Samsung N120 - Now Available

Newegg.com has the Samsung NC120 available in
White or Black for $459

Includes a 10.1 inch screen
Estimated 10.5 hours of battery life (6 cell battery)
Atom 1.6 N270
FULL Size Keyboard
Upgraded track pad / Upgraded speakers with Subwoofer
Led backlit screen
1GB ram - I emailed samsung and they confirmed it is upgradable to 2gb but they do not recommend it

Might be a good option compared to the NC10?
Better than the N110.. compared to the NC20. not sure?

 

subwoofer? haha nice. I still doubt it sounds very good though.

Nice find though, it looks like a nice and thin netbook. That's a pretty good estimate on the battery life as well...

 

I'll buy one if it's true.

 

I wonder why Samsung suggests against 2gb of RAM.... is it because you have to open up the netbook?

 

Maybe battery life goes down a little if you add another stick of RAM.

 

they want to force you to let them upgrade it and earn more profits

 

when is this thing coming to europe?

 

The battery life will probably be 7-10 hours

They only include 1gb of ram

If you add more ram, it voids the warranty .. and they do not recommend us adding an extra stick of ram since that will void the warranty.

If you ask Samsung, they will not install extra ram into the unit. I asked the guy on the phone and he confirmed that the N120 should come with 2gb of ram and he does not know why they only load it with 1gb of ram

I am going to purchase this netbook soon.. this is probably one of the best on the market as far as keyboard/speakers/battery life/ build quality/ led backlit screen.. seems all nice

 

Windows XP only comes in ULCPC editions now... same thing, but MS has put a limit on what types of hardware can still be sold with XP installed. I'm pretty sure it's an Atom processor or some type of single-core equivalent, 160 gb MAX HDD, 1 gig MAX ram, etc.

Anything more than that and you have to install Vista. At least the notebook manufacturers do.

 

Okay that does make sense

I've read on the forums that Vista gives you an extra 1 hour of battery life..
But if this laptop really gets close to 10 hours.. it will not hurt you to have an hour less

XP should run really well

I suspect you can add that extra gig of ram and upgrade the hard drive too (will void warranty)

Anyone else insterested in buying a N120?
I am trying to sell my current laptop now to buy one

 

I've corrected the thread title: It's the N120 not the NC120.

The User Manual explains how to do the RAM upgrade. It's easy to do (see the attached) and won't invalidate any warranty. Just keep the original RAM to put back should you need warranty service.

The HDD upgrade may be more difficult. There's no HDD cover obvious on the photo of the bottom so it may be necessary to remove the whole bottom. Just don't damage anything and keep the original HDD to reinstall in the unlikely event that you need service.

According to this site, the N120 is due in the UK next week. However, I personally feel that the small screen with a big bezel isn't the best use of space unless you need those extra hours of battery time. The NC20 with its 1280 x 800 display is more usable.

John

 

The NC20 has a slower processor? Gets Hotter than the Atom
NC20 No Hyperthreading.. Worse Audio/speakers than the N120
Faster Front Side Bus than the N120 / Worse Battery Life than the N120

My only problem with the N120 is that I like to play Miniclip games ( www.miniclip.com) and I am not sure if the 10 inch screen or even the 12 inch screen can handle it . I think the game woudl be off the screen!

I was looking up VGA to HDMI Out and they have cables on ebay for $10.. Could you vga out of the N120 to a HDTV?? with the VGA to HDMI Out cable?

Link to VGA to HDMI Out cable

 

Has anyone bought a N120 Yet????

I am still waiting for a real person's review of the system

 

I would have liked to see it with a larger screen, too. Even so, I liked the NC10 and the NC120 resolves most of my complaints. It has a full sized keyboard, a bigger palmrest with a rounded edge and better speakers. I was happy with the battery life, but extra time is a nice bonus.

I'm considering buying one this week unless I can find another 12-13.3" I like better.

