Conclusion

When Samsung decided to start pushing notebooks in this part of the world with the sexy and well-built Samsung Q30 as the flagship model leading the faction, it's immediately known there and then that the Korean giant is optimistic about the growing demand for quality, lightweight notebooks with a fine balance of performance and design. The amazingly sleek and bold Samsung Q30 was certainly a head turner when it was first unveiled; impressing consumers with quality trimmings, slim dimensions, performance, functionality and most prominently, appeal.

Improving upon the foundation laid by the Q30, the marginally heavier Samsung X1 is also using vital statistics to woo its targeted consumer group. Mobile workers, especially those with a slight fashion disposition will likely adore the color combination and flat profile of the unit while in the happy knowing that multimedia entertainment is always on tap at the touch of a button when required.


By going the way of an ultra low voltage Intel Pentium M 753 processor for the Samsung X1, it should be understood that battery life, portability and weight were design considerations given a heavier emphasis over raw performance. Additionally, the clever engineering that went into the architectural design of the Pentium M 753 processor meant that ultra portable notebooks such as the Samsung X1 are the best in its class, particularly where performance and styling had to be balanced. From the results returned by MobileMark2002, the whisper quiet Samsung X1 should be able to plow through frequently used office and Internet applications easily. Furthermore, it is also well endowed with all the popular wireless transmission mediums and is compatible with most major Flash based storage cards through its built-in 5-in-1 card reader. All these put the functionality of the Samsung X1 right on the digital convergence highway.

Where the Samsung X1 really begins to warrant its rather hefty US$2,275 price tag is the multimedia entertainment value it has to offer from its slim and light frame. Through the Samsung's 'AVStation now' media center, a bundled remote control and an Infrared transceiver located at the foot of the brilliant WXGA display, owners can leisurely enjoy a 10-foot multimedia entertainment from the Samsung X1 regardless of the docking location in your residence. However, with a 1.7kg mass which makes the Samsung X1 as a highly portable laptop, the position of the keyboard, though refreshing, is quite a disaster for typing, especially without a palm rest for anchoring the notebook firmly on laps.

Bearing the typing issue in mind, the absence of a touch pad for easier navigation within Windows and the steep price are two other points that are working against our full recommendation of an otherwise impressive Samsung X1 notebook. However, when the portability and multimedia elements are considered and with a certain exclusivity beckoning (thanks to its high asking price), trendsetters and the image conscious individuals might just find the Samsung X1 a highly appealing temptation.