Windows 10's super-light recruits: Samsung parades slim Notebook 9 laptops, plus Chromebook 3
Both of Samsung's Notebook 9 series super-light laptops include full HD displays at 1,080p with 180-degree hinges that allow the screen to lie flat.
Samsung has unveiled its Notebook 9 series, two super-light 13-inch and 15-inch screen additions to this year's range of Windows 10 notebooks, as well as its new Chromebook 3.
If you are looking for a lighter mid-range laptop, it will be hard ignore Samsung's new magnesium-alloy Notebook 9. The 13.3-inch model weighs just 840g (1.84lb) while the 15-inch model weighs 1.29kg (2.84lb).
Samsung is showing off the models at CES in Las Vegas this week and has offered a peak at some features ahead of the machines' expected release in "early 2016".
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The pair share many common features, including full HD displays at 1,080p with 180-degree hinges that allow the screen to lie flat. Both will be available with either Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, 4GB or 8GB RAM, and solid-state storage of either 128GB or 256GB.
Samsung hasn't revealed pricing yet but neither of the notebooks have fancier Windows 10 features such as touch displays, and so are likely to sit a rung below Samsung's premium end ultra-books, the 13.3-inch Book 9 Spin and 15.6-inch 4K-display Book 9 Pro, which cost $1,399 and $1,599 respectively.
The pair also lack fuller range of ports available in the Book series devices. The 13-inch Notebook 9 offers a pair of USB 3.0 ports, micro HDMI, mini Ethernet and mini VGA, while the 15-inch model features one USB Type-C reversible port, two USB 3.0 ports, as well as HDMI, mini Ethernet, and micro SD ports.
ZDNet's sister site CNET got its hands on Samsung's new device and noted that despite its magnesium alloy construction, it didn't feel plastic like some other devices made from the material.
Samsung says there are currently no plans to launch the devices in the UK, which shouldn't be a surprise given the company's withdrawal from notebook sales across the EU in 2014.
And while Samsung hasn't revealed what capacity battery the pair will feature, it says the 15-inch model has a battery life of up to 12 hours, with quick-charging that achieves a full charge in 90 minutes. Meanwhile, the 13.3-inch model should offer a 10-hour battery life.
Samsung also took the wraps off its Chromebook 3, which features an 11.6-inch display with a HD 1,366 x 768 resolution. The notebook weighs 900g (2.43lb) and should also be available in "early 2016".
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There's no mention of a 13-inch model so it appears Samsung has trimmed back options for its Chromebook offering.
The Chromebook 3 is powered by an Intel Celeron N3050 processor, while graphics run on an Intel GPU. It will be available with 2GB or 4GB RAM and 16 GB storage and features one USB 3.0 port, one USB 2.0 port, as well as HDMI and micro SD slots.
Samsung hasn't revealed pricing yet, though the Chromebook 2 cost $319.99 for the 11.6-inch model while the 13.3-inch version's price tag was $399.99.