 

I purchased an NC10 SE from Amazon and I see they now have the N110 in stock and it is actually cheaper, yet has better specs in terms of the speakers, keyboard etc. I think I am going to return my NC10 SE for one of these.

I will be putting in a call to Amazon in the morning to set this up!

 

I would take a look at both the N110 and the N120.. the
N120 is on newegg.com and I think it has better features than teh N110

 

If you have Amazon prime and want it tomorrow, it's $465.99. Amazon market place offers it for as low as $446:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0021AFZOI?ie=UTF8&tag=n120-12gbk-20

 

What's the major difference? All I can tell is that the 120 is slightly wider and slightly heavier.

I'm disappointed that none of these devices come with N wireless. I can't get g in my bedroom.

 

N120 has a better sound system with subwoofer, full size keyboard, upgradable to 2gb of ram.. (I dont think teh N110 can be upgraded per ram)
N120 gets better battery life (10.5hrs estimated by Samsung)
vs the N110 (9.5hrs estimated by Samsung)

Those are the only differences. The N110 has a 93% keyboard

 

Wow... why would anyone get the 110?

 

Man all these model numbers are running together. In my original post, I meant the N120, not the N110. I contacted Amazon and they had no problem whatsoever with me sending the NC10 SE back for a full refund. Told me just to go ahead and order the N120 and they would ship it today! DONE!

I think the only issue I may have I can't really tell but doesn't the N120 have a gloss screen, because I sure prefer matte, but have had gloss screens in the past and can live with them.

I may just wait till that N120 comes in and decide between the two!

 

I called samsung and the guy was pretty clueless on the N120 but he said he saw nowhere where it said it has a glossy screen.. but there is no way to know at this point because no one has the N120 yet..

 

According the the shipping notice I got mine is due to arrive tomorrow. So, maybe we'll know then. I sure have my fingers crossed that this baby does not have a glossy screen. I guess I'll have to live with it should it, but I'd sure prefer the matte screen.

 

GLOSSY in N120





GLOSSY in N110



GLOSSY in N310





http://www.netbooknews.it/es/samsung-n310-n110-e-n120-in-italia/

Netbook Samsung 2009: N310, N120, N110, NC20

 

Glossy Vs Matte Exterior

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elWp_pTAPwk

 

Well in that outside view, I could barely see anything on that matte screen while that glossy did have some glare I could actually see what he was showing.

Seems Samsung has decided that on all their latest netbooks that glossy is the way to go. I am not so sure I agree, but I guess I'll know more when I get mine later today and play around with it. Glad I bought it at Amazon, because if it is a problem, I won't hesitate to return it and just keep my Samsung NC10 SE with the matte screen. I have till May 14 to do an RMA on that one so I have plenty of time to decide between the two.

I will mainly be using mine inside my home, office or hotel room which I generally keep rather dark. So, this may not be an issue at all.

Thanks OKUN! By the way I wonder if that glossy Samsung is as glossy and reflective as that Acer. I've read a few folks say that Samsungs glossy isn't as bad as some of the others. I've never seen them to compare so I wouldn't know. I have seen the Acer's and they are very reflective!

 

When you get your N120 can you post some pics and initial thoughts so we can find out more about the machine?

 

I will indeed! I'll be glad to answer any questions you guys might have about it! I just checked and it is out for delivery on the UPS truck! It is coming to my office, so I am not sure what time they deliver there.

 

Awesome!!!!!
!!

 

Okay my N120 arrived a little while ago. I am still at work, but was able to take a little while and play around with it. Here is just a quick run down!

The keyboard is freaking AWESOME! The trackpad/buttons are about the same size as the NC10 SE and N110. I found the raised buttons much easier to use than the ones on the NC10 which are kind of level or maybe even sunk down a tad. The specs in terms of the width of the case is pretty much the same as the NC10. The case itself is matte finish on the outside and inside on the palm rest etc. (Yeah no more fingerprints) The display is glossy, but really not as glossy as I was expecting. I had one of my staff that has the Acer Aspire One come to my office with his and both of us were shocked at how much more glossy and reflective his was compared to the Samsung N120. Now this isn't to say that it isn't going to have some reflection and glare, because it will, though the display is so bright that for me personally it is totally within an acceptable limit. In side by side comparison... (sorry I don't have my camera at work) sitting directly in front of both that Acer was was more glossy. given a choice, YES I would have preferred a matte display too!

