Samsung 9 Series laptop (ZX310 / 900X3A) unveiled

I don't know about the individual keys, but if your keyboard is turning off when it sits, you probably need to go into Control Panel and tell the Bluetooth module to stay on at all times. Of course, this will drain your battery a bit faster, but that should prevent the keyboard from going asleep.

Hope that helps.

[EDIT] In Win 7,

Go to Control Panel and find Device Manger. Select Bluetooth Radios and then the Power Management tab
Make sure that the box to allow the computer to turn off this device to save power is deselected.

 

Hi SamCat, it's not a bluetooth keyboard but logitech's unifying (small USB dongle). I've checked USB setting under power options and set it to "always on". Doesn't fix the problem.

 

Sorry. I just assumed your keyboard was a Bluetooth type. If it is a wi-fi connection, there still might be a power off feature. Maybe check under wifi devices?

Does the Logitech control software have some sort of setting for the amount of pressure needed to activate the keys? If it does, maybe you need to set it to a softer touch (i.e., pressure)?

Have you tried posting your keyboard problem on a Logitech forum?

 

I think it's old fashioned radio signal, not wifi.

I haven't tried the logitech forums yet, did a search in google though. Nobody seems to have the same issue.

And since it doesn't fail in any other PC I thought it could be an issue with the laptop.

 

FWIW, I looked on the Logitech website and your keyboard appears to use an "Advanced 2.4 GHz wireless" technology (whatever that means) to communicate with the external keyboard.

Do you think that the laptop's shell is somehow blocking the signal? It has been discussed previously that the laptop case might be attenuating the internal wi-fi module's signal.

Have you tried using your keyboard with another type of computer? Do you have the same problems or is it only with the Samsung?

Also, since the keyboard uses a wi-fi signal, is it possible that some other device, like a cell phone, microwave, etc. is interfering with the signal? Do you have this problem when using this laptop and keyboard in other areas?

There is also a FAQ that addresses the lost connection for your keyboard. See:

My K750 frequently loses connection

 

I've looked through many of the posts here on the wifi issue but wanted to see if anyone has a definitive answer as to whether changing the wifi card can get the wifi functioning at "normal" speeds. Also, is the card easy to swap if I'm not a technician?

 

I think if you go through this forum's thread carefully, the short answer is no. Swapping a 2-antenna card for another 2-antenna card only gives you a small gain in speed, nor is it a trivial procedure since you must pry open the laptop to access the card.

If you want "normal" speed in a weak signal area, you will need to buy an external USB module with a good external antenna.

Alternatively, you can buy the new Series 9 build that comes with an installed 3-antenna wifi card. Apparently, that fixes the problem. I'm not speaking from personal experience, however, about this.

None are terribly attractive alternatives.

 

SamCat first of all thanks for the help!

It seems it was related to this program I have called USB Safely Remove Tool. Although the Unifying device is not a storage module, I tried ejecting (turning it off) then on in the mentioned tool interface. After that the keyboard is working ok so far.

I don't understand why this solved the problem since I've tried to physically remove and reinsert the Unifying dongle many times. Also, I tried the same keyboard/receiver in two different computers w/o any problem.

Anyway, problem solved!

 

Wonderful! I'm glad that you solved your keyboard problem. Just chalk it up to one of life's little mysteries.

 

Help... My Samsung 9 13" screen keeps spazzing on me when I switch from a dark background to light background. Its annoying... Anyway I can stop this from happening? My autodimmer is already off. Thanks.

 

Make sure that Automatic Display Brightness is not selected under the Powr options in the Intel Graphics Control Panel (right-click on desktop and select Properties).

John

 

John, thanks for posting that tip. I'm having the same problem - the display will lighten or darken in steps, depending on the screen content.

I navigated to the area you mentioned and on my system, the option is called "Display Power Saving Technology". There is a checkbox that can be un-checked.

Is that the same as Automatic Display Brightness. I assume it is 'cause the tooltip explanation sounded right.

 

It could be. Deselect the option and see if it stops the brightness varying.

John

 

Hey All –

I’ve got an NP900X3A and just replaced the RAM. I used the best I could find which was “CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1866 – Model CMSX8GX3M2A1866C10.

