Samsung ATIV Book 9 Plus - NP940X3G

Of course Samsung won't change their politics only for you and me.

I've talked with some of them and they told that they are following diverse discussions online.

 

I don't get what the problem is, there is no doubt that Samsung will sell the AB9+ with 8 GB RAM and an i7 later on. So if customers really want those specs they will wait a couple of weeks for the better model, but the truth is that for 95% 4 GB/128 is sufficient for their needs.

 

exactly....I use to be big on ram but then i realize 90 percent of the task i do find 4gb sufficient, i do think its a legit argument for more disk space but not for ram..

 

Does anyone know how to purchase this from Canada? So far I've found websites that sell it for 1499 other than the microsoft store. But after weeks of trying to purchase this from the MS store, I found out today after hours of talking to "representatives", that they are having major issues regarding credit card purchases. I can't purchase it from the american amazon cause they won't ship it here. So anyone in Canada have any luck?

 

Are you specifically wanting the US keyboard? The Canadian model NP940X3G-K01CA appears to be available.

John

PS: And for the UK potential purchasers, Amazon UK has another 8 in stock as I type this.

 

Just a quick update...

I really started to get annoyed by the glare caused by the glossy screen, so I bought a "Green Onions supply" anti-glare screen protector (17" which I cut down, since I wanted to protect the bezel as well). It totally helps the glare caused by the glossy screen, but it also makes the screen look really bad. i'm going to give it a couple days to see if it "sets" better, but I'm probably going to peel it off after then.

 

Yep, that's why were still hoping they put that 1080p matte from the X3F on there.

 

I don't see where I criticized anybody except maybe Samsung ?

As far as supply and demand, you're correct and, like many others, I'm not buying it.

However there's a bigger picture, which I think most of the AB9+ critics here are well aware of - part of which is PCs should be upgradable.

I think that if 8GB was released at the same time as the 4GB (or a version with upgradable ram), there would be zero-to-no demand for the 4GB version.

I also think that if there were other competing PC notebooks with the same resolution available (with 8GB ram / upgradable), they would also have a greater demand.

I'm not saying people who are happy with 4GB shouldn't have their cake, but it's truly insulting that Samsung didn't at least make it upgradable.

 

K2007, the premium ultraportable market is not for you. There are other threads that deal with more powerful machines with upgradable ram.

 

I mean you no disrespect, but I am kind of getting tired of this kind of thinking. You are basically saying to him, "No one is meeting your fairly reasonable needs so screw off." I firmly believe that we as consumers of technology as well as the industry itself deserve to have our needs met. I isn't asking a lot to offer upgrade-able RAM or at least larger options on a consistent release schedule on a thin and light machine. I shouldn't have to be told that I should make do with a larger laptop vs. an ultrabook because I need a CPU that runs 20% faster than what the majority of end users need as well as a little more RAM and storage. My demographic is the one that pushed for ultrabooks in the first place(programmers who want something decently powerful for mobile computing that isn't a giant brick on our backs, laps, and in our hands). Now we are being treated as second class and unimportant yet again are the main users to spend gobs of money on our computers. I should be allowed to have an ultrabook that performs to my specifications just as every other user. I feel like many of the problems facing many of these ultrabooks as well as the general shoddy business practices could easily be fixed if more logical, solutions oriented people that tend to become software engineers were making most of the decisions about these products.

That being said, the Zenbook Infintiy does exactly what I am asking for. I just hope they don't stick to the rumored exorbitant bullcrap pricing.

 

Anyone else with bad WiFi reception?

Where my MBA (2011) got 10,4Mbit, AB9+ got around 2,4. In that regard I'm a bit disappointed unless it can be fixed with a driver update. Otherwise the computer is great in all other ways, the keys might be a bit too shallow though.

 

I'm seeing a lot of angry posts lately that seem a bit displaced. Clearly enough people have voted with their wallets and feel the current specs are enough. I have been highly critical of Samsung's business practices throughout this process but in the end I felt that 1200.00 was an acceptable price for the AB9+ so I took the plunge and I am happy I did. For my uses the specs are perfectly acceptable but they do not justify a 1400.00 price tag IMHO. If I was forced to pay 1400.00 then I wouldn't have purchased this machine, plain and simple. I fully agree that options should be available to upgrade as you see fit. Samsung certainly offers consumers a multitude of options for the majority of their products. Why they continue to limit their computing devices is beyond me. That said, consumers shouldn't be criticized for choosing to purchase a product if they feel they are getting value. Their are plenty of intelligent people on this very forum that felt the AB9+ delivered enough value to justify a purchase. They don't deserve criticism simply for making that choice.

