Samsung ATIV Q unveiled, runs Windows 8 & Android OS

Samsung has introduced a hybrid ultrabook here in London for the 2013 Samsung Premiere launch. Called the Samsung ATIV Q, the device serves as book a Windows 8 ultrabook and a 13.3-inch Android Jellybean tablet.

First the ATIV Q can do dual-OS mode, Windows 8 and Android 4.2 Jellybean. However, based on our hands-on earlier, it seems that the device primarily boots via Windows 8 and then runs an instance of Android while on Windows environment (some sort of visualization). Thus, both operating system runs simultaneously.

The ATIV Q has 4 natural modes or positions — the tablet mode, the notebook mode, a floating mode which still has to find its natural use, and a stand which is similar to the notebook only that the screen is flipped and facing the back side.

The device is very thin, measuring only 13.9mm on the side and the entire set only weighs about 1.29kg or 2.8 lbs.

The laptop is powered by the newest Intel Haswell chip, an ultra-low voltage Core i5 4200U at 1.6GHz dual-core (Turbo Boost up to 2.3GHz).

The rest of the hardware specifications are basically standard for an ultrabook — 4GB DDR3 RAM, 128GB SSD, WiFi and Bluetooth.

What we found impressive though is that the 13.3-inch display has one of the highest pixel density in an ultrabook — a resolution of 3200x1800pixels gives it a pixel density of 275ppi.

As mentioned earlier, the dual-OS mode is quite unique. Once you’ve booted into the Windows 8 OS, you will find a shortcut in Tiles that says “Dual OS”. Clicking this shortcut rbings you instantly into the Android OS.

To go back to Windows 8, either you swipe form the right corner of the touchscsreen or simply hit the Windows 8 logo button in the keyboard.

You can place links to apps from Android and place them in Windows as a Tile. When click the Tile shortcut, it switches to Android and runs/launches the app. Photos taken thru the Windows environment can also be transferred to the Android environment as well.

There’s also a Wacom pen/stylus so you can use it for drawing or sketching when needed. For navigation, there’s also the nipple/pointer mouse situated in the middle of the keyboard.

Here’s the most complete hardware configuration we’ve gotten so far.

Samsung ATIV Q specs:
13.3-inch WQHD display @ 3200×1800 pixels, 275ppi
Intel Core i5-4200U 1.6GHz dual-core
Turbo Boost up to 2.3GHz
4GB DDR3 RAM
128GB SSD storage
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth 4.0
Windows 8
Android 4.2 Jellybean
13.9mm thin, 1.29kg weight

The processor and other hardware are housed inside the hinge so the heat is away from the keyboard and screen. Samsung promises battery life of up to 9 hours.

Samsung has indicated the ATIV Q will be released some time in the 3rd quarter of 2013 but no retail price yet.

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