Samsung Australia, who are fast earning a reputation for high quality netbooks, are set to launch their N220 in Australia via a deal with Optus. Originally shown at the 2010 CES show in Las Vegas, the new netbook is devoid of the massive Samsung branding stamped over the NC 10 model.
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The N220 has a 10.1-inch display and over 9 hours of battery life. The screen has 1024 x 600 pixel resolution and Intel’s latest Intel Atom N450 processor.
It also has 1GB of memory that can be upgraded to 2GB. The only downside is that it runs Windows 7 Starter Edition and this is slow to boot when you compare it with what Apple is now delivering with their iPad. It also has a 250GB hard drive.
According to Phil Newton, head of IT at Samsung Australia, the new notebook will be in Optus stores with two weeks. It is also set to be sold at various retailers including JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman.
With their new model netbook Samsung has moved away from its older keyboard design, which was a big hit with NC10 users. Samsung has included HyperSpace ‘instant-on’ software.
By pressing F6 as the machine boots up, the user can select to load the simplified HyperSpace interface instead of the Windows 7 operating system for fast access to the internet.
A 6-cell battery that protrudes from the base of the netbook is built into the new netbook. It also has 802.11n Wi-Fi and standard 10/100 Ethernet provide network connectivity, while Bluetooth is also included for sharing files with devices such as mobile phones.
Three USB ports and a VGA port, as well as a 3-in-1 card reader, round off the features.
