Samsung 9 Series laptop (ZX310 / 900X3A) unveiled

During the Christmas sale at the Microsoft Store in Tysons Corner outside of Wash DC I bought two S9's (the ones with the new improved WiFi) for $750 after the Xmas discount. One of them was for my son who just returned from college this week but he doesn't want it as he wants something with a higher screen resolution and a optical drive.

So my question to you experts out there is whats the best way to sell it and what could I expect to get for it. This unit has 8gb of ram and I also bought a extended 2 year warranty with accidental protection from the Microsoft store for $150 (reg price $300).

I don't like selling on Ebay, dealing with their high commissions, the hassle of mailing, chargeback issues, etc. Craigslist is a hit or miss kind of thing so would rather not go that route unless I have to. Any ideas on other places to sell it and what I should expect to get for it? FWIW I am in the Washington DC area.

 

NBR has its own market place. The transactions are still member-to-member without the forum / TechTarget acting as an intermediary but offers the potential comfort of dealing with an established member.

John

 

So are you still considering selling this?

 

Yes still considering it so PM me if interested

 

Does anyone know how long is the warranty on the series 9?

According to Samsung's website, it's 3 years, but MS store told me it's 1 year.

Thanks.

 

Different models can have different warranty periods. If there is conflicting information about the same model then I would try to get confirmation from Samsung who will ultimately have to provide any warranty service.

John

 

Hi

I've just bought a 900X3B which will hopefully arrive soon (UK - John Lewis)

Am trawling through this thread looking for good info on sleeves and RAM upgrade.

I know it is not meant for a heavy duty virtualization rig BUT... does anybody know what would happen if I tried 8GB sticks of RAM? They're not too expensive these days.. 12GB RAM would be great so I could have 4GB for the host and 8GB for a VM..

I have a Lenovo W520 for serious work but that is a bit bulky for travel.. I manage but am hoping that I can get away with a smaller option most of the time.

Any ideas?

Am tempted to buy a couple of 8GB sticks, see if they work, if not put them in my W520 (which would give me 24GB RAM on that... wow...)

Thanks
Gus

 

Intel's specs for the 900X3B's i5 2467M show the maximum RAM as 8GB.

John

 

I have 2 of them, one for personal use and one for business use (with TPM chip). My business version is good from a WiFi perspective as it has the 3 antenna/Intel 6300 implementation.
My personal version is still the 2 antenna and is bad from a Wifi perspective.

Operational stability (hardware and software) are good so far, although my business model had a 3 replacements of components (dead motherboard, not working Touchpad and replacement of MB/Keyboard frame since a screw started to stick through the keyboard ring).

Battery life, I cannot get above 3-4 hours unless I turn wifi/bt and keyboard light completely off and move the the lowest power profile.

Powerplug is holding on both model so far.

I don't like that some of the Samsung software need Admin rights, therefore I need to provide a password on startup, change the user to admin (not an option for my kids accounts) or disable UAC.

Very little attention from Samsung to the driver library and Samsung Update and their driver website is a mess compared to for example Dell.

My personal S9 will get swapped for a 3 antenna version as I kept complaining about the WiFi performance, but it is unbelievable how much engery I had to put into this.

Still trying to find a Mini SD card, preferrably 64GB which I can stick into the slot, but still close the slot after that (kind of silly design).

 

Yea, it's odd that CPU is crippled compared to the rest of it's brothers and sisters. I guess that's the price you pay for a lower voltage version of the CPU and the battery life savings.

 

I can't help in the 64 gig arena, but I run a computer store, so every time we order a new brand of card I try it in mine. When it comes to 32 gig, I can tell you that the Sandisk Class 4 and the Supertalent Class 10 cards are both too large to fit in the slot and close the door. I tried filing down the back of the Sandisk card and sanded it down until I started to see metal ("oh crap"), and it still doesn't fit... and is now likely very vulnerable to damage, too.

 

Thanks, seems like a dead end then.
Maybe the MicroSD inserted in an adapter could provide relief?
Or maybe we need a Mini/MicroSD Adapter where the Micro SD card stick's into it's side, so that you can take of the extra plastic which is in the way of closing the cover. Probably doesn't exist

 

I'm not sure where you're going with this -- the Series 9 has a MicroSD slot, not a MiniSD. Micro is the smallest one.

 

Does it have a full sd slot? The current model only has micro sd. S5 model does not look as sexy and has a different display, but does have a full sd slot and costs about $500 less.

I already have a Lenovo 470 with 2670 qm and bluray, but also want a smaller, lighter SSD lappie that will get past six hours with basic use and has full sd slot.
The 470 is more of a game, media device and desk top replacement that is practical to move around with, but not on planes.

Ultrabook would be main travel buddy.

 

Hey guys, two questions if anybody knows.

