Samsung announced Chromebook 2!

photo courtesy: @evleaks

So the wait is over. Samsung has finally announced its latest crop of chromebooks named Chromebook 2. It comes in 2 screen sizes 11.6 and 13.3 inches.

Both are equiped with Samsung own home baked Exynos 5 octa processors. Samsung is touting the battery time of 8 hours for the 11.6 inch model and 8.5 hours for 13.3 inch model.

Personally I prefer these ARM based processors simply because they don't need a fan to vent of the heat and as a result less noise.

Here goes the complete press release.

Press release:

Samsung Announces Chromebook 2 Series Featuring Faster Performance, Increased Productivity and Stylish Design

Leading Provider of Chromebooks in Education Introduces New Models to Further One-to-One Learning in K-12 Schools and Enhance Mobility and Productivity for Consumers

AUSTIN, Texas – MARCH 3, 2014 – Samsung Electronics America, Inc. today announced the launch of the Chromebook 2 Series. The new models, available in 11.6- and 13.3-inch configurations, improve on the popular Samsung Chromebook line with faster performance, longer battery life and a slim, light build enhanced by a durable textured lid and elegant stitched design. The 13.3-inch model also features a Full HD (1920×1080) resolution screen, enabling users to enjoy vibrant visuals for work, teaching and learning, and entertainment. Samsung was the leading Chromebook brand in the U.S. in 2013, accounting for more than 60 percent of overall market share, according to NPD.1

“Since we introduced our first Chromebook in 2011, Samsung has been committed to continually developing our designs and features to meet our users’ ever-changing needs, while staying true to the core Chromebook attributes of simplicity, speed and security,” said Mike Abary, senior vice president of consumer IT product marketing at Samsung Electronics America. “Samsung has been the top selling consumer Chromebook brand for the past three years and we’ll continue to grow our leadership position in this space with the launch of the Chromebook 2 Series.”

“Chromebooks are particularly important in the education space – according to Futuresource, one in four devices now sold into K-12 schools in the U.S. are Chromebooks – so we’ve designed our latest models with students and teachers in mind, including features like rapid start times, longer battery life and an easy-to-grip design,” said Tod Pike, senior vice president at Samsung’s Enterprise Business Division.

Lightning fast performance

The Samsung Chromebook 2 Series offers users nearly instant access to everything they need. It wakes up in less than one second and cold boots in less than ten. Samsung’s energy-efficient Exynos 5 Octa processors allow for effortless multitasking and rapid rendering of graphics and videos, so multimedia content never misses a beat.

Powerful productivity paired with rich multimedia

The 13.3-inch Chromebook 2 features a best-in-class, Full HD (1920×1080) display with 250nit brightness, perfect for viewing photos, video and more. It is also optimized for Google+ Hangouts messaging and video calling with enhanced audio quality on high-power speakers (2Wx2) and a noise reducing array microphone, helping conversations come alive on the high-resolution screen.

Up to 8.5 hours of battery life means that users can enjoy the Chromebook 2 models throughout a full work or school day – all on a single charge.

Chromebooks update automatically, ensuring users always have the most recent technology and security features without needing to think about it. Also, when you use a Chromebook, all your information and files are saved, encrypted to your account. This makes it easy and safe for family members or students to share a device, or switch between devices.

The Samsung Chromebook 2 Series comes with a package of premium apps worth more than $100. It includes smartphone access and data management service Air Droid Premium, task management and collaboration app Wunderlist Pro, and LittleBridge.com, an English learning app.

Sleek, elegant design

While priced affordably, the new Samsung Chromebook 2 models are as stylish as other expensive, high- end laptops. The slim body measures less than three-quarters of an inch thick, making it easy to slip into any bag. At just under 2.5 pounds for the 11.6-inch model, it is also easy to carry anywhere. The lid features the stylish stitched design of the Samsung GALAXY Note 3, adding to the sophisticated look.

Ready for the classroom

In 2013, Chromebooks were among the most popular mobile computing devices utilized in K-12 schools. As the leading provider of Chromebooks in education, Samsung is helping to foster this growth by increasing options for educators with the Chromebook 2 models. With its extensive battery life, bright display and student-friendly design, the Chromebook 2 helps teachers engage students and deliver new learning experiences.

The Samsung Chromebook 2 Series is ideal for educators and administrators seeking to adopt one-to- one learning programs. Using the web-based console – available with support from Google for $30 per device for schools – Samsung Chromebooks can be centrally managed, making it easy for educators to configure a set of laptops across the classroom or the entire school. Samsung Chromebook 2 is a classroom-ready and cost-effective solution to support dynamic teaching and learning.

Available from April, the 11.6-inch Samsung Chromebook 2 will be available for an MSRP of $319.99, while the 13.3-inch model is $399.99.

Key Specifications

Details11.6-inch Samsung Chromebook 213.3-inch Samsung Chromebook 2Display Size11.6”13.3”ResolutionHD LED Display (1366 x 768)Full HD LED Display (1920 x 1080)OSGoogle ChromeGoogle ChromeProcessorSamsung Exynos 5 Octa (1.9GHz, 2MB L2 Cache)Samsung Exynos 5 Octa (2.1GHz, 2MB L2 Cache)Memory4GB DDR3L System Memory at 1600MHz (onboard)4GB DDR3L System Memory at 1600MHz (onboard)Storage16GB e.MMC iNANDTM Embedded Flash Drive16GB e.MMC iNANDTM Embedded Flash DriveCamera720p HD Web Camera720p HD Web CameraBattery LifeUp to 8 hoursUp to 8.5 hoursDimensions11.40″ x 8.06″ x 0.66″12.72″ x 8.80″ x 0.65″Weight2.43 pounds3.09 poundsColorJet Black, Classic WhiteLuminous Titan GrayPorts1 HDMI, 1 USB3.0, 1 USB2.0, MicroSD Multi-media Card Reader, Headphone out/Mic-in Combo, DC- in1 HDMI, 1 USB3.0, 1 USB2.0, MicroSD Multi-media Card Reader, Headphone out/Mic-in Combo, DC- inMSRP$319.99$399.99Availability DateApril 2014April 2014

*All functionality, features, specifications, and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.