The Samsung M40 plus is a slick and stylish notebook, but unfortunately just doesn’t cut it compared to the others on test here. Despite packing an ATI Mobility RADEON 9700 under the bonnet, the Samsung is one of only two units to run Doom 3 in low quality mode by default.
 
The relatively low gaming benchmark result is due to the average components under the hood, with 512MB of RAM, 64MB of video memory, a 17-inch widescreen display, and the second slowest processor of the bunch.
 
On the flipside, the M40 plus certainly has some style – it’s the lightest and thinnest of the 17-inch notebooks we tested. Samsung has clearly tried to be innovative with its design by using a large, four-way button for hot key access rather than the standard row of buttons above the keyboard.
 
However, we would have liked to have seen some multimedia keys, as well as some external volume control.
 
It also unfortunately lacks some of the features of the cheaper units on test here like Bluetooth, Gigabit Ethernet, infrared, 802.11a and a multi-format memory card reader.
 
Ultimately, the M40 is a very stylish, ultrathin, ultra-light 17-inch notebook, but unfortunately it appears to sacrifice too many features for the style.
 
Combined with the relatively high price tag, and despite the ATI Mobility RADEON 9700, the Samsung simply doesn’t provide the best bang for your hard earned buck. For those looking for style and substance, the HP or ASUS cram more in for less so be sure to check them out as well.