Newegg.com - CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1866 Laptop Memory Model CMSX8GX3M2A1866C10

I wasn’t 100% certain that 1866mhz RAM would work as I couldn’t find any posts to back it up, but after 1 hour, it’s working great so far – and fast!!!

The first day I had the new laptop, I also wiped all of the SSD’s partitions and installed Windows 7 Pro x64.

When purchasing the RAM, I also purchased a new SSD. I bought a OCZ Agility 3 AGT3-25SAT3-240G 2.5″ 6gpbs SATA as I read it was a great buy for the money plus has almost double the capacity. I haven’t installed yet, though.

Here’s my question -
Where is the SSD located in the NP900X3A? When installing the RAM, I didn’t see it nor did I see it in all the tear down pictures I've seen online – yet – I’ve read in the posts above that its a standard 2.5″ size so should easily be able to be replaced.

I would have tried swapping it while I had the laptop apart, but only wanted to do one upgrade at a time as I didn’t even know if the RAM would work. I’m sure I could figure it out as I did the RAM (found this post after installing it) but still would like to know if there’s a guide out there somewhere.

Also - I really don't know what type of SSD came with this factory nor the type of storage controller. I could run benchmarks, but really can't as the SSD has to be a secondary drive to do true ones. I would simply like to compare the existing one with the new one. Does the controller in the NP900X3a even support 6gpbs or just 3gbps?

Does anyone have any info on any of this?

Thanks!

 

Yeah it didn't work... I turned everything off that hinted at any automatic setting changing: power, color, etc.

*sigh*

 

Hi,

My aunt just bought a Samsung series 9 from Bestbuy for $999 yesterday, I just read also yesterday that some of this series 9 got wifi issue. after reading few pages back ive learned that samsung change the card from 2 antenna to 3, NOW im assuming that my aunt got the latest 1 with the fixed wifi issue.. yet when im setting up the S9 im having problem with the wifi speed.. the range of it is very short. when im close to the router everything is fine but when a bit far im suffering with a very slow connection.

I got some link of the latest wlan driver few pages back and im going to see if the wlan driver needs an update on my aunts S9. as much as possible im trying to avoid buying/using USB wireless adapter just to fix this problem.

Note: my aunt got the NP900X3A-B01UB model

 

Take it back. The next generation version of that machine is supposed to be out this month and the issue is supposed to be fixed.

 

And I'm sure that the next model will come in at a significantly higher price point. $999 is a nice price and I would first check if the WiFi performance is unacceptable.

John

 

I believe that has already been checked.

 

My brother just got the 900x3a-b01us. His WIFI reception doesn't seem to be an issue, rather he is having problems maintaining a connection. When the download speed gets too high the WIFI will crap out after a minute or so. He then needs to reset the adapter to get connected again.

Anyone have any solutions?

I have already disabled the "IP Helper" service, and tried adding the DisabledContent DWORD (set to 0) in the service for IPv6 in regedit (and rebooting after).

 

Yes, it did... thanks much John!

 

Hey everyone, I'm thinking about getting the version from the Microsoft store but I was wondering about the graphics. I saw some 3DMark results that said this model performed below average. I don't plan to game, but I do want to stream a few Hi-Def 1080p videos at a time. Can it accomplish this?

Thanks

 

For streaming video and stuff it will be more than fine. 3dmark is an intensive gaming benchmark and the intel HD3000 graphics are not cut out for more than light of gaming without the expectation of high FPS.

 

I would not expect a problem: At least the past two generations of Intel graphics have included a built-in H.264 decoder and have been able to handle 1080p video that uses that format without any difficulty.

John

 

Besides the capacity of the Intel graphics, what about the ability of the ULV i5-2467m? The reason I hesitate to pull the trigger on this purchase is because of the processor. My other option is something with a full powered i5...like the 2410m or 2430m.

Do I need that extra horsepower to watch multiple 1080p streams at the same time?

Thanks

 

Notebookcheck has useful benchmark tables for both CPUs and GPUs. Intel's specs show that the GPU can run at up to 1.15GHz which isn't far behind the faster GPUs. However, how / why you want to watch multiple 1080p video streams at the same time has me mentally challenged.

