The Kaby Lake is Intel's next generation of CPUs which brings outstanding upgrades for many present and future computers, of which Intel with introducing more details and information during the upcoming CES 2017. And while most computer systems are currently in the Intel Skylake generation, Samsung has just improved and revamped its Notebook 9 lineup with the Kaby Lake processors.
About the Notebook 9
The upcoming Notebook 9 laptops are now running the 7th generation Core i5 and i7 in the 13.3-inch model and the Core i7 on its 15-inch version. Though the Kaby Lake i5 and i7 processors for the Notebook 9 remain unspecified as of the moment, it is safe to assume that the chips are low-powered Y-series parts. We will be seeing more and more details about Intel's latest generation of processors during the upcoming CES next month in Las Vegas.
Hardware and screen
The difference between screen sizes does not make the PCs any different from each other, though. Both versions feature a 1920×1080p resolution and 350-nit brightness, along with a 500-nit outdoor mode. Although Samsung's screens are at a high-dynamic range, it's still unclear whether the updated Notebook 9 support HDR-10.
Specifications of the Notebook 9 variants
According to reports, the smaller variant comes with an SATA SSD of up to 256GB and up to 16GB RAM, while the bigger model features an NVMe SSD of up to 256GB. The usage of SATA on the smaller variant, as well as the absence of Thunderbolt 3 in particular, might disappoint some consumers, though.
Both versions include 2×2 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.1, a built-in 720p webcam, and a fingerprint scanner with Windows Hello support. Samsung has also squeezed in two USB 3.1 generation 1 ports, a USB Type-C port, an HDMI port, a microSD reader, and a headset jack into the Notebook 9. Additionally, the 15-inch model also features a USB 2 port.
The Notebook 9 is lighter than the MacBook
Samsung recently claimed that its latest Notebook 9 lineup is the lightest laptop on the market right now. According to reports, the 13.3-inch variant is currently weighed at 1.8lbs, along with the 15-inch version coming in at 2.17lbs. That means the smaller variant is currently weighing 0.2lbs lighter than Apple's MacBook. The larger model is pretty slim as well at 14.9mm, while the 13.3-inch version comes in at 13.9mm.
Downsides and disadvantages
However, the lighter weight and slimmer sizes are speculated to take a huge hit on the Notebook 9's battery life. According to reports, both laptop versions pack only a 30Wh battery, which is estimated to last only up to a minimal 7 hours of battery life. On the other end, the latest MacBook Pro can last up to a decent 10 hours. In order to make up for the shorter battery life, the Samsung Notebook 9 does support quick charging in only 80 minutes.
Samsung will be revealing more details about the pricing and availability at the coming CES 2017.
