Samsung NC20

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Reviews for the Samsung NC20

70% Samsung NC20 review
Source: Tech Advisor Archive.org version
The Samsung NC20 is an upscale netbook that is almost as bulky as a standard laptop, without the full features. Netbooks are all the rage these days, and some companies, such as Dell, are practically giving them away. So of course, someone's bound to bulk up a netbook. The 10in screens that max out at 1024-by-600 resolution seem just too restrictive. And how about throwing in better battery life, too? So the Samsung NC20 is a decent netbook with solid performance. But why bother with a netbook, when you can get a full-featured laptop that's a little heavier but costs less? If you're hell-bent on a 12in screen, consider Lenovo's IdeaPad S12 (an nVidia Ion-based version is due out soon) or HP's pricier - and more potent - Pavilion dv2.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/25/2009
Rating: Total score: 70%

78% Samsung NP-NC20
Source: PC World Archive.org version
Given that you can buy a Lenovo IdeaPad G530 notebook for $499--$50 less than price of this netbook--I have to question the overall utility of the NC-20. Just ask yourself: Why bother with a netbook, when I can get a full-featured laptop that's a little heavier but costs less? If you're hell-bent on a 12-inch screen, consider Lenovo's IdeaPad S12 (an nVidia Ion-based version is due out soon) or HP's pricier--and more potent--Pavilion dv2.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/24/2009
Rating: Total score: 78% performance: 82% features: 77%

Samsung's NC20 netbook, why it beats the Dell Inspiron Mini 12
Source: PC Authority Archive.org version
So will the NC20 repeat the success of its little sibling? With only Dell's disappointing Inspiron Mini 12 so far released, Samsung doesn't have a great deal of competition at this size. Indeed, factor in the $799 price and its more serious rivals may be budget laptops. Whichever way you cut it, the NC20 blurs the line between ultraportable and netbook with impressive aplomb. The higher screen resolution is a significant step up and this, coupled with good performance and great battery life, makes the NC20 an ideal travelling companion. A netbook success for Samsung's first entry.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/21/2009
Rating: price: 80% mobility: 80%

Samsung NC20
Source: BCW - Business Computing World Archive.org version
Combining VIA’s power efficient Nano processor and Windows XP Home, Samsung’s NC20 is a speedy and responsive netbook that behaves like a traditional laptop. Its stunning 12.1-inch display is also bigger, brighter, and richer than other netbooks. Thanks to its full-size keyboard with optimised key spacing and larger touchpad, the NC20 is a highly portable device that blurs the line between netbooks and ultra-portable PCs – a good or bad thing only you can decide.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/20/2009
performance: 80%

80% Samsung NC20 - 12.1in Netbook
Source: Bit-Tech Archive.org version
 

Samsung has continued the success it had with the excellent NC10 and applied it to a new, slightly bigger form factor with completely different guts inside. For one reason or another, Samsung isn’t actively pushing the NC20, which is something we find hard to comprehend because, generally speaking, it’s a brilliant little machine – especially when you factor in its sub-£375 asking price. Not only does using it feel snappy and responsive, it also has decent battery life as well – it’s not the five or so hours we got from the NC10, but it’s better than the machines it’s really competing with. We’re referring to the Inspiron Mini 12 and Pavilion dv2-1030ea in particular here and, while we’re doing that, it’s worth comparing build quality as well – the NC20 is more akin to the dv2 than it is to Dell’s more direct competitor.

80, Preis 80, Leistung 80, Ausstattung 90, Verarbeitung 90, Ergonomie 80
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/29/2009
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 80% performance: 80% features: 90% workmanship: 90% ergonomy: 80%

100% Samsung NC20
Source: IT Reviewed Archive.org version

Combining VIA’s power efficient Nano processor and Windows XP Home, Samsung’s NC20 is a speedy and responsive netbook that behaves like a traditional laptop. Its stunning 12.1-inch display is also bigger, brighter, and richer than other netbooks. Thanks to its full-size keyboard with optimised key spacing and larger touchpad, the NC20 is a highly portable device that blurs the line between netbooks and ultra-portable PCs - a good or bad thing only you can decide.

