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

I await your findings with interest.

I also find it interesting that Samsung have opted for an FHD display and not gone to a higher resolution which would have increased the battery drain rate (and cost) and slowed down the graphics.

John

 

Maybe better will be LG Gram 15z970 with 60Wh battery and weight 2.4lbs (1080g) with touchscreen?

 

Wow! The new LG Gram has:

• 15.6 Inch Full HD IPS Screen
• 16GB RAM & 512GB SSD
• Touchscreen LCD Display
• 7th Gen. Intel Core i7 Processor
• Back-lit Keyboard

http://www.lg.com/us/laptops/lg-15Z970-AAAS7U1-ultra-slim-laptop

 

Based on this, I think the touchscreen and the i7 are mutually exclusive:

"**Touch screen available on 15” i5 model, 14” models, and 13” Fingerprint model."


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

My thoughts on LG Gram 15z970 vs NP900X5N-X01US so far:

NP900X5N-X01US:
+ PCIe SSD - but only 256GB SSD
+ matte screen with extra outdoor brightness option
+ my experience with Samsung notebooks has been excellent (compared to Dell, Lenovo, Sony)

LG Gram 15z970:
+ 512 GB SSD - but SATA
- glossy screen (but touchscreen)
- previous LG Gram reviews are not so positive about build quality
- no ship date revealed yet ("coming soon")

Any other thoughts?

 

Assuming that both companies will use good quality display which has the better keyboard action? Thin notebooks tend to have shorter key travel and need clever engineering to provide comfortable key action.The LG also has an integrated numpad which one may either want or hate. The discussion in the NBR LG forum doesn't provide much insight but the new LG appears to have addressed a couple of the disadvantages noted in this review. Are the products so trouble-free than no one needs to discuss any problems?

John

 

Reviews at Amazon are excellent for the current version of the LG Gram 15 (4.3 out of 5 stars - 69% give it 5 stars):
https://www.amazon.com/LG-gram-15Z9...e=UTF8&qid=1484778269&sr=1-1&keywords=lg+gram

as well as for the current Samsung NP900X5L (4.2 out of 5 stars - 63% give it 5 stars):
https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-NP90...=UTF8&qid=1484778399&sr=1-1&keywords=NP900X5l

for comparison, the Dell XPS 15 gets 3.8 out of 5 stars ( 42% give it 5 stars):
https://www.amazon.com/DELL-XPS-15-...F8&qid=1484778508&sr=1-3&keywords=dell+xps+15
(I remember when I tested the Dell XPS-15 a year ago I got some weird error message "SSD not found" right out of the box - which was disappointing, to say the least...)

Perhaps these Korean Comsumer Electronics companies have better quality control?

 

PS: Key travel
Samsung Notebook 9: 1.35 millimeters - 55 grams to actuate
http://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/laptops/samsung-notebook-9-15-inch

LG Gram 15: 1.1 millimeters - 60 grams to actuate
http://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/laptops/lg-gram-15

 

Do we have a confirmation of this? Samsung has been... creative describing their screens before. I wouldn't be surprised at all if "low reflection" simply means glossy with an extra finish that reduces the reflections somewhat. Which, I'll admit, would be a shame, as the matte finish on my NP900X3G or on my Dell 27" 4K monitor are just about perfect, so it's clearly possible to do a good job at that pixel density if one only wants.

 

Agreed, I think it is unlikely to have the excellent matte finish last found on the X3G over two years ago as subsequent models have all been glossy (but not the worst) with a similar description. But it is a new panel and non-touch, so maybe. Another crucial aspect in any notebook (for me) is a quality trackpad. It is the often crippling feature of Windows laptops, but Samsung has typically done well.

 

My Dell Precision 5510 made me appreciate that matte / non glare can cover a wide range of reduced reflectivity. The 5510's "Ultrasharp" display has a relatively thin non-glare coating which does not diffuse reflected light as effectively as the screens on my previous notebooks but it also does not significantly diffuse the transmitted image so whatever is on the screen looks sharper. I'm very happy to accept this compromise and recall that some of the recent Samsung notebooks (NP900X5J?) used the low glare approach. Sensibly, Samsung will have continued with this, but we have to wait and see.

John

 

On Samsung.com today, NP900X5N-K01US appeared and then vanished. X01US is listed now, but as a pre-order without a ship date.

 

NP900X5N-X01US is back, but while the description at the top mentions NVidia, the spec at the bottom still says Intel integrated video. I'm surprised after taking it down for a week that they couldn't fix the spec.

