Samsung has brought back its Series 9 notebook with a beautiful new look and price tags that are a little easier to swallow than its original Series 9 machine. The Korean company has unveiled 13- and 15-inch models at CES in Las Vegas today, priced at $1,499 and $1,599 respectively. Both machines pack Intel Core i5 processors, 4GB of RAM, and solid-state drives as standard.

The new 13-inch model weighs in at 2.5 pounds, which is slightly less that its 2.8-pound predecessor, but isn’t labeled an “Ultrabook.” Instead, Samsung is choosing the market the device as a premium laptop. Though it’s hard not to compare the device with Apple’s ultraportable MacBook Air, which, let’s face it, is what manufacturers are currently trying to compete with.

For me, the Series 9 does an outstanding job at competing. That solid aluminum unibody is beautiful, and it packs some pretty impressive specifications. Both models feature Intel’s Core i5 processors, 4GB of RAM, 128GB solid-state drives, and backlit keyboards; while the battery will provide up to six hours of use between charges. Both machines are lacking an optical drive, though they do feature SD card slots.

One of the Series 9′s most impressive features, however, is its display, which offers a resolution of 1600 x 900 pixels, and a welcome matte finish.

In addition to a redesign and much-improved internals, the Series 9 now features a price tag that won’t pummel your bank account, and looks destined to become incredibly popular.

I certainly like the look of it, but what do you think?

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Tags Apple, CES, CES 2012, core i5, Intel, Intel Core i5, MacBook Air, Samsung, Samsung Series 9, Series 9, SSD, Ultrabook, ultraportable