Samsung last week launched the first notebook to feature a 19-inch display at a trade show in Berlin. Besides having the high-end specifications worthy of a true desktop replacement, it will possibly feature the industry's first detachable 19-inch LCD display which is capable of 1,680 x 1,050 native resolution. The LCD panel will also have a DVI port which will allow it to function as a desktop monitor. ...

Read first take of the Samsung M70 »

First Take

Samsung last week launched the first notebook to feature a 19-inch display at a trade show in Berlin. Besides having the high-end specifications worthy of a true desktop replacement, it will possibly feature the industry's first detachable 19-inch LCD display which is capable of 1,680 x 1,050 native resolution. The LCD panel will also have a DVI port which will allow it to function as a desktop monitor.

The rationale for a detachable display is driven by cost. Traditionally one of the most expensive components of a notebook, the M70 is upgradeable by simply switching the base component and reusing the display. The cost is further reduced since the display can double as a desktop monitor. Though large-screen notebooks tend to weigh the same as a bag full of bricks, the 4.4kg M70 is not much heavier than other 17-inch LCD desktop replacements like the Toshiba Qosmio G20 and the Fujitsu LifeBook N6210.

Upside: With a 19-inch display, this notebook is wonderfully suited for those doing publishing and graphics work. The 290-nits brightness ensures that even in direct sunlight you can see the display clearly. Coupled with a remote control, a dedicated Nvidia Geforce Go 6600 graphics card and a 2.1-channel speaker system, the M70 can be used for a romantic movie with that special someone on a Saturday night, or a session of intense gaming with your buddies.

Downside: Though the base system is upgradeable, it may not be cost-effective to do so unless Samsung intends to implement a trade-in deal for older M70 base systems.

Outlook: Depending on the price, this system has the potential to become a worthwhile solution to notebook upgrading. The fact that the 19-inch LCD is detachable and uses a common input gives the M70 both versatility and reusability. Though it is certainly innovative in terms of notebook design, we feel it is likely this design will be confined to niche product lines.

Rate It Now

Rating guidelines

Samsung M70 (Pentium M Processor 760 2.0GHz, 512MB RAM)

Rate this product:
1 - Abysmal 2 - Terrible 3 - Poor 4 - Mediocre 5 - Average 6 - Good 7 - Very good 8 - Excellent 9 - Spectacular 10 - Perfect

Need help? Read our guidelines for what each number rating represents.

Submit your opinion

User Reviews

khannaparik...

 View profile
 Send mail

Laptop+Desktop

Aug 17, 2006

Rating: 9 out of 10 (Spectacular)
Pros: Large and wide screen, Detachability.
Cons: Unable to find any.
Opinion:
"The most innovative multimedia laptop('desktop' rather!) available in the market."

 

Perfect for on-site presentations!

Oct 17, 2005

Rating: 9 out of 10 (Spectacular)
Pros: 
Cons: 
Opinion:
The weight is the same as my current 17" laptop, so it's not an issue. I do hope they'll include a biometric security option.

 

See all user opinions »

More Products To Consider

Sony Vaio VGN-AW47GH/Q (Core 2 Duo T9600 Processor 2.8GHz, 6GB RAM)

Asus W90Vp (Core 2 Duo T9600 Processor 2.8GHz, 6GB RAM)

Sony Vaio VGN-AW37GY/Q (Core 2 Duo T9600 Processor 2.8GHz, 6GB RAM)

• Most Popular

• Upcoming

Latest Downloads

What's Hot