Samsung is introducing two new Series 5 ULTRA models, a 13-inch model and a 14-inch model with an optical drive. Both models feature a 1366 x 768 display, Intel second-gen 32nm Core i5 2467 1.60GHz Sandy Bridge processor, 4GB of RAM, a 500GB SATA II 5400RPM hard drive, and an option for up to 128GB SSD storage and 16GB of express cache for faster boot times.
To offer maximum connectivity, the 14-inch model also offers a variety of ports, including a full-size HDMI, VGA, two USB 3.0, one USB 2.0, a 4-in-1 multi SD card slot and an Ethernet port. The 13-inch model also features a full-size HDMI port along with one USB 3.0, two USB 2.0, a 4-in-1 multi SD card slot and an Ethernet port.
"The Series 5 ULTRA was designed to meet consumer demands for a thin and light laptop that offers advanced computing power and ample storage, while still remaining affordable," said Todd Bouman, vice president of product marketing at Samsung Electronics America. "We're confident that consumers will truly be impressed with the product's design and performance, as well as the fact that we are one of the first companies to release an Ultrabook with an optical drive, which brings a new level of productivity and entertainment capabilities to the category."
Based on our initial impressions, both models feel very heavy to the touch and may be considered "borderline" ultrabook products. Both models weigh in at 3.5 pounds, which is somewhat of an issue considering that the flagship Samsung Series 9 weighs in at a mere 2.5 pounds in comparison. These may be considered "borderline ultrabooks" by our standards, but they definitely learn towards the sight of being ultraportable notebooks.
Both 13-inch and 14-inch Samsung Series 5 ULTRA models will be available starting January 30, 2012 with prices ranging between $899 and $1099. The ultrabooks actually showed up for US pre-order a few days ago on J&R but were shortly pulled thereafter.
