Product Review: The Samsung Q430-JA01US Laptop Computer
Light, Fast and Friendly!
I am now on my fourth laptop computer. Each successive one has become smaller, lighter and increasingly powerful. Having begun with a 15.6", 7 pound not-so-portable laptop with 2GBs of DDRAM, 120GB of Hard Drive and an Intel single-core processor, I have passed through two others before acquiring the current laptop/notebook. The machine now in front of me is the Samsung Q430. It was delivered with 500GB of Hard Drive and 4 GBs of DDRAMM which I upgraded to 8GBs immediately to boost the speed of its operations. It is a sweet little notebook/laptop computer sold at a fair price and one I heartily recommend.
Powered by an Intel Core i5- 480M processor running at 2.66 Ghtz and an available "Turbo Boost"" up to 2.9 Ghtz. It is REALLY fast. It is light (about 4.7 pounds). It's brushed metal interior and glossed dark outer shell is sharp too look at and the 14" screen is entirely adequate. It is exactly what I needed at a very good price. I have no complaints with this Samsung laptop and doubt that any experienced or new laptop user will find anything to complain about.
After a month of daily use, I have found no dissatisfaction with this Samsung. Each day that passes leaves me liking it all the more.
It is possible to give hundreds of technical details about this or any other computer. Among the ones that matter most to the majority of users include:
- Processor: 2.66GHz Intel Core i5-480M
- Cache: L3: 3MB
- Memory: Type: DDR3 SDRAM
- Installed: 4GB
- Capacity: 8GB (which I installed)
- Graphics Card: Type: Integrated
- Installed: Intel Graphics System HD GraphicsDisplay
- Type Widescreen 1
- Size: 14.2"
- Backlight: LED
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Hard Drive: Installed: 500GB
- Ports: 3x USB 2.0 (A)
- Display Output: 1x HDMI
- 1x VGA
- Audio: 1x 1/8" (3.5mm) Headphone Output
- 1/8" (3.5mm) Microphone Input
- Flash Media Slot: 1x SD
- 1x SDHC
- 1x MMC 3
- Communications:
- Network: Ethernet (RJ-45)
- Wi-Fi: 802.11b/g/n
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth 3.0+HS
- Webcam: Yes
- General:
- Operating System: Windows 7 Professional
- Security: Kensington Lock Slot 5
- Keyboard: Keys: 88 ("Chicklet" style)
- Pointing Device: TouchPad
- Battery 6-Cell Lithium-Ion
- Power Requirements:AC: 100-240 V AC, 50/60Hz 7
- Dimensions: (WxHxD): 13.5 x 1.3 x 9.4" / 34.29 x 3.30 x 23.88 cm 8 Weight 4.7 lb / 2.13 kg Including Standard Battery
It feels good to use this Q430. The chicklet keyboard is responsive and easy on both the user's eyes and fingers. The screen is bright and clear enough to display HD videos without loss of definition. The speakers are, of course, inadequate for all but the most rudimentary purposes but his situation is a ubiquitous reality with all laptops. Ear buds are a reasonable (and inexpensive) accessory for anyone who listens to music or needs to hear things from the computer on a regular basis.
The processor is a first, not second generation iCore5. This is, in part, why this laptop sells at well under $700. Having been initially listed at over $800. The difference in actual performance is negligible.
Conducive to multi-tasking, the Samsung Q430-JA01US is a nicely performing 14" laptop with a lower than expected price tag.
The Samsung Q430 has it all. Portability, speed, ergonomic comfort and a striking appearance. If you can find one of these, I don't believe you will be disappointed.
The Contributor has no connection to nor was paid by the brand or product described in this content.
Published by David A. Reinstein, LCSW - Featured Contributor in Technology
Clinical Social Worker, psychotherapist, born in Boston and a relatively unscathed survivor of the 60 s. Fan of technology, guitars, creating music and poetry. Mental wellness coach, staff trainer and parent... View profile
JVC 2.1MP High-Definition Digital Camcorder W/ 60GB Hard Drive ReviewJVC is one of the industries leader in making amazing electronics. Well, they have done it again with their hard drive high-definition digital camcorder.
Top 10 Ways to Clean Up, Organize & Save Space On Your Hard DriveIf your computer is running slower these days, or freezes up when you have too many programs running, you might need to reorganize your hard drive.- Adding a Second Hard DriveInstalling an additional hard drive is much easier than replacing the older one, and it keeps the first disk's storage, operating system, and programs in service.
Common Hard Drive Data Recovery Techniques that Don't WorkWhen a hard drive fails, it's unlikely that any home user will be able to fix it. Here are some common hard drive recovery techniques that have been proven to be dangerous to y...
Good Hard Drive Maintenance TipsWhether you own a laptop or a desktop, your hard drive is central to your computer's operation and for many people, contains crucial files that can't afford to be lost. Here ar...
- Samsung NC10 Notebook Laptop Computer Review
- Samsung NP-R480-JAB1US Laptop with Intel Core I3 Review
- Review of the Sony VAIO VPCEB15FM/T Notebook with Intel Core I3 Processor
- First Look: Sony VAIO VPCEB11FM/WI with Intel Core I3 Processor
- Hard Drive Backups - What You Should Be Backing Up
- Western Digital MyBook Premium Edition External Hard Drive
- Hard Drive Buying Guide
12 Comments
Post a CommentYou've made me want one, and I've never even shopped for a laptop before. Nice review.
Sigh....I want one! Now all I need to do is come up with the money to buy one.
good review, David, thanks!
Great review. Thank you.
David, thanks, I really needed you to write this article. I am trying to find a good laptop. Thanks again.
Great review, thanks David.... :o)
I am in the market for a laptop, but I think my husband wants the kind that can communicate with the TV. I think this would be sufficient for me, but he wants to share it, so he has a say too. Thanks for the review, though.
:)
well written - thank you
Excellent review, David. Certainly a laptop worth looking into, for those in the market for one.