Samsung 9 Series laptop (ZX310 / 900X3A) unveiled

Has anyone found a iGo Power Tip or other universal car/air charger that works yet? Are there other Samsung laptops that uses the same tip/pin?

 

@SilverForum

See my post on this here http://forum.notebookreview.com/8032787-post2711.html and the following posts about other alternatives.

I don't think that there any tips available that work with the Series 9. That's a particular design.

 

Are you sure?
I see one here from XPAL:
Tip Finder | Energizer® Energi To Go® Rechargeable Power Packs
Also this thread shows that the Series 7 Slate plugs into Series 9 which fits into these:
http://forum.tabletpcreview.com/samsung/45121-series-7-slate-ac-adapter-tip.html
"I have checked the PA-L30 and it fits the S7S (even "clicks" in). However, because it is longer, it sticks out slightly from the side of the slate. Another forum member has reported that the Energizer / XPal adapter tip (AB23) also fits"
AND
"Just came back from visiting the local MS Store and Micro Center. The MS Store had an Series 9 13" laptop and the Micro Center had a Series 9 11.6" laptop. The adapters for both Series 9 laptops fit perfectly into the S7S - and the slate started charging. I also tested the 13" adapter with the new dock I just picked up, and it also worked with the dock."

So it looks like there's some real chance that'll work

BTW why did you return your laptop, I thought the USB wireless and silicon tape on the power cable fixes the known issues?

UPDATE: More reading reveals these tips are interchangeable between charger brands so XPAL AB23 (Takeon or PA-L30) + Innergie mCube Pro 70 Watt should work. If anyone has a Samsung tablet or can refute this let me know.
Can buy from http://www.shop.chargeyourstuff.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=235

 

@SilverForum

You could be right about the adapters. I looked while I had my (three) Series 9's and couldn't find one. Also, I've not seen anyone else report an adapter that works. Not saying it's not possible.

LOL. I don't want to talk about Series 9 WiFi issues or fragile power adapter any more. I'm done with that. I will let you know if I find out that Samsung brings fixes for either of those two issues to the U.S.

 

@kalahari

The power cable issue can be resolved with a universal AC adapter
The Wifi issue can be resolved with a tiny USB Wifi adapter

Obviously nicer if they fix the issues but in the meantime doesn't Series 9 + Universal Power + USB Wifi = Best Solution until next Series 9?

 

Yes but the thought stands that, when you are buying what is supposed to be the markets top system, you shouldn't have to buy and external wifi adapter.

 

series 9 guy: I could not agree more.

I now have my second samsung in for repair, and i have told them to not return it before they have installed the third screen antenna option. If thats not possible i want the new model where samsung claims to have the third antenna installed.

But can anyone tell me the difference in model number or serial betwen these two ?

 

I have the same gripe, and have been considering this,

SGP Samsung SENS NT900X3A Wristrest - Laptops

Though I am still torn on whether I am willing to upset the lusheous sleek duralium look. ...

 

There is no model with third antenna available yet in USA. I think that you can be pretty sure that the service guys don't have them either. I'm not saying you shouldn't try though -- it's worth it to try to talk to a technician.

Once you start seeing models shipping with the Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 WiFi adapter, there is a good chance that they have the 3rd antenna up in the LCD. It will not be easy to tell if they have adapter though as most online store listings do not list the WiFi adapter (as they probably don't know it).

I have previously posted details on some Asian and European countries where they are selling models with this Intel 6300 WiFi adapter.

 

Based on what I have read the newer B01 and B02 models don't substantially fix the wifi problem? I can't yet find any real reviews of these second gen versions from someone that owns one.

Is it still not safe to assume they are better?

I have read much of the last of this thread and understand that in some other countries it has been fixed, so my assumption is the B0's don't really fix it.

 

In Europe (e.g. Austria) there is the B03 available.
It has the Intel 6300 WLAN Chip which has 3 Antenna Connectors.
In the description:

"Wireless LAN: Intel® Centrino® Ultimate-N 6300, 3 x 3 802.11 abg/n (bis 450 Mbit/s)"

"3 x " is only possible with 3 Antennas.

