Samsung RV720 review

Like most budget 17in laptops, the RV720 uses an entry-level Core i3 processor to keep costs low. The Core i3-2310M used here runs at 2.1GHz, which is fast enough for most tasks, especially when paired with 4GB of RAM. However, it lacks the Turbo Boost ability of faster, more expensive i5 CPUs. This came across in our multimedia benchmarks, where the RV720 managed an overall score of 42. While this is by no means slow, it does fall behind similarly priced Core i5 laptops.

Without a dedicated graphics card, the CPU’s integrated graphics chip has to take over video rendering duties. This is fine for drawing the Windows desktop, and even playing high definition video, but it can’t cope with modern games. Our Dirt 3 test struggled along with a poor average frame rate of just 13.5fps.

Unsurprisingly for a laptop with a 17in screen, battery life wasn’t exactly stellar. Just under four and a half hours in our light use test shows that the RV720 isn’t well suited to a life on the move and you’ll have to keep the power brick to hand, although it is refreshingly small and light.

You’re unlikely to buy a 17in laptop if you want something portable, which makes concerns such as battery life less of an issue. For something designed to sit at a desk, the RV720 is a great all-round laptop that looks like it’s a lot more expensive. If you want a large screen, there are very few alternatives out there that are quite such good value.