The Samsung Sliding PC 7
Image courtesy of Expansys
There is no doubt that the netbook market has taken a little bit of a hit as a result of the rise of the tablet PC, but there are still a number of hybrid devices planned which bridge the gap between traditional laptops and new touch-friendly slate devices. The Samsung Sliding PC 7 is one such device, combining the full physical QWERTY keypad and Windows-compatible hardware of a netbook with a flexible form factor that can make it look very much like the latest, greatest tablet PC.
In terms of specifications the Samsung Sliding PC 7 is relatively well equipped given its netbook heritage. It sports a 10.1 inch display with a native resolution of 1366×768. This display is touch sensitive and uses capacitive technology to detect multiple simultaneous inputs, just like dedicated tablet devices. Onboard the current generation of Intel Atom processors, clocked at around 1.66GHz, should keep things humming along nicely, equalling the way a laptop deals with common programs and processes. You get 2GB of RAM along with a 32GB or 64GB solid state hard drive which should allow it to load up the operating system very quickly.
What sets this netbook apart is the fact that the screen is mounted on a sliding mechanism which allows it to be fitted flush against the keypad when you do not want to use it. This helps it avoid the clamshell design which is the usual way in which a laptop deals with folding up for portability’s sake.
Windows 7 is the operating system used by the Samsung Sliding PC 7 and it could be in this area that it really trumps some of its tablet rivals. While tablet-oriented platforms like Android and iOS can only really exist in their own ecosystems, Windows 7 is a full desktop OS which does not skimp on functions for video streaming, web browsing and program compatibility. A vast library of software and sites can be accessed using this device which you might find difficult to use on any other tablet.
A whole host of other hardware features are present on the Samsung Sliding PC 7. This includes a 1.3 megapixel webcam built into the bezel surrounding the display for online video chatting, an HDMI output to hook it up to your TV or projector and a memory card slot for expanding the onboard storage space and transferring files.
You might wonder whether this device will be able to compete with the way a full netbook or laptop deals with software, or whether it straddles the line between PCs and tablets too broadly, failing to live up to the promise of either category of gadgets. In essence the Samsung Sliding PC 7 is designed for those who want the convenience of using a tablet when they are sat on the sofa browsing the web and using social media apps combined with the work-oriented power of a laptop. This could make it quite a niche device, but one that doubtless deserves an audience.
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