13.3" Samsung NP900X3C with Ivy Bridge CPU

Yes, the RAM is soldered.

However, as an alternative upgrade you can read this thread and start checking the prices of the 256GB Crucial m4 mSATA SSD.

John

 

Thanks!

So, as to the source of my conflicting info... I just got off a live chat with Samsung support, where they informed me that yes, the RAM in the NP900X3C is upgradable. However, they are basing their information on the NP900X3A, as the X3C doesn't seem to be in their docs. I'm sticking with NOT. LOL

 

Upgrading will void your warranty for sure, so better don't touch it for a while:
SAMSUNG

Is it correct that new A05 models ship with a bag?

 

That's the standard Samsung position. What they really mean is open the computer carefully and at your own risk. If you break anything then don't expect Samsung to fix it for free. However, if you have a good screwdriver, proceed with care and keep any parts so that you can restore the computer to the as-supplied condition then you can reasonably expect to receive warranty service.

John

 

OK. I'm having a few minor issues after updating windows, sw updater etc. My easy settings don't' seem to work properly anymore, it will just open the window but all the buttons are blanked out and don't do anything. The fast boot option also seems to have been removed from the start menu, as in its still there but the icon is blank and it doesn't do anything if you try to open it.

The only main thing I have done other than the updates is remove norton and download windows essentials and spybot, just wonder if spybot has quarantined these functions maybe? If so whats a good free antivirus these days?

My trackpad driver also stopped doing two finger and up gestures but John's link fixed that, thanks :thumbsup:

Other than the little niggles I am loving it so far. I was slightly worried about keyboard, but after using it was actually nothing to worry about at all, even the space bar is quieter than my old lappy

In the programs menu what does easy settings come under? I was going to try to repair but could not find it in there.

 

Which version of Windows are you running? In Win 8 Easy Settings got renamed as Settings.

On my Win 7 X4C Easy Settings shows up under its own name under Control Panel > Programs and Features. If it isn't there then I would reinstall it. If SW Update doesn't want to offer it use the Save Setup Files option to download the installer and run it manually.

John

 

I'm using Windows 7 for now. When I go to programs and features there are easy display manager, easy file share,migration and support centre but no easy settings. Thanks for the save setup files tip I will give it a try that way.

 

Do you have a 2nd (free) RAM slot shown in BIOS on models below A05 ?
Checked it in a store (Germany) and saw it myself.

Also I can confirm that Samsung fixed the noise when you use keyboard lighting.
There was also a leather case in the package - looks like Samsung upgraded new models?
Will post more when my own model arrives, should be here on monday.

The device impressed me - Zenbooks feel and look cheap compared to it. Checked both and Samsung wins in every aspect.
The only good thing I noticed on Zenbooks are those nice screens but Asus failed to glue them properly (uneven pressure points) which results in terrible backlight bleeding. Matte was half glossy (could see objects clearly), touchpad wasn't built in correctly, the lid wobbles when turned upside down etc.

 

Did reinstallation fix this?

Use CPU-z to check the RAM. The DDP RAM in my X3B is a dual channel package that has no SPD data. If your computer has a spare slot then it means that the supplied ram will running as single channel.

Note also that an A05 in Germany (-DE suffix) may not have the same specs or box contents as an A05 in another country. Each country marketing office orders one or more models choosing from a list of options supplied by the factory and the model numbers are used in sequence for each different configuration.

John

 

Yes it did thanks. Although it was still adamant I had a newer version installed even though it didn't show up. I ended up having to remove everything with "easy" in the name and then it finally installed easy settings. After I stuck back the other "easy" programs I wanted in the same way, leaving off easy migration as I've got everything I want on here now. Everything seems to be back including fastboot. Only thing not working now is the auto dimming feature, but I'm sure that was covered a few pages back.

Also what was the e-pop program? I removed that too as it was next to all the easy progs and made by Samsung, but sw updater hasn't but it back.

 

Curious about the battery lifespan of the Series 9. I tend to use my laptops for a very long time (the Dell Insprion I'm replacing I've used for 6 years). Can the battery last at least 3 years and is there anywhere I can purchase a replacement battery should I need one in the future? If not, anyone know how much Samsung charges for battery replacement?

