Samsung may be playing second fiddle on Windows Phone these days, but they are still all in on the PC and laptop front. Last night, Samsung showed off their latest creation, the ATIV Book 9, which is a refresh of their continuing ATIV Book series (there is also a 'Pro' version).
The ATIV Book 9 is quite the looker with its all-aluminum, unibody design and its razor-thin 0.46-inch profile. The whole package weighs just 2.06 pounds, and it sports a 12.2-inch WQXGA (2560×1600) display that is a non-touch screen.
The ATIV Book 9 is powered by the new Intel Core M processor – the same found in the new Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro. As such, it is not a powerhouse in terms of performance, but it can come close to the older Core i5 in certain tests. However, the big selling point with the Core M's is the ability for devices to be fanless, and that is the case here with the ATIV Book 9. Additionally, the ATIV Book 9 can be super thin and get decent battery life from that new Core M.
Impressions? I have been a big fan of the ATIV Book 9 series for a while now, having owned the ATIV Book 9 Plus in the past. The ATIV Book 9 shown here continues that excellent design aesthetic with the cut metal design and high-quality feel. The display, which, unfortunately, is not touchscreen, is one of the brightest available being able to achieve 700 nits outdoors. Samsung's displays have always been top notch, and the ATIV Book 9 continues that.
Who is it for? The ATIV Book 9 is ideal for students, professionals or those who need a lightweight, high-quality, device for writing, taking notes, managing email, and doing light work. Starting at $1,199.99 the ATIV Book 9 is by no means a budget device, but instead falls into the premium, high-end spectrum.
Speaking of ATIV Book 9 Pro aka the one with the bigger 13.3-inch touchscreen display and proper Core processors, Samsung is refreshing that line too. Customers can look towards the new Broadwell CPU to be included in that refreshed device in the "coming weeks". The ATIV Book 9 Pro is a more proper Ultrabook and with its Core i5 (or i7) CPU on board, is more ideal for those who need more power on the go.
Finally, in talking with Samsung, they seem very excited about Windows 10 and appear to be 'all in' with laptops and hardware later this year. It should be interesting to see what they bring to the table later in 2015.
