Samsung 9 Series laptop (ZX310 / 900X3A) unveiled

Even if they do recognize there may be a problem, chances are they won't admit to it unless a LOT of people start talking about it. I've had other manufacturers act in the same way, so I'm assuming this would be the case.

 

Hmmm, that is so strange.

I'm going to keep digging to I find out why the hell this is happening.

Thanks for the reply.

 

Hi,

I'm a editor for PC World in Norway ( www.pcworld.no), where we have had the same experience with the 900X as many others - the wlan performance/range is bad. I received the pc in the end of april, and noticed it quicly, and after talks with Samsung it was belived that our review-sample had a problem.

I then noticed this thread, and also the commens on Amazon. With our problem not being a isolated experience we posted a article last week regarding the problem: Ikke kjøp Samsung 9-serie! | Bærbare, Wlan

Today employees from Samsung, including a engineer from Samsung in Korea, was in our offices. So far the feedback from Samsung is that they in their tests over the last week havn't been able to reproduce the problem. Samsung used a few hours in offices today doing tests - they had a different sample than the one I tested earlier, but it seems like performance-figures was about the same. What they figures out in our offices today i'm not sure of - I expect to hear from them in a few days.

I tried the 900X both in our offices and at home. The office enviroment is a bit extreme because there are so many different wlans in the area, and a 2.4GHz phone system. At home the enviroment is more controlled. At the offices I tried the 900X against Cisco 1131AG-accesspoints and a D-Link DIR-855. At home I used a Cisco E4200. At home I tried 6 different computers from the same location against the E4200:

Lenovo Thinkpad T61p: 73 Mbps
Dell Latitude E6410: 52 Mbps
Zepto Nox: 52 Mbps
MSI X340: 43 Mbps
Apple MBP-2008: 44 Mbps
Samsung 900X: 14 Mbps

The test was just copying files with Robocopy from my NAS attached to the E4200. The E4200 is maybe 6-7 meters away, through two thin walls. In one of the tests I did in the office the T61p got 10 Mbps, while I got 0,1-0,2 Mbps on the 900X - and sometime there was no response at all from the network. Also at home the range was more limited comparted other pc i've used around the house. There are other wlans at my neigbours houses, but not any with strong signals, so other networks should have a limited impact on the results here.

So Samsung is aware of the problem, and is looking into it. They are aware of this thread also after I sent the link to them, and I've also shown them the Amazon-feedback.



Regards,
Clas Mehus

 

Rightly said. Remeber early adopter always have to deal with some of these issues and in this case almost most of the Samsung Reps does not know about this 9 series and when you ask question they will try to pull the document and just read it.
Yesterday I went to Datavsion while buying Asus router I saw 4 lines of spec near the A03 notebook and it inlcuded WiMax and a Rep is trying to sell that to a consumer by mentioning about it. As a owner I know that it is not included. somehow even the spec details are not properly shown by dfferent vendors some says WIDI capable.
Most of the issues will be sorted once more consumers start to buy and use it. This is similar to when I bough the first generation Vaio z590(but specwise it was clearly mentioned by all the vendors not like this sammy notebook). Anyway I am happy with my sammy and for now I am enjoying it and definitely it will get better when more updates comes in.

 

Thanks for your update!

 

That is GREAT news!

Aussie 900X owner here (NP900X3A-A01AU) and I also have similar wifi issues.

When around 20ft away from router I get good speeds (6.8MBps on an 8MBps adsl connection), although I do get the occasional spike (dip) in the connection.

It's at around 30ft that speeds seem to go from a solid 6.8MBps to 1.2MBps. At 40ft, it struggles to hold a connection at all.

I don't have another laptop to compare speeds with, although have tested with a Samsung Galaxy S2, which gets around 6.7MBps at 20ft and 5.5MBps at 30. At 40 ft I'm getting around 2.3MBps.

What's interesting is that the upload speeds (on the 900X) seems to hold strong, when at 30ft..

Also, on a side (but still related) note: The NP900X3A-A01AU (aussie) has the i5 Processor 2537M and I get a 6.3 for CPU rating.


This thread has been a great read BTW.. The aussie threads I've been reading are still just complaining about fingerprints!

 

Clas,
Thank you for letting us know this. I'm looking forward to their solution and commitment. And I hope they add a 256G SSD option to the i5 model, and make a 8G Mem + 256G SSD combo in their i7 model.

 

how well does ubuntu run on this sammy?

