Samsung NP930X5J / NP940X5J ATIV Book 9 (2014) 15.6" Haswell announced Jan 6, 2014

Links:
- tech2: CES 2014: Samsung unveils Ativ Book 9 2014 Edition laptop
- wpcentral: Samsung announces the ATIV Book 9 2014 Edition, a 15.6-inch Windows 8 laptop with 14 hours of battery life
- Ubergizmo: Samsung ATIV Book 9 15.6-inch 2014: 14Hrs Of Battery
- yahoo news: Samsung Ativ Book 9

Highlights from articles:
- 14 hours of battery life (to be tested in real life)
- Screen 20% brighter (than previous generation? that was already 400 nits! To be confirmed)
- Resolution 1920x1080 (Is it IPS?)
- New keyboard design
- 4.07 pounds (was ivy bridge 15.6" not 3.8 pounds?)
- Lossless audio component (Wolfson DAC chip)
- 720p web cam

Too bad the resolution is not like the 13.3" version: 3200×1800. Also no mention of touch screen.

Looking forward to see availability, price, and official specifications sheet.

 

The specs released to the press are attached to my post here.

John

 

I really like the looks of this laptop (in particular the storage options and DAC) - but need something soon. Does anyone have any info on the expected window for a release date. If it's too far off I may end up with an X1 Carbon (even though I don't like the idea of the LED function key strip - and would love this audio option)

 

This notebook is still prototype so I expect it in the end of first half of year.You have old 900X4C which is still better then a lot of new notebooks .It has battery life better then new X1 with Haswel.
900x4c don't have IPS screen but it also doesn't have screen door effect or IR so its better then a lot of new screens.Only thing that I don't like about it ,that is hot when you watch video in lap.
14 hours battery life is probably without wifi.With wifi it would probably have same battery life like 900x4c.If this new 2014 Ativ book would also be hot I would go with 900x4c (if I can find one in six months) because of matte screen.

 

The reports from CES indicated mid 2014 but might show up in Korea first. The model number is NP930X5J (or NT930X5J in Korea).

While it appears that the chassis can hold two SSDs, these are probably of the hard-to-find M.2 format. Samsung's usual release strategy is to start with low specs at high price in order to get maximum profit from the early purchasers.

John

 

There are five versions of the NT930X5J in the SW Update database, so this model should be on the shelves in Korea in the next few weeks.

We can then watch out for reviews and find out how good it is.

NT is the prefix for Korean versions. It will be NP930X5J for everyone else.

John

 

When do you think this will become available in the U.S? Any chance it will be available in February or March? Thanks

 

I think it will show up in Europe before the US since the market there is more profitable and also facilitates ramping up of production. My best guess is that it won't reach the US until the 2nd quarter. I think there were some comments at CES indicating mid year but perhaps Samsung were being conservative after the Book 9 Plus took forever to show up (although I'm sure Windows 8.1 was a contributory factor).

John

 

I have the new MacBook 15" because it's the only laptop that comes close to my needs. I prefer the new Samsung though as I loved the old 9.. and I actually prefer the lower resolution (but still good resolution) in order to get better battery life. So probably not until June in the U.S huh?

 

The 2nd quarter starts in April.

One just has to keep checking for (i) entry into the SW Update database (= going into production) and (ii) retailer listings.

And watch out for Samsung's practice of the first version having low specs and high price. Then, once they are sold bring in a better spec (and a high price), etc. That said, the difference in CPU performance between i5 and i7 isn't much and this notebook is said to have two SSD slots (probably M.2 format) so adding more capacity might not require throwing out the supplied SSD.

John

 

Alright, here we go:

Big, heavy, glossy! This doesn't deserve the title Ativ Book 9

 

It won't feel heavy alongside the Book 8!

Half the increased weight will be in the bigger battery so you can then run the display brighter to reduce the reflection problem.

John

 

:thumbsup:

10chars!1!!

 

And the other half is in the touch screen?

 

That will be a small factor but I think the bigger chassis inherently will add to the weight.

Regarding the battery, I've just been rechecking and can't substantiate it being higher capacity. If it isn't, then Samsung's claimed 14 hours will shrink to the single digit range. The bigger display with more pixels will most likely offset Haswell's power efficiency improvements. IMO, a bigger battery to fill the extra space under the palm rest is a no-brainer, with the extra weight at the front combating any potential instability caused by the heavier display being pushed back by poking fingers.

John

 

I keep on googling for this model every now and then.
Today I found this press release after following a couple of links:
Beter presteren met de ATIV One 7 2014 en ATIV Book 9 2014

Translation:
Google Übersetzer

Edit:
Wait, there's more:
www.samsungeuforum.com -> Press Release
There's a press info about ATIV Book 9 2014 Edition.
In this PDF, they state:

I think I'll wait before ordering the ATIV 8

 

I think the Korean version (NT930X5J) may become available in the first half of February.

