No successor to Ativ Series 9 / Book 9 15 inch screen model (NP900X4C/D)?

perfectly said. and Samsung has yet to officially release a 13" and 15" model which caters to professional users with the criteria you mentioned.

the ATIV 9 use to be that, but the 15.6" ATIV 9 for 2014 is a very reflective glossy touch that added screen size, larger form factor, and weight to the prior 2013 ATIV 9 15" model.

 

Very good points dariusf.

I'm curious though, since there seems to be such a disdain for glossy screens, are there not "screen protectors" that can be used to eliminate the glare? I know there are for cell phones...

 

So you're comparing the top of the line Dell XPS15, which would cost $2500, weighing at 4.5 lbs (where battery life is the biggest priority). If you're already upset at the increase from 3.5 to 4. Wouldn't 4 to 4.5 also be a problem? I'm also quite sure the battery life on the XPS15 would be substantially lower than the ATIV9, they are just different classes. We also don't know the pricing of the ATIV 9

 

No not top of the line. I'm just saying the old 15" S9 at 3.5lbs was in a distinct class by itself, one pound less than the next lightest 15" (albeit with a slightly smaller screen). Had they merely upgraded the chipset and panel it would be a much more attractive option. But I'm not sure why anyone would settle for this model when you get so much more from the dell (faster CPU, better screen, GPU, msata+sata). My guess is Samsung pricing will be right in line with what they've done in the past: $1400 for the 128GB i5, $1800 for the 256GB i7. When you can get the i5 Dell (which will still be a lot faster than a ulv i7) for $1450 and add a 240GB msata for $150, it's tough to pick the samsung. I guess you only get 7 hours on the Dell, but that's still pretty good. In the end, the Dell is not my dream machine as I really want a dockable desktop replacement, but if nothing else comes along (cross fingers on AB8) I will have to settle. Also waiting for the price to come down.

 

I had a great opportunity to get a used X1 carbon from late 2012 (the new one with the touchscreen and 300 grams heavier is less appealing to me). You had your chance, Samsung, next time I won't wait 10 months to only be disappointed by you.

 

I totally agree. The answer to this thread question is NO. There is no 15 inch ativ book 9 ultrabook. There is a heavier downgraded 15.6 inch ativ book 9. For me, I will no longer wait for a Samsung Ultrabooks and I have to look else where. Samsung seems to be confused and can't even read this thread.

Thus, our best option is to go to 14inch Ultrabooks that are as heavy as the older Series 9. I hope Asus, hp and Lenovo can bring something interesting.

 

I feel your pain but honestly this forum does not matter much to a manufacturer. What they should have done is perhaps reach out to the existing series 9 owners in all screen sizes, offering some 'free gift' or some intensive and ask them to submit a survey. This would give them a very good idea as to what the actual series 9 buyers look for and want. Then using it as part of the analysis come up with the proper configuration that THE USERS and BUYERS want.

Lenovo - my day job company has been using IBM Thinkpads for many years and continued to use the Lenovo brand. Right now I use X220 model. After using Lenovo from the very beginning in work environment (IT), and using maybe 5-6 models, I can honestly say that I have a VERY low opinion of their products and support. Thats coming from someone that has over 20 years professional experience in varies IT fields. I even used to own two computer stores in the early 90s so I know a little about hardware,configuration and solving computer related issues. I do see them slowly improving as the x220 is definitely better then the earlier models but I don't think I will be getting one for my personal and business use. I'm hoping that the next replacement now over due at my day job will be the new Lenovo Thinkpad X1 carbon as I'm interested to give it a try

Sony - I have had some Vaio models in the past and recently had the Vaio X and a loaded Z2. The Z2 cost me over $2200 new A cost premium. I love their design and style. Driver updates are not the greatest, had some small issues along the way which is normal. The biggest issue I have is the stupid design of the screen hinge and ergonomics overall. Makes it VERY uncomfortable to use their machines. Its painful to have them on your lap for anything longer then maybe 15-30min as well as sharp edges cutting in to your palms. Overall build quality was not very good in $2k+ top of the line machine. The whole machine casing flexing all over and very easy to damage and introduce rub marks from only closing the screen. After a coupe months the inside where the screen / lid meets the computer and keyboard looked like crap. The touch pad was super small and junk as well.

Samsung - I love the build quality - it had some thought in the design to not only look great but also be useable and quite ergonomic. The Series 9 feels very solid and well build. After a year of use it looks brand new. The only think is the keys getting the polish marks from use. They should perhaps give the keys a polished glossy finish to start with.

