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

What resolution and zoom factor do you want it in?
I can assure you that you won't have issues. You can go high resolution and zoom /scale up icons or go with 1920x1080 resolution and zoom scale icons down. There is so much scaling it's not funny. The beauty of this is maximum customisation which I just love. Also with win 8.1 Microsoft has told developers of apps to correctly size their icons for the high resolutions and if this is not the case blame developer . I can't wait for what is beyond windows 8.1. I actually prefer windows 7 as metro is for kiddies. Mind you I like the duality of desktop / metro

 

to be honest, your assurance is assurance enough. I just wanted to make sure that somehow or another, i would be able to use the program without problems. So using programs like photoshop, etc etc....if I had the computer running at 1920x1080 at all times, would that be okay you think? I'm just about sold on this computer! Only thing holding back is deciding if I should wait for the i7. I use an external quite a lot so the SSD isn't a huge problem (128), but i'm not sure how big a difference i'll find in i5 vs i7. Also, I am so so excited too, for what's beyond windows 8.1

 

I run both units at 1920 x 1080 and zoom at 100% for Web browsing adobe pro and office. It just works and works great.
3200x 1800 makes everything very small but you can scale icons up to compensate but I prefer the other way around at 1920 and scale icons down the screen works great and fits alot of info in.
There is no need to wait for i7 version as there is very little improvement (read the review at notebookcheck)

 

Can somebody else confirm this? My current graphics driver version is 10.18.10.3304 and neither Windows nor Samsung SW Tool shows a pending update and the yellows are as ever...

 

Lancair, I updated my gpu drivers the other day. Current it is on 10.18.10.3304 like yours.

Hey guys. On my X3B, when I open the lid from sleep or hibernate, the computer turns on. On my new X3G, when I open the lid from sleep, it does turn on but NOT from hibernate. I have to press power button to turn on from hibernate. Can one of you X3G owners confirm whether the machine turns on from hibernate with lid or not? There might be an option somewhere. Thanks.

 

I've got the same driver as you and no pending update with the mustard on battery.

 

Same for me! Same driver version, same old mustard yellow,,,

 

I got my Samsung Ativ Book 9+ last Friday from Amazon. It's a beautiful machine, but I'm finding a few issues that I'm wondering if other people have experienced. My main issue is with the touchpad. I turned off the tap-to-click functionality and rely on the hard-click to actually make a selection. The problem I'm having is that when I actually "click" the touchpad, the mouse moves ever so slightly in the process. It is as if the force it takes to click the button is also triggering some mouse movement. It's *really* annoying, when you try to click something and your mouse moves a little bit and you're off target, or if you're on certain pages and it registers as "drag" action instead of a click action. I'm finding I have to "click" at least two or three times before a proper click is registered.

Anyone else experiencing this issue? Did I get a bad trackpad??

Another odd issue is when two-finger scrolling quickly to the top of a long website. As I'm swiping down on the trackpad, occasionally it seems to act like I just pressed page-end (making the web browser start scrolling to the bottom of the page when I'm trying to get to the top. It's really bizarre, since I don't see any multi-touch gestures that scroll to the bottom of a page.

I've had a few instances when typing fast that the Palm-Tracking software doesn't catch some cases, but for the most part that has been very rare.

Overall I think this is a fantastic laptop. The clicking issue is frustrating though. I may have to learn to like the non-click tapping instead of the harder click-tapping as a workaround. I just wished the trackpad worked perfectly.

Cheers,
Isaac

 

Played around with Samsung's Fast BIOS and Window's Fast Startup, and still can't get my system auto power up from hibernate from open lid (works from sleep or power button). Do any of you have some kind of "Lid Open Action" for "Samsung Fast Start" in Samsung's Settings - Boot Management With previous models, I usually have that option in the Easy Settings.

 

@pdagal, can you disclose what version of graphics driver SW Update pushed out to you? No one else here is reporting a similar (recent) update, and no one seems to have seen an improvement in the display of yellow from the last update we all have. It would be interesting to know how our drivers match up. Thanks.

