Samsung 15" Series 9 NP900X4C with Ivy Bridge CPU

The 512GB X3E is also on Amazon UK. I wait with interest to discover whether Samsung are making a 512GB mSATA SSD or have reworked the board to squeeze in a different SSD.

There's currently no trace of an FHD 15" Series 9. For reasons best known to Samsung it seems to be the neglected member of the family. Perhaps they feel that with the lack of competition in that in-between size then it doesn't deserve specific effort.

John

 

Single click on the right, I mostly try to click the bottom right corner.

Also, I noticed I have the A04US while I have seen the A01US model....they both have the exact specs but are $100 different in price, why?

 

Is the pad maxing a mechanical clicking noise when you press where the buttons are under the pad? If not, then it may be defective (is the pad depressed on that side?).

The reason isn't obvious to me: They both say Win 7 HP.

John

 

Hey John,

Is there any wireless adapter that we can use to replace the Intel 6325 one? I have had issues with my ping (latency) during heavy task such of gaming or Netflix. Wired connection is just fine. I have disabled everything, running on the Samsung and in a simple game the ping will spike from 60 ms to 180-200. I have not figured out what causes this and tried changing router settings, but this seems to happen on different wireless networks as wel. Also I am using Windows 8 and did a clean install and should be on all the latest drivers, just got the laptop a week ago.

Thanks,

 

Is the 15inch 2013 model expected to reach the UK within the next few months? Also are there any confirmed specs? I've read about a 1080p screen and increased SSD size. I'm looking to purchase a laptop within the next few months and am not sure if I should wait it out for the 2013 revision. Thanks for any help.

Ryan

 

You need a combo WiFi / Bluetooth card. I actually tried the older Intel 6230 some months ago but couldn't get it too work, probably because the driver wasn't clever enough to realise the card had changed. I needed to do a total wipe of the WiFi driver and try again, which I've never got round to doing. There are a few other combo cards. However, first try the settings recommended here.

At the moment there's no indication of timescale of the updated X4. It may be delayed until Haswell arrives, sometime after mid-year, by which time the 512MB Crucial mSATA should be in the retail channel.

John

 

I have three questions for forum members:
Has anyone been successful establishing a sustained Wireless Display (WiDi) connection with their NP900X4C (Win 7 Prof-64 bit) out of the box?

If you have not been successful making a Wireless Display (WiDi) connection out of the box, have you been able to correct the problem?

If so, exactly what did you do?

 

Hey John,

Thanks I will try those settings and see if there is any improvement. Also for wireless adapters is there any you would recommend or just go your route and try the older 6320?

Thanks again!

 

Was just wondering if this wireless adapter would work for the Series 9 "Centrino 2230BNHMW IEEE 802.11n Mini PCI Express Bluetooth 4.0 - Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Combo Adapter" here is a link Amazon.com: Centrino 2230BNHMW IEEE 802.11n Mini PCI Express Bluetooth 4.0 - Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Combo Adapter: Everything Else

Also the setting you listed John helped but at home I still get high ping and latency. I believe it is an interop issue with the router and the intel 6235 adapter.

 

The windows button on both the Amazon UK and the Swedish sites is the old style Windows logo, not the rebrand. Shouldn't they have pictures of the new machines?

 

At that price it's worth trying. I can't think of an obvious reason why it won't work.

Probably, Samsung have been too buy preparing new web pages for the other new models to worry about the tweak to the Series 9.

John

 

Hi All,

I have tried to search for this answer here and on the web but for the life of me I can;t find an answer. Is anyone using the Series 9 NP900X... with dual external monitors?

My intent is to use HDMI to dual monitors but with extended desktop (not duplicated desktops). Is this possible?

I am keen to purchase this Ultrabook but I have a 2.5yr old Asus that has a DisplayPort output, it's very hard to find an ultrabook with a DP output.

Thanks very much.

 

I am sure it is possible but I never got around to testing it because I decided not to buy the micro VGA dongle from Samsung. I did test the micro HDMI port using a dongle I bought from monoprice.com. It would only drive my Dell U2711 at a max resolution of 1920x1080.

 

All right I ordered the wireless adapter and will let you know how it works thanks again for all the help!

