October 29, 2012 at 15:05Samsung ATIV Smart PC Pro - The full eight on the tablet
Not so long ago, at IFA, Samsung showed at the exhibition new devices on Windows 8: a phone, a tablet, two “hybrids” and a candy bar . One of these sensory hybrids was the ATIV Smart PC Pro, a tablet with ultrabook features. Despite the peculiar combination of form factor, capabilities and characteristics, this particular device turned out to be one of the most interesting not only in terms of positioning, but also technologically.
Well, right after the IFA, the first samples (in this case, pre-production) got to the Russian office of Samsung, according to which you can draw conclusions about performance, the general level of filling and autonomy, as well as twist, test and torment devices for the new Microsoft OS. In the 11.6-inch kid they hid a really serious stuffing, so it would be criminal if not to share the first impressions of the device with a similar set of characteristics.
For unknown reasons, the topic was in draft form for a long time, so the “wow” is no longer a very “wow”, but the material is relevant and the features are pleasing, for this reason everyone who wants to get acquainted with them - I ask for cat. ;)
Alarm, in the pictures - an engineering sample, the case will slightly change (for the better), but the performance characteristics are already approved and the actual values are given in the article.
Iron:
In the presented sample stood the latest generation Core i5: i5-3317U, with frequencies slightly reduced relative to the “ordinary” models. The performance of this solution for such a "tablet" should be enough with the head. IvyBridge is an excellent and energy-efficient architecture that delivers superior results on mobile devices. The amount of RAM is 4 gigabytes. Perhaps you will hardly surprise anyone on a PC, and almost all ultrabooks come with 4 GB of memory, but for a tablet, again, the figure is more than decent.
Intel HD 4000 is responsible for the graphics: don't play in Battlefield (actually play, the link leads to comments), but with the acceleration of HD-video and work in the same Photoshop'e or SketchUp'e there will be no problems. In general, from the point of view of performance, you can safely transfer the entire experience of using any ultrabook - the same filling capabilities and similar conditions of use will give similar work impressions.
Screen:
Screen - 11.6 inches, Full HD, PLS-matrix, brightness up to 400 nits (this is enough to make the picture visible on the street), protective glass. The viewing angles are excellent, the color reproduction is decent, and the capabilities of Windows 8 for scaling the interface are noticeably superior to those of the “seven”: the font remains normal in all applications, unreadable fines or dropping fields and cropped buttons were not noticed, despite the high resolution for such a diagonal .
Even with the similarity of the ATIV Smart PC Pro test sample with existing tablets (form factor, autonomy indicators), comparing this device with devices on the ARM architecture is not entirely correct, both in terms of its performance and in terms of use. It is difficult to avoid such comparisons, because users will still be comparing the new “hybrids” on Windows 8 with existing products based on Android and iOS, and the overlapping user cases and form factor will only add fuel to the fire.
However, if you recall the existing Android and iOS devices from the point of view of infrastructure and software, then in the case of ATIV Smart PC Pro everything is much more fun than that of the failed competitors in the face of the PlayBook and HP WebOS device from HP: Windows 8 devices are available and desktop software, to which everyone is accustomed, and a full set of those programs whose capabilities have not yet been fully transferred to touch devices.
Do not forget the Windows 8 METRO-applications for touch mode, which will appear immediately after the official release of this OS in late October. (Correction, the axis has already left, the other day, we are waiting for applications).Therefore, Smart PC is a competitor primarily for ultra-compact laptops and ultrabooks: absolutely the same performance and absolutely the same features with less weight, smaller dimensions and greater ease of use on the road; with media tablets on Android and iOS, according to Samsung, he especially does not have to compete.
Ports and Peripherals:
The remaining “hardware” part, which we did not consider, is closer to ARM tablets than to ultrabooks: the SSD-drive is expanded with microSD memory cards, a little later there will be models with a 3G-module. And the camera eye, which is sheltered on the rear panel (+ the webcam in front) and just one button (Win, checkbox, start-up, as you like) only add similarities to existing solutions. A nice bonus is the direct USB 3.0 host under the dummy: down with the adapter to connect external modems, drives and other peripherals! Moreover, there will be no problems with the drivers here: all USB hardware running on a regular laptop will work on a Smart PC in the same way.
Dock and keyboard:
Smart PC Pro comes with a keyboard dock. In this model, it performs its immediate task - it acts as a stable basis for comfortable work with additional ports and a hardware keyboard. The tablet is connected via a new connector, which is almost impossible to break or damage - needle-shaped spring-loaded contacts (like “paws” in the processor socket, just not so tender) and reliable clamps - an excellent application for the reliability and durability of the design (as the company says, classic multi-pin connectors - such, in particular, were used in the predecessor of the Smart PC, Samsung 700T1A Slate PC under Windows 7 - do not relate to lateral loads, and such loads in the Smart PC occur every time you open or close istognutoy keyboard).