 

Hi Clas,

Thanks for your report. PLEASE keep us posted of the results of your talks with Samsung. THANKS!

 

Best news all day, thank you for this! And, as mentioned above, keep us updated...

 

Regarding the Windows Processor Speed Test, I have run the test 3 times (twice yesterday and once today). This is my results and what I did between them:
1. Yesterday, got 5.2. Did various tests and Windows updates.
2. Went and viewed the settings as posted by another in this thread. Ran test. Got 5.8.
3. Today, just ran test again. Got 6.3
I have changed absolutely nothing between point 2 and 3. Not a single configuration or update made.

 

I am still at it.I have a hp g60-230us notebook & took it & my sammy into my attached garage about 45 ft from my router & made side by side speakeasy tests in 3 places & here are the results. hp-2.49 - 5 bars : sammy- 2.69 -2bars. Nest family room 20 ft from router. HP-2.49 5-bars: sammy- 2.66 4-bars. In my computer room where the router is located. hp-2.49 5-bars: sammy-2.57 5-bars. Than I tested my desktop in the computer room & it was 2.69. so far I have not seen any drop off. jimjoh

 

When I was searching for stuff on the wifi I came across a whole thread devoted to the Sammy on one of the Ubuntu sites, with quite good success. Don't remember where now, but you should be able to find it thru Google.

 

Here's my results.

Observations:

1. There is an impact on wireless connectivity from bottom duralumin cover, but it’s overrated. I would say 10-20% max. I’m pretty sure that the connection would be much better if Samsung install antennas from wireless card into a plastic bezel around the screen.

2. As for Centrino 6300, IMHO it’s a very picky adapter. While Intel 4965AGN shows bold connection in nearly every situation and with both routers, 6300 works not so flawlessly and might give you totally different results from the same place (I had to reconnect and restarted the routers and laptop several times during the tests to achieve the best possible speed with 6300). It might also be an Intel/Samsung drivers issue and/or interference from duralumin case. Also, while 4965 gets to nearly top speed during the first 10-15 seconds of the transfer, 6300 usually starts from ridiculously low speed and then rise it for a very long time (i.e. while transferring a 10Gb file even at 50% the speed continued to grow for 0.3-0.6 Mb/s a minute). In other words, the results of 6300 might be even better if I would wait for a complete transfer of 10Gb file every time I measured the speed, but it’s too long, and I don’t think the adapter should rise the speed in such a small intervals.

3. Since I was able to get very fast speeds from Sammy with 6300, I’m sure there is no bottleneck in the hardware of laptop.

While comparing the 6300 with the stock Broadcom card might be a thing that first comes to mind, I decided not to do those tests since for me it is obvious that Broadcom wi-fi is too weak for this laptop with metal case, not to mention an absence of 5Ghz support. People reporting something like “the speed is more than enough for my needs” are happy, but I don’t take them into the consideration, since it’s the same thing as to buy a Porsche (and $1700 laptop is at least a Porsche in a notebook world) and never drive it faster that 65MPH. What is “flawless Netflix playback”? Even with HD stream it requires only from 3 to 6 Mbps connection. It’s less that 1Mb/s. Is it a good speed for a premium laptop?

 

First of all, my antenna is a short cord with a 50% rubber coating at the end. I ordered it from here Laptop Internal Aerial Antenna U.Fl plug connector -Electrically Isolated -easy installation no need to open the Base or LCD OxfordTEC.com
Your antenna is probably a more common long antenna with an orange (?) square piece at the end similar to those used in Samsung. In the beginning I placed it next to white corded antenna, but later decided to reposition it and put it next to the RAM slots. I'll make a photo next time I'll open the laptop.

450mbps is achievable only if your router supports this speed.

 

It does happen all the time when dark picture changes to light one and vise versa. Any program, even with the desktop background change.

 

Can you confirm that all of your 3 900X3A's were equipped with Intel Centrino 6230 right away? If yes, what is the model number, production date and store name you got the laptops from?

 

Do you have a PDF with the same measurements-places done with the original Broadcom-chip? I belive Samsung could have been interested in that result.

I also agree with you -for some it might not be a practical problem as they maybe use their laptop close to the AP and in a "easy" enviroment for the wireless.


Clas

 

What country is important here. In some markets the 900X will according to Samsung be sold with the Intel-chip. But I didn't catch why this was only in some markets.

 

Interesting. I must have overlooked the settings posted - could you outline them or point me to a page number please?

