Samsung announces new Galaxy Book 2, an always-connected windows 2-in-1 tablet

Earlier today, Samsung announced the launch of the next installment of its Galaxy Book line, dubbed the Galaxy Book 2. Like the original, it’s an always-connected PC that allows you to work wherever you happen to be. It features a supercharge battery, gigabit LTE connectivity on any carrier, and it comes with a keyboard and S Pen.

When I reviewed the original Galaxy Book eighteen months ago, quite simply – I loved it. There were a couple of areas to dislike – the folding screen stand made it hard to use truly on the go (it didn’t like working on my lap on the train, for example), but this point to one side, it was excellent.

Fast forward to early 2019, and Samsung has well and truly heard this feedback (or so it seems). The flimsy folding stand is gone, and the Galaxy Book 2 features a built-in aluminium stand (think Microsoft Surface style) which looks infinitely better, and more usable in more places.

Samsung’s Garry McGregor had this to say of the new product launch:

“The way Australians work is transforming, so it is important that Samsung continues to keep pace and provide the tools for consumers to do and achieve more.

The Galaxy Book2 is the optimal blend of innovative hardware and connectivity. It empowers Australians to work virtually wherever and whenever is convenient through outstanding productivity and mobility.”

While the stand is new, some things have been updated but broadly remain unchanged. There’s the 12-inch SAMOLED display, twin speakers tuned by AKG for Dolby Atmos functionality, and the tight integration with other Samsung smartphones to deliver a unique experience.

Of course, you can use it without the Samsung mobile, but the Samsung Flow tech to seamlessly move files and notifications between devices looks pretty hot.

Perhaps curiously for a Windows based device (which this is), the Galaxy Book 2 is not powered by an Intel processor. It is, instead, powered by the top of the line Qualcomm Snapdragon 850 processor (and X20 LTE modem) for ultra-low power consumption and connectivity on the go.

Probably the only limitation from the specifications – listed below – is the relatively low amount of RAM. 4GB is plenty for light tasks, like browsing or reading your email, but once you start to get into something a little more demanding that will very quickly test the 4GB available (bearing in mind the Windows OS eats a fair amount of that by itself.

Samsung Galaxy Book 2 Product Specifications:

Samsung’s Galaxy Book 2 is available from Samsung direct and via Telstra for $1,599 RRP, and it will also arrive on Vodafone Australia soon. If you buy in the next month (by March 31), you’ll receive a free multi-port adaptor (aka a mini docking station) to help you on the road.