Samsung ATIV Book 9 Plus - NP940X3G

According to Samsung Switzerland, it will ship at the end of October:
https://www.facebook.com/r.php?fbpage_id=179562565419554&r=111

 

All of these pictures are making me very jealous! My August 19 Amazon pre-order better ship soon!

I'd be interested in knowing the date of pre-order from those who have received their units. Has anyone with an August 19 or later date receive their computer?

 

Excellent photo comparison, thanks! Is it just me or does the AB9+ look much clearer/vibrant vs the AB9 (ESP in the flower screen comparison). I see what you are saying now with the power cord. Mine fits snugly but does not seat flush like the one on your AB9. I can still see that small sliver of metal just like in your pic. Interesting...

 

In actual side by side comparison, I felt the AB9+ appeared slimmer than the MBA although it does not taper as much toward the base. I think this is a good thing though in regards to the keyboard/edges

 

Owing to the very nature of touchscreen, yes. But note that the MBA is actually about a third of an inch wider (front to back).

Also, when I carry the AB9, I get a lot of flattering comments from my Mac user friends (I'm in law school, so everyone is carrying notebooks) - they usually comment on how small it is. I don't get the same remarks when I have the AB9+, but I still get a lot of wows.

 

That MBA has one big bezel.

 

I do think that the color on the AB9+ display is very clear and vibrant. I am inclined to believe that the AB9 display is a bit brighter, but the matte panel does not provide as good clarity and color reproduction - the images look a bit washed out on the AB9. The AB9+ glossy screen is not distracting AT ALL. I am a long-time Thinkpad user and I am very partial to matte displays, but I went glossy with the Yoga for a few months and had no problems, then used a glossy Macbook Pro this summer, then the matte AB9 for a week, and I cannot complain about the glossy AB9+ at all. I have not used it outside in bright sunlight much, though. I will say that I had worse smudges on the matte AB9 than I do on the AB9+. The AB9+ glass is very clean and clean even during touchscreen use.

 

Just received an e-mail from Amazon that my order is shipping and the new expected delivery date is September 19-20. FYI, I pre-ordered August 19. Finally!

ETA: Amazon now shows it available, shipping in 3-4 weeks.

 

Thanks for the great photos! There seems to be a lot of subtle differences between the plus and the book 9. Apart from the obvious screen difference (appears the plus had better viewing angles and contrast), is the plus model that much better to get over the book 9? I'm looking into buying one of the two and it would be great if I could get your input.

 

@photo comparison -> so the AB9+ is actually thinner at the front, than the 9? I did not expect that. Judging from the photos, this. So it must be the 9+ is thicker at the back, but thinner at the front. Or you table has some irregularities.
One question, the touchpad of the nine is asymmetrically places on the *left*, is this annoying because the right hand has to reach to the left all the time? Thx.

 

I am evaluating both and will be returning (or selling) one.

Here are my interests and positions:
1. I am not a gamer. I'm an engineer who is now in law school and I need a lightweight machine for heavy everyday use.

2. I want a device that is very usable. I need a good keyboard and trackpad. I am partial to Thinkpads for their keyboards, but Lenovo has not released a device I am partial to - the Yoga was nice, but not quite perfect. The case was cheap, it lacked backlit keyboard, and a few other niceities. The X1 Carbon is a bit expensive and I was holding out for Haswell, which will be a while.

3. I can't stand using Win8 without touchscreen.

Comparing the AB9 and AB9+, here is my list of changes I have found:

