Samsung NC10 notebook computer

Samsung, with its NC10, is one of the last major computer makers to come up with a mini-notebook, and while it might have been late to arrive, it has come up with one of the best 'netbooks' around.

Under the skin the NC10 is as standard as mini-notebooks get: there's an Intel Atom N270 processor, 1GB of memory, wired and wireless network connections, Bluetooth and a 160GB hard disk for storage, with the Windows XP operating system installed upon it. All of those specifications are identical to those of the Lenovo S10. There's also a memory card reader, three USB ports and a monitor (VGA) output. The 10in screen has a webcam built into the top.

It’s the size of the screen that gives the NC10 one of its best features – a relatively large keyboard – and Samsung hasn’t skimped on quality here either. The keyboard had good responsive keys and as the keys are near the size of those on a full-size laptop and well spaced, those cursed with larger-than-average fingers will be able to use the NC10 without too many problems.

The NC10 suffers from a similar problem to the Lenovo S10 – because of the size of the keyboard the touchpad is very small, but this too was good and responsive, with both horizontal and vertical scrolling functions (run your finger across an edge to scroll). Under the touchpad sit the even smaller mouse buttons.

When NC10 is picked up it feels well built. The only worrying exception to this was the screen which did have an element of flexibility to it, but this is not the only such computer to be guilty of that. As long as you remember to protect the lid when you pack it in a bag or suitcase it shouldn’t pose too big a problem. Our review sample was finished in a matt white but it’s also available in blue and black, the matt finish making a welcome change from the glossy finishes that tend to attract fingerprints and smudges.

One very big advantage that Samsung has given the NC10 over most of the opposition is a massive battery – in terms of power storage capacity, not size – which gave it an impressive battery life despite it being fairly powerful.

For example, using the NC10 in everyday situations should give around five hours of battery life, and that's without doing much in the way of altering the power saving settings.

The NC10 proves that Samsung has been keeping a very close eye on the competition and as a result it has produced one of the best of the genre so far.