Samsung 9 Series laptop (ZX310 / 900X3A) unveiled

My NP900X3A-A03US had WiFi issue with both Broadcom and with Intel Centrino 6230. Samsung did agree that I could return for service and are sending me a shipping label.

I thought about it some more, and even though it's over 30 days, I called the seller on Amazon that I bought it from. They agreed to give me full refund if I ship it back (at my expense). I have just done that. I actually win because the Series 9 models have dropped in price since I bought mine.

I am either going to buy another i5-based 900X3A-A03 or the i7-based 900X3A-A04. Before I buy either, I want assurance from Samsung that the notebook will NOT have the WiFi problem. So that's what I need to work on first. Need to determine how I can get that. Tier 2 Tech Support or SamsungJessica or ... Anyone have any other suggestions or inside info?

 

kalahari, please keep us posted!

 

For what is worth i just got my samsung series 9 laptop from costco delivered last monday. Been using it for about a week mostly in my room but have been wandering around the house to test it before i decide if it needs to be return. So far the wifi issues seems to be of no problem. I just did a test downstairs from the router through a few walls.



This is with a SF server where i am located in San Jose.



This is from San Jose to colorado. I think it's pretty fast on wifi.

 

Only thing i don't like is the trackpad is still sort of needs tweaking.

here is one to seatle



here is the same server using my linksys E2100 router



A bit slower then connecting to wifi on my airport express router but still very decent speed. But the Linksys e2100 has issues with wifi using DD-WRT. It 'll slow down wifi access over time if left not rebooted after weeks. I have try newer dd-wrt build for this router but still not as good as my airport express.

 

Oh one last thing my airport Express is running WDS to my E2100 Linksys router. So when i connect to the airport express it's fast. Both routers are located in the same room since i didn't get WDS working till recently. I will be buying additional Airport Express devices to extend my wifi network around the house.

 

Hey! I got confirmed by Samsung service partner in the nordics that they have received a fix for the wifi problem.

Did not get many details but there was a software AND hardware tweak of some kind.

My guess is that they tweak the settings for the wifi adapter and maybe move the antennas.

 

Good news. Did they tell you if the changes will be made for every unit that is sent in for servicing, or only for those that are specifically serviced for poor wifi?

Here in Singapore, I just had mine serviced for an unrelated issue (adapter plug connection is very loose), but was told by the service rep that the keyboard was replaced also...no idea why they would do that..

I received the laptop yesterday and the keyboard clearly was NOT replaced, I can see it is the original, but I did notice what appears to be increased wifi speed and reduced latency...this may be my imagination, but I suspect they may have made some changes, although I have confirmed that they left in the same broadcom wifi card.

The bad news is they didn't fix the issue I sent it in for, the power plug falls out every time I move the laptop, so I immediately sent it back to the service center. If this is not rectified this time, I will unfortunately have to join the large group that has already returned one (or many) laptops

 

There was not much info I got from them. I can try to translate from Norwegian

(I mailed them asking if they had received a fix for this wifi problem )

The answer:

Hello.

We are known with this wifi problem, and we have a fix for this from Samsung. It will be solved with changing the config in the software , and a couple of changes in the hardware itself.

 

This is the sort of info that I would like to try find out with some more details. Just as examples, "all new i5 models are fixed as June 2011 production" and/or "all i7 models do not WiFi issues".

 

Well i know for sure mine has no wifi issues and i jsut got it from costco last week. The speed is pretty good from the earlier speedtest.net results i showed earlier. i know my Linksys E2100 has slower performance but it's mainly the router.

 

Just had a look at the Windows7 feature that is in the "network and sharing center", click on the wireless network connection and it tells me the speed.
Also did lan speedtest.

 

It makes sense that they didn't replace the card, since we know that isn't the problem. If there was any sort of shielding underneath the keyboard, perhaps they replaced or removed that, which might account for some improvement in wifi. Bizarre that they didn't fix the problem you sent it in for, though.

 

would be interesting to see whoever had the wifi issue corrected to open it up to see if the antenna is located in the same spot or find out what they did.

 

It would be possible to move the antenna leads under the keyboard no? Is it metal?

 

I found it worked fine when I was near my wireless access point. When I was not close my access point, my other laptop, Tivo, iPhones and iPod touches could connect but the Series 9 could not. Also, in hotels, I found the same thing. I had to use hard-wired network connection or a USB wireless adapter as the Series 9 could not connect while my Dell connected wirelessly without problems. I did not do speed testing or quality of signal testing. The Series 9 just could not connect as well as ANY other WiFi-enabled device that I tried.

Based on what you say, I don't think you know if you have the WiFi issue yet.

 

Not sure how anyone knows that the Broadcom isn't the problem -- it might be an incompatibility problem with this notebook. Samsung may be replacing these Broadcom with some card that work better in this particular notebook. We still need to see what upgrades/charges a serviced notebook has AND if WiFi really did improve.

 

Jessica & Sabrina did a wonderful for me. I just took my sammy to the UPS to ship to the Samsung Repair Center in Texas. jim_joh

 

Its not the problem because I went through 4 Intel boards and actually tested removing the duraluminum base from the unit and replacing it. Its not a card issue.