 

The model is NP900X3A-A01CA and all have the same card. The store purchased was Best Buy, the same one in fact as they are still very limited here. Production Date...not sure.

I, as well, am in close contact with Samsung USA at present with respect to the issue...and the problem has yet to be conceded however has raised a great deal of interest.

The problem is same same all around I think though. It always comes back to me placing my Acer beside my new Sammy and the Acer getting 14Mbps while the Sammy struggles to reach one on Speedtest.net, 25 feet from my router. Take the bottom off the unit and shazaaaam.

 

For the Windows integrated performance test, you can get more detailed result with running it from the commandline. Run a commandline-window and then the command 'winsat -help' for more info.

 

Because in your post, #1039(on page 104), you stated that you replaced the Broadcom module with the Intel 6230 in your tests.

 

For those that want to avoid the Broadcom wifi card, I just wanted to point out that you can actually tell which card is in the laptop without even opening it or booting it up. On the bottom, below and to the left of the Intel stamp, the FCC stamp will show which wifi card you have..in my case, the Broadcom.

For those buying at a bricks and mortar store, it is probably worthwhile to check this since it seems that the Intel 6230 is now appearing in some units (at least in Canada). I doubt the sales reps would have a clue, so best to check it yourself before taking the laptop home.

 

Great post, Eppsing! I knew it before, but never mentioned here. It might be a useful info for a future buyers. On the other hand, if you can unpack the laptop in the store, you might as well boot it on the spot and check wireless performance with the retailer or other network.

I assume a revision info is more useful. I am almost sure, that all A02US and A03US are equipped with Broadcom while A01CA - with Centrino 6230. I don't think such a huge manufacturer as Samsung will mix hardware parts in one revision...

 

Shazaaaam what? You get the same or better results from Sammy than from Acer without a bottom cover?

Broadcom is crap (how many times I said that?), but Sammy & Centrino 6230 or 6300 used to be a decent combination.

While the duralumin plate is definitely degrades wireless performance of the card with the current antenna positioning (10-20% from my tests), I think there is an issue with Intel drivers/card itself compared to previous models. Are there any other Dual Band half-PCI mini cards on the market? We can try to test smth else

http://www.oxfordtec.com/us/p305/Sp...6-reference,-AR9382-chipset/product_info.html

 

My Samsung 9 series 11.6 is scheduled to arrive next week! Not happy with the 64gb, I called Samsung and asked to order the 128gb mzmpa128hmfu
(as mentioned in this forum for the 13.3) or a 256gb if available. Currently, the 256gb he can find in the sytem is uSata and not mSata like for the Samsung 9 series? He read me the dimensions and it appears correct for the 128gb. I ordered it for 3 day delivery and crossing my fingers it will be compatible next week!!!

128gb, mSata
BA5902995A - Original Samsung Parts & Accessories and Products

256gb, uSata??? Russian Samsung 9 series claim to have this???
BA5902992A - Original Samsung Parts & Accessories and Products

 

First thanks for all the participation on this site. I carefully studied the 900x here for about three weeks prior to buying and it was really helpful, especially the "costco" part which provided security if the wifi issue hit me.
Which, it didn't. I have an A03, Broadcom card, and at various places in the house, including one 40 feet away plus upstairs plus through two walls, with the router behind doors in a heavy wooden cabinet, and the worst I get is 6.2mb. I'd love 17mb, but 6.2 works fine.
So my contribution here is that even if its the Duralumin case, it's not all units that have the abrupt dropoff.
Thanks again to you all.

 

My backlit keyboard doesn't turn on after the sleep sporadically. Fn+F7/F8 show me the keyboard backlit icon behind the red crossed circle. Sometimes it turns on by itself later, sometimes I have to go through Sleep/Wake or Restart cycle to get it work. I guess it's a software glitch.

Also, if you create a User profile on your Sammy (without Administration rights), every time you will log in into that profile you will be asked for Administrator password for nearly every Samsung program (Control Center, Samsung Update, System Recovery etc.). Without the password you wouldn't be able to use it.

There is a workaround: you can rise the rights for the user account or lower some security UAC features, but it's definitely another Samsung software bug which is hopefully will be resolved in the future.

 

Speaking of a 256 SSD option, has there been any reliable information put out there of an upcoming Series 9 with this coming to market? It baffles me that this was not offered from the beginning.

