Samsung Q30 (Pentium M Processor ULV 753 1.2GHz, 512MB RAM)

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The featherweight Samsung Q30 finally hits the Singapore shores today after being launched in other parts of region. Similar to Dell Latitude X1, the Q30 differentiates itself with a striking red sheen and better features.

Stylish Samsungs snag Singapore
Red hot Samsung photo gallery

Editors' note:
May 6, 2005: The Samsung Q30 was launched in Malaysia and Thailand last week while Singapore saw its introduction on May 6. The unit will be available in the shops by mid-May. Please check with your local distributor for more information.

Upside: We've seen what the Latitude X1 is capable of, so how different is the Samsung Q30? Clearly, this notebook aims to appeal to the ladies and it successfully does so, sporting a sleek and sexy red profile. The insides feature a faster Ultra Low Voltage (ULV) chip in the form of the Pentium M processor 753 (1.2GHz) just like the IBM ThinkPad X41. The screen is much better than the Dell, with a 250 nit reflective screen to enhance image clarity. Though we found the Latitude X1's CF and SD reader great, it was even more convenient with the Q30 which supports CF, SD, MMC, MS, MS Pro formats. The monaural sound of the Dell is replaced with 3D sound on stereo speakers. With the Dell, one USB port had to be given up in order to connect to the external optical drive but for the Samsung, both USB 2.0 ports can be used as a 6-pin FireWire port serves to bridge the two devices instead. Indeed, the notebooks are not as identical as one can initially presume.

Downside: As this laptop is targeted at the high-end market, there's obviously a premium price which Samsung states as S$3,999, significantly higher than the Dell's S$3,151. While the memory is limited to a maximum of 1.28GB DDR2 RAM in the Dell, the Q30's capacity is a mere 768MB and uses slower DDR RAM. In addition, networking is compromised in the Q30 as there's no Bluetooth which the X1 managed to integrate.

Outlook: S$3,999 certainly doesn't make for a very affordable notebook but the Q30 clearly wants to target the higher-end segment of the market. Undeniably stylish and feature-packed, this Samsung may just win over the female executives longing for a laptop to match their lifestyle.

Latest comments

0.05 stars

Pros: ultra bright screen

Cons: No

Summary: it is very cool!

Posted by aliugd
Reply

0.05 stars

Pros: Very Light weight

Cons: i am inspired due to its cool look

Summary: This is having cool look!

This system is attractive due to its cool look and very high performance disply and combo box! Very light in weight makes it more porable! Nice PC

Posted by samranahmad
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Summary: Sexy

Sexy, compact, and sexy (or did I say that already?)

Posted by j lo
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0.05 stars

Summary: The best notebook yet

This computer is light as a feather and small to fit in any bags. Compared to Sony Vaio x505, which is the lightest laptop, has less features and you have to carry some stuff like D-sub, and ethernet portsm PC card wifi adapter, and the memory card separately. Whereas the samsung q30 is all built-in. Samsung q30 has the best performance in its segment. Vaio x505 is 1.1GHz, Q30 is 1.2GHz with slightly larger screen. I think Samsung could do better in the price. It is a bit more expensive than x505.

Posted by Kevin
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Summary: New version with 1.2GHz; good job, Samsung!!!

Very good design outlook. It's a new version of Centrino ULV 1.2GHz with 512MB RAM, which is more than enough for management-level users. It's external DVD writer is an added avantage also. You may have it.

Posted by Anonymous
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Summary: Samsung slow qgain in introducing new features

Just like its handphones, Samsung again serves up a nice-looking, well-built product but on yesterdays's platform. Dell has already given us a ULV 1.1 Sonoma with Bluetooth!

Posted by blutoot
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Summary: Watch out, Sony

Samsung is making some of the sexiest portables these days. Stingy Sony, meanwhile, ships the majority of its way, way overpriced machines with 4,200rpm hard drives and last-generation graphics cards. Simply embarrassing.

Posted by Super Gamer
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Summary: Blows your mind

The guy above must be an idiot. The Q30 is a sub-notebook category--designed for mobility and battery life. Obviously, the processor is not a forte. Nevertheless, this notebook will blow your mind. Screw the Sony X505.

Posted by wooky
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Summary: 1.1GHz

Anon> it's ULV, it's a different processor class than the Dothan ones. Emphasis is on power-saving, not speed.

Posted by TK
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Summary: Only 1.1GHz???

Only 1.1GHz? That is not be well-received when everyone runs at 1.5GHz and above, unless Samsung can justify it with a low pricing.

Posted by mfimfa
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