Samsung Q320 - 13.4in Laptop - Samsung Q320

For our performance benchmarks we compared the Q320 against the outgoing Q310 and the similarly specified Toshiba Satellite U400-189 we looked at recently. All are 13in machines of some variety, so make for natural comparisons. Until recently the Q310 was available for around the same price as the Q320, but in most instances (where stock is available) it's retailing for £100 or so more than the Q320 now.

This price differential is logical given the slight performance superiority the Q310 enjoys over the Q320. This is due to it featuring a faster Centrino 2 spec processor, though the Q320 still puts in a creditable performance. Unless you need oodles of processing overhead there's little cause for complaint.

It also manages to outperform the Toshiba, which has the same processor and complement of RAM. This is due to the Q320's discrete graphics, which gives it a significant edge in the Gaming segment as well as the TV & Movies tests, where it benefits from nVidia's video processing engine. It also outperforms the Q310 here due to its video engine being a newer version than that of the nVidia 9300M powered Q310. In reality, though, the difference is pretty negligible.

Just as important, if not more so, than raw performance is battery life and the Q320 is strong here, too. Though it's beaten by the Q310 by 20 or 30 minutes in the Productivity and Reader tests, its six-cell 4,400mAh battery (which has a handy battery meter) still delivers over three and half hours and four hours respectively. This puts the Q320 comfortably ahead of the Toshiba, and other than the likes of the Acer Aspire Timeline 4810T, whose £100 premium and significantly slower processor put it in a different class, there are few notebooks at or around this price that can match the Q320. This said, if you're less concerned with performance and more with battery life, the 4810T does provide a tempting alternative provided you can find the extra cash. Failing that you can always expense it!

Verdict

This is a well considered and classy step-forward from its predecessor. While the Q310 was overly flashy and slightly gaudy, the Q320 is more restrained and offers a look and feel that surpasses its affordable price. This view can be applied to its feature set and performance as well, making this a stonking bargain that's perfect for anyone who needs a little portability without sacrificing performance.