2013 Ativ Book 9 Plus owner's lounge (NP940X3G)

That's correct: yellows on the Yoga 2 Pro were worse than the 9 Plus. The firmware brought it up to par with the 9 Plus (unplugged comparison). However, plugged in, the Samsung still has better yellows.

 

so i will decide if it is a con or not tomorrow.
my order will arrive tomorrow.
i have a week 7/24 to return device if i do not like it without any reasons.


As a late comment i noticed from owners and some reviews that screen was a bit shiny. it is reflecting like a mirror at outdoor.

so do you advise to get a matte screen protector or not?
i havent think about that before.
although when i think screen is touchable. may be there should be a protector like we use in cell phones nowadays.

Also another thing i realized is that memory cant be upgraded. but ssd seems at it is SSD M2 type and amazon is selling 240 and 480gb SSD M'2 storeages.

so what happens if i install one of them at later months?

Once with my cousins lenovo notebook, we have replaced an SSD 128gb and recovery files worked on it from installation DVD medias.
did any body try to change storage yet?

 

I had both of them last week together and was deciding which one to keep. I did the bios update on the Yoga and set both of them side by side with the same picture on each. Screen brightness on max, for both units. What I will say is they both look near identical when plugged in, but the Yoga colors stay the same on battery while the Ativ drops out pretty badly. Also I will say that the Ativ has a slight bluish cast compared to the Yoga which tended toward a bit warmer whites. Not really noticeable until you see them side by side.

That said, in the end I sent the Yoga back and kept the Ariv. Battery life was better, WiFi was noticeably faster and had much better range, and my opinion was the Ativ seemed a step faster in day to day use.

Was a tough choice though since I really liked the idea of a laptablet and the screen is better on the Yoga.

 

I appreciate your comments and comparisons. I had the original Yoga and loved it for many of the reasons you described. It's truly a great form factor for Win8. Unofrtunately, that Yoga was stolen from our car along with all of my law school books and notes. When I finally settled on a new machine, the Samsung satisfied every need I had - high resolution, touch, good trachpad and keyboard. While I miss the "flexibility" of the Yoga design, I never really found a significant need for tent mode and it just isn't very practical as a "tabet" at that weight or form factor. Stand mode is really nice on a train when using it to read e-books, pdfs, notes, or online content, but that wasn't enough to make me want to wait on the Y2Pro. Considering the impressive volume and sound quality the AB9+ also provides, as well as the very slick aesthetics, I can't think of a reason to want the Y2Pro, even though I had been a die-hard Thinkpad owner since 2001 (aside from the Yoga, which is not a Thinkpad, and maybe the Z61t, which die-hard Thinkpadders don't consider a true Thinkpad, but I digress...) I think it helps that Samsung is providing this as a high-end flagship device, while the Yoga is consumer class and not given the same degree of engineering treatment as the business-oriented Thinkpads.

Actually, one thing I do miss about Lenovo in which Samsung lacks significantly is driver support. All the Lenovo/IBM drivers were solid and readily available online, which made Windows reinstalls so smooth and simple.

 

Hello Everyone!!! Long time no see. Last time I was on here was with my Sony SZ almost 10 years ago.

Then, I go into Best Buy (10 years later, hehe) and am just strolling around and see this beauty!! Amazing. Normally I wouldn't just buy a piece of artwork like this on a whim but they had an opened box Ativ 9 Plus marked down to $855 so I bit my teeth into it & just bought the dang thing

I LOVE THIS LAPTOP.

I can't wait to tweak/fudge around with it. Does anyone have any nice links to 4K Video samples from Sony/Samsung?

 

That was a steal, congratulations. And welcome back to NBR.

 

hi all,

I received my AB9+ tonight with a big surprise.
as i mentioned before i am such a lucky man that again computer came with a infection.
right side hinge was a bit flabby.
asked technical support of samsung and they wanted to take it to repair.
also windows 8 not working correctly.
now i am installing system recovery to a 1 hour working ultrabook.

i will test computer and learn basics then return it to the shop at monday. i may change with another AB9+ or another brand

 

Hmm, Ultrabook. What do you mean by "came with a infection"? Maybe the folks on here can help you. Ditto with the flabby hinge and Windows 8 issue. Sometimes, the forums are more help than tech support.

