13.3" Samsung NP900X3C with Ivy Bridge CPU

Here is one URL.
Samsung NP900X4C-A03US Samsung Series 9 NP900X4C-A03US 15" LED Business Notebook, Intel Core i7-3517U 1.9 GHz, 8GB DDR3, 256GB SSD, Windows 7 Professional 64-bit from mwave.com

 

Several inconsistencies in that listing. Is it the i5 3317 or i7 3517? 128 or 256GB? And 1366x768 is plain wrong. A little fishy if you ask me, just saying I wouldn't add to cart yet. Good find though.

 

If you google or bing the model numbers, some new listings have started to show at what I would call Tier 3 online retailers and resellers. The big boyz still have all of the listings suppressed until the coming announcements are made by Intel, Microsoft, Samsung, etc.

I'm sure there will be a ton of new information this time next week.

 

I agree there are inconsistencies. I also find similar problems with an entry for this model (A03US) in my on line dealers inventory. Guess we'll have to wait a week or two for clarity. Thors.Hammer has it pegged. I think it's call patience...

 

The embargo for the Intel Ivy Bridge chipsets lifted today. Next up, product announcements. I thought it would happen next week but it already seems everyone is jumping into the marketing fray before Computex, Windows 8, and Apple WWDC announcements.

There are only so many news cycles between now and 6/11.

 

Now also available in Ireland:
Elara Online Ireland - Buy Laptops, Netbooks, Notebooks, Computers ,Printers, LCD LED Monitors, Hard Disk, Memory, Camera, Motherboards, Routers and more

 

Patience? I'm not familiar with this term.
Won't be long now that intel has lifted the embargo.

 

That's the 15" X4C.

John

 

The X3C I added to my Amazon shopping cart got updated with a product photo and a release date:

Samsung Series 9 NP900X3C-A01US 13.3-Inch Laptop - Samsung
$1,299.99
In stock on June 7, 2012

...but if I click on the product it can't find the page

 

cmon samsung, give us the 1080p ips screen!

 

fixed . On a serious note, I think any resolution higher than 1600x900 is too much for these 13 inch displays. Higher resolutions that require the user to zoom-in for regular computing tasks (reading, etc) or re-adjusting zoom-settings is counter productive imo. For specific photo and video/graphics editing, etc, sure higher-res is helpful, but for me and most others I think 1600x900 is the best compromise for Samsung's np900x3c ultrabook. I don't like squinting or fiddling with settings just to see what is on the display

 

I am the photo guy owning a 1600x900 laptop and I want 1080p! but agreeing to your point as well! 8gb and 256gb and i7. not one of those features is announced yet. hence ux31a, even though the weight and design isn't as beautiful as the s9...

 

I still have young eyes, so I would like 1080p on a 13" screen as well. I think only other notebook that has this kind of resolution density is the sony Z's with a full 1080p on a 13" for their top models. I don't think there were too many complaints about everything on the screen being too small. I know the new upcoming Asus zenbook prime will also have 1080p on their 13" models.

The thing about having a native high res screen is that you can always go lower to 1600x900 if you choose, but never the other way around.

 

I had preordered the NP900X3C-A02US and just recd an email with order status update stating will deliver on June 5. My order status also shows delivers on June 5. But when I click on product link, it says page not found.

In two minds whether I let this ship or whether I cancel and hope for a A03 model with 256GB and 8GB ram or maybe drift towards Asus X31A

Does anyone know if it is possible to upgrade the ssd of series 9 by removing the 128 GB and installing a 256gb ?

 

For the 900X3C series, there's only 2 models and they all have the same hardware. The only difference is different versions of win7. Only the 900X4C will have 3 models with different hardware.

And yes, the mSATA SSD is upgradable. It's hard to find a good mSATA 256gb though. Samsung does not sell it in retail, you can only get one through OEM (meaning it must come preinstalled with a machine).

 

True for now. I expect by year's end there will be a few 256GB in the retail sector if you can hold off. They might not be cheap though. With a fresh install, you should have 100GB+ free with a 128.

It will be unfortunate if there are not hardware options on the new 13", I hope there will be, but it's not looking good. I'll probably have to find something else, I guess they want this to be a niche product.

 

I've seen several 240GB+ mSATA SSD drives for sale online. Folks have swapped out their apple macbook air ssd's with these. Can't you replace Samsung's 128GB SSD with one of these since it's the same mSATA SSD connector?

 

With money, anything is possible. 256GB for $510.

Part #: BA59-03339A
MZMPC256HBGJ
256GB,MZMPC256HBGJ-000KN,S63,H16,D16
"PCIe mini card"

BA5903339A - Original Samsung Parts & Accessories and Products

SSD Product Catalogue | Samsung Semiconductor Global Website

http://www.samsung.com/us/business/oem-solutions/pdfs/PM830_mSATA SSD_32_64_128_256GB_Spec_1.0.pdf

 

Sooner than I thought (and less than $300), though I've never heard of this brand. Hopefully the SSD Review will check it out.