Now if they replaced with the 3 antenna, then it would be such if they led the third antenna somewhere not affected by the metal interference.

 

Keep us posted!

 

I know I'm quoting my own previous post but just wanted to give you an update on my status.

I called Samsung Tier 2 support
1. to see if they had any update or info on whether the WiFi fix is known or whether they still had to figure it out. He was very amenable but said there was no info on what service they are doing for this.
2. I said I still want to buy a Series 9 13.3" Core i5 or i7 model BUT I would like assurance from Samsung that WiFi would not be in issue in the new model -- I don't want to buy another and have it replaced or repaired for a WiFi issue. He did not have any info on that either. What he did do was open another transaction/case that will go to their "laptop specialist" who will (hopefully) get back to me with answers.

EDIT: Just done some research on the Samsung USA site. The 900X3A-A03 (Core i5) specs say "802.11 b/g/n WiFi" which, as a lot of us know, has been the Broadcom adapter. The 900X3A-A04 (Core i7) spec say "802.11 a/b/g/n with Intel WiFi" so not sure if Samsung has switched to an Intel adapter that works better.

 

I hope this is a good sign...

 

Actually i did test the wifi when i was downstairs of the house while the wifi access point was located upstairs in the master bedroom. The postes Speedtest results were from downstairs away from the access point.

 

My question was more around whether you had tested it relatively far from the access point and compared it other laptops, smart-phones, etc. I was just saying that you may not know that you have a WiFi problem.

I think my first post, about this notebook, on this forum was something like "I don't have a WiFi problem". After doing extensive testing, it was confirmed that I did...

 

The thing is although wifi reception seems kind of weak compared to some other laptops I've compared, I have yet to notice any negative implications of this in day to day use as well. Day to to day use includes my house, coffee shops and work. I'm not sure if it is a big issue if samsung fails to connect to a wifi network when a laptop with excellent wifi can connect to a network with a 1 bar(1-5mbps) crappy quality. Because I saw only bar difference between samsung and the best laptop I have compared (Dell Latitude E6410) at extreme conditions. If the connection is that bad, I wont be productive even with the best laptop anyway. Just my 2 cents.

 

My primary comparison at home and 4 different hotels now, has been with Dell Latitude E6400 (so a similar model to yours). I was seeing up to 3 to 4 bars (out of 5) on the Dell and the Samsung couldn't connect to the access point i.e. less than 1! Using a USB adapter, I was able to get 3 bars on the Samsung. That alone is indication of an issue -- a cheap USB adapter performing so much better than the Samsung with Broadcom or Intel card.

 

That i have not tried. Since i mainly walk around my house with the laptop and if it works there i assume it works everywhere else. I will be traveling to vegas and LA next week. I will test it out then. As compare to my other wifi devices i think the connection is about the same compare to my ipad, my macbook pro and my cell phone.

 

I would be happy to hear you report back that WiFi works for you! When you do report back, can you say what model you have, what the WiFi adapter is, and what month the notebook was produced? (I see the USA Intel Core i7 has Intel WiFi according to the Samsung web site.)

 

so i just did a test compare to my macbook pro i went outside sitting next to my drive way and my macbook pro picked up my wireless althought a bit slow 1.5mbps down and 756kbps up. The samsung couldn't connect to the router. So the distance from where it picked up a signal and on the internet is about 7-10 feet. So I assume the wifi issue is still on my version of this laptop. Bumber I was starting to like this laptop. I guess It's time to take it back to costco.

 

See this is what I'm trying to say. So samsung was not able to connect to the wifi and macbook pro was able to connect but with only 1.5mbps! Even tough macbook pro got connected, at that speed internet is not surfable in my opinion.

 

Btw I have an A02-US model if that makes a difference.

 

I've been trying to add a bluetooth dongle to my Sammy, but without success.

Has anyone else that has replaced the wifi card with the Intel 6300 succeeded in doing so?

 

How's your 6300 doing?

 

I got got mine from costco and was wondering since I travel a lot is there a car/plane charger that we can buy and where should we buy it.

I went ahead and after reading a lot of pages bought the 4GB upgrade and the Intel 6230 but I don't have any problems testing as of yet. I am using roadrunner which is maxed out I think at 1.2mb but I was downloading at 1.0 straight last night. Will try it in other location.
I haven't installed any of those devices as of yet.

 

Kalahari, you are a dream breaker

 

Unfortunately, we've both been in that role I was one of those who had originally thought my WiFi was just fine...

I really want someone with a new build (e.g. May or June 2011) to be able to show that their WiFi is as good as other notebooks in this class.

I see that these models are available now:

• 900X3A-A04US with Core i7, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD
• 900X3A-A05US with Core i7, 6GB RAM, 256GB SSD

 

I really doubt the Wi-Fi reception will get any better unless Samsung relocate the antennas, and it's highly unlikely.

From all other options now I am absolutely sure that I made a right move when I chose 6300 with 3rd antenna sacrificing built-in Bluetooth. It really works "ok" (definitely, not the worst in it's class).