The rounded or beveled edge along the front of the palm rest is really comfortable and it seems there isn't really much more palm rest area than on the NC10.

I logged into Pandora and played some tunes because naturally I wanted to check out that subwoofer. hehehe. It appears to basically be a bit larger speaker on the front left side, along with the 1.5 watt speakers in the bezel around the display. The volume turn up only 25 percent was plenty loud and when you turn it up all the way it is VERY loud. That Acer by comparison is very, very weak as is the NC10. I was surprised that the subwoofer seem to give it much more depth and clarity. I am very, very pleased with the sound. No you aren't going to get any thumping bass, but it certainly adds a dimension to the sound that is simply not there on other netbooks. You can also adjust it as initially I found the sound very tinny, but was able to boost it up with some more bass to level it out.

The bezel around the display isn't pretty, but I don't mind it! It certainly doesn't bother me at all.

Tell you guys, I am liking this N120, I am planning to keep it and send the NC10 SE back to Amazon.

I'll get some pictures up when I get home this evening!

If you have any questions, ask away. I am heading out to lunch for now so I'll check back later!

 

Is there any mention in the documentation for the N120, about the special nano silver keyboard coating, which some people are concerned about, and which exists in the NC10?

 

I just got my N120 from Amazon. I was worried that the track pad would be too small but after 30 minutes with it, I don't think it will be a problem at all. This is my first netbook so I don't really have all that much perspective to add, just that it feels solid, screen is sharp with only a little glare, and keyboard is great.

 

Yes all Samsung's have the silver nana keyboard coating now. I know some have taken issue with it, but I think much of that is overblown basically over the fear of the unknown. I've seen some pretty good discussions on it and I personally have no fear of it.

 

Your measuring tape is a little misleading as I don't get it being 11 inches. It comes in at 10.27 just as the documentation states.

I see you went with the white. I considered it, but using mine some for business reasons, I figured the black was more appropriate. The white looks very nice though!

One other thing that I wanted to add that I forgot too in my original information. Samsung now has a battery extender software, which basically when set won't charge your battery unless it gets below 80%. I know Lenovo has this on their business machines and if you often use your machine on AC power this is really good to have. I did try to install it on my NC10 SE and it says it isn't compatible with that machine. So, I don't know if it is something with charging circuitry on the netbook or bios related, but it won't work on the NC10.

 

So you have your new N120.. What does the battery life say fully charged? do you really have 10.5 hours left?

 

Right now it tells me that I have 9:49 left at 98%. That's out of the box with no changes. Also, that number is bouncing around as I go back to check.

Sorry about the sloppy photo. I get 10 11/16" for the width when I actually put a tape on it.

I agree that black would defiantly be a better call for work. A co-worker already threw a jab about the color. I am going to be using this as a low power server that I can also let my girlfriend use to surf the internet when I'm using my main laptop.

 

FWIW, the dimensions on most websites including Samsung's do not match the product manual for the N120. Samsung's website (and others) says it's 10.27" x 7.3" x 1.21". However, the online manual for it that I downloaded for the N120 says it's 272mm x 188.5mm x 29.8mm (11.10" x 7.69" x 1.22").

Of course Samsung also says the NC10 and N110 are also 10.27" x 7.3" x 1.21". Whereas their product manuals indicate they are 261mm x 185.5mm x 30.3mm (10.65" x 7.57" x 1.24"). I'm sure the truth is out there somewhere.

 

Well my ruler shows the width on the NC10 as 10 1/4 and the N120 10 3/4. I am basically seeing about a half inch difference when putting the NC10 on top of the N120.

