13.3" Samsung NP900X3C with Ivy Bridge CPU

Hey guys,

New owner here. Just bought from J&R.com, couldn't resist with the Labor Day "sale."

But I got some questions for you if you don't mind answering.

1) I also bought a Crucial m4 256gb msata, I know they don't come with screws, I'm assuming I can just use the screws that are holding down the oem drive in place and not have to buy extras?
2) How do I make sure the Crucial m4's firmware is completely updated before I clone a drive onto it? Basically what I'm asking is, whats the easiest way to connect it to my desktop externally, so I look at the firmware version and update if need be.
3) My understanding as of now is to immediately backup the original SSD through Samsung's program for safekeeping to an external or wherever. Afterwards, whats the most efficient way to have a clean copy of Windows on the new SSD? Should I clone, then wipe the new SSD? or should I wipe the original SSD, then clone onto the new SSD? If the Bloatware isn't too bad and completely removable, I'm thinking about not even doing a wipe, can someone comment on the bloatware situation?

Thanks and sorry if it's a repeat question. I'm sure part of #3 is.

 

There are two versions of the NP900X3C - one has the normal software image and the other has the Microsoft "Signature" image, which Microsoft has "tuned" to remove most bloatware, but then they install their own, some of which may or may not be to your liking. I had the "Signature" version since I purchased from the MS store, but still went ahead and did a clean install. So you might want to just copy the files from the recovery partition (some of which is the software drivers which you will need to do a clean install). Since it's a new unit and you haven't installed anything on it yet, it would seem easiest to just remove the old drive, and do a clean install onto the new one, rather than dealing with an image that likely has some bloatware on it anyway.

I guess you would need an adapter to connect the new drive to a desktop via SATA to check firmware, etc.

Ben

 

Yes, just use the screws already in your computer.

Get an mSATA to 2.5" SATA adapter which you can put in a 2.5" HDD USB enclosure. However, I wouldn't worry about updating the firmware. This page says the latest is 000F which is what came on my m4 mSATA a couple of months ago. The mSATA version of the m4 uses the 2.5" SSD architecture and firmware so it is quite well debugged.

First use the Samsung Recovery Solution to make a backup of drivers and software. Opinion is divided between cloning and a clean install. If you opt for the latter then first use the Windows disc to install a basic version of Windows (note that you will need to disable the Samsung Fast Start in the BIOS in order to be able to boot from a USB device) and then run the drivers / software backup disc to install what you want. I would also note that getting the Intel Rapid Start Technology to work properly can be a little challenging. Read this thread. Alternatively, clone the existing SSD onto the new one.

I would also note that the Series 9 SSD upgrades has its own thread.

John

 

Thanks so much for the quick answers. Much appreciated.

 

I guess that depends on how one defines "bloatware". In my opinion, the MS Signature image contains no bloatware, perhaps some very small MS apps that I don't use, but not anything like a Manufacturer's bloated image.

 

The Signature Image is just a Microsoft Store thing.
They do it for all makes and models they sell.
It has nothing to do with Samsung or with Samsung's
versions of their notebooks.
Just to clarify.

 

I agree, the Signature image is much better than a typical Manufacturer's install. It has Microsoft Security Essentials, and several other very useful things already installed. However it also had their Zune application for music, and a trial version of office which I had to remove in order to install my own office version.

Ben

 

Just got my J&R special and liking the machine so far. However, 66.5GB useable space remaining might be a little tight. I'm going to wait for reviews of Windows 8 to come in and see if I can upgrade the SSD and to Windows 8, or do a clean OS reinstall with a new SSD instead.

I've read through this whole thread and don't think I saw anyone mention what laptop sleeves they are using? For a "premium" machine, I thought Samsung could at least include a cheap protective sleeve. I think I saw someone say they are using an 11.6 inch MBA sleeve? Or should I go for the 13 incher?

 

Samsung makes a perfectly decent leather sleeve specifically for the x3b/c. It's around $45 and readily available through various merchants on Amazon. I use one myself. There's also a model for the x3a.

 

Something a little less expensive. Fits well.

Amazon.com: CaseCrown Neoprene Sleeve (Black/Red) for Acer 11.6 Inch Netbook: Computers & Accessories

 

There are some more sleeve suggestions in the Series 9 Accessories thread.