1. I'm looking to pick up the 13inch Series 9 with the upgraded wifi 3-antenna card. 124gb SSD, 4gb RAM. Does anybody know what the model number is?

2. I'm in Australia and I've read about people on here getting this computer for as little as $750 US. Does anybody know any good deals ATM? I'm going to import it but the lowest I've seen online is around 990USD.

Thanks for reading,

mjm

 

The manual for the new S9 appears to show a full size SD card slot. However, check in the thread for the 2012 S9.

John

 

If you're talking about the Gen 1, which is what this thread is about, it's a 128 gig SSD, but the model number is NP900X3A-B06US. Note that this comes with a one-year warranty, not a three-year like the previous run (the ones with the wireless problem).

As of right now, the "best" price I've found personally is by going with MicrosoftStore.com -- they've got it for $999 free shipping, but they also include a $200 MicrosoftStore gift card for a future purchase. I picked up the Xbox 360 with a free game for $200 on their site and then sold it on Craigslist for $200, making my out-of-pocket cost $799.

Once the Gen 2 models start shipping you might see some stores dropping the price a bit more, but I'm doubting it, since the Gen 2 models are more expensive by default.

 

Thanks heaps, great advice. Notebook plus XBox sounds good to me!

 

900X1B:
Why oh why I did find this forum before I bought the 900X1B for my wife for Xmas.

For some reason we both missed the bad WIFI originally. And its not been extensively used before now (bad xmas gift? ).

Now the antenna problem is extremly clear. Extreme packetloss making the download speed sometimes crawl to 0.10 mbit/s ( low bandwidth) even at "short" ranges, sometimes suddenly going full speed ( fluttering), WLAN datarate jumping up and down 27 mbit then 270 mbit..

I have found is that if you turn off 40mHz channel width on the AP (dropping the max rate to 150mbit/s) it seems to help a lot... But this is of course no good solution.

So my question is:
Did anyone hear of a 3x3 chip/antenna replacement for the 11" version as well (NP900X1B)?
(On Samsungs driver page there are at least intel as well as broadcom drivers)


Tommy,
Norway

(I tried to go through most of the thread but with over 300 posts i might have missed if someone already mentioned a replacement for the 11" version)

 

Hi everyone, I received my 900X3A-B01 today and was disappointed to find out that it only has two antennas. I was under the impression that all models that started with a "B" (B01/B06) instead of an "A" (900X3A-A03) came with three antennas. I had no idea this wasn't the case otherwise I would have asked the seller how many antennas it had before purchasing it.

FWIW, the date on the bottom is Aug. 2011 and at speedtest.net I've downloaded as high as 17 Mbps. Is 17 Mbps good?

In device manager, my Network adapters read:
--Intel(R) Centrino(R) Advanced-N 6230
--Microsoft Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter
--Microsoft Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter #2
--Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller

Thanks for any advice.

 

I just purchased this snazzy X3A-B01UB notebook (waiting for the 15-inch Ivy Bridge....someday).

I have a Samsung Slim External DVD Writer. I thought I could use it to install a couple of essential programs by DVD. However, it requires two USB slots, fairly close to each other, which the X3B doesn't have.
What DVD player did you all use to install things by DVD?

 

I use a Sony DRX-840U but it has it's own power supply.

 

That's the trade off. Do you want a portable drive you can take with you, or will you be using it at home each time. I like the no external power option, because the unit is travel friendly. But then again, why do most people need to travel with an external optical disk drive. Might as well get something with an external power supply

 

This seems like good advice. I knew going in that the 128GB was limiting (I have a Toshiba M10 with the same), but the partition into a C: drive and a D: drive is a little puzzling.

When you say to put "user files" on D:, separate from the C: operating sytem, do you mean my personal work, or installed programs (Office, Adobe Pro, Stata, Endnotes)?

 

No, I don't have any need to carry around an external drive and am very happy to have the notebook without it. I just need to install a couple of programs which I have by DVD. Before I go out to purchase a new self-powering external DVD player, I'll try my 5-port USB extender later today. This might just solve my little issue to install these few programs.
Thanks for your input!

 

Did you try using just one port? The Y cables are provided in case the computer can't provide enough power using just one port but everything I have used during the past few years 9including netbooks) have been able to power an external optical drive using one port. Note that when using one port you need to use the plug with the two wires.

Yes, user files are your personal work, but you can also install your own programs there as well is short of space on C:

John

 

With Windows 7,you can easily delete the "D" partition and expand the "C" to fill the space formerly occupied by "D".

Use "Computer Manager" in the "Start" search area, then choose "Manage Disks".

It's the first thing I do with a new computer that has partitioned drives.

If I wish to isolate my own data files, I create a "DATA" folder off the C-drive and then create additional folders within to further subdivide and categorize.

