2016/17 ATIV Book 9 with Kaby Lake COMING SOON: 13.3" and 15.0" versions

A Google search for "NP900X5N-X01US" found this:

http://www.samsung.com/us/computing/windows-laptops/12-14/notebook-7-spin-133-np740u3l-l02us/ 2017-01-04
http://www.samsung.com/us/computing...notebook-7-spin-156-12-gb-ram-np740u5l-y02us/ 2017-01-04
http://www.samsung.com/us/computing...4/notebook-9-13-3---16gb-ram--np900x3n-k04us/ 2017-01-04
http://www.samsung.com/us/computing/windows-laptops/12-14/notebook-9-13-3---8gb-ram--np900x3n-k01us/ 2017-01-04
http://www.samsung.com/us/computing...ok-9-13-3-led-full-hd-core-i5-np900x3l-k06us/ 2017-01-04
http://www.samsung.com/us/computing...k-9-spin-13-3-led-qhd-core-i7-np940x3l-k01us/ 2017-01-04
http://www.samsung.com/us/computing...5-6---500-gb-hdd---256-gb-ssd-np500r5l-m02us/ 2017-01-04
http://www.samsung.com/us/computing...notebook-7-spin-156-16-gb-ram-np740u5l-y03us/ 2017-01-04
http://www.samsung.com/us/computing/windows-laptops/15-18/notebook-9-15---8gb-ram--np900x5n-k01us/ 2017-01-04
http://www.samsung.com/us/computing...book-9-15-led-full-hd-core-i7-np900x5l-k02us/ 2017-01-04
http://www.samsung.com/us/computing...ok-9-pro-15-6-led-uhd-core-i7-np940z5l-x01us/ 2017-01-04
http://www.samsung.com/us/computing/windows-laptops/15-18/np300e5k-l04us-np300e5k-l04us/ 2017-01-04
http://www.samsung.com/us/computing/windows-laptops/15-18/np500r5l-m03us-np500r5l-m03us/ 2017-01-04
http://www.samsung.com/us/computing/windows-laptops/under-12/notebook-m-11-6--np110s1k-k01us/ 2017-01-04

excerpt from: http://www.samsung.com/us/sitemap.xml

but it didn't yet have the NP900X5N-X01US that B&H offers.
(15 inch option with 16GB of RAM and NVIDIA GeForce 940MX, with 256GB SSD and a backlit keyboard - 2.73 lb / 1.24 kg - WOW - Expected availability: Jan 12, 2017 )
The B&H specs say 1 x 256 GB Integrated NVMe PCIe. Does "integrated" mean it can't be swapped?

I hope all will be revealed at Samsung's press conference today at 2 p.m. Pacific Time.

 

I'm trying to decide between the NP900X3N-K01US and the NP900X3N-K04US. Basically, is an extra $200 worth it for an i7 and 16 gigs of RAM?

I'm about ready to place a preorder, but I'll wait to see what shakes out of Samsung's CES press conference today.

 

I doubt if you would notice the difference between an i5 and an i7 in everyday usage so the extra $200 is to future-proof the non-upgradable RAM. It may be worthwhile doing some quick experiments on your current computer (if it has 8GB or more) to see how much RAM gets used when you are running all your favorite programs at the same time. If it's more than about 6GB then Windows is likely to start actively using the virtual memory. However, having the virtual memory on a good PCIe SSD is less of a performance bottleneck than with previous storage hardware.

The 4GB on my Samsung NP900X3B (now nearly 5 years old) was a bottleneck from day 1 but Windows and software haven't become substantially more RAM-hungry since then. My biggest RAM-filler is my GIS software but that isn't something that most people would plan to use on a 13" notebook but opening loads of high-resolution photos in a photo editor can have a similar effect.

John

 

Good point about the RAM being the more important component - I am inclined to agree with that. I have a NP900X3F with a paltry 4GB of RAM, and I definitely feel the squeeze when I am running a few programs or have a lot of tabs open. That's what makes it tough for me, because both 8 and 16 are going to feel like a lot of room coming from 4

 

When in doubt, go for 16GB, since you won't be able to upgrade later.

