13.3" Samsung NP900X3C with Ivy Bridge CPU

something else: samsung webpage says 4 cell battery while many reviews mention 6 cells which assume is wrong.

could someone please tell me the battery life when watching mkv movies?

 

I think this is an important question:
What is going on with the 13.3" S9 availability in the USA?
Up until now, Amazon has been the only one to have them.
I got one delivered to me about an hour before they put a hold on both models for more than a day.
Several calls to Amazon could not get me information as to why they had been put on hold.
Then, BB had them on their website, then they listed them as "sold out online".
This is ridiculous because they had never had them before.
Then suddenly, BB pulled the 13.3" totally from their site, and it has not returned, but the 15" is there.
A friend saw a 13.3" displayed at BB in NYC, then he went back and it had been pulled off the shelf!!
J&R has been threatening to ship them for weeks, and today is claiming stock.
Up until now, they have been saying that ship date is a few days off.
Same with FRY's. No stock, only the 15" model, and they claim that they have zero of the 13.3" on order or anticipated.
Can anyone shed any light on what is going on?
I have one in hand, but am leery of what is going on.

 

The short answer is that Samsung can't get their sheet together and will never be on the same level as Apple with product execution. I have the 15" and I might end up keeping it even though it's a little big, it's a solid machine compared to anything else except a MBA

 

Air's can not be compared to every Windows Ultrabook.
I have tried BootCamp many times and it is inadequate for regular Windows use.
Same with Parallels or other virtualization software.
BootCamp and virtualization software are if you want an Apple computer but you
have a few Windows apps that you want to be able to run.
If you are a Windows user with no intention of running OSX, there is no reason to
consider an Air, which only runs Windows as a compromise, and only supports the
SSD in IDE-mode, etc.

Windows needs a real Windows machine. The Air is for OSX.
It is a joke to try to run Windows fully on one.

I am not "Air or Mac-bashing" at all.
Air's are great for running OSX, but not Windows.
I wish that they were great for Windows use, but they are not.
The Ultrabook was created to try to cut into the market share of Air's, but Intel played it wrong.
They should have advertised something like:
"If you want to run OSX, get an Air, if you want to run Windows, get an Ultrabook."


---


Meanwhile, if anyone has any real information on 13" S9 availability, or why they have appeared
and disappeared from sites like BB or why they got pulled temporarily from Amazon please post.

 

I just noticed something peculiar. My 900X3C's processor will not engage "Turbo" behavior at load. It won't go over 1.7Ghz for some reason. The 3317U is supposed to be able to reach 2.6Ghz at Max but even after messing with the power settings and disabling Energy Efficiency setting in BIOS, the CPU refuses to clock over the spec'd 1.7Ghz frequency.

Can anyone help shed some light on this?

-Mike

EDIT: Wait, nevermind. The Turbo is there but apparently not for this SS9 ultrabook. Unless someone corrects me with a differing experience of course. Attached is the screenshot from Samsung's website in regards to the CPU speed of the 900X3C. The MAX. speed is 1.7Ghz.

 

hello John,
Thanks for the help with YouCam.
I am not sure what I should have done and I would like to learn in case I need it in future.
What should I have made:
- a copy of C: ?
- an image backup of C: ?
- a copy of the recovery partition ?
or
- an image backup of the recovery partition?

 

Hi bigblackwolf, you can use a free program like Paragon Back and Restore like I did. It's simple to use and the bootable media comes in handy like you wouldn't believe. I've used Acronis 2009 in the past but that program causes problems when you try uninstalling it - and it's not free.

Paragon Backup & Recovery Free Edition - Free Download

-Mike

 

In europe it is no problem at all to get the S9 13". I asked a guy at BB in Florida why the space next to the 15" version is empty and if/when they would get replacement - he didnt have an answer to that. Hopefully, Samsung will bring a pimped Version to better compete with other ultras and the MBA.

 

The number of cells is irrelevant. It is the total capacity that matters. The X3C battery is about 40Whr (Watt-hours). The voltage is around 12V which suggests that the cells are multiples of 3 (because one cell is around 4V when charged) so I would vote for 6 cells. [In contrast, the X4C battery 62Whr but is 8V, so it is probably 8 bigger cells).]

What program are you using to check the CPU speed? HWiNFO has a nice graphical display. Select the Samsung optimized power profile in Easy Settings and check it is also selected in the power options. Then run a CPU benchmark such as wPrime. HWiNFO should show both cores running at 2.4GHz (which is the maximum speed for both cores loaded). Actually seeing the 2.6GHz is a bit like finding the Higgs Boson: It happens only if one CPU core is loaded and the other core is idle, which doesn't happen very often because Windows will automatically spread share a single-threaded task between both cores.

On the factory installation the Samsung Recovery Solution Screen looks like this:

(click on link)

Use the option on the right to make the backup disc. That option seems to disappear if the recovery partition has been deleted.

