Samsung Bows New Galaxy Laptops With 'Mobile DNA' of Smartphone

Samsung highlighted 5G, Wi-Fi 6 and custom Bluetooth connectivity in the “next evolution of the PC” during its virtual Unpacked event Wednesday. The new laptop series includes the Galaxy Book Pro (starting at $999) and two-in-one Galaxy Book Pro 360 ($1,199), with what TM Roh, head of Samsung Electronics' mobile communications business, called a “reinvention of the PC” -- laptops with the “mobile DNA of a Samsung Galaxy smartphone.” Each model, with aluminum casing, is available in 13- and 15-inch versions. Gamer versions under the Odyssey sub-brand ($1,399) are also part of the line, due to launch May 14.

Consumers who preorder Galaxy Book Pro or Galaxy Book Pro 360 through May 13 are eligible for $150 in future credit if ordered through Amazon; a $150 gift certificate through Best Buy; and either a $150 e-certificate or free Galaxy Buds Pro through Samsung.com and Samsung Experience stores, said the company. Purchases May 14-30 are eligible for $100 in future credit through Amazon, Best Buy or Samsung.com.

At the core of the laptop redesign was the question, “Why can’t laptops be more like smartphones?” said Roh, citing mobility, connectivity and “seamless integration” with other devices, plus instant-on operation and thin and lightweight designs. The 13-inch Galaxy Book Pro weighs 1.9 pounds and is 0.44 inch thick but is “as powerful as a PC,” said Roh. Battery life is up to 21 hours, Samsung said.

The Book Pro series is a first-time integration across Android and Windows operating systems, said Roh, citing an “open collaboration” with Microsoft and Intel. Intel and Samsung engineers jointly developed the next-generation Book Pro PCs, the thinnest 13- and 15-inch Intel Evo designs ever, said Gregory Bryant, general manager of Intel’s client computing group. The laptops have the platform’s trademark responsiveness, instant wake and long battery life, he said.

The Book Pro series also is the first integration of SmartThings smart home technology into PCs, Samsung said. Users can turn off lights, change temperature and start connected kitchen appliances from the Book Pros, which can act as SmartThings hubs.

The laptops use 11th Gen Intel i7/i5 Core processors, have Super AMOLED Full HD displays and sound by AKG with Dolby Atmos surround sound. New keyboards were designed to be responsive for faster, quieter typing. Authentication is by fingerprint on the power key. Ports include Thunderbolt, USB Type-C, a headphone jack and microSD. With Thunderbolt 4, users can connect three external monitors, including an 8K display, the company said.

Productivity tools include Studio Mode to help lighting on video calls, intelligent noise cancellation to eliminate ambient noise from the mic, and a screen recorder that also records the user’s voice. The Book Pro 360 comes with an S Pen, which can be used on the two-in-one device's screen for taking notes or drawing.

A second screen option works with other Galaxy devices, allowing users to expand their display to a tablet or phone “for easier multitasking,” Samsung said. With Microsoft integrations, users can take calls, check notifications and access photos and messages; the PCs can run up to five apps from a Galaxy smartphone simultaneously on screen.