Review: Samsung Q45-A007 notebook computer

Attractive looks and blazingly fast components, marred by a cramped keyboard

When the Q45 launched six months ago, Samsung promised the next revision would include Draft-N Wifi and Turbomemory; something everyone expected of a Santa Rosa notebook.

This is the updated Q45 and, while it fulfils on the wireless front, there’s still no sign of Turbomemory. That said, benefits associated with this technology are questionable at best.

Samsung has pretty much stuck with a winning formula, upgrading the CPU to a Core 2 Duo T7500 running at 2.2GHz. Combined with 2GB of Ram it’s comfortably the fastest on test climbing to 4,490 in PCmark05. The CPU score of 5,533 was 300 higher than the next in line and really makes this a speedy option.

The chassis is attractive in matt black and the glossy black LCD looks like it could take a knock. There’s no catch on the lid though, so it doesn’t feel as secure as the Lenovo X61 and it’s not as stable when carrying it about.

With our review model, the mouse clicks would only work from a certain angle. However, we then tested another Q45 that didn’t have the same flaw. Other complaints include the slightly loose hinge and small number of USB ports. One of the two USB ports is placed so close to the battery that wider USB keys and peripherals won’t fit.

The keyboard’s layout also takes some getting used to. Neither the question mark nor function keys are located where you would expect them, and the keys to the right of the keyboard are too cramped.

As well as jutting out by 19mm, the 4,400mAh battery’s prize feature is a five-LED scale that lets you find out the charge status without turning the notebook on.

It’s not the lightest, but it offers excellent value for money and is a good option if you need decent performance.

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This article is part of a group test, see also:
1 Introduction
2 The great weight conundrum
3 Acer Travelmate 6292 review
4 Advent 8112 review
5 Fujitsu Siemens Lifebook P7230 review
6 Hi-Grade Notino D2200 review
7 HP Compaq 2710p review
8 HP Pavilion TX-1260ea review
9 Lenovo Thinkpad X61 review
10 MSI PR200-064UK review
11 Panasonic Toughbook CF-W7 review
12 Samsung Q45-A007 review
13 Toshiba Portégé R500-10U review
14 Performance graphs, page 1 of 2
15 Performance graphs, page 2 of 2
16 Replacement battery costs
17 Conclusion and awards