Samsung has announced that the 13-inch version of its Series 9 laptop with Windows 7 Home Premium is now available in the US through Best Buy, Amazon, Tiger, as well as other select retailers and e-tailers. The Windows 7 Professional option as well as the 11-inch version with Windows 7 Home Premium will become available in mid-April.
Both models come with 3 watt (1.5W x 2) stereo speakers, a lithium polymer battery that lasts up to 7 hours, as well as wireless 802.11b/g/n and WiMaxi. Here's where they differ in terms of specifications:
- 13.3-inch HD LED-backlit SuperBright Plus display (400 nit, 1366x768 resolution): Intel Core i5 Processor 2537M (1.4 GHz, 3MB), Intel HD GT, 4GB DDR3, 128GB SSD, 2.89 lbs, Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit) or Windows 7 Professional (64 bit)
- 11.1-inch HD LED-backlit SuperBright Plus display (340 nit, 1366x768 resolution): Intel Core i3 Processor 380UM (1.33 GHz, 3MB), Intel GMA HD (Integrated), 2GB DDR3, 64GB SSD, 2.31 lbs, Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)
The laptop is clearly a viable MacBook Air competitor as it is just 0.62" to 0.64" thick. The price tag is still pretty expensive, however: the 13-inch with Windows 7 Home Premium is $1,650 while the Windows 7 Professional flavor goes for $1,700. The 11-inch doesn't yet have a price tag.