Samsung - Galaxy Book - 12" - 128GB - With Keyboard - Silver

Ok, I am not gonna do what alot others have done and give benchmarks, Specs etc. What I want to do is provide assistance to those of you that are not just looking for a nice tablet but also a tablet that can play some non app style games. What I mean is, I like a lot of you have soooo many computer games on STEAM, and was curious how will this generic graphics card would do. First off, yes Windows 10 is awesome, and I had zero issues downloading Steam. Then I downloaded two of my favorite games on Steam, Football Manager 2017 Touch, and Stellaris. The games look amazing on this beautiful display, and I have had no problem playing them. Now dont expect to play them in Ultra settings since Intel HD Graphics 620 is the gfx card you will be limited with. Nevertheless I LOVE IT! Im here able to multi task, and have another screen minimized with a nice game of Stellaris going. So yes gamers, you CAN play Steam games on this awesome tablet but please realize you will have some limitations, such as how many games you can load due to limited Gigabyte space, and also limitations of a gfx card that is tiny in a thin comfortable to carry tablet. Speaking about the tablet, you will hear the fan (which is a good thing imo) if you are multitasking or playing some serious games, and they will drain your battery fast (I like to keep it plugged in when gaming). My wife has a tablet made from another company and operating system and I would not even consider trying to play any steam games on it so to me this is a HUGE + Screen is beautiful love the keyboard, and the protection it provides love the weight of the tablet/keyboard the pen works amazing, I usually would not even think of using a stylus but this one is great. Watching movies on this thing is a dream btw (I use Netflix). Overall VERY VERY happy!

Setting up this tablet/laptop hybrid was super easy. But I have to admit once everything was put together, at first I had a hard time figuring out how to open and set it up so it would sit up like a laptop. Once I can get it to stand the way I want to, everything else was a breeze. Pros: - The pen is amazing, responsive and comfortable. It's a little bit on the too sensitive side but it works really well. - The backlight keyboard auto timed, it would turn off when not in use, and would turn on once you start typing. - The design is much more elegant than Surface Pro who is the obvious competitor. - AMOLED screen is nice and color is accurate. - Initially I was worried about 4GB RAM, but I haven't noticed any lags when switching and opening up multiple programs such as Chrome, Excel, One Note, while listening to Groove. - Battery life (rated at 11 hours) is very good comparing to laptop of the same class. Cons: - Keyboard feels a little flimsy. I use my laptop to type on my lap a lot and if I put a little more pressure on my palm, I can feel the keyboard bends a little bit. - Price Point. Surface Pro is the gold standard for this class. The one with similar specs has much higher resolution for the same price. I feel like Samsung can lower down the price more to compete with Surface Pro. - The only available connections are USB C. Although this is the direction where major electronics is heading, it's always nice to have different options without worrying about forgetting certain adapters. - The last one is a little bit nitpicking, but I wish they would include black colored USB C cable and power adapter for the black Samsung Galaxy Book instead of white color. I am quite happy with the product thus far. If you're comparing this and Surface Pro 4, I recommend the Samsung Galaxy Book over the Surface Pro 4. Design, battery life (11 hours on SGB and 9 hours on SP4), and weights are my top 3 comparison points.