 

I'm hearing distinct loud fan noise that occurs occasionally, like the one in this link http://vocaroo.com/i/s1aiZPghmGVW
Is there anyone out there experiencing the similar problem?
Any idea what this can be related to?
Thanks

 

I would recommend anyone with loud noisy fans to take unit back and get a new one.
My 2 units are dead silent when turned on and when pushing hard(3d mark11) I can hear the fans blowing air but there is very little noise or anything, I only hear air flowing and need to be very close to unit to hear air flow it's that quiet like the fans are off.

 

Mine is silent.

 

I experience exactly the same

 

FYI, older versions of Chrome like version 21 scales fine w/out any optimization. So far, the only programs that don't scale for me are Photoshop and Java-based science apps for work.

 

I finally got a chance to take apart my B9+ to measure the dimensions of its 128GB SSD. The B9+ motherboard is designed for double-sided 80mm M.2 Sata SSDs. The form factor code of this type of M.2 SSD is 2280-D2-B-M.



Note that the Toshiba 128GB SSD only has very small ICs on the bottom side, as none of the RAM chips are populated. There is a thick cushion stuck onto the motherboard that the SSD rests on. If you do install an SSD with large RAM ICs on the bottom, you may need to remove this cushion.

It would be nice if an owner with a 256GB SSD would take pictures of their SSD and motherboard to see if it has RAM ICs on the bottom, and if it has a cushion stuck on the motherboard. Note that the SSD is held onto the motherboard with a 00 phillips screw - make sure you have the proper screwdriver!

Now, onto upgrades. We should start a running list of links to SSDs that should work with our B9+. Given the newness and confusion regarding M.2 Sata SSDs I am tagging them as unconfirmed until we have confirmation of someone actually using them in their B9+. If links to vendors is not appropriate I will remove.

USA:
240GB Crucial CT240M500SSD4 UNCONFIRMED

• Memory4Less $352.43 (Available now)

360GB Intel SSDSCKHW360A401 UNCONFIRMED

• Amazon $399 (Page removed)

480GB Crucial CT480M500SSD4 UNCONFIRMED

• Memory4Less $550.54 (Available now)

UK:
256GB Toshiba THNSNH256G8NT Confirmed Factory SSD in 256GB B9+

• Span £171.60 (inc VAT, Not Available)

512GB Toshiba THNSNH512G8NT UNCONFIRMED

• Span £364.80 (inc VAT, Not Available)

Edit: Updated list here

 

So, I've been doing a bunch of research about the trackpad and possible registry settings to change the trackpad area. So far I haven't found the registry key that allows me to disable the touch part of the trackpad for just the bottom part - where you would normally click on buttons. It looks like this is possible with Synaptics drivers (See here: Disable touch pad for mouse button region on new HP pavillion models? - Super User), but our Ative Book 9+ uses Elantech drivers.

Does anyone know the equivalent registry setting that allows me to virtually remove the bottom touch area of this touchpad?? This laptop would be perfect if I could do that.

 

That's the version I got pushed. Really sorry to disappoint everyone, but the display really did ramp up the yellows to actual yellow after that driver installed (unplugged during installation and after). But after a reboot or two, it went back to mustard. I'm guessing the display driver set the panel to max power for some reason and the reboot dropped power back down. Bummer

 

Thnx for clarifying that update pdgal.

I did windows update and it does this performing maintenance thing which when you shutdown it says do not unplug.
That's a little frustrating. I am curious has anyone installed windows 7 on this ultrabook?

 

This was a Samsung SWUpdate graphics update, and happily it could care less if you're plugged in. Much nicer than Sony who makes you plug in the charger for something as trivial as a photo viewer update.

 

Confirmed - That's the one in my i7/8/256 AB9+... have a look here...
The 512GB version is double sided [2x (4x64GB)] as you can see here on "thessdreview" (G8NT and/or GDNT seems to be the same). I'm a bit afraid to open up a perfectly running system which is barely 2 weeks old but since your 128GB version looks like a 1x [4x32GB] single sided unit, a 256GB must be either a 2x (4x32) doulbe sided, or a 1x (4x64GB) single sided unit.

