the most innovative addition to its ever expanding notebook range – the ultra-lightweight Samsung X360. Capable of meeting the extreme performance and connectivity needs of the new aristocrats of the mobile world, the X360 sets a completely new standard in mobile computing – offering a comprehensive set of features unlike anything of its kind on the market.
Even though it is the lightest notebook in its 13.3 inch class, weighing a miniscule 1.27 kg*, the Samsung X360 incorporates all of the extensive functionality demanded by ultra mobile and results-driven professionals. Unlike the claims of some other "light" notebooks, the X360 is fully featured without compromise, including 3 USB ports, a built-in HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) connection, a 34mm express card slot and VGA output. For fast and easy transfer of documents, images, video or music it incorporates a highly flexible 7 in 1 memory card reader, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR* (Enhanced Data Rate) and super-fast 802.11n wireless technology. It also boasts an integrated digital motion camera, so it's easy to stay in touch with colleagues or friends using video-conferencing or live messaging. But there is more, for business and home office users the X360 incorporates a 10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN connection and support for Samsung P-Dock, docking station – which simplifies cabling and provides a 'single click' connection and easy access to a wide variety of ports..
"The X360 pushes back the boundaries of form and function to deliver real style with substance," said HS Kim, Executive Vice President of Samsung Computer Systems Division. "It offers a tremendous reduction in size and weight but without compromising on functionality, so users have everything they need for life on the move," Mr. Kim added.
The X360 will be available from September this year in European countries including UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy, and also in Russia, China and Hong Kong.
For non stop productivity on the move, the X360 incorporates a removable 6 cell battery that enables up to 10 hours continuous use – making all day mobile computing a practical reality. Its efficient power consumption is supported by the use of Intel(R) Centrino(R) 2 Ultra Low Voltage processor technology and an innovative 13.3" WXGA (1280x800) LED screen, whose backlight technology consumes significantly less power but delivers around 33 percent improved brightness over a traditional LCD screen, so it is easier to work in a range of conditions. And with security at a premium, it even has a secure biometric fingerprint and trusted platform module authentication system to ensure that your data is always fully protected.
With its captivating craftsmanship, the X360's Protect-O-Edge casing is built using durable magnesium alloy to provide amazing strength and superior reliability coupled with enhanced ergonomics and premium styling. And, wherever possible, Samsung uses its own components from memory, batteries and screens. This focus on manufacturing excellence means Samsung mobile computers have one of the best reliability records in the industry, lowering the total cost ownership.
The X360 also features the option of an ultra-fast and reliable 128GB Solid State Drive (SSD)*, which significantly enhances performance compared to a typical hard disk drive (HDD), with a boot time that is 25-50 percent faster and data access times that are 300 percent faster (53 MB/s) for reading and 150 percent faster (28 MB/s) for writing. With no moving parts SSDs also weigh less, uses significantly less power and are less prone to errors and damage - in fact, the X360 is equipped to withstand twice the impact of the hard-drive-enabled model. So, the notebook will perform faster and last even longer.
Finally, the X360 features an amazing Samsung innovation - Silver Nano Technology. By sprinkling incredibly small, nano-sized silver ion powder on the keyboard your system will remain "bacteria free" for even longer.
FEATURES: World class mobile performance
Featuring state of the art Intel(R) Centrino(R) 2 Ultra Low Voltage processor technology, which delivers unrivalled performance, energy efficiency and connectivity too keep you working longer. The X360 comes with the all new 45 nano-meter sized Intel(R) Core™2 Duo mobile processor, which literally puts the power of two processors into one, so you can open up all of your favourite applications with no compromise on performance.
Sharper display Its 13.3" wide display provides up to 30% more viewing area than traditional screens and allows you to enjoy photo-like image quality, greater viewing angles and better text legibility, reducing eye strain and therefore increasing productivity. Using LED technology also means that the screen is thinner, up to 33% brightness, and uses much less power than traditional LCD screen. Even the durability of the system is better, because there are fewer breakable parts.
Light Weight and Durable Despite being ultra lightweight and slim at just 1.27kg, the X360 is built to last. It's durable Protect-o-Edge(c) casing provides amazing strength and superior reliability. As a result, the X360 is more than capable of withstanding the inevitable hardships of life on the move, which all translates into a measurably lower Total Cost of Ownership.
Simple data sharing Incorporating a 7 in 1 memory card reader (MS, MS Pro, SD, SDHC, MMC, MMC plus, xD) and 3 x USB ports, it lets you to seamlessly move data from your digital camera, camcorder, MP3 player or PDA straight to the notebook. Alternatively you can use the Bluetooth 2.0+EDR* (Enhanced Data Rate) capability to quickly connect to other Bluetooth devices at speeds that are 3x faster than previous generations.
