October 17, 2008 9:45 AM PDT

Samsung's first laptop on sale in U.S.

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Samsung Q310

(Credit: Newegg.com)

Samsung announced earlier this week that it would begin selling laptops in the U.S., and the first model, the 13-inch Q310 has is now for sale on Newegg.com. Two Q310 models are listed, the $1,049 Q310-34G and the $1,249 Q310-34P. (The prices reflect a $100 and a $50 discount, respectively.)

The Samsung Q310 weighs 4.4 pounds and features a 13.3-inch wide-screen display with a 1280x800 resolution. Oddly, despite its apparent consumer appeal, which includes Samsung's "touch of color" design (introduced earlier this year on its LCDs), the laptop comes with Vista Business. Other common features include Intel's Centrino 2 platform, 3GB of DDR2 RAM, integrated Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics, DVD burner, Webcam, and 6-cell battery. Draft N W-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet comprise your networking options. Also onboard are HDMI and VGA ports, Bluetooth, an ExpressCard slot, and a multiformat media card reader.

The lower-end Q310-34G features a 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5800 CPU and 250GB hard drive. The Q310-34P bumps you up to a 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 CPU and a 320GB hard drive.

Touch of red color along the front edge.

(Credit: Newegg.com)

Both Q310 models seem to indicate that Samsung is going after the U.S. market with aggressive prices. Using HP's new 13-inch Pavilion dv3500t as comparison, it costs $1,211 when configured to closely match the $1,049 Q310-34G and $1,386 when configured to match the $1,249 Q310-34P. (The HP dv3500t features a midrange Nvidia GeForce 9300M GS graphics card to the integrated Intel graphics found on both Samsungs.) The Samsung Q310 looks even rosier when viewed next to Sony's 13-inch Vaio SR190. A SR190 outfitted similarly to the $1,249 Q310-34P costs $1,449.

(Via Laptoping.com)

Matt Elliott, a CNET editor since 2000, heads up coverage of computer hardware, from desktops and laptops to their assorted components and peripherals. Prior to joining CNET, he worked for PC Magazine. When not writing about computers and wrestling with their shipping boxes, he likes shooting with his Nikon D50 camera. Matt is also skilled with a tape gun. E-mail Matt.