- higher resolution touchscreen with glossy panel rather than matte, yet to be seen, but I believe adv AB9+ - the AB9 matte panel is REALLY nice, though
- Haswell, adv AB9+
- dual channel RAM vs single channel, adv AB9+
- sidesync/homesync, adv AB9+
- (2) USB3 ports vs (1) USB3 and (1) USB2, adv AB9+
- LED is now on the trackpad disable (F5) button instead of MUTE (F6) - I really like seeing confirmation that my volume is muted while I am sitting in class, so I miss that about the AB9, adv AB9
- Power LED moved from Power button to the other side where the light sensor used to be, Even
- light sensor is now in camera, fine by me because I disabled the autobrightness, Even
- removed battery life extender, which extended the entire lifetime of the battery by not allowing it to be overcharged and overheated, not sure why they dropped this, but if it works, adv AB9
- added voice recording mode, not sure I would ever use this, but adv AB9+
- more slope in case, adv AB9+
- centered trackpad on AB9+ instead of spacebar-aligned, adv AB9
- swapped hinge mounting points, The new design is probably necessary to support the heavier display, but the old design made for better leverage while opening the lid with one thumb, adv AB9.
- slightly different finish, adv AB9
- AB9+ has a recessed keypad area, while the AB9 had a more subtle design with a concave "lip" that raised the palmrest area higher than the keypad, not much, but I give adv AB9
- case material and shape is very similar, but the AB9 looks and feels noticeably sleeker, adv AB9
- larger pads on bottom, Even
- larger lettering on lid, Even, but I prefer the AB9
- power jack is seemingly looser, adv AB9

Overall, the AB9+ has the major feature/specification advantage, but I think Samsung really sacrificed some of the overall polish and sleekness of the AB9, though some of that is probably out of necessity. I think the point is that the AB9 is still a major player and there really is still a place for it. I think if this AB9 had dual-channel RAM, Haswell, non-touch matte panel in the same AB9 body, it would be a huge winner for business users running Win7 or Win8 in desktop mode exclusively.

 

I actually note that the AB9+ is thinner in the front and barely a tad thicker in the back in some of the photos posted, if you look at the description. What you see is exactly what is.

Also, I also note the trackpad positioning elsewhere in this thread and in the photos - it is not at all annoying to have the trackpad to the left, in fact it is better there as it is centered with the spacebar. For those of us who type correctly, it is easier to stay in typing position and then briefly switch to trackpad use with thumbs. With the AB9+, I find myself missing the trackpad because I want it to be directly beneath and aligned with the spacebar. I believe most of the higher end notebooks have the trackpad aligned with the spacebar, but perhaps I will get used to it this way.

 

I opened mine, this card doesn't fit: Intel Network 7260.HMWG WiFi Wireless-AC 7260 H/T Dual Band 2x2 AC+Bluetooth HMC:Amazon:Computers & Accessories

It uses a smaller card. I'll post some pictures in a bit. I have visual confirmation that the ram is soldered. It was easy to open with the right size screw driver.

 

Can you also post pictures of the SSD used so that we know what we need to get to upgrade to a bigger SSD? Thanks

 

Thank you for doing this. I hope the 8 RAM goes on pre-sale, too ... but I doubt it.

Does anyone know if the S-pen be used on these computers?

 

Also, I purchased this sleeve for my AB9+ and it fits essentially perfectly.

Amazon.com : EasyAcc 13.3 inch Laptop Ultrabook Leather Sleeve Carrying Case Cover for Apple Macbook Air 13, Acer Aspire S3, S5, S7, Asus Zenbook UX31, HP spectre xt 13.3, Samsung SERIES 9 NP900X3B, Samsung SERIES 5 NP530, Toshiba Satellite Z830 Ultr

lengthwise it is just right for the AB9+, and the side has just under 1/2 inch of extra room, but that is the side with the flap, so it is not noticeable. For the price, you can't beat it. I will admit that the fake leather smells a bit foul at first, but it airs out over a few days. There is an "EasyACC" lofo that I can do without, but I reduced it's factor with a black sharpie. I get a lot of positive comments about this sleeve. When carrying it around, it looks almost like a leather portfolio.

One caution is that it has very small and thin magnets that hold the flap closed. If you set the AB9+ (or the AB9, as well for that matter) on it with the back right pad sitting right on top of one of the magnets, it will turn off the display and put the machine to sleep. I don't know if this is a "feature" or if the magnetic field is affecting the device in some way, but it seems pretty harmless, just a little shocking. I have heard the same stories with MBA and MBP users with this sleeve and with other sleeves implementing magnets, so it is not completely abnormal.