(I have 8GB of RAM and Windows 7 routinely uses over 90% of it. I have a lot of Chrome tabs open)

 

After recently refreshing the business-friendly Notebook 9, Samsung is now putting out the Notebook 9 15" EXT edition, which features boosts to graphics (NVIDIA 940MX), battery life (up to 15 hours) and RAM (up to 16GB) compared to the standard version. The laptop includes a seventh-gen Intel Core i7 processor and an FHD display, though it's a bit heavier (2.73 pounds versus 2.17 pounds) and thicker (0.61 of an inch versus 0.58 of an inch) than the recently refreshed version of the 15-inch Notebook 9. Pricing and availability were not disclosed for the Samsung Notebook 9 15" EXT.

http://www.crn.com/slide-shows/mobi...un-android-apps.htm/pgno/0/2?itc=hp_slideshow

http://www.anandtech.com/show/10981...ted-notebook-9-odyssey-and-chromebook-pluspro

The Big Question remains: Can the SSB be upgraded to 512 GB or is it "integrated"?

 

Samsung Notebook 9: Official Introduction (2017 edition)

Colors listed:

1. Crush White
2. Light Titan
3. Violet Blue

 

I'm not looking to sell it, but I am interested in an ultraportable 15" with TB3. Rumor is they doubled the battery on the 16GB/nvidia version which will be very interesting and very expensive.

 

Brillant video, I definately buy this laptop, I mean 13,3" version. But Samsung is inconsistent again, in that video they say 799g but in other places it is 816g.

 

It will be a first if the entire high capacity (ie excluding the 32GB SSDs found in some devices) SSD (which is a set of components) is integrated (ie soldered) onto the mainboard. It might save a little space and weight (ie no socket needed) but means that Samsung (as well as users) lose the option to configure with different SSD capacities (or suppliers) without doing a board change. I think WiFi started to be integrated on board when it became a single chip which would meet most users needs. However, the X5N is impressively light so Samsung may be resorted to some weight saving tricks.

John

 

Thanks!
The NP900X5N-X01US Notebook 9 15" (16GB RAM) is now available for pre-order at the US Samsung site:
http://www.samsung.com/us/computing/windows-laptops/15-18/np900x5n-x01us-np900x5n-x01us/

"Pre-Order this Now through 1/15 ONLY! Product will ship week of 1/15."

PS: I just checked with Samsung Live Chat. Their answer to the SSD question was: "the model is only compatible with 128GB / 256GB (SATA3) SSD" - but that can't be correct since it is a PCIe, not a SATA SSD

 

Yeah, I think they must be mistaken as it is clearly nvme on that page. Fortunately, they got the battery right on this one...66wh should last all day. Does not look like full TB3 though.

 

Samsung Update shows for the US:
NP900x5N-X01US
But in Hong Kong they also have:
NP900x5N-XO1HK
NP900x5N-X02HK
NP900X5N-X03CN
NP900x5N-X04HK
I haven't been able to find anything on Google though.

There are also:
NP900x5N-KO1HK
NP900x5N-KO2HK
NP900x5N-KO3HK
NP900x5N-KO4HK
NP900x5N-KO5HK
NP900x5N-KO6HK
NP900x5N-KO7HK
NP900x5N-KO8HK
NP900x5N-KO9HK
which could be different combinations of processors (i5,i7), RAM SSD and colors.

Samsung HongKong has one Notebook 9 with a 512 GB SSD, but it is the NP900X5 M
http://www.samsung.com/hk_en/pc/notebook-9-np900x5m-k03/

 

Would this SSD work in the NP900X5N?
Samsung 960 EVO Series - 500GB PCIe NVMe - M.2 Internal SSD (MZ-V6E500BW)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LYFKJR7?ref=emc_b_5_t
Also the 1TB version?

http://www.anandtech.com/show/10698/samsung-announces-960-pro-and-960-evo-m2-pcie-ssds

 

Here's a better look at the 3 colors, though only silver has been mentioned for the U.S.

Also of note is that each keyboard color matches its chassis except for the Violet Blue, which uses the white keyboard.

 

If the X5N uses a standard M.2 2280 format SSD then the 960 EVO will work as the X5N specs say "NVMe". Device Manager should reveal the SSD model (and hence the format) once someone gets their hands on this notebook.

It remains to be discovered whether the M.2 slot also supports SATA SSDs which provide better value for money. The extra speed of NVMe makes good headlines but is barely noticeable in everyday usage. Also be forewarned that the NVMe SSDs need their own specific drivers to ensure stability.

John

 

Here's a brief report on these notebooks from CES by NBR team member.

