Samsung details launch of Ativ Book 9 Plus Ultrabook laptop, Ativ Tab 3 Windows 8 tablet

Samsung introduced us to the Ativ Book 9 Plus Ultrabook back in June, but now the company has provided more details about its forthcoming rollout. The tech giant has also announced the new Ativ Tab 3 Windows 8 tablet.

The Ativ Book 9 Plus laptop is a Windows 8 answer to the MacBook Pro, complete with a super-high-res Gorilla Glass screen. The display packs 3,200x1,800 resolution into its 13.3 inches, which beats the similarly sized Retina display's 2,560x1,600. At 0.53 inches and 3.1 pounds, it's also thinner and lighter than the equivalent Apple notebook. (Its other specs are similar: Intel Core i5-4200U processor, 4GB of RAM, 128GB solid-state drive) But perhaps most notably, it will cost $100 less than the cheapest Retina display MacBook Pro -- $1,399.99 -- when it becomes available for pre-order on August 18.

The 10.1-inch Ativ Tab 3 is being touted by Samsung as the world's thinnest Windows 8 tablet at just 0.31 inches thick (and 1.28 pounds). In comparison. the newest iPad is 0.37 inches thick and 1.44 pounds. It uses an Intel Atom Z2760 processor, and comes with 2GB of RAM and 64GB of solid-state storage. Its resolution is not Retina-quality, however, at 1,366x768. It does include a S Pen digital stylus, as well as a cover with a built-in Bluetooth keyboard and kickstand. Samsung also throws in Microsoft Office Home & Student version. The Ativ Tab 3 will go on sale on September 1 for $699.99.