Samsung launches Windows 8 notebooks

Samsung on Tuesday launched its range of Windows 8 devices, while announcing upgraded versions of its Series 5 and Series 9 notebooks which will now feature the new operating system from Microsoft. Along with the Ativ Smart PC, Ativ Smart PC Pro and Series 5 Ultra Touch, the company also launched a 15-inch Series 9 Ultrabook with touch as well as an AMD-based Series 5 Ultrabook.

Uday Bhat, director of Samsung's IT business, said its notebook business is expected to grow 50 per cent in the next year, driven by Ultrabooks and tablet PCs. Ravi Gulati, DGM IT Business, later said the company will no longer have Windows 7 devises on offer.

The Ativ Smart PC and Ativ Smart Pro are convertibles, which can be transformed from notebooks to tablets with the click of a button. Both devices will be compatible with the Samsung's popular S-pen and will come with S-note preloaded with the S-note app. At 99 mm thickness, the Smart PC will feature the Intel Atom Z2760 process, while the Smart Pro will have the more powerful Intel Core i5 processor. They are priced at Rs 53,990 and Rs 75,490 respectively.

The Series 5 Ultra Touch notebook will be a 13.3-inch device with a 3rd generation Intel Core processor. This device will cost Rs 64,990 and will come with premium features. There will be a cheaper Series 5 option running on an AMD Quad Core processor and without a touchscreen option. This will sell for Rs 43,990.

Samsung's Series 9, which is undoubtedly the world's thinnest notebook, will now come in a 15-inch screen size with Windows 8. This notebook will cost Rs 1,07,990.