If you're in the market for a Windows Tablet / Ultrabook, the Samsung Galaxy Book 12" packs a lot of power into a thin tablet design. PERFORMANCE Despite the tablet design, the Samsung Galaxy Book 12" packs enough power to give some desktop computers a run for their money. An speedy Intel Core i5 processor paired with 4GB of RAM and 128GB solid state drive (also available in a larer 8GB, 256GB size) is more than suitable for ever day tasks such as email, web browsing and documents. The 4GB of RAM is a little on the low end, so you won't be able to do high-end video editing on it, but some light gaming would be fine. Oddly, the fan on the tablet seems to always be running, even if I'm not really doing anything with it. DISPLAY A 4K display with HDR on a tablet?! I think the display on this thing is better than the 4K TV I just purchased a few months ago. Being this close to the display really allows you to appreciate the incredible amount of detail and vividness found in a 4K display and is something you may not notice sitting 10 feet away from a 4K TV. The picture display on the Samsung Galaxy Book 12" is breathtaking, especially when you find some 4K YouTube videos to watch. However, screen brightness seems to auto-adjust in an odd fashion. It seems like it's either very dim and hard to read, or very bright and I'm reaching for sunglasses. There doesn't seem to be a happy middle ground, which leads to me setting the brightness level manually. PORTABILITY The Samsung Galaxy Book 12" is very portable with the included keyboard case. However, propping up the display's stand with your lap and is not as comfortable as a traditional laptop (with a self-supporting display) would be. Either of the two USB-C ports can be used for charging which is a plus as there is no proprietary charger needed (I found it charged with my Anker USB-C Power Delivery charger). The Galaxy Book gives you the easy-to-hold benefits of a tablet (when undocked from the keyboard case) and the power of a laptop when you need it, making it ideal for business travel or carrying around a college campus. The tablet does have some weight to it, so you may not be comfortable holding it for long Netflix binge sessions. FEATURES The Samsung Galaxy Book has a robust feature set. As is typical with most tablets, the Galaxy Book includes Bluetooth connectivity to speakers, keyboards and mice. If you're in the Samsung ecosphere and have a compatible Samsung smartphone, the Samsung Flow allows you to sync notifications and texts - as well as send and receive files - with this tablet thanks to "Samsung Flow". If you're feeling artistic, the S Pen allows you to "draw" on the screen as well as sign PDFs or jot down a quick memo. The pen doesn't need to be charged. If you hover it over the display and tap the button on the pen, a quick menu pops up that allows you to take a screenshot and annotate it with the pen or jot down a virtual sticky note to save for later. There is a holder included in the box that attaches to the keyboard case via adhesive, which makes me wonder while they didn't just sew a loop into the case to begin with. The keyboard is back lit and has a nice laptop feel to it. The keys provide a satisfying "click" as you type. The keyboard case attaches via magnetic pins and is powered by the tablet. The back of the case magnetically props up the tablet in 3 different viewing angles. It works well on a desk, but is not very stable when trying to prop it up on your lap. VALUE The Galaxy Book 12 appears to be Samsung's answer to Microsoft's Surface Pro 4. And if you upgrade the processor in the Surface Pro 4 to match the Galaxy Book's i5 and figure in the cost of the Surface's keyboard that is not included, you'll find that the Galaxy Book is competitively priced. SUMMARY Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Book 12" is a powerful tablet that gives you many of the features that a laptop or ultrabook would. The powerful i5 processor provides desktop computer performance while the 4K HDR display shows photos and movies in stunning detail.

Samsung’s latest attempt with the Galaxy Book as a direct competitor in the “pro style” 2-in-1 tablet/laptop competition does a few things right but hasn’t gone without some noticeable technical issues. First of all, the hardware itself is everything you would expect from Samsung including a beautiful screen, light weight tablet, decent mid-range specs including the latest Intel 7th generation i5 processor, 4 GB RAM, 128 GB of internal SSD memory paired with a micro SD slot for expansion, two USB C ports, full Windows 10 and the ability to link easily with other Samsung devices keeps it in line with what’s currently in the market. Given those specs, the tablet is reasonably fast and responsive and is great for multitasking. However, it doesn’t do much to set itself aside from the competition or make a name for itself in this field. One thing did right, which others should take note of, is offering the keyboard and pen with the device. I also wanted to note that the pen does not need to be charged and works great with drawing apps or general use of the tablet and Windows OS. However, for those that don’t have use for either the keyboard or pen make want to consider other options as this also brings the price up over some of the competition; I feel both options are almost necessary at this point with using a tablet style device with Windows 10 since the screen and font size can be hard to view and select certain options with your fingers. After playing with the device and performing the numerous updates you’ll need to do after set up to ensure you’re up to date and protected, which also require quite a bit of time to set aside and resetting the device, I did experience several issues within the first couple days of use; the main one being its ability to wake itself back up out of sleep mode or letting the device sit idle. At one point, I thought the tablet was a lemon because it wouldn’t respond to anything I did, any buttons I pushed, wouldn’t show that it was charging when plugged in (no charge light) and had a black screen. I eventually noticed the internal fan was still running, which is very quiet I might add, and decided to try to hold the power button down for about 10 seconds. The fan eventually turned off and I was able to reboot which fixed the issue. I don’t necessarily want to knock Samsung for this is as it may have been a compatibility or OS issue. The other issue I had, which may also have been an OS issue, was it stopped being able to connect to my wifi when my other devices worked just fine. I eventually had to forget the networks, reset the wifi and that fixed the issue. Those were the main issues in just the few days that I’ve had the device. The battery life is decent as long as you don’t let it sit idle and ensure you put it in sleep mode or shut it down when not in use and it charges fairly quick using the USB type C charger included. The front and rear cameras are functional but I wouldn’t rely on them to use as your main camera(s) and work well for video chat or conferencing. The included removable keyboard and case function well in different positions and as a protector for the device and even includes a sling for the included pen. All my other Bluetooth devices paired easily as well. I’ve rated the device based mostly on the hardware, the beautiful screen, keyboard and pen and functionality and not because of the issues I had because I’ve experienced similar issues using Windows on other devices. What I would suggest is that if you’re in the market for a 2-in-1 make sure you’re familiar with the OS and how to troubleshoot some issues otherwise you may find yourself frustrated. Samsung has done a decent job with its first attempt at a pro style 2-in-1 but didn’t give consumers many options to choose from like more RAM, more hard drive space or a better processor but it’s a good starting point for them with room for improvement and perhaps an edgeless display?? The Galaxy Book may be a great starter option for some in the market since Samsung has made most of the spec decisions for you, especially for those that aren’t too tech savvy or are Samsung loyalists. I also want to add that when comparing prices make sure you keep in mind that the keyboard and pen are included which would easily set you aside an additional $200+ if purchased separately.