P.S. Now I'm checking power adapter connector every day and it's become an obsession - it has a potential to break one day if I wouldn't be extra careful. Now that's a major fault!

 

It really seems like Samsung has to do something like that -- especially to the ones that are being sent back for service.

You probably know more about these. Is there not another Intel (with 3rd antenna) available with built-in Bluetooth? I'll need to research this.

Yes, I agree that it a weak point. And it seems like Samsung should be able to be able to come out a fix or at least improve the new models.

 

AFAIK, no.

 

I've yet to try it with a decent router, so it's currently pretty much the same as the original card.

I was thinking of attaching a longer 2nd antenna as well, with the same endpoint as the current one. But I'll wait to see what reports of this official 'fix' indicate.

I take it you haven't tried an bluetooth dongle?

Re the power plug, when I eventually get back to Canada I'll see about changing it to a right-angle plug, which should ease wear and tear a little.

 

My 900X3A-A04US with Core i7, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD was just delivered and have just powered it and installing AV and getting rid of crapware.

I will do a WiFi test later today and compare with my Lenovo X301.

By the way -- I just checked the device manager and its says "Intel Centrino Advanced N 6230"

 

Ill order one of these new machines from my source if they have them in stock and report back. If its in stock I will get it overnighted or two day shipment so Ill post back soon. However I can confirm with certainty that on a May build for a A03 there is still issues. I actually had a A03 April build with better signal!

 

How do I check which wifi card I have? I have a May build.

Also any know where I can buy a car charger?

 

Go into Device Manager from the Control Panel - from there you'll see your card listed under "Network Adapters" - I have had a March, April and May builds and there is no rhyme or reason why one works better than the other. Right now the April build WiFi is working better than the May and both have the same network card. I verified my settings and everything is matched up one for one. I wonder if Samsungs "software" "fix" is the tweet suggestion of changing the settings for the network card settings to 20/40mhz - which didnt work for me using a DLink DWL-4500 router with mixed G/N on 2.4ghz - I would do "N" only which the signal is better in my home but my wife has a 3GS and it doesn't do wireless "N" - and we'll what good does that do at hotels, coffee shops, etc that broadcast mixed?

Accessories are hard to find at the moment.

 

I haven't had any problem using it in my apartment so far.
I have 4 things listed on under"Network Adapters" Can you be more specific which one is it? 2 are listed as blue tooth and the other 2 are Broadcom and Realtek

 

Looks like you have broadcom chip as well and wi-fi is just fine in normal use conditions. It kind of struggles when you are too far from the router.

 

Had a series 9 for about a week and a half and had several problems. Wifi was crap. Replaced with a 6300 card from Intel (3rd antenna was added) and signal strength and speed improved but still not compared to my MBP and Lenovo T61P. I think the problem inherently lies with the case on this. The antennas are quite short and sit within the lower portion of the case surrounded by the duraluminum. Also, spend hours trying to figure out how to instant search in Outlook and apparently Samsung did not delete temporary files in which they had a script that started and then stopped indexing. However, upon removing that file my trackpad stopped working and neither drivers from synaptics or samsung could get it working. I also acquired the micro HDMI to VGA dongle that is the official samsung part and at work I was unable to use a single projector. I think the output is too low to make long cable runs. The dongle only worked for cables shorter than 6 ft or so with external monitors. If you need to make several presentation a year like I do, this may not be an optimal solution. I did purchase a USB to VGA adapter from bestbuy and that did solve the problem but it could not handle motion in Powerpoints very well.

With all said and done, I agree with many people that for $1600 this laptop was released really before it was ready and Samsung needs to make several improvements first and address some problems, which is sounds like they are starting to do. Like another review I read, it would be nice to have some indication whether via sound or a light the unit is charging or in sleep when the case is closed.

Now I am off to find a new laptop.

 

Can't disagree with your summary. I have spent considerable time in the last 2 days looking for an alternative. I keep coming back to the Samsung Series 9 though BUT it definitely has limitations/defects that a high-end notebook should not have.

 

I agree with you, i sendt mine back too.
I really wish everyone would do the same, then samsung could not ignore the problem anymore, and maybe then the wifi issue would be solved.

 

I would also suggest to post a lousy review on their WEB site plus that of Amazon. May be they will get the message.

By the way it is certainly NOT the Broadcom card. I have an A04US with the Intel card built on 31 May. Same issues on Wi Fi. Works great in my office. Go into the living room 30 feet away -- has 2 bars slow thru put. In the bedroom another 25 feet -- No signal. My X301 and iPad work flawlessly.

 

Sorry to hear that but not surprised. I nearly bought an A05US last night to give it a try. I assume that that has the same Intel 6230 that yours have so I would have just had to return it.

There are others more knowledgeable about the Intel Centrino adapters but basically the best two that Intel has now seem to be:
1. Intel 6230 (wireless+bluetooth) which offers minimal improvements over the Broadcom. This is in some (all?) of the new Series 9 models.
2. Intel 6300 (wireless only -- you lose bluetooth). This has 3 antenna instead of 2 like the other models and some (like Phil) have reported that the 6300 is working well enough for them. I don't want to give up bluetooth.