Samsung NC10 Netbook

Click here to view the rest of the post, all the photographs and the RAM upgrade guide.

I recently realised that my Dell Inspiron 6400 laptop wasn’t exactly the most convenient laptop for carrying around. I needed a laptop that I could carry around and stash away practically anywhere. I needed something handy for storing sickening amounts of photographs when abroad. And sometimes for internet access too.

That’s where the netbook came in. A netbook is basically a smaller laptop with all the features of an ordinary laptop bar the DVD/CD drive. After considerable researching, the same name kept popping up and popping up. The Samsung NC10. Famed for it’s great battery, it’s great specs and even better price. I decided that I wanted it.

I choose Elara.ie to purchase the netbook. I ordered on the 25th of January, a Sunday night. It was delivered that Tuesday. Fair play Elara.

Samsung NC10 Specifications:

Operating System: Windows XP Home SP3.
Processor: Intel Atom N270 1.6 GHz.
Hard Drive: 160GB.
Ram: 1GB DDRII 667mhz (Upgradable).
Graphics: Intel GMA 950 128MB.
Screen Size: 10.2″ TFT.
Colours: Black, blue, white, pink.
Other: 3 in 1 card reader, integrated webcam, WIFI, bluetooth.

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First of all, apologies on the low depth of field in the following photographs. All I had on me when taking these snaps were a 50mm f/1.8. And it was night-time.

 

Upgrading RAM on a Samsung NC10

The first thing I generally do whenever I buy a computer is upgrade the RAM if possible. RAM at the moment is as cheap as ever. The standard RAM in the NC10 is 1GB DDRII 667mhz. I have upgraded that to 2GB DDRII 667mhz. There is only one slot available in the NC10 so you can only use one module. There is a 4GB DDRII 667mhz RAM module available but it’ll set you back about €150 and your Samsung NC10 will only pick up about 3.25GB of it due to your 32bit operating system.

Here is the 2GB DDRII 667mhz module that I purchased from MemoryC.ie

http://www.memoryc.ie/products/description/2GB_OCZ_DDR2_SO_DIMM_PC2_5400_667MHz_Value_Series_memory_module_CL5/index.html

As on 31/01/2009 the price for the above module is €27.34

Requirements

Your RAM module you want to upgrade with.

Small star-head screwdriver.

Your Samsung NC10.

That’s it.

Quick Guide

Discharge yourself of any ESD by touching a unpainted section of your radiator.

Locate the RAM plate on your Samsung NC10.

Remove the RAM plate.

You will see the RAM module being held in place at the sides by two metal pieces. By pushing these two the side, they will lock and the RAM module will rise. You can then slide the old RAM module out.

You then have to insert the new RAM module. It has to be lined up perfectly. There is a little notch in the bottom of your RAM module that has to be lined up when inserting.

Screw back on the RAM plate.

Turn on computer and see if the RAM has registered by going to…

> My Computer

> View system details/information

If your computer wont turn or you are having booting problems you either have faulty RAM, you have it in incorrectly or you have RAM that’s not compatible with the laptop.

 

 

If you wish to buy off different sites the information for the RAM you’ll need is…

Any brand will do but try to stick to good brands.

You will need RAM speeds of either 667mhz or 800mhz. (800mhz RAM will run at speeds of 667mhz).

You will need RAM size 2GB or 4GB (Your laptop will only pick up 3.25GB of this).

Make sure the RAM is of the type SO-DIMM.

Remember you only have one module you can use at anytime so be careful of online company’s advertising. Sometimes they advertise 2GB of RAM when it’s actually 2X 1GB.

If you need help or anything give me a shout.

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