NP900X3D and NP900X4D

I haven't seen a thread dedicated to the latest Samsung Series 9 laptops. There are now two official videos,

The New Samsung SERIES 9 900X3D - A Closer Look - YouTube
The New Samsung SERIES 9 900X4D - A Closer Look - YouTube

I haven't seen the official specs but I assume the usual suspects (processor and storage) will get a boost compared to 900X3C and 900X3D. RAM will most likely be unchanged.

 

Thanks for the links. Some people already have the X4D which has its own thread (which I will add to the sticky list) but not, so far, the X3D.

John

 

Mystic Silver

Nice name. Catchy.

 

Is there anything different from the X3C other than the color?

I would love to see a 256GB non-adata ssd, 8GB RAM, better PSU design and a i7 cpu in an european version of it.

 

No 8GB ddp till Q2-Q3 2013.

 

The NP900X3D (NP-900X3D-A01DE) is listed in Germany for a while. But with a worse processor than the X3C:
Core i5-2537M 2x 1.40GHz ULV
Other difference is Windows 7 Home Premium and the color, the rest of the specs looks similar to the X3C. So far it's not available yet.

 

That processor spec might be a mistake on the site, especially since it says Intel 4000 integrated graphics.

 

It probably is.

 

Anyone have an idea when the small silver Series 9 is going to start selling? I would like one.

 

Maybe you can get one in Hong Kong. I wouldn't be certain of this product showing up in all markets. It seems to be a way to add to the range but most potential purchasers would like more CPU and SSD capacity choices.

John

 

Any news on this front? I haven't seen any sign the 13.3" Mystic Silver notebook is coming to the USA.

 

Maybe I didn't notice before, but Samsung's Singapore website now has the 900X3D in it's full glory. See Series 9 Notebook 900X3D - GALLERY | SAMSUNG

 

Here in China the x3c is priced at 940 GBP ($1500) and the x3d is priced at 753 GBP ($1200) . As far as I can tell the specs are the same i5_3317UM processor, 4gb 128 SSD etc... The x3d seems like an incredible bargin as you still get a metal case and it's 200GBP cheaper. Am I missing something?

 

I wonder if the X3D has started life with more realistic pricing. The X3C carried a premium when introduced because of the lack of competition and prices may not have been adjusted to reflect the current situation.

John

 

Wish I could get the 3D for $1200 USD here in the USA.

 

The Samsung UK support site is now listing:

• NP900X3D-A01UK
• NP900X4D-A01UK
• NP900X4D-A03UK

but only the NP900X4D-A01UK is currently available. No one lists the NP900X4D-A03UK so we don't know whether it has a better hardware spec.

John

 

A look through the list of models on the Samsung Global download site reveals an NP900X3E. However, there are no other details and there is no corresponding X4E.

Google reveals nothing about the X3E except some wishful thinking by one of the forum members.

John

 

Hmm interesting! Could it be the prototype Engadget reported about!?

 

X4D is available for pre-order (Release date 26 Oct) in Canada for 1100$. I dont really see any changes in specs

Samsung 15" 3rd Gen Intel Core i5-3317U Ultrabook (NP900X4D-A03CA) - Black : Ultrabooks - Future Shop

 

Looks like the Mystic Silver NP900X3D is going to start selling soon in the USA, too.

Pre-orders have started for the Samsung NP900X3D-A01US Ultrabook PC - 2nd Gen. Intel Core i5-2537M 1.4GHz, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD, 13.3 Display, Windows 8 64-bit at TigerDirect.com.

 

The price looks much nicer but odd that it says 4GB of RAM. Thought the 15" comes with 8GB.

 

Was playing with the x4d running Windows 8 today. Gotta say it's cheaper but lost the premium feel of x3 series.

 

How so? Please elaborate.

 

I ordered a X4D but returned it after only an hour. While the keyboard, weight and looks were great the display really ticked me off. You really have to view at exactly the right angle or the picture becomes distorted, at this price I expect more than that. Instead I have ordered a Sony S15 which is heavier and apparently with bad red reproduction, but such bad viewing angles as the X4D is simply too annoying.

Sent from my GT-I9000

 

I see that the NP900X3D with Windows 8 has arrived in UK. However with a slower CPU and £150 higher price tag than the X3C it doesn't look like a bargain.