 

Just remember that a system restore using Samsung's Recovery Solution may replace everything on C. If you put your "data" folder on D then it will survive the restoration process.

John

 

True.

But I can think of many more ways that a "D" drive would NOT survive a calamity than could.

Also, with the Windows7 built-in backup, it's easier to back up a single logical drive than multiple ones.

Finally, a single drive results in more efficient utilization of overall disk resource and the need to be cognizant of managing spare space for a single drive instead of 2.

 

Many thanks John! Yes, the DVD Writer worked perfectly with only 1-USB (using the two-wires). I usually only need it for a couple of programs when I have a new laptop, so your input is appreciated.

I'm still not sure if I am a fan of the C: & D: drive partition, but I left it alone. (I want the 15-inch Ivy Bridge ) and am likely to sell this X3A then.

I've installed my programs (Adobe Acrobat Pro, Endnote, Stata....) on D: and all is good. I did discover though that I couldn't capture a page online (PDF a webpage) in Adobe Acrobat. Finally, I realized that the "Common Files" in C: just needed to be copied and pasted into D:. and all works perfectly.

In all - I find that I really like this first Gen Series 9, more than I expected to. I can live with the small hard drive and micro SD port for awhile.

 

Hi all,
I have a few questions regarding the NP900X3A (sub)notebook and was hoping some people here would be able to help me out.

1.) I know this is a very portable machine yet I also use this notebook on the same desk from time to time (sometimes for a week or 2 on end).
Since the battery can not be removed.... does it hurt to leave the power brick plugged to the net and hooked up to it during this period? (I sure hope not).

2.) I uninstalled most of the Samsung/Easy manager bloatware. Yet i keep having a problem with my Windows power plan. I can not seem to change the 'action' i want Windows to take when i close the lid of the notebook ( the options stay greyed out no matter what i try). Is there any way to fix this perhaps?

3.) Upon uninstalling all bloatware i noticed that my Fn keys (functions) are no longer responding. Makes sense of course... But if i would want to restore this functionality specifically, would anyone here happen to know which Samsung app i need to download from them? I can not seem to find a single app or driver related to Fn, Functions or the keyboard on their website.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

Guys, I am writing regarding the WIFI issue.
As I understood, drivers updates and Intel 6230 do not really help. Only 3 antenna 6300 chip improves the situation considerably.

My question is - how do you identify S9 with 3 antenna, if you can not look onto the back of it or get into the device manager (I live in another country and will buy S9 in USA online)??

As I understood, bestbuy version NP900X3A-B01UB has 6230, right?

Reading this comment ( Amazon.com: H. Lii's review of Samsung Series 9 NP900X3A-B01 13.3-Inch La...)

I consider, that the model NP900X3A- B06US has 3 antennas... But maybe it is a random chance. That guy bought 6us in Microsoft store and was a lucky one.
The problem is that I need to know the right model for sure, because I won't be able to return the lap (another country, bummer)

Kindly ask you to advise me on the right model.
Thanks in advance!

 

You realize the first generation devices are on their way out and this is resolved in the second generation, right?

 

I do, but now th 1st gen in 300-400$ cheaper than the new s9, so I think it justifies my choice )

But I do need to know the right model and the store with 6300 chip


OK, I have re-read all the 300+ thread, and figured out, that this should be MS store 6us, or BestBut 01UB. So I think I will get one of those...

 

I got the Microsoft store B06US and it's got the 3 antenna card, I'd recommend that.

Plus, the Microsoft store laptop has a 200 voucher for the store. Bought some gaming peripherals, sold them on eBay, got the laptop for 800USD.

 

Yea, if you have to buy the first gen model this would certainly be worth considering.

 

It should not hurt: Once the battery is fully charged then the computer should not top it up until the charge level has dropped a few percent (you can use HWiNFO to see what is happening on the battery charge level). Samsung also offer a battery saving mode that only charges the battery to 80%.

Samsung's Easy Settings is provided as the portal to the Samsung-specific features. However, you may find their older Easy Display Manager may get the Fn keys working.

John

 

@ John: Thanks a lot for the information!
I will try reinstalling the Easy manager.

If anyone could help me out with my final issue (my powerplan settings) then that would be awesome.

[Edit]
My final problem seems to have fixed itself guys.
I was looking at the powerplan options again today and all of a suddent the lid behaviour could be changed again!
I'm pretty sure all bloatware was already gone the last time i checked....the only other difference was that this time the notebook had been in slumbermode rather then samsung's hybrid sleep mode.