5 von 5
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 06/22/2009
Rating: Total score: 100%

90% Samsung NC20 review
Source: Techradar Archive.org version
 

Netbook or low powered laptop? We find out. Traditional logic dictates that in the technology world everything gets smaller over time. Indeed, this has remained true in the laptop sphere, culminating in the rise and rise of the netbook The use of the power-friendly Nano means that upping the screen size doesn't impact too much on the battery life of the machine in comparison with the Atom-powered NC10 and it still manages to hit the same sort of operating life as its predecessor.

90
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 06/14/2009
Rating: Total score: 90%

80% Samsung NC20 (21GBK)
Source: PC Mag Archive.org version
Finding a netbook with a decent-size screen is almost as difficult as finding one with a full-size keyboard. The Samsung NC20 (21GBK), however, is currently the only netbook that comes with both, and it's one of maybe three netbooks that house a 12-inch screen. Based on past experience with VIA processing parts, I figured those components in the NC20 (used instead of the common Intel Atom ones) were going to rain on its parade, but the system performed better than I expected. The only ostensible bump in the road is whether to spend a considerable premium over smaller netbooks like the ASUS EeePC 1000HE. Despite a slightly bloated price tag, the Samsung NC20 (21GBK) is the only netbook that has both a 12-inch widescreen and a full-size keyboard.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 05/18/2009
Rating: Total score: 80%

90% Samsung’s NC20 Netbook
Source: Geek.com Archive.org version
Overall, the Samsung NC20 surpassed every expectation I had for a netbook. I would even choose to buy a product like this (or even this very product) if I was in the market for a replacement notebook, or supplemental netbook. Its $550 price tag is a tad high compared to other similarly equipped devices, but considering its notably larger screen size, keyboard size, and the limited number of issues I had with the device (even after many hours of use), I believe it’s justified as a solid Samsung product.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 05/15/2009
Rating: Total score: 90% price: 70%

Samsung NC20
Source: Notebookreview.com Archive.org version
The 12.1" Samsung NC20 is a netbook that is just on the fringe of being the same size as regular notebooks. It offers a large keyboard, higher resolution screen than most netbooks, and long battery life that you would expect from a ULV platform. With a retail price of $549 it is set to compete against the Dell Mini 12 and HP Pavilion dv2. Overall we were pleased with the performance from the VIA Nano platform, which was a massive step up from the lackluster performance of the older C7 we saw in the Everex CloudBook. My only complaint with our review sample was it not being the much better looking black model, but that can be easily fixed by buying that version instead.
Leistung 90, Mobilität 60
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/23/2009
Rating: performance: 90% mobility: 60%

70% Samsung NC20
Source: CNet Archive.org version
Samsung's NC20 stands out from the crowd in two very important ways. First, it's one of only a handful of 12-inch Netbooks (the best-known example being Dell's Vista-addled Mini 12); secondly, it's the first laptop we've tested with Via's Nano CPU, intended as an alternative to Intel's popular Atom processor. The 12-inch Samsung NC20 holds its own in the first Netbook showdown between Via's new Nano CPU and Intel's popular Atom.
70
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 04/01/2009
Rating: Total score: 70%

85% Samsung NC20
Source: Computer Shopper Archive.org version
At this particular moment in time, the choice is between the $549 NC20 and the $399 1000HE. While we loved the 1000HE for its long battery life, excellent performance, and comfortable keyboard, it’s still limited by its 10-inch screen with 1,024x600 resolution (although it does offer two other resolutions that cheat the system a bit). We like the NC20 for its larger screen, better resolution, and still impressive performance—especially with iTunes and graphics—and battery life. The price is a sticking point, however, at $150 more than the 1000HE. Overall, its VIA Nano processor proves a worthy challenger to Intel's Atom, competition that's likely to make the netbook playing field even more interesting as 2009 progresses.
85, Leistung 95, Display 80, Mobilität 80
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/01/2009
Rating: Total score: 85% performance: 95% display: 80% mobility: 80%

