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I've been deciding between the Samsung NC10 and the Samsung NC20 netbook for the past week, and here are the key differences I've found from my research:
Screen resolution:
NC10: 1024x600NC20: 1280x800
This for me is the main problem I have with the NC10...
Even though 1024x600 is pretty much the industry standard for a netbook, I think it would annoy me too much browsing (and designing) websites, or editting Excel spreadsheets. The extra 200 vertical pixels are going to make a lot of difference to me personally. For most people I'm sure it's perfectly acceptable though
The NC20 has glossy LED LCD screen, whereas the NC10 has a matt (ie non glossy) TFT screen - which is worth considering
Battery life:
The battery life on the NC20 (despite using the same battery) is nowhere near as good as the NC10. The extra screen space and processor accounts for this. People seem to get around 7 hours on the NC10.. but the gagadget.com review of the NC20 was only getting 4hours for relative minor tasks. (2 hours with everything on full whack, and the processor being tested to the max... 6 hours with absolutely nothing on... and about 4hours for normal tasks-web browsing,wifi on,watching a couple of videos) . One of the massive selling points for the NC10 is the excellent battery life of ~7hours.Trackpad:
The keyboard is supposed to be very good on both models, almost full-sized... but the trackpad on the NC10 is very small... this is improved on the NC20Processor:
The NC20 uses a new Via Nano U2250 1.3Ghz processor, whereas the NC10 uses an Atom N270 1.6GhzWeight/Dimensions:
NC10: 10.2"
259.7mm x 184.5mm x 30.3mm
Weight:1.3kg = 2.86lbs (6cell battery)
NC20: 12.1"
292.4mm x 216.7mm x 25.6mm
Weight: 1.5kg = 3.3lbs
(As a comparison, my old MacBookPro weighs 2.36kg)
The NC20 loses nearly all of the portable appeal of the NC10.. and is nearer to a regular full-sized laptop than a take anywhere netbook.
You might as well get a fully powered 12"/13" machine if you are going to be lugging around the NC20 :)
Both machines reportedly play 720p if you install the right codecs.. however YouTube HD and Vimeo HD are a problem
The other thing to consider is that there is a new version of the NC10 out any day that also includes a 3G sim card slot and a better trackpad (but it's retailing at £100 more than the standard NC10)... it may mean that the standard NC10 drops in price soon though(?)
Both machines come with 1gb RAM as standard, but it is very easy to install a 2gb card (this will cost you about £17). I believe you can also throw in your own 320gb or 500gb 2.5" drive, if the 160gb drive wasn't big enough for you.
Neither machine has wifi N (just wifi b/g)
Both come with Windows XP home
I've done a lot of research on the Samsung NC20, but the last thing that remains is to go and test one out in person at a shop (like Micro Anvika) -- but I am currently swaying to the NC10 for portabilities sake :)
Please feel free to correct me if I am wrong on any of my spec above. Hope this helps
Update: I bought my Samsung NC20 (black version) at Amazon.co.uk during April, so if you have any further questions then drop me an email: jim AT thewonderwall DOT com