 

Okay, so just got my B01 with intel wifi 6300-beautiful laptop, very lightweight and wifi seems ok. yet to fully explore it though.
cons- only have 75gb available space. Can someone link me to the post on deleting recovery partition to make some more space? also are there any disadvantages with deleting the recovery partition?
Other issue is my touchpad. Gradually getting used to it...seems quite sensitive though. But I realized there's no option for enabling multi gestures on mine and the multi-gestures don't work. went to mouse settings and says I have a synaptic clickpad PS/2 mouse. Is there anything am not doing right?
Finally any links where I can get a cheap mini-hdmi to vga connector? I will be doing lots of presentations with this laptop. thanks

 

I've had my notebook swapped through the Microsoft Store after having tried to get is serviced/swapped for many months (basically from the beginning). There is no fix to go from the 2 antenna to the 3 antenna version, your only chance is that your dealership is willing to replace it.
The Microsoft Store delivered on this brilliantly. In the store, they swapped my memory (which I upgraded) as well as my SSD, so that I didn't have any work reinstalling.
My speed on average more than doubled. With the 2 antenna version I have a maximum of around 25Mb/s, now it is around 58Mb/s. (Mega bits/sec, on a 120Mb/s line)

 

So I decided to do a third antenna mod http://i.imgur.com/Iqg1D.jpg, similar to SwiftKS http://forum.notebookreview.com/sam...op-zx310-900x3a-unveiled-239.html#post7827682. Seems to work, haven't tested it enough to know if it will work better. It was mainly a case of having a spare antenna, and cheap 3x3 cards online. It's an atheros ar9380 if anyone wanted to know.

I'm also interested in upgrading to 16GB of ram, with two 8GB dimms. Most laptops should support this, but before I go and waste moeny, has anyone seen whether this laptop can handle it?

 

Intel's specs for the i5-2467M CPU show a limit of 8GB RAM. This may be a standard limitation on the 17W parts.

John

 

To paraphrase you, "it's upto the manufactures", http://forum.notebookreview.com/len...s-16gb-ram-why-doesnt-x220-7.html#post8216407. In fact, someone mentions that they have had the cpu I have (i5-2537m) cat work with 16GB in that thread (not that that means much). From the web searches I've done, I haven't been able to find anything specific to this laptop (the searches would seem to suggest this isn't the most popular laptop, probably because of its price). I do have a friend with some 8GB dimms, I'll just have to try those. I'll definitely post back whether they work or not.

 

If you can borrow some RAM then it's worth a try. However, I can't remember whether the 900X3A has two RAM slots, one slot (+ RAM soldered on board) or it's all soldered.

John

 

It has two slots. One of the good things about this laptop is that you can easily upgrade it, and you only need a phillips head screw driver. I've already got plans to upgrade the SSD when 256GB msata SSDs become cheaper. Although, it isn't the best that I have the worst i5 available, and it is the one thing I can't change, but it chugs along for everything I need.

 

I own a 900X3A now for about 6 months and still have i ssues with the audio jack. When I put in my headphones, the Realtek "balloon" appears and tells me that I just disconnected a plug from the jack. When I take it out again, it says that I just connected a plug. Result is that the speakers are not working most of the time, but plugging in the headphones works fine.
I tried new Realtek drivers, but no success. Only thing that helps is changing the registry (force disable jack detection), but that's not a real solution either.
Anybody out there who has experience with the same issue and knows how to solve it ? Thanks in advance !

 

I decided to do the wifi card upgrade...but i am wondering which one i need to buy? i searched "intel wifi 6300" on Ebay and got some potential candidates....I am wondering if these will work? or will i need the one from AMAZON?

Intel half WiFi Link Ultimate-N 6300 pci card 633ANHMW | eBay

New Intel 6300 633ANHMW WIFI PCI E Half MINI Card for Lenovo X201S T410 T510 etc | eBay

 

Most models of this laptop only have two antennas, the card you are looking at buying has three antennas. If you only plug in two of the three antennas, the card won't work well at all, so don't buy it unless you know you have three antennas (most of the laptops that came with three antennas already have the card anyway). So before you do anything, determine what wireless card you currently have.

 

First, thank you for getting back to me.

Yes i have the one with two antennas...sadly i got jipped off ebay...dumb move.

I was planning to install the third antenna, if i were to get a new wifi card.
Do you think the ones i put on the links will work okay?

 

I've been reading through the postings here...

regarding the wifi isssue, i think it's kind of bs that samsung is ignoring their mistake in the first batch. It's really stupid to waste hours and hours looking into this when you've paid 750-1000 dollars into this damn machine.

I dont care if they've fix it for the new models,

I feel like if they messed up on something (clearly a dumb design flaw), and they know it, they need to come out straight and try to fix it for the consumers that bought the 1st gen machines.

I'm no expert in law or consumer rights, but it's just common-sense wrong to me. You just dont sell bad products and turn away.


-------


follow-up: I mean to say we need something like this to happen:
Here is an article on a class action law suit settlement regarding their faulty TV
http://www.theverge.com/2012/2/24/2820842/psa-samsung-settlement-tv-capacitor-class-action-lawsuit