CES: Samsung unveils updated Series 9 notebooks and Series 5 ultrabooks

Samsung has unveiled several new products in its notebook range and its first ultrabook devices, as it looks to enhance its position in the laptop market.

The two new series 5 ultrabook products, the 13in 530U3B and the 14in 530U4B, will aim to compete with Apple's MacBook range in the higher end of the market.

Both run on Intel Core i5 processors, have up to 8GB of system memory and weigh less than 2kg.

Samsung also claims each can last for up to 6.4 hours on a single charge as well as offering HDMI connection capabilities and integrated 1.3 megapixel web cams.

Todd Bouman, vice president of product marketing for Samsung's enterprise business division, said the firm was confident the devices would appeal to a number of core demands from users.

"The Series 5 was designed to meet demands for a thin and light laptop that offers advanced computing power and ample storage, while still remaining affordable," he said.

The 13in device is set to cost $899 and the 14in $949 with the products likely to be available from 30 January.

The firm has been promoting ultrabooks heavily since the start of the CES show, claiming they have many practical benefits over other devices.

The Series 9 notebook range has also been updated, with two new models, the first of which is the NP900X4B. This is a 15in device that weighs 1.59kg, is 14.9mm thick and is powered by a second generation Intel Core i5 processor. It also has 8GB of memory and a 128GB SSD.

The 13in model, the NP900X3B, weighs 1.16kg, is 12.9mm thick and also runs on a second generation Intel Core i5 processor. It also has up to 8GB of memory and a 128GB SSD.

Bouman added that the firm had worked to enhance the devices based on feedback from customers on previous models in the Series 9 range.

"Our engineers worked very hard to develop the amazingly thin form factor and one of the most compact chassis in the world, which allowed us to house a 15in display in a 14in chassis," he said.

"We also made changes to the new model based on customer feedback, such as the inclusion of a 1600x900 high-resolution screen."

The firm also touted the performance of the devices, claiming they can both boot up in less than 10 seconds, while the 15in device is said to have a battery life of up to 10 hours.

The 13in device will retail for $1,399 and the 15in for $1,499, with both products available from 27 February.