Samsung Series 9 (late 2011 refresh) review

Intel’s processor provides the graphics power through its integrated GPU. Although this has no trouble playing high-definition video, it struggles when playing modern games. With the Series 9 managing only 13.2fps in our Dirt 3 test, it can tackle recent titles only at lower resolution and detail settings.

Our main concern with the Series 9 is its poor connectivity. It continues to use flip-out ports, and you’ll need to carry the supplied adaptor around if you want to connect to a wired Ethernet. Its two USB ports are useful, especially as one supports USB3, but the memory card slot reads only MicroSD cards typically found in smartphones – it can’t be used for standard SD cards, widely used by still and video cameras.

Although the Series 9 is competent and looks great, it’s more expensive than other better-equipped ultrabooks. As such, there’s very little reason to choose it. In addition Samsung is about to launch a 2nd Generation Series 9 to replace this range entirely.