All is good, but I have some preferences. Fairly fast I5 processor. (prefer I7) I have both in other products. Great packaging included the book, keyboard, stylus and 128GB SD card. Quick set up and needed MS OS updates right off the bat. The first thing you want to do is change the save location for Docs, Pics, Music to the SD card. I have installed 2 small Apps and noticed only 38GB left. (128GB Internal ssd) 256GB would have been more appropriate. Great 4K visual. Watched a few movies with stunning detail. I utilized this as a book and as a tablet and I have been gravitating to the tablet version more. The keyboard feels good and responsive and love that it is backlit and is also the cover for the book. I found the back support is somewhat flimsy. The over all feeling of the book itself has a real solid feeling. Includes 2 USB-C ports. The pen works great and I think it has got to be the best on the market. I was surprised to see Windows Media Player as one of the included Apps which I still use to this day. Samsung has made another great product!

Great resolution and perfect size to use on the couch

Before I begin, I have to say that I am most comfortable in an android or linux computing ecosystem. With that said, I have also been fluent in Microsoft's OS's since windows 95. On other sites, people have reviewed this product only to complain about Windows 10. That's not reviewing the product, and that's not what I will be doing here. In getting this product, I thought that it would replace a laptop in its portability, size, and function. It comes very close. The system itself is very quick, a 128GB SSD, with about 30GB in use at first boot. This is due to windows, and the various apps that come preinstalled. Most can be removed if need be. This particular model also came with a 128GB microSD card in the box (system can handle up to a 256GB SD). This comes in handy, as you now will have a separate "D Drive" to store photos, music, etc. This will keep your C/OS drive a little less cluttered. All in all, plenty of room. The I5 processor has handled everything I've thrown at it so far. Keep in mind, this is not a "gaming rig" - though I doubt anyone purchasing it will be doing so with such a plan in mind. The 4gb of RAM is plenty for web-browsing, HD video playback, and apps such as photoshop. The display is crisp, and truly is HD in every sense of the term. So far, in watching HD videos on youtube - the colors just "pop" and have impressed me, which is saying alot since I usually can find at least one fault in a display. None here. The S-Pen is a nice extra. It feels like one is using a felt tip pen on the display, therefore it feels quite natural. There is no "Pen Lag" that other pens usually have. Again, very impressed. The one thing that keeps it from being a laptop killer - believe it or not, is the keyboard case. One would think that there would be a hinge to keep the keyboard and tablet open on one's lap. Sadly there isn't. So unless you angle the tablet so you are looking almost straight down at it, you will not be able to use it on your lap. The case does have three different positions, but all *must* be used on level surface or table. Is that a deal breaker? Definitely not. This is a very capable system that includes a gorgeous display - and awesome sound quality (which is normally lacking in tablets). I highly recommend this item for any connoisseur of computing devices - or just geeks (such as myself)!!!! You won't be sorry. DO IT!

