Samsung Series 7 Gamer Hands-on: Watch Out, Alienware

LAS VEGAS– Serious gamers, take note: Samsung is throwing down the gauntlet with the Series 7 Gamer. We got a first look today at CES at the 17-inch system, a top of the line desktop replacement that looks to blow away Alienware’s benchmark scores– and maybe even its battery life, too.

The Series 7 Gamer will only be available in one configuration, but it’s likely to be the only one you’d want: a next generation Intel Core i7 processor, Nvidia GeForce GTX670 with 2GB of graphics memory and  a 2TB hard drive. To keep the battery going a little longer, there’s a mode knob which lets you choose between a miserly, power-saving mode, a balanced power mode and gaming mode. When you go into gaming mode, the processor ramps up and– depending on your preferences– the touchpad and Windows key are disabled. A nifty animation also lets you know that you’re ready to take over your virtual world. The backlit keyboard glows with a warm blue, but the directional “W,” “A,” “S” and “D” keys are lit in red. 

We can’t wait to benchmark this system when it becomes available in April for $1,799, but, in the meantime, check out our video and gallery below.

• CES 2012: Full Coverage
• Samsung Series 9 15-inch First Video Hands On: Ultrabook Size, Big Display
• CES 2012 Day Two: What You Missed