At the bottom there are only 2 USB ports and a set of buttons with a touchpad. Not so much, but the modest bonuses provided by the “dock” are compensated by its indestructibility. The “holder” of the tablet is very tight, it retains the set angle perfectly and does not fall over until you put the effort into it. The keyboard is moderately heavy, at normal working angles the screen does not outweigh it, despite the fact that the entire filling is in it. Built-in additional battery in the keyboard: the developers explain this by saying that if you constantly need to carry the keyboard with you, it’s easier to buy a regular ultrabook, which at the same cost, weight and thickness will have a large screen; the advantages of Smart PC are revealed when you carry only a tablet part with you, which is smaller and lighter than any ultrabook - and the keyboard acts as a dock on the office desk. By the way, as a separate accessory, Samsung plans to release a more classical-looking docking station, compact and without a keyboard - for those who prefer to use separate large keyboards. The native keyboard, however, is also not so small: the layout and size of the keys correspond to 13-inch ultrabooks.
Wacom pen input:
Well, lastly, perhaps the most enjoyable part is the pen input. Earlier, a stylus in such devices and communicators was a necessity (resistive screen, poorly oriented interfaces for finger input), but now it is no longer a “crutch”, but a flexible and powerful tool. Drawing, handwriting, comments on documents, notes and the like are much more convenient to perform not just with your finger and keyboard, but with an electronic pen. Well, the Japanese engineers from Wacom, struggling for several years on the fronts of integrating handwriting into digital format, provided Samsung with their own technologies and made sure that the stylus was really convenient.
No batteries, On Hover interaction with the interface, projection point-of-sight at a potential point of contact, pressure sensitivity - in general, a complete set of features from their graphics tablets. In addition, Smart PC turns off the usual capacitive touchscreen if it “sees” the pen - that is, you can safely take notes, conveniently resting your palm on the screen, and not be afraid that the cursor will now go crazy. Perhaps this is not Intuos or Cintique, but the price is completely different (especially if you look at the prices of Sintika and remember that ATIV Smart PC Pro has not only a pen and a screen). Well, if you saw a pen on Note / Note 2, then you should have a good idea of how convenient this “stylus” complements the touchscreen functionality.
Thinking out loud:
So what do we have in the bottom line? Ultrabook power, impressive autonomy (according to the passport - up to 8 hours, in reality, when playing a movie or actively sitting on the Internet via WiFi, you can safely expect five hours to work without an outlet, with reduced backlight - more), mobility, compactness + the ability not only “ consume ”content, but also create it, seamless support for any Windows applications and any USB peripherals running under Windows is an excellent set of qualities.
In the near future, wait for a full review, with tests of performance, pen input, autonomy and all that you need to know in order to successfully choose a gift for the New Year! ;)
UPD: The current appearance is here: www.samsung.com/global/ativ/ativ_pc_pro.html, for the link we say thanks pizguj .
Well, right after the IFA, the first samples (in this case, pre-production) got to the Russian office of Samsung, according to which you can draw conclusions about performance, the general level of filling and autonomy, as well as twist, test and torment devices for the new Microsoft OS. In the 11.6-inch kid they hid a really serious stuffing, so it would be criminal if not to share the first impressions of the device with a similar set of characteristics.
For unknown reasons, the topic was in draft form for a long time, so the “wow” is no longer a very “wow”, but the material is relevant and the features are pleasing, for this reason everyone who wants to get acquainted with them - I ask for cat. ;)
Alarm, in the pictures - an engineering sample, the case will slightly change (for the better), but the performance characteristics are already approved and the actual values are given in the article.
Iron:
In the presented sample stood the latest generation Core i5: i5-3317U, with frequencies slightly reduced relative to the “ordinary” models. The performance of this solution for such a "tablet" should be enough with the head. IvyBridge is an excellent and energy-efficient architecture that delivers superior results on mobile devices. The amount of RAM is 4 gigabytes. Perhaps you will hardly surprise anyone on a PC, and almost all ultrabooks come with 4 GB of memory, but for a tablet, again, the figure is more than decent.
Intel HD 4000 is responsible for the graphics: don't play in Battlefield (actually play, the link leads to comments), but with the acceleration of HD-video and work in the same Photoshop'e or SketchUp'e there will be no problems. In general, from the point of view of performance, you can safely transfer the entire experience of using any ultrabook - the same filling capabilities and similar conditions of use will give similar work impressions.
Screen:
Screen - 11.6 inches, Full HD, PLS-matrix, brightness up to 400 nits (this is enough to make the picture visible on the street), protective glass. The viewing angles are excellent, the color reproduction is decent, and the capabilities of Windows 8 for scaling the interface are noticeably superior to those of the “seven”: the font remains normal in all applications, unreadable fines or dropping fields and cropped buttons were not noticed, despite the high resolution for such a diagonal .
Even with the similarity of the ATIV Smart PC Pro test sample with existing tablets (form factor, autonomy indicators), comparing this device with devices on the ARM architecture is not entirely correct, both in terms of its performance and in terms of use. It is difficult to avoid such comparisons, because users will still be comparing the new “hybrids” on Windows 8 with existing products based on Android and iOS, and the overlapping user cases and form factor will only add fuel to the fire.