 

Don't forget that the thinner end of the notebook market is only one step bigger than the tablets where upgradability might extend as far as having a micro SD card slot, and many don't even have that option.

SODIMM slots add to the thickness of notebooks. Nonetheless, I have sympathy for those who consider that these new models should have 8GB by default. The X3B that I bought 18 months ago had a 4GB DDP package so by now 8GB should be technically feasible. Another possible reason is that the marketing people have take control and reckon they can make more money by selling a lower spec model first then get another round of profit by the same people buying the model they really want when it becomes available. Plus, Samsung might have agreements with other companies it supplies with components to not directly compete in certain market segments.

John

 

Make no mistake, I am certainly not saying this is a bad machine even at $1400. I have loved using it for the last several days. It's wonderful. I am just saying that I don't appreciate it when people say a person with more intense usage who wants something portable is entirely dismissed as not a good candidate for an ultrabook. It's not anger on my end, it is an observation of the "screw you because my needs are met" mentality that is perpetuated so much online. Your uses are greater than the majority so you don't deserve a product be made for you. Obviously not everyone needs more RAM or a larger SSD of a higher voltage CPU, but that doesn't make the needs of those who do less important. The problem with the idea of speaking with your wallet is that those who aren't offered a product that meets their uses won't purchase something lesser. Thus, in the end, they are almost entirely ignored. While not amicable in his phrasing, K2007 expressed an entirely valid point based on his desire for a particular product and dismissing a valid point is far more insulting to many than saying something irreverent or calling them a bad name.

Oh, and these past few comments of mine are on the market as a whole, not just Samsung. Although Samsung has been one of the biggest offenders pertaining to their computers.

 

How does the unicorn Zenbook Infinity meet your needs but the unicorn 8GB/i7 B9+ not meet your needs? Both are are said to be launched at a non-specific future date. $1400 laptops move more volume than $2000 laptops, so why wouldn't a company like Samsung release a base model first if manufacturing is slow. I would, they can't keep the base models on shelves. In due time, the higher end B9+ will come out (probably before the Infinity). They did the same thing every year with their Series 9. They often do that with phones too, releasing a 16GB version first then bringing out an expensive 32GB version a short period of time later (ie, S4 on Verizon). Just business, bring out first what sells quicker.

ie,

Dates first available on Amazon...

900X3C
i5/128GB June 3, 2012
i7/256GB June 28, 2012

900X3D/E
i5/128GB January 28, 2013
i7/128GB February 4, 2013
i7/256GB May 26, 2013

 

I had some problems first day but have been mostly, if not entirely, fixed by updating to the latest Samsung and Windows software.

 

Both would be fine, but Iris and the 28W TDP SOC are an enticing proposition even at the expense of a little battery life. And I fully agree about holding manufacturing on limited supply items and I have no qualms with it at all. My comments were mostly a result of the poster who argued that one who wants a little upgradeability or expanded storage or memory should have to look outside of this machine or market segment. The fact is, we all love this machine. That is why we are here. We just want one that meets our needs as best it can.

Ha ha, I just realized you were the above poster.

 

In the endless wait for the AB9+ 8/256 model I have taken a long hard look at the new Surface Pro 2 announced last night. i5, 8gb ram, 256gb disk, display port, keyboard, bluetooth, SD slot, USB3. I like it. I am VERY tempted to not bother waiting for a AB9+ anymore and get one of these....mmmmm

 

do you know the price for that configuration?

 

From Microsoft outs Surface 2 and Surface 2 Pro and dedicated accessories - GSMArena Blog

Surface 2 Pro will go on sale on October 22. The 64 GB model costs $899, 128GB price is $999, the 256GB edition is $1299 and the 512GB Surface 2 Pro is priced at $1799. We guess these prices are for the 4GB Surface 2 Pro slates, and you’ll have to add a good $100 more if you want 8GB of RAM.

