Samsung 15" Series 9 NP900X4C with Ivy Bridge CPU

So did you check this list?

John

 

Fear not!

Qualifying retailers:
Notebooks: All retailers
Display: Amazon, Argos, Comet, Currys/PC World, Harvey Norman, John Lewis, Micro Anvika, Overclockers, Richer Sounds, Shasonic
Print: All retailers
SSD: All retailers excluding Pixmania

https://samsungvatback.com/uk/en/terms

(Samsung getting one back on Pixmania - good for them! Or... maybe just cos they're French... i.e. different VAT..)

 

Yes I did (I already mentioned that's what I checked further back in the post).

However, on the same site it also says "Participating retailers only"

On the link for MoreComputers.co.uk, when I looked at the NP900X4C earlier it had a little pink box clearly stating 'VAT rebate...' but now it's gone. So either they need to update their website or they're no longer a participating retailer.

Either way, I'd order now if I knew I was getting 20% back. But as I can't guarantee it, I don't want to take the risk. I'm certainly not paying £1300 for it!

 

Please move the VAT discussion to the VAT sticky at the top of this forum. Thanks for the consideration.

 

GET IN! I'm going to sleep on it and maybe place my order in the morning...

Sorry, I won't be mentioning the VAT any more. It was a precondition whether or not I (and I expect many others) would actually buy this model, so is in a way applicable to this post?

So back on topic... if the NP900X3C (13") had exactly the same hardware specs as the NP900X4C (15"), which would you buy - and why?

 

13" as long as it could handle 16GB Ram as the 15" can... would be a perfect travel device for me to go with my W520 (too heavy to cart around including the ridiculous power brick... going to leave at home & remote into it if I need the oomph)

 

which ever one had the better screen and if it was the 13, as long as it didnt throttle

 

If they both had the same capabilities (RAM, SSD options, screen tech (PLS)) and the only differentiation was the size, I would buy the 15". The 15" screen is easier to read especially if it was PLS like the 13.3".

But the question and point is moot. You can't stuff 8GB or 16GB in the 13.3" machine. And so far, it hasn't been proven that the 15" now has a PLS screen.

So size isn't the only factor.

 

Ding ding ding!!! That's the reason why I sold my MBP - couldn't remap those keys. As a programmer, I can't adjust my brain to having my precious CTRL key moved.

Can't wait to see how coding goes on the series 9. The keyboard travel doesn't concern me at all - been coding on my latitude d630 for years. Tries recently on an old keyboard with a long stroke and it was a nightmare.

 

Same. I'd prefer the larger screen, even at the same resolution.

But the limited RAM in the 13" is a bit of a dealbreaker for me, since I want to be able to do photo/video editing. 4GB is not horrible right now, but in a year or two it will be anemic.

 

I am almost tempted to pull the trigger. Although I have previous...

I went from Latitude D600 (3 years) to a Sony Vaio, hated it and returned it after 3 days for an HP Pavillion DV6. Hated the keyboard and returned it after 2 days for a Latitude D620.

Had the D620 for 2.5 years then bought an XPS M1550 but hated the build quality and returned it for a Latitude E6400 which I've had coming up to three years and love everything about except the touch pad.

With my history of always regretting the move away from a business class laptop I am keen to hear the views of those of you that are (a) in a similar situation and weighing up the S9 or (b) those who have already bought an S9 coming from ThinkPad, Latitude, Probook, Elitebook etc., - any regrets?

 

The Dell keyboards you cite are pretty decent. Not as good as the classic ThinkPads. But the boneheads at Lenovo switched to chiclet keyboards on the coming Ivy Bridge wave. That decision may haunt them like New Coke.

If you are used to the Dell keyboards I think you are going to need to allow yourself at least a couple of weeks of use to make an informed decision on a chiclet keyboard like the 2012 SS9. So be sure to purchase from someone that has a good return policy (30 days).

 

I'm in a similar boat... love my Lenovo W520. Bought a Sony Vaio SA & sent it back (didn't mind the previous generation though... poor screen, average keyboard, unusable trackpad). Bought 900X3B & sent it back - 4GB Ram limit.

I have high hopes for the 900X4C... just working out logistics and how to get my hands on it!

Anybody who touch-types a LOT and/or writes code with macros/shortcuts/ReSharper care to comment on the latest 9-series keyboards 13" or 15"?

 

So... what's up with the NP900X4 D?... Not to take attention away from the C version, but if this D version really has a 400-nit screen and the C version does not, then I think this is pertinent.

Samsung Series 9 (NP900X4D-A01SG) - HardwareZone.com

Sigh.. when will it end so I can just buy the ideal laptop?!?