@pdagal
Thnx..., so let's hope again

 

Thanks. List updated

 

I'm having a problem with Power Management on the i7/256gb version of the Ativ book 9+. All of my Power management plans are gone, I can't create any custom plans, can't adjust screen brightness... In other words, I can't do anything to any of the Power Options. Instead, I get an error that says "Your power plan information isn't available. The system cannot find the file specified."

Help please? Anyone?

 

Do a software reset
If problem persists, take unit back for replacement.

Good luck

 

Reinstall Samsung's Settings program. The installation process includes power plan configuration.

John

 

Considering purchasing the 8GB/256 SSD version for Christmas for my daughter, assuming I can find one available in time of course.

I'd appreciate comments from owner's regarding problems with this unit and resolution. I was initially considering a Sony Vaio Pro but after reading about the Wifi issues there is absolutely no way. There have been some mention of Samsung 9 Series wifi issues in the past and I'm wondering if owners wifi experience with this model has been consistently good.

Finally, are there any retail stores in the US that will stock this model or am I stuck getting it online? Thanks for any help you can provide.

 

Still can't find option to start computer from "lid open action" after hibernate. Can someone check if there is "Lid Open Action" for "Samsung Fast Start" in Samsung's Settings - Boot Management or somewhere else? Would love to be able to start my computer from hibernate with the lid open. May be an overall issue with UEFI and W8.

 

To catbro,
The resolution is perfect if you wish to do what you normally do on a larger monitor eg 2 pages side by side word or adobe and have good eye sight. You have option of higher res and you upscale icons or run at 1920 and reduce icon size slightly.
This flexibility is what attracted me to this unit and tbh it's worked great so far.
Rock solid with WiFi from a very far distance away.
Good luck

 

Zero Wifi issues, and I used this laptop in all kinds of places.
As for the resolution. I personally keep it at 1080 that its ships with by default. It looks great, and I don't have to deal with the apps that I use that haven't been updated for super high resolution displays.

 

Thank you for your replies. It makes me much more comfortable with the selection. If you can indulge me another question. Neither my daughter or I are very technically savvy, although my husband is. But she will be using the laptop while away at college and I'm concerned about all the problems that seem to pop up with this model and all the tweaking/resetting/etc that seems to be required. My sense is the problems that pop up are fixable, unlike the Sony Vaio wifi problem, but I'm not very hopeful she'll be able to handle all that's required. I'd appreciate any input.

 

Catbro, I have been using the 4gb/128g SSD model for about a week and can say there really isn't tweaking needed. About all I have done is shut off the adaptive brightness. Aside from that the device works just fine. Like you I passed on the Sony because of the wifi issues and haven't looked back.

 

Ok, finally... the 256GB is single sided [1x (4x64GB)] and comes with the foam cushion on the mainboard like your 128GB version.

In addition the interface connector seems to be compatible with native PCIe M.2 SSD's (e.g. Samsung's ultra fast XP941) - at least from a physical point of view.

 

Thanks Lancair. I guess we will have to wait for someone who gets a double sided SSD to know if the cushion needs removed.

The M.2 standard simply defines that type of connector. So yes, physically a PCIe M.2 SSD will slide into the connector. It will not work, however. A motherboard designed for a Sata M.2 SSD will bring sata signals to the connector, not PCIe signals.

 

What i would be interested in:
if you run the display at fullHD (1920x1080) or 1600x9900, which is 50% of the 3200x1800 -
how does the scaling look like?

is the text/ screen blurry or does WIN 8.1 translate this into a "proper" resolution, as Retina Macbooks do?

Thanks !!

Christian

 

@ 1920x1080 it runs beautifully and icons are well proportioned if you know what I mean.
Even at 3200x1800 it's all still readable assuming you have no hyperopia

 

Does anyone else get a slight rush when they first pick up their AB9+ in the morning and feel the cool ( actually cold) metal in their hands?

It is a beautiful machine.

P.S. I don't own a gun

 

Those pictures show the Toshiba HG5D SSD, also known as the THNSN which is a SATA 3 M.2. The XP941 is a PCIe M.2 and capable of twice the performance. They CANNOT be interchanged because, although the M.2 connector is the same, the wiring must be different to accomodate either SATA 3 or PCIe.