See pictures below. In terms of the other dimensions they are so close you might as well say they are the same. The keyboard almost look the same size too, but pictures just don't do it justice. You can see that the keys actually are bigger and some specifically are much bigger like the Ctrl, Backspace, Right Shift Key, Caps Lock. The touchpad is slightly larger on the N120 as well and the mouse buttons are bigger for sure.

NC10 on top of N120 1/2 difference in width!


N120


NC10


N120 and NC10

 

What's with the goofy placement of the ~/` key, the Windows key, and the option key? I hadn't noticed that before. Oh well... I won't be canceling my order over that.

 

Very glad someone gave the comparison b/c I have been searching all day to see if the n120 was bigger since it is so new its very hard to find any reviews, etc. Plus half the stuff you read is inaccurate on these websites since they were from 2 months ago. I see that Buy.com has the n120 for about 434/free shipping and the nc10 for 399/free shipping. Trying to see if their is any reason why I would NOT want to just get the n120 (Better battery life is my main reasoning).

 

I ordered mine from buy.com and got $2.99 2 days shipping.

 

Don't lose sleep over the silver nano coating. It first came out on the R20 two years ago.

The keys look like normal plastic and are probably less toxic than painted keys.

John

 

Dang... I dont want bigger. I want smaller...

If only HP would sell a mini with 5 hours of battery but without a battery lump.

 

Well unfortunately you can't have both a fully size keyboard and smaller! So, they made it about 1/2" wider. The picture is somewhat deceptive becuase all the other dimensions are actually the same. In my opinion after having both now, I can't really tell the difference in terms of hauling it around with me. But I can sure tell a different sitting down and typing.

 

I too have been looking for information on the N120 for about a week and a half. Good to see that some people have gotten it and are satisfied with it. I don't have a netbook yet, but have been looking to buy one for about a month.

Narrowed it down to the N120 and the asus 1000he, any suggestions?

 

I type fine on the wife's hp mini 1000. Most reviews says it has the best keyboard. The mini just gets so so battery life.

 

I have the HE and love it. The only things I dont like are the right shift key and the fact that it's not as small as the hp 2140.

 

The two things I'm most concerned with is the glare of the screen compared to a matte finish screen. Is it as bad as typical HP or Dell shiny screens?

Also, the speakers. Is it significantly louder and better sounding than NC10? Would you watch a movie with the speakers or still want to use headphones.

ed

 

If you are a touch typist, you'll really enjoy the N120 over the Asus, because of that tiny right shift key on it. I tried and tried to use it and it just drove me nuts. I gave it to staff and they complained about it. Yes you can deal with it, but who wants to? Not me! NC120 all the way!

One other thing I'll suggest you consider. Support! Asus has terrible after the sale support and my experience with Samsung having so many products it is that it is way, way better. Having support is important, so I think it adds value to that extra money you'll spend for the Samsung Netbook!

If money is your chief consideration as it appears to be for so many that buy netbooks then get the Asus, but you will have to deal with that crappy right shift key!

Yeah, I've seen those reviews that say that about the HP, but I agree terrible battery life and I'll be honest in my limited use of the HP, I find this Samsung NC10 SE, N110 and N120 have just as good of a keyboard.

Well I don't have a Dell or and HP to compare it too, as I said in my mini review, compared to the Acer Aspire One the Samsung isn't nearly as glossy or reflective. Yes, you'll still have some, but Iv'e been using mine all night from the house, to coffee house, to a friends and the gloss screen has not been an issue. I honestly thought it would be because when I used the Acer I freaking hated it. It is like a mirror and the Samsung is just not like that. Yeah, you can see yourself if the screen is dark.

In regards to the sound, I don't watch movies on a netbook or computer as far as that goes, but I did listen to some Pandora today and I was okay with the sound. I can tell you in my opnion it was certainly louder than the NC10 SE, Acer Aspire One and Asus 1000HE which I have purchased and given to staff to use.

 

Has anyone tried a 2 GB stick of memory yet?