[Hnnnggg] Samsung announces the launch of Chromebook Pro and Chromebook Plus, designed for Google Play

At its press event at CES 2017, Samsung has already announced a bundle of products, including its Galaxy A 2017 range, smart goods and other things, but it has just announced something that’ll make some of us (and some of you) very, very happy.

That’s right. Samsung has announced the Chromebook Plus and Chromebook Pro, the latest Chromebooks which combine laptop functions with tablet flexibility. Both are designed especially for use with Google Play, to allow users to use all their favourite Android apps, in addition to access to music, books and movies. With a 360º rotating hinge, quad-HD screen, built-in digitiser pen and lightweight metal design, these are two Chromebooks guaranteed to set tongues wagging.

Alanna Cotton, vice president of product marketing at Samsung Electronics America, had this to say at the launch:

“Since launching our first Chromebook over five years ago, we have continued to improve the product, developing a computer that not only fits into consumers’ lifestyles, but makes their lives easier, more mobile and more productive.

With the Chromebook Plus and Pro, we’re partnering with Google to pair a sleek design with supreme flexibility, encouraging users to experience more with Google Play and Android apps, while continuing to provide simplicity, top-rated security and shareability inherent in Chromebooks.”

In a first for Chromebooks, both Samsung’s new devices will come with a built-in pen, which is embedded on the side of the device for secure storage and easy access. The pen takes convenience to another level with tablet-like benefits, such as the ability to effortlessly take notes and capture on-screen content. The pen is ready to use out of the box with pre-installed Google Keep for notetaking and Samsung ArtCanvas for drawing. The newly developed pen has a 0.7mm pen tip and pressure sensitivity for precise screen capturing.

What’s inside?

With a sleek, lightweight design, the Chromebook Plus and Pro is a computer people will be proud to own. The high-quality hardware is slim, designed to fit right into consumers’ bags, so it’s easy to carry wherever the day takes them. Additionally, an integrated full-size keyboard and trackpad allows users to write and play from anywhere.

It’s not just a laptop, or a tablet, though. It’s both, and more. There’s a whole world of experience including apps, games and media, all through the Google Play Store. Delivering a stunning, immersive Quad HD 2400×1600 resolution display made of durable Gorilla Glass 3, with a 3:2 aspect ratio– users can game, work or binge-watch on Samsung’s best Chromebook screen.

Both devices feature two USB-C ports, which offer enhanced connectivity, 4K video streaming, and high quality video output for compatible 4K displays.

Samsung’s new Chromebooks feature 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, with batteries that last up to 8 hours. On top of this is an enhanced battery life extender to lengthen productivity time.

Availability

The Samsung Chromebook Plus will feature an ARM processor starting at $US 449 and will be available at major retailers, including Best Buy, in February.

The Chromebook Pro will be powered by an Intel® Core™ m3 processor, designed for fast, responsive performance and will be available in April according to Google.

Both devices will come with the Google Play Store (Beta) pre-installed.

Update: Unfortunately for us in Australia, Samsung has told Ausdroid they have no plans to launch either Chromebook in Australia, so it’ll be importing for anyone who wants one.

For spec nerds, we’ve got the full details below: