2015 ATIV Book 9 NP930X2K 12.2-Inch Laptop (Imperial Black)

new 12.2" Intel Core M Processor (Broadwell) ATIV Book 9 for 2015

ATIV Book 9 NP930X2K-K01US 12.2-Inch Laptop (Imperial Black)

Intel® Core™ M Processor 5Y10c (0.80 GHz up to 2.00 GHz, 4 MB L3 Cache)
Intel® HD Graphics 5300
8 GB DDR3L SDRAM
256 GB Solid-State Drive
12.2-Inch Screen (30.9cm SuperBright+ 350nit (Max.700nit) WQXGA LED Display (2560 x 1600))
802.11 ac (2x2)
Bluetooth v4.0
Micro HDMI
1 헤드폰 출력/마이크 입력 콤보
1 DC-in
2 USB3.0
MicroSD Multi-media Card Reader
Windows 8.1, 10.5-hour battery life

Item Weight 2.1 pounds
Item Dimensions L x W x H 11.19 x 8.37 x 0.46 inches

$1399.99

http://www.amazon.com/NP930X2K-K01US-12-2-Inch-Laptop-Imperial-Black/dp/B00RBDB2EM

http://store.samsung.com/sec/pc/notebook/book-9/p/NT930X2K-KY4

http://samsungtomorrow.com/삼성전자노트북-9-2015-에디션-국내-예약판매-실시

http://www.slashgear.com/samsung-unveils-new-series-9-notebook-and-series-7-aio-29360920/

 

This could be an interesting machine which appears to be one step up from a 10" tablet in size, performance and usability.

While Amazon's listing says Intel A4 near the top, it also says Apple A4 further down. The latter is quite old technology and would involve Windows (not the RT version) running on an ARM CPU. I'm therefore wondering if the CPU is actually one from the AMD A4 family. Perhaps a successor to the Book 9 Lite although I would expect to see much more competitive pricing.

Perhaps all will be revealed at CES.

John

 

For the cpu, my guess is that it is a misprint and that it is actually a Broadwell processor similar to the Yoga 3 but clocked slower. There are a few of the Core M that start at 0.8 GHz. It is running Windows after all. This laptop is also super thin, possibly Samsung's thinnest, probably fanless too.

Based on the resolution and size, it might be using the Note Pro 12.2 screen . I'm secretly wishing it is a huge AMOLED like the Tab S.

 

It might be the AMD A4 6400T as in the HP notebook reviewed here.

Using a big tablet display makes sense in terms of manufacturing.

John

 

I wonder if this means that there won't be a 13.3" version of the regular AB 9 for 2015?

 

Looks like it's coming too: NP900X3K | Google Search

 

And it already has its own thread.

John

 

You are referring to the AB9+
The AB9 classic hasn't got a thread yet.

 

Thanks for the correction.

Several versions of the NT900X3K are already listed for Korea. When, and how agressively it gets marketed elsewhere is up to Samsung. They did their best to keep people unaware of the NP900X3G. Some advertising and sensible pricing could shift large numbers of the product.

John

 

John, I remember pretty much about a year ago you dug out that Korean spring catalog showing off all the 2014 Haswell models. Is there a new edition of that brochure out yet?

I'm very curious about this models chassis.

 

How about visiting Samsung's Korea store?

0.95kg. Micro-HDMI, not mini-DisplayPort. There are strong similarities to the NP900X3* put on a diet - no suggestion that it is touchscreen. And a 16:10 display - at 200% scaling it is 1280 x 800 which should be quite usable in terms of font size provided the applications scale correctly.

John

PS: It looks like we need to re-title the thread about Samsung discontinuing notebooks by 2015. It seems that while they have drastically cut back the product range they are going to continue with production in the top end of their range (which is where they originally started). We can but hope they will next quietly creep back into the main European markets.

 

So disappointing. I don't understand why they would do this if they are re-engineering the entire chassis anyway. Unless mhdmi will support hdmi 2.0? Dropping down to microsd is also a bummer, but I guess necessary. Otherwise a great looking machine. I guess I can wait till they update with USB3.1, they would also be able to get rid of the power plug then. Anyway, great news smarter heads prevailed and they're still in the game.

