13.3" Samsung NP900X3C with Ivy Bridge CPU

I've had the A02US for a bit now and overall been pretty pleased. There are, however, a few quirks that have been bothering me:

- SSD (SanDisk) feels a bit slower than I am use to but certainly not unusable; I will upgrade to a higher-end 256GB at some point
- Space bar is significantly louder than the rest of the keyboard; not horrible but definitely noticeable since most keys are very quiet
- Touchpad 'click' is so ridiculously loud I'm embarrassed clicking it on a flight and in meetings; using tapping will alleviate this problem but I am having trouble adjusting and/or having some issues with settings (below).
- Touchpad seems a bit finicky with tapping. In particular, at times it behaves as if Drag and Drop (w/click to release) is enabled even though I have it unselected in the touchpad settings. But I can give it a single light tap w/o holding it down and as I then put my finger back down it starts selecting text, moving window, etc. until I do an actual "tap" again. Very annoying.

I've been digging into the last problem a bit and thought I would share what I have found. You can access the true ELAN configuration utility by going to the following path:
C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Temp\ESM\Compress\BASW-12037A66.ZIP\X64\ETDAniConf.exe

Interestingly, mine showed one-finger drag and drop enabled in this utility even though it shows disabled in the normal touchpad utility. I have disabled it in there so will have to see if that corrects the issue. There are some additional settings in there such as sensitivity that others may find interesting.

Despite this over critical comments I am still very happy with the notebook and plan to keep it. It is simply gorgeous!

 

My Canadian brethren, for some reason we are saving 100$ on the x3c.

Samsung 13.3" Intel Core i5-3317U Laptop (NP900X3C-A01CA) - Black : Ultrabooks - Future Shop

Sorry if this has already been posted, I think it just went up on the website.

 

1299.99, wheres the $100 savings?

 

I think prices on this needs to drop, either 8gb ram, 256gb ssd for 1500 or drop current price to 1100. the new air's are going for 1199.99 a piece, comes with a better processor and better SSD but with a little worse screen. I don't see how samsung can demand a premium here.

 

Totally agree that prices should drop and that there should be higher spec options. That said, I would add that compared to the Air, the SS9 has a better form factor and design, lighter weight, and the aforementioned better display.

 

Right, Samsung might justify the price difference as better build quality than the mba. My guess is a higher spec model (8GB, 256GB, i7) would be priced the same as the NP900X4C ($1800 US). That's +$100 for the RAM, +$200 for the SSD, +$200 for the i7. And you probably won't be able to mix and match. If I could get that for $1600 it would be a done deal though.

 

FutureShop still have the sticker up in the store where they advertise the older NP900X3 B model for CAD$1399.99. Probably that's what was meant by "savings".

 

Nonsense to compare specs like that. When you have one in hand, there is the posibility they could charge 1.5 times as much or 2 times as much and there would still be an audience for it because its hands down the best product - it feels like a tablet in your hand. It makes the air look like stonge age technology. Besides the screen is not a little better but a different class and add to that not some glossy hell. The weak point is the ssd, ... even the sound is fine.
I have found battery life to be aprox 6hrs for surfing for my usage pattern, with screen brightness midway. There is plenty punch to it even when its turned down.

 

I registered here just to post this...

I had been waiting for the Samsung Series 9 13" since it was announced months ago. I had been desperate for a laptop for grad school (a requirement in my program for all the group work I do) but since Samsung never gave a solid release date for Canada I ended up ordering the 2012 Apple MacBook Air 13" when the Ivy Bridge update was announced last week. Lo and behold, on the day my MBA arrived I find out on this forum that Future Shop finally has the NP900X3C available that same day. Deciding not to open the MBA until I try the NP900X3C in person, I rush over to my nearest Future Shop which has it in stock.

The Future Shop I went to (Scarborough West) doesn't have any laptops over $1,000 on display. The commission-based sales guy just ignored me once he realized that I wanted to try the NP900X3C before buying. In the end I decide to just open the MacBook Air because I really do need a laptop immediately. I had been using a 2011 Samsung Series 7 15" that my brother loaned to me until I got my own laptop. Some thoughts about the Samsung Series 9 13" vs the Apple MacBook Air 13" from what I've gathered on this forum, other sites and my own experience...

