Samsung 9 Series laptop (ZX310 / 900X3A) unveiled

At least for the nordic market, I got a message from Samsung that NP900X3A-B01SE will have the new design. I guess "SE" is a type that will be sold in Sweden and Norway, and maybe some of the other nordic/scandinavian countries.

 

That's interesting. So it looks like the model numbers will be effectively not change (still NP900X3A-B01xx). In the USA, they are NP900X3A-B01US.

Build month: If/when you get it, can you tell us what the 9th digit in the serial # is? That used to indicate the "build month" or the build month might be still be printed on the back.

 

I think that we might start hearing about some other European countries that will have the new model soon but it looks like Samsung will not change the model #.

One indicator, of the new model, would be that it has the Intel 6300 WiFi adapter (instead of the Intel 6230 or Broadcom).

 

I ran some tests today on my 900X3A and am hoping to get some help understanding them from the more experienced folks on this forum who have been analyzing the WiFi problems. I am a little stumped by what I'm observing.

Facts:

(1) The Samsung has always had poor WiFi reception, and often has trouble connecting to my router, even though it is not far from my office
(2) I have an old Lenovo X300, which gets better WiFi reception and works fine in the office
(3) The Samsung was sent in for repair and got replaced with an Intel 6230, which only had a nominal improvement, if any.

So far, this is the same story that everyone else has been reporting. Here, however, is the twist:

Since there are no further solutions available from Samsung, and my laptop is non-returnable, I decided to get a USB WiFi adapter. I got three wireless N USB adapters to try: the Linksys AE2500, the Dlink 131, and the the truly tiny AirLink101 AWLL5088.

I then ran tests against Speed Test online. Here are the results:

Lenovo X300, inbuilt WiFi: 11Mbps.
Lenovo X300, USB adaptors: 9-10Mbps

Samsung, inbuilt WiFi: 1.7Mbps
Samsung, USB adaptors: 2 -3Mbps

I don't understand this. Clearly, the USB adaptors work fine in the Lenovo. Yes put them into the Samsung, and the speed plummets. This seems to directly contradict the prevailing duraluminum casing theory, which I'm sure has been verified multiple times. I've tried three different adapters, so it's not the adapter.

The laptop is charging during the test, so it's not some weird USB power setting issue. What gives? It's not as if it's a WiFi bus issue, because the Samsung will get high speeds if it is placed right next to the router. The Lenovo, of course, works fine - USB or no USB.

Could someone please suggest an explanation for this?

 

I observed the same behaviour with D-Link DWA-131 and I remember somebody else also saying that the USB adaptor works better if it is a bit removed via extension USB cable from the ultrabook itself. However, for me even the extension cable does not improve the situation. It is weird indeed. Somehow it seems that the interference is active, not passive and creates a sort of bubble around the laptop. Of course, that might also be due to the casing.

 

I bought this "High Gain" wifi adapter from tp link and it works very well with the Samsung, I can see many additional wifi networks and got 5 bars for most of the spots that I expect to connect.

Adapter: TL-WN422G - Welcome to TP-LINK

 

Forgive me the pun, but that must look really swell when plugged into the black and slim Samsung Well, at least it works..

 

I recently bought a 900x1b which is the 11inch model in Germany.
WiFi is terrible at home. Downloads speeds are 10kb/s if the connection stays connected at all. I had to run speedtest.net tests several times for it to successfully absolve it.

Strangely though the WiFi runs really well on my university WiFi (eduroam) in the UK. I tested with speedtest.net and I got 20Mbps Up and 20Mbps Down, while my HTC Desire gets 18/12Mbps. This is actually quite good and in total contrast to any other WiFi network I used before, where the 900x1b would plummet. Back at home I cannot even stay connected for a minute.


So it seems to me that the WiFi problem has a dependency on the nature of WiFi provided.

This is all really weird.

 

I don't really care about the look I only keep the key with me while travelling as a backup in case of weak wifi signal. 75% of the time the built-in wifi performs good enough for me (but it should be 100% !)

