Samsung 9 Series laptop (ZX310 / 900X3A) unveiled

I am not confident with anything until I have it in my hands and am testing it. I have been assured of such as well so, until I say that I have tested it myself, I would not hold faith in anything.

 

I want to chime in, too: I am having all the aforementioned problems with my NP900X3A (model month April 2011). I bought the laptop and immediately, happy with my new, shiny toy, went to visit several small towns where WiFi-equipped hotels are common, but external WiFi adapters are not easily available. For a week I struggled with a machine that needed to be right under the access point (visited broom cupboards, staircase niches and other exotic spaces with this quite expensive and glamorous device in my hands.. ).

When I returned (quite frustrated) from my business trip, the notebook went to service and guys there promptly changed the WiFi card to Intel 6230. It improved the situation marginally. I was now able to connect at home - the furthest point of my flat from the rooter is 15m away, so not a great achievement and an excuse for 3 bar signal really, but better than being unable to connect altogether. However, I was still unable to connect to my work network. iPhone3G, MBAir, Uniwill laptop (5y/o), Asus EEE (the very first model) and HTC HD7 connect with 3 bar signal strength and work flawlessly.

I brought the laptop to the service centre but this time it was returned within a week with "no defect detected". Now the return period has expired and I am considering action through National Consumer Support Agency - my "work" laptop is unusable at work, Samsung has "tested" it in perfect conditions and apparently thinks that the wifi performance lack is normal (works 30m from router with no solid obstacles, so all is peachy!? WTH!?) and dealer will not exchange as the unit is stated being in perfect working order by the official service. An expensive mistake on my behalf, to trust Samsung with my business machine!

 

@Janus0070,

Your experience matches mine with my A03 Apr 2011 build. I tried going to Intel 6230 too with marginal improvement in wireless capabilities. I was able to return mine. These are definitely not ready for business use.

I would have said push the dealer or Samsung to replace it with a newer one, which does perform better (but still not as good as others) or have them replace it with another model as you need one with the "normal, expected" WiFi capabilities. But you've already reached out to both of them...

Samsung KNOWS about this problem and I can't believe that they are brushing people off with Intel Centrio 6230 upgrades.

 

Yes, it is remarkable behaviour from one of the largest electronics companies.. Regrettably, I seem to lack the necessary character traits to do more than I have done regarding dealers and servicemen - their answer was: no defects detected, so bugger off. My only option seems to be the National Consumer Support - they arrange an independent expert committee (2 experts, if I remember correctly) and evaluate the product. If their verdict is in my favour, the dealer has to reimburse the funds and pay around 500$ for the work of experts, if the verdict is not in my favour - I pay the 500$ and am left with the computer. The thing is - I am not sure if that 30m rule is a general specification and all the other devices exceed the minimum specs, or 30m are under the specs in which case the verdict would be 100% in my favour. It would stink to pay 500$ on top of the considerable notebook price. Frustrating as hell!

@ Series 9 Guy - despite the obviously abnormal situation (end user and buyer has to test the notebook on sellers behalf), I would not actually mind to do speedtests, connection stability checks etc. But I am really frustrated at this point with the attitude of the local dealer and service centre. It feels like I have bought a cheap, second hand or refurbished device, not a business class laptop. I am actually envious at this point that you guys are able to send the laptops back by the dozen, whereas I am forced to run around and try to prove to people that I am not a camel.

 

@Janus0700,

That does not sound like a fun exercise to have to go through. It's difficult enough to get action taken here in the USA.

Note the problem is not just the ability to connect from a remote access point. Other problems, even in the newer models, is
(#2) the fluctuation in the wifi signal strength when you're not close to router (you can get significantly different SpeedTest.net results in the same location) and
(#3) the difficulty in switching quickly to new networks (often have to reset the adapter or try a number of times). EDIT: I've just been really struggling with this right now. I could not get it to connect at 2.4GHz to my remote router. It took about 10 minutes of disabling the adapter and trying different things but what I think eventually solved it was plugging in the external Alfa USB wireless which appeared to wake it up

Items #2 and #3 will be difficult for you to prove but you could take screen shots of the results from testing #2.