MyDigitalSSD 256GB 50mm BP3 Bullet Proof 3 mSATA 6G SSD | My Digital Discount

 

That looks a bit too big if compared to Air's SSD form factor (eg. look at OWC OWCSSDAPAE180 180GB Mercury Aura Pro Express Solid State... at OWC.

 

FINALLY!! In stock in U.S. Amazon!!

NP900X3C-A01US
Amazon.com: Samsung Series 9 NP900X3C-A01US 13.3-Inch Laptop (Titan Silver): Computers & Accessories

NP900X3C-A02US
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Series-NP900X3C-A02US-13-3-Inch-Laptop/dp/B0082PZ1A4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1338712806&sr=8-2

It seems like only difference is Widows 7 Home or Pro.

 

Yeah, I think the air uses a different module, longer and thinner. But that 256 should fit an S9.

 

The price isn't bad. Come on samsung, i7 + 8GB for another $300 (or less).

 

Why don't they list the Intel HD 4000 Graphics in the specs on Amazon? Samsung needs to include 8GB memory for me to buy this...

 

Samsung finally posted the specs for two of the US models - only difference seems to be color & 'Signature Image' whatever that means.

NP900X3C-A01US (Mineral Ash Black)
Specs - Notebooks NP900X3C | Samsung Laptops

NP900X3C-A03US (Titan Silver + 'Signature Image')
Specs - Series 9 Notebooks NP900X3C | Samsung Laptops

 

I'm pretty sure the so-called "Signature Image" refers to products purchased through the Microsoft store which are cleaned of some third party bloat and loaded down with some of Microsoft's own bloat (WLE, etc.). Nice to see that they are the same price though.

 

Wait, isn't the A03 $100 more than the A01? Also, I wish they'd actually show the two different colors in the pictures so I know which I should order. I saw the Sandy Bridge model at the Microsoft store, and it looked like a dark black with a hint of blue. I'm guessing that's the Mineral Ash Black?

So can anyone fill me in on what the Titan Silver looks like? Was it offered before? Thanks.

I'm really considering upgrading my Samsung QX410 soon. It's a great laptop, but as a graphic designer, I'd like to have a better screen. My choices are between the..

-Samsung Series 9
-Asus Zenbook Prime
-Lenovo Carbon X1

I love the matte display and viewing angles of the Samsung, but I'm starting to see that the Asus might have even better viewing angles and a higher resolution 1080p display. It's unfortunate that they seem to have gone with a semi gloss?

Also, I'm waiting to see more on the Lenovo. Sadly, if the Macbooks are going with retina displays, these will all be a little behind on the times. But I'm more of a Windows fan.

 

A01 & A03 are the same price. A02 is $100 more but includes Windows Professional.....and hopefully a TPM chip

 

Ah. Sorry about that Brian. You're right, I was looking at the A01 and A02 from lghtwave's Amazon posts. Thanks for clarifying.

I'm not sure what a TPM chip is, but after doing a quick search, I assume it's for improved encyryption in some form or another? How much would your everyday joe benefit from that?

 

The main problem with the Zenbook refresh is that Asus inexplicably opted for the universally reviled Sandisk U100 for the SSD, which apparently performs in the neighborhood of a SATA II SSD or worse despite being SATA III. They also used some kind of proprietary connector and not mSATA so the thing can't even be swapped out. After trying the 900X3B for a while before returning it to wait for this device, I don't think I can go back to a drive with speeds that are comparable to HDD speeds. Otherwise, why am I buying an ultrabook? I too lament that Samsung can't up its display resolutions to 1920x1080, but from my experience, 1600x900 is quite crisp at 13 inches and honestly approaches the limits of readability sometimes. I've decided that I will be skipping the Zenbook and picking up the Ivy Bridge S9 once it shows up on the Microsoft Store so I can get my free Xbox

 

I didn't know this. But despite that issue, wouldn't the Asus be the better choice for the long term if the SSD can be swapped anyways? I know it's an extra cost that shouldn't be necessary, but knowing they will get cheaper over time, at least we know it can be upgraded?

The screens on the other hand can't. I agree 1600 x 900 is good enough and is already a big update for my QX410's 1366 x 768 display. But for long term use, the 1920 x 1028 should be better right? I imagine Windows 8 might support those higher resolution displays a little better than Windows 7 does now anyway. That is something that the software side can fix.

 

I updated my previous post. I had exactly the same thought as you, but unfortunately Asus chose a propietary connector for their SSD, so it isn't swappable.

They were THIS close...

 

Sorry, I missed where you said the drive CAN'T be swapped out of the Asus since it uses a proprietary connector. That changes everything. So I assume the Series 9 SSD can be swapped easily since it uses mSATA?

