The Samsung NC10 is one of the best netbooks on the market and is certainly one of the fastest selling. This is a 10.2-inch netbook running Windows XP and comes with 1024MB of memory and 160GB hard drive. It weighs a mere 1.3kg, so perfect for carrying around with you.
However, it is possible to build on this portable wonder simply by getting to know the device. We’ve put together our Top Five tips for getting more from your Samsung NC10.
The Samsung NC10 easily delivers over five hours of battery life in standard mode and can run all the applications you’re likely to need when on the move. Sure, there isn’t a DVD drive so you won’t be able to watch movies but with a bit of forward thinking, you can easily cram the 160GB hard drive with DivX movies to watch on your travels.
Thinking of buying a netbook, check out the Samsung NC10 for the best deals around.
1: Manage the battery
The Samsung NC10 can easily last for over five hours in standard mode. However, Samsung claims you’ll be able to get closer to seven hours if you use its Battery Manager software. This comes already installed on the NC10 and allows you to set the netbook to match the way you work.
You can choose from four settings, Performance, Battery Life, Normal and even Customised, so you can match exactly what you need at any specific time. We recommend you set this tool up to run in the taskbar at the bottom of the screen, so you can switch modes at the click of a button.
2: Manage your Wi-Fi
Wireless LAN gives you freedom to work anywhere in the house and if you’re out and about you can even us it at wireless hotspots. However, it is something of a battery drain, so it pays to switch it off when not using it. Samsung has made it easy by adding a keyboard shortcut. Simply click Fn and then the F9 key and wireless LAN will be switched off. Repeat the sequence and it’ll turn itself back on again.
3: Samsung Update Plus
Netbooks are new and we’re learning new things about them all the time. This is turn leads to Samsung updating the software. So, keeping up to date with the latest software will often speed your laptop or netbook up. Sure, you can go to the Samsung website and check if there are any new drivers but why bother when Samsung is willing to do it for you? The NC10 comes with a neat little application called Samsung Update Plus, which as its name suggests, keeps your Samsung updated.
Just like Windows Automatic Updates, this program is rather clever, as it can be set to go and fetch updates as and when they become available. So, you only need to run it once and from then on it will keep you updated.
4: Think accessories
Sure, your netbook has everything you need to get up and running, and even comes with a neat little slipcase to protect it when out and about. However, there are a few things you can do to enhance the user experience.
The first is to invest in an external optical drive, so you can install new software and even use the NC10 for watching movies. If you opt for a DVD rewriter, you can even use it for backing up your netbooks hard drive, so you don’t run the risk of losing all your important stuff should the HDD fail.
A few other accessories you should think about are a carry case specially made for the NC10. This will protect the netbook on longer journeys and also allow you to carry other things too. When using the NC10 at a desk you could add an external mouse, so navigating the screen is even easier. We’d also suggest a USB memory stick for backing up files on a daily basis, or even for simply swapping stuff easily between machines.
5: Mobile Broadband
We’ve already pointed out a few hot Mobile Broadband deals, but if you really want to make the most of the Samsung NC10 then we’d advice going truly mobile.
With a Mobile Broadband account you’ll be able to surf the net, check email and keep in touch with friends using Skype. After all, the NC10 comes with a 1.3-megapixel webcam and microphone built-in, so you’ve no excuse not to make the most of it and stay connected with family and friends.
We really like the Samsung NC10, as it’s one of the most user-friendly netbooks out there and by following these simple tips, we know you’ll be happier than ever.
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