 

I'm looking to buy a series 9 this week. A search online shows these as the cheapest options. Are the only differences the version of Windows 7 that these ship with and the colour? If so why is there such a disparity in unit price and cost for a 3 year warranty?

http://www.deep-signal.com/samsung-9-series-np900x4d-a01uk---15-led-core-i5-3317u-17ghz-8gb-128gb-wifi-bt-gblan-win7-pro-----109758-p.asp
Samsung NP900X4C Core i5 Ultrabook NP900X4C-A01UK - Laptops Direct
Samsung 9 COREI5-3317 15.0 8GB 128SSD W7PRO - Laptops Direct
Samsung Series 9 900X4D Core i5 Windows 7 Pro Laptop in Silver NP900X4D-A01UK - Laptops Direct

Any recommendations on where I should purchase from? I'm in the UK and will want an extended warranty. It's likely I'll upgrade the SSD at some point in the future.

Cheers,
Ryan

 

Hi John,

Been reading this thread all night

I just bought the s9 15 myself... it is a great notebook. However I am having a problem, maybe you can help.

I followed you're instructions perfectly to installing the ICC profile (Spyder4Express_x4c.icm) for color calibrations (which made my screen way nicer, btw), and everything worked well. However, when I open just about any program/application, the color profile appears to reset and go back to what it originally was... there appears to be some glitch. When I go back to change it, it says the correct profile is set as default... yet I have to keep constantly clicking it back over again to get the screen to stay with the updated profile...

It is extremely frustrating. Have you come across this issue? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Sean

 

The deep-signal X4D price is without VAT so it's actually £1,056.84. The X4D arrived more recently and, in the UK, carries a price premium. The internal technology is the same. Unless you have an overwhelming reason for needing the Pro version of Windows I would recommend you get the X4C-A01UK and you can get this extended warranty. Then you have exactly the same as me from the same place (except my X4C cost a lot more in June 2012 ). The extended warranty seems to be genuine and worked when I registered it with Samsung.

It can sometimes be difficult to get the profile to stick. See if this thread is any help.

Then report back with the good or bad news.

John

 

Update: My replacement fan arrived today. I quickly swapped it with the noisy one and sure enough, there is no more grinding noise. I have also checked to make sure the fan is running, and it is. Thanks for all your help!

 

Anybody had the back of their notebook start splitting open?

By back, I mean the line/seam on the hinge of the notebook (the part on the main body where the screen's "axle" would fit and swivel in.

 

Interesting how you all in the UK can purchase samsung extended warranties when here in the US it appears to not exist.

 

Thanks to this update. It confirms that the Samsung repair workshop is too noisy.

That's the plastic casing over the WiFi antennae. It's held together by clips in the plastic mouldings. I would start by giving a firm squeeze. If that doesn't work then remove the base screws (Philips size 0 screwdriver used carefully) then squeeze together and refix the base.

I wonder what the extended warranty mentioned on this Samsung USA page offers. The extended warranty prices in the UK are now very competitive. I don't know whether they are based on a good record of low warranty claims or ability to repel the claims by quoting "fair wear and tear" as opposed to manufacturing defects.

John

 

Hi John,
I was wondering if you or someone else would know if it is even possible to have the keyboard backlights brighter? Samsung failed in this area. Even on max. brightness its still too dim. The other settings are useless. I think most of us would like it brighter. I hope it can be!

 

The backlighting is dim. Samsung used electroluminescent backlighting because it's thinner than LED lighting, but it's also less bright. However, it works fine. I came to my Series 9 from a Lenovo T420s which didn't have backlighting (it had the Thinklight which just caused glare off the keys so I had to carry a separate USB powered LED light to work in dim places). The Series 9 backlighting is fit for purpose: The keys are visible in poor lighting / darkness - the backlighting makes the lettering brighter although the keys don't glow like some keyboards.

John

 

thx for the reply. It does work ok, and I know that the hardware cant be changed, however, could it be even possible to intensify the backlighting even brighter, or is that impossible task? A couple of extra notches would be nice

 

Hello all,
I'm a novice here on this really great thread and learning a lot from it. Afraid I don't know the finer points of making a post introducing a new subject, so am just replying to the most recent posting.

