Samsung X520 – 15.6in CULV Extreme Notebook
December 13, 2009 | Notebook, Samsung | 2 CommentsAs the X520 is essentially a big sister of the Samsung X120 in terms of looks is an interesting machine. Unfortunately, the cover is as bright as ever, but its light silver pearl makes a change from Nice variation on the usual piano black and does not show off fingerprints to the same extent.
Ski X520 display shows a black interior matte – Bravo Samsung as we are not fans of glossy paper! The screen surround is slightly convex, fitting snugly in the concave base, the sides are accented by a strip of faux chrome. Build quality is generally good, although not suffering from chassis flex here and there.
Samsung last this extremely simple design and a global minimum, with a power button sporting a small blue LED – the only side control from the keyboard and touchpad. All other shortcuts and controls typically found on a separate strip integrated into the keyboard as secondary functions and are clearly stated. We also appreciate the Fn key twice, one of which is hands down just above the cursor keys as the host brightness and volume.
Unfortunately, the mosaic-type keyboard, which includes a full numeric keypad, leaves us with mixed feelings. Layout is impeccable, and the keys “broad, smooth surface is comfortable to the touch. However, while travel is good and the keys to give an audible click when pressed, they also feel a bit loose. Combined with some bending and a rattle noticeable towards the edges of the keyboard, we have certainly come through the efforts of better quality. [via trustedreviews]