John

 

Today I've received a brand new replacement NP900X3A-B01E (EU version) with Intel 6300 3x3 antenna configuration (I've RMAed the original as soon as the poor Wi-Fi "design" was acknowledged by our regional Samsung branch and our local corporate distributor started stocking the updated version).




The box is different (cheaper looking, not wrapped in plastic), no branded paper bag inside.







Note a space for the HDMI-VGA adapter, which unfortunately is NOT included...




Different power adapter (original was glossy). The kembric (heatshrink material) is also different and much softer and bendable (not that I had problems with the original adapter).





Faster CPU inside, 07HL bios:


The touchpad is now ELAN (works perfectly, contrary to the Synaptics I had before). All corners sit flush with the bezel.



The keyboard bezel is made of a different plastic. The white spots are not dust . Probably to make fingerprints somewhat less visible (yes they are still visible ). Keyboard could be different (fonts and "feel" look different, though this could be a placebo effect as I don't have the original anymore).



The lid looks the same (no photo, the latest crapiphone is still unable to do macros (or anything low light), but the finish is different. Less of a fingerprint magnet (though still catchy).

THE WIFI is PERFECT. Fast connection, no packet dropping, good range and coverage (in fact much better than my old dell, which was 10x better than the original Samsung). E.g. with all three computers on the same table I got: with original Samsung - 4 Wi-Fi networks, dell - 8, new Samsung -14!!!.

Unfortunately I have to send it back. Build quality (or quality assurance for that matter) is poor. Really unacceptable for a laptop this class and price. Be sure to check yours.


The hinges (and naturally the lid) are misaligned. The gap between the left is 5 mm, between the right is 2 mm. Clearly visible by eye (by first glance) and ruining the whole look... .

PS. The Bluetooth is now provided by a separate Broadcomm chip.

PPS. The advertised SRS software is nowhere to be found (standard Realtek SoundAlive! as before)...

 

Sorry to hear about the hinges on your particular machine... but the changes they made overall look very good.

 

edited on the next page

 

It's interesting that you mention the hinges. 2-3 times now since I bought my Series 9 (about two weeks ago from Microsoft Store), I have heard a cracking noise which seems to be coming from one of the hinges. I don't visibly see anything wrong, and there's definitely not a gap like your pictures show, but it definitely made a "pop" noise when opening, more than once.

I bought this coming from an Alienware m11x, which has a known hinge defect, so the first time I heard it, it sort of sent a chill down my spine. Dell acknowledged the hinge issue with the m11x and offered to do the repair for free even out of warranty. But I was still without it for about two weeks. I can't be without my laptop for two weeks again for a hinge repair... I live by it and need it for work. Two weeks' downtime means I need to buy another during the interim.

With yours being that crooked, did you notice any popping noises when opening the lid? Or has anyone else experienced this?

 

i purchased a samsung 900x3a today.

Good:
fast,quite.almost perfect as a macbook air.usb 3.0 , ssd

Bad:
wifi problem( very low if u are not in the same room with modem)
i wish they can solve it with an update but i dont think so it seems i will need a mini wireless adapter

i have one dead pixel on the upper left.
i wish i ll forget it. do the pixel fix programs really work? or will they give damage to teh screen?
and if there s micro sd in the slot u cant close the door

there wasnt a carry case inside my box. what about you?


without dead pixel and wifi problem i would give it 5/5

 

dear Brian,
do u think we will have a solution (driver update) for wifi problem?
or is it impossible?

 

@Zeromus-X
No, mine were silent (both machines).

@fulham
There is no "software" fix. You have to get a replacement with Intel 6300 and 3 antennas inside (Wi-Fi chip is marked on a box, check my post for reference).

 

i gave it back.
without wifi it s useless for me

 

Any recommendations for a perfectly-fitting sleeve out there? Dont want anything too bulky like the case-logic 13.3 but just something with some protection (especially from scratches) but very tight fitting and light-weight. Any ideas greatly appreciated!!

 

I've been happy with the "BoxWave Apple Macbook Air 11" (2011) SlipSuit, Slim-Fit Carrying Sleeve (Jet Black)" ... that's the description from Amazon but I bought mine direct from BoxWave.

