14" Samsung Series 7 NP700Z3C

This is strange... I'm trying to do updates from within Easy Software Manager but each download is failing due to "No Internet Connection." Thing is, I'm connected to the Internet just fine -- so I'm stumped. Anyone else come cross this?

 

Guys, yesterday I came across the backlit keyboard Settings but now I can't find them. Anyone know how to access them?

Thanks.

 

I think there's a server problem. Perhaps it can't handle enough connections. It took me nearly a week of trying to download an audio driver update (not helped by it being an obese package >200MB).

BTW, I've just run ESM and also get the "No Internet Connection" message. It's Friday night in Korea and perhaps someone those it a good time to do some maintenance. Either than or someone switched it off when they left the office.

John

 

Oh, good -- thanks. As long as it's not just me.

 

Easy Settings General page.

John

 

Wow, I could have sworn I looked there already. Thank you!!

 

I can give a fairly lengthy update on the Wifi with the laptop. I was on the road working in non-optimal conditions with clients today:

1. I was in a park across the intersection from a Dairy Queen with one client and tapping into the non-password protected wifi at the Dairy Queen. No problem connecting and the speed was fine (for free Dairy Queen wifi). I was checking websites while troubleshooting for the client.

2. I took a second client call in my car outside of the Honda dealership on their dealership wifi. Again, no problem connecting, and speed was good. I was on skype with the client and watching their live video streaming broadcast at the same time. No issues.

For the last two nights I have been playing "The Secret World" on the laptop using my home wifi and the game has been 100% playable in high settings, native resolution.

Now to my question:

My function keys and everything else on the laptop has worked right out of the box. I read above that the Samsung easy settings program does not come pre-installed. If everything is working is there any reason to load this program on the laptop?

What exactly does Easy Settings/manager do that is beneficial? Does it help me download new drivers for the laptop?

If the computer is working without a hitch is there any point in messing with updating the BIOS as some of you have done?

Thanks!

 

I have also used the laptop a few times now tethered to my HTC Sensation and it has worked via the wifi hotspot with no issues.

 

@SJMiller: With these and your previous reports, I think we can conclude that your Wi-Fi is working well

I'd say until somebody reports they actually have a Wi-Fi problem with their new Z3C, let's assume there isn't one.

As for Easy Settings: If you can use your Fn keys, it should be installed and running. Easy Settings controls those keys along with other hardware features. Volume Fn keys work even without Easy Settings, but not screen brightness, keyboard backlight etc.

Check your Start Menu under Samsung if there is an Easy Settings. Many interesting features in there.

Easy Software Manager is the one that keeps your drivers updated.

Both of these (and many more) are factory installed by Samsung. But we heard reports that maybe Microsoft Store removes them as part of their Signature cleanup. I don't know if that's actually been verified. It would mean that MS ships PCs with keyboards that aren't fully working.

I'm curious if Factory Restore (using F4) reverts to Samsung's install or Microsoft's.

 

I got a "Windows has encountered a critical problem and will restart in one minute"

What exactly does this error signify? I only got it once, but found it weird that Windows forced my computer to restart.

Secondly, I did have some wifi signal loss but that's also a problem with my comcast internet, so I'm no really a good judge. I will say 3 bars only a room away from the router is kind of weaker than I'd want.

I'm strongly considering taking it back just because of the gaming heat. I've gotten more used to it, but still something to consider. Also I might be able to get something stronger than a gt 630m if I go to something with a 15 inch, even though honestly the 630m is quite good by itself and probably better than the credit it gets on tech and gaming boards.

 

@Terran: Thank you for that update.

Personally, I've not experienced any instability or heat issues, and mine is even the older Sandy Bridge which runs hotter. My WiFi is not great, but acceptable -- better than my friend's MacBook Air whenever we meet at coffee shops. Note that increasing WiFi power in the Windows Power profile (under Wireless Adapter Settings) will generally increase WiFi range.

Before deciding to take it back, I suggest you do a Factory Restore and see if it works better with the Samsung install than the Microsoft one. If they took out Easy Settings, I wonder how many other mistakes they made.

Boot F4, and do a Complete Restore (select Advanced if you want to re-partition the HDD). Check my recent post in the Z5C thread for tips on bloatware removal. Then run it for a day or two.

