Product Reviews

It's back, and this time it means business. A likeable ultraportable with solid performance at a fair price.

The Samsung Q70 is already one of the most successful ultraportable laptops, but it's recently seen an upgrade. Several key components have changed in this new version, mostly for the better.

The processor, for instance, is the most powerful component used so far in the Q70 range - an Intel Core 2 Duo Mobile T8100 that runs at 2.1GHz. It's manufactured using a new process that makes the chips smaller - these particular parts use the codename Penryn - which increases efficiency and reduces heat output.

This improvement led the new Q70 to an especially impressive 2D (general) benchmark result is. An overall score of 164% is more powerful than a lot of full-size laptops, and enough performance to do justice to demanding applications such as photo and even video editing as well as everyday office tasks, even if you run several programs at once.

The hard disk is also pretty large: originally 160GB, it's been upped to 250GB. That's generous when compared to the hard disks available in similar laptops; there's enough room here to store a hefty media collection as well as all your work files. The wireless Internet adaptor has been improved, too, with support for the latest 802.11n standard to give better speed and range when connecting to a compatible router.

One part of the Q70 has been downgraded, however, and that's the graphics. The nVidia GeForce 8400M G, a dedicated graphics card capable of at least attempting many

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3D games with the detail levels turned down, has been replaced in this model by Intel integrated graphics, which wouldn't even run our 3D benchmark. Samsung probably reasoned that gamers weren't the most likely audience for this machine.

The chassis in which these capable components reside is also pretty decent. The Q70 is a stylish-looking laptop thanks to Samsung's distinctive glossy lid, which does, unfortunately, attract fingerprints faster than any of the kit in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. The angular base is a bit chunky, but dovetails well with the lid and forms a good-looking package that's also relatively robust.

Image conscious

One of the most important aspects of a laptop is the screen, and here the Q70 really delivers. The bright, colourful panel is so good that we'd be confident enough to use it for serious photo editing as well as general work. Our only minor complaint is that its high-gloss finish causes distracting reflections in brightly lit rooms. It does make movies and games look even better, though.

The keyboard is comfortable, although the layout takes a little getting used to: the Windows key is on the right, rather than the left, and the Fn key is stuck in the bottom left-hand corner - we kept hitting it when we meant to press Ctrl. This could have been solved had the keyboard taken up all the available space, but instead there's an inch left at either side, which seems wasted.

Battery life is good, certainly enough for most train journeys, partly thanks to the removal of the dedicated graphics card. We managed four hours and 40 minutes of light use, which is longer than the previous Q70 and most other laptops. Under heavy use this dropped to just under two hours. These are good figures, but the Acer Travelmate lasts longer, which could be worth considering if battery life is the major factor for you.

The slightly odd keyboard and bulky dimensions prevent this feeling like the perfect ultraportable, but didn't stop us being impressed. With a fast processor, plenty of storage and better than average battery life, it's an excellent travelling companion.