 

My intention for the change is to get WIDI only not really for WIFI issue.
If you interested in WIFI issue then changing the router will help. This I answered in that posts.

 

My touchpad two finger scrolling kinda sucks, do you guys have specific touchpad settings on ur sammy?

 

PROVANTAGE said they were told they'd have them mid-June.

 

on the bios it list 2 sata ports.. I only see one on this pic: http://blog.thecompanyofhedonists.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/guts-full.jpg where is the other port at?

 

I don't think that everyone who buys this laptop should have to buy the "ASUS router" just so they can get it to work properly. I am certainly not going to have that luxury at work or anywhere else on the planet I may go that I will need wifi, perhaps you missed my earlier post.
When I buy a product I expect it to work @ 100% of its advertised specs, anything short of this is an unfinished, broken from the start, paperweight. I mean look at what your going through with these tests and trips to store, anxiety, stress, yada, yada.
In the end I'm glad this forum is here so that when I set my sights on buying a new lappy, I research it here first and there is no buyers remorse. I wish you all the best of luck in your endeavors on this matter.

 

Actually, it has given me reasonable speed and stability on every router / hotspot I have tried it with (as well as a Mifi), and that is many, so I don't think the Asus router is a requirement.

No question this laptop is not perfect for everyone, but I have yet to find one that is. I was also interested in the Thinkpad X220, but have you looked at that forum? Also LOTS of complaints (and lots of returns), just different ones, so it really depends on which weak points you are willing to live with. Maybe the new MBA will be ideal for some, but my wife has the current generation and I personally can't stand OS X, so am still awaiting perfection.

 

Yep, I have looked there and elsewhere. I was actually intrigued with the X1, but when the reviews came out and battery was so-so and not being as thin as all the press photos lead one to believe,( always at an angle so you can't see the bottom) and saying its only 61mm thin. (at thinnest point). I had contemplated the X220 but now your just a little bit of $ from getting better graphics from a M11x, but both are not ultraportables.
So I'll keep looking, also awaiting perfection.

 

Good luck for getting a perfect Ultraportable!

 

same.. I don't think I can handle OSX... the 11.6 series 9 seems good.., but im waiting on reviews before pulling the trigger

 

Shazaam means I move from 1-2Mpbs to what it should be without that bottom plate... I should do up a video.

 

This is my last post on wireless.because my sammy has been performing fine within my home garage & back yard but to be on the safe side for $30 from Amazon I bought a Alfa usb adapter & when I tried that I have 5 bars everywhere in my garage, backyard etc. I will keep it in my case just in case. The speakeasy tests show no loss with or without the adapter so I will read all the posts about changing cards or removing the back plate and be very happy with what I have jimjoh

 

Spoke with Reps today who say the 256GB will not be released until Fall.... I would like to see first hand any claims of release in Russia.

 

Samsung Notebook SERIES 9 900X3A - NP-900X3A-A02CA - Performance - mobile computing | SAMSUNG

 

Is it actually being sold anywhere in Canada? Either way it doesn't help me much since I live in the US.

 

Have you considered a Vaio Z series? When the speculated new Z series is announced in a month or two - it will probably be the best (and by far the most expensive) ultraportable. If you have the cash - that might be what you're looking for.

Even the current Z line (non-sandy bridge) trumps most other ultraportables. 512gb SSDs, i7, gt 330 1gb switchable graphics, optical drive, 1600x900 or 1080p resolution on a 13" screen. Granted - it will also cost you a small fortune for a fully loaded one.

IMO, the X220 > M11x by far. I had an m11x and sold it within 2 weeks. The screen was just awful. Terrible viewing angles, awful contrast. The GPU, though touted as a "gaming" machine, is weak at best (~6000 on 3dmark06) - perhaps because I'm used to gaming on a desktop. The battery life was just okay. The x220 has two things that are most important to me on a laptop: a great screen (IPS) and insane battery life without sacrificing power.

 

what drivers controls the function keys? i just reinstalled windows and none of the function keys work

 

Yes...Best buy carries it in a limited edition. Our province received very few concentrated to the Toronto area and BestBuy has yet to advertise any of the 6 they received (2 then 4 more). I have been through 3 of them eheh.

 

It's the Samsung Software you need, not the drivers - it's in the same section on the Samsung website - Easy Display Manager.

 

Hi guys I just got my 900x1a today and so far the wifi works with no problem. Happy with everything so far.

 

could you do a review on it? performance? battery life?

I am looking to buy one right now