Samsung 9 Series laptop (ZX310 / 900X3A) unveiled

After doing a little bit of research myself, I ended up doing a partition with this specific idea in mind (all user/data files go to D)...

 

John,
Your partitioning advice is good.

I made a note in my earlier response.

 

WHY would they downgrade warranty from 3 years to 1 year? That was one of their strong-points in almost every professional review. Obvious answer is COST... but now they have effectively added $200 to price of laptop, which DOES make it more $$$$ than similarly outfitted MBA - which has 1 1 yr warranty, as well. (albeit P9 has backlit keyboard and a USB 3.0 port).

Were they they trying to please their retailers (who can now sell more extended warranties?) Did they figure "A" series was "beta" so better give extended warranty to sweeten deal) but "B" series is now established so no need to be "nice"?

Perhaps 3rd party warranty is better service, anyway but certainly adds $200 to price.

My experience past few years is that ALL consumer electronics are now made with lowest-bid parts and are disposable so I buy a warranty to cover for as long as I intend to use product- for a phone that might be 1-2 years. computer 2-3 years. Perhaps with the exception of ultra-high end. pro stuff there is almost NO such thing as "quality", anymore. Perhaps they're just giving in to reality that most electronics are "outdated" within 1-3 years so why bother building something expected to last any longer than that?

Since credit card automatically doubles mfr's warranty, I guess you could argue it really comes with a 2-year warranty?

 

"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)"


The existing users with B01 model agree with kalahari? Is it safe to assume new B models have only one year warranty and no Wimax?? can any one confirm the Centrino adapter model?


Peter

 

A03 and B01 differ $300 in price too. After discount, the price difference is now $150-$180 (B01 $1300 at J&R, A03 $1450 at various places including Datavision). Then with Amex you get 2-year warranty. And B01 has a newer i5 CPU which is faster. For people who want 256 SSD with 8G RAM, B02 is the optional to go (add one more 4G to reach 8G). A05 has 6G RAM which is odd.

I'm leaning towards B01 compared with A03 or B02 (SSD instead of PCI, a little heavier). However it's still not available.

 

This is for now my last post as I no longer have a sammy. My sammy came back from the Texas Samsung repair unit & yes they changed the card to 6230 and there was a slight improvement in the wireless range. In the mean time I bought a Toshiba R835-p58x & it had a intel 1000 card so I replaced it with a new 6230 so side by side in my attached garage the Toshiba played youtube video just fine without ever stuttering. but the Sammy would play 10 secs stop & play for another 10 secs. stop over & over' They both had the same 6230 card so it has to be the antenna. goodbye. jimjoh

 

I got my A01 in Sweden a few days ago, it came with the Intel Centrino 6230 card already installed (it has the correct marking on the bottom case for it). Somewhat decent connection speeds using the 2.4 GHz band:

6' - 50 Mbit/s
9' - 20 Mbit/s
13' (closet and concrete wall) - 14 Mbit/s

using the 5 GHz band resulted, as expected, in higher speed close to my D-link 825 and down to 8 Mbit/s behind the concrete wall subsequently.

Opened it up to check the RAM and it doesn't use the same module as the US version does. Inside there's a Nanya NT4GC64B8HB0NS-CG which sadly comes at a hefty $324.


One question though, which performance mode is recommended when running on battery? Long battery life or Samsung optimized? If using the Samsung optimized do I really need to do anything? If i want higher performance I just plug in the power cable, right?

 

So the B models don't have any WiFi issues?

 

This is excellent news for Series 9 owners wanting the best!

Maximum PC | RunCore Rolls Out Industry's First SATA 6Gbps mSATA SSD

 

B01 is available abt.com (phone sales). Try calling them if you ware waiting to get B01 version. You think B02 has PCI-e based SSD?
I called tech support at Samsung and no one has a clue about Wimax and 1 year warranty etc.; Hoping to hear from them in few days.
I will get either B01 or B02 next week. Samsung has got the best looks/performance out of all I have seen so far (including Sony Z and Macbook air).

 

So theirs going to be a refresh gen 2 for the 11", is their going to be one on the 13" with fixed wifi?

If so when is the release date?

 

Has anyone noticed that Costco has removed the Samsung 9 (900X3A-A05US) from their online availability. Do you think they had too many returned? Are they waiting for a REAL wireless fix before selling it? Mine went back to Costco last month due to a touchpad failure. But the wireless issue kept me from ordering another one.

 

I returned my AO5 to Costco last week because of the horrible Wifi situation and they sure didn't act surprised! My guess is that mine certainly wasn't the first S9 that had been returned!

Better wake up, Samsung.......

 

I will send someone a free pizza if they help me solve this. I reformatted the drive and lost the magic partition before I knew not to. I then have installed Windows 7 Pro 64 bit. I have installed every driver and update over 10 times forwards and backwards. But no matter what I do when the "wifimanager.exe" file loads my machine freezes.