Early March in Europe is plausible. There's no rational reason why Samsung should delay the roll-out once they have the production line running (but manufacturers don't always operate in what we see as a rational manner).

John

 

Great news. Unfortunately it's almost impossible to find an Ativ Book 9 with US keyboard layout in Germany. If I manage to find one I will most likely buy it.

 

Google is giving several hits for the NP900X5J including NP930X5J-S01US, NP930X5J-K01HK, NP930X5J-K01NL, NP930X5J-K01BE (i5 + 128GB) and NP930X5J-K02BE (i7 + 256GB). The listings suggest that this notebook may become available in some countries (other than Korea) by the end of this quarter.

However, NP930X5J-K01HK is the only one I can find so far in the SW Update database.

John

 

Don't suppose any of you have heard anything more about a UK release date have you?

 

No clues at the moment.

John

 

OK, thanks.

I keep checking back on this form every day as I really need a new laptop and this is the best option for me right now (13" screen would be way too small for me).

I'll just have to stay patient and hope Samsung make an announcement soon

 

I live in Canada now but want a UK keyboard layout. Am I going to have to buy it in the UK then get someone to bring it over or is the keyboard swappable?

 

The keyboard is integrated into the keyboard surround / palm rest so it is a major operation to change it.

If the computer is bought in UK then, with the right paperwork, the 20% VAT can be reclaimed on export (watch out for the big queue at the airport).

John

PS: SW Update is now listing NP930X5J-K01NL (the Netherlands) and NP930X5J-K01BE, NP930X5J-K02BE (Belgium). So add those to Korea, Hong Kong and China.

 

This might sound like a silly question, but what is SW Update?

I just looked up that NL model number on Google and found a PDF with some specs. It says there is no display port or mini display port. For some reason I had assumed that it would have one these days. I had hoped to daisy chain my multiple monitor set up when the laptop is in work but looks like I'd have to use USB monitor connectors

 

You're correct. It has a full-size hdmi but you'll have to go with USB3 for additional screens. It's asinine that Samsung doesn't use mDP. Should have gone with TB2.

 

SW Update is Samsung's software / driver update program as described here.

New models / versions get put into the database as they go into production.

John

 

Doesn't it also have the traditional Samsung proprietary mini-VGA? Most models have had that for years, which is another way to connect two external monitors -- assuming you have the overpriced Samsung proprietary mini-VGA adapter (which I see is still on clearance at Best Buy).

Of course, being an analog connection, this is nowhere nearly as a good as HDMI -- let alone DisplayPort. I too find it disappointing that Samsung doesn't do DisplayPort, except on a few big models. Of course it could be a matter of saving money on license fees, but I think more likely it's because Apple is the license owner in this case.

 

Yeah I think it does have vga. Still pretty lame. I always thought HDMI had the higher license fees (If I'm to believe wikipedia, DP is royalty free and Apple waves the royalty on mDP). I know Dell uses mDP. HDMI won't support 4k until 2.0, and I doubt there will be a hardware upgrade.

 

I didn't realize that DP is royalty free. How untypical of Apple. So there really is no excuse then, why Samsung keeps avoiding it. Maybe they're just waiting it out for HDMI 2.0 to overtake DP. Given that HDMI dominates AV, that's not entirely unlikely. OK, different discussion, doesn't t belong here

 

I don't know did you already post this but we would have two option of Ativ Bokk 2014 .Touchscreen and non-touchscreen anti-glare:

Platform Samsung ATIV Book 9 Plus Model Name NP940X3G-S01US Description Samsung ATIV Book 9 Plus 13.3 i7-4500U, 8GB, 256GB, Touch Screen Screen Size 13.3 LED QHD+ Touch Screen Display Resolution 3200 x 1800; 16:9 Ratio Display Brightness 350 nits Processor Intel Core i7-4500U Processor Processor Speed 1.8 GHz (Up to 3.0 GHz) Hard Drive Size 256GB SSD Memory Size 8GB Platform Samsung

ATIV Book 9 Model Name NP930X5J-S01US Description Book 9 15.6 Notebook; i7-4500U , 1.8 GHz, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Screen Size 15.6 LED Full HD Antiglare Display Resolution 16:9 Aspect Ratio; 1920 x 1080 Display Brightness 300 nits Processor Intel Core? i7-4500U Processor Processor Speed 1.8 GHz, turbo up to 3.0 GHz Hard Drive Size 256GB SSD Memory Size 8GB DDR3 (1600 MHz) I/O Ports 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0, HDMI, Mini VGA, 3- in-1 (SD/SDHC/SDXC) Graphics Intel HD Graphics 4400 Note Aluminum Connectivity Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 802.11 ac/a/b/g/n, Gigabit LAN (with dongle included in box), Bluetooth v4.0, WiDi Battery 4 cell / Li-Po, 62Whr Operating System Windows 7 Pro Preloaded with Windows 8.1 Pro COA Software Microsoft Office Starter 2010, Norton Internet Security (60 Day Trial) Security BIOS/HSS Password, TPM, Slim Lock Slot Other 720p HD Webcam Dimensions 14.74 x 9.84 x 0.59 Weight 3.92 lbs Warranty 3 Year Standard Parts and Labor Color Black

 

The first of those is the 13.3" model.