I still have trouble believing that the basic 15" model can be 2.17lbs as that's just under 1 kg while the reported 2.73lbs for the EXT is only 1.24kg. A magnesium alloy chassis is mentioned, which will help reduce the weight.

John

 

Here are the specs for the EXT. I was wrong, it DOES have TB3. This is THE most impressive laptop I have ever seen. Samsung may have done it again, if there are no defects (like my X3B). Note that the basic model has a battery 1/2 the size which results in the (not worthwhile IMO) weight savings.

https://news.samsung.com/us/CES+2017+Samsung+Notebook+9+15”+Fact+Sheet


Samsung Notebook 9 15” EXT Specifications
OS Windows 10 Home
PROCCESSOR Intel Core i7 7500U
DISPLAY 15.0-inch, 350nit, FHD (1,920X1,080), 178°, LR, sRGB 95% Delta E<2.5, Outdoor mode (500 nits), Video HDR
GRAPHICS Dedicated; NVIDIA 940MX Graphics Card
STORAGE PCIe NVMe,256GB SSD
MEMORY DDR4 dual channel, 16GB (on board)
WIRELESS 802.11 ac 2X2
BLUETOOTH Bluetooth 4.1
SOUND 1.5W X 2 SPEAKERS
INTEGRATED CAMERA 720p
MIC Internal Dual Array Digital Mic
KEYBOARD 1.5mm stroke, backlit, curved keycap, fingerprint sensor
I/O PORTS 1 x USB-C™ Thunderbolt 3 [up to 40Gbps, 4K display out with optional adapter, Charging] + 2 x USB 3.0 + 1 USB 2.0
AC ADAPTER 65W adapter
DIMENSIONS 13.70" x 9.03" x 0.61"
WEIGHT 2.73 lbs
BATTERY 66Wh
MATERIAL/COLOR Light Titan
SOFTWARE Wi-Fi Transfer, Simple Sharing, PC Message, PC Gallery, SideSync

 

I think the photos on that link are for the 13.3" notebook as there is no column of navigation keys on the right side of the keyboard. However, those keys are visible in the photo in the NBR report.

http://www.notebookreview.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/Samsung-Notebook-9.jpg

The notebooks are also listed at Newegg: NP900X5N-K01US and NP900X5N-X01US. It appears that both versions have Thunderbolt. The NP900X3N (several versions) is also listed.

Samsung Update also reveals an NP800G5M but there are no other details. All I can find is this, which confirms that it is a new machine despite the "M" suffix.

John

 

The N T800G5M is the Odyssee Gaming Notebook:
http://invisioncommunity.co.uk/2017...odyssey/nt800g5m-ps1_003_l-perspective_white/
3.79kg - 8.3 lbs (17 inch) 2.53kg - 5.6 lbs (15 inch) (unfortunately too heavy for me ):

 

From Amazon Customer Questions and Answers for the previous model (NP900X5L-KO2US)

Can the SSD be upgraded?(but won't that wipe out the operating system?)
"Yeah I upgraded it with a SanDisk X400 512gb for $125 on amazon. You just buy a sata to usb enclosure on amazon, and you can clone your old hard drive onto the new one using samsung's included recovery software, swap out the drive and just boot it up."

However, for the NP900X5M one would need at MCIe to USB enclosure, correct? I couldn't find one in Amazon that had good reviews. Any recommendations on how to do the 256GB MCIe to 512GB MCIe cloning?

 

I haven't yet found an affordable M.2 PCIe to USB or M.2 PCIe to SATA (for which USB adapters are available). That's one reason why I have parked any plan to buy a high capacity M.2 NVMe SSD for my Dell Precision 5510. Some desktops have enough sockets to be able to plug in the different drive types (they must have something in the factory for loading up the images) and do the cloning but, at the moment, it would be necessary to do a clean windows installation onto a new SSD.

John

 

The violet blue looks absolutely gorgeous!

Anybody had any experiences with "outdoor" mode on laptops?

 

The NP900X5N-X01 now can also be ordered at:
http://www.frys.com/product/9059877...PHRz+2efA__.node3?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG
http://www.abt.com/product/107149/Samsung-Light-Titan-Notebook-9-15-Computer-NP900X5NX01US.html
as well as:
http://www.samsung.com/us/computing/windows-laptops/15-18/np900x5n-x01us-np900x5n-x01us/
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834132132
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1304857-REG/samsung_np900x5n_x01us_15_6_notebook_9_ext.html

Samsung, please tell me when I can expect a 512GB SSD version?
Perhaps it will be the equivalent of the np900x5N- X02HK or np900x5N- X04HK that SWUpdate shows for KongKong...

