Samsung ATIV Smart PC Pro (XE700T1C)

Samsung ATIV Smart PC Pro (XE700T1C)

Putting Pro in the ATIV

When it came to hybrid notebooks, or Win8 convertibles as some like to call them, it was about which brand offered the best in design. On that front there are many takers. On the flipside, there are those that prefer going by the tried and true route, which is to use one of the two safer fusion concepts: the keyboard dock or the twisting screen mechanism. In the case of Samsung’s ATIV Smart PC Pro (XE700T1C), it was more of the former though the Korean company does incorporate some of its own ideas too. Does this PC cum tablet live up to expectations? Let’s find out!

SIMILAR STUDY 

While other convertible PCs strive to be as thin as it can be, the same cannot be said of Samsung’s take on what some say is an attempt to replicate Microsoft’s Surface Pro. From the presence of a USB 3.0 port to the micro-HDMI slot and even almost similar processor and chipset specs (Intel Core i5-3317U 1.70GHz CPU paired with Intel HD4000 accelerated graphics, 4GB DDR3 Onboard RAM, and 128GB of storage), it is no wonder the resemblance is uncanny. However, that is as far as similarities go as Samsung’s so-called homage to the Surface uses a thicker chassis design to fit in the S-Pen and proper stereo sound system, does not feature a kick- stand to hold it upright, and uses a solid keyboard dock that feature two other USB 2.0 ports. All of that housed in hardened plastic chassis that has a subtle brushed metal finish, which scratches and chips easily unfortunately. Going by specs alone, the ATIV Pro is definitely suitable for office work. However, forget about playing any heavy duty games on this as it will do no justice for the game or the hybrid-PC’s performance. The occasional 1080p Full HD movie is fine though.

MISSING A PORT 

I am all for using notebooks to do work. I’m even inclined to advocate on using these hybrid- PCs if it helps improve productivity. I had the opportunity to use the ATIV Pro while on an overseas assignment and I quickly realised it has one fault that can hamper a proper workflow - the lack of a dedicated network port. I wanted (needed!) a stable and fast web connection! The situation, which was a personal pet peeve that stumped me for a few minutes, was easy to overcome as all I just had to switch on the WiFi. Truly a dire moment but this is how technology roles.

EASY INPUT MIX 

Once that’s out of the way, everything came together very quickly and I learnt first-hand what it means to be using a convertible properly - as in to use the keyboard as and when necessary and work with the touch interface and stylus at all times. Learning and quickly working the interface is a total breeze, swiftly removing any nagging irritation about the lack of RJ-45 network port. Using Windows 8 (Win8) on the ATIV Pro is such an amazing experience as the 8-point multi-touch LED screen produces vibrant and vivid colours that calls out to you to touch the screen and interact with it. When paired with the keyboard and touchpad, the enhanced user experience that Win8 offers is fully realised as the ATIV Pro offers all interface aspects. While it can get confusing at first, once you’ve settled in, it’s smooth sailing all the way.