Samsung NP900X3C:
- Beautiful screen at 1600x900 resolution (I've been using the Series 7 which has the same matte screen at 15" and it's incredible)
- Thinner and smaller form factor than the MacBook Air
- Lighter at 2.6 lbs than the MacBook Air
- Heavier two piece "brick" AC adapter is ~2 lbs
- Slower SSD
- Lower performance numbers than the MacBook Air (2012)
- $1300 CAN (on futureshop.ca as of June/17/2012)

Apple MacBook Air (2012):
- Glossy screen at 1440x900 resolution
- The larger bezel is quite noticeable when compared to the Samsung NP900X3C, Dell XPS 13 and Asus ZenBook Prime
- ~4 lbs combined for the laptop (3 lbs) and AC adapter (1 lb)
- Faster SSD
- Less harddrive space if you have Boot Camp with OS X and Windows (my particular partition is 32GB for OS X and 88GB for Windows)
- Higher performance numbers than the Samsung NP900X3C
- $1230 CAN

I don't know if the two different SSDs will make a noticeable difference in everyday usage (web surfing, office applications, light gaming). I doubt that the difference in Geekbench numbers will make a difference in everyday usage. I'm still hoping to find a Future Shop that will have the Samsung NP900X3C on display so I can try it before the return period on my MacBook Air runs out, but right now I'm pretty happy with my MBA.

I'm losing 160 horizontal pixels which isn't a huge deal when I made screenshots on my desktop PC comparing the two resolutions. I also lose a few hardware features in running Boot Camp full time on the MBA, but then again I could always just boot up in OS X to use Skype, Facetime and other webcam applications. Also, because the 2012 MBA is $100 less than the 2011 year, I upgraded mine to 8GB RAM. I also used the educational discount (which reduced the price a little bit) since I'm in school. Apple's liberal warranty and great customer service was also a draw since I plan on using this laptop for 3+ years. I have no idea where I would even take a Samsung laptop for warranty.

Since I'm using this laptop primarily for school, weight and screen resolution was a priority. 4.5 lbs total (Samsung) versus 4 lbs (Apple) isn't a huge deal. But I'm also carrying books, water bottles and lunch in my bag every day. The weight adds up. 1440x900 is a pretty good res. I would prefer 1600x900 because my desktop PC has a 22" LCD at 1680x1050, but sometimes I think 1600x900 on a 13" screen would be too small. The same resolution on the Samsung Series 7 15" screen I was using was small in some applications (Microsoft Word and OneNote) but perfect in others (Microsoft Excel and Firefox). This may be a personal decision. 4GB RAM versus 8GB RAM I won't know the difference until I really push my MBA to its limit. The Windows Experience Index numbers on my 2012 MacBook Air with 8GB RAM are: 6.9/7.4/6.4/6.4/7.9.

Anyways, you can see that my decision has been made. If Samsung had released the Series 9 13" in Canada before Apple launched the 2012 MacBooks then I would've purchased that instead. Samsung's 2011 and 2012 laptops are the most esthetically pleasing laptops that I've ever seen and used. Too bad about the timing though.

 

If you want to check out the Samsung Series 9, I know that the Warden/7 has the 900X3B on display which is very similar to the 900X3C without the IVB specs. They also had the 900X3C in stock as of Friday if you want to purchase it immediately. Return Policy is 14 days and may be a good option if you wanted to compare the MBA to the Samsung Series 9 side by side (and WEI vs WEI, or equivalent benchmark).

If you are willing to drive farther, Heartland Mississauga has the 900X3C on display.

Personally, I am also in the same boat as you: Samsung Series 9, MBA 2012 or Zenbook Prime. With an imminent launch date of tomorrow (highly rumoured), the Zenbook Prime is currently first place. Otherwise, I probably would be getting the Series 9 (with free XBOX 360 offer which helps reduce the overall price if you sell it). MBA 2012 is last in the option set because I plan on running Windows 7 100% of the time and the MBA ends up costing more with Windows 7 license purchase.

 

The last I heard from an Asus (Canada) employee, the Zenbook Prime won't launch until late June or July. While the Zenbook Prime's screen is gorgeous, so is the Samsung Series 7/9's matte screen.

In terms of price, because the MBA is $70 less in 2012 versus 2011, I decided to upgrade to 8GB RAM. My desktop PC has 8GB RAM but everyone I've asked has said that 4GB RAM for Windows 7 is perfectly fine.