Wanted to pass on a long and rich article describing a visit to the HQ in Seoul that discusses many elements of the Samsung 900 design, and possible modifications to come in 2013:

Samsung laptops - Windows 8, design, technology and strategy | Expert Reviews
It even has a picture of the backlighting film taken from the innards.

Am tempted to wait for the higher-res screen, as so many here have complained about the 1600x900.

 

The complaints are really centered around comparing the Series 9 13.3" screen to the 15" screen. The 13.3" PLS screen is one of the best screens on the market. The 15" screen is just good.

The article you provided doesn't do much to convince me they are addressing the 15" screen. I hope they do, but so far there is no direct evidence. I guess time will tell.

 

Don't know if I'm having the same issue as you.. but my 'O' key seems to snap out of place whenever I press on the right side of the key, I can just pop it back int place but it gets annoying since it does pop out sometimes when typing.

Can this be fixed or should I send it to Samsung for repair? The laptop is only a few days old.

Here's a an image to show you what I mean:

 

If it's only a few days old I would return it.

 

Ok, hope they will be able to fix the issue and not replace the whole laptop, spent a lot of time configuring already

 

Have your tried pushing very firmly down on the key? Maybe something will click into place. There's usually a plastic scissors mechanism that clips together under each key.

John

 

Yes I've tried pressing hard on the key, even removing it and placing it back. It clicks into place but then it still snaps out when I press the right side of the key like in the picture.

Update: I've taken it back to the store where I bought it from, they said it was probably a manufacturing defect and will send it over to Samsung for repair.. that means 5 to 7 days without my new toy

 

Hi, anyone knows if there's a way to change and replace this laptop screen? I really would like to keep the unit as I found everything else about it to be excellent, but the screen color/contrast is just not up to par. If anyone knows please let me know!!

 

AFAIK there are no alternatives to the Samsung panel. It is an unusual size.

Try my calibrated display profile. You may need to also see this thread to find out how to stop your computer reverting to the old profile.

John

 

OH EM GEE...thank you so much for uploading the .icc and for this thread. I was getting sick of the blue tint on the SS9 screen that I am so close to returning it.

but your .icc file just made everything soo much better. Thank you thank you! Now it is more bearable...!

Since getting this, I am always thinking if the 1 grand would be better spent on the asus ux31a whose display is BREATH-TAKING! but for now...this may just suffice to compensate for my need of a 15 inch laptop...

 

This NP900X4C review appeared today:

Samsung Series 9 Review (NP900) | Ubergizmo

 

I also want to ask....does anyone knows how to miminize the clickaty clackaty of the keyboard...?? especially the left SHIFT, SPACE BAR and the ENTER KEY. everything just sounds sooo mechanical...and hard...

spoiled by thinkpad

 

Yes, not perfect but very usable. My eyes are happier with the X4C's 15" panel than with the 13.3" X3B's PLS panel because of the bigger pixels. Why Samsung don't have a calibrated display profile built into the factory installation is one of those mysteries.

My X4c is getting old enough to deserve a second review on how it has performed over 8 months fairly heavy work (I've no regrets with getting it).

Sorry, but it's something you have to get used to (it's not something I noticed until you mention it). The noise may be a side-effect of needing positive action with a short travel.

John

 

That would be great!

I noticed that the reviewer got a low PCMark7 score. Must have been because he had a slow SanDisk SSD
My PCMark7 score was 4674 with the LITEONIT LMT-256M3M 256GB SSD, which is one of the fastest mSATA SSDs on the market:
http://www.harddrivebenchmark.net/hdd.php?hdd=LITEONIT LMT-256M3M

 

That's very likely. Putting a Crucial m4 into my X4C boosted the PCM7 score from 3892 to 4386 (see my X4C review). Your Liteon SSD is even faster than the m4.

John

 

A few months ago my fan started to seem louder, but I could never figure out if it was really the case so I ignored it.

I managed to stress the system today, and noticed that there are two exhaust fans on the hinge of the unit. Only of of them is shooting out hot air in my machine. Sound like one dud fan to you guys?

It'd make sense for increased noise to be the result of one fan having to do all the work.

 

The X4C has only one fan - see the photo of the inside here. The X3 models have two fans (which definitely results in quieter operation) but no SODIMM slots.

