Samsung Series 7 Gamer

Unlike typical mainstream laptops , gaming laptop is largely unconcerned with the portability and battery life . No , let the gaming laptop the very practical consideration in the grand pursuit of sheer, unbridled power . They were not designed to fit in your laptop bag in the same way armored tanks are not designed to be parked in your garage . The Samsung Series 7 Gamer ( $ 1,899 list ) gaming laptop is certainly fits this profile . It is a beast of a machine that packs the requisite killer combination CPU / GPU is required classes . It also sports some bells and whistles that help it stand out , including a dazzling display 1080p , Blu - ray compatibility , WiDi and a Mode Dial for toggling between the pre - set power settings . While overall performance is not quite as equally mad as the Editors ' Choice - winning , the Alienware M18X ( $ 4,529 direct , 4 stars ) , it comes admirably close for less than half the price .

Design and Features
Nothing about the Series 7 Gamer is humble and yet it is relatively small compared to others in its class . By being prudent plastic chassis measuring 2 by 16.1 by 11.2 inches ( HWD ) and weighs 8.4 pounds , its dimensions and weight are almost identical to the MSI GT70 0NC - 011US ( $ 1,999.99 direct , 4 stars ) . Both of these systems are nowhere near as huge and bulky as the Alienware M18X or the Eurocom Leopard 2.0 ( $ 3,606 direct , 4 stars ) , both of which sport 18.4 - inch displays and weigh over 12 pounds . The brushed aluminum finish around the bezel and palm rest as well Praise the smooth black plastic finish on the lid , and overall makes for an elegant system .

Additionally, I was able to forgive the Series 7 Gamer robustness of as soon as I laid my eyes on this gorgeous 17.3- inch glossy - coated screen . Simply put , the display is very good , with full HD 1080p ( 1920 by 1080 ) completed by a fully 400nits bright backlighting . While movies and games look fantastic on the Series 7 Gamer , the built -in WiDi ( Wireless Display ) gives you the added freedom to wirelessly hook up your system to another screen . Of course , this means that you need to connect a Netgear Push2TV HD receiver ( $ 99 list ) to your external display to take advantage of this perk , one rarely offered by other laptop in this class . Moreover , a two - megapixel webcam embedded in the bezel above the screen, for Web chatting whenever you are not gaming or watching movies .

In addition to the Mode Dial (more on this later ) , the right side of the laptop sports two USB 2.0 ports and tray - loading Blu - ray drive . Most of the actions related to the port - the left side of the Series 7 Gamer , with two USB 3.0 ports , three display output ( HDMI , DisplayPort , and VGA ) , a mic input , and a multi - format media card reader ( SD / xD / Memory Stick ) . And while the onboard stereo speakers are admirably strong, is looking to shake the building can use the 3.5mm audio - out jack to hook the system up to external speakers , as the scope of the level of bass is pretty disappointing .

Hand enough real - estate to the keyboard and palm rest to allow my large hands ( and spindly fingers ) to rest comfortably . The backlit keyboard is quick and responsive , as well as generously sized , complete with a spacious numeric keypad . Samsung rounds out its Aesthetic HUD - inspired with a touch - sensitive LEDs located directly above the keyboard that allow users to toggle Wi - Fi , the keyboard backlight , and adjust the volume , and an indicator for whether or not the " Turbo " mode overclocking became engaged . Much like the keyboard , translate enough size accompanying touchpad 's smooth clicking , scrolling and pinch - zooming .

One caveat : Even gaming laptops like Alienware M18X or the Eurocom Leopard 2.0 usually omit needless bloatware , the Series 7 Gamer is a fair value , including the usual suspects like a Bing Bar , a WildTangent game suite . Maybe because it contributes to the striking difference in price between the Series 7 Gamer and others in its class , though , it is an omission that I'm willing to accept in the light of all this has to offer .

Finally , the proprietary Samsung Mode Dial that . The knob on it allows to users to toggle between four settings , each one being active or disable certain features , such as fans of the system ( for " Library mode , " and thus allows it to function quietly to not disturb others in the library with mild to 17.3 - inch gaming laptop that you brought along ) . In essence , vary the four modes in the amount of power the Series 7 Gamer consumes . " Gaming Mode " maxes out the system and burns through the battery , which is the opposite of " eco mode . " " Balance mode " is suitable for everyday use and reach an evenhanded approach between the power of usage and performance . The Mode Dial on the back brings little change to the subject of your desktop, although not yet quite match the over - the- top transformation for " Gaming mode , " in which entry your laptop hardcore territory is signified by a modified desktop background and fleeting beeping and whizzing sound . Of course , you can change the theme or just disable them together if you so wish .

I eventually found the Mode Dial to be questionable value . While it was a fun idea , toggling between modes brought forth no discernible change in performance . Despite the claim Samsung , revealed our benchmark tests the Series 7 Gamer paradoxically performedbetter the " Balance mode " than it did in " Gaming mode , " casting further doubt on the practical usefulness Mode dial 's .

Although we tested the Series 7 Gamer same " Balance " and " Gaming " mode , points from the last mode is used for the sake of comparison because it is , after all , a gaming laptop . In addition , unless conserving battery life is inevitable , many users are likely to run performance - critical activities exclusively to gaming mode .