Samsung set to show Series 5 Hybrid PC tablet prior to IFA

Computerworld - Samsung is expected to show off its Intel-based Series 5 Hybrid PC tablet running Windows prior to the start of the IFA trade show in Berlin this week.

The South Korean manufacturer posted a photo of the new device on Facebook today.

The photo shows the tablet atop a keyboard docked to it. The docked keyboard lets the tablet double as a laptop much like the Asus Transformer Prime.

Reports from Computex in June revealed that the tablet will also have 8-megapixel and 2-megapixel cameras for video calls. The device's battery is expected to last an estimated 10 hours.

The hybrid system also supports a digital stylus, which Samsung made popular as part of its Galaxy Note.

Little else is known about the new Samsung device, including the important question of price.

Microsoft in June unveiled two Surface tablets, one that runs Windows 8 Pro. That device is expected to be priced similarly to ultrabook systems, which could potentially be more than $800.

Microsoft is reportedly ready to sell its other Surface RT tablet for $199.

Acer has been openly concerned about Microsoft's decision to make tablets that would compete those made by Acer and other manufacturers.

Samsung's expected tablet announcement prior to IFA is a signal that the Korean manufacturer supports the Windows 8 concept even with Microsoft in the game.

Samsung is holding a press event in Berlin on Wednesday.

Matt Hamblen covers mobile and wireless, smartphones and other handhelds, and wireless networking for Computerworld. Follow Matt on Twitter at @matthamblen, or subscribe to Matt's RSS feed . His e-mail address is mhamblen@computerworld.com.

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