Also, what is this about the Microsoft Store giving a free Xbox with the Series 9 purchase? If so that's a great deal and I'll consider doing that.

 

Yeah, at least the x3B had an mSATA drive, as confirmed by others in this thread--I would assume its successor does as well.

And the Xbox thing will apply to the Zenbook refresh when it comes out as well. It's for students (anyone with a .edu that can receive emails) purchasing a PC over $699.

 

Yikes. I just graduated but still have my .edu e-mail address. Will that still apply?

 

I believe so! Check the MS Store now, and go to the laptop section. It should prompt you to enter the .edu address so they can send you the promo code. I think you just need to be able to access mail on it to receive the promo code, but I haven't actually done it yet.

You can also get the 15 dollar W8 upgrade starting yesterday I believe, for what it's worth.

 

Yeah. It does seem possible. I just did that and received a promo code to use. Thanks for the update!

I seem to be leaning towards the Samsung now, but wondering if more on the Lenovo Carbon X1 will be shown at Computex this week.

 

Yeah I'm excited for that as well--have they said anything about screen resolution? We should definitely wait until after Computex is over to make a final decision.

EDIT: Aaaand this is why I love Anandtech. http://www.anandtech.com/show/5887/asus-zenbook-prime-ux21a-teardown

He's complaining to Asus about the U100 in hopes that they'll change it out. Fingers crossed!

 

That is correct it is used for encryption. Most people use it for full disk encryption with Microsoft's BitLocker but there are alternative approaches such as storing the key on USB thumb drive. For myself, I need it for VPN certificate encryption.

This is only my perception, but I would say the everyday joe is not too concerned with either of these use-cases so TPM has zero benefit.

 

Got it. Probably not something I'd be concerned with but I could see it's importance. Thanks.

 

For the life of me, I can't find where to input my .edu email address to receive the promo code. Where do you do this on the Microsoft store?? Do you have to take something to checkout to be able to do it? I did that but still didn't have an opportunity to put in my email address.

 

Just confirming that you're referring to the UX31A line, correct?

After reading notebookcheck's review of the UX32VD, I'm pretty much set on getting it. From what I've read, they use a small 32GB SSD cache paired with a 320GB Hitachi drive, which looks like a normal mSata to me. I'm happy to live with that for a while and upgrade to a full SSD in a year or so.

In addition, it checks all of the other boxes: gorgeous screen (even better than the 13" S9), a slot of upgradeable memory, and even dedicated graphics.

 

This link should work. Once you input your e-mail you should get a promo code. Just use that when you purchase your laptop.

http://tinyurl.com/7hsj7r5/

Good point. I was looking at the UX31A since it had the more attractive unibody. But the UX32VD could be a good choice as well with the dedicated chip in it. If the HDD connector in that is in fact mSATA, that could solve some of our issues with it. While I've heard it has a better screen than the 13" S9, I'm afraid of it being glossy. I prefer matte, but might be ok with a SEMI gloss.

 

Based on the UX32VD review, its screen is not glossy. The Zenbooks do seem to have a larger bezel, making the laptop wider by about 1/2", but it's still the same 13.3" though. I do prefer the look of the S9, but not enough to pick style over substance. The UX32VD's panel itself has superior specs to even the 13" S9 screen: brightness, black levels, contrast, and color gamut are ALL better on the Zenbook.

 

Is it available at any of the Microsoft deal participating stores?

 

This is all true. So I am leaning towards the Samsung, except now I don't know whether the Asus has a proprietary HDD connector or not. It was mentioned in this thread that Anandtech did a break down and found a poorly performing SSD in the UX31A. I hope at least the UX32VD doesn't have that issue. Can anyone confirm?

I've only seen the standard Zenbook available. I don't believe the Prime is out yet.

 

You can't really tell from the picture at http://images.anandtech.com/reviews/mobile/ASUS/ZenbookPrime/UX21A/teardown/DSC_6603.jpg

If ASUS did in fact create a proprietary connector, they are automatically off my list for purchase consideration.

 

I would trust the review. Not only is it a poor performing SSD, but it is a proprietary component (not msata). So little chance of swapping it out. Also, only 4GB of ram, but that's the same for the S9. I think the 32vd will have standard sata drive (with hybrid hdd stock) so you can upgrade there, also RAM.

Review Asus Zenbook UX32VD Ultrabook - Notebookcheck.net Reviews

 

HDD with SSD cache. No thanks. Mini VGA. No thanks. Next.

 

If this is the case, I don't mind getting the UX32VD and swapping in a 160GB Intel Gen 2 SSD I have in my current Samsung QX410 for that HDD.

As a graphic designer, the Asus' display is hard to ignore. If I can't swap the SSD/HDD on the UX31A or UX32VD then I will go for the Sam S9. Otherwise, I might just go for the Asus. I hope someone can confirm.