Samsung QX410-J01 review: Samsung QX410-J01

Though the average person might not normally think of Samsung when it comes to laptops, that's likely to change if he sees this new favorite of ours. The electronics giant has a huge reputation in HDTVs, smartphones, and other gadgets, and its 2010 forays into notebook computers have become just as notable. We were bullish about the sleek, affordable Samsung Q430 in our back-to-school retail laptop roundup, and now, topping even that model, we love the QX410 more.

8.0

Samsung QX410-J01

The Good

High-end look and feel; good keyboard; large touch pad; Intel Wireless Display, Nvidia Optimus graphics switching; very affordable for the features.

The Bad

Mediocre battery life; no Bluetooth; entry-level Nvidia GeForce graphics.

The Bottom Line

Slickly designed and amply featured, the Samsung QX410 looks and plays the part of a more expensive high-end laptop at a price that's a solid value.

A full set of features, including an Intel Core i5 CPU, Nvidia GeForce 310M Optimus-enabled graphics, and Intel Wireless Display, are paired with a high-end metal chassis and edge-to-edge glossy display for $849. That's significantly less money than the forthcoming $1,079 Toshiba Satellite E205-S1980 we just reviewed, with the same specs, and the Samsung has a better-looking design to boot. Dell's entry-level XPS 15 costs the same and offers better graphics and speakers, but the XPS is far larger and has worse battery life.

Aside from lacking Blu-ray or more-advanced graphics, there really isn't anything this laptop lacks. It's a bargain for a borderline high-end machine, and a great holiday laptop pick this year.