Good luck whatever you choose.

Edit: I forgot to answer your question: That Windows Critical Error is either a sign of a bad software bug (or corrupted or poor installation) OR it could be caused by a hardware glitch, such as a RAM defect.

 

Could someone point me to how I would do a clean install with UEFI boot?

 

I will just warn you that some features may not work properly. Samsung need to do more work on debugging (don't ask me the details because I can't remember, but UEFI has caused problems. Go find them for yourself).

John

 

Not going to take the risk then

 

Just a quick update: I finally had a chance yesterday (and today too) to add software, transfer files, etc, to my new laptop. I'm not done yet, but so far things are going well and I'm very happy with the unit. Nothing to complain about -- yet!

 

@SoundsGood: Thanks for the update. Great to hear that the Sammy is working well for you. I agree, I think they are great!

I have nagging feeling that I owe you a response to something, but I cannot recall what it was. Please remind me if I do

 

hey guys so i might buy this laptop within the next few days. the version I'm getting has Intel Core i5 2450M, 8GB ram, 750GB HDD, and AMD Radeon HD6490. The model number is NP700Z3A-S03US. Is there any main known issues with this laptop? The only main things I've read about are
1) screen is terrible(Is it really that bad?? I'll be watching a lot of movies on it.. I'm deciding btwn this, HP Envy 15 andr SONY Vaio S Series, which both have 1080p screens)
2) the space bar is messed up
3) touchpad isn't the best
4) wifi sometimes doesn't work?

I'd be getting it refurbished for a pretty good deal... Can anybody comment on these issues or any more known issues? The Vaio and Envy are about $300 more so I don't know if they're worth that much of an increase.

 

Ohh, how I hate being a nag! I don't recall, to be honest, so don't sweat it!

 

@mastapro: That's the older Sandy Bridge model of the 14" series 7. I have the exact same model and like it a lot.

1) The screen is far better in real life use than some reports would have you believe -- particularly on the 14" where the 1600x900 resolution is perfect. Contrast is low, partly because brightness is very high and the glass is very matte -- both of which make the screen readable at places where glossy screens would have far too much reflection.

2) I saw comments too about the space bar issue, but haven't experienced it on the three different Z3As units I've used.

3) The touchpad is excellent, one of the best I've experienced -- and a main reason I chose this over a Vaio SA. Some units have had production issues, with the touchpad being uneven. One of the Z3As I tried was swapped because the right clicker was "double clicking". If you get a bad unit (at a great price) I'd assume Samsung will fix it for you.

4) WiFi has weaker range than some other laptops. I tried an older unit (S05US) with Broadcom WiFi and had to return it due to weak WiFi. My replacement unit (S03US) has Intel WiFi, and while still weaker than my old HP HDX, it's generally better than my friends MacBook Air when we meet at coffee shops.

You will find plenty of discussion and opinion on this forum, in this thread and others. I would give higher weight to reports from people who actually own the laptop than from ones who merely saw it in a store or just read about it -- particularly about the screen.

Let us know if you get this one. We can help you set it up right

 

I've got the NP700Z3C so it's not exactly the same, but probably pretty similar.

1. I'd say it depends on how you use the laptop. If you move around a lot or share your screen with others you might not like it. In my case, I tend to just sit still in one place and I don't share my screen with anyone... so once I do the push/pull thing and find the best position I'm good to go.

2. Myspacebarworksfine. Okay, bad joke. Truth is I haven't noticed any problem with the space bar.

3. I'm a mouse guy, 100%. Always have been. BUT... I've been using the trackpad on this laptop exclusively while getting it all set up (didn't even have a mouse hooked up) and I must say I like it a lot. I'm sure I'll end up using a mouse since I'm so accustomed to them, but I don't mind using the trackpad at all.

4. I'm the wrong guy to ask since I've got a VERY old router that should be replaced. (in fact if anyone has a "best router" suggestion please let me know!) But so far my wifi has been pretty good, considering. No problems.

Hope that helps...