It is a tight fit but I don't feel like the sleeve is going to bust or that I am damaging my sammie in any way. Let me know if you have any specific questions about it. I love how I can charge the laptop with it in the sleeve, or carry it in a backpack vertically and still access the laptop.

 

Maybe next time
Samsung's crystal-studded Series 9 laptop to make its QVC debut tomorrow -- Engadget

 

What's the typical quality of Samsung refurbished laptops?

I'm thinking of buying either:
Newegg.com - Refurbished: SAMSUNG Series 9 NP900X3A-B01UB Refurbished Notebook Intel Core i5 2467M(1.60GHz) 13.3" 4GB Memory DDR3 128GB SSD HDD Intel HD Graphics 3000
Newegg.com - Refurbished: SAMSUNG Series 9 900X3A-B01 Refurbished Notebook Intel Core i5 2467M(1.60GHz) 13.3" 4GB DDR3 Memory 128GB SSD HDD Intel HD Graphics 3000

(I don't really know the difference between these two models.)

Is it likely that I will have wifi issues with those computers or can I assume that Samsung fixed it in the refurbishing process?

 

I would assume that they contain the original hardware which Samsung has checked works in accordance with their expectations. If Samsung admitted that the WiFi was inadequate then they could have a long queue of customers demanding replacements. Instead, they seem to have taken note of user feedback and made some improvements on some of the new models.

John

 

Hi everyone,

So i am thinking about buying an ultrabook.But i am having doubts between the asus ux31 and the samsung np900x3a.

And as i will use it to go to college i need one with a good battery life. So my quistion i how long the battery life of the samsung is, without playing games. Just some internet, mail, office and or media player..

Also i heard that some come with an internet adapter which has poor quality..is this really bad?

 

~4-5 hrs

Make sure to get one with Intel 6300 chip. The Wi-Fi is very good on that version,

 

Only models with a third antenna in the display are working good with wlan !

 

Hey guys, in your opinion... how bad is 1366 x 768 REALLY?

Thanks!

 

How is everyone's Series 9 holding up so far?

-Hows the battery life?

-Any reliability problems?

-Anyone uses this laptop as their main computer?

 

I'm using it as my main system, but I've only had it less than a month. Battery life is probably around 4 hours realistic usage (constant Internet usage). No reliability problems though I do hear a creak/crack noise when I open the lid sometimes. I can't duplicate it by trying, and I can't identify where it's coming from. The lid is sturdy.

My biggest issue with it right now is the MicroSD slot. With a card in the reader, the door doesn't close. What a dumb design decision. I tried filing down my Sandisk 32 GB card so that I could leave it in permanently with the door closed, but I filed down to the point where I can start to see metal, and it still doesn't fit... and I don't want to go any further.

If I push in the card and close the door before it pops back out, it works fine, but then every time I access the right USB or audio port, the card tries to pop out. I use this laptop in dark nightclubs quite a bit (DJing) and the last thing I want to do is drop a micro SD onto the dark floor of a dark club. I'll never find it.

If the port was recessed literally a half a millimeter back, this wouldn't be a problem. Just one of many little things that it seems Samsung didn't really think about when doing the initial design.

 

I find the screen adequate for my needs, but YMMV. I only use the laptop for email, some short web surfing and light document processing.

FWIW, the latest version has a higher screen resolution.

 

Thanks Sam! Yeah, I know that the new S9 will have 1600x900, but the 14" Series 5 has caught my eye too and it's only got 1366x768.

 

After using a 1600x900 on a 14", I can't go back. I think its silly that new laptops are still coming at 1366x768. 1600x900 will be the standard for 13"-14"

 

I don't think I'd be comfortable with 1600x900 on anything less than 15"... so for me it'll either be 1600x900 on a 15" screen or 1366x768 on a 13 or 14" screen.

 

Don't knock it until you've tried it, or at least seen it in person. 1440x900 on a 13.3" screen is pretty good. Ask the ThinkPad X301 and MacBook Air owners.

I'm using 1600x900 on the ThinkPad T420 14" screen right now. If the screen were higher quality I would like it better. It's fine for now.

But I agree, 1600x900 on a 13" class panel sounds like it might be a bit small. 1600x900 on the 15" Series 9 sounds wonderful.