I also forgot to add some comments about the laptops' trackpads. The Samsung NP900X3C uses a touchpad (think touchscreen like with the iPhone and Android phones) whereas the MacBook Air still uses the "click" trackpad. I've gotten used to the touchpad on the Samsung Series 7 that I had been using for the past month, but it's very sensitive and would often either "click" in Windows when my palm rested on it or just randomly on its own. It takes a few days to get used to.

With regards to the battery, Apple works wonders with their batteries. And while I've never had a laptop battery die on me before (previously a Dell Inspiron and HP DV6-series), I'm really glad that I don't have to worry about battery usage life (in terms of the years that it'll last not how long a charge lasts). Again, the warranty is a concern here since I plan on using this laptop for a while.

The Samsung NP900X3C and Apple MacBook Air keyboards I find to be about the same. The Samsung is a little noisier with the click-clacks, but nothing anyone would notice unless they were intentionally listening for it (as in for review purposes). One noticeable downside about the MBA in Boot Camp Windows is that it doesn't save the backlit keyboard brightness setting. Every time at boot up it's back to 100% brightness. Not a huge deal but I'm trying to be stingy with battery usage.

To be honest, I have a little bit of buyer's remorse. I want to try the Samsung NP900X3C but I've already opened my MBA as well as installed Windows and all my applications.

 

The Zenbook Prime looks to be releasing tomorrow - Amazon.com among other sites have updated their ordering pages this weekend accepting pre-orders which will ship starting tomorrow. Amazon.ca also has updated the site with an "out of stock" message. Asus North America on FB also alluded to an updated announcement sometime in June (rumour has it they had issues with their SSDs and an update was/may be in the works) - We will see tomorrow.

The MBA 2012 is definitely a gorgeous machine and is compelling since it does offer the 8GB upgrade option. The Samsung is definitely well-designed and is overall thinner than the MBA 2012 which is a huge selling feature alongside the 1600x900 PLS screen.

Can I ask that you do a Windows Experience Index on your MBA 2012 and let me know what the numbers are? I know this isn't a great benchmarking system but I'd be interested to know considering the upgraded memory and faster SSD than the Series 9 and Zenbook Prime.

 

As an Apple fan myself, I just wanted to point out a few things. The first is that I believe Apple currently has a 14 day return policy with no restocking fee. So, if you decided to return the MBA, I think you would still have that option. The second it that Apple customer service is fantastic (especially with the Genius Bar for support). That said, the warranty is one year--same as the Samsung warranty. It's only 3 years if you pay for it, which I believe comes at $200-$300 for the MBA. Support was one of the concerns I had in going outside the Apple universe. But, I'm actually quite comfortable with my decision and may also add a SquareTrade warranty as an extra precaution.

 

This is the exact same conflict I am having: Asus Zenbook Prime UX31A-DB71 (or maybe Asus Zenbook UX32VD-DB71), or one of the Samsung Series 9 13.3". The SS9's style (dark grey colour, thin bezel, finish) are VERY attractive to me, but everything else seems to be pointing to getting the Zenbook.

I came across this great chart of the Zenbook models, but I'm having trouble differentiating between the SS9s - is there a clear and concise comparison of the models somewhere? I've read through every page of this thread and haven't seen a good resource that sums it up.
ASUS Zenbook Prime UX31A-DB52 13.3" Ultrabook. ASUS UX31A-DB52

 

The Windows Experience Index numbers on my 2012 MacBook Air with 8GB RAM are: 6.9/7.4/6.4/6.4/7.9.

I already had an extra Windows 7 license so there was no extra cost for me in running Boot Camp. I've only installed Torchlight so far but the game runs perfectly smooth with all graphics settings on high. The MBA runs really hot though.

 

just found this new german review
LINK

 

Just pulled the trigger on the NP900X3C-A01US. I was patiently waiting for Samsung to upgrade the SSD and RAM to 256GB/8GB, but I just decided to pick up the 256GB Samsung 830 that's been discussed here and use the 128GB Sandisk in an external USB3 enclosure.

After reading an article at Tom's Hardware, I don't see much need for 8GB of RAM for my purposes. I won't be doing media editing on the laptop, and, from their tests, it looks like more RAM means (slightly) less battery life.

IMO, the S9 has the best looks/build quality of any of the current crop of ultrabooks. I even think the thin bezel around the monitor allows it to edge out the MBA. Sure, the Zenbook Prime will have 1080p, but the chassis on the Zenbook feels cheap in comparison to the S9, and I can't imagine using Windows 7 at 1080 on a 13.3. The interface with 1600x900 is almost too small, and I have very good vision. The X1C should be interesting, but after discovering that they're allegedly using a TN panel, I lost interest.