John

 

Hey guys,

Any idea whether Series 9 15'' will be refreshed as well?

Referencing following link:

Samsung showcases Series 7 Chronos, Series 7 Ultra and new Series 9 - NotebookCheck.net News

I think this question was looked at in the Series 7 Chronos thread but I didn't see a clear answer.

Would be good to know because I'm about to pull the trigger on the NP900X4 C.

#

Regarding that I would have 2 other questions:

1. Was the WIFI issue only around in the NP900X4 B model?
2. Given the "lottery" of what SSD will be in the machine I get: Would you guys argue that it makes more sense to buy the version with 128GB and replace it with the Crucial 256 GB - rather than going with the 256GB from the start and risking to get the slow U100 (the final size I want is 256 GB - but if I have to replace I'd rather replace a cheaper 128GB).

Thanks!

Christian

 

I wouldn't hold my breath regarding the next refresh of the X4. It might be delayed until Haswell arrives. Not much was said about this model at CES but it will probably be upgraded to an FHD display (but no clear indication of whether it will be a PLS panel).

Regarding WiFi, it is best described as adequate on any of the Series 9. It's a side effect of having the antennae in the chassis - presumably no room in the thin display.

Regarding SSDs, I recall one report of someone getting a 256GB U100. Most of the 256GB SSDs are Liteon and some are Samsung. However, consider the incremental cost of getting a model with 256GB compared to the cost of a DIY upgrade (the latter gives the option of having the original SSD available to put back if you need to send the computer for service).

John

 

Ah, indeed.

How nice of them to put half the vents in for pretty much simple cosmetics..

 

Okay thanks.

So per what you wrote you would suggest the first choice from below?

#

1)

A06US

Amazon.com: Samsung Series 9 NP900X4C-A06US 15-Inch Premium Ultrabook (Ash Black): Computers & Accessories
+
Crucial m4 256GB mSATA SSD Review

(Any other SSD you would suggest?)

2)

A07US

Amazon.com: Samsung Series 9 NP900X4C-A07US 15-Inch Premium Ultrabook (Ash Black): Electronics

#

The only difference seems to be the CPU

i7-3517U
i5 3317U

and per forum literature there doesn't seem to be a big difference?

@John: Please let me know whether you agree / I'm missing something.

Thanks!

Christian

 

Regarding the mSATA drive, there are other alternatives now on the market from Intel and Mushkin that deserve serious consideration. I will probably try the Intel 525 Series next.

 

Although that vent also provides another route for cooling air to enter the computer rather than trying it suck it all through the vents in the base.

I agree that $440 more for a slightly faster CPU (see notebookcheck if you want to compare performance) and the bigger SSD isn't a bargain.

Regarding SSDs, the Crucial m4 is widely available and has good support but there are other mSATA options. I wouldn't recommend the MyDigitalSSD BP3 - the firmware upgrades are a hassle.

John

 

Has anyone bought an off brand hdmi adapter? Does it work okay? Or should I buy a samsung branded Micro Hdmi to Hdmi?

Edit. I mean to say Micro hdmi to vga . . . although, does micro hdmi to full hdmi work?

 

I originally bought an unbranded HDMI-VGA adapter before the Samsung one was available but the quality of the picture wasn't good. The Samsung adapter is better. Sensibly, the best way to get VGA is using the Samsung dongle for the micro-VGA port. However, those simple pass-through dongles cost at least as much as the HDMI-VGA device which includes a digital-analog converter. There's some more discussion in the Series 9 accessories thread.

If the display has an HDMI socket then it's better to use it. Any HDMI cable with the right plugs should work. What I would suggest, however,, is getting a micro to full HDMI (male - female) which includes a short length of relatively thin cable. This will reduce the potential stress on the micro HDMI port that a big, less flexible, cable could impose.

John

 

Hey guys,

Thanks for the info - I pulled the trigger on the 128GB version .

Would have a short beginner SSD question though.

A while ago I got stuck with with Samsung 840 Pro SSD. I had bought it parallel to my T430s but when seeing the screen I had to send later back.

Do you guys know if I unscrew the enclosure of the SSD, whether that's a card size I would be able to use? Or is it still too big? I don't want to open it for nothing (and subsequently void my opportunity to resell it).

Christian