I just purchased a loaded Samsung Series 7 NP700Z5B-W01UB and can't wait t try it out. Its for the kids to replace their now aging MacBook. For now I'm staying with my Series 9 until a real upgrade in same low profile and weight is available.

 

I might add, the one thing that drive me nuts with Samsung is the insane decision to not have indicator LEDs visible when the screen is closed. Why on earth would you omit this? Same thing with their Galaxy phones. I guess they have something against indicator LEDs in general ....

 

I love the size of the 15.0" Series 9 and have had no worries about the build quality in over 1.5 years of ownership. As Samsung claimed when it was released, it's a 15" display in a 14" notebook (hence the "4" in the model number).

I've said before that I think that someone in the Samsung computer division lacked the courage to order a big batch of 15.0" PLS panels from the display division. Sales of the previous 15" can't have been overwhelming due to insufficient marketing and the absence of a display that matched the 13" sibling.

Anyway, I'll carry on looking at a 15.0" matte panel for a while longer rather than consider a notebook with a glossy 15.6" display.

John

 

I agree with John 100%. The 15.0" Series 9 is perfect - probably the best kept secret in Ultrabooks.
I am happy to wait until something better arrives (3.5 lbs, 15 inch matte screen, Haswell), which so far has not happened.

 

Bingo, thats one of the huge mistakes that are completely perplexing me. I see over the years where manufactures completely fail in marketing some of their best products. They should look at Apple, although Apple has a very small lineup, they are great at advertising and creating a following and cult around their products.

Take for example Sony and their X and then Z2 lines of notebooks. There was absolutely hardly any physical stores having these machines on display. No TV advertising. People had no clue they had them and how they looked in real life. Same goes for Samsung Series 9. I keep having people act very amazed, surprised and puzzled when they see my 13" Series 9. I keep getting, wow, what brand is this, its so thin and slick, did it just came out? Many potential buyers of these models have no clue they even exist.

What Samsung should have done, was to come up with a proper configuration Series 9 15" and 14" machine, with discreet video and high res screen, even if sacrificing a little bit of size/weight and battery life, price it under Apples offers and then blast the TV / internet where they compare these machines against Apple offers. The same way Kindle Fire is being advertised now. Then make sure that top retailers (Best Buy, Microsoft Store, etc.) have them in the stores as featured machines on display. Now that should have driven large sales.

 

I look at the 15" 1600x900 as having no real advantage over 13" 1600x900. Its practically same machine but larger and heavier. The extra 2" does make sense to me only with larger resolution giving me larger desktop. You see, if you ever used 13" screen at 1920x1080 resolution, not to even talk about larger res, for normal work, it is WAY too large for daily use. You have to keep scaling, keeping your browser zoomed in etc. 13" screen is just way too small for such high resolutions. Your eyes will be in pain, trust me

The new 2014 15" offer with 1920x1080 is nice and great size, maybe higher res would be too high even. This actually might be a perfect size / res combination. But at the same time gloss / touch screen is completely not needed nor wanted. Having a discreet video card and upgradable to 16GB RAM would be icing on the cake and make a killer machine. Go with matt / none-touch screen and use that weight/size saving to add discreet video.... wild idea, I know

 

Also why didn't they use the keyboard from the Series 7 15" with the numpad, on the Series 9? It should fit. Who needs all that empty space on the side of the keyboard?

 

I'm totally happy with 13.3" FHD native resolution. My eyes are shining, trust me.
I wouldn't want to go beyond that though.

/off-topic

 

Strangely, last year there was a big advert for the Series 9 in Addis Ababa airport. However, no potential retailers in the country could get any stock because the forex there is rationed. However, Samsung could have made good business by pushing the 15" Series 9's size sitting between the 14" and 15.6" models. Bigger than 14" screen and less than 14" weight with a battery time that remains impressive.

As I explained in my X4C review, 1600 x 900 @ 13.3" was hurting my eyes while they are happy with 1600 x 900 @ 15". However, I would probably have to use display scaling if I went to 1920 x 1080. And, while display scaling works on my phone, I don't have much faith in it working with older programs in Windows. However, there was once a time when my reading vision was better and I could use the 5" display on an Osborne 1.

Again, personal preference. I like the centrally mounted keyboard with the row of navigation keys on the right. I've never had a keyboard with a numpad so it would just get in my way.

John

 

and it won't happen anywhere for Haswell. i believe Samsung was the only one to make a 15.0" screen and they've abandoned it. the ATIV 9 line is now a glossy touch screen series, just like the AB 9 Lite and AB 9+ lines.

