New netbooks from Samsung bank on battery life

Samsung unveils two new netbook models – the N110 and the N310, both 10-inch and give up to 11-hr battery life.

N110

N310

Samsung NC10 was no doubt a hit when it came out in October 2008. It still holds its own market in such a crowded netbook category. The consumer electronics giant now plans to stay in the hunt with its new offerings – the N110 and the N310.

N110

It is pretty much the same machine from within as its predecessor - powered by a 1.6-GHz Intel Atom N270 processor, 1GB of RAM, Windows XP Home, and a 160GB hard drive. Samsung gave it a sexier look this time around with the glossy black lid and a red line along the border that shows the executive side of look. The N110 has a 10.2-inch matte display with 1024 x 600 resolution. It has the Intel GMA 950 to take care of the graphics. Along with the 802.11g WiFi, Bluetooth and 1.3MP webcam, the 6-cell battery can give you up to 7 hours of no strings attached time. It comes with Windows XP Home.

This 2.8-pound, 1.2-inches thick machine will be available by next month at $469 – which is a bit expensive for the configurations it has.

N310

The N310 has more of a playful look with its 10.1-inch glossy that comes with 1024 x 600 resolution. Adding to its youthful aura, it comes in four different shades – although these shades are restricted to the exterior only. The edges are gone and give way to a smoother pebble-like curve. Samsung claims of a 93% keyboard for better functionality and comfort.

Again the system specifications are not much different from the NC10 with the same Intel Atom N270 processor, Intel GMA 950 integrated graphics, 1 GB of RAM, a 160 GB HDD. Along comes a 1.3MP webcam and 3-in-1 card reader. Connectivity is taken care of by the Bluetooth, HSDPA, 802.11g WiFi and WiMax. It is little lighter and thinner than the N110 at 2.7-pounds and 1.1-inch respectively. The battery life is up to 5 hours with its 4-cell battery, but the company provides an extended battery option that gives it an 11-hr long juice – or so Samsung claims.

This baby will probably be available worldwide by May at about $580.