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Oh Blu-ray. I'm not sure if you'll really replace the DVD standard, but in a world filled with HD content, I suppose it's bound to happen. Plus, how else would we get all of this promised 3D goodness? At any rate, I digress.

As far as the R30 models are concerned, they're packed with Intel Core 2 Duo T6600s, 320 GB hard drives, and 4 GB RAM. You sadly don't get a Blu-ray drive with these models, and you're left with measly GMA 4500MHD graphics. The R30 series is offered in both 14" and 15.6" screen sizes, and will run you $670 either way.

Now, the R80 line is the more beefed up version, sporting Intel's Core i5 430M processors. Coming in 14-, 15.6-, and 17-inch models, the R80s have both upgraded storage (500GB) and for the two larger models, upgraded graphics (GeForce GT) and Blu-ray players. These models are a bit more expensive than the R30 line, however, costing $849, $949, and (oddly) $929 for the top of the line. Why $20 cheaper? The world may never know, but I know for sure that I'd spend that extra $20 on a little bit more portability rather than lugging around a 17" monstrosity.

Full press release below.

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Samsung Electronics America Inc., a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Corporation, announces the launch of its newest notebook computer series, the Samsung R30 series featuring the R430 and R530 and the Samsung R80 series including the R480, R580 and R780, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Ideal for viewing HD video, managing digital music, editing photos or playing the coolest PC games, Samsung’s latest notebooks are flexible and powerful.

“LED HD Resolution: 1366 x 768 Graphics: nVIDIA GeForce GT 310M (R580) Intel GMA 4500 MHD (R480) Speakers: 3 W Stereo Speaker (1.5 W x 2) Audio technology: HD Audio Web camera: 1.3 MP Internal microphone Hard Drive: 500GB 5400 RPM Wireless LAN: 802.11bg/n LAN: Gigabit Ethernet Samsung R780”

“With Samsung’s new notebook models, we’re excited to deliver a both stylish design and high performance,” said Todd Bouman director of product marketing at Samsung Electronics Information Technology Division. “Combining a range of wireless connectivity options and LED backlit displays, these products are ideal to be used both as mobile devices as well as desktop replacements for all-day use.”

MULTIMEDIA POWERHOUSE NOTEBOOKS – 80 SERIES

Available in Samsung’s “Touch of Color” gradation with various patterns and including a Blu-Ray optical drive in the R480 and R580, these laptops are perfect for watching movies both at home and on the go. Additionally, the nVIDIA GeForce graphics card included in the R580 and R780 will appeal to the gamer in any household. The HD LED backlit displays (17.3” – R780, 15.6” – R580, 14.0” – R480) provide the sharpest images and boldest colors with a proper 16:9 aspect ratio.

Based on the Intel® Core™ i5 430M processor, the 80 series comes equipped with a 500 GB hard drive. With a 1.3 MP Web cam and integrated microphone, they are ideal for use with communicating with friends and family over Skype or other VoIP networks.

CRAFTED TO PERFORM – R30 SERIES

Also, available in Samsung’s “Touch of Color” gradation with various patterns in stylish white and red respectively, the Samsung R430 and Samsung R530 are built using the Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T6600 processor and contain a 320GB hard drive. They each pack 4GB DDR3 memory and an Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics card, making them ideal machines for office users and gamers alike. The R530 also comes equipped with a 17-key numeric keypad.

These new notebooks offer a variety of visual options. The 16:9 aspect ratio of the bright, high-resolution 14 inch and 15.6 inch LED HD displays make the Samsung R430 and Samsung R530, respectively, ideal for viewing a wide variety of content.

The R-series’ ergonomic design allows for a more enjoyable and productive user experience. Samsung notebooks are perfect as a desktop replacement as well as an on-the-go computing solution.

The Samsung R430 and R530 will MSRP for $670 and along with the Samsung R780, which has an MSRP of $929, are available through Samsung resellers now. The R480 and R580 will be available from March 2010 at price points of $829 and $949 respectively.

Samsung’s notebook line will be on display at the LVCC Central Hall, booth 11026 during the International Consumer Electronics Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, January 7 – 10, 2010.

Samsung R480/ R580

• CPU: Intel® Core™ i3-330M Processor/ Intel® Core™ i5-430M Processor
• Memory: 4GB (DDR3 / 2GB x 2)
• Screen: 14.0”/15.6" LED HD
• Resolution: 1366 x 768
• Graphics: nVIDIA GeForce GT 310M (R580)
• Intel GMA 4500 MHD (R480)
• Speakers: 3 W Stereo Speaker (1.5 W x 2)
• Audio technology: HD Audio
• Web camera: 1.3 MP
• Internal microphone
• Hard Drive: 500GB 5400 RPM
• Wireless LAN: 802.11bg/n
• LAN: Gigabit Ethernet

Samsung R780

• CPU: Intel® Core™ i5-430M Processor
• Memory: 4 GB (DDR3 / 2GB x 2)
• Display: 17.3" LED HD+
• Resolution: 1600 x 900
• Graphics: nVIDIA GeForce GT 330M
• Speakers: 4 W Stereo Speaker (2 W x 2)
• Audio technology: HD Audio
• Webcam: 1.3 MP
• Hard Drive: 500GB 5400 RPM
• Wireless LAN: 802.11bg/n
• LAN: Gigabit Ethernet
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR

Samsung R430 / R530

• CPU: Intel® Core™2 Duo T6600 Processor
• Memory: 4 GB (DDR3 / 2GB x 2)
• Display: 14.0" LED HD (R430) / 15.6" LED HD (R530)
• Resolution: 1366 x 768
• Graphics: Intel GMA 4500MHD
• Speakers: 3 W Stereo Speaker (1.5 W x 2)
• Audio technology: HD Audio
• Webcam
• Hard Drive: 320GB 5400 RPM
• Wireless LAN: 802.11bg/n
• LAN: 10/100 Ethernet

All notebooks are available through Samsung resellers and distribution channels, which can be located by calling 1-800-SAMSUNG or by visiting www.samsung.com. Samsung Power Partners receive special promotions, lead referrals, training and technical support, as well as collateral and marketing materials. To find out more about becoming a Samsung Power Partner, visit www.samsungpartner.com.

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