Größerer Schreibkomfort selbst in dunkler Arbeitsumgebung durch die LED-Beleuchtung der Tastatur. - 900X3A B03AT - Notebooks - Computer | SAMSUNG

Just buyed one.... will see...

 

No, the problem is not fixed in the newer B01 and B02 models in the U.S. Those have been out for months now and they still have the same WiFi issues. The case and WiFi design did not change from the A0x models.

EDIT: See @axbl's post just above this for the type of specs that are needed to come to the Series 9's that are being sold in the U.S.

 

I wonder if the new version also fixes the power adapter problem. Anyone know?

 

Thank you guys. Looks great, but not taking the plunge till they fix it. Thanks for the info.

 

Ok.... Done!!!!! After a long hyattis without an ultraportable premeditated with a string of bad luck with the Series 9....4 of them actually, I finally have finally settled ona BRAND new Z830 i7 which is on the way! Sorry Sammy!

Gotta change my name now...like having a tatt removed I am sure.

 

Someone is offering me a demo NP900 13" at a sharp price.

Is this laptop a good buy now?

I'm not up to date on the latest issues. I read something about wifi issues but I don't know how serious they are.

 

Phil. If you move outside of your office, they are serious. IN addition there are issues with the plastic plug snapping. Whats a sharp price?

 

Pretty serious, or at least it seems so. There's also a power connector issue, but I don't know too much about that.

Outside of these 2 issues, this laptop has always looked very good to me. In fact I started this thread!

 

Thanks for the feedback guys. Might give it a try.

30% below the lowest online price in the Netherlands.

 

Make sure that if it still has warrenty you send it in for the WiFi fix/repair/replace. I'm in the Netherlands too and I know that there are working models here (with the 3rd antenna), I've had a few in my hands from colleges and in a week or 2 I will have one (business use).
My personal notebook will then be the one with wifi problem .

The more people we have asking for this specific fix the more pressure we have on Samsung.
We are now already missing a few strong guys who have driven this thread (Kalahari, Series 9 Guy), but who have given up on the S9 unfortunately.
If you look at the trouble they went through to try to get this right, it is unbelievable that Samsung didn't follow through. Well in fact they did and produced a solution which was proposed often here by them.
It unbelievable that Samsung didn't decide to break this open with so much noise and negative feedback on their Macbook air competitor. They clearly need to learn a lot about customer service (I miss my Dell in that respect)

Yes, I have a backup USB WiFi connector too, which is a crazy solution.

I'm waiting for an answer from Samsung Netherlands where I requested it to be send in for WiFi repair (specifically asking for the 3rd antenna).

My powerplug connector for some reason has survived until now, but I have given strict instructions to everone using the notebook to be very carefull (which is kind of crazy too).

On a last note, my HDMI output no longer works... This could also be the cable, but if I look into the connector, I'm thinking i see copper where it is not supposed to be. I remember at some point that I had to force a bit more (which is not a good sign). I hope that action broke the cable and not the connector on the system, but I will need test this.

 

Couple of questions I hope someone can answer:
1. I see that the B03 model in Austria and Russia has the 6300 wifi card . In the UK there are a couple of online retailers selling 'NP900X3A-B03UK', but I can't find anything about the wifi card. I even phoned Samsung and they couldn't tell me! Can anyone advise if this B03UK model has the 6300 wifi card?
2. If anyone has any B03 model, can they comment on whether the other problems have been fixed - ie the weak power connector?
3. Any other reasons why I shouldn't get this? I'm looking for a reasonably portable laptop (max 2.5kg) with a BRIGHT MATTE screen (min 13 inch), and I don't really see any other options except MBP 15 (expensive and I dont really want OS X), Sony SE (had a go on one and the screen is very wobbly and the red is disturbingly orange).
Thanks

 

Are you aware of this?