 

bought this one from Monoprice for $11.00 and been seeing 25 MBps download/3-4MBps up - think it was Eppsing or Kalahari that suggested it

For only $9.42 each when QTY 50+ purchased - Mini USB Wireless Lan 802.11N Adapter - 1T2R (300Mbps) | USB Network Adapters - Wireless (300Mbps)

then went back and bought a smaller one and it's showing similiar speeds

For only $6.96 each when QTY 50+ purchased - Ultra-Mini USB Wireless Lan 802.11N Adapter - 1T1R (150Mbps) | USB Network Adapters - Wireless (150Mbps)

 

Found another bug with the touchpad, it seems the right click randomly stops working. Restarting or going to sleep mode and back fixes it but still a hassle.

 

hello, could you please recommend me sleeves for this laptop?
sorry if you talked about this before
I tried to use the "search this thread" option and wrote the word "sleeve" but have no results
thanks

 

i'm using this sleeve for when i carry the series 9 in a briefcase Amazon.com: Neoprene Skin Velcro Top Flip Sleeve with Additional Pocket (Grey) for the 13.3" Samsung Series 9 Laptop: Electronics

be careful, on the sleeve, some members here purch'd the same case in black, iirc, and found it was too large. mine in grey fit perfectly.

and this one for when i want something to carry it by itself Hard-Shell Nylon Case - SAMSUNG 13.3" Samsung Series 9 | eBay

 

Want to swap ultrabooks, perhaps? I am having trouble believing that these parameters can differ so much on one and the same design.. It must be something specific and I sure as hell wish that Samsung comes up with an answer soon.

 

my stats are no different than others reported when the wifi issue was hashed out quite a few pages back - (iirc, somewhere around p 163 was a good section)

the above figures are with the laptop about 20 ft from the router. If i walk down the hall about 45-50' distance, the laptop's wifi chip drops way down, and the USB wifi adaptor drops some but nowhere nearly as bad. But at that point, i've passed to the otherside of the incoming power lines (240V, 300amp svc panel) traveling across the basement ceiling - and i've never been able to get a wifi signal from the downstairs computer to this router, even with a D-link range extender. I've always suspected those power lines are emitting some sort of RF interference field.

if it helps, my router is an older Dlink DIR-655, no 5 Ghz band, just the 2.4 band

just ran the tests, samsung laptop on the couch, about 20 ft from the router, straight line of sight (no walls) both showing 25 Mbps DL and 4 UL

USB wifi adaptor test results http://www.speedtest.net/result/1526052814.png

Intel 6320 test result http://www.speedtest.net/result/1526056121.png

 

You people must be crazy. I used the "live chat" feature from the Samsung website and had the following conversation:

Juanita G: Hi, thanks for reaching out to Samsung tech support. How can I help you today?

Visitor: I am looking to buy a series 9 laptop, however, I've read numerous horrible reviews about the wifi in the computer. Has a fix been implemented on the newest models?

Juanita G: I am sorry; there are no issues on the wifi connectivity on series 9 laptop.

Visitor: You must not have one or have read any of the forums. I guess I'll go with the sony.

Juanita G: I am sorry; I understand your concern. However, if there is any issue, it will be fixed.

Visitor: when?

Juanita G: Would you mind holding a few minutes while I gather the required information for your request?

Visitor: ok

Juanita G: Thank you.
Juanita G: Thank you again for holding.

Juanita G: Please visit the link below to find troubleshooting steps regarding wireless connectivity issues:

Juanita G: http://support-us.samsung.com/cyber...-1!223989780!1761676444!7501!-1!1318294911265

Juanita G: Are you able to access the above link?

Visitor: Yes, however, that doesn't address what I understand it the root problem which is hardware issue with the computer.

Juanita G: I am sorry; there is no hardware issue with series 9 laptops.

Visitor: Ok. I'll get the Sony. Have a nice day or night wherever you are.

Juanita G: Can I help you with anything else?

Visitor: no

 

@wgbiii

That was pretty funny

Chat support is "level 1". You're lucky if they even knew what a Series 9 was... Most of Level 2 support, who get if you call Support are either not aware of any WiFi problem or will not admit to being aware of any weak WiFi problem. Some will admit to having heard of it...

I am fairly confident that Samsung has a fix, in some new production models, that have not come to U.S. yet. Unfortunately, I do not know if Samsung will be able to or have the desire to fix Series 9 laptops that have already been sold...

