Samsung Series 5 Ultra 530U4B

Overview

TechSpot Metascore

Based on 24 expert reviews

Excellent:

0
Good:

13
Average:

6
Bad:

5

Pros:

SSD makes for snappy boot times.
Good screen.
Range of connectivity options.

Cons:

Weighs more than a real Ultrabook.
Plastic is alarmingly easy to snap in places.

TechSpot is supported by its audience. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

Last revision on January 27, 2014

Reviewers Liked

SSD makes for snappy boot times
Good screen
Range of connectivity options
Built-in optical drive
Plenty of ports
Comfortable trackpad/keyboard
Excellent display
Included optical drive
Long battery life
Above-average performance
Comfortable keyboard
Plenty of ports
Good Webcam and sound
Carries an optical drive
Offers lots of ports
Optical drive and 14-inch screen top generic ultrabooks
Hybrid hard drive system almost as fast as SSDs

Reviewers Didn't Like

Weighs more than a real Ultrabook
Plastic is alarmingly easy to snap in places
Average battery life and performance
Battery life could be better
Screen has limited viewing angle
Plastic bottom
Some unrefined, uncomfortable edges
Touchpad is not very accurate
Heavy almost 4 pounds
No big advantage in weight or battery life over ultraportables and 14-inch slimlines
Screen has limited viewing angles
Below-average battery life
Keyboard not backlit
Inconsistent wake-from-sleep times

Expert reviews and ratings

Not just another thin notebook - it is very thin – but this has a far bigger selling point. Simple figures, initial boot time 70 seconds, initial shutdown time 25 seconds, once the 16GB SSD second drive gets to work boot is 20 seconds and shutdown...

By GadgetSpeak on September 10, 2012

The 530U4B-S01AU is Samsungs first attempt an ultrabook/all-rounder hybrid; unlike most of the former, it has both a dedicated graphics card and a DVD burner. According to Samsung marketing spiel, its meant to offer exceptional...

By APC Magazine on July 27, 2012

The Series 5 Ultra is a decent notebook, but it’s certainly not an Ultrabook. The unit may be sleek, but it’s not Ultrabook-sleek, despite what Samsung claims. The device also feels much heavier than other Ultrabooks, in part due to the...

By tbreak.ae on May 28, 2012

This one's geared at the user who's willing to take the next step forward in embracing the next generation of laptops but isn't quite ready to let go of some stuff...

By AsiaOne on May 18, 2012

Overall, Samsung's mid-range laptop with its RM2,999 price tag appears to straddle the blurry edge of what makes a portable computer and an Ultrabook. This one's geared at the user who's willing to take the next step forward in embracing the...

By TechCentral on May 18, 2012

If you miss the trappings of a normal laptop — optical drive, large-capacity hard drives, discrete graphics — but want to get in on the ultrabook rush, then the Series 5 Ultra 14-inch will do you...

By CNET Australia on May 17, 2012

Next Page » Tags: Samsung 530U , Samsung , Samsung 530U Review , Samsung NP530U4B , Samsung NP530U4B Review , Samsung NP530U4B features , Samsung NP530U4B price , Samsung NP530U4B price in India , Samsung NP530U4B specs , Samsung NP530U4B pros and...

By Tech2 on May 09, 2012

If you want an Ultrabook that has a lot of features -- including a built-in DVD burner -- then Samsung's Series 5 is for you. It also includes a dual-band Wi-Fi adapter, two USB 3.0 ports and HDMI. It's a comfortable notebook to use, but it...

By Good Gear Guide on April 19, 2012

This sub-$1,000 ultrabook makes few compromises, with its optical drive, long battery life, and strong performance. It's an excellent fit for those who value function and portability over design in a super-compact laptop....

By Computer Shopper on April 17, 2012

Is a slightly bigger screen and a DVD drive worth £100? We don’t think so, but the 14in Series 5 is still a great mid-range Ultrabook...

By Expert Reviews on April 17, 2012

Load More Reviews…