 

thanks for the responses guys. so last questions before i make the dive.... is the sound on it pretty good? and once again, are watching movies/shows on the screen still enjoyable? i'm using this laptop for programming, movies, and music MAINLY. The current laptop i have is 15'' and has a resolution of 1366x768. I am able to enjoy movies on this one. I just hope the samsung isn't worst, like how ppl seem to talk about it..

 

The speakers on the Z3A are quite good compared to other 13-14" notebooks; but don't expect the rich sound of 17" entertainment laptops with big speakers and subwoofer.

The screen is better for work than for movies, I think, because of the low contrast. On the other hand it is very crisp and sharp - and resolution is much higher than your 15" 1366x768.

 

but watching movies can still be enjoyable right? also, random question but when u connect a laptop to a tv through hdmi, does the screen resolution for the laptop determine the quality that is displayed on the tv? for example, if i hooked up the 1080p ENVY to a tv, would it look better than this 900p laptop?

 

Yes, if you choose the right setting (Extend, not Duplicate) you will get the native resolution of the external display/TV.

Of course you can watch movies and video on the Sammy. But whereas entertainment laptops generally have superglossy screens to enhance contrast (at the price of glare) this one is the complete opposite: It was designed for minimal glare (at the price of lower contrast).

Whether you'll enjoy it for movies is very subjective and depends on your frame of reference. Maybe find a store where you can check it out before you buy, so you know what to expect. It's the same screen on current 14" models (Z3C).

 

Nope. The other way around.

I'm hooked up to a 24" 1920x1200 resolution external monitor as of a few hours ago.

 

Thank you SoundsGood, I misread mastapro's question.

@mastapro: Movies will look the same on an external TV/monitor regardless of which laptop you choose.

 

Hi, All. I just purchased this beauty and got it yesterday. just got back from work to test it out a little bit. So far everything has been great about the laptop except that my fn keys didn't work after i took off my charger/ or logged off the comp. after logging back on i tried to lower my screen brightness, but it wouldn't work, so i just restarted the laptop and then it started to work once again weird..

My only complain about the laptop so far is the camera. Is it just me or my lighting is really bad? When i was on oovoo (like skype) with my girlfriend i notice i was really dark. and she notice too. later i checked to see if this machine had something like photobooth to see if it had the same results and i was still dark. Anyone having the same result? or can anyone help?

 

The Fn key controls use a program called dmhkcore.exe which is part of the Easy Settings package. Use Easy Software Manager to check for any update for Easy Settings (and other programs / drivers). Also run the BIOS updater program to check for a newer BIOS.

The webcam controls on my Series 9 include a brightness control and a "low light compensation" option.

John

 

Sent this message to another user and I figured I might as well add it here as well. Hope this helps some of you potential owners out there!

––––––––––––––––

After spending some time with the Asus UX32VD (buying/RMA'ing at Newegg), Sony S13P (buying/returning at Best Buy), and the Samsung 700Z3A (playing with it at my local Windows Store), I bought the Samsung NP700Z3C and I have to tell you, I love it!

My main concerns were the screen quality and the GT 630M graphics card.

First, the screen:

I have to say, at first I was hesitant because of the poor black contrast levels, but I have absolutely gotten used to them and this is a non-issue to me. I also find that in direct sunlight, the matte display is a HUGE advantage over some of the more glossy displays out there. Finally, and most importantly, I have no backlight bleed!!! This was an issue on both the Asus (worst I've ever seen on the Asus, hence the RMA) and the Sony (not a deal breaker, per se, but still not great), and I'm really glad the Samsung doesn't have those same issues.

Now, the graphics card:

I'm happy to report that I actually think I get better performance out of the 630M than out of the 640M LE in the Sony. Not sure whether that's actually true and due to components or if it's just a misperception (okay okay, probably the latter), but I can play Diablo III at 1600x900 and max settings and I have no problems with slowness whatsoever. This thing is also super quiet when the fan comes on. I actually didn't even notice it at first until I heard it turn off. I do get some heat when playing on my lap, but not as bad as my previous burned-me-more-times-than-I-can-count Macbook Pro.

