Samsung previews three Windows 8-powered all-in-one computers

28 Aug 2012

Samsung 21.5-inch Series 5 all-in-one computer

The opening press conferences for IFA 2012 will start tomorrow, but Samsung appears to be unable to contain itself and has now previewed three new all-in-one computers powered by Windows 8 and featuring both touch and gesture control.

First up is the most basic of the three new computers, the 21.5-inch Series 5 all-in-one. This neat, space-saving desktop computer rests on supports that allow the wireless keyboard and mouse to be tucked away safely under it when not in use. The new Series 5 comes with an Intel Core i3 processor, 4GB of RAM, 500GB of storage and a price tag of US$749.

Running on Microsoft’s new Windows 8 operating system, the new Series 5 also comes with a 1080p 10-point capacitive multi-touch display, enabling the touchscreen controls offered by the new OS. Along with the Series 5, Samsung has also released two new Series 7 models, also with 10-point capacitive HD touchscreens.

Samsung Series 7 all-in-one

Samsung Series 7 all-in-one

The 23.6-inch model comes with an Intel Core i5 processor, 6GB of RAM, 1TB of storage and Intel Graphics 4000 at the cost of US$1,099, while the pricier, high-end 27-inch widescreen model comes with a Core i7 processor, 8GB of RAM, 1TB of storage and discrete AMD Radeon HD 7850M graphics for US$1,699.

The Series 7 models will also support gesture control through their 1.3MP front-facing cameras. From up to a foot away, users can control what’s on screen with gestures to turn pages, play video, adjust audio settings, click, or navigate their way through files.

All of the new machines come with two USB 3.0 ports, three USB 2.0 ports, a HDMI port and a media card reader. And, to help users who may be found adrift with the removal of the familiar Windows Start key, Samsung have provided their own, which will pull up a menu of applications.

The three new all-in-one Samsung computers will go on sale on 26 October, the day that Windows 8 launches worldwide.

Elaine Burke is the host of For Tech’s Sake, a co-production from Silicon Republic and The HeadStuff Podcast Network. She was previously the editor of Silicon Republic.

editorial@siliconrepublic.com