 

I think we need to do something for our cause.
If John have time to write a letter for Samsung notebook division (finding some good email)and if we all sign it with names and country where are we from maybe we have some chance..This letter ,we need to send in a next month but not two because it would be too late.
But please people, let John decide how should look new Samsung series 9 15" ,because if we start we this and that this thing is doomed.
Do you think we can get together 100 people ? for sign in if we open new thread so people can see what is all about.
I will say only one thing what should write in that letter:
We need to tell them that we are proud owners of 9 series but we will not buy new Ativ book 9 2014 because its not what we need and what we want.

OR everything is lost :cry:

Man i hate the day when touch was invented.Those guys from Microsoft have to copy everything.Why they didnt bought touch patent and kill it like a lot of other things they bought and kill.
By the way i love phones with physical keyboard.You know those things that slide in and out.

 

You caught them very well lol. I also saw the Series 9 Ad in the airport and said, Samsung is lost lol. There is no single shop selling series 9, in public, in Ethiopia since the first generation, lol. But there is big banner in Addis Ababa Bole Int. Airport still. I concluded, maybe the ad was not for Ethiopians but other nationals, leaving or passing by, lol.

Unit Igor, I strongly agree with your idea. We can have a letter to be sent to Samsung, we don't need to go through electronic signatures but we can create a Poll, mentioning what we want. Then we can link the poll in the letter!

Update: Just created the poll. I had a character limit of 100 characters, so I have to be very brief on the options. Comment on the poll. http://forum.notebookreview.com/samsung/742462-poll-your-dream-15-inches-ativ-book-9-a.html We can also setup a new poll, if this one is not good enough .

 

It's been about half a year into the AB9+ release until finally a matte non-touch version of the 13" Ativ Book will show up. So don't give up hope for the 15" series.

Anyhow Wintels desperation move gone terribly wrong.

 

they've already made the 2014 ATIV 9 and the 15.6" version is glossy reflective touch.

they will not make a completely different 2014 ATIV 9 in 15.0" with non-touch matte. having both 15.6" and 15.0" models with completely different form factors and screens under the same ATIV 9 name makes no sense and has never happened before.

the only chance at a 15.0" or 15.6" matte option will be the 2014 ATIV 8, but the 2013 version was glossy touch so it's unlikely.

 

I'm afraid that more and more models will have glossy touch screens. Its just the 'hip, cool' thing now. In the eyes of average public, if the computer does not have it going forward then its 'outdated'.

Only option I can think of is some type of coating option that can be applied after purchase. Actually if it adds reduced viewing angle it would not be such a bad thing from the privacy aspect. Just not sure of the impact on display.

Then you can look at the touch option as some novelty you will almost never use (but pay for in $, weight and battery use), like the tiles in Windows 8

 

I have contact lenses and spend up to 14 hours a day in front of a computer although 1600 x 900 @ 13.3" is fine for me. I do scale the text on some websites if its a longer read to make it easier on the old eye's. I guess there are others like where it does not work well. I understand. If I were to keep 1600 x 900 @ 15" then its not much of an incentive in my case to upgrade to larger computer factor from my existing Series 9 13". I thought I read reports of 15" 1920 x 1080 Series 9 for Korea and UK markets. So thats an option for me

Maybe I'm old will be 40 next year... I like the num pad for things like IP entry or spreadsheets. Also less wasted space

 

Never mind its 13" NT900X3G-K58, still not a bad option

Google Translate

 

Holly cow!!!! a pink series 9 ))))

삼성 아티브 북9 Lite NT905S3G-K1BP (33.7cm LED 디스플레이) - 이미지 | SAMSUNG

 

Series 7 NP700Z5C-S02UB came in today. 15.6" i7, 8GB RAM,1TB HDD, NVIDIA GeForce GT 640M. Very nice machine, love the keyboard with the keypad, screen size is nice although the resolution 1600x900 sucks. Its also sooooo heavy comparing to my Series 9. Honestly not sure if I would be happy with the weight of the new 15" Series 9.

 

10chars!1!!

 

Now i watched this video again ,Samsung guy mention word prototype.Did he thought about notebook or new version of Sidesync software?(can software be prototype?)
11:15 minutes
#CESlive: Samsung's New PCs - YouTube

 

well sure software can be prototype although usually you would call it Alpha or Beta

 

Can we reword the title of this thread now since there is a 15" ATIV Book 9 coming (although the specs aren't exactly what many of us were hoping for)?

Or perhaps we need to create a new thread.

