Samsung and good design – this already goes extremely well with each other for a long time. That a high price, however, isn't absolutely necessary to finance an acceptable design is proved by the NC10 from Samsung. The gem is already obtainable slightly under 400.00 Euros and is therefore placed well in comparison to other netbooks.

The coloring already provides for an elegant entrée of the little Korean. The entire device is submerged into a velvety shimmering white, which would soonest correlate to a "cream white" on the RAL color palette. Most of all we were overzealous about one fact: Samsung does completely without reflective high-gloss surfaces for the NC10, completely opposite to for instance the HP Compaq 701eg netbook.

Once held in your hands, the netbook makes it completely clear that there's no need for an extremely sensitive lacquered surface in order for the notebook to score in design and presentation. The Samsung NC10 users are saved from dozens of fingerprints and fine scrub marks on the display.  A tiny exception must be made in this regard, though. It's advisable to clean the narrow chrome strip with a cloth every now and then.

Even in the conception of the case in view of stability Samsung hasn't made any mistakes. The base unit as well as the display have been made of a metal alloy, probably magnesium, giving the case a very high quality haptic and an excellent case stability. The netbook can be seized and picked up at all corners and edges without any problems. An excessive twisting remained absent and creaking noises weren't observed, either.

The display has to be especially remarked in terms of stability. This, as well, barely allows any twisting and offers a sufficient protection against compression. At first sight the display hinges make a solid impression, but when taking a closer look you can see the fake-metal plastic covers. But they hold the screen luffing-free in position; letting themselves be moved rather easily, anyway.

Like most netbook colleagues, the Samsung NC10 does without a closing mechanism for keeping the display in a locked position. This makes a certain amount of care during transportation necessary. The maximum opening angle of the display is approx. 140°. This was enough in order to usually adjust the display optimally even in the most awkward sitting positions. Therefore, not a problem for working at the desk or on the lap.