Mini-Laptop: Samsung NB30

Specs. CPU: 1.66-GHz Intel Atom N450; RAM: 1GB (upgradable to 2GB); OS: Windows 7 Starter Edition; HDD: 160GB 5,400rpm; Display: 10.1-inch 1024x600 pixel; Graphics Card: Intel GMA 3150; Wi-Fi: 802.11b/g/n; Ports: Ethernet, headphone, Kensington Lock; microphone; VGA; 3 USB ports; 3-1 card reader; Size: 10.4x7.4x1.1 inches; Weight: 2.8 pounds.

Design. The 2.8-pound NB30 has textured surface. Aside from being easy to grip, the NB30 is also scratch-resistant. Its spill-resistant keyboard will keep liquid-induced disasters at bay. Samsung says the NB30 can withstand up to 50 ccs (about 1.7 ounces) of liquid if it is removed within 10 seconds. The 10.4 x 7.4 x 1.1 inches NB30 has island-style keyboard. It delivers a good typing experience with springy tactile feedback. The 2.5x1.6-inch touchpad is fairly large.

Performance. Samsung NB30 delivered a score of 1,313 on PCMark05, more than 100 points below the 1.440 category average. Its Geekbench score is 922 - above the netbook average (868). It took 1 minute and 14 seconds to boot into Windows 7 Starter. For graphics performance, its 3DMark06 score is 143. Compared to other Pine Trail netbooks, the graphics performance of the NB30 is only slightly below average.

Battery . The battery life of the NB30 is 6 hours and 22 minutes - only slightly above the six-cell category average. It took 2 hours and 10 minutes to fully charge the six-cell battery.