In addition, I got the free Xbox 360 (for purchasing from the Microsoft Store) which I plan to sell for $150, so in reality, I only paid $850 for this thing. I also upgraded with the Samsung 830 SSD and threw in an 8GB stick of RAM (since apparently 4GB of RAM is soldered to the board... who knew?), and guess what! It reads "12 GB" in the BIOS and OS and operates without any issues. Neat! This thing flat-out FLIES now. I can shutdown and bootup in about 20 seconds combined. All in all, with the SSD and RAM, I'm into the machine about $975 and I couldn't be happier.

One major dislike about the machine, though... I found that the screws on the chassis protecting the internals are TERRIBLE. Like, REALLY TERRIBLE. They're poorly cut and overly tightened, and I ended up carving a nice big gouge in the bottom panel because of how much pressure I was required to apply to get the screws to twist (the screwdriver just slipped off the head of the screw and gouged the laptop, evidence of how much pressure I was applying to try and twist the damn screws... I can provide a photo if anyone's interested). If you're finally able to get the screws off, you'll find that the bottom panel itself is also difficult to remove without breaking any of the 100,000 clips attaching it to the rest of the laptop. I had read about the clips before tackling the bottom chassis, so I tried popping it open slowly instead of just ripping it off. As a result, I managed to create little nicks in the edges of the panel from where I popped the panel free of the clips. This was beyond frustrating as it made it virtually impossible to replace the internals without damaging the chassis.

After a few days, though, I got over it. I decided that it adds character to the machine and at least any damage that occurred was cosmetic and to the bottom of the laptop. Still sucks, but not the end of the world; the machine is still lightning quick and I still couldn't be happier.

Still.

I'm happy to answer any questions anyone has about the machine, although I may not get a chance to respond until next week.

Oh, one last thing: I have found that it takes about 15-20 seconds for my Fn keys to work after the machine has completely booted up to the desktop. Strange... Easy Settings was the absolute first thing I installed after installing Windows on the SSD, so I can't figure out why. I'll tweak some settings and see if I can figure something out.

 

I've found that the best screwdriver to use is one of the big handles with a selection of different tips. The big handle enables good control, pressure and torque.

Does you Easy Settings include some boot optimization options. If, so, try fiddling with them (I haven't figured out how it actually works). Also disable anything else unwanted in msconfig.

John

 

So I decided to get the laptop myself, despite still being skeptical in regards to the WiFi performance. So far the wireless performance seems good, though I could have been better. I'l be typing up a review later. I'm also happy to answer questions, but I'm not quite sure at this point when exactly I may be able to answer. I should also mention that I've been the owner of a 5 series ultrabook, and for a short time also the Asus UX32VD and Asus U36SD, so I'l be able to compare some aspects.

 

Congrats on the laptop, hope you're still enjoying it.

Re the Fn-keys: Easy Settings is designed so that the module for Fn-keys (EasyDisplayMgr) only begins loading 30 secs after user login. It's very annoying and a common complaint, but that's how they designed it.

You can tweak the loading of the Easy Settings modules in Windows Task Scheduler. Just know that if you load EasyDisplayMgr earlier (say, in a Run key under HKCU in registry) some features won't work as intended. Still, it's what I chose to do.

 

I don't meen to double post but can someone please look at my post I made here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/sam...s-7-lovers-heres-np700z5c-ivy-bridge-125.html you may be able to help!

Thanks

 

Anyone know where to get this in the US? Microsoft Store is out of stock online...

 

What are you guys getting for idle cpu usage

 

I am proud to say that I am the lucky owner of 14" Samsung Series 7 NP700Z3C (purchased in Microsoft store online) yes, that's right, that model which quite mysteriously disappeared from Microsoft store online. So far no major complains.

 

Hm... Guys can you explain me about situation with video playback in Optimus. Does dedicated nvidia graphics work in video playbacks?! Because while video playback works via VLC or media classic player or Windows media player I had no notice, via Dispay GPU activity icon in notification area, that any of these programs use GPU, and more, in Nvidia control panel -> Manage 3d settings -> programs settings, I can not pick dedicated graphic card as preffered graphics processor for these programs...

 

Please can someone tell me what their idle cpu usage is for the 14" series 7. It's at the bottom of the window task manager.

 

I do not know about idle cpu usage but now when I am using windows live messenger plus browser opera portable 64 bit, sticky notes 7 and something else cpu usage around 15-20 % , but I can say for sure idle memory usage it is ~2.66 gb or something and this number never goes down only up.

