Samsung NC10

Hi everyone! Just received my brand new blue nc10 yesterday (I'm actually typing on it right now). Can you please tell me if, during your regular usage of this fine netbook, you found it to be scratched quite easily? I still have the plastic all over mine as I like to keep new electronics clean and scratch-free. I also store my nc10 in a solo tech netbook case while cushioned in its included Samsung cloth sleeve.

Anyway, I love this netbook... it beats both the hp mini 1030nr and the asus sold in best buy!

 

I remember reading about that somewhere. Any info on which stores it is available in?

I've also read that it comes with a stated 3 year warranty, but other places I have read has it as 1 year. Can someone comment on this and clarify where the confusion comes from?

 

I see lots of fingerprints but no scratches. The cloth sleeve does provide reasonable anti-scratch protection.

John

 

Yeah, I had the AAO and disliked the touchpad. The NC10's touchpad is better.

 

The warranty differs between countries. For example, UK has a 1 year international warranty, German Samsungs have a 2 year warranty and the US NC10s have a 1 year non-international warranty. Individual retailers may offer extended warranties while Samsung (in UK) sell warranty extensions that can be bought and registered at any time within the first year of ownership. I would hope that the relatively simple hardware of netbooks will mean they are more reliable than notebooks. The component that is most likely to die is the battery and normally that has only a one year warranty.

John

 

I am in US and my NC10 has sticker with international warranty!
When i checked paper, i did not found any limitations.

 

Thanks. When this question was asked a couple of weeks back, one of the US retailers said that the warranty is not international. My comment about the UK models having international warranty was based on the sticker on the palmrest. The Samsung USA site does not mention the word "international".

I would believe the sticker. Perhaps Samsung global have realised that international warranty support is as useful selling point and more easy to provide now they are selling to more markets. However, they haven't told the various country offices. The Samsung UK site has some comments about warranty service for products purchased abroad.

John

 

you should call samsung and find out

 

Refer to the attached link I posted:
http://www.sammynetbook.com/plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?3919.post

It seems that the US warranty card/certificate indicates 3-year international warranty but Samsung website and reseller indicate 1-year.

 

Ah, well that further complicates things. I wonder which one they will actually honor. I mean, there has to be some reason for this discrepency. It just doesn't make any sense to have contradictory statements.

 

The warranty info with my NC10 has a booklet (English / French / Spanish / Italian) which describes a one year limited international warranty in addition to the national warranty scheme.

It also lists the international warranty service contacts which I have attached.

Can someone post a copy of the US warranty certificate?

John

 

Yes, if someone can please post the US warranty certificate this would be nice. I made a call to Samsung customer support (the guy I talked to was very polite). He explained there was a 1 year standard warranty for the NC10 and that "there may be an extended warranty from the retailer that you purchased it from."

I described to him how apparently all US models had the 3 year warranty card, no extra costs, and it wasn't a retailer extended-warranty deal. At which point he referred me to the Samsung US extended warranty department. 1-866-237-5278. It was closed at the time I called so I'll try again tomorrow.

Like John, I too would like to see the specific warranty certificate before calling in.

 

See attached link for an image of the US warranty:
http://www.sammynetbook.com/plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?5613.10

 

lol me too. still got the plastic on the lid and the screen after many weeks of owning a white nc10.

 

Looks like they were closed on the weekends.

I called in today. Extended warranties said they don't handle warranty issues, they only sell warranties. So they transferred me back to the Samsung Customer service, who still didn't know anything about the warranty. They will be transferring me to higher exec, however, it is closed for another hour so I will have to call back again.

This 3 year warranty issue seems to be so arcane among the Samsung customer department. Everyone else seems content, but I would not trust that it actually has a 3 year warranty without verifying it.

Question to those with the 3 year warranty certificate: How can you prove to me that it actually came in the NC10 box and it was not just another generic piece of paper from a different product as it looks in the picture? (Even though it did come in the NC10 box).

