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Surprisingly, considering the price, Samsung has managed to squeeze discrete graphics into the X460, in the shape of an nVidia GeForce 9300M GS chipset with 256MB of dedicated memory. To be honest this won’t give you a massive advantage over the latest integrated graphics, but it does at least mean that you’re not having to give some of the system memory over to the graphics chip. Storage is catered for by a 250GB SATA hard disk, as opposed to the 128GB solid state drive that will ship with the X360. Although solid state storage brings some definite advantages over traditional Winchester drives, it also carries a significant price premium and it’s clear that Samsung is keen to make the X460 an affordable option for its customers.

Connectivity is first rate with an Intel 802.11a, b, g and n Wi-Fi adapter in evidence. This means that you’ll be able to connect up to the latest high speed wireless networks, whether at home or in the office. Added to that is a Bluetooth 2.0+EDR module, so you’ll be able to connect your phone, a headset or even wireless speakers up. You also get Gigabit Ethernet for high speed wired LAN connection, while there’s een a 56K modem thrown into the mix for old school Internet access.


The right side of the chassis is dominated by the integrated DVD writer. As well as supporting pretty much every DVD writable standard, including DVD-RAM, this drive is also LightScribe capable, so you’ll be able to label your discs without the need for a printer – assuming you have LightScribe compatible media of course. Also on the right is a USB 2.0 port and a 34mm ExpressCard slot. The front is barren apart from the memory car reader that supports MemoryStick, SD, MMC and xD formats. The card reader is also the one place where it looks like Samsung has cut a corner – instead of a blanking plate or spring loaded flap, the card reader has a somewhat ugly rubber bung protecting it.


On the left side you’ll find headphone and microphone sockets, another USB, a D-SUB port for analogue connection to an external monitor and the Ethernet port. Most of the rear is taken up by the six-cell battery, but there’s still room to squeeze in a third USB, the power socket, modem socket and an HDMI port for digital connection to an external monitor or TV.


Obviously the X460 isn’t quite as thin and light as the X360, but weighing in at 1.84kg, it’s still light enough to be carried around all day. Likewise, the dimensions of 330 x 246 x 32mm (WxDxH) are small enough to fit into most notebook bags, or even a briefcase. But the real killer blow from Samsung is that the MSRP for the X460 is going to be £999 including VAT, which means that it should be available online for less than that shortly after launch. Considering the specification, design, screen size and weight of the X460, you’re getting a hell of a lot for your money. Of course I can’t whole heartedly recommend the X460 until I’ve tested a full production sample, but from the time I’ve spent with this early unit, I think that Samsung could have a real winner on its hands.

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