 

16:10!!!
And extremely bright it is that PLS screen (700nits!).

edit: a "3" as the 2nd digit (aka NP9 30X2K) suggests non-touch - as seen in other Ativ Books which were originally released in both display versions.


The chassis has no air vents, so I assume we won't see Core-i's

 

Samsung unveils new Series 9 Notebook and Series 7 AIO - SlashGear

Scroll down a bit for some specs:
삼성ì„자, ‘노트북 9 2015 에디션’ êµë‚´ 예약판매 실시 | SAMSUNG TOMORROW

Judging from the pictures, I see only two USB ports, micro/headphone jack and one micro-hdmi port. Hm...

 

Looks interesting, but AMD? I used to be a fan, but now, I'm just disappointed year after year. I hope this is a decent performing CPU (and iGPU for that matter). If that is the CPU it seems it's AMD's version of the Atom. But 8GB/256GB 12.2" for $1400 is quite competitive. I would love to see a 2lbs 0.5" thick Intel i5-u CPU though for that price.

 

Samsung's Korea store lists the CPU as the Intel® Core™ M Processor 5Y10c (0.80 GHz up to 2.00 GHz, 4 MB L3 Cache) so the "A4" in Amazon's listing is erroneous.

John

 

3.5W - 6W CPU, hyper-threaded dual core. Interesting. Although still a bit underpowered IMHO.

 

You will have to wait a few more years if you want both performance and a CPU power consumption that doesn't need a cooling fan.

The alternative is for someone to invent the flexible heat pipe so that it can pass through the hinge and use the display back as a passive heat radiator.

John

 

It shouldn't have been too hard to set up an active cooling system considering the much smaller battery makes up for the slightly smaller chassis (compared to 13" Book 9).

Screen & weight makes me wanna upgrade, but missing out on a Core-i will probably be a deal breaker to me.

 

Very interesting. I wonder if they'll be cheaper once Apple comes out with their next models.

 

Perhaps Samsung have been giving out press releases for this product - it's got a mention in the NBR news section.

I haven't yet seen anything listing the actual battery capacity.

I also wonder whether Samsung will be including an appropriately small PSU.

John

 

Samsung's Korea website has the old PSU listed as an accessory, so it will probably be compatible with the older ATIV 9's PSU... not sure if a smaller one will be made though.

I might grab the NP930X2K because I have a soft spot for 12" laptops since the Vaio G line. I already have a NP940X3G so I can use that for "power" if I need it.

***If anyone sees a fitted case/sleeve for the 12.2" NP930X2K, please post. The size is not standard so it might be difficult to find.***

 

You gotta flip open full specs on the Korean Store:

 

Some more pictures and even a video at:

Lighter Than Air: Samsung's New Laptop Is Just 2 Pounds

From the video it's unfortunately pretty clear that the screen is rather glossy...

Also, in spite of what they wrote, apparently no Ethernet, judging by the pictures on Samsung Korea site.

 

It is glossy but has no touchscreen, that is really surprising considering Samsung and its love of ticking spec sheet boxes. But I like that, it gives you the best possible picture and sharpest text when you can control the lighting conditions and when you can't, they give you 700 nits to overpower distractions. Seems like they go fully after the upcoming MacBook Air 12 with this device. It is good to see Samsung back in the laptop market, Apple needs some competition at the high end.

 

Article: Hands-on: Samsung's new Ultrabook makes the MacBook Air feel like a brick

Hands-on: Samsung's new Ultrabook makes the MacBook Air feel like a brick

 

Wow, the screen is literally a mirror. You can clearly see the Korean guy's white dress shirt and beige vest reflected on the screen.

 

At that angle, this is quite normal.

