Samsung Sliding PC 7 Series – Tablet with Real Keyboard

The Samsung Sliding PC 7 series is set to launch in the U.S during March, and it looks like a very promising idea.  This is a Windows device for all those people who really want a tablet, but can’t life without the practicality of a real QWERTY keyboard.

The Samsung Sliding PC 7 is powered by an Oaktrail Atom Z670 processor, with a 10.1 inch multitouch screen that features 1366 x 768 pixel resolution.  You also get the choice of either 32GB or 64GB of SSD storage, HDMI outputs, and – reportedly – an eight hour battery life.

However, while these specs may be good, they are hardly worth getting excited about, which is where the slide-out keyboard comes in.  In many ways, this is like a next generation netbook without all the clunkiness.  The Sliding PC 7 can operate in both tablet and keyboard format, which will be ideal for many people who simply can’t stand the idea of being without a real keyboard.

In terms of connectivity, both 3G and WiMax are being supported, along with HDMI out, USB 2.0, and a 4-1 memory card reader.  It weighs in at less than 1kg, and measures up at 26.6 x 17.58 x 1.9cm.  This makes it larger than an iPad, but the inclusion of a QWERTY keyboard will more than make up for this fact for many people.

“With the proliferation of tablet devices, there is a demand from consumers that want the elegance, ease-of-use and portable form factor of a tablet but also the familiarity of a notebook,” said Scott Ledterman, director of mobile PC product marketing at Samsung Enterprise Business Division.

“At first glance, the Samsung PC 7 Series is a compact, light-weight tablet featuring an intuitive touchscreen. However, once the display is slid into place, it reveals a physical keyboard that offers users the familiar keyboard/touchpad interface. The Samsung 7 Series is creating a category unto itself, with a total solution that is not only chic and convenient for content consumption, but also versatile enough for more intensive computing and content creation.”

Specifications

• CPU: Intel® ATOMTM Oak Trail Z670 @ 1.66GHz
• Operating System:
• Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium
• Samsung Touch Launcher
• Memory: 2GB DDR2
• Hard Drive (max): 32GB or 64GB (mSATA SSD)
• Screen: 10.1-inch touchscreen HD LCD display (340 nit)
• Resolution: 1366 x 768
• Graphics: Intel Integrated Graphics
• Audio Technology: Integrated speaker (0.8W x 2)
• I/O:
• USB 2.0
• 4-in-1 memory card reader
• HMDI out
• Webcam: 1.3MP
• Battery: Lithium Polymer; up to 9 hours
• Wireless: 802.11b/g/n; WiMax; 3G
• Dimensions: 10.47 x 6.88 x 0.78 inches (W x D x H)
• Weight: Starting at 2.18 lbs.