 

Here is the inside:
samsung ativ book 9 plus internals - Imgur

Anyone have any idea what wireless card format that is and if there is an 802.11ac one that would fit it?
The s pen from my note 2 doesn't do anything on the screen.

 

I will likely be returning/selling my AB9 (not the AB9+). I really love the AB9, but I really want a touch panel.

I can return it to Microsoftstore.com, but since it is no longer for sale there, I will offer it to a buyer who wants it for less than what it is selling for, as long as I recoup my own costs + shipping. It looks like Best Buy is listing it for $1299 and I will certainly do better than that. You can reach me off-thread at leftbrain99 AT gmail if you are interested and serious.

 

Yes, definitely, i would love such a device. I have a question about the PPI: Do you notice a difference in sharpness of text when using the AB9+ compared to the AB9? I'm torn between those two machines and i will do a lot of software development on my new machine, but i'm not sure if the higher PPI is worth the higher weight.

 

This looks like the m.2 (NGFF) form factor. Check here: Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 Plus Bluetooth*

or here: 7260NGW Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 802.11ac, Dual Band, 2x2 Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 4.0* - M-FACTORS Storage

 

Nope. Note tablets use wacom digitized displays. This doesn't.

 

Yeah, that looks like it would fit. We will find out in a week, ordered one.

 

I will compare side-by-side when I get home again - I'm hardware engineer, but I know software and I know what coders like so I might be a pretty good judge. I will say that I am on my AB9+ right now in QHD+ resolution and the text is super small, but very clear and readable from normal distance (if you like to read small text, that is!!!!) I have used it in this mode for the last couple of days and it's pretty awesome. I do have to lean in sometimes, but only because it's small. The clarity i astounding.

Let me look at the text carefully on my AB9 later tonight and get back to you.

 

Pre-ordered from Amazon Sept 8, and I just got delivery notification for Friday, Sept 20. Original estimate Oct.9-Oct16.

 

I have ordered myself the Lite-On LGT-256M6G SSD that uses the Marvell Controll 88SS9187 and Toshiba NANDS. It's available in China (I'm located here) and costs 300USD. I'll make a test between the original one and the new SSD and report back. Couldn't find anything similar for this price.

 

If you ordered from the Microsoft Store and need to return it, the expected refund is estimated between 3-7 weeks after they receive the product back. Yikes. FYI.

 

Now its not available again and provides other resellers.

 

Thank you kite. You have contributed much to this thread. Any chance you could measure the length of the SSD? It could be 42, 60, 80 or 110 mm. There could be code somewhere, perhaps on the bottom PCB silkscreen, like 2242, 2260, 2280 or 22110, that would indicate its length (22 is standard M.2 width). Also, are there ICs on both sides (and therefore 3.5 mm thick) or on one side only (and therefore 2 mm thick)?

Based on my awesome MS Paint skills I think its an 80mm length M.2 SSD.



Here are pics of 2242, 2260, and 2280 M.2 SSDs from Toms to compare it to.

 

Sure, i'll do some measurements when I get the m.2 ngff 802.11ac card. Hopefully this one fits and works.

 

Am I right in thinking that the antennae wires disappear into the hinge, which means that the antennae are in the display?

This should improve the WiFi signal strength relative to the previous Series 9s.

John

 

Is the LGT-256M6G 128GB or 256GB? I am assuming 256GB but google is reporting conflicting sizes. Please let us know if it works out either way. Thanks.

 

Hello everyone

I have received this laptop on Monday here in Switzerland. First impression with preinstalled software: very good build quality, scaling with high DPI-Screen very poor, fan noise considerably louder than last years series 9 model which I also own. I even heard some rattling noise coming from the fan in full speed.

I'm always doing a clean install to get rid of the preinstalled software: this time I went with Windows 8.1 RTM (I had to use a leaked key for install and change the key back to the original one after installation, activation was sucessful, everything is legit). As expected Windows 8.1 works 10times better with scaling and everything worked right after installation. Here are my questions:

1. Did anyone notice a rattling noise coming from the fan or do I have a faulty unit? (sometimes the fan is off completely, but I mean when the fan is on!)