John

 

Hi John, I noticed that the processor DOES indeed hit 2.4Ghz - but only when it's plugged into the wall! What if I want the processor to hit Turbo when it's on battery power? I verified that Turbo does not kick in when on battery on High Performance and Samsung Optimized. Weird.

-Mike

 

Hi!
I see many people on the web complaining that the NP900X3C (13.3" version of the new S9)comes with only 4GB (one slot only!)

So, I'm wondering, why is it not possible to upgrade it from 1 slot of 4gb to 1 slot of 8gb:
Kingston 8GB 1600MHz DDR3 NonECC SODIMM - EET Nordic UK Ltd.

What am I missing here????

 

It is soldered in, not replaceable.

 

I was never brave enough to actually pull it apart and confirm that. Has anyone seen a tear down that does?

 

I'm 99% sure that the inside of the X3C looks the same as in the X3B as shown here:

(click on link)

I think the memory is under the silver perforated area between the CPU and the antennae (the yellow bits). It is reported as, and performs as, dual channel RAM. The only way, IMO, this can be achieved in a size smaller than a normal SODIMM module is to have soldered chips.

John

 

The photo that I posted here 14 pages back has it - 4 chips soldered on to the motherboard.

 

I can't see from this source - can you?
The New Series 9: Slim Inside and Out | SAMSUNG TOMORROW Global

 

I think you mean this post.

John

 

I wonder if there is a way to replace it still? I mean, if there is something wrong one day with the RAM, i'm sure they won't replace the whole laptop, just replace the RAM, if they can do it, can't we somehow??

 

They will replace the mainboard. We can do that, too, of course, if mainboard is sold separately.

 

Yea, I remember but it was too hard to tell from that picture if that was really the RAM chips.

I guess the little silver cover is a shield of some sort.

Thanks for the link again.

 

Nope, it's final, the RAM is not replaceable. If it goes bananas, they'll replace the motherboard. Most ultrabooks nowadays come with on-board memory. That's why I have decided to go with a different product, thicker but upgradeable.

 

And, which product have you chosen?

 

Which one ?

 

ok, thank you all for replying I really appricate it!
Here are more questions:
1: I'm using a lot of photoshop, do you think 4GB RAM will be enough?
I was debating between 8 and 16... can't imagine myself with 4gb ram ???? (i'm not playing any games...)

2: the RAM on the 15" is upgradable, is the proccessor also upgradable?

3: I saw this (scroll down):
Eyes on Mobile Tech: 8gB RAM Samsung Series 9 np900x4c Teardown
The guy say that the 13" has a PLS panel while the 15" dosen't???
I'm wondering if it was only true for previous productions or is it also true today??

 

For those of you waiting for a 256GB with i7 Samsung just posted the A04US on their site

Specs - Series 9 NP900X3C | Samsung Laptops

 

hopefully the 8gb of ram model comes out soon too :3

 

Wow. That's a bit of a surprise. So with the US in the model name, does that mean it's a US spec model and we can expect it soon?

Still going to wait on the Lenovo X1C to make my final decision, but this changes quite a bit for me.

 

Usually I see the models on Samsungs site weeks after they are already shipping so this was a bit of a surprise to me as well. It is a US specific model but there may be one for other countries - haven't searched. I'm checking with a vendor now to see if they can order it and when it would ship.

Also, forgot to mention that it does ship with Windows 7 Professional & TPM.

 

Just check in task manager how much ram is used while working with photoshop. Then you will know if 4 GB are enough.

 

Does anyone know if the 900x4b/c psu can be used on the 900x3c ?

 

Yes, they are interchangeable. The PSU for my X4C has an L-shaped plug which I consider to be an improvement.

John

 

Wonder what the price point on that would be. Still am debating between the Zenbook Prime and this one, and 128GB limitation was a big strike against the SS9.

I can deal with the 4GB RAM on either model, but I'd still like to meet a Zenbook and give it a good feel.

 

Insight and BestBuy Business are listing the A04US for roughly $1750.

 

Pfft.. no thanks! Is that really the final, retail cost? If so, I'll pass. I imagined something more realistic like a $100-200 increase from the 128GB.

 

I imagine it might come down a bit, but even if it doesn't I'd be willing to pay the extra if the screen is to my liking. I want what I want, and am actually in a financial position for the splurge for once.

AZP screen vs SS9 build... Graaah.

 

Once again, Best Buy (Business now) shows it as "Sold Out" and "Not Available in Stores" which is identical to what regular BB did to the A01US and A02US before taking them completely off the website, and removing the demo units from stores.

To begin with, "Sold Out" would not be what you would post as the stock status of a brand new item that you have never yet sold.

Once again - where are these notebooks?
How many dozen, or hundred have been delivered to the USA?

And...does anyone know why they (13" models) have been removed from BB stores, and/or why
they were pulled from Amazon for over a day last week?

 

When BB originally listed the A01US and A02US, were the prices accurate then to what ended up being the final price? Or were they really high?