 

It's just a shame that there is no known fix coming. I'm finally about ready to pull the trigger on a new laptop and will probably just go with the Sony Z even though it will cost about $1k more. I've been happy with my Z's in the past and just don't want the hassle of having to return a computer and reinstall all my programs if the computer is junk. Glad for the forums so I found out before my purchase.

 

At this point it's pretty doubtful that there will be a fix. But I'm sure they'll work on trying to avoid a similar problem with future models.

 

Hello kalahari,
I read that after your bad experience with the samsung you still are looking for a nice ultrabook......did you find a good alternative one ? do you know if some model will be available with built in wwan?
I am trying to find one 11.6" with the wwan and back light keyboard .... please let me know if you read around some knews.

 

@thepinkpanter

The Ultrabooks link in my signature has the most current summary info that I have. That page is really limited to Core i7 and 13.3" screen but the 11.6" models have the same pros and cons.

I like the back lit keyboard too. Only Ultrabook that will have this, as per current specs, is the Toshiba Portege Z830/Z835.

My first choice is still the "next iteration of the Samsung Series 9" though...

 

Asus is releasing the UX21 and UX31 tomorrow, if costco gets one I am swapping mine to give it a shot. :/

 

I've been reading this thread and am having the same annoying brightness issues that many have mentioned. I don't see that a real solution has been posted - maybe I missed it?

Things I have tried:
- Disabled Adaptive Contrast Enhancement and Automatic Brightness in Intel Graphics and Media Control Panel
- Disabled (actually uninstalled...) Adaptive Brightness in Samsung Control Center
- Disabled Adaptive Brightness for all power modes in Windows 7 advanced power management settings

and I still!!!!! have this issue. Someone else in the thread showed a screenshot of another setting in the Intel Graphics and Media Control Panel which I didn't have, so I couldn't turn that one off.

It seems to happen most noticeably when the screen is on the lower + lowest brightness settings. The issue (for those not familiar) is that the brightness will change (quite drastically) when changing from a window with a lot of white to a window with mostly black. For example, using Word and then minimizing to a black desktop is really awful.

I don't see this happening when I am on AC power so I figure it is a power management thing, but I cannot for the life of me figure this out. Otherwise a great computer, but this is going to make me mad.

Please, someone tell me they have a solution.

 

just got another USB WiFi adaptor in, and this thing is a lot smaller than i gave it credit for -
For only $6.96 each when QTY 50+ purchased - Ultra-Mini USB Wireless Lan 802.11N Adapter - 1T1R (150Mbps) | USB Network Adapters - Wireless (150Mbps)

it sticks out past the edge of the notebook about 1/8" total, and giving me the same D/L & U/L (25 Mbps & 4 Mbps) as the other one that stuck out about 1.5". This one can stay connected or installed when i slip the series 9 in it's slip cover or case, without worry of it breaking off

at $7.44 it isn't a bad buy

fwiw

 

Samsung UpdatePlus offered me a BIOS update (07HL), which is not yet on the downloads page. Not tested yet and not sure what it fixes.

 

Showed up for me as well then disappeared after I opted to install the touchpad update first. Didn't have a chance to install it before it did. Weird.

 

Same thing here, it disappeared after I installed the Touchpad driver.
Today it appeared again. I'm traveling so won't risk installing it, will do that later.
The BIOS Update is still not on the downloads page.

 

How come there are numerous updated drivers on the Samsung Support ste that are not pushed down to us by the Samsung Update Plue app?

 

@ Series9user

I don't know where the Samsung Update Plus app gets its updates from but the vast majority of updates are not published through that mechanism. One needs to regularly check the Samsung downloads site.

Also, Samsung has sometimes updated new versions on their downloads site WITHOUT changing the date associated with that driver. I use a program that compares web-site changes to determine latest versions...

 

I was curious, because there was updated wireless drivers dated (by Samsung) October 11, 2011 and they appear to have helped the wireless situation, although I have not performed any deliberate testing.

 

It's sad. I was looking forward to this laptop but the WiFi issues seem to be fairly prevalent with no fix in sight. Samsung is like that though...in the cell phone arena I had a Samsung Captivate (Galaxy S) and the GPS never worked on it. The problem was never address and was essentially ignored by Samsung. Sucks to see that the same attitude is company-wide. Beautiful laptop though.