It was written by a Samsung Netherlands employee. (explaining people who experience wifi issues to contact Samsung)

 

A little feedback about this, I have serious problems with my HDMI output as well. To make it work, I have to torn the cable downward and block it somehow in that position. Not very useful...

I am gonna send my laptop to comserve-nl (samsung repair center for Belgium/Netherlands/Luxemburg) for the second time with a lot of disappointment.

The first time it was sent regarding those issues:
- Power plug on the laptop broken, unable to charge -> fixed
- Touchpad bottom left corner (button) stuck in -> touchpad replaced with an ELAN touchpad, disappointed about the quality of the new one compared to the Synaptics
- Weak wifi -> I already had the Intel 6230. They did NOT replace it by the 6300, I think that they replaced my card by an other 6230. My wifi may be a little bit better now (maybe they did something else with the antenna, I did not check inside)
- Power adapter showing electrical wires at end of the cable, wall side -> they refused to replace it under warranty despite my multiple emails and links to the posts of the other users reporting the same problem on this forum (even those who reported getting a free replacement from Samsung US). I had to pay 55€ to get a new one and the worse thing is that they did not send me the little connector which comes on the top of the adapter to fit the regional electrical plug. This leaves me with a second adapter that I cannot use.

The cherry on the cake is that it took exactly 47 DAYS to get my laptop back from them, almost 8 weeks !!

So now I should send it for the second time because:
- while replacing the touchpad, they did not install the new one correctly. I have a part of the shiny plastic surrounding the keyboard which is really bumpy and does not fits correctly.
- i am not happy with the ELAN touchpad which I feel less sensitive, I paid my laptop for a Synaptic version and want it back
- after their repair my HDMI out is almost totally broken as described above
- i want the top connector for my new power adapter which I paid for.

I am a bit anxious to send it this time, it's a shame to go though all those problems for an high end laptop which is less than 6 months old.

 

Tom,
1. I can tell you that I've looked globally and the B0x models are NOT the same in different countries. So you cannot assume that the B03UK is the same as B03AU or B03RU etc. I actually found a new NP900X3A-B01ZA (South Africa) that states that it has Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300, 3 x 3 802.11abg/n NP900X3A-B01ZA
2. I've tried to find that info out on the power adapter but no one has ever posted that. I had seen pictures on a South Korean model (months ago) that showed a different adapter but couldn't tell whether that was a working model.
3. No, you've got the two main reasons. I would have to say that I grew to dislike having to use the mini-HDMI port though.

 

Thanks for the info Kalahari.

I suppose I could just order one, and if it doesnt have the wifi card, just send it back (I tried phoning one of the retailers but they couldn't tell me either), but Samsung don't inspire much confidence with the lack of information, and with the way they seem to have dealt with problems so far. Can't understand this way of doing business.

 

I'm not convinced that this refers to the 3 antenna solution. Since I was in Contact with Samsung NL, they have provided me with a solution, which was replacement of Wifi carf from Broadcom to Intel and switching of the Wires. But it will be good to check that with them specifically, thanks a lot for the tip. Having that Service Bulletin number really helps.

 

@pvandam

I think you are right about Samsung saying they have a fix for WiFi which is replacing the Broadcom adapter with an Intel 6230. That is what they are doing in the USA if one sends it in for service (with a Broadcom adapter). The improvement is so small and does not solve the problem.

 

Hi,
got my new B03 from Austria.
There are 3 Antennas, one in the display !
Very good WLAN sensity !
And the Powerplug changed also.
Now it is the best Ultrabook.
The Toshiba has an ultraslow ssd, the Asus UX31 a mirrow as display and no keylight.
Axel

 

Asus also has contrast and black levels, while Samsung has a good screen.

 

Congratulations! The Series 9 will be a lot more "useful" and "fun" with those fixes. That would be the NP900X3A-B03AT model?

Can you post a picture or two of the revised power plug? It'll be interesting to see how Samsung fixed it.