 

I use my battery often without battery extender and I already have 4% wear over about 4 months of use. I may have to do a recalibration of the battery since I've had it plugged in for a week but the overall wear is pretty high IMO.

 

Thanks for the input. I think I'd feel better about my purchase if I knew that there were plenty of replacement batteries floating around but I haven't come across any, perhaps the machine is still fairly new. The non user-replaceable battery doesn't look too difficult to remove.

 

Is it possible to have the touchpad like the apple one with right and left clicks? So you can left click on the whole pad and only two finger click is right click.

 

At least one member was sent a replacement battery for his X3B by Samsung support although officially it is not a user serviceable part (some of the X3Bs seem to have shipped with a bad batch of batteries). Samsung's Battery Life Extender option (limiting the charge to 80%) appears to reduce the wear and the need for replacement. I'm sure that replacement batteries will appear in a year or two when there is demand for them.

That's the way my pad is working (in addition to having the left and right buttons). If you don't have these options read the touchpad thread.

John

 

Another thing. I was hoping I could email Samsung support about a couple of questions but I couldn't find the NP900X3C listed on their website. I see the X1A and X3A and even the link that helps you locate the model number shows you nothing. See attached image.

 

The USA Samsung Support site sucks. Your machine is listed but the list is not sorted properly. I believe yours is close to the bottom of the list.

 

I went over the list a couple a times and the only models that's on the list are X1A and X3A, not seeing the X3C. It looks to be sorted in alphabetical order.

Here's the bottom of the list. Pretty much just the S's:

 

Sorry, I don't see it either. My NP900X3D-A02US isn't listed either and I am unable to submit support tickets and questions. I need to call them about my warranty.

 

I may have to call them as well for my questions.

 

Received my 900X3C A05-DE today. Guess what, dead pixel (red) so it's going back -.-
But there was a leather sleeve and still a cheap Sandisk U100 SSD with 45mb/s random write.

Every HDD beats this...

 

How is everyone's battery wear. Mine is roughly 2% with 4 months of use.

 

Note that the battery wear may not get updated unless you put the battery through a full discharge - recharge cycle. My X3B battery was at 3% wear until I put it through a couple of cycles (use the battery calibration in the BIOS to fully discharge the battery). The X3B battery is now at 19.7%.

John

 

How do you check battery wear? With Easy Settings?

 

Here's a hint:

 

Amazon now has the NP900X3D for $699...despite what people don't like about it that is tough to pass up. I expect they will have something new announced next week at CES..even the X3Cs are getting discounted by up to $200 now.

 

Pretty much the same drive everybody else is using too. The exception being Acer who is using a raid config that has really good numbers.

 

Is this the same PLS screen that is on the black Series 9? The build quality may be less but it still looks better than every ultra book in that price range. Plus, I want that PLS screen.


Edit: Never there's a comparisons of the models on Youtube that answer my question

 

I just got my Series 9 yesterday and so far I'm enjoying it. The keypad isn't as hard to use as a lot of other reviewers have noted. The one thing that is really annoying is the sensitivity of the trackpad. I can't for the life of me click the trackpad without moving the cursor which invariably causes me to drag an item instead of the intended right-click or single left-click highlight. I'd though lowering the ELAN trackpad sensitivity would help but that just makes me have to swipe harder to get the pad to register my finger.

 

It's the exact same screen and the build quality I had on one I bought about 2 months ago was perfect. The keyboard and fans are the same..everything is the same except for magnesium vs. aluminum and 2nd gen 15 at 1.4 vs. 3rd gen at 1.7 and I'm sure you know Samsung charges much more for their other magnesium models than their aluminum counterparts so that can only be seen as a plus.. I want something I can treat like crap as I travel a lot and will do internet, mail and a few other business related tasks. This is perfect and looks like it cost twice what it now does.

 

$699 is pretty cheap even for a Sandy Bridge based version of this machine. Wish I had waited for that price.

 

Any one know of a good OSD monitor program that displays CPU, mem and battery info without being a resource hog OR requring 3 different applications and hackign them to display it (for e.g hwinfo with msi after burner) etc?