John

 

@akheron. How did X4D lose its premium feel?

@ Gnopps. I am a bit worried about the viewing angle. It is kind of mixed. This site says it has 170 degrees angle. I don't know if they meant the lid opening angle or viewing angle.

@ John. I also found one with Windows 8- It is X4D-A03UK. It is 25£ more expensive than Windows 7 A01Uk but I am not sure if Windows 8 is worth 25£. Also there is 15$ upgrade option, which might be a hassle to go through.

 

I don't believe that 170 degrees. It might have been copied from the 13.3" Series 9 specs. You can see some comparisons between those two screens (and a Lenovo T420s) in my NP900X4C review.

I see that model at John Lewis who have an excellent reputation for customer service.

John

 

I was mainly referring to the chassis. It just didn't feel as solid. The brushed aluminum around the edges has been replaced with some kind of silver strip (not sure what it's made out of) which takes away from the unibody feel. The touchpad also felt a little loose but it could be just an issue with the display model.

The design is still nice and it's probably lighter now. Some people might actually prefer the silver over the dark blue. Personally if I was in the market for the 15", I'd get the x4c with 8GB of RAM since there are good sales on it now. Windows 8 Pro is only $15 anyway with the upgrade offer.

 

@John, the viewing angle doesn't seem bad from your reivew. My current nearly 4 year old laptop (hp Pavilion DV4) also have viewing angle problem but it is not bothering as such as I know which angle is perfect for viewing.
Yes, that is right, I got it at JohnLews too.

@akheron, I see now. That is a good observation.

Now I am having issue to decide, again.
- For me weight matters but 5 gms are insignificant
- I don't mind if the OS is home premium or Pro.
- I am ok with lack of premium feel as akheron described but I do want a durable chassis. Which one has better durability? Aluminum or Magnesium chassis?
- I don't care about Windows 8 - it is worth 15$ anyways.
- the touch pad is very important. It should function properly and it should feel durable. I am worried about what akheron said.
- My budget target falls under core i5. The cheaper the better.

Now considering the above, which on is better, X4D and X4C?

 

I was gonna get the X3D but the processor is worse than X3C's. It's a 2nd gen Sandy Bridge i5 2537M. Being a Sandy Bridge chip also means it uses the Intel HD3000 so it's a no no for me.

 

Do you mean X3B? Because X3D is the latest model of Series 9 and it has Ivy bridge and Intel HD4000.

 

The X4C at the current UK pricing is much better value. If you want more warranty then get this. I don't think there is a significant difference between the durability of aluminium and magnesium although the painted finish of the A4C is more vulnerable to scratching than a metal finish (where the scratches won't show). I personally find the dark blue-black very pleasing on the eye. I have a Toshiba R500 in my collection and found the glare off the keyboard and screen surround to be distracting at times.

All evidence to date indicates that the core hardware (including both the display and the touchpad) of the X4C and X4D are the same. The touchpad isn't perfect but can be tweaked to make it better than most. Does your X4D have the Sandisk U100 SSD? If so, returning it in favour of the cheaper X4C will leave you enough cash to upgrade the SSD (and still have cash in hand).

The X3D with Sandy Bridge does exist. Samsung have clearly cut a deal with Intel for clearing some Sandy Bridge chips at a lower price. If you believe this page then it's a Sandy Bridge CPU with Ivy Bridge graphics! but this page is more honest. Not all X3Ds are Sandy Bridge - one needs to check the specs carefully.

John

 

Thank you very much for the suggestion. I will consider it.
From what I found online, X4D has sandisk U100. I have few questions.
- X4D keyboard is black even though the rest of the body is silver.
- It is a matter of taste for me, all the laptops I have used are silver or close, I feel dark color is not that attractive. I was impressed with X4D silver look. Would you elaborate on why the silver look is distracting for the eye?
- You said "although the painted finish of the A4C is more vulnerable to scratching than a metal finish". Does this mean the magnesium finish of X4D is scratch resistance?
- Do you know any good London local shop with X4C? The one you shared me on the other thread all have X4D.
- I saw one review that X4C shows fingerprints very visibly. How is your experience?

It is not good that Samsung is still selling sandy bridge processor. it is confusing for customers.

