New lightweight Samsung X360 (13.3")

How do I run silent mode in Windows 7 on my x360?

And what drivers do I install so that I can use the Fn key?

 

MagicKBD_7.0.2.0.zip, this should activate the FN keys. Note this is files for XP, but think they have same name for Vista

 

Does the glossyness fingerprint magnet bother anybody? Why did they do it like this next where you place your wrists?

 

It's poor design from a practicality standpoint, but the specs on this computer are so amazing relative to the competition that it's worth a few fingerprints to save $1000 (inclusive of the new $500 rebate they're offering) over the competition, most of which (even at those higher prices) can't do what this machine does. Look at that new Dell Adamo they just introduced: the one with the 1.4 gig chip costs $2700, only has a claimed five hours of battery life and weighs four pounds! (And I'll bet the screen isn't as bright, although I can't find the tech specs anywhere on their obnoxious, "style over substance" web site.)

 

I passed on the X360-34P with SSD. Nice specs but I couldn't swallow it because it was a Samsung which is not a PC Vendor which has full support options even though they make components in the machine. Yes it was really cheap and well below the going rate.

As Engadget said, you can buy the Samsung now for really cheap or wait a month and get a better system for a cheaper price. I think the wait will be a little longer, but computers always come down in price and so I decided to wait for the next model lines, Montevina Plus and/or Capella. No reason to buy a Samsung for $999 now even with SSD. SSD options will be going up in size as well and prices will be dropping for the SSD's and the CPU's.

 

I have just ordered one, I think this notebook is really a good bargain at $750. I just wonder if this lappy supports the game NFSU Carbon at minimal setting ?

 

You bought one today? I thought they were out of stock.

I guess it won't be long till prices drop and new stuff comes out.

 

A comprehensive review here:
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Samsung-X360-Premium-SU9300-Black-Notebook.14964.0.html

 

I bought an X360 and am returning it .... the screen gives me headaches, apart form that it's a fast machine but it is platic flimsy ... but if you can work on glossy screens it's a great machine.

 

What aspect of the screen is giving you headaches? The brightness or the Glossyness?

 

@perfectionseeker: is the screen really that obnoxiously bright or reflective? I mean compared to other glossy screens?

I know samsung is coming up with the x460 now, but is there any reason why they can't include a non-low voltage cpu on the x360? It'd be shame though..cuz if not for the ULV processor, the x360 would probably offer the best cpu-power:weight ratio and hit the sweet spot I'm looking for. Sigh...they wait continues.

 

Yeah, the screen is really sh(i)t. Too bright, too low contrast, too reflective and very, very low seen angles (vertical). Mine notebook was 2 times in service (bad screen). Now I am sending it third time :/ Samsung support is very bad - slow and unprofessional. What a crap. I regret buying it. The only good thing in this laptop is keyboard and weight.

 

But have you tried reducing the brightness? It may be similar to the display on my Dell E6400 which is very bright at full brightness and loses contract. Indorrs, I use the display at half brightness, is plenty bright enough, and the contrast is much better. Full brightness is only needed if I am sitting outside in the sunshine.

John

 

I finally got my X360 after its half-way around the earth journey. Really happy with it. Maybe it's just my preference but I found the screen is not that bad as some opinions around. I decreased the bright by 1/2 and it looks really easy on my eyes. The lapy's extremely light, keyboard's comfortable to work with, best of the 3 laptops I'm using right now: Dell inspiron, HP and Samsung. The lid's 2 tones colors turn out to be not that bad as on picture. I'm very pleased with the purchase even I had to pay 200$ for SH and duties. Just 2 problems, the thing is somewhat ... hot compare to my old HP NC6400. I will try to undervolt it to see if it's better. The touchpad buttons make sound like they are about to break soon, other than these 2 problems I think this is a good purchase. Hope this help if you are considering buying this.

 

Two possible controls for the heat (other than undervolting):

1. There may be an option in the BIOS to have the fan running continuously.

2. Fn+F8 should step through three operating modes: silent, normal and performance. The silent mode reduces the fan activity but lets the system temperature go higher.

John

 

I was wondering a newer samsung model is coming out right? That is the only logical reason that this and X460 are going for this cheap so i guess the Samsung X370 is on the way

 

A little update about the X360, I fall in love with the quiet keyboard and especially the large Ctrl and Alt keys. However, the ports: usb and the %^&* headphone are extremely tight, I damaged my iphone headset when I tried to unplug it from the X360.