 

They were accurate, same as Amazon...retail price.
$1,299 + $1,399 I believe.

Availability is one thing, but the 13" demos have been pulled from the NYC BB stores.
What would be the explanation?

 

It is out of stock, but if you care to wait...
Samsung SERIES 9 13.3IN NOTEBOOK I7 3517U 1.9G 4GB RAM 4GB DDR3 256GSSD 13.3 LED HD 400N (NP900X3C-A04US) - Laptops / Notebooks

I enjoy my S9 128 as I type, having acquired it last week, while in the US.

 

They're still available in Canada. Could this be a patent law thing?
Samsung Series 9 13.3" Ultrabook featuring 3rd Gen Intel Core i5-3317U Processor - Black : Ultrabooks - Best Buy Canada
Samsung 13.3" 3rd Gen Intel Core i5-3317U Ultrabook (NP900X3C-A01CA) - Black : Ultrabooks - Future Shop

 

No, there would be legal filings, and it would be all over the news, and on many tech sites.
Also, they would not be for sale on Amazon and the few other sites you can find them on.

 

Man, these things are expensive!

 

John, I just read your article on the crucial M4 mSATA SSD that was advertised on the front page of this forum. Is there a discussion thread on that SSD? I couldn't find it. If not, then I'll just ask the question here:

In the review, you compared the M4 to the stock sandisk U100, and the crucial just blows the u100 out of the water. However, do you have any idea how this crucial M4 compares to a Samsung PM830 that came with the older Sandy bridge NP900X3/4B?

edit: nm, i think this is the thread to discuss this? I'll go there and ask this question.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/samsung/672173-series-9-owners-third-party-msata-upgrades-4.html

 

That's nice they finally matched the Dell Adamo from 2009 with 256GB and 4GB RAM...I'll pass. In order to be at the forefront in 2012 they would need 512GB SSD and 16GB RAM, and they are sticking us with 2009 technology at 2009 prices.

 

John:
I read your reply that a clean install would not include the Cyberlink webcam software, which I don't really care about. My understanding was that after a clean Windows 7 install on this machine, you can install the wireless driver and the Samsung Easy Software Manager, and then use the manager to install the remaining drivers and the Samsung software. I don't care about the game trials or the MS Office trial or WiDi.
1.) What other essential pieces of software would be missing after a total blowaway of the drive followed by a clean install?
2.) Would Samsung Fast Boot be accessible through the Software Manager?
3.) Is Windows Ultimate fully supported by all of the Samsung software and the Samsung drivers?
4.) What other pitfalls would be encountered by not backing up Samsung's pre-load?
Thanks a lot!
Andrew

 

I've just made a fresh install of Win 7 Ultimate x64 on my brand new NP900X3C.
No issue at all except reinstalling Intel Rapid Start Technology (IRST). I downloaded all drivers from Samsung Web Site. The only one that i could install was IRST. After installing Samsung Easy Software manager (ESM), it provides me a way on install IRST from ESM ... And it worked !

After installing Win 7 utlimate (retail version, not a tweaked one) + all samsung drivers + the partition (4Go) used by IRST, i still have 101Go free on my SSD (128Go)

PS : Yes, you can activate all Fast Boot features : Cold boot in 8sec (from power-up to desktop) !

 

Thanks:
1.) Did IRST create the partition it needed?
2.) Just to clarify, I thought that all you needed to download was the ESM and the wireless driver, then you get everything through ESM. Not correct?
3.) Other than the Cyberlink WebCam utilities, was there anything missing that is needed?

 

Installing IRST through ESM creates the partition automatically.

I downloaded all drivers (LAN, WLAN, Bluetooth, USB3, Chipset, VGA, touch-pad and audio) from Samsung download area, but you can also do the same through ESM (even easier i think).

All stuffs from samsung (theme, apps,...) can be reinstalled from ESM

PS: the only issue is the BIOS update ... the ESM informs me that a BIOS update is available, but launching the update leads to a BSOD

 

Are there any actual sources on wether/when there will be a 8GB/256GB (with a better ssd) version, or is it all just speculations based on the demand for increased specs?

 

The 256GB SSD (with a better SSD, I presume, and it does come with an Core i7 instead of the core i5) is available in a few places (Asia & US, for now) but nobody knows about an 8GB ram model.

What effect will the 256GB/core i7 features have on power usage? I've seen in reviews that a core i7 uses slightly more power but due to the 'race to idle' thing it doesn't have to come with a decreased battery life, I suppose?

And another question, this time to the Ubuntu using dude: how well does Linux work on this thing? I won't bother to even boot into Windows once on this thing so I'd love to know how things like the touch pad, backlight & volume controls, webcam etcetera work.

And - how's battery life with Linux, the VGA & HDMI etc - in general, do you recommend this thing or not?

I know the AZP works great with Linux and that's my alternative but I saw it in store yesterday and it left me really unimpressed in terms of hardware...

Thanks,
Jos