 

Update, the AB23 fits (you can use it in conjunction with IGo Power Netbook Everywhere charger) and charges. However it is a little long and does not click in, so it'll fall out unless you're careful.

I might try out the PA-L30 with the Innergie mCube Pro 70 next.

If anyone else has experiences let me know!

 

Hi all,

This is my first post, I had a samsung 900x3a-01PL and experienced the same problems with the wifi as in others, so he turned to the store. Long sought alternatives, but I can not find anything, I almost bought the Sony SA series - but turned out to be terribly noisy fan under load. So I returned to 900X ... Underneath the link to the specifications of the Polish side samsung model 900x3a-B01PL (you must turn the table view), like a modem is centrino 6300 3x3. Does this model no longer has problems with wifi? Made an appointment in next week in a shop that will bring him to me, maybe I can then check what is actually there card and how it works wifi. All this is strange because this model is available in Poland since August, and on the forum, people express themselves that in models B01 and B02 with wifi problem persists. Sam I do not know what to think about it all ... Ps. I use google translate, so sorry in advance for language mistakes ...

Zadziwiaj?co lekki. Niesamowicie mocny. - NP900X3A-B01PL - Ultraprzeno?ne - Notebooki | SAMSUNG

 

Hi guys,

Could you give me a feedback about the power connector? I think that this one is a new one which fixes the problem:

http://www.7yup.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/01425i253862sz100.jpg
(photo from: Samsung Series 9 (NP900X3A))

which has an oval shape.

Also the version from Austria: np900x3a-b03at, has an oval one:

Samsung Np900x3a-b03at - reviews and features Samsung Np900x3a-b03at - Onyougo.com (see the fourth picture). And it has also Wifi Intel 6300 with 3 antennas.



And the old one, which is flimsy and in general bad :

http://apcmag.com/images/apc/produc...img/content/SamsungNP900X3AA03AUDatabase.jpeg

(from: Samsung NP900X3A-A03AU - APC's Independent Review at Notebook Hunter - APC Notebook Hunter - APC's Independent Review at Notebook Hunter)

which has a square shape.

Is my understanding right? Oval OK, square NOT OK ?


Thanks,
Tazz

 

I am afraid that the opposite is true :/

So far, I only saw the oval connector on all real models (I mean the picture with the square connector is from samsung and may be a prototype or photoshop image).

My NP900X3A-A01FR has the oval connector and I had to return it because it was not able to charge anymore

 

Hmm, that's interesting, so it could be that the oval connector is a standard one in US and the pictures from US samsung webpage is only a prototype....

Ok, so maybe someone knows which one is the "OK" one?

What is the exactly problem with the connector? It brokes? Slips out?

Thanks,
Tazz

 

I just ordered a NP900X3A-B01NL.

Does anyone know how long it would take if I send it to Samsung for the wifi 'fix'?

 

That's great news, although too late for a lot of us. I'm sure Samsung will never acknowledge the faults because they don't want the expense and liability for the defective units already produced.

Reiterating what @Kalahari said, if you could upload pictures of the modified power adapter, that would be fantastic, and very helpful for those arguing with Samsung for a replacement adapter.

 

The B01AT and B02AT don't have the Intel 6300.
So I think no fix !

 

Word from Samsung is that my B01-NL will have Intel 6230 with 2 antennas.

I'm looking forward to test the wifi reception.

 

2 Antennas are inside like A01.
Worse.

 

So the problem is with the "end" (connector) of the power adapter which goes to the notebook's 'slot/port', and not with the slot/port itself, right? (sorry, for ignorance, I know I've read some facts in this thread, but I'm little confused now).

Thanks,
Tazz

 

Unfortunately, there are THREE problems with the power connection!
1. the rubber part right near the connection on the cord. This can repaired or toughened by users using silicone tape ( I can't think what that that tape is called now). I recommend that all Series 9 users do this "strengthening".
2. the thin silver point on the power connection. This breaks very easily and I actually sold a power cord to someone who had broken their's by just standing on by accident.
3. the actual power connection socket in the laptop. This requires return to Samsung to repair and a technician there told me that this the most common repair that they do. Basically, the power connector no longer clicks into the socket and either "falls out" or makes no connection at all without a lot of fiddling. While all three problems are problematical, this the most serious one as it at cannot be solved by just buying a spare power supply and getting Samsung to replace the cord.