 

I think thread title is great ,we still don't have true Samsung series 9 15". Samsung can call it what they want but its completely another notebook from what it was.15.6" with glossy screen and almost two kilos ,that is not successor of 900X4C.

 

I totally agree with you Unit Igor. In my view, Samsung discontinued the 15 inch ativ book 9. Giving it the same name does make the new version an update. The new one is clearly a worse machine and going backward cannot be an update. Going from Matt to Glossy and from 1.58kgs to 1.85kgs is really going back to the past in the age of lighter ultrabooks. Going from non-touch to touch is also going backward especially for a 15 inch laptop as no one can do a productive work using touch; it is really tiring to raise arm for a long time to touch the screen. There are some improvements such as battery and ports that merely came due to the processor and size increase.

So yes, there is still no Ativ Book 9 Plus 15 inch screen model that is an upgrade of NP900X4C AND NP900XD.

 

I think I find the reason why Samsung making this move(touchscreen).In fact I would probably make same move if I am In their position.
Sales of PCs, laptops suffer record drop in 2013

 

I don't understand the move to 15.6" and the accompanying larger/heavier chassis. I'm sure Samsung makes plenty of 5" 720p screens for their smartphones, so just cut a 15" 4K screen out of that pixel sheet, replace mhdmi with mDP, add a docking interface and BAM, the best 15" on the market. Sigh, there are so few choices for laptops these days.

 

Honestly I think they are doing the same thing Sony did. Couple years ago Sony had a huge number of varies lines of their notebooks. Last time I looked at their website it appears that they have consolidated and reduced the offerings.

From the business perspective the sales are going down in the market overall, due to economic situation and the increased power and functionality of the phones and touch pads. Great majority of 'computer users' are mostly what I call 'web users', that is all they do is browse the web, use email and other social media tools. A phone or touch pad or slower / older notebook is all thats needed now. With the exception of gaming, the notebooks have reached a point where increased CPU or memory will not have any impact on the usability. The OS upgrades do push the requirements up a bit, just look at memory requirements in real world use. Windows used for web access was just fine with under a gig of memory.

There has to be some persuading reason for majority of users to upgrade. I think at this point the only thing manufacturers see that may do this is Touch screens. As stupid of an idea as it is on a notebook, its the new hip / cool / got to have it, thing now. Therefore thats the direction to go.

Also do you think it makes business sense to have 15.6" 15" 14" 13" 11" versions of practically same product? Just think of the engineering / development cost, production, support.... now drop that down by half to maybe 15.6" 13" 11"... you get the idea....

 

Right, Sony used to have the S and Z lines which have been inadequately replaced with the Pro 13. But they still have a bunch of other laptops.

Yes, but I think there is still a market for laptops, almost every business user and student needs a laptop (no longer desktop) as a tablet is pretty useless for productivity. It is true however that few people need the latest and greatest as hardware performance has surpassed common software requirements.

Probably.

It hasn't stopped Samsung from making every possible phone/tablet combo under the sun. And updating the 15" S9 with a new screen would seem to be a lot cheaper than developing a new chassis. But I think they just wanted to add touch so needed to beef up the hinge and battery.

 

You just dont get it people,you think few of us here making tech market.For good sake my daughter have 1000$ phone and only 400$ laptop,my wife speaking how she wants tablet,she didnt mention notebook once.My neighbor have costlier tablet and phone then laptop.
Let say here in my town which is so small that i know everybody.We have 4 thousand people.Everybody have 1000$ phone but i know only one guy like me that has 1000$ laptop.Also everybody talking about buying tablet nobody even mention laptops any more.
and i dont even want to talk about desktop pc.I think only businesses keep that alive.
Sorry to say but that is reality for now.

 

I only party agree, if you look at what I call 'web users' which is a large percentage of all computer users, than yes. My wife uses iPad exclusively but my kids need something that will also allow them to do homework. They need to write reports and do power point presentations etc. and they are only in 5th grade. They have to have a computer and I chose notebooks for them (MacBook and Samsung Series 7).

You have to remember there are many professional people that need computers for work. You have many students that need computers as well. Tablet will not do it, not to even mention a phone.

 

Don't forget the X and P

agree

true

 

Dont forget what is word about here.We are talking about why Samsung puts touchscreens in notebooks and i just want to explain why.
They think like this:
If we put touchscreen in notebooks people that buy our notebook will still buy it(and that is truth because Samsung do it right) but we would also get some % of those that are still not sure what to buy notebook or tablet.

 

Oh please, how could you forget the TT?


