Introduction
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Samsung covered all bases of Microsoft newest operating system by releasing one RT tablet, one Smart PC Atom-based slate, and a full-fledged Smart PC Pro Windows 8 tablet machine with a Core i5 processor. Tablets with the frugal Intel Atom processor are supposed to bring you the best of all worlds – a full Windows 8 operating system, but in a slim and light slate that will last as long as an ARM-based machine. These should be the main selling points of our Samsung ATIV Smart PC review unit, which on top of that ships with a keyboard dock included in the price.
Has Microsoft managed to make Win 8 run with enough decency on an Atom processor so you don't feel underpowered, and has Samsung managed to deliver on battery life and extra layers of functionality to make you give Atom slates serious consideration before iPads, Androids or other Win 8/RT tablets? Read on our review to find out...
Design
If you are coming from most Android tablets or even aluminum iPads, the ATIV Smart PCwill feel a tad heavy at 26oz (750g), given its all-plastic construction. However, considering that Samsung's tablet has a larger 11.6” screen, and runs full Win 8 that has backwards compatibility with all programs ever written for Windows – something that typically requires a cooling fan - the weight is actually quite decent. Tell that to your wrist, though, as prolonged holding of the polycarbonate ATIV Smart PC chassis brings fatigue much faster than with a typical ARM-based 10” slate, for instance, despite that there's plenty of side bezel for your thumbs to grip it tight without touching the display.
Has Microsoft managed to make Win 8 run with enough decency on an Atom processor so you don't feel underpowered, and has Samsung managed to deliver on battery life and extra layers of functionality to make you give Atom slates serious consideration before iPads, Androids or other Win 8/RT tablets? Read on our review to find out...
Design
If you are coming from most Android tablets or even aluminum iPads, the ATIV Smart PCwill feel a tad heavy at 26oz (750g), given its all-plastic construction. However, considering that Samsung's tablet has a larger 11.6” screen, and runs full Win 8 that has backwards compatibility with all programs ever written for Windows – something that typically requires a cooling fan - the weight is actually quite decent. Tell that to your wrist, though, as prolonged holding of the polycarbonate ATIV Smart PC chassis brings fatigue much faster than with a typical ARM-based 10” slate, for instance, despite that there's plenty of side bezel for your thumbs to grip it tight without touching the display.
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