Samsung has been a player in this market for a while now, primarily with its Spin line of mid-range 360-degree convertibles. Now, the company is jumping firmly into the high-end with the introduction of its new Notebook 9 Pro at Computex 2017.
Perhaps the most “pro-like” feature that Samsung is introducing to the segment is its S Pen active stylus, which fully supports Windows 10 Ink. The Notebook 9 Pro is the company’s first non-tablet device to feature the S Pen, and it will gain all of the same features and functionality. The Notebook 9 Pro’s version will feature 4,000 levels of pressure sensitivity, and a 0.7mm tip that recognizes tilt — similar to the new Surface Pen that Microsoft introduced on the new Surface Pro.
The Notebook 9 Pro will be available in two versions, one with a 13.3-inch display, and one with a 15-inch display. The 13-inch model is configured with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, while the 15-inch model comes with 16GB of RAM and the same size SSD. The 15-inch version will also benefit from an AMD Radeon 540 discrete GPU for enhanced graphics performance in productivity and creative applications.
Both screen sizes will feature Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) resolution panels offering a wide 178-degree viewing angle. Samsung promises accurate colors and excellent brightness through its RealView Display technology.
Other features include an infrared camera for Windows Hello password-less login support and dual SoundAlive stereo speakers. Connectivity will include two USB 3.0 ports, one USB Type-C connection, and a microSD card reader. The 13.3-inch model will be 0.63 inches thick and will weigh 2.91 pounds, while the 15-inch model will be a bit thicker at 0.67 inches and a heftier 3.79 pounds.
Here are complete specifications for the Notebook 9 Pro:
| Notebook 9 Pro 13-inch | Notebook 9 15-inch | |
| Operating System: | Windows 10 Home | Windows 10 Home |
| Processor: | Intel Core i7-7500U 2.70GHz up to 3.5GHz | Intel Core i7-7500U 2.70GHz up to 3.5GHz |
| System memory: | 8GB DDR 4 | 16GB DDR4 |
| Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 620 | AMD Radeon 540 with 2GB GDDR5 |
| Storage: | 256GB SSD | 256GB SSD |
| Audio: | 1.5 W x 2 Stereo Speakers, SoundAlive | 1.5 W x 2 Stereo Speakers, SoundAlive |
| Ports: | 2 x USB 3.0 Type-A 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C HDMI MicroSD 3.5mm headset |
2 x USB 3.0 Type-A 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C HDMI MicroSD 3.5mm headset |
| Wireless: | 802.11 ac 2×2 Bluetooth 4.1 |
802.11 ac 2×2 Bluetooth 4.1 |
| AC power adapter: | 40W AC Adapter | 60W AC Adapter |
| Battery: | 54 watt-hour fast charging | 54 watt-hour fast charging |
| Dimensions: | 12.21 x 8.54 x 0.63 inches | 13.67 x 9.41 x 0.67 inches |
| Weight: | 2.91 pounds | 3.79 pounds |
| Camera: | 720p HD camera with infrared | 720p HD camera with infrared |
| Color: | Titan Silver | Titan Silver |
| Software: | Wi-Fi Transfer, Wi-Fi Camera, Simple Sharing, PC Message, PC Gallery, Samsung Recovery, Samsung SideSync | Wi-Fi Transfer, Wi-Fi Camera, Simple Sharing, PC Message, PC Gallery, Samsung Recovery, Samsung SideSync |
Samsung hasn’t yet announced pricing or availability for the new Notebook 9 Pro. When it arrives, however, it is likely to represent yet another premium member of the ever-growing Windows 10 2-in-1 market.
