It looks like the 13-inch MacBook Air finally has some serious competition: the 13-inch Samsung 9 Series is a shade lighter, a touch thinner, and looks like the Air’s evil twin.
The differences in size and weight may amount to not much more than a rounding error – 2.89 pounds to the Air’s 2.9, and profiles of .64 inches versus .68 – but its black metal finish and sleek curves make it look like it belongs on the deck of the Death Star.
The 9 Series packs a 1.4GHz second-gen Core i5 processor, including Intel’s much-improved integrated graphics, and claims a downright decent 6.5 hours of battery life. You’re also looking at 4GB RAM, a 128GB SSD, and, surprisingly for the frame, a 1.5-watt subwoofer. Gilding this very thin lily are USB 3.0 and built-in WiMax 4G. It’s a wicked katana.
Which, of course, is going to cost you. The 9 Series comes this February with a $US1600 starting price. But hey – good looks and strong guts never come cheap.
Samsung introduces new 9 Series Thin and Light Laptop with stunning Superbright Plus display and premium design
All-new Durable Design and Long Battery Life Create Capable Computing for Professionals On-the-Go
LAS VEGAS, NV, January 5, 2011 – Samsung Electronics America Inc., a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Corporation, today announced the 9 Series, a durable, ultra premium, lightweight laptop computer at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The 13.3-inch 9 Series offers mobile professionals and power users a sophisticated laptop equally suited for work and entertainment. Thanks to a stunning design, Samsung’s hallmark SuperBright Plus display and Intel performance processing power, the notebook ushers in a new era in mobile computing. The 9 Series will be available on display at Central Hall booth #12006, January 6-9, 2011.
“Weighing less than 3 lbs., Samsung has designed the 9 Series to stand out, completely reimagining the notion of the traditional laptop,” said Scott Ledterman, director of mobile PC marketing at Samsung Enterprise Business Division. “When designing a premium laptop like the 9 Series, Samsung wanted to offer an unforgettable experience without limitations. The 9 Series laptop successfully combines elegant styling, performance and ease of use in an ultra thin and lightweight package.”
Unparalleled Styling
The 9 Series is made from material known as Duralumin, typically found in advanced aircrafts and offers construction quality twice as durable as aluminium, all while keeping the laptop weight under 3 lbs. To develop the 9 Series with the use of this new material, Samsung created an exhaustive testing process to ensure that the notebook is not only extremely sturdy, but also constructed with the perfect look and feel for technology savvy users.
The 9 Series’ naturally flowing design takes cues from the sleek styling and sophisticated beauty of a premium sports car. The silhouette evokes thoughts of speed and performance with an ultra-thin 0.64 inch profile. Additionally, the naturally flowing arch maximizes the laptop’s ergonomic appeal, making it easier to use and a natural fit for the human grip.
Ultra Vivid Display
The 13.3-inch 9 Series features a LED-backlit screen, offering users the highest quality visual experience expected from Samsung, thanks to SuperBright Plus display with 400- nit brightness. Digital images and multimedia are brought to life on the 9 Series, assisted by a 100,000:1 contrast ratio and true-to-life colour reproduction (16 million colours), enriching the computing experience for end users.
Additionally, the wide 160-degree viewing angle allows users to appreciate breathtaking screen images from a variety of vantages points, making the 9 Series easy to use whether in a user’s lap, on a desk or shared in a communal space. The laptop’s ambient light sensor adjusts the display brightness based on surrounding lighting conditions and reduces user eye strain. This innovative feature is complemented by an automatically adjusting backlit keyboard that adapts to darker light conditions with greater illumination.
Innovation Inside
The 9 Series integrates the second generation Intel® CoreTM i5 processor, affording users the latest in performance computer technology. Intel HD graphics, combined with the new processor, deliver crystal-clear visuals, vibrant colours and smooth high-definition (HD) video and audio playback.
Ensuring users are ready anytime anywhere, the 9 Series makes use of Samsung’s new power-efficient lithium polymer batteries, and achieves up to 6.5 hours of battery life on average. Lithium polymer batteries extend the life of the product with double the lifespan for up to three years or 1,000 charging cycles. Additionally, various charging settings, like a “Battery Life Extender Mode” and “Express Charging Mode” empower users with options to get the most from their experience.
Signature Samsung Technology
Samsung’s Support centre ensures all content stays safe and can help troubleshoot any particular problem. Accessible with a keyboard shortcut, the Support centre helps users manage their system settings or arrange for a tech-support web chat. Samsung’s Back-up & Recovery Solution also allows users to create and restore back-ups of system data on the device, or on a network or removable storage device.
Lastly, focusing on convenience and connectivity, the new 9 Series boasts USB 3.0, Bluetooth 3.0, built-in WiMax[i]and utilizes the latest in Wi-Fi and USB Sleep & Charge technologies.
The Samsung 9 Series is scheduled to be available in February 2011, starting at $US1,599. All Samsung mobile PC products are available through Samsung resellers and distribution channels, which can be located by calling 1-800-SAMSUNG or by visiting www.samsung.com.
Key Specs:
· CPU: Second Generation Intel® CoreTM i5 Processor 2537M (1.40 GHz, 3MB; turbo up to 2.3 GHz)
· Operating System: Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium (64 bit) / Windows® 7 Professional (64 bit)
· Memory: 4GB DDR3
· Storage (max): 128GB Solid State Drive (SSD)
· Screen: 13.3-inch HD LED-backlit SuperBright Plus display (400 nit)
· Resolution: 1366×768
· Graphics: Intel HD GT2 Integrated Graphics
· Speakers: 3 watt (1.5W x 2) stereo speakers and 1.5 watt sub-woofer
· Battery: Lithium Polymer; up to 6.5 hours
· Wireless: 802.11b/g/n; WiMaxi
· Weight: 2.89 lbs.