Samsung Q35 first thoughts

The specs say the HDD is SATA/PATA. Does this mean all units support both types? I.e., can I get one with a PATA HDD and later plug in a SATA one or do I have to get one that already comes with a SATA if I want to use one later?

 

SATA and PATA are not interchangeable in notebooks. I believe that the current Q35s use SATA HDDs (for example http://uk.insight.com/apps/productp...2&S=1015&M=SA&lang=en-gb&K=&P=1#extendedspecs ) . The specifications on the Samsung website are very broad and are also out of date (for example, no recognition of Core 2 Duo CPUs).

John

 

I just came across this old thread which has gone to sleep but deserves to be resurrected. I see reference to a temporary freezing problem. Am I confused or was this something which came up in a recent thread and seems to have been fixed with a recent BIOS update.

It wasn't part of my masterplan but I succumbed to Comet's offer at the end of January 2007 for the red Q35 with T5600 for a few pence under £800. The long-requested Q35 review was then forthcoming (see link in my signature). Over two months on and I'm still very happy with it and it shares the work with my X60 plus. While I can't get the Q35 past 5 hours on battery, that's still 2.5 times longer than it's big sibling can manage.

I'm tempted, when I have time, to merge the recent short Q35 threads into this thread. It will bring more of the Q35 material together. Anyone have any views?

John

 

I think merging the threads would be a good way to keep all the info in one place.

 

I would like to ask... with the below specifications... is it worth it for euro€1000
I've read all the reviews from others... only not sure if i should buy this or not... thanks...

Modell / Prozessor: Intel Core Duo Prozessor T2250, 1,73 GHz 2 MB Cache 533 MHz FSB
Betriebssystem: Original Microsoft Windows XP Home mit Wiederherstellungs-CD. Die Wiederherstellungs-CD ist nur nutzbar in Verbindung mit dem gekauften System
Chipsatz: Intel i945
Hauptspeicher: 1024 MB PC2-4200 (2 x 512)
Display: 12.1" WXGA TFT (1.280 x 800), Helligkeit 200 cd/m2 (max.)
Grafik: max. 128 MB Intel Graphic Media Accelerator 950
Maximale Auflösung extern: 2.048 x 1.536 True Color bei 75 Hz Bildwiederholfrequenz, Im Simultanbetrieb kann das Notebook sowohl mit seinem eingebauten TFT-Display als auch mit einem externen Bildschirm benutzt werden
Festplatte: 80 GB EIDE-Festplatte, S.M.A.R.T. I, 5.400 UPM
Optisches Laufwerk: DVD-Super-Multi Double Layer 8xDVD+/-R DL 2.4 4xDVD+/-RW 5xDVD-RAM 8xDVD-ROM
Kommunikation: Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g, 10/100 Ethernet
Audio: HD Audio Codec, AD1986A, 2 Stereo-Lautsprecher x 2 Watt pro Kanal
Tastatur: Ergonomische Tastatur mit Handballenauflage
Zeigereinheit: Touch Pad mit zwei Tasten
Netzteil: Wechselstromadapter mit automatischer Spannungserkennung von 100 bis 240 Volt für weltweiten Einsatz
Akku: Standard-Lithium-Ionen 53.28Wh, Akku Laufzeit bis zu 6 Stunden, Ladezeit 2 Stunden ON / 2 Stunden OFF, LED Akkuzustandsanzeige
USB: 2 x USB 2.0-Schnittstellen
Kopfhörer / Mikrofon: 1 x Kopfhörer, 1 x Mikrofoneingang
SPDIF: 1 x SPDIF optisch für Dolby 5.1 Digital
VGA / TV Out: 1 x VGA
Modem / Netzwerk: 1 x RJ-11 (Modem), 1 x RJ-45 (Netzwerk)
IEEE1394: 1 x IEEE1394 (4 pin) digitale Schnittstelle (400 Mbps)
Memory Stick Leser: 1 x Memory Stick Pro Leser
SD Card Memory Leser: 1 x SD Card Memory Leser (SD, XD, MMC, High Speed MMC)
PCMCIA / Express-Card: 1 x PCMCIA Typ I und II (Ricoh R5C841)
Abmessungen (BxTxH): 299 x 214 x 27.4~35.8mm
Gewicht: ca. 1.890 g leicht
Sicherheitsfunktionen: Admin- und User-Passwort, Festplatten-Passwortschutz, Kensington Lock Slot
Software vorinstalliert: Adobe Acrobat Reader, Samsung Online Benutzerhandbuch, Norton AntiVirus-Software 90 Tage Lizenz, Cyberlink DVD Solution, Samsung Network Manager, Samsung Theme, Samsung Update Plus, Easy Box2, Samsung Battery Manager, AV Station Premium, Firstware Recovery PRO
Service & Support: 24 Monate Vor-Ort-Abholservice europaweit optional erweiterbar auf 3 Jahre

 

That looks like a standard Q35 with T2250 CPU, 1GB RAM and 80GB hard disk. Also 2 years warranty.