 

Ok so I called in again and they transferred me, took about 30 minutes overall after explaining this issue with many different people.

The customer department said that they need me to fax in the 3 year warranty so they can verify if it is real. Obviously since I don't have an NC10, I simply asked him if it was valid. Indeed it does seem valid. What he said was that "All Samsung products come with a standard warranty of 1 year, if the product becomes defective you will need to fax in the 3 year warranty document for them to change your standard 1 year warranty."

So if the paper that came with it is valid, then the 3 year warranty is valid. Only someone with the actual document can verify it, however, by faxing it to Samsung. So that's as much as I can do. But I'm going to have to pose the question again, how can you show that it was included with the NC10 and not some generic warranty sheet? Is there something unique to it pertaining to the NC10?

Bottom line: If the document is real, the 3 year warranty is legitimate.

 

Hi All...

I am looking to buy the NC10 within the next 10 days. Though I am currently resident in India, I will be buying this from the UK. The options that I have seen thus far are - (1) Amazon (around GBP 298 + 9.80 delivery) (2) Dabs.com (around GBP 311); PC World (around GBP 328). There are other internet site like the ones listed earlier in this thread. But I guess the price will be around GBP 300 (generally including VAT). Does anyone one know the best deal available in the UK at the moment? Actually, I'd prefer a B&M becoz, I'd like to touch and feel it...if you know what I mean! I don't think PC World has it, but I could be wrong. Any pointers?

Also, the alternative to the NC10 is the Lenovo S10, which I also like - at least from what I have seen on the net. So, what would you folks recommend between the two.

One recurring question that crops up on this thread concerns the NC10's wireless card (Atheros) and the related drivers. Is this really a problem. I ask because wireless connectivity is critical for me. In this sense, is the Lenovo S10 a better deal?

The reasons as to why I am partial towards the NC10 is because (1) 160GB HDD (2) Keyboard (3) Screen (4) Battery life.

But then again, the cost of the NC10 is also higher than the S10. Moreover, fro what I can see, if I add another 100 quid to the NC10 price, I can get a full fledged laptop - obviously I will be sacrificing the 'netbook' factor. But you can see my quandry.

Really, this netbook category seriously muddies up what is already a complicated decision-making scenario (at least for me), which is buying portable computers!

So, any help will be appreciated.

Thanks and Cheers!

PS: Another point I noted was that with NC10, you get 1 RAM slot, which means that if you want 2GB RAM, you gotta spare 1GB RAM chip lying around. This is OK with me. But with the Lenovo S10, as far as I can see, the max is 1.5GB RAM. Does this mean that the NC10 is also limited to 1.5GB? Thanks

 

PC World / Currys should have the NC10. Or there's Micro Anvika. Prices are working their way now that the Christmas season is over. If you are taking it out of UK then you should be eligible for a VAT refund. A store such as Micro Anvika should have the right paperwork.

I've had no issues with the wireless, but some people have. Some changed the wireless card.

If you go to Micro Anvika then you may be able to compare the NC10 with the Samsung Q45 (if they have any remaining - you need to phone). You will notice that there's a big difference between 1.3kg and 1.9kg. You could also look at the Toshiba U400 at Morgan Computers.

To upgrade the NC10's RAM from 1GB to 2GB you need to remove the 1GB module from the single slot and insert a 2GB module.

John

 

if you're buying from Dixons then putting in SALE25 as the voucher code will give you a ffurther 2.5% off the prices shown

http://www.tiscali.co.uk/events/january-sales/discount-codes.html

 

Thanks John and Panman...

Yeah...I forgot about the VAT deduction as I will indeed be leaving the UK at the end of my trip! So, what...that will be like 12.5% off or something like that right? It will be around 280 quid without the VAT, which is excellent!! I priced the NC10 in India and it come to around 340 quid...so yeah!

BTW, according to the PC world website, they don't seem to have the NC10. They have the Acer and an Advent netbook. I am familiar with the former, but not the latter!

