Months before its actual release, the Samsung N510 sat at the center of the Nvidia Ion buzz, being only the second netbook announced that would incorporate the much-anticipated graphics chip. The system first made its debut in Europe in August, but Samsung waited until after the launch of Windows 7 to make it available in the U.S. In some respects, the N510 ($599) is worth the wait. This 11.6-inch netbook offers a good keyboard and lasts longer on a charge than the Ion competition. However, some may balk at the $599 price.
Design
The N510 sports a black, glossy lid that picks up fingerprints quickly. Like the NC20, you’ll also find chrome trim around the edges and a power button that’s located on the hinge. Under the lid the bezel and deck are both matte plastic, as with some other N series netbooks. The overall design is handsome but not as modern looking as the HP Mini 311.
The 10.7 x 7.4 x 1.2-inch N510 shares the same dimensions and design as the N120, though the N510’s display is a larger 11.6 inches. That leaves no room for the speakers that graced the N120’s bezel, but otherwise the cases are nearly identical.
At 3.2 pounds, the N510 is a bit heavier than the 2.8-pound N120, but just at the average weight for 11.6-inch notebooks.