All three of these are not problems in the Dell E6400, iPhone 4 and MacBook Pro that I've done testing with recently.

 

True - I have been kicking myself quite a lot for not buying a cheap netbook instead of this machine. It definitely has a "cool factor" but it has also been frustrating as hell.

Regarding #3 - I have encountered this issue a number of times at work and have always dismissed it as a problem with access points. But I will set up another router at home and experiment a bit (currently I have just one home router). Perhaps I can get results that are obvious enough to capture on camera and prepare some video material.

 

I have a similar result for my A04US. In my home office --next to the router = 6.3mbs which is the maximum my ATT service provides. Five bars with the internal 6230 and same with the Medialink USB adapter.

In the kitchen and bedroom which is 30 feet and through 2/3 walls --

• 6230 with 2 bars -- fails to connect
• Medialink USB connected directly to USB port on the right. 2 bars and 0.3mbs download
• Medialink USB connected 3 feet from the Sammie using its media mount - 2 bars but a solid 3mbs which is the same as my iPad.
  
  Nothing scientific but it may indicate that the dura-aluminum is distorting the WiFi antenna.
  

 

Are you sure you got a B01 then? No other users on this forum have posted about getting a B01 and I have not seen availability on a single website. Amazon now states that the B01 has not been released.

From the specs I've read the B01 is identical to the previous series except with a Intel Core i5-2467M 1.60GHz. I don't think there is a single i5-2467 of any brand available to buy now.

 

Absolutely sure it's the B01. The tag inside the machine (when I upgraded to 8gb Ram) stated it's the B01 with a June 2011 build date.

 

@ S9 Guy,

You will probably be interested in these results tested quite far away from my ASUS router on 2.4GHz band (one floor and 3 rooms away). These were all SpeedTest.net results to the same server every time and only a second or two apart. My max speed, per ISP, is 12 Mbps but the max that I get about 11.5 Mbps when I'm right next to the router.
#1. 0.8 Mbps
#2. 3 Mbps
#3. 11.5
#4. 5.9
#5. 2
#6. 8
#7. 0 (failed)
#8. 11.1
#9. 1.4
#10. 6.6 (did not complete)
#11. 4.1 (did not complete)

Two interesting things here:
1. The fluctuation in the results which is REALLY bad (which I've reported before).
2. The two results in tests #3 and #8 where I got full speed scores. There was one little thing that I did for these two tests -- I TOOK THE BACK OFF!!!

This limited set of tests would indicate that the case is the problem but that that the problem can be solved by just replacing the back? The back is supposed to be Duralim too (although it just feels like steel plate, like the cover on my PC case, with a rubber finish on outside).

Another thing is that it might be not the Duralim but that the back is touching the motherboard or some other connector somewhere and causing this interference in some way. I'm going to take a look and see if there's some strategic spots where I could put electrical insulating tape on the inside of the back cover.

So how about Samsung producing a back of a different material?? Shouldn't be too difficult for them. I wish I could get a spare back from Samsung --- would love to get another one and drill many holes in it and see how that works.

 

Samsung,

I sure hope you're monitoring this thread. After days, no, actually weeks of testing, I can tell you what is causing the weak WiFi.

The problem has been speculated and postulated upon by myself and others but IMO I am now sure what impacts my WiFi -- it's the notebook case or, to be even more specific, it's the base/back cover!

The solution: Replace the back with a different material that does not impact WiFi or move the antenna into the plastic screen bezel. And then do a recall ASAP to fix this problem.

There are a couple of variations that might work:
1. place the antenna under the keyboard and see it that helps (as S9 Guy has suggested)
2. making holes or slits in the case especially around the antenna ends so that the data packets can get in/out. This could be a metal cutout that gets replaced by plastic insert -- could still be elegant solution (if it works)
3. I need to add a GOOD option based on what phil1980 said later " I still think that the most effective and elegant solution is to place the antenna leads into the plastic screen bezel. It will have ~180 degrees of unobstructed by duralumin space for waves to spread and will also benefit from a high top position (thanks to an open screen)." I think that this would probably be the cheapest option for Samsung to service.