 

For good sake how did I miss that,thanks.

Here it is what I wanted to share:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...ook_9_i54200_8gb_128ssd_windows_8_1_15_6.html

 

this sound very good, I like:

i7-4500U , 1.8 GHz, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD,
Screen Size 15.6 LED Full HD Antiglare Display
Resolution 16:9 Aspect Ratio; 1920 x 1080 Display
Graphics Intel HD Graphics 4400

 

Seems like Samsung now offers the best notebook in both the 13" and 15" range.

 

The name of the touch model is NP940X5J
Looks like the 15.6" Ativ Book 9 follows the naming scheme of the Series 7 Ultra:

NP9 30xxx (NP7 30xxx Series 7) - non touch
NP9 40xxx (NP7 40xxx Series 7) - touch


There is also an 15.6 Ativ Book "Lite" NP910S5J, thicker, heavier & made of plastic: ATIV Book 9 Comparison

 

So ,non-touch with Haswell ?We could see minimum 12 hours battery life with notebookcheck wifi scenario test.
hey oled are you still planning to buy EVO msata?

 

Maybe there will be both the NP930X5J and the NP940X5J.. This EPEAT registration is for the NP940X5J but there are also plenty of hits such as this for the NP930X5J.

One possibility is that there are both touchscreen and non-touchscreen versions. In other models (eg NP870Z5E, NP880Z5E; NP905S3G, NP915S5G) touch and non-touch versions have a difference of 10 in the numbering. Given Samsung's willingness to offer both display options on some other models there's no reason not to offer it for this model. Samsung could pick up more sales given that many other notebooks are only available with a glossy screen which not everyone wants.

John

 

Mhh... Samsung ATIV Book 9 NP930X5J-K01CH - ÜBERSICHT | SAMSUNG
It does not say anything about a touchscreen.

If this is matte and available in Germany soon, this might be an instant buy for me

Edit:
Seems to be available in Germany in April - and we will see it at Cebit next week
Samsung kündigt Premium-Notebook Ativ Book 9 2014 Edition an » notebooksbilliger.de Blog

Edit2:
It gets better:
http://www.notebookcheck.com/Samsun...4-Edition-im-April-ab-1500-Euro.112805.0.html
"mit entspiegelten 15,6"-Full-HD-Displays ohne Touchfunktion." -> yeah, matte non-touch screen!


Edit3:
Oooooh no. Look at the pictures - looks really odd. Proportions of Bezel looks very strange. And no F-Keys. What the heck?
I really, really hope they are wrong.

 

No that is Chrombook they are wrong,see there is no Windows key.
only picture number three is good

 

That is what I was trying to say:

NP9 30X5J - non touch
NP9 40X5J - touch

The 15.6" AB9 Style (aka "Lite") so far just shows up in one version though: NP910S5J


The model number in the thread title seems wrong btw. That second '3' (NP930X 3J) usually refers to 13" models

 

Awaiting to see if either the touch or non-touch versions are IPS.
Also last year's 15" model was 400 nits, how bright are these models?

 

Here is what the notebook really looks like:
Samsung ATIV Book 9 NP930X5J-K01CH - ÜBERSICHT | SAMSUNG
Of course ist has a regular keyboard with F-keys.
No more information on the display though.

I think the air vents are quite interesting.
There seem only to be those that suck air in but not those that release them like in the 900X3G.
Maybe Samsung uses the same approach LG uses with one of it's new notebooks to release the heat at the hinge of the display?

Also the following wikipedia page suggests the chassis is made of aluminium instead of magnesium like in the 900X3G.
ATIV Book 9 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

I think you are right, it looks like the Chromebook.
Only the third picture on the bottom of the notebookcheck article seems to be correct.

 

Some more info from the CEBIT press preview, including reference to a non-glare screen.

John

 

Apparently there's going to be a "Style" version with stitched leather back and 4 (loud) speakers...

Leather-Look Samsung ATIV Book 9 Style at CeBIT 2014 [Udate: Video] « Ultrabook News and the Ultrabook Database

Adds a bit to the weight though and might mean waiting even longer.

 

That model has its own thread.

If the entries in the SW Update are a guide then the NP910S5J will show up in some countries before the NP930X5J / NP940X5J. Perhaps Samsung want to see what will sell at a nice profit.

John

 

1500€ for the i5 model is more then i thought. :-(

 

John,

There is still a typo in the thread title I believe. That second "3" of "NP930X 3J" usually refers to 13" models, but should be a "5" for 15inch imho.

 

Thanks for pointing that out.

I've fixed it.

John