 

Ports should be to standard sizes. I'm surprised that you encountered a problem.

John

 

I also experienced the tight headphone. No problem with USB, feels little tighter then others but i think that will prevent mall-functions during the years goes by. Specially i have had problem with IBM T-series, after 2 years the headphone becomes a little to wide so looses sound from time to time.

 

But i got another problem and seems my hardrive has broken down, our are about to. Makes a lot of read/write noice and computer is very slow, around 50-60% of original. Also if i run a checkddisk it fails when booting XP. Freezes.

 

The best diagnosis will be to run the HDD maker's diagnostic utility. Otherwise, is it possible that a virus has taken over your computer?

John

 

I have this machine and I love it! It's light,has amazing battery life and the screen is the brightest I've experienced. If I had to complain, it would be about the missing optical drive. Not a deal breaker by any stretch. Wonderful machine. If you have a chance to get one at the highly discounted rates that have been advertised - run!

 

just got this laptop a week ago and I must say, I'm quite impressed with it aswell. I especially like the battery life and general feel of the samsung.
The only thing I would say that is a niggle is some of the keys stick slightly or need to be pressed more firmly but that could be me!!!

 

Can anybody help me install the F8 key which is a guy running for Windows Vista Ultimate? I just did a clean install and all the FN keys work except that one.

 

anybody's trackpad buttons really really "clicky"?? i've had mine for about a month and it's still the same, really annoying!

also, is anyone's casing above the webcam (when the laptop is open/screen lid is up), feel a bit loose. when i "pinch" the area about a 4-5 inches spread across the top, it's "clicky" and it seems as if its not "sealed" like the rest of the case. im scared it might split open.

lastly, when the lid/screen is up and you tilt it back towards you (base shifting to a perpendicular position to the ground) does the screen tend to shut/close? I noticed this same problem/issue with the aluminum macbooks/macbook pros, but was wondering if its normal for this computer. Or is it abnormal such as the Macbook Air's Rev. A "slouch" problem where it has a little play and doesn't "lock into place"?

 

I have just discovered a battery problem with my 1 week old X360. With the power plugged in, the battery indicator shows only 97% and not charging so I decided to drain it empty and re-charge hopefully it will recover the capacity. I used the BIOS utility Smart calibrate when the battery was around 14%, it took me 15 minutes till the laptop shutdown. Then I re-plug in and charge with the laptop turn off. Sadly, once I turn it on, the battery shows only 96%. What should I do to regain my battery's capacity ? Thank you.

 

I noticed the same thing about the battery. Mine was plugged in and the battery meter said 97% plugged in and not charging. Why won't it charge to 100%?

 

Did you install Magic Keyboard and Easy Display Manager? One of those gets the Fn keys to work.

I would rerun the calibration in the BIOS, starting with a fully charged battery. If that doesn't get you to the 100% then you may want to contact Samsung. However, you may also want to use the battery info page of RMClock to see the actual capacity you are getting and how that compares with the advertised capacity.

I think Samsung let the battery deplete to around 95% before a top-up charge is carried out. This is to avoid very frequent top-up charges which eat into the overall battery life.

John

 

Thanks, John. You are always more than just helpful. Samsung should give an award for your contribution . I will try and let you guys know the result.

 

I just got a x360-44g. Is it just me or the web cam seems to be very washed out, almost black and white in color? Does anyone here experience similar problem?

 

Is it the x460-44g or the x360-34g? In any case, the camera in my x360 has the same symptoms and I believe it is just common.


I ran into a couple of problems though, has anyone encountered their display flickering like crazy (looks like a TV without cable, having the flickering/scratching signal), I tried putting the computer to sleep (pressing the power button) and it didn't seem to help out. Restarting the computer seemed to have resolved (maybe temporarily) the issue. Secondly, my trackpad seems to intermittently become unresponsive and does not even work for a second or two, then starts working again. Any ideas?

 

hello, can some one run a crystalmark?

and if you have SSDversion can run hdtach or similar?

Thanks...

