Samsung expands U.S. all-in-one lineup for Windows 8
A year after its U.S. desktop debut, Samsung finally has some new stateside all-in-ones.
Rich BrownFormer Senior Editorial Director - Home and Wellness
Rich was the editorial lead for CNET's Home and Wellness sections, based in Louisville, Kentucky. Before moving to Louisville in 2013, Rich ran CNET's desktop computer review section for 10 years in New York City. He has worked as a tech journalist since 1994, covering everything from 3D printing to Z-Wave smart locks.
ExpertiseSmart home, Windows PCs, cooking (sometimes), woodworking tools (getting there...)
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.
Samsung Series 5 and Series 7 Window 8 all-in-one PCs (pictures)
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.