I dont know the UK prices yet...quite expensive but even so I like it.

More details here http://www.surface.com/pre-order

 

Yep I like that too, but 10.6 screen is way to small for me. 11.6 or 12.6 and I´d buy it. Battery tests will be intressting. Anyone want to guess how many houers you will get out of it with the Power-cover? 2.5 times this generations time they said.

I´m a little dissapointed with the battey on the AB9+. I´m yet to do some tests, but I find it hard to belive I will be able to get more than 6-7 houers with 50% screen, wi-fi and light browsing. The screen on the old S9 if way brighter of course, and with the glare I tend to cranking it up to 60-70%, where 30% is often enough on the old model.

 

Microsoft unveils Surface 2, Surface Pro 2 and new accessories confirms that 256 & 512 GB versions come with 8GB of RAM

Now if only the AB9+ would be released with similar Storage/RAM configs I would be in a position to replace my 900X3A (i7/8GB/256), but until then I, like a few others appear, will be staying on the sidelines.

 

I don't think MS are pitching this as a laptop replacement with that small screen, however, if you get the docking station there is no reason why you can't connect up a high res screen and keyboard either at home or in the office for a full blown PC...

 

Then you did not watch the event. It's exactly what they are doing. Pitching it as a laptop replacement. He made references to that throughout the pro 2 presentation.

 

Right or WRONG, there are very few ultraportables that are released with 8GB on board today. Even though it is perfectly feasible, it's another cost-cutting measure (which Samsung has become adept at). If you want a laptop this thin, you sacrifice upgradability. You can't for instance upgrade the RAM on a macair either. Fortunately the SSD can be interchanged. They are offering an 8GB model this generation, finally. Let's hope there's not a huge fee to go up to that configuration (by coupling it with the i7, larger SSD, extended warranty). Compared to other OEMs, Samsung offers no customization, so while going to 8GB on Apple, Dell, Sony is $100 at most, it probably will be worse on the AB9+.

 

You are right...I hadn't bothered to watch the event as its usually full of sales crap. I rather wait for the web sites to report the data. Just released prices for UK 256/8 is £1039+cover. Not too bad I guess.

Anyway I think I am in danger of moving thread away from its original topic. Perhaps we need to start a Surface Pro 2 thread....

 

Was upgrading just a matter of taking the old one and replacing it with the new card? Did you need to download any new drivers? I'm interested in doing the same as you. Would I get any benefit in speed if I still use an N router?

 

My SSD results.



Battery test: Ran an episode of Real.Time.with.Bill.Maher.2013.09.20.HDTV.x264-2HD in WMP looped for 2h. Volume and brightness at 50%. Samsung optimized power plan with wi-fi on. Went from 95% to 63% . So 6h videoplayback. The battery indicates it has 3.45h left. I´m not impresed. I want 8 solid houers!

 

spilled soda on my x3e keyboard and now the b key is gooey and the n key doesnt work...
what can i do about this?

 

For those that purchased this at Amazon... did you buy the 3yr Square Trade warranty? Is it good/worth it? Does anyone know if Samsung has an extended warranty?

 

It´s going to be realy hard to answer your question without going off-topic, since this is the 940x3g thread. But my attempt would be: Pop it in the bin and buy the 940x3g! It´s a great laptop!

 

If I was to get a new ultrabook to replace this one, the Acer s7-392 is the best choice imo.
The qhd res on this laptop would just make it lag, my x3e was laggy enough at 1080p.

 

Check your power settings. If that's what you get on battery it is probably because the adapter is not running at full speed on battery. If that's what you get plugged in it is probably the adapter.

 

Well forget what I just said..I read that this morning and now see differently..much differently on the MS site.

 

That is false. Standard is 2-4GB depending on non-pro or pro. Pro can go up to 8GB.

 

Nope. I´v had 940x3g for 6 days and there is no lag.

 

I've had my x3e for a while and while its adequate for the most part, it struggles when browsing with many tabs open, especially when looking at continuous tumblr pages with a few gifs. I'm thinking the processor can't keep up with rendering things at these high res.

 

Seems to have solved the problem, thanks a bunch! I'll report back if the problem persists.

By the way, is an owner's lounge coming?

