The Samsung Go is an intriguing netbook. In other parts of the world, Samsung dubs this model the Samsung N310, but in the US, the company calls it the 'Go" to emphasize its portability and mobility features. But honestly, there's not much to set the Samsung Go apart from other netbooks in its class. It's not the cheapest, it doesn't have the biggest keyboard, the best battery life or the fastest processor.
But you know what? There's something very compelling about the Go, because it's rubberized case, good keyboard and attractive screen just make the netbook feel good to use. It also does get very respectable battery life while offering performance that's on par with what you'd expect from an Intel Atom based netbook.
The Samsung Go featured in this review has a 10.1 inch, 1024 x 600 pixel display, 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 CPU, 1GB of RAM, 160GB hard drive, 802.11b/g WiFi, Bluetooth, and runs Windows XP. It's available from Amazon for $440
Design
The number one thing that sets the Samsung Go apart from just about every other netbook on the market is its rubberized case. Notice I said rubberized, and not ruggedized. There is a difference. A ruggedized laptop is usually thick and heavy and includes special design elements that let you drop it from a great height step on it, or abuse it in other ways without causing serious damage. The rubberized case on the Samsung Go won't do that. But it does provide a little extra protection against scratches and scuffs, and it's surprisingly attractive.
When I first saw photos of the Samsung N310, I thought he case looked a bit like a toy. But up close, it's actually quite nice looking. The model reviewed here is the "midnight blue" version, but it's also available in "sunset orange" and "mint blue."
Like most netbooks, the Samsung Go has 3 USB ports, mic and headphone jacks, a VGA port, Ethernet jack, and SD card slot. The Ethernet port is protected by a plastic cover, and there's a rubbery cap that covers the VGA port. The VGA cap looks like it's just asking to be lost, but since most netbooks don't have a cover for this port at all, it probably wouldn't be the end of the world if you did misplace it.
There's a single access panel on the bottom of the netbook that you can remove to upgrade or replace the RAM. The battery doesn't quite sit flush with the unit, but it doesnt' stick out very far either.
One odd design choice that's drawn a fair bit of attention is the huge Samsung logo emblazoned across the lid. I kind of got used to it after a little while, but if you're opposed to carrying around a Samsung billboard with you everywhere you take your computer you'll either want to find another netbook or find some way to tastefully cover the lid with stickers of your favorite bands or something.
When you close the lid, the rubberized case forms a rounded edge all the way around the netbook, which would actually make it difficult to open (because it would be hard to get a grip) if it weren't for a small indent near the front of the netbook.
The screen tilts back a bit further than those found on some netbooks, but beause of the location of the hinge, it won't open as far as some netbooks like the Asus Eee PC 1000HE.
Keyboard and TouchPad
The Samsung Go features a chiclet-style keyboard that stretches pretty much from one edge of the netbook to the ot
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