 

LG Gram 15z970:
-hinge cam
-not flat 180 hinge
-fingerprint scanner on certain models(in touchpad)
-no dedicated graphics
-no Windows Hello(?)
+All Day Gram, LG say 15"(60Wh) can last 22h(MobileMark 2007)

I find that all models 13,14 and 15" will have 2 versions, 34Wh and 60Wh

http://social.lge.co.kr/newsroom/he/lg_allday_gram_0101/

 

In this video (0:40) you can see the degree of screen reflection:



and here the Korean Version of the X5M (0:20):



fairly low reflectivity...

 

"onscreen images simulated"

 

Here is a non-simulated hands on demo from the CES 2017 show floor:



Low reflectivity, despite the spotlights.

 

And here are some benchmarks of the Korean NP900X5N - 13-inch - Intel i5 version (skip to 3:56 for the Benchmark Results):




I ran the UserBenchmark.com on my current Samsung 930X5J for comparison:
http://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/2643368
The NP900X5N is performing a lot faster! (60% vs 47% in the Desktop rating)

PS: The benchmark test tells me that the 930X5J memory is "Performing below potential (15th percentile) - ensure that a dual+ channel XMP BIOS profile is enabled" I don't think this is something I can do?

 

Has yours shipped yet?

 

It is not shipping as yet - even on the Samsung site it says "Product will ship 1-3 business days after launch date"
http://www.samsung.com/us/computing/windows-laptops/15-18/np900x5n-x01us-np900x5n-x01us/

 

Samsung Notebook 13" is even lighter!! It weights only 749 g (1.65 lb)


Thats lighter than Inhon Blade Carbon

 

EDIT:
Amazon now has the Samsung Notebook 9 NP900X5N-K01US (15.6 inch - 8GB)
"This item will be released on January 29, 2017."
https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Note...8f3f33ac61ed39b00c473&camp=1789&creative=9325

Also the Samsung Notebook 9 NP900X3N-K04US 13.3" Traditional Laptop (Light Titan) (i7 processor - 16GB)
"Available for Pre-order. This item will be released on January 29, 2017."
https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Note...b587f993ac92e587dd5b6&camp=1789&creative=9325

and the Samsung Notebook 9 NP900X3N-K01US 13.3" Traditional Laptop (Light Titan) (i5 - 8GB)
"Available for Pre-order. This item will be released on January 29, 2017."
https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Note...44fb2401cb13e4f784e3a&camp=1789&creative=9325

And Samsung US has the Notebook 9 15.6" NP900X5N-X01US (i7 - 16GB RAM)
But: New Item Pre-Order this Now through 2/26 ONLY! Product will ship week of 2/27
http://www.samsung.com/us/computing/windows-laptops/15-18/np900x5n-x01us-np900x5n-x01us/

 

I managed to pre-order the NP900X5N-X01US from Amazon, even though the status changed to "currently unavailable" while it was in my shopping cart. The expected release date is April 1, 2017, but I don't know if that is accurate. It could be that earlier pre-orders than mine will ship sooner (in case Amazon is getting the unit in separate batches). Anyone else who pre-ordered from Amazon have a different expected release date?

 

I also have a pre-order with Amazon for the 15 inch 16GB model. "You purchased this item on January 16, 2017. Currently unavailable. We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock." "Pre-ordered Delivery estimate: We need a little more time to provide you with a good estimate. We'll notify you via e-mail as soon as we have an estimated delivery date. Samsung Notebook 9 NP900X5N-X01US 15.0" Traditional Laptop (Light Titan) Sold by: Amazon.com LLC $1,399.99 Release date: Saturday, April 1, 2017" I like amazon's sense if humor. (April Fool's joke? Saturday is a very unlikely release date! )

 

Chinese New Year is Saturday 28th January so maybe people will start getting back to work around 6th February after which it might become clearer when these new products may start leaving the factory.

John

 

Hey guys ... I've got two different Samsung 15.6" laptops from 2014,
NP940X5J-K02US – i7, one ssd slot, touch screen
NP930X5J-S01US – i7, two ssd slots, non-touch.

I much prefer the non-touch version, due to lighter weight. Now I'm looking at what is currently available. I'm very confused by the screen size of the '15' models.

Looking at this site:
http://www.samsung.com/us/computing/windows-laptops/all-windows-laptops/s/_/n-10+11+hv22t
with the '15" and above' filter on, I see the NP900X5N-X01US showing as 'Notebook 9 15' but then it shows specifically 15.6" for display size. The NP9005XL-K02US however, also showing as 'Notebook 9 15', claims a 15" display.