2. Did anyone do a clean install of Windows 8 or windows 8.1? If so, Windows 8.1 did only install a generic non-Intel driver (which probably doesn't have a power-saving function, which is probably responsible for the very loud fan noise) trying to install the newest driver from Intel or the one that Samsung is suggesting works to install, but every time I want to go into Intel's Software, there is a Crash. I have not been able to reach Intel's Graphic Control Panel once. Is there a new driver? Is the driver dependent on something else?

Thanks for your suggestions,
Michael

 

and where did you get it from? Seems like no shop has it in stock here in Switzerland. Even digitec changed the estimated release to end of september

 

From Digitec. They probably had more preorders than what they recieved eith the first batch. But back to my questions. Any Ideas?

 

Thanks for all the comparisons, very useful!

Isn't hinge modified to support flat opening (iow, 180 degrees where both the screen and keyboard lay flat on the table)?

 

Mine is on the way now. Sweden. Hade my preorder at komplett.se for a month but today Inet.se got a few so I orderd the last one. Anyone in Sweden who has one in their hands or on the way?

 

Is anyone crazy enough to try and remove that stupid "SideSync" logo? I would really like to meet a person who decided to put it there.
When paying 1300+ $ for a notebook I do not want it to look like a billboard for some stupid Samsung program that no one will ever use.

 

That is sort of standard here in the States....timed to when the refund posts and you get your monthly statement. At least you do get your money back.

 

Exactly my thoughts! Such a beautiful design, and then this stupid writing. Maybe I am going to try it with a razor blade once I am sure that my fan is normal. Do you also have this rattling noise when the fan is on?

 

hello, in the below links, please hit ctrl-F, type "emis..." and compare emissions measured for these 3 versions of the series 9. Either Samsung changed something, or the testing measures are inconsistent. noise seems to be getting worse A -> B -> C (worst). I wonder why this is happening.

X3A Test Samsung 900X3A Subnotebook - Notebookcheck.com Tests
X3B Test Samsung Serie 9 900X3B-A01 Subnotebook - Notebookcheck.com Tests
X3C Test-Update Samsung Serie 9 900X3C-A04DE Subnotebook - Notebookcheck.com Tests

 

I don't have AB9+, yet! I just can't decide between Asus Zenbook UX301 and Samsung AB9+. As an owner of Asus notebook I already know all shortcomings that come with owning a Asus notebook - in that way I'm leaning to UX301, but with no firm release date and sky high rumored prices I'm planning to pull the trigger on AB9+.

I was thinking more in a way of nail polish remover or alcohol. I'm pretty sure it's just painted on.

 

Was thinking the same thing. Also helps with glue removal when you also take off the stupid Intel and Windows stickers...nice and clean look please!

 

I will probably have my Book9+ tomorrow (Denmark).

 

My Ativ Book 9 Plus finally shipped from my July preorder on Amazon. Estimated delivery is tomorrow. Since pictures of the internals have already been posted I may not open mine up unless there is a question someone needs answered.

 

You might want to try rubbing a penny over it. That is the known way to get the RayBan insignia off the lens of their sunglasses. It's works for me every time. But there is always a risk........

 

Now we just need someone who is willing to try it. I still think that nail polish remover/alcohol are safest way to try it.

 

Can you guys live with 4gb of ram and a minimum 128gb disc (how?) ?

This may have come up before, but is the ssd upgradeble?

 

A few pages ago, starting here. It includes links to other relevant 8.1 discussions in the Samsung forum.

 

I stopped into BestBuy today and asked their resident Samsung guy when they expect to get the B9+. After staring at me for about 5 seconds with this dumbfounded look he said "I have no idea". What I took from that is their "expert" has never even heard of it.

 

But whatever dissolves that logo might also dissolve the blue-black paint.

Yes, but not officially. It seems to be reasonably easy to remove the base of the computer. Read the last few pages of this thread.

John