Samsung Notebook 3 and Notebook 5 get a smart look and modern CPUs

While some websites were busy yesterday posting mirthful product announcements and reviews, Samsung was tweeting about serious business. The company has updated Notebook 3 and Notebook 5 laptops in three different sizes. The announcement was a little vague about the hardware specs, but we'll do our best to describe the midrange laptops. What's quite clear is that the new portables have a sleek look thanks to metal bodies with no exposed fasteners. Although we have photos, all you'd need to do is imagine a recent MacBook Pro with more ports and the word "Samsung" on the lid.

Samsung Notebook 5 in Light Titan

All three models will come with Intel seventh-generatation two-core (Kaby Lake-U) or meatier eighth-generation four-core (Kaby Lake-R) processors and unspecified amounts of DDR4 memory. Processor graphics are standard, but 15" Notebook 3 buyers can opt for an Nvidia GeForce MX 110 card with 2 GB of its own memory, while Notebook 5 buyers can shell out for a GeForce MX 150 pixel-pusher with 2 GB of GDDR5 memory.

All the new machines get 1×1 802.11ac Wi-Fi and an Ethernet jack for network connectivity. The smaller Notebook 3 weighs in at 3.7 lbs (1.66 kg) while both 15" models begin at 4.3 lbs (1.97 kg). The three laptops are just about 0.8" thick (1.9 cm) and carry 43-Wh batteries. The sides of the machine have three USB ports, the aforementioned Ethernet connector, an audio combo jack, and an HDMI output.

Samsung Notebook 3 in Pure White

Samsung was especially coy about the displays, saying only that the 14" Notebook 3 has an "HD resolution" panel that we assume has 1366 columns and 768 rows of color-changing pixel elements. Shoppers looking at the 15" Notebook 3 can pick "HD" or "Full HD" resolutions, while the Notebook 5 is available only with the presumably-1920×1080 display. Samsung says all Notebook 3 and Notebook 5 models have dual-storage systems with SSD and HDD data-retention hardware, but was silent on the matter of capacity. The company also notes the keyboard has ergonomically-crafted keycaps, but was mum on the subject of backlighting.

Samsung Notebook 3 in Deep Peach

Samsung says the Notebook 3 and Notebook 5 will start shipping in select countries later this month and will see a wider release during Q2 2018. The Notebook 5 comes with a silver finish. Notebook 3 buyers get to choose from gray, charcoal, and peach finishes. There's also a white color option exclusive to the 15" version of the Notebook 3.