 

You can get an approximate indication by seeing how usable a phone / tablet of similar maximum brightness is when outside. I suspect it will be fine in some shade outside or in cloudy condition but still struggle in sunlight when you will also get a lot of distracting gisn't lare of the white keyboard.

One aspect we can be sure of is that use outside will substantially impact on the battery time. The extra brightness needs extra backlight power. My current best guess is that the 30Whr version of the X5N might manage 2 hours of light usage with maximum display brightness.

John

 

You can always use freeware clonezilla/tuxboot (or macrium) and any external usb harddrive to save the image then restore it to the new drive. You should probably turn off secure boot first though.

 

Aahh - that's disappointing! Ive been debating which is more important for my work - glare or battery life.

 

Remember, there are two 15" versions:

The lightest 2.2lb has a 30wh cell and is probably only suitable for those people who can manage with <5 hours.
The EXT at 2.7lb has a 60wh cell and could possibly last 10 hours.

I assume the displays are identical.

 

Has anyone ordered the Samsung 15" Notebook 9 Ext NP900X5N-X01US (or Samsung 15" Notebook 9 NP900X5N-K01US 2.2 lb version) yet?

 

Ramp up the display brightness and you will lose a few hours. I measured a difference in power drain of 4.5W on the X4C between minimum and maximum (400 nit) display brightness and, unless Samsung has made some clever improvements on backlight efficiency, the 550 nit outside mode on the new models will need even more power. Backlight power is a major component of the overall power drain (same on smartphones where the easiest route to longer battery time is by reducing the display brightness).

John

 

Will the Samsung SSD 960 PRO NVMe M.2 work with the NP900X5N-X01US ?
http://www.samsung.com/us/computing...state-drives/ssd-960-pro-m-2-1tb-mz-v6p1t0bw/

 

Just checking and apparently the GPU option is an NVIDIA GeForce 940MX? That's weaker than the card that resides in the 770Z5e, so it looks like this laptop is going to be a no go for me.

I really liked that violet blue too. I'm going to keep tabs on the Odyssey.

 

That should be fine (subject to confirmation that the computer uses the standard M.2 2280 format and PCIe interface). However, if it were my money I'd be looking at the 960 EVO. Most consumers don't need the extra life expectancy of the 960 Pro.

John

 

As an alternative to upgrading to a larger SSD, would it make sense to put files that are not being used much onto a 256GB microSD?
https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Sele...id=1484254162&sr=1-2&keywords=micro+sd+256+gb
The max speed (95MB/sec) would be similar to the max speed of an external USB-3 hard drive (120MB/sec) theoretically. Of course a lot slower than the 2000+ MB/sec max read/write speed of the SSD.

 

I bought a Sandisk 200GB microsd for $50 on black friday for my Surface. Believe me, if I could upgrade the SSD I would definitely do that instead. It took forever to fill up at <20MB/s but mostly just video files that I'm not shuttling on and off. Of course that Samsung is faster, but at a higher $/GB than even a nvme SSD.

Don't I know it. But still, with 66wh you should be able to get a good afternoon in the sunshine. I bet I could hit 10+ at 30-40% and typical office usage.

 

One would need to check the read speed of the micro-SD card slot. In older notebooks the slots could be quite slow (connected to USB 2.0) but I think that newer notebooks have the card readers connected to a faster bus and the speed is likely to be acceptable. Another possibility is a compact USB 3.0 or 3.1 flash drive.

However, I'm 99% sure that whatever SSD Samsung put in the notebook will be a standard replaceable part. Let's hope that Lisa at MobileTechReview gets hold of one soon - her reviews tend to be quite thorough.

It should definitely be able to get to 10 hours light usage at moderate to low brightness as I could do that with the old X4C and a fairly dim display and no internet connection but sustaining a power drain of no more than 6W can be difficult. The nominally 84Whr battery in my Dell Precision 5510 is capable of 10 hours light usage with a little reserve.

John

 

I think I am going to go for upgrading the SSD! My plan of action:

1. Disable Secure Boot:
Open the PC BIOS menu by pressing a key during the bootup sequence (such as F1, F2, F12, or Esc.)
Or, from Windows, hold the Shift key while selecting Restart. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options: UEFI Firmware Settings.
Find the Secure Boot setting, and set it to Disabled. This option is usually in either the Security tab, the Boot tab, or the Authentication tab.