Maybe you could delineate your problems & see if we can help.

Thanks Dannemand, Love this forum.


Good luck.

 

Any screen light bleeding issue especially on dark backgrounds on this lappy? Is the display clear and vivid or does it have that sparkly/grainy/smudgy effect especially on white backgrounds?


Thanks

 

I wonder whether something got lost in translation with "infection" meaning "defect" (ie the hinge problem).

John

 

I was running 8.1 (upgraded from Win 8) with all SW Updates downloaded and applied; I too had awful yellows even when plugged in.

I decided to do a factory reset to do a test. I did the factory reset and checked the yellows, and the yellows were perfect when plugged in--bright and vivid, and actually yellow. I ran Windows Update and SW Update, and checked again. Same deal--perfect yellows.

Then, I upgraded to Win 8.1. As soon as the Win 8.1 setup was done, I checked the yellows, and they were the terrible greenish hue that we all have experienced. I ran SW Update, but the yellows did not improve.

So, what's the deal here? How come the yellows were perfect in Win 8, but so terrible in Win 8.1?

 

None really unless you push the brightness to max which is really unnecessary.
The whites are great and colors are awesome with excellent srgb achieved. The display is the best yet I have seen on any windows machine. Once your eyes get use to this screen you don't go back to anything else except this display. It is very easy on the eye and addictive.

 

i mean when i first open the lcd panel and put the computer on my laps there was a tickling noise came from right side. i noticed that both hinges were not though exactly same.
right side of lcd is moving at the point of right hinge connection. it is a bit flabby. not fit quite.
when i open lcd panel wider then 110 degrees through 180 degree it is better between those degrees both hinges were stable same.

i disable auto brightness control from samsung settings panel but as brightness is at same level when changeing pages or background color was changing light (lcd backlit) is flickering i test on both plugged in or out only with battery.

i also did used system recovery firstly as the technical support worker couldnot lead me to setup internet smart filter settings which blocks every website or installatin of any applications.

BTW i read in asus ux301la owners lounge and saw that on ab9+ wifi disconnects randomly itself. while other device has stable wifi connection to same network. i tested that at home and at work today. i guess this is my badluck

 

Are you using the same power profile and drivers in win 8.1?
Perhaps win 8.1 is using it's own drivers overwriting the ones you have in Windows 8?

I am on Win 8 and colors are fantastic and no issues after a month and half ownership.

 

Interesting that you read that on an asus owners lounge... I do not have a wifi disconnect problem. Make sure you check your power profile settings and your wifi adapter settings. You can find a lot about helpful settings here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/samsung/727499-wifi-remedies-samsung-laptops.html

I, particularly have not disabled the "Allow device to disable wifi to save power" feature and I still hve perfect wifi performance, though it takes a couple of seconds for it to reconnect after I wake the computer from sleep - not to the point of being at all inconvenient, though. I hope you are able to find a solution to your problems. It does seem like you have a manufacturing issue with that hinge, however, and that must be very frustrating.

 

thanks for advice, i have tried that also.i try to mean that i read that issue about new :UX300 series of asus. at their owners lounge topics. it seemed to me as a common issue for those models.
but i know its an option comming from windows 7 too. i did not use Operating systems before windows 7 in details.
I also worked as technical support engineer at HP Consumer team for two years and experienced many thing.

tried to upgrade wLan driver or find alternatives. but for a one day used computer. i believed its my luck. i returned device.
in turkish forums. i did not hear or read anything negative about AB9+ but mine was a disappointment. it should be a high-end device but had lots of failures.
As in turkey there is not any representetives to talk to about products they just call for repair. after that they tend to ask for payment of repair costs. if you dont buy it they fix the issue. but i could not send a one day used device to repair.
however besides the physical issues (right hinge<also makes noise between 105-130 degrees>, back plate holders/foot, backspace and Rshift buttons, bohemian touchpad, flickering display/backlit) i realised that QHD+ Resolution is too much for me. so i decided and succeed to return the device to the dealer.