Wireless World Featuring the super fast 802.11a/b/g/n wireless, delivering up to five times the performance and up to twice the range of previous-generation technologies.*
Based on Factory specification
Your connection to the Digital World For the ultimate in viewing experiences simply connect it to your HD monitor, Television (HDTV) or home theatre system using the X360's built-in HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) connection, which allows 100% transmission of visual and audio digital signals, and experience richer colours, beautiful rendering and perfect image and sound reproduction.
Smile, you are on camera* Featuring an integrated 1.3 mega pixel digital motion camera, it offers a simple way to keep in touch with friends or family, using video-conferencing or live messaging.
Optimised graphics, premium experience Featuring the new Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator X4500 graphics core, which dynamically allocates system memory to provide incredible visual quality, faster graphics performance and flexible display options.
Revolutionary Battery Life The battery life is vastly improved. It can deliver battery powered performance of up to 6-10 hours based on usage scenario. The longer battery life is guaranteed by the LED display and the flash-based SSD which require less power to run.
Huge 128GB Solid State drive Its Solid State Drive (SSD) has a boot time that is 25-50 percent faster than systems that employ a traditional, rotational hard disk drive (HDD). Overall system performance is also significantly enhanced, as the SSD is capable of reading 300 times faster (53 MB/s) and writes 150 percent faster (28 MB/s) than typical HDDs, and the seek time (the amount of time required to find information in the system memory) is also greatly reduced. Having no moving parts means that power consumption is reduced dramatically, extending battery life, and it is capable of withstanding much greater impacts, so there is no loss of data.
Bacteria free By sprinkling incredibly small, nano-sized silver ion powder on the keyboard your system will remain "bacteria free" – for even longer.
Total security For complete peace of mind, the X360 incorporates a secure biometric fingerprint authentication system and a trusted platform module, so your valuable information will always remain safe from prying eyes - and you may never need to remember another password!
Fast docking Is compatible with Samsung's P-Dock docking station, which simplifies cabling and provides a 'single click' connection and easy access to a wide variety of ports, including Serial, 5 x USB, LAN, HDMI, SIO, e-SATA and DVI (Digital Video Interface) to deliver outstanding digital image quality on large displays and projectors.
ECO friendly Samsung's own certification mark (ECO), which guarantees ECO-friendly features, including removal of hazardous substances and material, optimised energy efficiency and effective material usage for a more environmentally friendly product.
Warranty, On Time, On Us All this is backed up with the peace of mind that your notebook is protected by Samsung's class leading warranty service. In the unlikely event that something goes wrong with your notebook, the Samsung International warranty infrastructure will provide you with a fast track collection repair and return service for your notebook in order to minimise disruption and get you back working as quickly as possible.
X360 Specifications :
based on factory specification, Subject to change. Errors and
omissions accepted. Battery life based on mobile Mark test scores that
will vary based on configuration
Processor :
Intel(R) Centrino(R) 2 ULV Processor Technology (FSB 800MHz)
Operating System :
- Genuine Microsoft Windows(R) Vista(R) Home Basic
- Genuine Microsoft Windows(R) Vista(R) Home Premium
- Genuine Microsoft Windows(R) Vista(R) Business
Memory :
- DDR3 1066MHz 1GB ~ 4GB
LCD :
- 13.3" WXGA (1280 x 800) SuperBright(c) LED backlit
HDD :
- 64/ 128 GB Solid State Drive
- 120 GB (5400 rpm S-ATA)
Optical Drive :
- External DVD Super Multi Dual Layer Writer
Graphics Processor :
- Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator X4500 graphics core
Wireless LAN :
- Intel 802.11 a/b/g/n
- Bluetooth 2.0 + Enhanced Data Rate*
LAN :
10/100/1000 Ethernet
I / O Ports :
- 7-in-1 Card Reader (MS, MS Pro, SD, SDHC, MMC, MMC plus, xD)
- 3 x USB 2.0
- 1 x PCI Express Card Slot (34 mm)
- 1 x HDMI
- 1 x Headphone-out
- 1 x Mic in
- 1 x Integrated Mic
- 1 x VGA Port
- 1 x RJ45 (LAN)
- 1 x Docking Port
Multimedia :
1.3 Mega Pixel Web Camera*
Battery Life :
Up to 10 hours
Source : [http://dvice.com/archives/2008/08/samsung-x360-la.php]