John

 

I'm also looking for a sleeve that fits the 13" Samsung. Unfortunately it seems that 99% of the sleeves in that general size are designed specifically for the MBA, and the Samsung is about 1/2 inch shorter in length, about 1/3 inch less front to back and 0.2" thinner. (Published dimensions for the MBA are 12.8" x 8.94" x .71.") Several of the sleeves mentioned in the thread either aren't readily available in the US, or it was unclear if the described one was the same offered by some vendors.

FYI, the 11" MBA's published dimensions are 11.8 x 7.56 x .68, so the 13" Samsung is about 1/2 way between the two MBA's in length & width - and a lot thinner than either one.

Nothing is better that trying one out for the best fit... Maybe I'll need to so to the Apple Store and see how the Samsung fits into their sleeves - but also don't want to pay Apple store prices if I can avoid it.

However, I also don't want to order something and find out that it won't meet my needs.

 

Talkin' about accessories - anyone here tried the official (or series 7) mini-VGA-to-full-VGA adapter? I asked in the Series 9 VGA options thread but no response

I ordered the official adapter but can cancel it if it's not worth it. It'll take weeks to get her anyway

I noticed that the hdmi-to-vga out doesn't support 1600x900, the native resolution of the screen, according to the intarwebs. True?

 

Should the battery lose juice even when the system is off?

On my 900X3C, I have the battery extender enabled and powered USB disabled. As a test, charged it fully to the 80% mark and shut down (not hibernation or sleep, a complete shutdown). That was at 10pm and the battery somehow made it to 81% after I removed the power cable.

Anyway, at 10pm the following night, so 24 hours later, it was still showing 81% so I was happy with that. Checked it just tonight (11pm) so just over 24 hours after that and it's showing 78% now so a 2-3% drop.

Is it normal for batteries to lose charge even when completely off?

 

I bought this recently and it works great. No zippers!

Incase - Neoprene Sleeve Plus Laptop Sleeve for 13" Apple® MacBook® Air - Black - CL57756

 

I am on the fence between this NP900X3C and the ASUS Zenbook ux32vd with discrete graphics.

What made you guys pick this Samsung over the Asus when the Asus has better specs and better screen?

 

The mini-VGA to VGA dongle is hard to find. I have the Samsung micro-HDMI to VGA adapter and have just checked it with a 1440 x 900 TV. Both displays became 1440 x 900. I'm sure if the external display was 1600 x 900 it would also work.

1% per day is quite plausible.

"Better" screen is debatable. The Samsung PLS panel is very good quality and 1600 x 900 is plenty enough resolution for most people's eyes. OK, one can use Windows' display scaling to make everything bigger but there are residual doubts about it working perfectly all the time.

John

 

I would argue the build quality and aesthetics of the S9 are far superior to the Asus and pretty much everything else out there. I don't see any advantage in the ASUS screen, but RAM could be a legitimate concern.

 

Agree. I have owned both. Returned my UX32vd. I think I had a relatively good example compared to most (up and until it wouldn't turn on anymore) and the build quality isn't even close to the Samsung. Specs were great in theory, but hands on was a different matter.

 

I read the new S9s will not have touch, does anybody know if that is true? Seems they are going to lose a lot of business if it is especially since the S5 and maybe the S7 will have it.

 

Touch is likely to add thickness and weight. The Series 9 is likely to stay for those who prefer to use their notebook in the traditional way while there will be a touch-enabled Series 7.

John

 

I own a NP900X3C and have had the opportunity to play around with a UX32VD for a couple of days. I think both are pretty awesome laptops. But here are some reasons why I would prefer the S9 over the Asus

1) I like the S9 Screen better than the UX32VD screen even if it has lower resolution. Crisper text, blacker blacks, whiter whites, no light bleed

2) UX32VD is 20% heavier, 25% thicker, 1/2" wider. It may not seem like much, but holding them side by side, it is a noticeable difference. The large black bezel around the Asus screen is really ugly in my opinion. Especially when you have the S9 right next to it.

3) I prefer the S9 keyboard over the UX32VD

4) FAN NOISE! The S9 is practically noise free ... I am continually amazed at how quiet this laptop is. The same cannot be said for the UX32VD

5) Overall build quality. The S9 just feels more solid to me.

6) I don't play games so I don't need discrete graphics. I haven't encountered any issues with the HD4000 graphics.

In their cheapest configurations, both of these laptops have bottlenecks in the storage department. The 128 GB S9 X3C typically comes with the lowly u100 and the UX32VD comes with a <gasp> mechanical hard drive. In my opinion, both need to be upgraded to a proper SSD to get the most out of them. Some will disagree.

 

Touch also makes the display less sharp overall, since the additional layer has to be added to the panel.

