14 DAY TRIAL // Whenever a Chromebook launches these days and there are lot being rolled out lately, some people complain that the absence of Windows 8.1 onboard invalidates the machine.
For example, Samsung has launched the Chromebook 2 back in March, but the public’s response wasn't too enthusiastic. Many hailed the design, HD display and portability, but the fact that the machine ran Chrome OS kept a lot of customers away.
However, following its tradition of offering something for everybody, Samsung is currently attempting to fill in the Windows 8.1 laptop niche with the Ativ Book M laptop (as seen as Mobile Geeks).
This is the equivalent of a Chromebook, except it comes with a relatively high-price tag ($767 / €572). But given the fact that it only sells in South Korea for the time being, we shouldn't be too surprised.
The new laptop arrives with an 11.6-inch display (1366 x 768 pixel resolution) and draws life from a dual-core Bay Trail processor (Intel Celeron N2830).
It comes fitted with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of solid state drive. On top of that, the system is fanless so it should run in absolute silence and won’t bother you in case you’re trying to nap on the sofa one afternoon and you keep it turned on.
To compare, the Samsung Chromebook 2 11 takes advantage of the Exynos 5420 chip platform combined with the same 4GB of RAM. However, it only has 16GB of internal storage.
The specification list is completed by the presence of stereo speakers, HDMI output, 1 USB 3.0 port, 1 USB 2.0 port, micro SD card reader and a 30 Whr battery which should last you for 8 hours of use just like any Chromebook would.
If you like Windows 8.1 and you are a Samsung fan, chances are you won’t be able to pick up the device if you don’t reside in South Korea.
The company hasn't disclosed whether it will offer the Ativ Book M in Europe or in the US, but it shouldn't come as a surprise if we end up spotting the machine at the Samsung stand at IFA 2014 in a few weeks.
If launched on the international market, the Ativ Book M will join the slew of relatively inexpensive laptops arriving with Windows 8.1 (although there’s no mention of Windows 8.1 with Bing) like the ASUS Vivotab F200MA or the Lenovo IdeaPad S20-30.
It would be interesting to see whether the Ativ Book M manages to draw more customers than the Samsung Chromebook 2.