That's it. I think I'm done testing... If anyone has any questions, let me know.

I think that everyone who has WiFi issues should contact Samsung Tech Support and open a case. Don't return the S9 for service for "weak WiFi" until you know what the service will be. For example, installing an Intel Centrino 6230 will not solve the problem.

 

I asked cause i looked at this topic:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/samsung/582153-samsung-series-9-11-6-thread-np900x1a-a01us.html

Im really interested in the 11.6" so i will keep an eye in both topics until we have something more conclusive about the wifi issue.
I wish i have one right now so i could check the antenna position.
Regards,
Rwurdig.

 

Rwurdig,
I understand the scepticism but, in my opinion, it's NOT the antenna position that matters. One WILL have weak WiFi wherever it's positioned in the case but it might be slightly better if it got under the keyboard. I have tried the antenna in many positions inside the case (except under the keyboard).

The only ways that one can get good WiFi on a Series 9 (when one is not right next a router), is by
1. using an USB wireless adapter
2. taking the base/back cover off
3. connecting antenna leads and having them hanging outside the case (I posted a picture of that test a while back)

(Note to self: Stop posting here now. It's not good for blood pressure)

 

G'nite Kalahari,
Im not being sceptical, when i asked was sometime ago, u guys didnt had that much test like now, or maybe i did let someting pass, i didnt read all the 192 posts (my bad, but its too many posts) so this was the reason i asked. Since i was looking for an 11.6" and the only guy that have one, posted that he didnt have wifi problems, thats why i asked.
Im not being pick, if it appears to be that i apologize it wasnt my intention.
Im just trying to cover all the questions, i live in Brazil and after i bought if i have any kind of problems it will be hard to get it fixed, so im just trying to cover all the possibilities.
Im going in mid august, so unfortunally i cant wait for the Asus UX21 to decide between both, i will keep an eye here and if u guys say its still have the problems when i arrive in august, then i think i will change my buy
Regards,
Rwurdig.

 

Chuckle. It's not just 192 posts, it's 192 pages of posts!! This is one long thread...

Yes, you're right to try to get answers on the 11.6" model before making a purchase (but I would be very surprised if it did not have the same issues).

When I first got mine, I thought I did not have WiFi problems -- it took me a day or two to figure that out...

 

kalahari, thank you for all your hard work. Samsung owes you big time.

I agree with you that the case is causing a problem, but if it is only the back cover that is causing the problem, then why does the signal drop off intermittently when you leave the laptop in one place? Obviously, the original Broadcom adapter was a poor one, but do I understand you correctly? Do you see this fluctuation with the new Intel adapter, as well?

I've noticed this today. Without touching the laptop, the Wi-Fi signal strength (and speed) fluctuates wildly. I don't recall ever seeing this with my other laptop. If both adapters do this, can there be a third problem with the Wi-Fi that hasn't been uncovered yet?

 

I would speculate that due to interference generated by the back cover many data packets are lost and therefore the indicated network quality fluctuates depending on whatever packets got through from the sent and received ones.. Could that be the case?

 

That is my speculation too. I think that it's still the back cover. The fluctuation does not happen if you are using a USB wireless adapter. I didn't do a lot of testing of it, but I did not see fluctuation either when I hooked another pair of antenna to the Intel Centrino 6230 and let the antenna leads dangle outside the case.

Apart from replacing the entire back cover, there are two other alternatives that Samsung (or somebody else) could try:
1. place the antenna under the keyboard and see it that helps (as S9 Guy has suggested)
2. making holes or slits in the case especially around the antenna ends so that the data packets can get in/out

SamCat, I think that answered your questions too.

 

I too had been very interested in buying this when available back in April. Thankfully, I kept daily tabs on this forum to see what issues there might be if any. From day one, it appeared to be the wifi. Since I was going to be using as primarily wifi, I wasn't about to drop $1500 on a premier laptop that was broken. I waited and waited, keeping a watchful eye on this forum hoping that Samsung would rectify the problem. If it is indeed the back/bottom of the case that is the issue, and replacing with some other material (ie: plastic), thats going to an expensive refit/retool for them. Not to mention if it is plastic it gotta be thicker than the current material being used which is going to change the looks and feel. Based on this info I won't be waiting around for the fix.
This is one very good example of why this forum is the best around and if your interested in buying a laptop, you have the resources available to help guide you to your decision. Thanks everyone.