 

Yeah man, sounds like you got a lemon. Good job returning it. I imagine things can be difficult to achieve in Turkey when it comes to getting replacements so I'm glad you were able to return it!!! Good luck with you future computer purchase.

 

Hi Guys, I just bought an awesome sleeve for the Ativ from BB. Be careful though because they carry 2 sleeves a big one & a smaller one. I loved the smaller one. PS I tried a Thule notebook carrier & the Ativ had way too much room in there to "move around" so I quickly returned it after trying it out in the parking lot. Here's the link for the sleeve: ht*p://ww*.samsung.com/us/computer/pcs-accessories/AA-BS3N13B/US

Except, I paid 40 bucks & it's only 20 bucks on samsung's website!!!

 

I tried out a few sleeves and ultimately purchased this real leather sleeve case made by Snugg for $30. I went with the brown color (the pictures below look like two different colors, the more reddish looking brown is how it actually looks). Fits perfect, even if I have a micro usb dongle in for an external mouse. It has a spot that exposes the charging port when the case is closed, uses 3 magnets across the flap to keep it securely closed, is made of real leather. The build quality seems really nice with no loose threads or anything, and it offers enough padding to protect the book 9+ without adding much bulk. I took a few pictures:

Amazon.com Link: Amazon.com: Snugg MacBook Air 13-inch & MacBook Pro 13-inch With Retina Leather Sleeve Case in Distressed Brown - High Quality Case with Card Slot, Pocket and Premium Nubuck Fibre Interior




I also tried this EasyAcc sleeve but I felt that it was much "cheaper" feeling and was not real leather - Amazon.com: EasyAcc 13.3 inch Laptop Ultrabook Leather Sleeve Carrying Case Cover

 

That is a beautiful sleeve. Can the entire laptop fit in all the way to the bottom and be removed easily? Just need to confirm before making a purchase. Thanks!

 

Yes, fits all the way in and is nice and tight but is still easy to remove. Kind of surprising at how well it fits!

 

I have a Samsung ATIV 9 Plus NP940X3G-K05US preinstalled with Windows 8.1. The computer is missing the SideSync, HomeSync Lite, and Recovery software. That is what I am aware of as of now. The top plate of the keyboard actually has "SideSync" and "HomeSync Lite" printed below the "Intel Inside" sticker. It is my understanding that computer is to come with the software preinstalled. It is not an option in the SW Update program to download these programs. I have spent a long time with 4 different online Samsung chat representatives with no solutions. Multiple versions of the SW Update program were uninstalled and reinstalled. I did a refresh, and eventually a complete restore using setting/change PC settings/update and recovery/recovery. Still no SideSync, HomeSync Lite, and Recovery software.
I have an email in to Samsung support about the problem, but I thought I would ask more users on this forum.
Bluetooth has been erratic with the Sony VGP-BMS33 Bluetooth Laser Mouse that I have as well.
Anyone with similar problems?
JDR

 

Hi, all.
See this link My NP940X3G Is Displaying Yellow Incorrectly, How Can I Fix This? : Laptops | Samsung for details about bad yellow at battery.
I've installed this patch http://www.samsung.com/us/system/support/faq/2013/12/19/DelLCMPatch.zip and now not experiencing any problems!

 

Wow, this just fixed the only issue I had with this laptop - thanks for posting it here!

Yellows seem fine even when unplugged now. Only if I turn brightness to 100%, yellows turn a bit ugly (mustardy) - at 90% they're perfectly fine to me though.

Thanks a lot! :thumbsup:

 

Any more details on this? I could not find it by going to the support site FAQ section and can only get to it via the link you posted...makes me wonder if this is ready for public use yet?