2. Save 256GB SSD (first disk) (sda) as an image on external USB drive (2nd disk) (sdb) (Step by step):
http://clonezilla.org/show-live-doc-content.php?topic=clonezilla-live/doc/01_Save_disk_image

3. Swap 256GB SSD with 512 GB SSD.

4. Boot system with External USB drive

5. Restore image on External USB drive (2nd disk) (sdb) to 512GB SSD (sda) (Step by step)
http://clonezilla.org/show-live-doc-content.php?topic=clonezilla-live/doc/02_Restore_disk_image

6. Disconnect external USB drive. Reboot System. Enable Secure Boot again. Increase partition size from 256GB to 512GB.

Did I forget anything?

 

Buying the computer and checking the SSD type?

John

 

The NP900X5N mysteriously disappeard from the Samsung US order page:
http://www.samsung.com/us/computing/windows-laptops/15-18/np900x5n-x01us-np900x5n-x01us-buy
Maybe they are just re-organizing their website this weekend...

 

Or maybe someone thought to ask the factory about when they would be delivered and found out that production hadn't yet started. As yet there are no drivers listed in Samsung Update. And it won't be long before the factory closes for the Chinese new year holiday. Perhaps I'm being pessimistic.

John

 

NP900X5N-X01US actually disappeared on Thursday. I noticed when looking at it on Wednesday that the specs did not match what I was reading on other sites - for example the Samsung site said it had integrated Intel video, but other sites say it has NVidia. To me it looks like there was some confusion and before they sell a bunch of pre-sales with slightly inaccurate specs, it is easier to just take it down and be safe.

I've had my Series 9 since 2012, I cannot wait for the NP900X5N-X01US.

 

At least, when it finally ships, I know Samsung will take care of me:
http://www.flixxy.com/the-samsung-ad-that-has-brought-millions-to-tears.htm

 

Regarding the 15 inch models:
The NP900X5N-K01US (integrated graphics) is marked "discontinued" at B+H. I didn't find it at Newegg either. It's not on Samsung.com

NP900X5N-X01US (dedicated graphics, bigger battery) is "coming soon" at B+H and is listed "out of stock" at Newegg, but is still absent from Samsung.com. It was supposed to be available for pre order at Samsung.com until tomorrow with shipping the week of Jan 15.

The first model (K) might not become available for sale in the US, at least that's a possible indication. I hope the X model materializes soon, though. I'm not sure why the 15 inch models are gone from Samsung's web site.

 

A very valid point: The US has been giving details of two distinctly different versions which may struggle to share the same chassis. Samsung Update has, so far, only listed one version (-X01US). The factory is currently geared up to produce the NP900X5M-K05HK. The manual is published and Samsung Update has the drivers (the same applies to the other X5M-K0*HK versions). This is a Kaby Lake notebook with Intel graphics, a 39Whr battery and 1.29kg weight. The X5N, assuming info for the Korean version, is Kaby Lake but only 0.98kg.

John

 

Samsung Update now lists NP900X5N-K01US, NP900X5N-L01US and NP900X5N-X01US so maybe Samsung are tidying up the loose ends. However, no drivers for any of them so far.

John

 

Looks like there are drivers for all three now. 26 files for each K01US and L01US; 28 files for X01US.

 

Amazon now has the NP900X5N-X01US listed but "temporarily out of stock."

 

I needed to update my Samsung Update to see those (drivers also there for the X3N). The X01US includes the Nvidia graphics driver. There is a User Manual which might contain some useful info but I can't persuade it to install on my Dell notebook.

John

 

I attach the most interesting pages in the manual (managed to get it to install by double-clicking on the .msi file). There are 6 PDF files in the installer: English, Korean, Chinese, Chinese (HK), spanish and Brazilian. Are the last two languages options for the US customers?

John

 

Newgg has a new Release Date: 2/6/2017.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834132131

I ordered the NP900X5N-X01US (15-inch, 16GB RAM) from Amazon today because of easy return (just in case) and FREE two-day shipping ($6.99 one-day shipping - with Amazon Prime):
https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Note...6f25b0dff26b04a63b154&camp=1789&creative=9325

I will run PCMark 8 as soon as it arrives and will post the results here. Then I'll upgrade the SSD to 1 TB...