 

I saw the D somewhere in an earlier post. IIRC, it was a lesser machine then the C-A03US, but had a magnesium body instead of aluminum. I could be wrong, look back and see.

 

I always trust my instincts and something tells me not to take the plunge on this - 20% VAT back or otherwise. I'm going to wait and see what comes out over the next 2-3 months and if I have to pay £250 more further down the line then so be it, would rather do that than buy now and regret it next week.

 

Perhaps we will have to start another thread for the X4D, or put in in the title of this thread.

Google found me this page where there's an X4D but no X4C in the list to request support. That list has no X3B or X3C either.

John

 

Some damn sexy lappy....

 

One thing is certain, different regions of the world get different models at different times. It's really annoying.

Seriously though, I wish they had better marketing. You know, a press release, website updates, fully informed retail channel, etc.

 

From Amazon:

We now have delivery date(s) for the order you placed on May 24, 2012:

"Samsung Series 9 NP900X4C-A03US 15-Inch Laptop"
Estimated arrival date: June 27, 2012 - July 10, 2012

Ugh. Sick of waiting.

 

Does this also applies to people living in belgium or the netherlands ?

How do They Pay back ? Bank wire or put money on Your CC ?

 

Lucky dog. Mine just came in at July 2, 2012 - July 18, 2012. On the plus side, those Amazon estimates are often very conservative.

 

Now up on BestBuy Site
Samsung - 15" Series 9 Laptop - 8GB Memory - 128GB Solid State Drive - Mineral Ash Black - NP900X4C-A01US

 

The C is showing to be cheaper than the B. Anyone have any idea on the price cut for the sandy bridge once this one comes out?

 

Also Samsung - 15" Series 9 Ultrabook Laptop - 8GB Memory - 128GB Solid State Drive - Titan Silver - NP900X4B-A02US

Scratch that - old model. Ugh. Just get the new ones out already!

 

After 24 hours of procrastination & dithering I've now gone full circle and ready to pull the trigger on the NP900X4C. I'm prepared to compromise on the keyboard for the other features/style etc. How do you guys think these things will stack up long-term?

Having always bought business grade models I'm a bit wary buying consumer grade in terms of longevity & reliability.

Current owners - what are the hinges like? Do you think they'll hold up being opened/closed 4/5 times a day for 3-4 years?


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I pulled the trigger. Waiting to get it, but... This is my ideal laptop. Large trackpad. 15" screen. Matte screen. Dedicated nav keys row (home,end,pu,pd). No NumPad wasting space. Fn Lock Key. 256GB SSD. 8GB RAM, upgradable. Light weight. Etc. And I write code all day - php et al. Go for it!

 

I chickened out! Just can't bring myself to ditch my Latitude keyboard - will wait and see what comes out in the next month or so. Functionality & ergonomics need to be as good as the aesthetic otherwise what's the point?


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Wuss. I've been using my Latitude D630 for years, D620 before that. There's so much improvement in the Samsung in so many other ways without trading off on things I absolutely must have, that I had to go for it. Once I have mine, I'll post my results here for writing code. I cannot tolerate a performance inhibitor, so I'll be very picky.

 

One reason I pulled out is because I must decide by Wednesday when the VAT rebate expires. I can get it for £999 (with rebate) until then, after which it's £1300.

I really hate to be rushed into things so decided to wait. If I change my mind, I'm sure it will be reduced in October when the new Win8 models come out.

I'd never pay £1300 for it though.


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Once I get mine, I'll measure the exact depth of stroke on the SS9 vs the Latitude D630. I'm sure it's far less than old keyboards vs D630, so adjusting for me won't be an issue. Unfortunately, I won't have mine before your VAT option expires.

I paid $1799 US for the NP900X4C-A03US with the 256GB SSD and Win7 Pro through Amazon. Happy to pay it if it's all I think it will be.

 

$1799 is £1171 at today's conversion rate.

I was looking at the NP900X4C-A01UK with 128GB SSD, Windows 7 Home Premium for £1241 which is $1904 in your money. With the VAT off it took it down to £992 or $1523 - we get royally shafted on laptop prices in the UK :-(

 

Hi guys, according to the review on notebookinfo.de the x4c have a really bad tn screen with contrast at 125:1 and mediocre viewing angles.
What a shame for over 1500€.

Definitely cleared of my buy list, maybe the zenbook can perform better with its fhd ips and lower price.

 

Have you considered the 13" SS9, if your other option is a zenbook. It has a better screen.

 

I guess there isn't anything that ticks ALL the boxes, at least at the moment. The problem with the 13" is the 4GB RAM limit.