Also Not that this is related, but I when I try to install the firmware update it just hangs at "Preparing Bios Update"

Also please know I have reformatted and started over several times.

Please help, a pizza awaits!!!

 

What kinda Pizza??

 

Also of note, if I change the compatibility of wifimanager.exe to windows server 2008 if will work, but when I click on either "FastStart" or "Battery Life Extender", the app will crash. I know wifimanager is like a parent app, so maybe I am missing something to get these two apps working.

 

Do I need to install either FastStart or Battery Extender also? I dont see them available for windows764bit.

 

I noticed that too... but I also noticed it is either "not listed at all" or listed as "out of stock" or "backordered" on virtualyy every other major online seller, as well. I kinda figured that perhaps they were just "sold out" of the A05 run and the B-series units have just not made it thru production/distribution, yet. I need to pull the trigger on SOMETHING within 2-3 weeks to have it in time for an extended trip so starting to get a little antsy and feeling backed into a corner.

Since major problem seems to be the WiFi (which is a Moot point during 30+ hrs of air travel... each way), Plan was to buy S9 and just get an external USB WiFi adapter as a workaround for when/if reception problems arise.

You make a good point, though--- are the "sold oout" or "pulled"?

 

Anything is possible, but in my experience when Costco runs out of something, it just disappears from their website.

 

Hi again,

I am wondering what the experts say on this: In terms of connecting S9 to projectors/monitors/TVs, there seems to be several alternatives:
- Get a micro-HDMI to VGA for projectors, micro-HDMI to HDMI for TVs and other LCDs
- USB to VGA/HDMI/DVI which may handle both projector and TV/LCD connections (usually cheaper than a micro-HDMI to VGA adapter alone)

I used video adapters before like the ones in option 1, but don't have much experience with USB-based adapters. If anybody used any of these alternative options for S9, I would appreciate their feedback.

Thanks in advance.

 

I have used a micro-HDMI to HDMI adaptor for an external LCD monitor and it works well.

 

I concur. I haven't used my VGA adapter yet but haven't needed to as the HDMI one has worked well.

 

FYI. It's not just the A05 model that they don't have listed any more. The A03 listing was removed at much the same time.

 

I use this: Amazon.com: Mediabridge - High Speed Micro-HDMI to HDMI Cable with Ethernet - 6ft - Motorola Droid X - HTC EVO: Electronics

 

Thanks. I like the idea of using a cable directly (instead of an adapter) to go from micro-HDMI to HDMI. Then, I searched for HDMI to VGA adapter/cable (for all the projector connections) to see if I can bypass the micro-HDMI to VGA adapter. My search always lead to VGA to HDMI adapters that are problematic or expensive. I will go with the micro-HDMI to VGA adapter if I have to, but wanted to check if there is an alternative like an HDMI to VGA adapter that I missed in my search. I still keep USB adapters in mind but I am trying to reduce clutter/weight... Thanks in advance.

 

Its just as well my husband loves the laptop because as the IT person in our work, I have to keep it working. We have had to send one back because the middle third of the screen became completely pixellated.

It's replacement - doesn even know it has a WLAN card - cant find it. So is there a nice person who could tell me which drivers should I download - there are too many choices....

We have Windows 7 on the laptop.

Windows 7(64bit) 14.1.1.3 Wireless LAN,INTEL 07 Jun, 2011
Windows 7(64bit) 5.60.350.21 Wireless LAN,BROADCOM 28 Jan, 2011

Windows 7(32bit) 5.60.350.21 Wireless LAN,BROADCOM 28 Jan, 2011
Windows 7(32bit) 14.1.1.3 Wireless LAN,INTEL 07 Jun, 2011

He uses the USB - VGA for his projector - a little clunky but it works well.

 

My Samsung micro - HDMI to VGA works fine on my monitor. I also bought a cheap micro-HDMI-HDMI cable on Amazon that works fine.

 

I somehow managed to turn off bluetooth on my A04 -- anyone know how to turn it back on? Samsung support has been trying to figure this out for the last 40 minutes...

 

You have tried function key + F12? (turn on/off wifi/bluetooth)

If that does not work try to check if the bluetooth driver is working in device management (control panel under system)

The driver could easily be reinstalled by the Samsung Recovery Solution program if needed.

Good luck

 

HDMI is a digital connection. VGA is an analog. Most likely you wouldn't be able to find a direct (Micro-)HDMI CABLE to VGA that will work for you - only HDMI to/from DVI. Otherwise, it has to be a converter.

VGA to HDMI cables that are available on the market should be used to send a DIGITAL signal from your VGA card to HDMI input (your graphic card should support this). Some devices can support a digital signal through D-SUB (VGA) connector, some supports analog connection through HDMI, but they are not very common.