The laptop is equipped with a low-reflection coating with 350nits of brightness that bumps up to 700nits when in outside mode
http://www.mobiletechreview.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Number=47472

PS: More info from wired.com:
Despite having a bigger screen, the laptop weighs less than the 11-inch MacBook Air, clocking in at a mere 2.09 lbs. The Ativ Book 9 has a 2560 x 1600 LED screen, a Broadwell Intel Core M 5Y70 processor with 8GB RAM, a 256GB SSD, and 10.5 hours of battery life. That fully loaded configuration will go for $1,400 starting in the first quarter of 2015.
http://www.wired.com/2015/01/samsung-curved-screen-pc/
and theverge.com
It's all aluminum with a nice trackpad and great keyboard thanks to a scalloped design that's friendlier to your fingers. it's fanless — something even Apple can't yet say about its lightest laptop.
Built-in Wolfson lossless audio player and native FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) support as perks for those seeking studio-quality music playback
http://www.theverge.com/2014/12/30/7469067/samsung-ativ-book-9-2015-announced-price-release-date

Samsung Press Release:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/ho...ACING-Samsung-ATIV-Book-9-Offers#.VKxGmSvF-kE
Key Specifications
Category Details Specifications
Display Size 12.2”
Type WQXGA LED
Resolution 2560x1600
Brightness 350nit (max 700nit)
Performance OS Windows 8.1
Processor Intel® Core™ M 5Y10c
Graphics Intel® HD Graphics 5300
Memory1 8GB* (4GB also available)
Hard Disk Drive2 256GB SSD (128GB also available)
Sound & Camera Speaker Stereo Speakers (1.5W x 2)
Audio Type PC-Fi (Wolfson WM5102 integrated)
Camera 720p HD
Battery Life Battery Life Up to 10.5 hours
Dimensions Dimensions 11.19" x 8.37" x 0.46"
Weight 2.09 pounds
Color Imperial Black
I/O Ports USB Ports 2xUSB3.0, micro HDMI and SD,RJ45 (dongle), HP/Mic combo
Availability MSRP Starting at $1,199.99 with 4GB memory and 128GB SSD; $1,399.99 for 8GB memory and 256GB SSD
Availability Date Q1 2015

 

See the NBR preview of the NP930X2K which includes a short video.

Regarding the network, in the absence of any specific socket on the notebook (none visible on the photos) I'm wondering whether the dongle is USB. It won't be the first notebook to use that route but isn't very satisfactory when there are only two USB ports.

The preview doesn't mention whether there are any other Samsung notebooks on show at CES.

John

 

Are there official specs to be found on Samsung website that include RJ45?

My own thinking on the proprietary Ethernet dongle that Samsung bundles with its other notebooks has evolved from "cool" to "meh." A USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet dongle works with every notebook so is more flexible. I "dock" my notebooks to an external monitor/keyboard for daily use, and the Samsung Ethernet dongle is just an extra cable to plug in, rather than a single USB cable that goes to the HUB that has everything else plugged into.

RJ45 is nice to have if it's actually built into a notebook. A separate proprietary dongle is a poor substitute. Same story with the Samsung VGA dongle, really.

 

it has been officially released:

ATIV Book 9 (NP930X2K) | Samsung Laptops

 

It clearly says in the specs that it supports the RJ45 dongle (included) and VGA (for purchase). Where on earth would one plug them in?! Bizarre...

Also, "Anti-Reflective" display, while the videos from CES clearly showed it to be glossy. Although I suppose "anti-reflective" need not mean matte; glossy screens are not all equally reflective.

 

There is one port on the right side next to the USB port which, based on previous models, might be for the VGA dongle. although it might be micro-HDMI (which can be used with VGA via a suitable dongle).

I wonder whether LAN is via a USB dongle. They wouldn't be the first manufacturer to do this but it ties up half of the USB ports. A simple USB docking station would be a work-around. However, I doubt if many users of this type of notebook would use wired LAN.

John

 

Looks nice, better than the LaVie, though the XPS13 is close. Gotta wait for nex gen with USB3.1 anyway. Maybe then they could ditch mhdmi and add a third usb, but they probably wouldn't. Or mhdmi2.0?

 

I'm pretty sure that the port on the right is micro-HDMI. Yet the website lists the proprietary Samsung 12 pin to VGA Adapter Dongle (AA-AV2N12B/US, same as for older Samsung notebooks) as a compatible accessory. Something here does not add up.

Well, given the buzz that this laptop has generated on announcement, it probably won't be long until reviews begin popping up, which will hopefully answer all our questions...

