Software and Warranty

Samsung keeps the software bundle nice and light. Standouts include the Cyberlink DVD Suite for viewing and burning DVDs, Microsoft Office 2010 Starter (a full version of Office would have been nice), and a 60-day trial version of Norton Internet Security. Microsoft's MS Bing Toolbar is installed as standard.

An interesting feature is the ability to run an Easy SpeedUp Manager by pressing a designated function key. The manager toggles you through Silent, Normal, Speed, and Speed Boot modes. Silent inhibits fans and performance to match, Speed lets you prioritize one running application to start first on boot up, and Speed Boot will help diagnose the system to make startup faster.

Samsung backs the QX410 with an industry standard one-year limited warranty which covers parts and labor. To see how Samsung fared in our Tech Support Showdown, click here.

Configurations

Available in just one configuration, the Samsung QX410 has an MSRP of $899. That said, you can find the notebook online and for sale by various merchants for much less. At the time of this writing, Best Buy offered the system for $799.

Verdict

The Samsung QX410 ($799) is one stylish and fast laptop . It's not a graphics powerhouse, but it offers plenty of oomph for productivity and enough muscle for some light gaming on the side. The notebook's lengthy battery life and strong Wi-Fi performance are also a boon for travelers. Those looking for better gaming and audio should check out the bulkier Dell XPS 14 (starting at $899), while the Sony Vaio EA offers splashy colors and Blu-ray (but integrated graphics) for $800. However, for the same price as the Sony, Samsung's machine offers a much faster processor, nearly 1.5 hours more battery life, and discrete graphics in an affordable and sleek package. Overall, the QX410 is an excellent choice.