Samsung R40 notebook series includes Core i3/i5 CPU options; priced under $1000
Samsung has announced the forthcoming release of a number of new computers set for a mid-summer release. First up are a pair of new Samsung R40 series notebooks with some simple designs but powerful interiors, plus an upgraded Samsung R530-11.
The R40 series laptops are spec-packed machines for those needing a portable computer for productivity, entertainment and even some gaming. But with sub-$1000 price tags, don't expect the world.
All of the Samsung R40 series computers mentioned here run on Windows 7 Home Premium and have an HD LED-backlit display (1,366 x 768 resolution; 16:9 aspect ratio), 4GB of DDR3 memory, a 0.3-megapixel webcam, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Ethernet and a trio of USB 2.0 ports.
The new 14-inch R440-11 and 15.6-inch R540-11 (pictured above) will ship in July for $729 and $999 respectively. Here is where these two laptops differ:
Processor
- R440-11: Intel Core i3-330M
- R540-11: Intel Core i5-450M
Hard Drive (both 5400 RPM)
- R440-11: 320GB (max)
- R540-11: 500GB (max)
Graphics:
- R440-11: Intel GMA 4500MHD
- R540-11: ATI Mobility Radeon HD545v
Optical Drive
- R440-11: Super multi-layer DVD drive
- R540-11: Blu-ray drive
Battery life:
- R440-11: up to 4 hours
- R540-11: up to 4.5 hours
Weight:
- R440-11: 4.85 lbs.
- R540-11: 5.51 lbs.
The flagship R540-11 also sports an HDMI port. Then there's the upgraded 15.6-inch Samsung R530-11, which now has an Intel Core i3 CPU and NVIDIA GeForce 310M graphics. Also released in July, the R530 will cost $799.