The more detailed page for the NP900X5N-X01US:
http://www.samsung.com/us/computing/windows-laptops/15-18/np900x5n-x01us-np900x5n-x01us/
continues to claim 15.6", and the 'specs' section at the bottom confirms 15.6" . So is the NP900X5N a 15.0" or 15.6" laptop?

Thanks!

 

To be 100% sure, you could enlarge the image in a photo editor to the exterior dimensions of the unit (13.70" x 9.03") and then measure the screen.

 

Or put another way, a 15.6" 16:9 panel is 13.6" x 7.65". That means that the bezels at the side of the screen (if 15.6") would be 0.05" each side (which would make the 0.2" wide bezels on my Dell Precision 5510 look very obese). for comparison, a 15.0" panel is 13.07" x 7.35" which makes the bezels at each side a fairly wide 0.31". Samsung does say 15.6" on this web page which also says 13.70" but the photo shows bezels with a width similar to those on the Precision 5510. Something doesn't add up.

John

 

Amazon changed the release date of my pre-order:
Samsung Notebook 9 NP900X5N-X01US 15.0" Traditional Laptop (Light Titan) Sold by: Amazon.com LLC $1,399.99
Release date: Tuesday, February 28, 2017
(This agrees now with the Samsung US order page)

 

Just got this order update from Amazon:
Arriving Mar 1, 2017 Pre-ordered
Samsung Notebook 9 NP900X5N-X01US 15.0" Traditional Laptop (Light Titan) Sold by: Amazon.com LLC $1,399.99
Release date: Tuesday, February 28, 2017

 

Hey guys, just been reading up this forum and I also would love to buy a new Samsung Violet Blue. Does anybody have a clue how I can purchase one, living in Germany?

If not, on ebay.de there is now a second hand old Samsung 9 for sale, http://www.ebay.de/itm/Samsung-ATIV...677587?hash=item211fdfbdd3:g:FM4AAOSw241YlvWM would this be a smart buy and a nice laptop? I love the looks and style but I have read that the display is "bad"? Can anyone comment on this? (Sorry if I ask this in the wrong section, it's just that you guys seem to know all about these 9 notebooks)

 

1. I would expect that some US sellers will list the new Samsung notebooks on European Amazon or ebay sites. See, for example, this NP900X5L on Amazon UK. The disadvantages of importing a US model into Europe are (i) the US keyboard layout and (ii) the need to get it back to the US in the relatively unlikely event of needing warranty service. You will need to pay VAT on imported computing items. Some sellers use a system where this is pre-paid at the time of shipping to save the purchaser having to sort it out (often with an administration charge by the shipping company) on arrival in the destination country.

2. I confirm that the display of the NP900X4D (and NP900X4C) is poor by current standards. It's bright but the viewing angles are those of a standard TN panel so it's in the same class as most of the notebooks which you will see in the stores. If the notebook price is right, however, it's OK. The fan can also get noisy when the CPU is under load and you should also budget for a higher capacity SSD - 128GB isn't much space and also tends to be slow. If the battery is still in good condition (ask the seller for a screenshot from BatteryInfoView) then you can get up to 10 hours away from the mains power socket.

John

 

So, is the 13" version available already? I'm seeing on different sites that they have it in stock: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834132130

 

Yes, some retailers have low level stock already. Are you waiting to buy the 13.3" from a specific retailer?

 

Well, I'm actually waiting for the 15" version with 16gb of memory, but I also want to see it in person at first, because I didn't like the feel of last year's keyboard. Right now I'm debating between the Samsung notebook 9, Lenovo X1 Yoga kaby lake, and/or MacBook Pro.

I currently own a Samsung RC 510 laptop that I bought when I was living in Spain. It has an i5 core, 8 gb of memory. I mainly use it as a desktop now with external monitor and keyboard.

The thing is..I'm a tutor, and I occasionally (like two times a semester) have students that I tutor over Skype. I'm curious to use a whiteboard and stylus while broadcasting over the internet. Although, I could also use a workaround by using my iPad and installing reflector on the computer. I would still love to see the x1 Yoga in person though.


I hesitate with MacBooks because I'm also getting into the translation field and the industry standard software is TRADOS, which only runs on windows. So, if I do get a mac I would have to use boot camp or parallels, which is a big hassle.


I'm just gonna wait and see until they release these laptops.

 

I've been lurking on this thread since CES and was browsing B&H today.

Interestingly, the K01US model has been removed from Samsung's website and is no longer available for pre-order from B&H, Adorama, Abt, or Newegg. It's listed as "discontinued" on those sites.

The L01US has appeared on Samsung's website. It appears to be the same as the X01US (Ext) but without the dedicated graphics card and with 8 GB of RAM instead of 16.

