In the clearest sign yet that it is focused on the enterprise mobility market, Samsung today introduced two new tablets that runs Windows 8. One of the tablets, the ATIV Q, also runs Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean). The other, the ATIV Tab 3, is billed as the world’s thinnest Windows 8 tablet and incorporates the S Pen stylus popularized by the Samsung Galaxy Note.
The ATIV Q is in some ways similar to Acer’s Aspire R7 in that it uses a hinge to enable several different modes of operation: The display can lie flat over the keyboard for tablet mode or be raised up to turn the device into a laptop. It can also be flipped over for video viewing or presentation sharing, and it can be rotated above the hinge on its keyboard to different angles.
Samsung’s “convertible” tablet also allows file sharing between the Windows 8 and Android operating systems. This feature could make the tablet a serious competitor to Microsoft’s Surface tablets, which also try to marry the mobile and PC experience. Samsung may have an advantage here because Android offers access to the more than 700,000 apps available in the Google Play store, while Windows has a much smaller app ecosystem.
The ATIV Q is powered by an Intel Core i5 processor. It weighs just under 1.3kg and its screen measures 13.3 inches. Samsung says the screen surpasses full HD. The company says the display boasts 275ppi.
The ATIV Tab 3 is 8.2 millimeters thick and weighs 550g, and Samsung describes it as “a tablet with the power of a PC.” It comes preloaded with Office Home and Office Student, and its S Pen is compatible with Office. Samsung claims 10 hours of battery life, more than most people are getting on the Surface RT, and definitely more than the Surface Pro can deliver.
Samsung has also introduced software that syncs both these new devices to Samsung Android smartphones. Using the SideSync software, users will be able to do things like use the tablet’s keyboard to respond to a text on their phone, or call up a map on their phone and then view it on the tablet’s larger screen.
So far Samsung has not announced pricing for the two new products, nor has it said when they will be available.
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