Source: Tom's Guide | Keywords: sony, toshiba, 12-inch | Themes: Business Notebooks, Laptops and Notebooks, Business
- 1. 12" Power Notebooks
- 2. HP Compaq 2510p: Design, Weight, Quality
- 3. HP Compaq 2510p: Hardware, Software, Usability
- 4. HP Compaq 2510p: Features, Heat, Noise
- 5. Samsung P200-Pro: Design, Weight, Quality
- 6. Samsung P200-Pro: Hardware, Software, Usability
- 7. Samsung P200-Pro: Features, Heat, Noise
- 8. Sony VAIO VGN-G21XP: Design, Weight, Quality
- 9. Sony VAIO VGN-G21XP: Hardware, Software, Usability
- 10. Sony VAIO VGN-G21XP: Features, Heat, Noise
- 11. Toshiba Portégé R500: Design, Weight, Quality
- 12. Toshiba Portégé R500: Hardware, Software, Usability
- 13. Toshiba Portégé R500: Features, Noise, Heat
- 14. Benchmark Testing
- 15. Application Testing, Battery Testing, Noise Level
- 16. Conclusion: Underdog, Sprinter, Endurance Racer and Flyweight
- 17. Spec Sheet
- 18. More on this topic
6. Samsung P200-Pro: Hardware, Software, Usability
Hardware
Samsung is the only manufacturer to not use a ULV processor, instead opting for a “normal” Core 2 Duo T8100 (Penryn) at 2.1 GHz. Samsung also does something different by using an AMD RS600ME chipset that comes with integrated Radeon Xpress X1250 graphics.
The hard drive has a capacity of 250 GB and spins at 5400 RPM; the memory size is also plenty large at 2 GB. One RAM module is hardwired to the mainboard and the other one sits in the DIMM slot. Thus, although you cannot reach the maximum capacity of 4 GB, 3 GB is still possible with this configuration and this seems to be a reasonable limit for a 32-bit operating system anyway. A combo drive from TEAC is used for DVD and CD media.
In the network area, the P-200-Pro leaves a good impression, because it offers Gigabit Ethernet. Unfortunately the WLAN is limited to 802.11 b and g — Draft-N support is missing — but it also comes with Bluetooth 2.0 and a modem. The P200-Pro is the only candidate that does not offer a fingerprint sensor or TPM, but it has a 1.3 mega pixel camera. The ExpressCard/54 slot is unique as well; all the other systems come with a PC-Card slot.
All other connectivity options are very limited, unfortunately: there are only 2 USB ports, and Firewire is not supported at all. The card reader is compatible to MMC, SD, MS, MS Pro and xD. When looking at the external monitor connectors, you get the feeling that the Samsung is hoping to meet the minimum requirement by offering VGA. Other ports are not available, not even S-Video.
Software
The P200-Pro comes with the Business version of Windows Vista pre-installed (without SP1). Samsung also ships installation and driver media for Windows XP — if you are not a big fan of the new Windows or you rely on XP, you will definitely like that. They have also implemented a recovery function that would restore Windows XP on our system. Samsung Update keeps all software and drivers up to date.
There is not a whole lot of other software installed. Cyberlink puts in the DVD Solution and the Play AV Station. You will also find a trial version of McAfee VirusScan.
Subjective Performance
Due to its 2.1 GHz dual core processor, the P200-Pro takes the lead not only in the benchmarks but also in subjective performance. Its sufficient memory size and large 5400 RPM hard drive certainly do not slow down the system either.
Warranty
Samsung provides a 24 month warranty on its notebook; during this time the defective system can be picked up from your location.
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Why only these four?
The Acer Travelmate 6293 (or older 6292 model) competes well with these models. The review would have been much more useful if you had included the Acer.
What about x300, x61, d430 etc.... the review is grate, just pour choice of Notebook's if you ask me.
Nice article, especialy useful in times when mini-notebooks, or netbooks come to be more and more popular. I am owner of HP 2510p almost 6 months and I love this notebook. It was extremly cheap for me - just 450USD from ebay. Small, well featured, ultra-light /1.6kg/ and 6-7h on 6-cell battery. Btw I think that overlaping battery is quite useful - just try it - as IT admin I use it every day - one can hold this notebook easily in one hand while doing many common service work, and type with other hand. I got my HP with Windows XP Pro, so its much faster than with Vista. I installed tripple boot on it, XP Pro, Ubuntu and Mac OSX 10.5.4 - just used external USB WiFi for Mac OSX, all other HW is working in all OSs.
I never understand while to bother with popular trends like Asus Eee - no DVD, limited HDD options, extremly LOW battery time /I expected much better performances with Atom and SSDs/, small size-display like from Gullivers fairy-tale. Thers only one good point - price. And its fun that if you want all these features on new EEE-like notebooks, you have to pay 500-700USD. So why not to pay more and have all fetures together like in HP 2510p or Toshiba R500. Or try ebay like me, and its even cheaper than new EEEs with Atom.
But maybe I am wrong and EEE targets different audience.
I cant believe you have done a review user "power" and "12.1" in the same sentence and failed to include uber powerful Asus U6V. My god this thing would blow your choices out of the water for under $1700 anywhere in north america!
HP recently introduced the 2530p with substantially faster ULV processors (up to the SL9400, 1.86GHz, 6MB L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB) and with 2 DIMM slots for up to 8GB of 800MHz DDR SDRAM. It weighs a little more with a starting weight of 3.16lbs, but with some additonal durability features built-in, it meets the Mil-Std-810F standards for vibration, dust, humidity, altitude and high temperature. The spec's can be found at this URL:
http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products [...] 01_na.HTML
The 2510p will be going away shortly so the 2530p is the one to look at if one is considering HP.
HP also introduced the 2230s with a 12.1" screeen, and although it weighs a little more than the 2530p, it boasts a regular mobile processor such as an Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor P8400 (2.26 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB, 3 MB L2 cache). This is a new form factor for HP as this model did not replace any existing models, but rather it is a new addition to HP's notebook lineup.
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