The laptop industry is flourishing, and we are witnessing innovations that are nothing but revolutions. Some of these are the outcome of consumer demand while others are the result of brilliant ideas and superb tech. However, Samsung’s new laptops are a mix of both innovation and creativity.
The company has introduced QLED displays in the Galaxy Book Ion and Galaxy Book Flex. Moreover, Samsung has equipped this pair of 13 and 15-inch laptops with Wireless PowerShare features. This simply means that you can charge your mobile phones and any other Qi devices by using the trackpads of these laptops.
From wireless charging to Touchpad charging
Wireless charging is in use from the past few years and many flagship phones are equipped with this technology. This is kind of a no-brainer in this era, however, Samsung’s implementation of this idea follows “because we can do this” approach.
Wireless charging requires the smartphone to be face down and charging the battery using the case. Nevertheless, Samsung’s implementation of Wireless PowerShare appears to be less than ideal.
What is Touchpad charging?
Wireless charging on the laptops is different from the flagship smartphones. In order to charge your phone on these new Samsung laptops, you have to place it on the trackpad. But the more serious concern about this feature is that it might reduce your productivity. You cannot accomplish your tasks on time if there is a smartphone occupying your trackpad.
You can get some work done on the Galaxy Book Flex, thanks to its touchscreen. But the Galaxy Book Ion doesn’t have a touch screen which is kind of a bummer, considering the touchpad charging feature. This would surely affect one’s performance and ability to complete a task on time.
Before we go into further details, let us see what Samsung’s new laptops have to offer.
Galaxy Book Ion – a Traditional Wonder
This is a traditional laptop that Samsung has released in 13.3- and 15.6-inches display sizes. The Galaxy Book Ion features a 10th generation Comet Lake Intel Core processor that comes with up- to 1TB SSD storage and 16GB memory. The coolest feature is of course its Wireless PowerShare touchpad that can charge galaxy buds, smartphones and other Qi-compatible devices.
Galaxy Book Ion features a clamshell design with a magnesium build body. Its 13-inch model weighs around 2.1 lbs with dimensions of 12.0 x 7.9 x 0.5 inches. Whereas, the 15-inch model has a weight of around 2.7 lbs with dimensions of 14 x 9.0 x 0.6 inches. In addition, Samsung has added two USB 3.0, a Thunderbolt 3, an HDMI, 3.5mm audio jack and a microSD reader.
Galaxy Book Flex – Convertible Touchscreen Genius
This 2-in-1 laptop is a premium device for professionals on the go. The Galaxy Book Flex features a touchscreen and you can turn it into a tablet, thanks to its 360-degree hinge. Samsung has equipped it with S Pen support for more productivity and to improve performance. This is arguably a marvel for creatively oriented businessmen and professionals.
Like the Galaxy Book Ion, the Galaxy Book Flex it also comes in 13.3- and 15.6-inches display sizes. It features a 10th generation Ice Lake Intel Core processor and comes with up- to 1TB SSD storage and 16GB memory.
Galaxy Book Flex is a convertible laptop that offers the best of both worlds. It is made aluminium and its 13-inch model weighs around 2.5 lbs with dimensions of 11.9 x 8.0 x 0.5 inches. Its 15-inch model has a weight of around 3.4 lbs with dimensions of 14.0 x 8.9 x 0.6 inches. In addition, Samsung has added one USB type-C, two Thunderbolt 3, 3.5mm audio jack and a microSD reader.
Can touchpad Charging Sell Samsung’s new Laptops?
Both these laptops have incredible specs and appear to be serviceable laptops. High memory, 10th generation processors and massive storage capacity of up to 1TB are big advantages. Samsung’s new laptops can sell themselves but only if the company prices them fairly. The touchpad charging feature is nothing but an ordinary element.
Samsung claims that its new laptops offer the coolest implementation of wireless charging, but this isn’t a premium thing. Although touchpad charging gives customers the freedom to charge their devices wirelessly, it might affect the productivity level.
Bottom Line
Both the Galaxy Book Ion and Galaxy Book Flex are solid additions to Samsung’s laptop line. The touchpad charging is a nice add-on but, in our opinion, it is nothing but a gimmick. However, both these models feature exceptional hardware which makes them hot picks in the current laptop market.
