It seems this may be the year of “smart” or “smarter” devices and solutions with a number of companies claiming the space with meanings ranging from integration to sustainability. The Samsung press conference highlighted some subtle product advances and an advanced laptop that actually garnered applause by the over-crowded, cramped and somewhat testy press corps.

Leading off was a new series of televisions with a “pencil width” bezel that hopes to integrate the picture into the living space along with a new connectivity model that joins objects within one foot of the television into the network of devices in the home. While the thin look was interesting from a consumer perspective, the seamless integration if communicated clearly might be more of a selling point that fosters a positive decision to buy. Both D8000 and D7000 LED TV Series benefit from these changes for 2011.

The Series 9 Notebook was well received at the event and it was stylishly presented in a new Duralumin skin. Perhaps more of an advancement was the 400-nit bright screen with a true 16 million color screen. Even standing at the back of the hall with bobbing heads obscuring the view it was possible to sense the visual advance of the slim light device. A Series 7 crossover sliding keyboard touchpad also was shown that was warmly received.

A full range of  “smart” devices awaits at the show floor with promised new introductions at tomorrow’s keynote…