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Samsung’s Notebook 9 laptops now available, include the lightest desktop replacement yet

As much as laptops have increased in power over what they were a decade ago, physically they’re very different, too. What once was heavy, thick, and bulky, is today svelte and doesn’t pose much of a risk to your back if you hoof it around in a carry-case. Samsung has followed this trend with its latest Notebook 9 release, which despite being large and powerful, weighs just a few pounds.

Specifically, the 15.6 inch model weighs just 2.9 pounds, while the 13.3-inch model is even lighter at 1.9 pounds (thanks Liliputing).

Starting at $1,000, there are a number of different hardware configurations for the Notebook 9s, all of which were announced back in January. Depending on where you shop for it, the 13.3-inch model comes in two options: with a 1080p display, Core i5 6200U CPU  and sporting Intel HD Graphics 520; or a QHD+ (3,200 x 1,800p) display of the same size, with a Core i7 6500U processor.

The more powerful option is also a little more expensive at $1,200.

The larger form factor, 15.6-inch iteration has similar options, though its default 1080p display model comes with the same Core i7, priced at $1,200 also. This 15-incher, which again, just weights 2.9 pounds, is the lightest desktop replacement laptop yet (we did see a lighter one from LG at CES, but it’s not available yet).

Regardless of which model you pick however, the other internal hardware is identical. Each one comes fitted with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of solid state drive storage — though the most powerful of the options uses the SATA III interface, rather than the M.2 that the others have.

Battery life is largely dependent on the model purchased. The slower i5 model uses a 4,000mAh battery, giving it up to 10 hours of battery life, whereas the enhanced 13.3-inch model gets a 5,120mAh battery giving it up to 12 hours usage before running dry.

That same battery can be found in the 15.6-inch model, though due to the heftier hardware requirements of that graphics chip, it provides overall battery life of 7.3 hours.

These laptops can be purchased straight from Samsung now, with a couple of the models available on Amazon.

Jon Martindale
Jon Martindale is the Evergreen Coordinator for Computing, overseeing a team of writers addressing all the latest how to…
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