 

Again do not know about idle usage and do not know how actually detect it right, but when I do not do anything with load messenger, stick notes 7, opera portable 64 bit and do not do anything just checking forum threads cpu usage around 7-10%...

 

Thanks for the reply, my idle cpu usage with nothing running is around 30%. I even carried out a clean install to see if this would rectify the problem but to no avail

 

You're right dp3000, that's wrong. Idle shouldn't be this high. I am on an older Z3A, but mine idles at 0-1% with occasional jumps to 5%. And this is even on a "moderate" installation, I can boot a "super slim" one to avoid those 5% spikes.

You may want to check a thread I posted some time ago with tips on how to reduce latencies (that was a link).

Big culprits are (1) SmartSettings module in Easy Settings and Intel PROSet utilities. Of course Norton too, but that goes without saying

But even with those running, you shouldn't see 30% idle. Something big is running in the background.

Looking at the Processes tab in Task Manager (click Show processes from all users) and sorting on the CPU column, do you see any that keeps running at more than a few %?

 

I just opened a bunch of programs and windows on my NP700Z3C-S02US. While there's clearly a spike in CPU Usage as the programs are opening (up to 30%) once they're open, everything mellows out at between 1 and 4% and occasionally as high as 6 or 7%.

 

I did a lot of research and it led me to hardware interrupt, with a driver being likely the culprit as Dannemand mentioned. If I don't find a solution I'll contact samsung asap.

 

NBC has a review on the new 700Z3C -- it's a bit abbreviated, where specs overlap the previous 700Z3A. In general, they weren't fans of the display color/contrast, but otherwise had some nice things to say about it:

Review Update Samsung Series 7 700Z3C-S01 Notebook - Notebookcheck.net Reviews

I checked microsoftstore and yep it's still not in stock. I wonder where it went...

-Matt

 

That was a good review, Matt, thanks for posting. A lot of it was about measuring the LCD, and of course they pointed out the obvious lack of contrast, but they also highlighted the advantages of this screen (though they mistakenly called it glossy, when in reality it is extremely matte).

I was a little disappointed that they only compared to the very early Z3A-S01US model (i5 2430 CPU) and assumed that it covered all later Z3A models. As owner of a Z3A-S03US (i5 2450 CPU) I would have liked comparison of this later model to the Z3C in areas of throttling, thermal etc.

 

I had one of these and I was really happy with it but I ended up returning it because it got very hot around the WASD keys during gaming. I'm wondering, have you guys had the same experience? Did I just get a crappy unit?

 

Hi Terran, I got your PM but figured I'd reply here since it's the same question...

I should point out that I'm not a gamer, so I'm not pushing my laptop very hard. I do notice some heat on the left side bottom of the unit when I have it on my lap (which isn't very often). It's not burning hot, just a little warmer than I'd like.

I'm still very happy with this laptop and I'm glad I got it. Nothing's perfect, but I don't have too many complaints overall.

 

I wonder if any of you guys can help. I want to install an SSD into my laptop, I've looked into how to take apart this thing, but not sure how easy it is going to be to get the software installed, so anyone who has done this can you walk me through it please.

I'm going to make the recovery CD so is it just a case of putting in the SSD and then running that CD??

 

There are two options:
1. Get a disk cloning program ( some SSD upgrade kits include this), put the SSD into an external enclosure (part of the kit) do the cloning then put the SSD into the laptop. [I linked o the Samsung SSD which is 7mm thick so we know there are no size issues.]
2. Do a fresh install for which you will need the Windows disc (either supplied or can be made using Samsung Recovery Solution) and the software / drivers disc which you make using Samsung Recovery Solution. Once you have installed the basic Windows then you run the software/ drivers disc which immediately runs Easy Software Manager to lead you through the software / driver installation. Applying a load of Windows patches is prudent, even before you connect to the internet. You may, however, choose to download the latest drivers / software and install them instead of those offered by ESM although there are a few items that aren't available to download.

One advantage of cloning is that if you have other software already installed then you don't have to do the reinstallation. A few bits of licensed software may take exception to the cloning although most will tolerate it without their activation being upset.

John