 

That CPU looks like it's one step up from the Atom, and not such a bad thing. I used an Asus Transformer Book 10" convertible tablet/notebook but as a notebook primarily, for a while and it was great. I wished they made one that was laptop only and cut down the weight quite a bit and offer some upgradeable options and a little more power. Unfortunately this Samsung costs $1400, whereas the Transformer costs $300. But maybe someone will make a 10 or 11" notebook with this CPU. There is hope. Considering you can pick up a 13" Samsung for not much more than this with a 15W ULV CPU, it seems a bit overpriced.

 

What is the highest resolution external display that this laptop/chipset will be able to handle?

 

See here for details of the Intel Graphics 5300 which says max. 3840 x 2160 @ 60 Hz.

My worry would be the ability to get the signal out of the notebook. The official limit for micro-HDMI is 1920 x 1080 although some owners of the NP940X3G have achieved higher resolutions by configuring a custom display setting. This wouldn't have been a worry if Samsung had realised that there's room for a mini-DisplayPort socket.

John

 

I am curious about the CPU model used in this laptop. Samsung used to say that its Intel Core M 5Y10C with speeds of 0.8 to 2.0 GHz. But now they are displaying a Core M 5Y31 with speeds 0.9 to 2.0 GHz. I wonder what caused the change.

 

It's a 100MHz bump, probably just same or better pricing on bulk quantities. If it went from a Core M to an i3 I'd be more curious.

 

I just got one of the new Dell 4K monitors and naturally had to try it with my Samsung NP900X3G. Surprisingly, it worked out-of-the-box without requiring any custom modes or driver updates. And, while according to Intel's official specs it should only do 24 Hz over HDMI, somehow it manages 30 Hz just fine. One does need a good HDMI cable though: three out of four cables I tried (two of them with adapters) resulted in visible green flicker in dark shades.

A miniDP at 60Hz would be much better though, no doubt about it.

 

Yep. 30Hz is just gonna be too tough on the eyes for extended work. The new XPS13 is actually smaller than AB9 and it comes with mDP.

 

However, I don't think LCDs flicker like old CRT displays so a lower refresh rate is only an issue with moving graphics so movies and games might get a little smeary. The rest of the time the pixels are either on or off depending on the content.

The flicker one can sometimes get from an LCD is the backlight modulating at lower brightness levels.

John

 

I was thinking this exactly. Although I haven't tried working at 30Hz on an LCD, I think it might be acceptable -- nowhere as bad as 30Hz on a CRT or 30i on an HDTV.

I think all the Samsung Haswell models (starting with NP940X3G) do 3820x2160@30Hz through micro-HDMI without need for custom resolutions. When it comes to other resolutions at higher refresh rates (such as 2560x1440 or 2560x1600) that's where custom resolutions have been required.

We have some posts about that, but I cannot locate them at the moment.

 

Hi Guys,
can I ask you to measure a tip size connector for this laptop NP930X2K? I really need it.
I hope you can help me with that, piece.

Alex

 

I don't think anyone has this new notebook yet.

However, it is a fairly safe assumption that the power socket will be the same as on the other Series / Book 9 notebooks and the power supplies will be interchangeable. My post here says that the plug is 3mm x 1.1mm (outside diameter, inside diameter).

John

 

Thank you John, it was really helpful answer.

I'm just doing some research on this model and trying to figure it out if my other power supply will be compatible to this laptop.
What about XE500C12? Do you have any information about this power supply tip size?

Your answer will be appreciated,
thank you in advance!

Alex

 

The Chromebook PSU listed at the bottom of the page here is 40W but its specifications say that it is 12V. The existing Series / Book 9 PSUs are 19V so 12V wouldn't work. Sensibly Samsung will have used different plug sizes for the two types of PSU to avoid any accidents but good sense doesn't always prevail.

John

 

User manual for this laptop has been added:

http://downloadcenter.samsung.com/content/UM/201501/20150113152959242/Win8.1_Manual_ENG.pdf

 

Good find.

The specifications (page 70) show that the rated power is 12V, 2.2A, 26W so that may be same as for the Chromebook and isn't compatible with the other Series / Book 9.

There are various references to Europe within the document. However, that may just be generic manual production and not a hint that Samsung is doing a U-turn on their notebook sales in Europe.

John