 

Scrolling and pinch to zoom gestures in Internet Explorer, have become pretty amazing with the touch pad driver update that was just pushed out. Its extremely fast and smooth!

It kind of sucks Chrome and Firefox don't run as good as IE on this machine.

 

Well I was sold on the Samsung Ativ Book 9 Plus with every upgrade and was ready to order. Called Samsung and the CSR's could NOT tell me if I would be charged a restocking fee or not if I decided I wasn't happy with the performance. Quote, "we cant tell you if you will be charged a restocking fee or not because we don't know" ARE your serious? I just happened to stumble upon the forum for the HP Spectre 13. This model doesn't even registery when searching for haswell ultrabooks, I don't know why but I'm very impressed with the specs and prices. I just cannot justify the prices of the Samsung and Asus Infinity ultrabooks when this apparently totatally capable book is availbable for $650 less. If I have this all wrong please let me know.

 

The spectre isnt bad. It has a lower res screen (1366x768), is ivy bridge based (this is why it doesnt show on your Haswell sesrches) and has HD4000 graphics but technically still a sound device if thats the spec/price point you are targeting.

 

Welcome to the world of consumer electronics. Everyone is going to charge you a restocking fee.
Your best bet is to visit a retail store and make your purchase there.

 

based on your guys analysis:
is there an option for upgrading the SSD to 512GB?

Thanks !!

 

Tempus:

The specs for the Spectre 13t-3000 are not those you quote. It has an i7-4500U Haswell Processer, 2560 x 1440 touch display,and configured with 8 GM Ram and 256 SSD. With discounts for Black Friday the cost is $1474 including HP 3 year accidental damage coverage. When I compare it to the Samsung and Asus at over $2100, I think it's worth a try. There is no restocking fee and they will even pay for return shipments. Any comments?

 

I see that now. When I looked I could not find a Haswell version at HP as you indicated was a problem. In looking at it now, I would too have considered it (depending on reviews and hands on testing) to the Samsung.

 

I've seen new Elan generic touchpad drivers pop up - version 11.12.0.12.
Has anyone tried them yet? They appear to be legit.

 

I know that the pics show a SATA3 Toshiba HG5D SSD, I pulled it out from my very own system . The question for me is: Can an M.2 connector accommodate SATA 3 AND PCIe functionality at the same time provided the motherboard is designed for both. An M.2 connector features 67 contacts and 7 are usually in use for SATA (data only). I also read from different sources: The M.2 interface provides four PCI Express lanes and one SATA 6 Gbit/s port, exposed through the same connector, allowing use of both PCI Express and SATA storage devices in form of M.2 cards.
At least the above doesn't clearly state (for me) that one excludes the other and it's somehow hard to believe that it pays off for Sony to manufacture 2 different motherboards for the Vaio Pro 13", one for SATA 3 M.2 based SSD's and one for PCIe M.2 - the latter for a mere 45$ surcharge including Samsung's hot XP941.

Not a factory option but a Toshiba THNSNH512G8NT M.2 should work well - if you can grab one somewhere. See switchMODE's posting #366

 

You will all like this.
My Samsung ativ book 9 plus is setting a new world record for remaining battery life in windows 8.


Eat your heart out macbookair 13"

 

friends.
i am still following your reviews about AB9+
i wonder if it possible to upgrade memory from 4gb to 8gb of i5 version.

and could not find out how the resolution turn to QHD. in stores it is allways writen as FHD resolution

 

I also would like to know about QHD. My resolution is set at 3200 x 1800 but cannot find anything on my NP940X4G about the QHD setting. Where do I find it and what am I missing.

Thanks.

 

No the RAM is not upgradeable. If RAM is important to you then buy the version that has the RAM you are looking for

Set the resolution with the Samsung Settings app (FN + F1). Alternatively see below.

QHD is 2,560 x 1,440. The B9+ display is reffered to as QHD+, or 3200 x 1800. It sounds like your resolution is already set to panel native.

If in fact you want QHD one way would be to go into desktop mode, right click on the desktop and select Screen Resolution. I'm sure you can do this with Metro also but I don't use that.