 

No reason not to trust it. Basically it runs a script that deletes a hidden file called modechecker.exe. that is located in a Samsung folder and deletes the place where it is called in windows scripts. I would think this was run at start up to push the setting changes once the system detects it is on battery. By deleting this file, and having the script delete the place where it runs in the start up scripts, you now get the same settings with battery that you did on power only.

I looked over the ini file (script) and don't see where it could possibly do any harm, and indeed it does "fix" the yellow issues on battery now. With that said, yellows still are no where near yellow.... but certainly passable now. Amazing you posted this as I was literally hours away from returning this laptop. While I am not doing photo editing on it, I do use it in business and do a lot of writing. The yellow highlighting in word was nearly impassable before, now it is acceptable so I am going to keep it.

Many thx for the post on this..... while guys on this site tend to go crazy sometimes, this place is always an invaluable resource.

 

Wow this is a great find. Will try in the next few days and post back results.
Thnx a million.

 

hi all i have also come to share same link.
did all of you try it?
does it realy fix the yellow tone problem?

 

What it does is make the yellows the same on battery, as they are when plugged in. That is a considerable difference and makes it as close to yellow as we will probably get with this monitor. It is still not yellow, but close.

 

Quick question for those that have installed the patch.
1. Can you reverse the patch that is return to the mustard yellow on battery?
2. Yeah I know it's a tad early but has battery life changed with the new patch?


Thnx

 

Wow the fix is amazing.
It works... colors are just as equal during mains operated whilst on battery. No more mustard yellow adios muchachos wooooot....
Best ultrabook ever!

 

I'm hearing distinct loud fan noise that occurs occasionally, like the one in this link Vocaroo | Voice message
Is there anyone out there experiencing the similar problem?
Any idea what this can be related to?
Thanks

 

Updated list. I just ordered the 480GB M500 from ebay. Fingers crossed.
Has anyone replaced the SSD in their B9+ yet?

 

No issues here and never heard that noise even when gaming.
Take back and request rma.
Good luck.....

 

looking forward to your results

 

How does the AB9+ compare to the Fujitsu Lifebook U904?
While it's about the same weight (bigger though) the U904 seems to offer a lot more (bigger screen, more RAM, fingerprint sensor, WWAN, real HDMI & RJ-45 jack)
So far I hear the speakers suck, but how does it compare in terms of overall finishing, heat, noise, keyboard and whatnot?

Has anyone played around with both machines?

 

Hey guys,

Just purchased one of these laptops and seem to be having quite an experience with it!

It took forever to install a clean installation of Windows 8.1 I had to research everywhere just to format the USB stick correctly and learn which BIOS features to turn on/off! I have made a small tutorial which I can start in a new thread if it will help others?

My main concern is with browsing the internet. Whether I turn the computer on from being shut down or wake it from sleep, the browsers are shocking. I use Outlook for emails and that works great but trying to load a webpage within say the first 10-15 minutes of the computer being on just doesn't happen.

Now, I've tried all the fixes from trying different browsers (IE11, Chrome, Firefox) to changing power settings to maximum performance, adjusting adapter settings so that computer doesn't try and sleep the wireless network card and installing just the barebones Win 8.1 drivers and trying the Intel drivers. Oh, I have also turned safe search or some other feature off in IE11 but to no avail.

Can anyone shed any suggestions on what else could be the cause or is it just plain old crappy driver support from both Microsoft/Intel? I purchased the laptop to be my daily driver but luckily I still have my NP900X4C for these duties.



Cheers,

 

Has this impacted battery life at all? That's the only thing holding me back from doing the patch.

 

My touchscreen randomly stops working after a few minutes of not using (touching) it.

I have it set to "on" in the settings (Fn+F1). And toggling it from On to Off to On doesn't make a difference. I have to restart the PC for it to work again.

Every other setting regarding the touch screen seems to be working and Device Manager shows no problems. SW Update is up to date also (although I don't see a touchscreen driver in there).

any ideas?