They appear to have the same 66 Whr battery, but the X01 has a 65W power adapter and the L01 has a 45W.

Oddly, the X01 is listed as 85 keys on the keyboard and the L01 has 80, but there's no difference in the pictures as far as I can tell.

The L01 weighs 2.6 lbs and the X01 weighs 2.73 lbs.

L01 is pre-orderable for $1249.99 and listed as shipping from Samsung on 3/12. X01 is pre-orderable for $1399.99 and listed as shipping from Samsung on 2/27.

 

Additionally, someone has posted an unboxing of a Korean model - but the video is in Korean as well.

 

The new X1 Carbon would be my first choice if I update within the Kaby Lake life cycle. Along with its new smaller footprint design, it just has so much going for it.

I don't want a glossy touchscreen and don't use tablets, thus the Yoga isn't necessary for me. But it could be the solution for your specific needs. Its OLED display option is pretty cool too. I've seen the current Skylake model X1 Yoga at both Best Buy and the MS Store, so I don't see why they won't carry the new Kaby Lake once it's released within the next few weeks or so.

 

B&H once again lists NP900X3N-K01US the as "coming soon," but interestingly the price is now $900 instead of $1,000

 

That's the 13.3" model.

 

Today's press release about the Notebook 9: https://news.samsung.com/global/how-the-notebook-9-delivers-definitive-mobility

 

From that press release:

How is that a special feature? How would the notebook know what' supplying its power? By that same rule, they could go on and say it's compatible with green energy from hydro dams, as well as solar - they both arrive via USB-C!

Oh, and also with car power inverters plugged into a 220/100V to USB-C adapter etc.

 

I thought 8GB was the maximum, based on the specs. I've also asked their live chat, same answer.

Why is it so hard to have complete, accurate specs on a manufacturer's page?

 

That's the NP940Z5L which is the old version. The new models are summarised here and this is the page for the NP900X5N-X01US. Note that Samsung have opted for no UHD touchscreen this time around. Also watch out for there being two versions of the 15.0": One with the headline-grabbing weight but a small battery and the other with a decent battery and the 16GB RAM.

John

 

So not only are these not going to see the lights of the Old Continent, the beefiest version with a reasonable battery and 16GB of ram is an US exclusive? I could pick one up in Hong Kong no sweat but the fixed 8GB and the tiny battery place the "global" version soundly into the "meh" territory. :/

Nevertheless, I shall glance through the reviews when they eventually appear.

 

Anyone else slightly disappointed with "The 13.3-inch model’s battery lasts up to 7 hours on a single charge"?

Even though I am from the UK, I'm looking to buy the NP900X3N-K04US when it's out, even with the keyboard/power issues I may have. It is just so light and yet good spec with full-sized HDMI and multiple ports....

Anyone else from the UK thinking of buying?

 

Yea... we just have to wait and find out.

I was wondering what your thoughts are on 13.3" inch laptops? Are you guys comfortable using them? I own a 15.6" laptop and can't imagine using something smaller yet many people use 13.3" laptops for their portability. It seems that Samsung is the only one making light 15" dual core laptops.

 

I mainly use a desktop with multiple monitors, so the main raison d'être for my laptop is portability!

 

Yes, but it's to be expected when you slash off 1/3 of your battery to save a few ounces.

If the 16GB 15.0" version turns out to be bug-free I see no reason to get any other laptop. 2.7lbs and all day use is impressive.

 

It's only a 30Whr battery so you will only get 7 hours if the CPU usage is low and the display quite dim. However, there is the option to use an external USB-C battery pack. Personally, I wouldn't consider the full-sized HDMI port to be a big selling point unless it can support a higher resolution / refresh rate than a micro HDMI port. I also have reservations about plugging an HDMI cable (which tend to be quite chunky) into a relatively lightweight notebook and see advantage of using an adapter such as this which is fairly flexible.

Also note that there are significant layout differences between the UK and US keyboards (different shape / size enter and shift keys to start with and some other keys have moved around).

An alternative notebook I would suggest you look at (since I bought one a month ago to replace my old Samsung NP900X3B) is the Dell Latitude 7370. The CPU is only Core M but that's fine for normal usage and the advange of having no fan is that the keyboard travel is as good as the other Dell Latitudes (and better than my Precision 5510). List prices are high but keep an eye on Dell Outlet and the Outlet coupons. My 7370 with the FHD display (99% of SRGB), a 512GB SSD and 8GB RAM set me back £642. There is a 43Whr battery option but it won't fit if you get the smart card reader etc.

John