Also, about the stores with the appropriate paperwork for the VAT refund, Currys and/ or PC world should ahve the same too...right?

Thanks also pointing out the comparison model of the Q45. It is helpful, though since I already have 2 laptops with comparable specs, the Q45 remains just for comparison purposes.

I don't know how to change the wireless card, so I will have to ask the seller I will be buying from. I also checked with Samsung about their warranty...I can get a 1 yr international warranty and since Samsung is relatively big in India, the warranty should not be a problem. I think if it is a major problem, they ship it to Singapore anyways!

So, a NC10 at 280 quid looks good...yes?

 

1. UK VAT is now 15%.

2. The procedure for changing the wireless card is documented somewhere. However, I wouldn't do that unless you encounter problems.

John

 

15% huh! Wow!

OK on the wireless card! BTW, it was your review of the NC10 that swung me in favour of the NC10 and away from the Lenovo S10! So, thanks to you for that (and +1rep).

Cheers!

 

Hi, I wonder if this notebook can handle Adobe Master Collection CS3(Mainly Photoshop and Flash ). I'm a graphic student looking for a netbook ( if not 12" ) laptop to use between school and home. I wont be using the machine for intensive graphic manipulation but like to make small correction before I send it to print or to clients.

Also, what is the average prices out there?

Thank you.

 

The hardware would be up to the task (albeit a little slowly) but the 1024 x 600 display may be a little limiting. NC10 pricing is currently around $500 / £320.

You might be better off with one of the impending 12.1" netbooks such as the Samsung NC20. It will probably be on display at CES (later this week) and may appear in February at around $650. The BIOS is now posted at the Samsung download site which is a good indicator that it will soon be moving into production.

John

 

sorry if this question has been asked before but where and which ram do i buy for this laptop to upgrade it into 2gb.

 

Almost all 200 pin DDR2 SODIMMS will work.The RAM is only running at 533MHz, which is the PC4200 speed, but the faster PC5300 (667MHz) and PC6400 (800MHz) will down-clock to suit the NC10.

John

 

there are so many to choose from on newegg. what brand do u recommend?

 

Comment #4 for this Transcend RAM says it works in the NC10. They should all work, but it's good to know. I've good experience with Transcend in other notebooks.

John

 

Hi,
I was wondering in order to make last the 6 cell battery for as long as I can, is it possible to detach the battery case and just connect the cable only while I use it at home?
or do I have to keep the 6cell battery connected?
Why am I asking this?
Basically the cable that comes with it according to my understanding which is quite close or probably worst the my closest chimp cousins, does 2 jobs, one is to charge the 6cell battery when you want to use it wirelessly and the other one is to use the notebook longer than the 6cell battery allows you.
so I riteirate the question, if I detach the 6cell battery they will not be used, so will the NC10 work with the connected cable only?
So can anyone help this chimp?
Thanks

 

Yes, you can remove the battery and use the ac charger to power up your NC10. Note though that the NC10 may likely tilt back because the back does rest on the battery's "feet".

 

The battery stops charging once the charge reaches 100% and, as I noted in my NC10 review, charging restarts only when the battery charge level drops below 98% in order to avoid numerous very small top-ups.

Aside from the point, already noted, that the NC10's back feet are on the battery, running without the battery in will result in sudden shutdown and potential data loss if you pull out the mains cable (forgetting you don't have the battery in).

John

 

I use my NC10 without the battery in it. Works good for me. The lack of feet doesn't really bother me.

 

Great,
thanks for your help,
Hoping that one day this chimp can join the human race.
as John quoted "running without the battery in will result in sudden shutdown and potential data loss if you pull out the mains cable (forgetting you don't have the battery in)."
it is feasable, I would hope it will never happen.
How long will the 6cell battery unit can last without using it or recharge it?
Would that make a huge difference between keep it aside therefore no recharging it and keep it connected and again as John said "The battery stops charging once the charge reaches 100% and, as I noted in my NC10 review, charging restarts only when the battery charge level drops below 98% in order to avoid numerous very small top-ups."
which it means that the battery will not be used if the cable is connected at full charged battery.
Have I got it right?
if I did what is the point to detach the 6cell battery?
Cheers
Sorry for my irrititing insistance on this issue

 

John...