 

I have finally come to a speedtest between a 2010 Sony Z series vs the 2011 Samsung 9 A03 model. The wireless router is approximately 4 feet away from my desk in the office.

Sony Z: 24mbps down, 4 mbps upload

samsung 9: 4 mbps down, 4 mbps upload

I am officially returning this computer to Amazon and will wait for the results of others for the B series or look into other machines. The Samsung is by far the nicest notebook I've ever used and I'd hate to give it back, but the poor wifi is awful for a $1600 computer.

 

Not sure, unless S9 Guy will explain in details what is "under the keyboard" means. I have my third antenna located next to RAM modules (which is exactly under keyboard) without any visible difference. Another meaning of "under the keyboard" might be to remove the main board from the case and find the place for antennas on the top of this board, which I find too effortful.

Not gonna work. You will need to replace a whole bottom plate to see significant results. Radio waves are not the water - it needs more than hole(s) to get through.

3. I still think that the most effective and elegant solution is to place the antenna leads into the plastic screen bezel. It will have ~180 degrees of unobstructed by duralumin space for waves to spread and will also benefit from a high top position (thanks to an open screen).

 

I don't know about the "under the keyboard" option. I think he meant lifting up the keyboard and placing the antenna there.

How about large plastic inserts in the back cover, maybe 2"x2" each, with an antenna end located directly onto those plastic inserts?

Yes, this option does sound like a good one! Samsung should be able to test this. I can't.

I have just been tweeted by Samsung rep and am supposed to get call from Product Specialist today. We'll see if I do...

 

Has anyone who knows anything about this sort of stuff found anything meaningful - or at least interesting - by googling "duralumin" and "interference" or "radio interference"?

 

Anyone think with the "refreshes" coming out part of the wireless problem will be fixed? For sure they won't release MORE series 9s with issues right out of the box?

 

No, I have a "refreshed" model and these (1) weak WiFi and (2) fluctuating WiFi strengths issues have not been solved. I would fully expect Samsung to continue selling the models with these problems...

I have been in contact with Samsung Tech Support last night and again today. Even thought the "product specialist" that I spoke to today was pretty knowledgeable, it annoyed me when we started the call and he told that installing the Intel Centrino 6230 is their solution -- I told him that my A05 came with that adapter...

I gave him all my findings and the recommendations from myself, phil1980 and S9 Guy. I gave him details of the routers that I'd tested with and that I had used it in hotels too. I gave him a lot of info about what test configurations make a difference and what doesn't.

He said he would take those to the US Product Specialist (who's in training for the next few days ) I have stressed that I really want to talk to this person...

 

If you guys want to get some action -- start posting some bad reviews of the WIFI issues on the Samsung site.

Only 5 real negative reviews out of 34.... Says there is no problem..

They will post it if you write a reasonable review -- aka Radar

 

You mean post if you can

My NP900X3A-A05US model does not even exist on the USA Samsung site so I can't even register it...

 

NP900X3A-B01US seems to be available at abt.com. Ready to ship when you call them (not listed on website). B2 is in stock. I wanted to know if these new models have Wimax like the old models. B models seem to be free of Wifi issues.

Peter

 

Peter,
Couple of points for you to consider:
1. Check out abt.com's return policies. I think they charge 15% restocking fee.
2. I would say these do not have WiMAX as that would mean that they have the Intel Centrino 6250 adapter. That adapter does not have bluetooth and this B01 has bluetooth (so it's more likely to have the 6230). It's actually tough to find the specs but these look they could be good?
3. Why do you think these seem to be free of WiFi issues? The cases are Duralumin. I'm not saying that Samsung hasn't fixed them but they were made available in June 2011 -- just like my A05 model which still has WiFi issues.

 

Somebody wrote on the German Amazon site that the WiFi signal strength depends on the settings in the energy options. If you set it to max. performance, the WLAN signal strength shouldn't be an issue.

