Samsung expands U.S. all-in-one lineup for Windows 8

We last saw a new Samsung desktop for sale in the U.S. with last year's Series 7 all-in-one. These new models may not offer the asymmetrical sleekness of the Asia-only Series 9 all-in-one the company teased at this year's CES, but the updated Series 7, and a brand-new Series 5 all-in-one suggest that Samsung sees Windows 8 as an opportunity to expand its American desktop offering.

Where before Samsung had just one all-in-one for American buyers, you can now choose from among three different models. A 27-inch Series 7 for $1,699, a 23-inch Series 7 for $1,099, and a 21.5-inch Series 5 for a compelling $749. Each has a mobile, third-generation Intel Core CPU; a 1,920x1,080-pixel, 10-point capacitive touch screen; some basic gesture recognition capability, and the 64-bit version of Windows 8.

If the price of the 27-inch model seems high, you are correct. The $1,599 Dell XPS One 27, the next most expensive 27-inch Windows all-in-one, has a higher-resolution 2,560x1,440-pixel LCD, but no touch input. The Samsung's price also makes it the first Windows vendor to match the starting price of Apple's 27-inch iMac.

Unlike Vizio's new line of all-in-ones, Samsung has also opted to rely on a touch screen, not a separate touch pad, as the primary input touch methodology for Windows 8 (also unlike Vizio, Samsung will include a mouse with its new all-in-ones). As other new all-in-one PCs emerge between now and the October 26 release date for Microsoft's new operating system, it will be interesting to see whether a consensus emerges regarding the default all-in-one PC touch input.

Expect to see Samsung's new Series 7 and Series 5 all-in-ones available for purchase October 26.