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

Running this display at 1600x900 will in general be worse than a native 1600x900 IPS display.

1) This is a pentile display. Which means its subpixel count is actually a good deal lower than its resolution would suggest. If you move your face very close to this screen (we're talking a couple inches), you'll see the effect of the pentile display. Even solid colors have a grid appearance. Lets not restart the Pentile debate, just pointing this out Also its a different Pentile arrangement than the phones many are familiar with.

2) Higher pixel densities make each pixel smaller and therefore the light from each pixel bleeds less. This means that when you run a high pixel density monitor at a lower resolution (even assuming the resolution divides evenly like 1600x900 does) the harsher edges to the pixels make them more pronounced.

In summary, you really want to run this monitor at 3200x1800 and turn on scaling if possible. I lower the resolution only if necessary to run apps like photoshop that don't support scaling.

In no way are my comments trying to suggest this is a bad panel, just be aware of the tradeoffs of a high density display. Also, there is a huge variation in 1600x900 displays... think of this as an, all else being equal comparison.

 

Just received my laptop this morning, and I love it so far! Battery life is great, no bloats (bought from MS store), the yellow issue was quickly fixed by downloading the patch from Samsung. And the laptop is gorgeous.
The only thing that kind of bugs me is that everything seems too small. I already scaled at 200% and my eyes still feel a little uncomfortable.

 

Can you confirm does the Microsoft signature edition have the horrible painted on Sidesync/Homesync lettering on the bottom right palm rest?

 

I have the microsoft store edition, how would I be able to make a USB backup of the entire drive? I believe the Bestbuy retail version that I played around with has Samsung Recovery, but this one doesn't.

Thanks.

@mar2k2 I can confirm that the microsoft edition has no sidesync lettering.

 

That's right, it doesn't have those lettering.

 

How about Control Panel - Recovery (see screenshots below)? I have not tried this myself, but it sounds like it does what you want.





I only recently became aware that Microsoft wiped Samsung Recovery and installed their own, when member GuzziRider posted about it in this thread.

 

I just purchased the NP940X3G-K04US from Amazon. Really looking forward to it.
Is there anywhere on this site or elsewhere where someone has compiled a list of the issues/fixes/etc. for this unit? If not, I'll read all the posts but just wanted to check first. Looking forward to joining the club of Ativ owners!!

 

I am having a similar debate right now. I want to get this laptop for my GF and am debating if the lower spec or higher spec would be better in the long run. Processor to me is negligible for her needs as an I5 will suffice, but I am more concerned with the SSD and RAM. The MS store price is great at 1099, but can the SSD/RAM be upgraded? I searched and it seems that the SSD may be able to but I dont know about the RAM. $1100 or $1750 is the question. I wish I grabbed the higher spec one when the MS store had the deal on it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated thank you very much!

 

What?? Yes it does, I purchased the i5 128gb version from Microsoft store as well and the sidesync/homesync lettering is definitely engraved on mine. I thought it wasn't going to be there but it is.

 

Mine doesn't have that. I bought the i7 version and maybe that is different?

 

I believe that the RAM is not upgradable. But recently MS store released a new version with 8GB and 128 SSD for $1450: Buy Samsung ATIV Book 9 Plus NP940X3G-S03US Touchscreen Ultrabook - Microsoft Store
You can also wait until the i7 version goes on sale, which was exactly what I did. It was $1599 + tax when I bought it.

 

Thats's strange I wonder if anyone else with the i5 version can chime in. Maybe it depends when they were manufactured. I bought mine a few weeks ago when the 1099 sale started on MStore.

 

As already noted, the RAM is soldered and not upgradable. The SSD, however, is a removable part and could be upgraded. However, I don't think anyone has done it yet because the M.2 format SSDs are currently not easy to find.

Perhaps you can figure out whether your GF runs anything that needs lots of RAM or SSD space. Web browsing / email / office etc don't need much RAM. Photoshop / virtual machines / having 20 applications open at the same time / anything else with lots of graphics would benefit from more RAM.

The SSD space is probably OK to start with but is likely to fill up and slow down with time. Then do the upgrade.

John

 

That's great advice. RAM is less of an issue and with it being soldered its a moot point, but can always upgrade the SSD later if need be. I appreciate the response thanks!!

 

I received a Crucial 480 M.2 SSD several days ago - bought from RamCity - but I haven't got time to install it in my AB9+. Maybe in a couple of days.

 

I hope all goes well.

Plenty of photos, please, as guidance for others.

John

 

If you can wait, it will surely be on sale again, probably within a month.

 

Does anyone have instructions on how to replace the wireless card with AC card?

 

I'm trying to but it's hard haha. She wants one by end of this month for grad school. Hoping it goes on sale soon!

 

Will this 7260AC card work in the Ativ 9 Plus?

7260NGW Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 802.11ac, Dual Band, 2x2 Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 4.0* - Ships from California. In STOCK:Amazon:Computers & Accessories

 

Yes it will.

 

He's suggested that I go with a dell xps15 - I think he simply is wary of Samsung and trusts Dell. I was thinking of going with the i7 because of the higher RAM and larger SSD.

 

i'm looking forward to your post about this, very interested in doing the same myself once a retail m.2 512gb ssd comes out.