 

My advice would be to ensure:

A) That whatever WiFi driver is one without the PROset bloat (ie Windows built-in, Windows Update or Intel Driver-Only). Other members have reported good results with Intel's latest (from downloadcenter.intel.com).

B) You use Samsung Settings 2.2.0.5 (or newer) and you DO NOT install Easy Settings. The latter is for Win7 and contains a nasty module (Samsung Fast Start) that can cause exactly the kind of WiFi startup delay you are seeing.

In fact, I would uninstall and roll back the WiFi driver (as described in the WiFi Remedies thread) AND uninstall Settings, reboot, then re-install those recommended versions.

But I think you're saying your internet connection works immediately in Outlook, but only after 15mins in IE. If that is indeed what you're seeing, it's not the WiFi drivers or the connection that is the problem. Trying a different browser (Chrome or Firefox) would be a way to verify that (even if you end up using IE once it's working).

Did you have the same problems with the factory installation (I presume Win8)? Which drivers did you install after the clean install, and from which source?

 

I think its kinda hardware problem..who dont you go to service center and get it fixed?
that would be better.

 

So far no substantial lost I am at 96% battery life and it says 9hr 10min left so seems similar to before.
Have asked Lisa from Mobiletechreview to kindly update if she can her review with the new patch/fix and battery life.

Will be curious her results. Stay tuned.

 

I've actually updated my review on MobileTechReview. The yellow fix is a godsend!! I'm particularly thrilled since I actually own one of these and use it to edit photos for our site from time to time. So far, battery hasn't been impacted noticeably. Interesting since Lenovo's Yoga 2 Pro yellow fix did impact battery life a bit. Samsung has the advantage since they make the display, I imagine.

 

Thnx pdagal for the update

Yeah I have to say it was the buy of the year for 2013 for me.
After using this ultrabook everything else is painful to use.

Samsung have engineered a winner.

 

Picked up the AB9+ just a few days ago. So far I love it, but a perplexing issue with wifi connectivity: at the office, where the signal is strong, no problems. But at another place, where the signal is weaker (but perfectly workable with all my other devices) I just can't seem to connect. Did all the usual updates: drivers, etc. I suspect it's a wireless N issue, where if the signal isn't strong it just doesn't work. But who knows.

Any thoughts or suggestions? There are no other networks in range, so no conflicts there, and moving the router isn't really an option.

 

You really should not have an issue with wifi on this ultrabook.
I would factory default reset the modem/wifi at the other place and see if that helps. If not then probably time to upgrade that wifi as it could be old tech a/b/g and does not have the range of the 300n series.

Good luck

 

Does anybody knows if there is a way go get around the need to "log out" when you change the zoom? Because I hate when I want to connect my laptop to my tv with hdmi I has to change to zoom to 100 %. When I have the laptop at a resolution of 3200x1800 I need to have zoom to 200 % (standard) and when I then connect my laptop to the tv everything is ginormous because of the zoom. So I has to change to zoom to 100 % and then win8 want to log out and all my tabs in Chrome or other stuff that's open will be closed... So is there anyway to prevent that or what do you guys do when you connect the laptop to your tv?

Thanks

 

Thanks. You were right. Turned out to be problems with the router. I'm rocking and rolling now and loving the AB9+. Best PC I've ever owned, hands down.

 

Hello everyone!

I'm a long time Thinkpad user but currently looking into the AB+
Pending what the next X1 Carbon is like (to be revealed in upcoming CES), I'm 99% set on the AB+

I've been closely following the (very limited) cons of the Samsung and happy to see that the yellows issue has been corrected.
My last concern is the WiFi capabilities and lack of AC. By the review at Mobile Tech Review, I learned that the wireless module is not soldered onto the motherboard and can be replaced.

Has anyone attempted to replace the WiFi adapter with an AC variant? These things are cheap and if the Samsung can support them, why the heck not...

Thanks!

 

Go into Screen Resolution and change it from 'Duplicate these displays' to 'Extend these displays'