Can anyone confirm this?

 

Yes, I can confirm that does not help. I know the setting and run mine at max performance. WLAN signal strength is not issue if you're closer to the router. Maybe that's what they were talking about.

 

Quick, SIMPLE question (I promise I searched forum first...).

I see fromspecs that this computer has built in webcam which can be used for Skype, etc. However, I can not find any answer to my question:

Does this also have a built-in mic to use w/ the camera for web chat? My POS netbook has this so I don't need to drag along a USB headset/mic or such.

One of the reasons to buy an ultra-light like this is not drag around as muich crap (I mean, peripherals). While certainly not a deal-breaker, it would be nice not to need to wear a headset for all Skype calls (at least when privacy is not an issue- like in a hotel room.

thanks.

 

It does have a built-in mic.

 

nagyg is correct and I can confirm that it works well with Skype...

 

Just got my laptop shipped from Costco, 3-day ship time... Just doing the initial setup, didn't connect the WiFi yet, and I am new to SSD world, so I have a quick question. My search did not reveal a straight answer, I thought I would ask here:

Is there any reason to deviate from the recommended partitions for SSD (size 256GB)? Mine says 87GB for C, and 131 for D patitions...

Thanks for your advice.

 

See John's advice below on keeping the two partitions. That might work better for most.

I had originally posted: There is no reason to have two partitions on a SSD (or even hard drive) of this size. I just made it one C: drive.

 

Today's Abt.com site lists the -B02US as model being shipped.
Costco.com lists the -A03US version.

It may be too soon to tell but is "B" really "better" than "A". Is it worth waiting for?
Also, Costco sells the i7/6GB RAM version whereas Abt only has the i5/4GB RAM version. (albeit at appropriate price differentials).

ONE OTHER INTERESTING OBSERVATION:
Costco.com lists a "3 year warranty" which is what Samsung site and every other retailer lists. However, Abt lists a "1 year warranty" with the option to purchase a SquareTrade 3 yr warranty ($200) or 3 yr + "accident coverage" warranty ($400). These are the same price that AppleCare offers for their similar coverage for a MBA.

One of the things that REALLY bothers me is that every review of N900 vs. MBA whines about "how much more expensive" the N900 is vs. MBA. But when you add warranty upcharge and RAM/processor upcharges to MBA (and a Win7 OS, for me at least) then the MBA really is MORE expensive than N900 in an "apples to apples" comparison.

Also, bit of a rhetorical question but- does EVERYONE have a WiFi problem w/ N900 or just those on this forum?
Just not that much "noise" out there about this for what would seem like a deal-breaker problem for most biz travelers (i.e., no WiFi)

 

Kalahari, thanks for all the great stuff you've shared.
I have had a S9 for two months (April build) and am one of the lucky ones who hasn't got a real problem. I get 14 mbps download speed at 20 feet. I also tried a usb dongle and the speed was about the same. I do have weaker longer distance reception (100 feet or more) than with my old Dell. But I'm overall pretty happy. I was going to return this 128g unit to Costco and get a 256, but am afraid of the uncertainty of the wifi issue.
My question to you is this: Why do you think some of the builds like mine don't have the issue? We all have the duralumin case. I know your position on the cause and respect it, but why don't all S9's have the issue?

 

Perhaps, 20' away is not a good test. Go a little farther away and see how your signal strength drops. There are spots in my house where the Samsung can barely hold onto the signal. None of the other laptops in our house have any problem at all.

Even with a "g" adapter, my old laptop (4 years old) is at least twice as fast as the Samsung. Remember, the Samsung is equipped with an "n" adapter, which should be faster and should have a greater range.

 

Finished the initial setup on my S9.

By the way, yes, the costco model is A05 with i7 processor, although the model number is listed as A03 on the website.

The model number on the bottom has an explicit date "May 2011" with a matching digit (5) in the serial no.

Optional micro-HDMI to VGA dongle is not included, and the original Samsung part is apparently hard to find. I am checking my options for VGA projector connections.

WiFi connected to my home network fine from several rooms. The speed seems normal given my ISP speed. I am curious how it will connect to the work wireless network tomorrow.

