Labs

A top-end spec of Samsung's R60 Plus range has been an alternative Value Laptop choice on our A List for several months, so we know the family has quality. This time, however, we turn our attention to the most affordable model in the range.

Visually, there's nothing to tell the two models apart. The R60 Plus is a fantastic looking laptop and, although the glossy black lid is a real fingerprint magnet, it looks great. The R60 Plus even has twin catches to keep its lid firmly closed - a real boon when travelling.

The lid has a bit of give in it, but feels far sturdier than the likes of the Toshiba, and it kept the panel protected from all but the strongest pressure we applied. The base is similarly resilient, too.

The Samsung's fine build pays

ADVERTISEMENT

dividends when it comes to ergonomics. Typing on the R60 Plus is a pleasure thanks to comfortable full-sized keys; the wedge design helps, as it leans gently towards the typing position. There are few complaints to be levelled at the trackpad, either - it's responsive and the buttons press with an crisp and instant click.

For the money, the Samsung's specification is particularly good. An Intel Core 2 Duo T2330 processor nips along at 1.6GHz, and with 2GB of memory to keep Vista running smoothly it earned a good score of 0.78 in our benchmarks. The ATi Radeon Xpress 1250 graphics chipset managed to zip past its rivals in our low Crysis benchmark with a score of 13fps - that still isn't playable but shows the R60 will be far more capable in older games than most here.

One disappointment is the display. Brightness and contrast are good, but colours come out a bit too muted - a trait that left our photo subjects looking noticeably paler than usual.

Battery life is adequate rather than great. The R60 Plus idled for 2hrs 47mins before running dry, and managed 1hr 8mins under intensive use.

But, considering its £331 asking price, the iffy display and average battery life can't spoil the fact that it's a strong laptop. A generous 160GB hard disk and the excellent build mean it's certainly worth a place on your shortlist.