Samsung - NC20 review
Source: IT Reviews Archive.org version
The large screen cuts battery life a little compared to some other netbooks, but it's still impressive and the extra resolution and larger keyboard are helpful for prolonged use. VIA's Nano CPU performs quite well and overall the laptop is well thought out and constructed, although the trackpad could be better.
Leistung 80, Mobilität 40, Verarbeitung 70
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 03/26/2009
Rating: performance: 80% mobility: 40% workmanship: 70%

83% Samsung NC20
Source: PC Pro Archive.org version
You've got to hand it to Samsung. It took its time, waited to see if this new-fangled netbook thing would catch on with consumers and then, when it was clear we were all hooked, dropped the original NC10 on an eager market. It was (and still is) an exceptionally well-balanced netbook, especially so for a first attempt: good looks, great battery life, a fine screen and a comfy keyboard have kept it safe atop our A List since its launch. It's not perfect, but six-hour battery life, fine performance and a superb display make Samsung's grown-up netbook a force to be reckoned with.
83, Leistung 80, Display 95, Mobilität 80
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 03/17/2009
Rating: Total score: 83% performance: 80% display: 95% mobility: 80%

80% Samsung NC20
Source: Laptop Mag Archive.org version

The Samsung NC20 blurs the line between netbooks and low-cost ultraportables. While the VIA Nano processor isn’t as powerful as a mainstream Core 2 Duo CPU, it provides similar if not slightly better performance than Intel’s current Atom offerings. And the NC20 offers better performance than the Dell Inspiron Mini 12. When it comes to the U.S., the NC20 will cost about $100 more than the 10-inch Samsung NC10 ($449) or the ASUS Eee PC 1000HE ($399), which both are more compact and offer longer battery life. However, the upshot with the NC20 is in the more comfortable 12-inch computing experience, which we think many will be willing to pay extra for.

80, Leistung 80, Mobilität 80
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 03/04/2009
Rating: Total score: 80% performance: 80% mobility: 80%

Foreign Reviews

86% Note- oder Netbook?
Source: PC Praxis - 10/09
Comparison, , Length Unknown, Date: 09/01/2009
Rating: Total score: 86% price: 70%

49% Gute Notebooks bis 500 Euro
Source: c't - 8/09
Comparison, , Long, Date: 07/01/2009
Rating: Total score: 49% price: 60% performance: 107% features: 31% display: 43% mobility: 65% ergonomy: 79%

90% NC20-anyNet U2250WBT
Source: PC Praxis - 8/09
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 07/01/2009
Rating: Total score: 90% price: 70%

90% 5 aktuelle Netbooks im Vergleich
Source: PC Games Hardware - 8/09
Comparison, , Length Unknown, Date: 07/01/2009
Rating: Total score: 90% price: 70%

Supernett-Books
Source: c't - 16/09
Comparison, , Very Long, Date: 07/01/2009
Rating: performance: 50% features: 40% display: 70% mobility: 80% ergonomy: 80% emissions: 80%

76% Samsung NC20 anyNet
Source: Notebookinfo DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 06/08/2009
Rating: Total score: 76% performance: 47% features: 72% display: 92% mobility: 88% workmanship: 85%

90% Samsung NC20
Source: PC Games Hardware - 7/09
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 06/01/2009
Rating: Total score: 90% price: 80%

100% Samsung NC20-anyNET U2250 WBT
Source: Minitechnet DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 05/27/2009
Rating: Total score: 100% performance: 80% features: 60% display: 80% mobility: 80% workmanship: 100% ergonomy: 100%

Samsung NC20 im Test: Subnotebook mit Netbooktechnik
Source: Netzwelt DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 05/10/2009
Rating: performance: 90% features: 80%

73% Nette Netbooks
Source: Chip.de - 6/09
Comparison, , Long, Date: 05/01/2009
Rating: Total score: 73% price: 70% performance: 100% features: 71% display: 90% mobility: 57% ergonomy: 78%

90% Zwergen-Parade
Source: SFT - 6/09
Comparison, online available, Length Unknown, Date: 05/01/2009
Rating: Total score: 90%