Any must have accessories for the NP900X3C? I saw someone post something regarding the best VGA adapter to get (either in this thread of the 15" S9 thread), but search isn't working for me at the moment.

 

That's where I am right now, at least for the 256GB SSD... I figure I'll wait another month. By then the Zenbook will be a little more tested and hopefully I'll get a fairer comparison for real-world use, too.

Does it? I'm hoping to get to a store that has both available to give them a good feel up (ha), but I haven't had the chance yet. Have you actually met both? Anything in particular to come to this conclusion, or in-general?

 

I haven't felt the Zenbook PRIME (emphasis on Prime), but I've handled the version out now a couple times, and the chassis feels like a thin sheet of aluminum, so it sort of 'gives' in certain areas. By contrast, the S9 chassis feels solid. The 13.3 in particular feels GREAT when you hold it. Microsoft stores have the 15" on display, but if you ask, they may have a 13.3 (functional) demo in back. They had one at the store I was at. Best Buy also had both the 13.3 and 15" (Sandy Bridge) models on display.

To sum it up, the 13.3 S9 feels very solid and is extremely light-weight. The Zenbook (Sandy Bridge) doesn't feel or look quite as nice. I'm not a fan of the keyboard, and the bezel around the screen kills the aesthetics for me. It's possible that the Ivy Bridge model has some changes, but I haven't heard of any (other than the back-lit, plastic keyboard).

Edit: I've also been waiting to buy a new laptop for work use for about 3 months now, and I couldn't hold out much longer. The battery on my VAIO is shot, so it's pretty much useless without an outlet.

 

Yeah, I definitely prefer the aesthetics of the SS9 (why doesn't everyone try to make their bezels this small?) but I can't overlook that the Zenbook specs are just that much better. Aside from this, I'm really worried that 89GB won't be enough space - I will likely be fine, but I reserve to right to allow my computing habits to change. you know?

For reference:

• Asus Zenbook Prime UX31A-DB71 (13.3" semi-matte 1920x1080, i7, 4GB ram, 256GB SSD, $1500 US)
• Samsung Series 9 NP900X3C-A01US (13.3" matte 1600x900, i5, 4GB ram, 128GB SSD, $1300 US)

I think I do need to get my paws on both laptops anyway, which may be difficult in Canada (even Vancouver). Thanks for the tip, though. It really is feeding into my ongoing indecision!

 

Wouldn't worry about that. You can pick up a 256GB aftermarket at any time and they will only get cheaper. RAM is soldered so make sure 4GB will suffice, should be fine for most users though.

 

I agree. Asus did an incredible job with the Prime. The specs beat the S9 hands down, but the only one of those specs that really matters to me is the SSD. For $275 I can fix that with the 256GB Samsung 830 and still put the 128GB Sandisk to good use. I sort of hate (twice) rewarding Samsung's corner-cutting on the 13.3" S9 in terms of specs, but the aesthetics are just sooooo nice

Check out this link regarding the need for more than 4GB of RAM: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/memory-module-upgrade,2264.html

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

I'm comfortable enough with playing with my hardware (I replaced the bulb in my old Toshiba Satellite A100 laptop, that was an adventure) but I'd rather not have to touch it. What do you think their chances are of releasing alternate specced models in the next month or two?

How's Tapatalk anyway?

 

I get the feeling that they are prioritizing production to supply components to other manufacturers, so who knows when they'll have stock to upgrade their own hardware. That's just me guessing though...not sure where the margins are higher.

Tapatalk is great...very quick. Just downloaded it a couple hours ago. Definitely worth $3!

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

Oh, and I came across this amusement today. It's not the Ivy Bridge models - a very limited run for the South Korean market last Christmas.

YouTube: SERIES 9 Limited Edition - Moonlight Blue - YouTube

(I'd embed, but they've disabled it in NBR for now.)

 

Rhinestones don't typically rank very high on the list of requirements here.

 

No kidding dude. I found it hilarious.

 

can anyone point me to the right place to buy the 13.3", NP900X4C with windows 7 Home that is mineral ash black? I prefer purchasing from amazon but they seem to only be selling Titan Silver even though the tag after NP900X4C seems to indicate that it'll be black? Thanks in advance

 

Hi mate - this thread is for the 13" model 3Cs. You might have better luck asking in this thread:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/samsung/650581-samsung-15-series-9-np900x4c-ivy-bridge-cpu.html

Good luck!