Thanks

 

Look at post #1844 on page 185 in this thread. John uploaded drivers 11.7.2.1 that worked wonders for the same problems you listed than i had with my X3B

 

It's a no go with that driver for me. Best work around I've found is to have my finger half on the trackpad and half on the bottom silver accent around the trackpad to keep my finger steady or click with my nail. You can put one finger down on the trackpad and and slightly roll it side to side and you'll see the cursor move a little, this kind of messes up my precision.

 

Has anybody tried to connect to a screen with 2560X1440 resolution (like Dell 2711)? Since the micro HDMI supports only up to 1920X1200, I'm thinking of a USB 3.0 video adaptor like this Amazon.com: StarTech.com USB 3.0 to DisplayPort 2560 x 1600 External Video Card Multi Monitor Adapter (USB32DPPRO): Computers & Accessories

On top of that, I'm going to plug that video card to a USB hub like this: Amazon.com: J-Tech Digital SuperSpeed USB 3.0 4-Port Hub Backward Compatible with USB 2.0 with USB 3.0 Cable: Computers & Accessories

Not sure if that's going to work, any better solutions?

 

I am definitely interested in the results you obtain. The StarTech adapter looks promising. I also have the Dell U2711 and it would be great to have the ability to drive it at it's native resolution.

Please send me a private message and let me know how they work out. Thanks!

 

What's everyone using, Windows 7 or 8? I got the Windows 8 upgade at the discounted $14.99 price but not sure if I wanted to take the plunge.

 

Does Windows 8 have any features that you must have that offset the various hassles that it introduces. I'm personally sticking with Windows 7.

John

 

It's supposedly more resource efficient, right? Although not sure if that is enough of an excuse to upgrade also this seems like this is the direction Microsoft is going with the live tiles and all.

 

I am still with Windows 7 as well, but what major issues does Windows 8 introduce other than the obvious start menu ones,
and are these issues particular to the NP900Xxx series?

 

My NP900X3D runs with Windows 8 better than Windows 7. One specific nuisance with Windows 7 was the WIFI adapter and how resumes from sleep. Windows 7 didn't work very well. With Windows 8 everything resumes from multiple sleeps and connects back up to the WIFI network within about a second. The whole environment just seems faster.

I fixed the "hassles" john mentions by trying then buying Start8. It allows you to have a Start button and many of the features from Windows 7. In addition, you can set the product to bypass the Metro tiles and go right to the traditional desktop (my preference).

Windows 8 is zero hassle for me now.

 

What did you do about UEFI and SecureBoot?

John

 

I currently have that disabled. I'll probably experiment with that down the road, but I have no need for it, and any of its hassles, right now. The machine boots in 10 seconds. It resumes from sleep nearly instantly and lights the network in a second or two. It is working phenomenally well using good ole BIOS and MBR. No worries for backup and recovery either as a result.

 

Did you compare the start button replacement program you mentioned to this one, and is yours better?
Restore Your Start Button on Windows 8 - Free and Easy to Use Tool
I ask, because a consultant/friend I know uses it and likes it a lot.

Assume that, like before, you are not using any of the Intel Rapid Start stuff with Windows 8?

 

No, I made no comparison. StarDock Corp has been around for years and are a known entity. With a free 30 day eval, and $4.99 if you decide to purchase I went that route.

I do not have Intel Rapid Start installed. Any launch optimization is being handled by Windows 8. I also have hibernation and Windows 8 Fast Start disabled.

 

My cheapo X3D came with windows 8 but because Samsung is a complete disaster with their implementation of it I downgraded back to windows 7.

 

The best by far is classic shell and it too is free. You can tailor it to your liking with upteen options. Once you have it you can forget you are even running w8 if that's your intention.

 

Anyone got juice on the revamped 2013 Series 9?
Brief News…Samsung Series 9 will get Full HD Screen « Ultrabook News and the Ultrabook Database

 

Hardly..they finally caught up with Acer and Asus with a full HD screen..they should be embarrased if that is the only change.

 

I did the same thing initially. I am now running my own custom install of Windows 8. It rocks on this machine. Glad Intel didn't force a touchscreen down my throat.