 

1. I had noticed the glare coming off my Toshiba R500 when I used it in the sun (it claims to have a daylight readable display), but that is not a big issue in normal use. If Samsung produce an X4with an IPS panel but it is only available in silver the colour wouldn't stop me buying it.
2. A scratch on the paint shows up as a shiny line if the metal underneath is exposed while a scratch on a metal surface does not cause any colour change.
3. I think I've mentioned possible sources in my previous posts. Misco list the X4C and have a London sales office (but not very low price).
4. I don't have any serious problem with fingerprints. It's not like the shiny finishes that were popular a year or three ago.

John

 

So do you mean X4D might have glossy screen instead of mat screen?

 

No. Just the extra light that reflects off a bright metal surface.

John

 

I see. I guess, the finishing type affects it more than the color.

 

I have continued my battle to buy NP900X4D or C. I finally met a local dealer who ordered NP900X4C about 4 months ago! He couldn't import it because there is no enough dollar in the country The dealer told me the spec he ordered is NP900X4C, core i7, 6 GB RAM, and 128 GB SSD.
First, it is not know when they will sell it.
Second the price could be approximately 1777 US$.
Third, it is 6 GB RAM which is different from 8 GB or 4 GB RAM. If it comes, is the deal good? I am worried about the performance of the RAM because it has no equal RAM in the two slots.

Also, I got people to buy me from Duabi but I am still looking for good price + reasonable spec. Samsung UAE is outdated. Does any one know the latest Samsung models being sold in UAE?

How is the performance difference of core i5 and i7 on this ultrabook? I have to make the choice of that soon too.

 

I think this is the latest model in Dubai - much better than what is available in UK. It is usually possible to find better pricing for electronics in the city than in the airport.

See my table here regarding effect of asymmetric RAM configuration on performance (that's for Sandy Bridge but Ivy Bridge will be very similar).

See notebookcheck for differences between CPU performance but one would struggle to detect a 20% speed difference without running benchmarks.

John

 

Thank you very much for the very useful information.

Did you see the SSD model of X4C in Dubai airport? If it is Sandisk U100, I think it is better to spend less on it and buy a laptop with 128 GB Sandisk U100. Then I will have a more money for SSD upgrade.

From your advice it is not worth adding 200 US$ for 200 MHz speed increase which will hardly noticeable. I feel it is better to go for core i5 to get more money on the SSD upgrade. I think it is better to spend on a fastest SSD.

By the way, John, if you pass by Mumbai, say hello for me. I miss it.

 

Unfortunately, Windows 8 has messed up the user interface so I couldn't find Device Manager. However, 95% or more, of the 256GB Samsung Series 9 have not used the Sandisk U100 (I think we have had only one person say they had a 256GB U100).

I'm not planning to visit Mumbai.

John

 

Oh ok. It is risky though. How is the performance of 95% SSDs?

Oh ok. Mumbai was cool.

 

Most of the 256GB SSDs have been Liteon (which performs well) or Samsung's own mSATA SSD.

John

 

That is great then. Thank you very much for the useful information.

 

But can Series 9 family support SSD size above 256 GB like 512GB?

 

Hi everyone,

I tried out a Samsung 900X3D today here in the UK. It had the Sandisk SSD. The hardware feels much the same as the outgoing 900X3C. To be honest, I prefer the older dark chassis. I'm not sure if I should go for the X3C or X3D; I can grab a 900X3C or 850 pounds from Amazon.co.uk.

Can anyone here help me out with these questions?

1. Is there really much hardware advantage to the new model? A faster processor or something?

2. Is it possible to go back to Windows 7 without too much difficulty (finding drivers for track-pad, F-keys etc)? Windows 8 just seems like a total mess to me... two control panels, two Internet Explorers, two UIs, a start screen instead of a start menu... I could probably live with it but don't see why I should.

3. The new unit I looked at only had 63gb free on the SSD - losing nearly HALF the drive to a recovery partition? Is there any way I can get some of this back?

4. Say I do a total format of the machine and do a clean OS install to get the space back - can I just hook up an external optical drive to do that? Or install from USB perhaps?

Thanks all - this is my first laptop in a while...

 

At the moment 256GB is the maximum size available in the mSATA format but when Micron announced their mSATA range earlier this year they mentioned 512GB. When it will arrive is less certain. I keep watching because I want one.

John

 

That is great. I hope it will be available in few months.