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        Netbooks get curvy design, dual-core Atom

        Jonathan Angel | Date: Sep 2, 2010 | Comments: 1


        Samsung announced three new netbooks, one offering Intel's dual-core Atom N550 processor. The NF310, NF210, and NF110 all feature a curvy design and 10.1-inch displays, while the high-end model delivers 1366 x 768 pixel resolution, according to a variety of sources.

        Samsung used this week's IFA 2010 show in Berlin to announce the Galaxy Tab, a seven-inch Android tablet that some are hailing as the first serious competitor for Apple's iPad. (For details, see our sister site LinuxDevices.com, here.)

        On a more workaday level, however, the company also unveiled three netbooks whose sides feature swoopy new styling, as pictured below. The only technological innovation appears to be the inclusion of Intel's new, dual-core Atom N550 model, which is offered on the top NF310 model.


        Samsung's NF310

        Offered with either the 1.5GHz N550 or the 1.66GHz, single-core N455, the NF310 reportedly includes a 10.1-inch display with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, 2GB of RAM, and a 250GB hard disk drive. With optional 3G, Bluetooth 3.0, and claimed 11-hour battery life, the netbook also offers an unusual metallic trackpad.

        The NF210 has somewhat-plainer styling and apparently will be offered only with the Atom N455 in the U.S. market (others may get an N550 option, a report by NetbookNews.com suggests). Screen resolution is down-rated to 1024 x 600 pixels, and RAM begins at 1GB, but this model offers 14-hour battery life via a six-cell, 8850mAh battery, according to Samsung.


        Samsung's NF210
        (Click to enlarge)

        Samsung says the NF210 has a 250GB, 5400rpm hard disk drive and a VGA-resolution webcam. Also par for the course are the device's 802.11b/g/n wireless networking, Ethernet port, three USB 2.0 ports, and mic/headphone jacks.


        Samsung's NF110

        Finally, the NF110 retains the curvy design of the other two models but comes with plainer plastics. Cited technological ingredients are the same as the NF210's, but Samsung did not release any battery life claims for this model, making it likely that the NF110 economizes by including a four-cell battery.

        Further information

        According to Samsung, the NF310 and NF210 will be available during October for approximately $400 and $380, respectively. Pricing and availability for the NF110 have apparently not been specified.

        Further information may be found on the Netbooknews.com website, here,

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