I know this is somewhat OT, but since it relates to a few posts on this thread, I am taking the liberty to post here.

You mentioned that it may be possible to gain a VAT exemption. Can you, in any way confirm this? Or, give me a lead to confirm this? From what I see searching on google, I find that there are exemptions for people who have some disability or the other - no mention whatsoever for non-UK residents.

Thanks

 

Read here about the Retail Export Scheme.

The way I have done it is to get a form (VAT 407) which is completed at the time of purchase, stamped by customs on the way out and posted (you need envelope and stamp) to the retailer who then refunds my credit card. There is also a cash refund system (see 7.6.2 of the above link).

Alternatively, you could buy tax free on departure. However, that appears to be tax free based on an inflated price.

John

 

Thanks. I also checked out Dixons Duty Free at Manchester Airport and the cost of the NC10 (Black) is 306 quid. Fair price? At Curry/ PC World, it would cost 322 quid with VAT. If VAT is 15%, then deduction of that would mean a price of 273 quid. But the question is - is it worth the hassle since I will be paying by cash?

Thanks

 

£322/1.15 = £280 (the 15% is on the base price, not the total).

You can phone up the tax free shop and reserve what you want for collection on a specific day. It does avoid the VAT refund hassle.

John

 

Just got my NC10 today but the keyboard is broken, many of the keys are jumbo'd up and don't register as the keys they should be, aka if I press m it comes up 0, s as f and such things. I was going to call Amazon and get a replacement, but wanted to check in first with you guys. Is this a known problem with a known fix? Because if there's no quickfix then I'm not gonna bother trying to fix it. Restoring the OS did not fix the problem.

EDIT: nvm, called, replacement is ordered.

 

Just an FYI for Americans reading this post:

The black NC10 will be coming soon to the U.S.!!!! Newegg and Amazon already have pre-orders on their websites for it in case you don't want to get white or blue NC10's.

 

I just got my NC-10 and I am very impressed. I also got a Samsung Optical Drive (SE-S084B) and it seems to be adequately powered off the USB report. I see from this thread that a number of you also got this drive or a similar model. I seem to be completely stumped though with installing the software that came with the drive (Nero Express Essentials 7, etc.) It stalls right after it asks you to register your email with Nero. Has anyone successfully installed this on your NC-10 and did you have to do anything special with your settings?

I did close all other programs and disable the firewall but no joy.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions and sorry to raise a problem with my first post.

 

Hi,
I am considering in buyng a dvd burner, but I don't know if are compatible with the NC10.
I found the below 3 product on Amazon Uk, there is no a huge difference in price between the 3 of them, it seems that the LG GP08LU10 is the latest, but I was not be able to find any review.
Can anyone tell me if those are compatible and really have no issue with usb power?
I also checked this Samsung Optical Drive (SE-S084B) if I compare it the LG the LG seems better and cheaper.

LG GSA-E50N 8x USB2.0 DVDRW
LG GSA-E50L External Optical Slim Portable DVD RW Black With Lightscribe
LG GP08LU10 Super Multi - Disk drive - DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM - 8x/8x/5x - Hi-Speed USB - external - black - LightScribe

 

Hi, I finally managed to have a look and play around with a black NC10 here in Mumbai, everyone refuses to stock it and is willing to order for you instead. I noticed a couple of things, I'd really appreciate some feedback before I confirm my purchase tomorrow.

Firstly, the battery life showed 93% remaining which estimated to 4:40. I thought the battery runs well over 6 hours easily? Or should I ignore that estimate and be confident of better performance in real-world application?

Secondly, a couple of things about the touchpad and buttons, this is of grave importance actually.

One, I noticed the single button to be quite easy to use, no doubt, but it felt very loose and flimsily built. Is it durable enough? What do currenty owners have to say about it, is it the same in all the NC10's?

