Samsung NC10 WARNING!!!

bazster

If you are planning on buying a Samsung NC10 Netbook, BEWARE!!! Some big-name stores (including Comet and Argos) are trying to con you by selling these desirable little computers with cheapo batteries which give far less battery life than you would expect.

Look for the detailed specifications. If it says that the battery life is 4 hours, then you are being taken for a ride: this is NOT the standard 6-cell battery. What you need to look for in the spec is that the battery is 6-cell,or 5200maH. The inferior ones are 3-cell, 2200maH - and the higher capacity batteries are VERY expensive to buy separately.

This is appalling behaviour by these stores. They know fine well that every review of this model refers to it's long battery life, and they also know that most buyers will not even think to check whether what they are buying is any different to what they have read about.

I've just ordered mine from Amazon, where it clearly states that it's the 6-cell battery. It better be, or it's going straight back!

kwikbreaks

Doesn't affect me as I bought a netbook a year or so back but an excellent caveat emptor and well worth watching out for.

mr_fishbulb

I was looking at the Acer Aspire One which has a similar thing with the battery.

They do not do a retail version with the larger battery, so if you want one you have no option but to buy it as an extra.

Esqui

bazster wrote: »

This is appalling behaviour by these stores. They know fine well that every review of this model refers to it's long battery life, and they also know that most buyers will not even think to check whether what they are buying is any different to what they have read about.

It's probably cost, rather than this. There's no benefit to them doing that to trick people, if they will get customers coming back complaining that the battery doesn't last as long as it should.

espresso

Just been reading a comparison table of eleven netbooks in a PC World freebie glossy and only two, the Samsung N110 and the Acer A0531 are not sold with the cheaper three cell batteries.

M4RKM

But they're not doing anything wrong by advertising it with 4 hours battery life, because that is what the 3 cell battery gives.... *shakes head*

i can't understand why this is a "warning" and "beware" etc, it's just reading specs before you buy something - aka common sense...

and I wouldn't class £50 for a new battery - very expensive - http://www.mini-laptop-accessories.com/6-cell-5200mah-samsung-nc1014gb-battery-white-p-675.html?currency=GBP

AirCooledHeaven

markymoo wrote: »

and I wouldn't class £50 for a new battery - very expensive - http://www.mini-laptop-accessories.com/6-cell-5200mah-samsung-nc1014gb-battery-white-p-675.html?currency=GBP

That's a generic battery, genuine Samsung is over £100. Maybe they're the same inside, maybe not...

alanjuk

I believe the ones in Argos are the three cell ones too

alanjuk

espresso wrote: »

Just been reading a comparison table of eleven netbooks in a PC World freebie glossy and only two, the Samsung N110 and the Acer A0531 are not sold with the cheaper three cell batteries.

I believe the Asus 1005 that they sell has a six cell because the info says upto 8.5 Hrs battery life.

LeeSouthEast

Big-chain stores conning the customer to obtain higher profit margins? I am shocked

bazster

markymoo wrote: »

But they're not doing anything wrong

Maybe not, but if my warning stops someone buying one of these deviously-advertised machines by mistake, then I'm happy.