 

I'm looking to buy this laptop, but I really need to know if it plays 1080p since I do connect a lot to the tv to see hd content if you can do it please advice if you can with the 9300 or 9400 cpu TIA

 

I just downloaded a couple of 1080p samples from microsoft and it runs smoothly with no lag, stuttering etc.

I have the revison 4 firmware but not sure if I should update to the newest 06LM firmware there no decription on the fixes on the website.

setting the screen to half brightness is perfect for me and typing with the keyboard is comfortable and feel easier to type. downsides so far is the poor webcam the picture looks like 0.3MP rather than 1.3. Fingerprints are everywhere but it was expected.

 

I've just ordered the Invisible Shield for the X360 it covers the lid which is good has it looks like it will scratch easily, it also covers the palm rest part so not more greasy fingerprints and it also covers the mousepad and 2 mouse buttons which I may or may not use.

http://www.zagg.com/invisibleshield/samsung-np-x360-cases-covers-skins-shields.php

 

Hello, I wonder if someone can help me with readyboost. I got this computer for my wife (x360-34g) and want to get her a memory card for readyboost. I don't know much about memory cards other than usb sticks, but I would rather use the card reader for this, leaving the usb ports free. Also, I'd rather there were nothing sticking out the side of the machine.

I am also having trouble learning about the speed of the memory card reader and of various kinds of cards. Could someone tell me what kind of memory card I should buy for readyboost? A preferred brand or even a link to a store from someone who has installed readyboost would be most helpful.

Thanks very much.

 

Readyboost won't give much benefit if you have 3GB or more of RAM. It's a technology made for people trying to run Vista with only 1GB of RAM. Also, in my experience, the memory card readers aren't especially fast (<15MB/s).

John

 

quick question what is micom? I download and updated to the the latest bios 06LM but only the Micom was updated, the bios is still the same version?

I also installed Windows 7 x64 but it seems Battery and Display manager does not work as I get "Service start Failed" then "service not started" guess I need to use x86 for now.

 

The new firmware upgrade is worth a try guys, I did the upgrade couple days ago and immediately notice the differences with heat and noise level. I can't tell exactly how much improvement it is but i have a habit to put my left hand over the vent once in a while and obviously it's cooler than before the upgrade.

 

Good question and one for which Google doesn't seem to be able to find a clear answer.

Something in the back of my mind tells me it relates to input / output. Whatever it is, all Samsung BIOS updates have the micom module. A guess, but given the previous comments, could the micom be a database of BIOS settings, which they have opted to keep separate from the main BIOS file.

John

 

I had to use the bios update twice first time it updated the Micom and second time I flashed it updated the Bios which is strange.

anyways I emailed samsung about Micom and the reply I got is this

I also asked them why the webcam picture had a washed out look but they did not give me a answer to that question

 

Anybody know why I can't put the system to sleep or hibernate while it's still connected to the power? If I unplug it and it runs on battery, it goes to sleep or hibernate just fine. I contacted support and they just told me to reformat.

 

Hibernation used to be a problem with XP (pre-SP3) but is rare with Vista. I would check the power properties of the devices in Device Manager. Something can get shut down when on battery but not when on mains.

John

 

Can you be more specific? I don't have anything plugged into USB, no webcam on, bluetooth. I checked power settings and I remain the same both in battery mode and on mains. The power settings are set to "Balanced"

 

I was suggesting searching through the properties of the hardware devices in Device Manager to make sure that the power management settings allowed the devices to be shut down. However that's unlikely to be the cause.

Did you change anything in Vista's power management? Can you reset the power profiles to default?

John

 

I have not changed anything in the power settings and everything has been left to default. I also updated the BIOS, I thought that might help, but nothing.

 

You could look in Event Viewer (under computer management) and see what, if any, events are recorded when you try to hibernate when on mains. Then hibernate on battery and compare the different events. This might give a clue.

John

 

Here is a screen grab that I got. Do you think it could be something with the registry? And lately it started happening when on battery too.

 

That problem might be a cause. but I haven't a clue what is going on. Has some nasty slipped through your defences?

Perhaps it is time to make sure you have no user files on C: (or get them backed up) and then press F4 at the BIOS screen in order to restore the birthday image.

John

 

No, I'm pretty sure it's not that since I just did a clean install about two weeks ago. I think some registry values are corrupted. Again, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, so I assume it has to do with shutting down all processes.