Our model’s cooling system is silent when idle and performing office-type tasks. When Samsung’s “Eco Mode” is enabled, the fan doesn’t spin at all – in which case the hard drive is the most noticeable component, as it emits a fairly loud clacking sound when first accessed. System noise can increase to 42 decibels (dB(A), depending on how demanding the processor or GPU-intensive applications are. This is definitely noticeable, but it’s not too annoying.

Noise Level

Power consumption is not only important for the environment – it also gives insight into how energy efficient the system is going to be while running on battery power. In Eco Mode and idle the Series 3 NP350V5C is less efficient than the Vostro 3560, Inspiron 15R and Inspiron 15R (although the Samsung Series 5 550P5C-5C-T02 notebooks use more power). The Notebook consumes 73.1 Watts when full load. However this value can’t easily be compared to other models because of the differences in hardware. A Vostro 3560 review was done with an i5-3210M. However, a Vostro 3560 with the optional i7-3612QM version is also available. This power adapter, rated at 90 Watts, is adequately sized and should provide enough headroom.

Our AMD-equivalent system, the Series 3 355V5C–S05DE, consumes less overall power: We measured between 14.1 to 67.1 Watts (idle/load).

It would have been ideal: light weight, solid build quality, long life battery, attractive looks and an excellent price-performance ratio. However, we could not overlook the fact that the design lacks stability and rigidity. While the multimedia notebook accomplishes most of its tasks, it can also be used as a tool for video editing, watching movies, and occasionally gaming. However, gaming on full battery power is where this notebook falls short. Both the processor as well as the graphics card reduce their output dramatically. Users are forced to decrease the quality in order to compensate.

Those who are able to live with the limitation of the NP350V5C–S07 will enjoy the design. However, the street price of 800 Euros ($1000), is fair. This results in very limited competition. While the Dell Vostro 3560 has similar hardware, is lighter and costs 50 Euros ($65), and can last twice as long, there are no comparable options.

The Dell Inspiron15R Special Edition has a more powerful graphics card, but it is also heavier and costs more. However, the battery life and build quality are both shorter and less satisfactory. If systems with a 17-inch screen are an option, either the HP Pavilion g7-2007sg (750 Euros / ~$975; glossy-type display) or the Acer Aspire V3-771G-736b8G50Maii deserve a look. If you’re looking for a system with a higher price, less-powerful components, and fewer battery lives than the competition, then the NP355V5C featuring AMD hardware might be the best option.

Its positive characteristics include the high battery life, potent hardware, the sleek design, and the 2.34kg (5.16lb) price. However, this notebook may be an acceptable option if the user is willing to accept performance limitations while the notebook is not plugged in, the dimmable display and lack of rigidity. No other notebook offering the same form factor can offer comparable performance for the price.

Review unit offered by…

We love the very low weight, and fair prices.

What we’d like to see Higher rigidity and resilience – especially around the keyboard area and for the display lid itself.

It is amazing how little the notebook can run on batteries.

Contemporary Notebooks have the same form factor as ours and perform similarly.

Dell Inspiron 15R Special Edition , Dell Vostro 3560, Samsung 550P5C, MSI GE60-i789W7H , as well as Samsung Series 7 700Z5A . For larger screens, please contact us.

HP Pavilion g7-2007sg or Acer V3-771G-736b8G50Maii. Acer Travel offers a smaller screen option. The Mate P643MG-5324G75Mikk may be worth a glance.

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