However, if you recall the existing Android and iOS devices from the point of view of infrastructure and software, then in the case of ATIV Smart PC Pro everything is much more fun than that of the failed competitors in the face of the PlayBook and HP WebOS device from HP: Windows 8 devices are available and desktop software, to which everyone is accustomed, and a full set of those programs whose capabilities have not yet been fully transferred to touch devices.
Do not forget the Windows 8 METRO-applications for touch mode, which will appear immediately after the official release of this OS in late October. (Correction, the axis has already left, the other day, we are waiting for applications).Therefore, Smart PC is a competitor primarily for ultra-compact laptops and ultrabooks: absolutely the same performance and absolutely the same features with less weight, smaller dimensions and greater ease of use on the road; with media tablets on Android and iOS, according to Samsung, he especially does not have to compete.
Ports and Peripherals:
The remaining “hardware” part, which we did not consider, is closer to ARM tablets than to ultrabooks: the SSD-drive is expanded with microSD memory cards, a little later there will be models with a 3G-module. And the camera eye, which is sheltered on the rear panel (+ the webcam in front) and just one button (Win, checkbox, start-up, as you like) only add similarities to existing solutions. A nice bonus is the direct USB 3.0 host under the dummy: down with the adapter to connect external modems, drives and other peripherals! Moreover, there will be no problems with the drivers here: all USB hardware running on a regular laptop will work on a Smart PC in the same way.
Dock and keyboard:
Smart PC Pro comes with a keyboard dock. In this model, it performs its immediate task - it acts as a stable basis for comfortable work with additional ports and a hardware keyboard. The tablet is connected via a new connector, which is almost impossible to break or damage - needle-shaped spring-loaded contacts (like “paws” in the processor socket, just not so tender) and reliable clamps - an excellent application for the reliability and durability of the design (as the company says, classic multi-pin connectors - such, in particular, were used in the predecessor of the Smart PC, Samsung 700T1A Slate PC under Windows 7 - do not relate to lateral loads, and such loads in the Smart PC occur every time you open or close istognutoy keyboard).
At the bottom there are only 2 USB ports and a set of buttons with a touchpad. Not so much, but the modest bonuses provided by the “dock” are compensated by its indestructibility. The “holder” of the tablet is very tight, it retains the set angle perfectly and does not fall over until you put the effort into it. The keyboard is moderately heavy, at normal working angles the screen does not outweigh it, despite the fact that the entire filling is in it. Built-in additional battery in the keyboard: the developers explain this by saying that if you constantly need to carry the keyboard with you, it’s easier to buy a regular ultrabook, which at the same cost, weight and thickness will have a large screen; the advantages of Smart PC are revealed when you carry only a tablet part with you, which is smaller and lighter than any ultrabook - and the keyboard acts as a dock on the office desk. By the way, as a separate accessory, Samsung plans to release a more classical-looking docking station, compact and without a keyboard - for those who prefer to use separate large keyboards. The native keyboard, however, is also not so small: the layout and size of the keys correspond to 13-inch ultrabooks.
Wacom pen input:
Well, lastly, perhaps the most enjoyable part is the pen input. Earlier, a stylus in such devices and communicators was a necessity (resistive screen, poorly oriented interfaces for finger input), but now it is no longer a “crutch”, but a flexible and powerful tool. Drawing, handwriting, comments on documents, notes and the like are much more convenient to perform not just with your finger and keyboard, but with an electronic pen. Well, the Japanese engineers from Wacom, struggling for several years on the fronts of integrating handwriting into digital format, provided Samsung with their own technologies and made sure that the stylus was really convenient.
No batteries, On Hover interaction with the interface, projection point-of-sight at a potential point of contact, pressure sensitivity - in general, a complete set of features from their graphics tablets. In addition, Smart PC turns off the usual capacitive touchscreen if it “sees” the pen - that is, you can safely take notes, conveniently resting your palm on the screen, and not be afraid that the cursor will now go crazy. Perhaps this is not Intuos or Cintique, but the price is completely different (especially if you look at the prices of Sintika and remember that ATIV Smart PC Pro has not only a pen and a screen). Well, if you saw a pen on Note / Note 2, then you should have a good idea of how convenient this “stylus” complements the touchscreen functionality.
Thinking out loud:
So what do we have in the bottom line? Ultrabook power, impressive autonomy (according to the passport - up to 8 hours, in reality, when playing a movie or actively sitting on the Internet via WiFi, you can safely expect five hours to work without an outlet, with reduced backlight - more), mobility, compactness + the ability not only “ consume ”content, but also create it, seamless support for any Windows applications and any USB peripherals running under Windows is an excellent set of qualities.
In the near future, wait for a full review, with tests of performance, pen input, autonomy and all that you need to know in order to successfully choose a gift for the New Year! ;)
UPD: The current appearance is here: www.samsung.com/global/ativ/ativ_pc_pro.html, for the link we say thanks pizguj .