Samsung X series notebooks get CULV, more
updated 11:30 am EDT, Thu September 3, 2009
X120, X420, X520 all get new design
Samsung used the IFA show in Berlin to revamp its portables, starting with its X series notebooks. The X120 is Samsung's first system to use an Intel CULV chip and runs on a new dual-core, 1.3GHz Pentium SU4100 whose 10W power draw lets the system run for up to nine hours on a charge, even with a small four-cell battery. It also leads a new design language for the company with rounded, glossy shells that are resistant to both scratches and UV-related fading.
As Samsung's smallest X model, the X120 has an 11.6-inch display, a less than one inch thickness, and weighs 3 pounds but has relatively modest hardware inside. Besides the CULV part, it carries 2GB of RAM, a 250GB hard drive and Intel GMA 4500 graphics along with now common features like 802.11n Wi-Fi and a webcam.
The X420 and X520 haven't yet been fully detailed but represent more conventional 14- and 15-inch designs that may involve faster processors; each is as thin as the X120, and both still eke nine hours of battery life thanks to larger six-cell batteries.
Every system should ship this month, with prices ranging from 699 Euros ($999) for the X120 to 899 Euros ($1,285) for higher-end models. All three are so far listed only for Europe, but one or more are likely to arrive in North America.