 

I have changed sweaters.... Got my Z830 today and love it! Sorry Samsung.

 

You might want to request a nick name change

 

After using both S9 and Z830, what is your comment of their size, weight, screen quality, etc?

Thanks!

Either S9 or Z830 will be my next.

 

I have made comments an left piks on the appropriate thread here...

http://forum.notebookreview.com/toshiba/610559-new-portege-z830-37.html#post8105620

As far as build comparison, I like this a great deal more than the S9 although the design of the S9 is still better looking with noted exceptions. The S9 is much heavier and thicker. I also was never a fan of the ports that opened and closed and, as we all know...fingerprints were a killer on the S9. The finish of the Z830 is aluminum but does not leave prints or smudging at all.

The screen on this system is flexible but not cheap in any way...its just that thin! The build is amazing and the two things that I would change is the fan which pops on and off but the system has NO HEAT whatsoever. The other is that the bios chokes SATA to SATA 2 max and some are hoping for an upgrade. This is because the Toshiba SSD is only SATA 2 and I discovered this throwing in the SATA 3 T50 drive. It sits at 285/270

The screen of the Z830 is 1366x768 and probably might have liked it stretched to 900 pixels but an old guy like me doesnt mind this at all. To me....backlit keyboard and the size and feel of the Z830 make it a must have. It is solid, very thin and very light....so much so that all the other ultras I have had in my had (4 in the last week including a new S9 with same issue) are noticeably heavier.

Oh and battery life...easily six hours plus!!! I did a report on the way up to Ottawa yesterday which was a five and a half hour trip. The laptop was in use the entire time as well as for the next hour on arrival using the internet. I sill had 28% left and a reported hour and fifty min... I couuld never have done the report without the backlit keyboard.

 

Amazon.com: Used and New: Samsung NP900X3A-B01 13.3-Inch Notebook - Black

$1000 for a refurbished B01 (effectively $200 off from Best Buy's $1200) sounds like a good deal to me (and the seller has no bad ratings), but I'm worried about the 90-day warranty. Would buying this laptop refurb be a good or bad idea in your opinion?

Now that I've played with the Series 9 in person at Best Buy, I've decided I could easily use a wifi dongle (since it wouldn't stick out past the edge of the laptop at all), so I guess the only thing I'm worried about is the power connector. I'm not really sure what to think of that, since I've only heard about that problem on this forum. Is it breaking inevitable or just a common issue?

 

OK here's my hands on experience with the NP900X3a-B01

Screen: very good. Vertical viewing angle isn't great but I've seen way worse.
Touchpad: very good for Windows standards.
Wifi reception at home: no problem.
Wifi reception in my local coffeeshop: terrible. Tried 3 different locations.
Power connector: haven't noticed any problem there.
Build quality: feels pretty good, not very good. I don't like the 'empty' sound the keyboard makes when I have the laptop on/ in between my legs.
Keyboard back light: doesn't work as well as on Macbook Air/Pro.

My opinion: even though I'm definitely no OS X fan, I would always pick the Macbook Air over this Samsung.

Do you have a picture of that?

 

I tried the wifi dongle route and could not find any that were flush... I would like to see a pik as well...

 

I was thinking something along the lines of the following...
http://www.amazon.com/Netgear-Wireless-Micro-Adapter-WNA1000M/dp/B004VDR37K
or
Amazon.com: AirLink101 AWLL5088 Wireless N 150 Ultra Mini USB Adapter: Electronics

The downside of course is that having this perpetually in leaves you with only one more USB slot to play with. I'd probably put it in the right one because the headphone jack (the other port I'd use most often) is on that side too.