 

Am I the only one having problems with the Easy Software Manager? Most of the time I get the error, "Disconnected from Server" that says I have no internet connection is available. I know my internet connection is fine because I can browse the web and even download directly through Samsung's website just fine.

 

I have had the same issue.

 

Same.

10 char

 

Another "is it just me" question:

Is it just me, or am I the only one that can not make heads or tails of
some of the latest dates and versions of drivers/software on Samsung's site?

Seems like, in some cases, there are versions that are dated many months later
with lower version numbers.

Also, isn't version 1.xx, 2,xx, or even 3.xxx enough?
Does anyone really need 1.0.90.2060 or 7.50.1123.2011?
If so, can you explain the numbering convention used?

 

It does not seem to be related to the version of ESM used, please correct me if I am wrong.
Occasionally, it connects and downloads the driver/software quickly.
Other times, it does not connect at all.
Even other times it seems to connect as if with a super slow old-timey 14.4K modem or such,
then either completes or times out.
I am guessing it is a Samsung server issue?
Please advise if anyone knows.
Mine is an X3B, but I have tried all versions out there.

I did notice that when it is totally failing, if I check the History log, it is not showing any
"Failed" download attempts. After about 20 failures today, it shows zero failed attempts.
I show one failed attempt yesterday at the exact same time as a successful download for
the same driver.

About to ditch ESM completely if I can not resolve.

Do you know about this issue, John?

 

I've also had problems with Easy Software Manager. I have received the "disconnected from Server" message on several occasions.

I also got a strange response when a notice would come up that I needed to update the Adobe pdf reader software (from 10.0 to 10.1.4, (think it was also through Easy Software Manager somehow?). Then it would download the update, go through the entire process of updating it with the progress bar filling all the way up, and then give an error that a resource file it needed wasn't available on my computer. Then it would back out of the whole update thing, and then quit the update attempt. After it tried to do this several times, I had to completely uninstall the pdf reader, then download the new updated version directly from Adobe and then install the new updated version.

 

I also suspect the server, not helped by the bloated update packages (eg 200MB sound driver update). Other threads show that the problem isn't just with the Series 9. It took me 5 days to get this update for my x4C. I'm just trying it on the X3B. At first run of ESM it gave the "no connection" message but I tried again and this time it offered me 3 updates. At the moment the sound driver is trickling down.

Perhaps if enough of us report this problem with ESM to our local Samsung support then word may get back to Korea and they might do something.

John

 

You wouldn't think that Samsung would need that much bandwidth to provide usable access to 200MB files, but
who knows?

Weird to me is that ESM offers "Windows 7 SP1 Critical Updates" and "Windows 7 SP1 Common Patches" to me,
even though I installed Windows 7 SP1 and all critical updates from Microsoft were applied through Microsoft.

 

I recently purchased a wonderful sleeve - envelope case. I've posted it on the Series 9 Accessories thread.

 

But if there are a million Samsung notebooks all trying to use the service at the same time then it becomes a lot of connections and traffic. And the slower the process then the bigger the problem. I did download that audio driver update yesterday but it took about half an hour, which would be a server issue, not my current internet connection.

John

 

I understand, but when you get "can't connect" at every hour of the day or night, there is not much value to it.
I got the audio driver update also, but through the regular individual file download page.

Interesting that it was almost exactly 1/2 the size of 200MB+ that ESM was trying to download for the same version.
Any reason you know why that is?

Sound (Audio) (Driver) (ver. 6.0.1.6699) Windows 7(32bit,64bit) May 3, 2012 MULTI LANGUAGE 102.7MB

As I said, the update that ESM was trying to download for the same driver was over 200MB.
Is there that much more code needed for an ESM update, and is there any other difference to the 2 methods, other
than actually being able to download the driver without using ESM?

 

Looking into the Appdata\Local\Temp\ESM\Compress folder the downloaded zip file is about 107,691,635 bytes so it's probably the same file which expands to 265MB when unzipped. So ESM is reporting the uncompressed file size. BTW, my update if 6.0.1.6699 but contains some files dated as recent as 10 August.

John

 

For those with a NP900X3C-A04US and the L-shaped power adapter, can you provide the model number the the power adapter? Thanks.

 

It's the same model number on both the straight and L-shaped PSUs but, in my case, the straight is Rev 1.2 and the L-shaped is Rev 1.5.

John

 

I really want to get this laptop but 4GB RAM is a concern. I use Photoshop a lot and it would be nice to do a bit of video editing..