Summary: It’s a great little device; believe me when I tell you to go for 8 GB RAM version; you will be really pleased for a long time. It is on a little expensive side but it’s a product trying to compete with Surface and has few tricks of its own. You want a tablet with full desktop OS; this is it. You want a tablet with proper keyboard; this has it. You want the 8 GB version; this has it. I say if you travel a lot need a light weight device which can do all your mails, browsing office still capable of netflix and few games. Try this. 8 GB Version will get 5 stars from me; as I have the 4 GB version; it’s a 4 star device. Pros: --- Screen is vibrant, like really good; like not seen on any android tablet or iPad I owned or macbook. And like a mobile device it adapts to light. It seems this thing has taken best feature from both Tablet and desktop world. Surprisingly responsive for 4 GB. It does get slow with multiple application open at once; but what MS have achieved is commendable as this is a full-fledged desktop version. Still 4 GB is on lower side and I will recommend getting a 8 GB version as the processor is really capable and the device may feel getting bottle necked because of RAM in near future. Out of the box more than 2 GB (out of total 4) is available. Very good keyboard, I really enjoyed typing with it. It is very closed to my dell laptop. And the cover looks very sturdy, is also used to provide base to the screen and can do two view settings. sPen response was very good but I do not use it much. When I used it on the accompanying app it detected my writing perfectly, so high five for that. (And I tried cursive : ) Netflix works and looks beautiful, browsing with edge works great. Read Cons section for Chrome. It does not have finger print reader but you can use Samsung phone app for fingerprint sign. If you own a Samsung phone with fingerprint scanner. I tested with Galaxy Edge 6 and it worked like a charm(No really). Battery life is good; very good. I am using it majorly for surfing, mail check and word processing and it is yet to run out on me. Samsung has included fast charging as comes in its phone in it; so when you are totally out of juice, you can quickly get sufficient charge. Touch response is good for tablet mode, I have used windows phone in past so when it goes to tablet mode it becomes something like a Lumia device with respect to interface. The firmware enables Secure boot so that is one good thing; it comes pre-installed with windows defender and I do not intend to install anything else on it as that will make it leggy. Speakers: You cannot expect big speakers sound or clarity from these but they are very good for their size; I compared and found them to be louder than my ipad mini. Attached to external speakers it sounded a little flat but you can always fix that using equalizer in windows. Light weight, I carried it to my office and the bagpack felt so light in comparison to my macbook or dell laptop. Great job keeping it so light Samsung. Cons:----- This thing does not have any major flaw but here are few things they could have improved. No USB C adapter, come on Samsung, this thing comes with the pen and the keyboard/cover but you forgot to include one usb C adapter when most of the gadgets are USB (we may want to use Mouse, eh?) and this device comes with only USB C port. I tested with an adapter I had it and mouse was detected instantly. Good thing that the adapter is cheap. No office licensing even for first year. (But that is true with any laptop); I was just hoping that given the price of this thing they would have included it. 4 GB Ram (Chrome) is rather limited. 7-8 tabs open in edge and with MS word open in parallel; memory tops out. So, all 3.9 GB was consumed and OS was trying to page out memory which will put stress on your SSD. The system still remains responsive even though the memory consumption is at 3.7 – 3.9 GBs as I am typing this; which indicates that OS is getting really good at paging the memory out as I never felt that the system response is slow. With chrome though it was a no go; same 7-8 tabs when opened with Chrome cause the system to become unresponsive for few seconds before it recovered. Chrome is my main browser but I guess Edge has done something for low RAM device which Chrome has not. Misc:---- Windows halo, face login is not there; why I cannot say as this device is equipped with camera; maybe they will add it later? You would need a bigger SSD, the device comes with a 128 GB card and you can always add External HDD. On SSD it has arpund 85-90 GB available out of the box. It can play games too; though that is not what its intended to; but it fair well for small games(This war of Mine) and steam streaming worked great.