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Samsung Ativ Smart PC Windows 8 tablet to cost $799.99 from AT&T

Samsung Ativ Smart PC Windows 8 tablet to cost $799.99 from AT&T

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Samsung Ativ Smart PC tablet press image
Samsung Ativ Smart PC tablet press image

Samsung is bringing its Ativ Smart PC to AT&T beginning November 9th. Despite its tablet form factor, Samsung is touting the Ativ Smart PC as a full-fledged Windows 8 device — which is also reflected by its hefty $799.99 price point. That's a $300 premium over Microsoft's flagship Surface tablet, though it carries the benefit of backwards compatibility with Windows software both new and old that simply won't run on Windows RT.

Whether Samsung's pricing is a precursor to what we'll see from other manufacturers is unclear: the Ativ Smart PC is on the low end of what we'd consider a "Pro" machine thanks to its 1.5GHz Intel Atom chipset. Even Samsung is offering a more capable version — the Ativ Smart PC Pro features a faster processor and 1080p screen — but there's been no word if AT&T plans to carry that product. The model Ma Bell is selling provides 64GB of storage (expandable up to 96GB when you factor in the built-in microSD slot) and an 11.6-inch 1366 x 768 display. Still, Samsung has an uphill climb if it hopes to persuade consumers to make an $800 investment rather than opt for more affordable alternatives like the Surface, Nexus 10, or iPad this holiday season.