Two, I felt the trackpad itself was not sensitive enough to accurately represent minute movements. For example, I was creating a white screen in paint (in order to test for the blotches!) and I was trying to get to the corner of the window in order to resize the window, and it wasnt that easy to get the cursor at exactly the spot. Is this something to worry about? Or will sensitivity settings fix it?

Thanks in advance for the answers guys. Hoping for some real quick ones.

 

If that registration box comes up after the software has installed, then can you kill it and have Nero working?

I have the E50L and it seems to work OK with the NC10 (I haven't tried burning anything), so I would expect the other two LG burners to also work OK. Liteon is the other brand to look out for. Their newest model appears to be USB powered and one of the reviews says it works with the Samsung netbook. There are several versions of the Esau208 and I would probably get this if I were buying one today.

Perhaps the display was at full brightness. That makes a big difference to the power consumption (see my review - link below - for more details). Or way it running some Flash (or similar) demo. That type of application can make the CPU work. A few minutes back I turned my NC10 on and had it sitting idle with no applications running + display on minimum brightness. It was predicting 10 hours. The reason was that the HDD was off - something which hadn't happened previously.

1. The single button seems to work fine.

There is an option within the touchpad control panel to enhance the pointer precision, plus various other options. However, for delicate work an external mouse would be better, or zoom everything on the display.

John

 

Thanks a ton, John. I was not having any problem with the working of the single button as such, I'll leave the durability to chance and hope that it lasts and doesn't annoy me Anyway I haven't really heard much dissatisfaction over the issue on this forum. About battery life, to be honest anything around 5 hours works brilliantly for me. And I guess I'll be using a USB pointing device anyway, most of the time. Lastly, I really wasn't bothered by those blotches at all, yet I'll write in to Samsung India hoping for some sort of fix if they offer it. I've made my decision, grateful to this extremely informative forum and it's helpful members for influencing my decision !! Black NC10 it is, then.

 

No John - the install initializes and the first thing that happens is the registration screen. It won't close even after registration and then everything freezes. I am convinced this is a Nero software issue as I have now tested hardware and there are no compatibility issues, both the drive and the laptop work so there is either a flaw or something in my hardware settings that the Nero app doesn't like. I'll close my inquiry here and take this up with Nero support.

 

i suggest you first try the Samsung support since it is a Samsung burner and a Samsung computer. There should be an email link on the FAQ pages of your national Samsung website.

Which version of nero is it? I have just installed the Nero 7 Essentials which came with the LG GSA-E50L and it installed without any registration process.

You might also be able to bypass the registration by going straight to a folder which contains the Nero installer.

John

 

John, good thought on contacting Samsung as well. My version is the Nero Express Essentials 7 that shipped with the drive so Samsung has some ownership here. I did try a direct install but the registration process is buried in that file too - darn it!

 

http://experts.thelink.co.uk/2009/01/09/samsung-nc10-netbook-review/

Woah. Can someone tell me what is up with these pictures? It looks like an NC10, it has the title on the website, but if you look at the pictures, the touchpad looks a LOT bigger. Who can explain this??

 

Hello from CES... have some news from our Samsung rep.. apparently Samsung just announced internally this week that their notebooks will be serviced under warranty in any country they are sold in so for all intents and purposes, the warranties are international with that limitation. He says this is new news, but with all the US notebooks with international warranty stickers on them - who knows... Their website will be updated eventually, but not expected any time soon.

 

I'm a bit of a noob actually, pardon my questions. I noticed a peculiarity with the netbooks while I was checking them out at a local store. For the same config i.e. 1gb ram models I ran dxdiag on the hp mini 1000, samsung nc10 and lenovo s10. Under display > graphics memory, they showed 224mb, 128mb and 64mb respectively. Why the difference?

Also, if the RAM of the NC10 is upgraded to 2GB will it result in larger amount of RAM being allotted to graphics memory? Or will it remain the same i.e. 128mb.