Ultrabooks have long been considered the elite of the laptop world, offering the perfect combination of versatility, productivity, and portability in one easy-to-manage package. Unfortunately until the past year, the trifecta of these elements has always come at a heavier-than-average price. Samsung is looking to break that pattern with its release of the new ATIV Book 9.
This new laptop offers up to a 256GB SSD to fit all your storage requirements (along with a subscription to Samsung’s cloud service for the extras), or a more than reasonable 128GB option in the base model. Both versions also have a 12.2” WQXGA (2,560 x 1,600) LED display powered by an Intel HD Graphics 5300 internal chip.
The brand new Intel Core M-5Y10C keeps the system running at top speed while maintaining efficiency. Though not as quick as a “standard” Core processor, the chip helps Samsung keep the Blade 9’s dimensions down to a compact 11” x 8’ package.
The Book 9 is rated at 10.5 hours of battery life and weighs a feathery 2.09 pounds. Connectivity includes 2 USB 3.0 ports, a micro-HDMI video output, and one slot for your SD expansions needs.
The base model of the Book Blade 9 sells for $1,200 with 4GB of memory and a 128GB SSD, and jumps up from there to $1,400 for double the RAM and storage space, respectively.
All versions of the system will be compatible with Samsung’s SideSync, a utility that allows connectivity with the company’s phones. Owners of a Blade 9 and a compatible smartphone can use SideSync to send texts, share files and make phone calls with and from the laptop.
The ATIV Book 9 will be coming to retailers in the United States on March 1st.