 

Be aware you will get much shorter battery life with the XPS15 and there is the possibility of an annoying high-pitched "coil whine" defect. It is much more powerful, but I can't understand why Dell did not include a proper docking connector. Of course AB9+ doesn't either, but it's not a workstation-replacement per se. Really those are completely different categories: 15" 4.5lbs vs. 13" 3lbs. If you want to stick with Dell, the XPS13 is the closer competitor to the AB9+.

 

Yes John, I just upgraded the drive, and took some photos. I will post the photos here... how is the best way to post photos in this thread?

I can give you some instructions along with some photos of the internals. I will update later when I figure out how to post photos here.

Just wait. I will post about this soon.

 

If you click the Insert Image icon in the editor (both Simple and Advanced editors) it lets you upload images (either from your local disk or from a web URL) and inserts ATTACH tags at the cursor. This will host the images here at NBR (where you can manage and reuse them in later posts) and displays a thumbnail which can be clicked for enlargement.

Edit: Here is how it looks.



In uploading this, I noticed there is an issue with the regular image uploader. If you click Basic Uploader, it should work: First Choose file, then Upload file(s). I have reported the issue to Admin.

 

Add me to the list looking for info on swapping out for AC wireless card

Also, anyone download 8.1 Spring update yet?

 

Same here, I am also looking for an AC wireless card for my new ativ book.
I just bought a micro HDMI cable to plug it into my monitor, and realized that it doesn't fit Does anybody know which cable fits the tiny HDMI port on this particular model? Thanks!

 

I purchased a Cable Matters Gold Plated Micro HDMI to HDMI adapter on Amazon - $5.49 - and use a regular HDMI Cable to connect to my TV - not sure though if it would work with a high resolution monitor.

 

I just figured out that I bought a mini HDMI cable instead of a micro HDMI one. Damn...thanks for helping!

 

On the subject of HDMI cables I would note that I bought a short micro-HDMI (m) to HDMI (f) cable similar to this plus a standard HDMI cable to use with my Series 9. The short adapter cable is much more flexible than a standard cable and reduces the risk of the cable over-stressing the port or moving the computer.

John

 

How to replace AB9+'s SSD (Part 1):

1) Open the back cover of the AB9+. There are 10 screws, and you need a Philips screwdriver size 0 to unscrew them.

Here is the photo of the internals:



The original drive is a Toshiba THNSNH256G8NT M.2 SATA SSD. A closer look at the drive:



2) Remove the original drive. Notice that the drive is fastened with one screw. It is also a Philips size 0, however, I could not unscrew it using my iFixit screwdriver - I had to use some cheap Philips screwdriver. Just be careful when you unscrew it - seems like a bit too tight for me.

Here is what you get after you remove the drive:



Notice that there is some kind of rubber attached with adhesive to the platform of the drive. The rubber is needed to fill the gap between the original drive and the platform.

Here are photos of the original drive:



3) Remove the rubber filler - for me this is needed since the replacement drive is a Crucial M500 480GB M.2 NGFF SATA SSD (2280), which has a chip or something in the side facing the platform so it does not need the rubber filler.

So I got this after the rubber is removed:



Continued to part 2....

 

Maybe the second photo exceeds the maximum file size limit.

Am I right in thinking that the antennae cables disappear into the hinge, which means the antennae are in the display? The previous Series / Book 9s had the antennae along the back of the chassis which reduced the performance.

John

 

I think so, if you compare photos of the chassis you see that the whole antenna area has moved to the display housing.

 

Great pictures.

Where is the wireless card?

 

At the end of the antennae cables in the top left of the first photo.

Perhaps robohgedhang can give us a more detailed photo of that area.

John

 

How to replace AB9+'s SSD (Part 2):

Now here are some photos of the replacement drive:



You can see that in the second photo, the new drive has a black chip or something on it, therefore we do not need the rubber filler anymore.

4) Last step: put the replacement drive in place and fasten the screw.

And here is the final result (before the back cover is placed back):



Bonus - a closer look at the wifi card area (please note that this is not the original wifi card - the original is 7260 N card):

 

1. The higher capacity SSD has NAND storage chips on both sides.

2. Thanks for the WiFi card photo. It's already AC so people shouldn't be queuing up to change it.

John

 

fixed=replaced?

 

I read it as fixed=fastened.

 

I can't see the screw as used on the previous generation of cards plus the antennae connections appear to be on the bottom side.

Correct.

John

 

This might seem like a stupid question but how did the screws hold up when removing them?

I'm just worried that they'll strip a bit and look bad. Sad I know but this is such a stunning laptop, I want it to look perfect.

 

@robohgedhang

thanks for the clear pictures. once youve installed the new ssd, did you simply turn on the laptop and insert a recovery usb? i'd like to familiarize myself with the whole process.

 

John - good idea on HDMI dongle - looks better than the adapter I picked up.

I see one on Amazon under $8!

 

How easy is it for a novice to replace? Thanks!

Steven

 

Actually there is a rubber cover on top of the wifi card:



The rubber cover is glued to the base. If you remove it, you will get this:

IMO the screws are OK, just need to be careful when you unscrew and screw them back.

You're welcome. After installing the new drive, I turned on the laptop and entered the BIOS to make some changes (I will detail them later) then insert a Windows 8.1 USB drive.

It's quite easy I guess, just playing with some screws.

 

As well you should be. If they're the same screws as the rest of the S9/AB9 models, they strip VERY easily even with a size 000 driver. They also charge quite a bit for a set of 2 replacement screws if you order from samsung parts.