How has everyone found having 4GB? Is it restrictive?

Thanks for any info.

 

Earlier today I cleaned my touchpad with a damp microfiber cloth and a little bit of dish soap and now it's not responding.

Usually I'll just use a damp microfiber cloth and never had a problem with it working afterward. Once before today I used a little bit of dish soap as well because there was still some remnants of oil on the touchpad. That time, the cursor was very unresponsive afterward but after powering the computer off by holding the power button it worked normally upon restart.

This time, the cursor response is basically non-existent. I can still right click and left click for the most part but the cursor will not move even after restarting. I've since plugged in a usb mouse and it works normally.

Does anyone know what is going on? Or how I can fix it or run other tests to find the problem? I'm thinking maybe I shouldn't have cleaned it so thoroughly...and maybe that finger oil was necessary ;(

FWIW, I have the np900x3a.

Thanks!

 

My X3B effectively froze for about 15 seconds when I opened one too many programs and Windows was concurrently trying to load a program plus data and dump some RAM to the virtual memory. However, a major factor in that occurrence was the Sandisk U100 SSD which chokes on multiple concurrent read / write. If there's a better SSD on board then using the virtual memory will be less painful. You may therefore need to factor into your thinking the need to upgrade the SSD (the Crucial m4 mSATA is probably the best balance of price and performance). 256GB is rather less cramped.

I wonder if there's some residual moisture. I know that my touchpad isn't very responsive if my fingers are damp.

John

 

I had the same experience with an x3a. It took three or four days to fully recover but it did. I could speculate about what actually happened and you could try creating internal heat or storing it on its side (you get the point) but it'd speculative because I don't fully understand the issue - if any moisture got into the trackpad or not. However, what I did discover is that the trackpad drivers are adaptive, which makes sense, and so try to adjust to what they sense is a new physical condition. This makes the recovery process confusing and you'll need to uninstall/reinstall a couple of times, as well as turning individual features on and off to properly guage the progress. The good news is that it will recover and you won't ever again make the mistake of washing it.

 

I love this laptop, but the Easy Software Manager is just a buggy mess . Their web support page is annoying as well. They don't seem to have the correct dates on their driver page. Sometimes it takes forever to download a small file, and other times, it is super fast.

I downloaded the sound driver from their support page ...
Support - Notebooks NP900X3C | Samsung Laptops

Sound(Audio) (Driver) (ver.6.0.1.6699)
It has a date of April 13, 2012, but it is definitely the same version that the Easy Software Manager attempts to download.

The download is 102.7 MB ZIPPED. Once it is unzipped, its exactly the same size as the Easy Software Manager version ... 267 MB

I was able to download the file from the support site in under 30 seconds after wasting an hour trying to download it via Easy Software Manager

 

It's the same story with most "Software Managers". I find it is best to only install them in notification mode. I can then assess whether an "update" is in fact an update and something I am willing to risk an install for.

If it isn't broken, don't fix it.

 

Did you/anyone ever get anywhere with this? I have these exact issues and find them rather annoying..

 

Are you running the default settings for the ELAN trackpad properties? Increasing the scroll speed and such tends to introduce a lot of issues.

 

Well I finally took the plunge and bought this laptop.

Everything is great, except for the trackpad. About half the time when I go to move the cursor, the movement isn't detected. I've also seen the cursor jump to random parts of the screen.

I've updated the drivers to the latest version.

Anyone else have this issue? It's extremely frustrating. I'll be returning the laptop if I can't solve the issue.

 

Search for ETDAniConf.exe and run it. This is a slightly more comprehensive touchpad control panel than ETDSimpleUI.exe which Samsung uses and includes a sensitivity control.

John

 

Thanks for the info.

Do you mean search on the laptop or on the web? Because that file isn't on the laptop.

Also i'm not sure how adjusting the sensitivity would solve the issue of my finger not being detected at times?

I'll do a Google search for that file and have a look anyway.

Thanks

 

Then download the touchpad driver package from the Samsung download site. It's a zip file and contains both the control panels. Copy ETDAniConf.exe to somewhere (desktop?) and run it.

Increasing the sensitivity should make it more likely for your finger to be detected. To quote from the help:

If it still can't detect your finger at maximum sensitivity then I would consider it to be a hardware problem.

John

 

*************
I tr

Code:

ied this and it just opened up a blank window. Buttons were set to default and then apply. Nothing in the window. When I run the touchpad app it doesnt have anything for sensativity.

Really struggling with the touchpad sensitivity. May go back if I cannot fix.
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