 

Hy
I bought 4 days ago the Samsung 900X3A and yesterday I noticed a thin line of interference in the middle of the screen...as if it needed to be demagnetized...and its only noticeable when working in dark backgrounds... also below that line the image kind of have strange flashes but almost invisible..
I can not fin a better way to describe the problem Im having and I hadnt time to read the whole topic..
So I would like to know if someone had similar problems and if it needed to go for the guarantee..

Thanks

 

BIOS update showed up for me again yesterday and I installed it. I don't notice any difference, as I guess I shouldn't with a BIOS update.

I just got a VGA adapter at last ( ShopBLT has them if anyone is looking) but it will only output max 1280x1024 to my 1920x1080 LCD. Does anyone know if there's a max resolution for the VGA adapter? If so, that's disappointing...

 

It's well possible there is a max resolution on VGA. Even if not you might have been disappointed by the picture quality with 1920x1080 and VGA.
Can't you use HDMI or DVI?

 

Beware: new Synaptics TouchPad driver 15.3.22.0 that came from Samsung Update screwed the scroll function in Firefox 7 (the cursor changes from arrow to scroll bar icon, but the screen doesn't move). Scrolling in all other programs (IE, Adobe etc.) worked fine. After 30 min. of pointless tweaking had to roll back to 15.3.6.0. Everything is back to normal.

 

I've used other computers hooked up to this monitor via VGA and have been able to go up to 1920x1080. It leaves something to be desired in terms of quality, but it works.

 

Same problem here. Where'd you get the old version?

 

Go to Control Panel => Mouse => Hardware Tab => Properties

Click "Change settings"

Go to Driver Tab => Roll Back Driver

If it wouldn't work, select "Update Driver" on Driver Tab => Browse my computer for driver software => Let me pick from a list...

It should have all of your previously installed drivers. Apply desired, then restart.

Good luck!

 

Awesome, the Update Driver method worked. Thanks!

 

I found the official docs on the Micro HDMI to VGA adapter and it says max res 1920x1080 so it seems like it should work with my monitor but perhaps for some reason it isn't detecting that it allows that res. Anyone else gotten it to go up to 1920x1080?

 

I purchased the second 150mbps adapter and it works very well. I've put up with crappy net for too long hoping Samsung would do something.

As for installation, someone mentioned issues with W7, but it installed automatically for me in ~10 seconds. (I'musing x64)

Thanks for all your guys help. Been refreshing daily.

 

Anyone else having this issue should email [email protected] so they hopefully fix it in the next version.

I'm still waiting for the version that doesn't move the cursor half the time when I click the pad. If only two-finger tap and three-finger tap worked, I wouldn't have to click this damn clickpad at all.

 

There is no reason why the adapter should be the bottleneck I guess. It is just an adapter. I think it is more probable, that the GPU is the limiting factor, or the drivers.
I know that with DVI or HDMI screens can tell the computer what they support, but I am not sure for VGA. I think VGA is only one way.
Maybe you can try to find drivers for your screen (which I know helped me with my old CRT and Windows 98...)

 

Have you tried to force the unsupported mode for your VGA? It worked for me in the past when graphic card incorrectly recognized the display.

 

This version is not available on Synaptics website. It could be Samsung own revision...

 

Samsung has Touchpad 2.7.0.0 for download. Is that the same 15.3.22.0 version that you problems with? I wonder why they are now using these 2.7.x numbering now...

 

Why do you want to use VGA for such a high resolution? It's an analog signal and will either suffer quality problems, only 16 bit colour or have a low refresh rate.

However, if you wish to try then, already suggested and after connecting the monitor, go into the display properties and deselect "Hide modes that this monitor cannot display" and then select 1920 x 1080. However, a digital connection is recommended.

John

 

does anyone else hear a small little clicking noise that sporadically starts and stops. It's almost like a light tapping noise. It's very strange and annoying.

I'm also looking for a sleeve but am having no luck with the search function. I know some people have suggested some good ones here.

 

Yes, it's the same. I have no idea why it says 2.7.x on the website, but after installation you will find that it's 15.3.22.0.

 

Does the new touchpad driver fix the double click issues?