 

Hello,

I just received this machine today and am annoyed by an ever-present rhythmic noise coming from the lower right corner of the machine. Like some kind of static. I do not know from what component. It is quite annoying, not loud but definitely audible in a quiet room. Production error? Has anyone else observed this?

 

I have experienced no noise as you are describing, but it sounds like a possible manufacturing flaw to me, as unfortunate as that is.

I do, however, experience a few times a week a sudden and persistent screen flashing on and off that normally can only be stopped by pressing the power button to put the machine to sleep and then bring it back - then everything returns to normal. Has anyone experienced this at all?

 

I am really debating if I want this laptop (the 9+) or not. I purchased an Acer S7 and the typing and the other defects I'm finding are driving me slightly insane. Some of them are negligible and others aren't for school. I've been following this thread since its start, but kinda stopped following after a bit since the release date was further than I thought and I needed a computer for school. From what I've read, no users have experienced any issues with typing and registering keystrokes?

Essentially I'm debating if its worth spending $200 more on a machine that has a better screen, but lower RAM (4 vs 8), slightly lower core speed, and half the disk space (since I got the Acer 9890 for 1200, when it should have been 1600). I use this primarily for grad school, and I don't really use it currently for anything except typing in Word. Given from what I can see the other specs (such as battery life and screen brightness) are pretty similar. Would I notice a large drop off in performance? I'm pretty torn because I did get a good deal on the Acer S7, but its been over a month and the typing is really getting to me so I feel like I shouldn't settle for a premium laptop.

 

I experienced the same thing this morning when I powered it on this morning.

Just like you, I also put the laptop to sleep (by pressing the power button) and turned it back on and it resolved the issue.

I wonder if it's an issue with the drivers or Windows 8 and handling the increased resolution/scaling, etc.

The issue only occurred once for me so far.

 

Is the noise coming from the fan area?

I noticed that there was a very very light REVing type of noise from the fan, which sounds like the fan is quickly turning off and on every half a second. This happened only on battery power, and all other levels of noise of the fan were consistent, quiet or non-existent. This disappeared when I plugged it in for a little while, and it's no longer happening. The only way to hear it was to have no noise in the room at all besides the AB9+.

 

I have no noise at all on my machine. There is a setting that makes your fan quiet, so may want to try that. As for the screen flickering, this has happened to me 3 times so far. I thought it was me brushing against the track pad that is causing this, maybe not.

 

Lol, why is there an option to not have a quiet fan?

Sent from a different Galaxy using Tapatalk 2.

 

Maybe for people who do not need anything quieter than normal fan noise and care more about the cooler temperatures? I like options, for one.

 

So amazingly it did set better. I guess the screen cleaner I sprayed on the back to help place it flat (without making bubbles) was still drying or something. I wouldn't say it's 100% as bright and clear as it was, but it actually looks pretty good and it has less glare than my existing matte display laptop. I'm pretty happy with it.

 

This is a flickering that, once it starts, it does not stop on its own - well, maybe once in the 10-12 times it has happened to me has it stopped on its own. I am thankful that I am not the only one, as that indicates a stronger possibility for identifying a solution. I agree with piraveenshan that it feels like a possible issue with screen scaling and/or a driver issue, but since I had not heard anyone else mention this, I have not investigated much.

 

You may be referring to Silent Mode (Fn-F11) or Eco Mode (in Settings) which are features on all Samsung laptops. Although they DO keep the fan silent, they come at a price in performance. Silent and Eco Mode both work on two fronts:

1) They cap the CPU to minimum speed (800Mhz on mine, depends on model). This is accomplished through firmware when the mode is active.

2) They switch to the Power Saver profile, which has different System Cooling Policy (controlling fan operation) and other power management settings, compared to the default profile ( Samsung Optimized or Balanced, depending on Settings version). The user can modify this profile (or switch away from it after toggling on Silent/Eco Mode) which will affect how Silent/Eco Mode behaves.

There is more detail in this post and the ones following.

 

After posting this, I was hoping that one of the new NP940X3G owners would create a thread and take ownership of the Opening Post.

John or I can create the thread on behalf of the forum -- and we may end up doing that to redirect the traffic. But none of us owns this laptop, so an actual owner wouldn't be able to update the Opening Post in that case.