 

Hi chicgeek, i posted in both because I plan on purchasing both a 13.3 in for myself and a 15 in for my father; from what someone said earlier amazon is only selling mineral ash black regardless of the fact that it says titan silver. Can anyone confirm this?

 

I can confirm it.

 

It was mentioned several times in this long thread, all the sandy bridge and ivy bridge S9 models are the mineral ash color, despite them listing it as titan silver.

 

thanks for your replies - sorry if I repeated a question just wanted some reconfirmation

I think I'm going to go ahead and just wait until they hit best buy stores so I don't run into the issue of getting an opened box from amazon (as people have mentioned)

now the wait...

 

Just be aware that you need a 50mm mSATA SSD, not the standard 2.5" size.

John

 

like this one:

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

edit: I think you mean not the macair size right?

 

Slow

Why not this:
OWC OWCSSDAPE6G240 240GB Mercury Aura Pro Express... in stock at OWC

507/454 MB/s

 

That one would be the wrong size for the S9.

This one is faster (it's a rebranded adata):

http://www.mydigitaldiscount.com/my...ta-iii-6g-sandforce-msata-ssd-mdms-sfiii-256/

More 50mm to come:

Adata launches two mSATA SSD drives - The Inquirer

 

For $299 - great value!

ADATA XPG SX300 and Premier Pro SP300 mSATA SSDs

At least ADATA is known company compared to unheard MyDigitalSSD

 

One more 50mm msata, blazing fast, but max 120GB and not very known company:
RunCore Pro V mSATA 6Gbps SSD - RunCore SSD Official Website

 

Turns out MyDigitalSSD is rebranded ADATA

MyDigitalSSD SMART 256GB mSATA SSD Review - Top Performance Unmatched Capacity Killer Price - The SSD Review

"A few days ago, we posted information relating to MyDigitalSSD new releases and speculated that the Smart Series 256GB SSD was actually a rebranded ADATA XPG SX300 SSD"

 

I'm still loving my SS9. Still considering getting a fast 256 for it. Are these drives relatively easy for a novice to install on the SS9? Can anyone point me to a detailed set of instructions for installation and transfer of content? I don't mind doing it myself if I have a clear path for how to do it. Alternatively, I guess I will have to buy the SSD and take it somewhere for installation. Is that a pricey proposition? I don't mind paying a little, but don't want the process to end up costing me $500 ($300 for the SSD seems to be a given)! Thanks!

 

Can someone tell me the difference with A01 and B01, I've seen som conflicting numbers.

So far I found the

A01 has home prem w7
B01 har pro w7 and bigger battery but same weight :S

 

Mysterygirl,

Replacing SSD is dead simple - unscrew bottom over, unplug old one, plug in new one, close the lid, done. But you will have to install fresh copy of Windows.

As for data migration - while you are still on original S9 drive, move everything to USB stick or external USB hard drive. Then after you installed your new drive and windows, copy your stuff back.

http://global.samsungtomorrow.com/?p=14074

 

Thank you! I can do that!!

 

Just don`t forget you will need USB cd-drive or knowledge how to boot/install windows from USB stick.

 

I browse through all 45 pages, I see some complaints about battery life. Samsung say up to 9Hours, what are you guys getting ?

 

People simply keep forgetting whole purpose of this machine - its ultra slim, light and meant to be used for travelling, web browsing on the train/plane, reading documents etc. LIGHT tasks.

If you read here on forum people are complaining about 4GB ram not enough, battery doesn`t last 9hrs - but they are using it for Photoshop, SQL and other heavy duty work software.

WAKE UP people - you trying to to use saloon car to pull 40ft sea container and then complaining.

If you want workhorse, get 3Kg and 2" thick Alienware and stop moaning.

 

Of the NP900X3C models, there is the A01US and the A02US. The difference in those two is the addition of a TPM security chip in the A02 and other enterprise features in Windows 7 Pro.

Where do you see B01?

 

I just read a review, it said close to 9 hours idle, 4.5 hours playing HD video, and about 7 hours with "normal" use.

 

In euro/nordic region:
Produktsammenligning hos Prisjakt

It's just that the 900X3C-B01 says 6cell battery and the
900X3C-A01 says 4 cell battery, but they are both listed with same weight.