With decent performance, quality and usability, there’s a lot to like about the Samsung R530. However, at this price point there’s also a lot of choice, so we’ve been taking a look at the rivals. Join us after the break to find out which is the best laptop of the bunch in this part of our Samsung R530 review.
Read the rest of our Samsung R530 review
Samsung R530 review
Samsung R530 review: Design and build
With a raft of great features – from the 500GB hard drive, to the speedy 2.2GHz processor, to the 802.11g Wi-Fi adapter, the Samsung R530 has loads to offer. It has an excellent keyboard, and if you need a powerful office machine there really is no need to spend any more money. However, for around £500, there are lots of other machines you can get.
For instance, you could opt for a much more portable laptop, such as the Acer Aspire Timeline 4810T. The 14-inch screen may not be that much smaller than the Samsung R530′s 15.6-inch panel, but the design of the Acer makes it a lot easier to slip in your bag. At under 29mm in depth, and with a weight of under 2kg, it’s the perfect laptop for the daily commute.
That said, there are some features that won’t please all users. The keyboard is less conventional than the Samsung R530′s, for instance. It features completely flat keys – and although each key is larger as a result, the lack of definition also means you’ll need a more precise typing action if you’re to avoid typing errors. The Acer also features an ultra-low voltage 1.3GHz processor, and although the eight hour battery life is a major boon on the road, it offers a lot less power than the Samsung.
The HP G62-a28sa is also worth a look, offering a similar 15.6-inch screen to the Samsung R530. HP has made a reputation for itself as the manufacturer of some excellent quality laptops, and the HP G62 is no exception. The keyboard on this machine is impressive, with large keys, a perfectly judged typing action, and quick responses.
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Unlike the other laptops here, the HP G62-a28sa features an AMD processor. It may lack the all-out speed of the Samsung R530, but it’s still a capable choice. With 3GB of fast DDR3 memory in place, you’ll be able to carry out multiple tasks without any major lag.
Another great choice is the Toshiba Satellite L630-12U – the most compact laptop in this group. The Toshiba features a 13.3-inch screen, so is every bit as suited to travel use as the Acer Aspire Timeline 4810T. With an eye on performance, however, Toshiba has fitted a dual-core Intel Pentium processor, giving a great mix of power and affordability.
Overall, however, choosing a machine comes down to the type of user that you are. Frequent travellers will be better suited to the smaller, more portable designs of the Acer Aspire Timeline 4810T and Toshiba Satellite L630, while those needing an everyday laptop should stick with the Samsung R530.
Read the rest of our Samsung R530 review
Samsung R530 review
Samsung R530 review: Design and build
