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(More customer reviews)Several weeks ago I purchased a Samsung RF-711 while overseas. Over the years, I've been impressed with the reliability and functionality of the Samsung R series notebook computers, so I decided to check out the RF series. Understand that the RF series laptops come in a variety of configurations. To be brief - An RF-711 sold in Singapore is configured differently from an RF-711 sold in the states. The same can be said for almost every country(continent), as to where the Samsung RF-711 will have variations of components. They will differ in HDD, ODD, video card, RAM, even processor.
As I researched the RF series, one thing became clear to me. You cannot expect there to be any consistency whatsoever in the configuration of each 'specific'(S01,S02,...) model number. I've seen the RF-710-S01's w/ or w/o Blu-Ray, w/ or w/o an Intel i7, etc.. Same thing with the RF- 711. Some have Blu-Ray, some don't. Some have an i7, some don't. Some have 4GB ddr3, some have 6GB. It's important to note that the RF laptops will have a two-letter extension according to which country the laptop is being sold, i.e. Samsung RF-710-S04RU is for Russian markets.
My point being that you may encounter some discrepancy in the configuration of these laptops according to model #. Don't expect an online retailer to be accurate with the technical description of components. I've contacted several different retailers(including Amazon) and I've encountered countless contradictions from what they had listed online to what a customer service rep. actually confirmed. I've never encountered such a situation while purchasing a laptop, and I've bought quite a few over the the last 15 years.(or maybe never realized)
I for one, did not let this discourage me, as I'm willing to sort through the confusion because Samsung makes GREAT machines. I've owned an Acer, Apple, Asus, Dell,hp, Samsung, and Toshiba - several actually. I prefer the Samsung because they have had the least amount of problems and they perform VERY well.
Last week, when I arrived back in the states I bought another RF-711 from amazon - see below
NP-RF711-S02US:
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium(64bit)
CPU: Intel Core i7 2630QM
LCD: 17.3" LED HD+ (280 nit Gloss)
VRAM: NVIDIA GT540M GDDR3 1 GB Hybrid
Memory: 4 GB
HDD: 750 GB
ODD: Super Multi Dual Layer (SATA)
WIRED: 1 GB LAN
COMMUNIC: 802.11bgn + BT3. OHS
COLOR: Black
Overall, this laptop has extraordinary value. It does have its drawbacks however. The lack of a Full HD screen being the main gripe. The screen on this model is average at best, be that as it may this machine performs like a champ. I rely on this laptop to run CS5 and other similar apps that push the Open GL performance of your video card- and I am very impressed! If your primary use is to play games, this laptop may or may not suit your needs. I'd do some research on the 'hybrid' Optimus line of NVIDIA VRAM.
PROS:
1. Intel i7 2630QM
2. Large HDD - 750GB (5400rpm)
3. USB 3.0 [( 2 ports)4 total]
4. Bluetooth V3.0
5. 1 GB NVIDIA GeForce GT540M (Optimus) Graphics Processor ... see below
6. easily upgradeable to 8GB DDR3
7. battery life
8. ~~~Runs Cool! ~~~
9. Fast Start
10. Samsung software... ALL of it .
CONS:
1. Resolution 1600 x 900 (Not Full HD)
2. Screen - Average at best
3. NVIDIA control panel
When factoring all the pros and cons of this laptop and making a comparison to other machines, let me say this: Samsung software is incredible. By incredible I mean that I actually want it, it is actually useful, and it actually works. I can't say that about other notebook computer's pre-loaded software(with maybe 1 exception). Upgrade to a SSHD(2 bays) and off you go...
For me, this is the best deal available in a 17" laptop that fulfills my needs. I've bought 2 in 6 weeks and they've performed beyond my expectations.
*** Updated 7/19/11 ***
Several weeks have past since this review was created. A quick update for the Samsung RF-711's that I have purchased will add further insight. I'd like to also mention a few key points that the initial review didn't appropriately address.
The Samsung laptop purchased from Amazon is accompanied with a System Recovery Disc(OS). Theses discs have become a rarity w/ laptop purchases. My reaction to finding this disc made the unboxing so much more enjoyable. The laptop also comes equipped with Samsung System Recovery Solution 5. This utility allows the user to back up the entire OS and also create a separate back up of all Samsung applications and drivers.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung RF711-S02 17.3-Inch Laptop (Black)
Go from a spreadsheet to the far reaches of the galaxy without missing a beat with the Samsung RF711 notebook (model NP-RF711-S02US), which is designed to satisfy both gamers and photo/video professionals. The super-bright 17.3-inch LED-backlit display brings games and videos to clear and colorful life, while the NVIDIA Optimus GeForce GT540M chipset with 1 GB DDR3 memory provides amazing graphics power.
Run demanding applications with the Intel Core i7 quad-core processor (see larger image).
Click here for more information about Samsung RF711-S02 17.3-Inch Laptop (Black)
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