Generally speaking I wouldn't even blame Samsung, but Microsoft & Intels marketing $$$. Thinking that people will come back buying laptops instead of phones & tablets just because of a touch screen is an illusion I believe.

Imho the majority of folks still buying laptops, use it for productive work or power intensive tasks for which touch mostly doesn't make sense.

I'm positive the 900X4 will be updated at a later stage though. We've gone through the same disappointment when the 13" model first got released with only touch available. But finally the real successor is here (6 months late though).

 

The thread title No Ativ Book 9 Plus 15 inch screen model?? got a bit ironic as there is a 'Plus' model announced now but people still complaining

 

Yes you got that right ,that PLUS in thread title never caught my eye .

I hope your right oled and we see sometimes this year matte screen on that 2014 ativ book ,but you got to remember G model was released in the end of 2013 and not 2014 like you said.And that guy on video was talking like he know plans for 2014 ,which are touch on all ativ books in 2014.
But it is useless from us to give predictions now,we will see very soon what market wants and what would get.In a year things would be more clear.

 

Not quite true, it is available as of today (in Europe at least). Funny thing is that it got silently released without any announcement.

The only official appearance it makes is in the 2014.01 Korean catalogue John has linked in the other thread.

 

exactly. that's why i feel so bad for consumers who simply want a refreshed 15.0" ATIV 9 Haswell version.

in reality, the new 15.6" ATIV 9 is just a larger version of the 13.3" AB9+ without the QHD+ screen.

at this point, it looks like those who want a 15.0" or 15.6" matte non-touch will have to settle for the ATIV 8 Haswell. it'll be a solid PC, but it's more of a workstation and will be overkill for those who want a true ultrabook.

i guess there's always a small chance that a matte 15.0" ATIV 9 will eventually be released, but it would make little sense to have both the 15.0" and 15.6" versions called the ATIV 9.

my guess is that Samsung only wanted to make one 15" ATIV 9 version for 2014 and since there's no ATIV 9+ in 15", they figured they'd just bump it to 15.6" (the more traditional, mass produced size) and add touch so they could call it an ultrabook.

and for their 15" business users who need matte, they'll have the ATIV 8.

 

I know we cant say anything for sure till it arrive ,but what you think will it be possible one day when warranty pass to put screen from 770z5e in ative book 2014.I saw people changing screens on Lenovo laptops ,how Samsung stands in that part of maintenance?

 

Changing the screen isn't likely to be easy. The screen in the existing Series / Book 9s is glued in and buying the official replacement display part includes the metal display back. I wouldn't discount Samsung releasing a QHD version at some point in the future but a good quality FHD panel is a start. If it is IPS or similar with excellent viewing angles then reflection problems can be managed by tilting the display without degrading the image quality.

I was looking at a 15.6" machine a few days ago and thought to myself that, provided it is thin, then the notebook isn't much bigger than the 15.0" machine. If the extra size is used to include twin fans and two RAM slots (and I've read there are two SSD slots) then the extra size is being put to good use. The X4C is noisier than the X3C because of the single fan.

If Samsung took notice of what users want then they would have changed the mini VGA port for a mini DisplayPort. (I would note that the 15.6" Series 9 appears to have a full-sized HDMI so that port is an improvement on before).

John

 

Yes the more i think the more i can see my self buying it.Glossy is something that i would never like ,but world is not perfect.
Only thing that can stop me from buying this notebook ,just like it stops me from buying 770z5e ,is IR screen.A lot of new notebooks cant rid of this problem.Even some Macbook pro late 2013 have this problem.
This notebook is still prototype(that is how i understand that video from ces)so who knows maybe they even make version with matte non-touch screen.

 

I totally agree. It is Intel and Microsoft who think they are going in the right direction by adding touches on big screens (13'' and up) but pushing PC makers to hell with themselves. I am very sure, 2014 will even be a worse time for Microsoft and their families. To save the PC market, they should have heard the PC users than smart phone users.

See this requirement 2013 ultrabooks to include voice control, touchscreens, longer battery life - Liliputing

I like a touch screen phone and I think it is awesome on a phone and tablet to have touch but totally useless for a laptop, it is bad for ergonomics. Why couldn't they understand what Stevie Jobs said?

 

As a general remark, I would propose that this thread can continue to discuss the merits of an update of the X4C / X4D and what we would like Samsung to offer.

However, specific discussion about the 15.6" Book 9 (2014), which is likely to be on the shelves in Korea in the next few weeks, has its own thread.

John

 

The thread title has become misleading though. If OP agrees, how about changing it to "No Ativ Book 9 15" successor to NP900X4D?"