By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
TechgoonduTechgoonduTechgoondu
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
    • Software
    • Cybersecurity
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
    • Cellphones
    • Tablets
  • PC
  • Telecom
Search
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Hands on: Samsung Series 9 notebooks are things of beauty
Share
Font ResizerAa
TechgoonduTechgoondu
Font ResizerAa
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
  • PC
  • Telecom
Search
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
    • Software
    • Cybersecurity
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
    • Cellphones
    • Tablets
  • PC
  • Telecom
Follow US
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Techgoondu > Blog > PC > Hands on: Samsung Series 9 notebooks are things of beauty
PC

Hands on: Samsung Series 9 notebooks are things of beauty

Alfred Siew
Last updated: March 16, 2012 at 1:18 AM
Alfred Siew
Published: March 16, 2012
4 Min Read

Seldom do we go all ga-ga over just another notebook, especially at a time when everyone’s coming up with sexy, slim ultrabooks. But we have to bring up Samsung’s Series 9 notebooks, which simply ooze sex appeal in all the right ways.

Let’s start with the slim profile. By now, you’d expect nothing less from new premium laptops, whether they are in the “standard” ultrabook 13-inch guise or an increasingly common 15-inch version.

The Series 9 has two models that fit the bill exactly. The 15-inch version is touted as a the world’s slimmest in its class, and it’s no empty boast. At just 14.9mm thin – that’s like a small stack of credit cards – and weighing just 1.59kg, it is the simply the most portable laptop with a mid-sized screen.

Apple’s MacBook Pro 15-inch used to do it for me as the premium mid-sized laptop to match. Now, the 15-inch Series 9 looks better than that, proving that you can have a large screen while still carrying that laptop around without breaking sweat.

The smaller version of the Series 9 – the 13-incher – is even more extreme in the thinness game. You can say it’s somewhat anorexic, going by its 12.9mm and 1.16kg frame. If I have to go for a business trip, I’d carry this over a tablet any time, because it’s almost as light but lets me type and get work done much more easily.

But it’s not just the slimness in the machines that gets Samsung all the accolades, as we found out at the Korean electronics firm’s regional showcase in Bangkok this week.

The Series 9 looks good because it appears like a pretty piece of metal freshly cut from a larger block. In fact, the aluminium body feels solid to touch and brings with it a premium feel that used to be the preserve of Apple designs. Better yet, Samsung has learnt from previous experience and created a sand-blasted finish that keeps those ugly fingerprints off.

The last thing that I think raises the bar above rivals like the well-made Asus Zenbook is Samsung’s thinner bezel for its screens. Especially in the 15-inch model, you get a screen that looks bigger than it is. It also re-emphasises the Series 9’s lightweight appeal.

Performance-wise, the two models should come with Intel’s Core i5 and i7 CPUs along with 4GB and 8GB memory configurations. As you’d expect, the thin models will come with speedy and power-efficient solid state drives, either in 128GB or 256GB capacities.

What we also like, from a quick hands on today, is the XL-sized touchpad, which comes close to rivalling Apple’s best-of-class version. The Series 9’s keyboard does feel a little shallow when you type away, because of the thin profile, but it is not as uncomfortable to type on as other thin laptops that sometimes have your fingers banging the metal.

One thing we can’t say for sure now is how long the Series 9 laptops’ battery will last in regular usage. But we’d be certain to test them out as they arrive in Singapore by Q2 2012.

Probably the best example of thin and light machines from the current ultrabook craze, the Series 9 stands out even in a shop front full of other slim designs. If Samsung prices its laptops right, they could give Apple’s well-regarded MacBooks a run for the money.

Hands on: TomTom Go 610
Commentary: can Sony turn fortunes around this year?
Creative comes up with Z-series soundcards, hopes to attract PC audiophiles
Hands-on: LG Optimus One
Logitech brings back the trackball with MX Ergo
TAGGED:reviewsamsungSeries 9Singapore availability

Sign up for the TG newsletter

Never miss anything again. Get the latest news and analysis in your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Copy Link Print
Avatar photo
ByAlfred Siew
Follow:
Alfred is a writer, speaker and media instructor who has covered the telecom, media and technology scene for more than 20 years. Previously the technology correspondent for The Straits Times, he now edits the Techgoondu.com blog and runs his own technology and media consultancy.
Previous Article Hands on: Samsung Galaxy Tab 2
Next Article 5 reasons NOT to buy the new iPad
1 Comment

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Stay Connected

FacebookLike
XFollow

Latest News

Thermomix TM7: A German kitchen helper that cooks Singapore chilli crab
Internet
July 11, 2025
Grab goes driverless with electric shuttle trial for employees in Singapore
Enterprise
July 10, 2025
Samsung slims down Galaxy Z Fold 7, packs in 200MP camera in major upgrade
Cellphones Mobile
July 9, 2025
Singapore expands AI assurance pilot to test AI agents, detect prompt injections
Enterprise Software
July 7, 2025

Techgoondu.com is published by Goondu Media Pte Ltd, a company registered and based in Singapore.

.

Started in June 2008 by technology journalists and ex-journalists in Singapore who share a common love for all things geeky and digital, the site now includes segments on personal computing, enterprise IT and Internet culture.

banner banner
Everyday DIY
PC needs fixing? Get your hands on with the latest tech tips
READ ON
banner banner
Leaders Q&A
What tomorrow looks like to those at the leading edge today
FIND OUT
banner banner
Advertise with us
Discover unique access and impact with TG custom content
SHOW ME

 

 

POWERED BY READYSPACE
The Techgoondu website is powered by and managed by Readyspace Web Hosting.

TechgoonduTechgoondu
© 2024 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved | Privacy | Terms of Use | Advertise | About Us | Contact
Follow Us!
Never miss anything again. Get the latest news and analysis in your inbox.

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
 

Loading Comments...
 

    Welcome Back!

    Sign in to your account

    Username or Email Address
    Password

    Lost your password?