Samsung Ativ Q

Samsung isn't sitting still on the laptop front. Though the Samsung Ativ Book 9 Plus was just named PCMag's Editors' Choice for ultrabooks, today Samsung is announcing a new version of the laptop that features a better processor, larger storage, and comes with Microsoft Windows 8.1. The improvements do, however, come with an increase in price.

The new Samsung Ativ Book 9 Plus builds on the already impressive foundation of the Book 9 Plus, which features a slim and light design and a high-resolution 3,200-by-1,800 touch screen. With features like dual-band Wi-Fi and a specialized hinge that stands up to touch without impeding normal laptop use, the premium ultrabook garnered a 4.5 star rating and easily snagged the Editors' Choice award.

The new configuration will feature an Intel Core i7-4500U processor, a step up from the Core i5-4200U found in the current model thanks to a higher clock speed and larger cache size. Both are fourth-generation dual-core processors, with Intel's improved graphics performance. The faster processor will allow speedier performance overall, but the differences will be slight. There will be a difference in price, however; where the Core i5-equipped model sells for $1,399.99, the new Core i7-equipped Book 9 Plus will sell for $1,799.99.

The new model also upgrades the storage, from the 128GB solid-state drive found in the current iteration to 256GB. The larger drive offers twice the storage space while still offering the performance enhancements of a solid-state drive.

Last, but not least, the new Book 9 Plus comes with Windows 8.1, which enhances the touch-friendly Windows 8 with more familiar Windows features, like an on-screen start button, optional boot-to-desktop, improved options for windowing multiple apps, and a more seamless transition between desktop and start screen.

While the Core i5-equipped Book 9 Plus is available in stores now, the new Core i7 configuration of the Samsung Ativ Book 9 Plus will be available in early November for $1,799.99.

For more, check out PCMag's full review of Windows 8.1.