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For performance testing the X22 was put through our usual set of tests, including PCMark 05 and our in-house Photoshop Elements and VirtualDub tests. We've also a got a new test, with a new edition of PCMark, PCMark Vantage, now available. At some point soon we'll be going through some of the new features of Vantage, but for now it's suffice to say that this new version adds a lot more real-world testing, extending testing into areas such as audio encoding, image authoring and productivity. Unfortunately, since it's still early days for the program, some of the tests failed to complete, but there were enough individual results to make them worthwhile. Moreover, in time we will be moving over to Vantage and abandoning PCMark 05 completely.

Overall, performance was decent with the X22 comparing well to similarly specified Latitude D630 across all tests. Also, because the X22 uses a discrete ATI card, it outperformed the D630 in graphics and gaming tests comfortably. However, the value of this is arguable since these are both business notebooks, while even with the superior graphics performance the X22 is no gaming machine.

However, perhaps the most important factor in regards to performance is the battery life, which has already been discussed. Had the X22 lasted longer than just over two hours then it would be a serious contender, but it loses at lot of kudos due to its below average stamina.

Ultimately, it comes down to whether you demand good battery life, or portability. As standard, if you opt for the Latitude D630 you get a six-cell battery capable of three or more hours of cordless usage, while it weighs 2.4kg. With the X22 you get between two and three hours of battery life, but it is 200g lighter at 2.2kg. As you can tell, there's not much in it and in truth it's been hard to come to any coherent conclusion regarding the X22's merits. It has many benefits, including a simple and unobtrusive design that maintains some class, while the addition of HDMI is something unique in its favour.

However, as a whole there are rather too many nagging questions in regards to the X22. Is the screen too reflective? Is the battery life insufficient? Is there enough desktop real-estate? Is it light enough for regular mobile use? If you can forgive some of these problems though, then the X22 is a compelling option for its value alone.

Verdict

An affordable and well appointed system, the Samsung X22 is let down by a myriad of little niggling doubts. If you believe it addresses your specific needs it's a very worthy option, but for others Dell's Latitude D630 may prove a more complete solution.

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