Samsung Ativ Smart PC

When Samsung's new Ativ line of Windows phones and tablets debuted at Germany's IFA trade show in late August, it was unclear when or if those models would be coming to the U.S. Thanks to AT&T's rollout of its fall line, we now know at least of of the tablets -- the Ativ Smart PC -- is bound for American shores.

The Ativ Smart PC is the middle child of the tablet line, which also includes the Ativ Tab at the bottom and the Ativ Smart PC Pro as a step-up model. The Tab will run the stripped-down Windows RT operating system, while both of the "Smart PC" versions run full-on Windows 8. The Ativ Smart PC uses Intel's next-generation Atom CPUs -- code-named Clover Trail -- and packs 2GB of RAM, 64GB of storage space (with a microSD slot for additional expansion), dual webcams (2-megapixel front, 8-megapixel rear), and a 1,366x768-resolution display. (The Ativ Smart PC Pro runs faster Ivy Bridge Core i3 and Core i5 CPUs, and among other higher-end specs, has a full 1,920x,1080-pixel screen.)

The first announced version of the Ativ Smart PC will come from AT&T, with the wireless provider's 4G LTE mobile broadband service on board. Samsung hasn't said if the Ativ Smart PC will be coming to other carriers, nor if a Wi-Fi-only version is in the works. (The Smart PC also includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0.)

The Samsung Ativ Smart PC tablet running Windows 8.

We had a chance to handle the Ativ Smart PC at AT&T's fall launch event in New York City (see video, above). In person, there's no getting around the fact that the Samsung Ativ Smart PC is one monster of a tablet. It's screen measures a vast 11.6 inches across (diagonal) which is plenty big. While it offers a captivating view, using a slate this size anywhere other than spacious office or home environs would be comical. Imaging pulling out this juggernaut on the train, bus, or even airplane. It won't help you make friends and might even spark an argument or two. Another issue is the Ativ Smart PC's portly profile. At 19.9mm (0.78 inches) thick and 750 grams (1.65 pounds), the device felt noticeably heavier and thicker than the 10.1-inch Asus Vivo Tab RT (a Windows RT tablet that's also available through AT&T).

While the Ativ Smart PC seemed relatively zippy during our quick initial hands-on, we'll be most intrigued to see if the new Clover Trail Atom CPUs live up to Intel's claims. The last-generation of Atom processors were relegated to entry-level Netbooks, and their performance left a lot to be desired.

With an 11.6-inch screen, the Samsung Ativ Smart PC is one of the larger Windows 8 tablets.

Similar to other Windows 8 and Windows RT tablets, Samsung includes a detachable clamshell-style keyboard that turns the Ativ Smart PC into a makeshift laptop. Samsung has not yet indicated pricing for either the tablet yet, and the only information we have regarding availability comes from AT&T, which says only that the tablet will be available for purchase "in time for the holidays."

We'll have a full review of the device as soon as we can get one in for testing.