HDMI & Micro-HDMI are absolutely the same type of connections with the different plugs.

In other words, unfortunately you will have to carry an adapter if you plan to send a digital signal from your S9 to analog device.

Check this: http://www.hdfury.com/

 

Samsung laptop is great

 

What model do you have A03, A05, etc.? Does not impact, just wondering.

I have only heard of these laptops coming with Win 7 64bit. You can check on Control Panel > System and Security > System page to see what you have.

So you don't see an Intel or Broadcom device under Network Adapters in Device Manager huh?

On the bottom of case, you'll see intel, windows, serial #, etc. engraved in the cover. If you have Broadcom adapter, you'll see it there -- otherwise use the Intel drivers.

 

I just spent like 45 minutes and 17 different screwdrivers or flat heads and i couldn't get to the intel card. The thing is so freaken small

Does anyone know where I can buy online the screwdriver to unscrew the card. I would like to install the 6230 into my system. I had no problems with the 4GB upgrade

 

Any micro screwdriver set from any tool or electronics store...

 

Just got my series 9 (A03US) last week... updated my router to the new Cisco Linksys e4200, and got my Intel Ultimate-N6300 wifi adapter in today as well. Will be getting it installed w/ a 3rd antenna, to try and take advantage of the new router. Also, should be getting in my Kingston HyperX 8GB 1866MHz RAM on Thursday (will have to see if/and how much hotter it runs)! Now just waiting till the Intel i7 2677M drops latter this fall, and will be all set.

 

hi there. I tried searching but no luck.

My 900x3a is over heating I guess.
It's 70 C right now with no load (but room temp is around 35 C I guess)

Touchpad is cool relatively but keyboard esp. around 5 6 7 keys (ouch) is getting very hot.

1-Is this normal? Should I take the machine to the service?
2-If not what should I check first? Any suggestions for the problem?
3-Fan is working but in a very very silent way. Any ideas?

 

New update through Samsung Update Plus: Samsung Support Center Add-on Feature.

 

Check if Silent mode is on and if "yes", disable it. You can do it in Samsung Control Center (Fn+F1) or in BIOS setup.

 

It sounds really strange. It should take approximately 1 minute after removing the back plate: remove black data cord covering the wi-fi card, unscrew two (in my case - just one) Philips screws. Carefully slide the card to the left. That's it!

P.S. We made it to 200! Congrats, friends!

 

silent mode was disabled from the start. when I enable it fan stops. Now I came home (a little bit cooler) and temp is around 59 - 60 C idle.

are these values normal?

 

what do you think...is upgrade of RAM from 4GB to 8GB really "worth it" ($80-120) for this unit since SSD is already pretty darn fast? i5 vs i7? BIG price jump, there? I DO plan to do fair amount of "basic" photoshop/lightroom and possibly even some video editing. Still, if "occassionally" waiting a few more seconds is the only real difference, probly not worth $200-700?

 

The honest answer is that you won't visually realize much, if any difference between 4 and 8GB because of the way Win7 allocates memory now. The SSD is fast and the difference from the HDD upgrade will amaze you as it is.

 

They are both back.

 

=( any ideas?

 

I am so on the fence with this..I absolutely love this laptop and am getting a really good deal if I decide to get it, but I'll be going to college which gives us free access to their wi-fi..so all my internet comes from wi-fi. Is it dumb to buy this laptop in my situation?

 

If you do not mind having a USB WiFi adapter sticking out of your expensive laptop, go for it. IMHO the machine is very versatile and I like the way it looks and feels. WiFi is a problem for me, but I have gotten used to my USB nano adapter by now.

 

Hi,

I have an April build AO3 and am totally mad about it. I probably have the WiFi problem (~80% signal at 10 foot and one wall distance) but I don't mind. Altough I use it for my job, I haven't been in a critical situation yet but will by a USB nano if necessary.

As Janus0070: the looks, the feel, the speed, this computer is a real bomb. Touching it is a very 'physical' experience for me!

My other computers are a Toshiba Qosmio i7 and a Dell Vostro i5 but the Sammy is my preferred by far!

 

Although I cannot go into detail, I can state that this problem is still front and center with Samsung and there will be solutions in the future which will account for those purchased and newer models.

Unfortunately, I cannot pass on anything new relating to a fix in place just yet. As with all large entities, there are different 'cycles' which must be followed before final implementation of a resolve. (EGAD I am starting to sound like them!)

I know this doesn't help but also understand that many are here and waiting for something.

 

can someone tell me what the sensors (tz00 - tz01) measure temp while the notebook is idle?

 

Anyone?

I'm looking to buy a 13" UL laptop and I want to know if there is going to be a refresh on the 13" series 9 with fixed wifi, if not I'm going to buy the new Macbook Air or wait for the Asus UX31 if it has a backlit keyboard.