The problem with the ZenBook is (a) glossy screen, (b) nasty keyboard. I saw it side by side to the S9 13" a few days ago, the S9 looked far classier in my opinion. The Zen looked a bit bling with its shiny lid - and it had a thick bezel.


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u should check out the new zenbooks, i think they basically fixed everything in the new ones. only thing that might be bothersome to some is the relatively big bezel. but still u will get distracted by the gorgeous fhd ips screen

 

Off topic for this thread, but the UX31A has indeed fixed all previous issues except the SSD they've now fitted runs 50% slower than the previous model. Plus it still maxes out at 4GB, has a wide bezel and chintzy lid

Maybe I need to wait for Sammy to cram 8GB into the 13" S9 and fix their keyboard - that would be perfect.

Hopefully NP900X3E will be the one..?


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oh dont get me wrong, i think the s9 is a sexy machine. it just needs a good fhd screen idk why samsung is hesitating in that for smaller screen sizes....

 

God damn it... I decided nothing is perfect and never will be, so I just ordered my NP900X4C

Sorry to publicly bore you all with the agonising thought process going through my head over the last few days - and thanks for everyones input in helping me reach my final decision.


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Hah:

We have received new release date information related to the order you placed on May 19, 2012 (Order# xxx-xxxxxx-xxxxxxx). The item(s) listed below will actually ship sooner than we originally expected based on the new release date:

"Samsung Series 9 NP900X4C-A03US 15-Inch Laptop (Titan Silver)"
Previous estimated arrival date: July 02, 2012 - July 18, 2012
New estimated arrival date: June 07, 2012 - June 12, 2012

 

Great news. Sorry, I missed this along the way, where are people ordering this from? I couldn't find it on amazon? Thanks

 

It was up on Amazon a couple of weeks ago, but then taken back down. My guess is it'll be back on Amazon next week.

 

YES!!!

"Samsung Series 9 NP900X4C-A03US 15-Inch Laptop (Titan Silver)"
Previous estimated arrival date: June 27, 2012 - July 10, 2012
New estimated arrival date: June 05, 2012

 

They're back now.

Amazon.com: Samsung Series 9 NP900X4C-A03US 15-Inch Laptop (Titan Silver): Computers & Accessories

In stock on June 8, 2012.

Product Features

Intel 1.9 GHz Core i7-3517U Processor
8 GB DDR3 RAM
256 GB Solid-State Hard Drive
15-Inch Screen
Windows 7 Professional (64-bit)

 

Hi

Is the difference between the 3 15" models just the RAM memory, SDD capacity and processor? Screen, ports, weight, software installed, accessories supplied, colour etc are all the same?

Looking on amazon.com [search 'Samsung Series 9 NP900X4C'] can see
NP900X4C-A0 1US 1.7 GHz Core i5-3317U/3GB RAM/128GB HDD - $1400
NP900X4C-A0 2US 1.7 GHz Core i5-3317U/ 8GB RAM/128GB HDD - $1500
NP900X4C-A0 3US 1.9 GHz Core i7-3517U/8GB RAM/ 256GB HDD - $1800

i.e. as I'd like the 256GB SDD, looks like I'd have to get the top of the range [faster processor is nice, but it all adds to the cost!]

Presumably the battery life will be slightly less in the i7 model

FYI, the difference in i5 and i7 versions of 3517U processors is listed here [basically, 15% faster CPU with L3 cache up from 3MB to 4MB]

AnandTech - Intel Dual-Core Mobile Ivy Bridge Launch and i5-3427U Ultrabook Review

TIA

M

 

Also available at Debenhams in UK, appears to be in stock:

Samsung Notebook NP900X4C-A01UK - Debenhams Plus

And a remarkable 376 in stock at Ebuyer...!

http://www.ebuyer.com/350095-samsun...ium=products&gclid=CI6sttO9srACFUUhtAodxjNnWg

Best UK price I've found is £988 ex-VAT at Laptops Direct http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Sams...trabook_NP900X4C-A01UK/version.asp?switcht=ex

 

Thanks for clarifying.

 

Doesn't 3 GB RAM have to be a typo? The RAM isn't soldered on the 15", so that would mean a 2 GB and 1 GB chip?

 

Is is a typo. It comes in 4 GB and 8 GB options and as you rightly say, it isn't soldered on the 15.


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Samsung - 15" Series 9 Laptop - 8GB Memory - 128GB Solid State Drive - Mineral Ash Black - NP900X4C-A01US

They had 2 in the box at my local best buy today. Wouldn't open one for me to look at though and none on display.