73% Samsung NC20-anyNet U2250WBT
Source: Chip.de DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 04/15/2009
Rating: Total score: 73% performance: 100% features: 71% display: 90% mobility: 57% ergonomy: 78%

85% Samsung NC20
Source: ZDNet DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 03/17/2009
Rating: Total score: 85% features: 70% mobility: 90% ergonomy: 90%

88% Test Samsung NC20 Netbook
Source: Notebookcheck DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 03/16/2009
Rating: Total score: 88% performance: 46% display: 83% mobility: 93% workmanship: 88% ergonomy: 84% emissions: 90%

88% Test Samsung NC20 Netbook
Source: Notebookcheck DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 03/16/2009
Rating: Total score: 88% performance: 46% display: 83% mobility: 93% workmanship: 88% ergonomy: 84% emissions: 90%

76% Samsung NC20
Source: PC Welt DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 03/16/2009
Rating: Total score: 76% price: 80% performance: 84% features: 77% mobility: 67% ergonomy: 62%

Nano-Book
Source: c't - 8/09
Comparison, , Long, Date: 03/01/2009
Rating: performance: 40% display: 70% mobility: 80% ergonomy: 80% emissions: 90%

70% Recensione Samsung NC20
Source: Techno Zoom IT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 07/02/2009
Rating: Total score: 70% price: 70% mobility: 75% workmanship: 70%

80% Samsung NC20
Source: Computer Totaal NL→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 05/06/2009
Rating: Total score: 80%

72% Samsung NC-20
Source: PCM NL→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 04/17/2009
Rating: Total score: 72% performance: 62% mobility: 79% ergonomy: 80%

Comment

VIA Chrome9 HC: The integrated graphic card (shared memory) VIA Chrome9 HC IGP is found on the VN896 chipset for notebooks and provides DirectX 9 suport and video acceleration. Windows Vista Aero is possible but only with some stutterings.

These graphics cards are not suited for Windows 3D games. Office and Internet surfing however is possible.

» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.

VIA Nano: The Nano is the successor of the outaged VIA C7 and the direct competitor of the Intel Atom. In contrast to the Atom the Nano is able to perform orders by "out-of-order" (re-sort itself e.g. like the Celeron M series). Fruther it can accomplish 3 orders by clock (Core about 4, Atom 2). By the C6 state, the processor should save much energy in the idle mode and therefore only needs 0.1-0.5 Watts (TDP 5-25 Watts).

U2250: Atom counterpart by VIA used in the Samsung NC20. May be clocked from 1.3 GHz upwards (in the NC20 1.5 GHz).» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.

12.10":

This range of display format is largely the upper limit for tablets and the lower limit for subnotebooks.

The advantage of subnotebooks is that the entire laptop can be small in size and therefore easily portable. The tiny display has the added advantage of requiring little power, which further improves battery life and thus mobility. The disadvantage is that reading texts is exhausting for the eyes. High resolutions, which one is used to from a standard laptop, are almost not usable.

The same applies to tablets in this size range.

Samsung: Samsung Group is the largest South Korean conglomerate and was founded in 1938. Samsung Group employed 489,000 people in 2014 and is one of the world's largest companies in terms of revenue and market strength. The name Samsung means "Three Stars" in Korean and represents the three sons of the company's founder. The company was founded in 1938 as a grocery store. With its subsidiary Samsung Electronics, founded in 1969, Samsung took up the production of electrotechnical items, focusing on consumer electronics and household appliances at an early stage. Other branches in which the large corporation is active include mechanical engineering, automobiles (Hyundai), insurance, wholesale, real estate and leisure. Samsung manufactures a wide range of electronic products, including smartphones, televisions, home appliances and semiconductors. The company's Galaxy line of smartphones is one of the most popular in the world. Samsung is also a major player in the semiconductor industry, making memory chips and processors for many other electronics manufacturers.

81.72%: This rating is slightly above average, there are somewhat more devices with worse ratings. However, clear purchase recommendations look different.

» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.

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