Overall, the quality/feel of the keyboard is the key for me and S9's is pretty good, although it does not match the Thinkpad's, but close.

I will continue to follow this thread, but wanted to thank everyone very much for all the info shared so far.

 

Congrats on the A05.

The VGA dongle is available from a number of online stores. Search for "AA-AH0NAMB" in Google product search. Here's two of the cheapest options that claim to have it in stock AztekComputers and CDW.com.

 

The B model is different to the A model. Apart the processor, the biggest difference appears to be the warranty period.

The A models have a 3-year warranty and the B models have 1-year warranty. Have not looked at prices recently but that accounted for at least $200 difference in price. Abt has 15% restocking fee which probably helps them keep costs down.

I've made my opinion well known on the WiFi. I have not seen a SINGLE person, who does significant testing outside of home or in "remoter" locations in the home, who has NOT reported this problem. I'll say it again. It manifests itself as (1) being unable to connect to "distant" routers and (2) the WLAN speed fluctuates dramatically. It cannot compare to five other WiFi-enabled devices that I've tested (including a USB wireless adapter).

 

Agree with what SamCat said.
You have quoted one test compared to a Dell. It should not be weaker than the Dell or anything else out there. That's your first indication. Try doing a couple more comparisons further away from the router.
1. You can transfer a large file (say 4GB) from one device (PC or Dell) close router to the distant S9 and then compare that to having Dell distant far from router.
2. Run Speedtest.net tests on S9 far from router. Run the test a number of times. Compare to Dell. You will see, probably significant, fluctuation in the S9 results. But with the Dell, you will see higher speeds and very little fluctuation in the results.
As others have pointed out, where this "hurts", is when you're traveling and trying to connect to access points.

 

I think one of the main differences is that the A has 3 years warranty and the B has only 1. The 3 years is independent of where you buy (= Manufacturer Warranty) - sometimes the dealers do not list the warranty correctly...

After comparing the S9 with similar models from Apple and Lenovo I also no longer thought that it was overly expensive. I ended up repurchasing it (after having returned one to COSTCO because of the weak Wifi and an issue with the screen backlighting)

 

I have done a bunch of comparisions myself with Lenovo laptops and I second this.

 

Greetings everyone,

This is my first post on notebookreview's forum and i wanted to mention that this is a very insightful, useful, and well organized forum with a lot of contributing members who share their knowledge and wisdom and ask for nothing in return. I just want to say i respect and admire that.

I would be grateful if someone can answer a couple of concerns that i have regarding the Samsung series 9 notebook (900X3A). First of all, I'm planing to buy one from London and i was wondering, what if i bought an external USB adapter that has WiFi N capabilities would that solve the issue of the poor integrated Intel's WiFi card (Or will the duralumin casing still conflict or obstruct the WiFi signal?). Secondly, if i decided to use any other wireless connection beside WiFi (i.e. 3G) in order to have an internet connection would the duralumin casing still contradict with the signal.

Thanks in advance

 

Can't talk to 3G but the external USB adapter works perfectly. I suggest buying a dual band one with g/n WiFi capabilities. Also don't get one too fat otherwise the side of the laptop will be raised and you'll put pressure on the little flap. You may want to look at one that uses a USB connecting cable like the Alfa's.

 

Hi I use a Orange 3G adaptor and the signal is not harmed by the case as the antenna is outside. Just mind the USB connection: as they lay a bit back due to the 'flaps', my dongle is a bit too big and I have to use a cable (male/female) to connect it.

 

I like the separate partitions in order to segregate user files from the operating system. If you restore the C: using the Samsung Recovery Solution then it will replace whatever is there, including all your user files if you have only one partition and there is no where else to put them. SRS also stores the user backups on D:

John

 

This was meant as a response to kalahari, forgot to quote...

Thanks. It seems I am getting a pretty strong wifi on mine. Nice to be able to report that I haven't seen a lot of difference on strength and speed from S9 as compared to my now-retired Thinkpad (across four different networks since yesterday).

And, I am enjoying it. It is pretty nice to be viewed by all in the family as "cool" just due to this, although I know it will last only a day or two.