Samsung hasn’t made any official announcements about upcoming netbooks with Intel Atom N450 Pine Trail processors. But that hasn’t stopped online retailer Neobits from listing two new models: The Samsung N150 and Samsung NB30.
There are no units in stock, and Neobits doesn’t have any pictures, so we’re going to call this a leak for now. But there are a fair number of specs listed on the web pages. So here’s what we know so far (assuming the Neobits information is correct):
Samsung N150
- CPU: 1.66GHz Intel Atom N450
- Graphics: GMA 3150
- Display: 10.1 inch, 1024 x 600 pixels
- OS: Windows 7 Starter Edition
- RAM: 1GB
- Storage: 160GB, 5400RPM hard drive
- Connectivity: 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Ethernet
- I/O: 3 USB, VGA, headphone, mic, 3-in-1 card slot
- Battery: 6 cell, 4400mAh (7 hours)
- Webcam: 0.3MP
- Dimensions: 10.4″ x 7.4″ x 1.05″
- Weight: 2.73 pounds
Samsung NB30
- CPU: 1.66GHz Intel Atom N450
- Graphics: GMA 3150
- Display: 10.1 inch, 1024 x 600 pixels
- OS: Windows 7 Starter Edition
- Memory: 1GB DDR2
- Storage: 160GB, 5400RPM with Free Fall Sensor
- Connectivity: 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Ethernet
- I/O: 3 USB, VGA, headphone, mic, 3-in-1 card slot
- Battery: 6 cell, 4400mAh (6.5 hours)
- Webcam: 0.3MP
- Dimensions: 10.4″ x 7.4″ x 1.05″
- Weight: 2.73 pounds
Based on the specs, it’s pretty hard to tell these computers apart. The only difference I can spot is the “Free Fall Sensor” that comes with the NB30. But we haven’t seen any pictures yet.
Wireless Goodness also spotted an FCC listing for the Samsung N150, which mentions that the laptop will be available with a Gobi2000 wireless chip that will offer global 3G wireless broadband connectivity as well as GPS support. It’s not clear whether that option will be available on the Samsung NB30.
I think Samsung was doing a better job in 2008. That’s just my opinion, but the N510 is underpowered for Windows 7, or maybe that is just Win 7’s fault Nevertheless, N510 disappoints me and these new Pine Trail netbooks that are not more powerful either.
Maybe it is me, but I wish Samsung would put out a netbook with Win XP, Atom 330/ION combo, and a decent SSD. Not a fantastic step-up to be sure, but enough to be better then their current line up. Package that with an updated case design and they’d have a winner. Win XP might seem like a step back, but 7 just doesn’t seem ‘cooked’ enough to put on a netbook with the battery and slowdown issues.
I am disappointed to see the Windows Starter Ed. on these machines. It’s really a crippling operating system choice.