At current exchange rates euro€1000 is about £680.

The nearest equivalent Q35 in UK is the model sold by PC World which has the T5200 CPU, 1GB RAM and 100GB hard disk. This is £750 but with only 1 year warranty. Extension of the UK warranty to 2 years would cost another £70.

I would therefore consider €1000 for the R2250 model to be a good price, considering the 2 year warranty (if I understood that correctly), assuming the price includes VAT.

We may see Q35 prices drop when the Q45 is released although Samsung and the distributors may deliberately try to run down stocks in advance of the replacement arriving. Perhaps dropping in a less expensive CPU is one way to help clear stocks of the Q35 chassis by attracting people with lower prices.

John

 

okay... thanks for the quick reply... it is for 24 months warranty...
so do you mean i should wait till the price drop more?
or i should just buy this one?

 

The price may drop more, or they may clear the stock at this price. I don't know. If the retailer shows the on-line stock level then you can watch what is happening.

I got my Q35 at the end of January in what I think was a special deal to clear XP models ready for the Vista version. The offer was only there for about 3 days then they were all gone.

Is this T2250 model a new version?

John

 

What do you mean by new version? I dont quite understand that...

 

I mean has there been a version of the Q35 with the T2250 CPU available in your country for several months, or has it just appeared?

The current UK Q35 versions all have Core 2 Duo CPUs (T5200, T5600, T7200).

John

 

thats i'm not so sure... but i guess few months already...
cause there are

Core 2 Duo T5500 2x 1.66GHz • 1024MB (2x 512MB) • 80GB • DVD+/-RW DL • Intel GMA950 onboard Grafik max.128MB shared memory • USB 2.0/FireWire/Modem/LAN/WLAN 802.11bg/Bluetooth • 5in1 Card Reader (SD/MMC/MS/MS Pro/xD) • 12.1" WXGA TFT (1280x768) • Windows XP Professional • Li-Ionen-Akku • 1.89kg • 24 Monate Herstellergarantie

too... but over my budget tho..

 

The difference in performance in everyday use between the T2250 and T5500 would be small. The other difference seems to be XP Home instead of XP Pro. Unless you are worried about 64 bit compatibility, I would save money and get the T2250 version. You may also get slightly better battery life.

A future RAM upgrade will probably boost performance more than a slightly faster CPU.

John

 

btw... i wanna ask.. because you seems to use samsung for both of your lappy...

if i wanna do lots of graphics... basically on Photoshop... do you thing Q35 with the onboard GC can handle my work?

 

Photoshop and other 2D graphics work is basically dataprocessing and needs CPU and RAM (so you might find a RAM upgrade worthwhile depending on what else you are doing at the same time - I will be reporting in a couple of weeks whether a 2GB module works in the Q35). Tom's Hardware mobile CPU charts provides some performance comparisons.

A separate GPU is only needed if you are needing better processing of 3D graphics. This is mainly in games but also applies to 3D visualisations in some engineering desing software. If you don't need this 3D capability then the simple integrated graphics is fine and doesn't drain the battery like a separate GPU.

A bigger display with higher resolution would help with graphics work. The graphics in the Q35 can handle a much higher resolution on an external display. This was discussed recently.

John

 

cool... true... it is a 2d graphics... I do 3D too... but that mainly on my Desktop, i think next week i will order my Q35... hopefully it will be worth every cent. Regarding the 2Gb module...
is there any free slot for extra RAM or i need to change the 2 x 512Mb with 2 x 1024Mb?

 

The Q35 has only one RAM slot. That Q35 was listed as 512 + 512, which means 512MB on the board and 512MB in the single RAM slot. So you can go up to 1.5GB by putting in a 1GB module or maybe 2.5GB with a 2GB module. (I'm getting a 2GB module for my X60 plus and will check it out on the Q35). In theory the Intel chipset supports 2GB modules but I will check it on this machine since it is not listed in the specs (which probably pre-date the availability of 2GB modules).

John

 

owhh okay... i have wrong understanding there then... okay... now its clear...

 

Should you think of more questions, then you are free to ask.

John

 

as the matter of fact... one more thing that keep bugging me...
someone telling about it is not good to have the battery always there...
when the power supply is connected to the lappy.

so how is it actually ? do i need to remove the battery when i use direct power supply or what should i do actually?

havent had any lappy before... so this gonna be my first one tho...

 

Fair question about removing the battery.

I always keep mine in. It means your computer has a built-in UPS. I think the battery removal advice dates from a time when notebooks recharged their batteries every time the capacity dropped below 100%, which happens naturally.

Samsung set their notebooks to stop recharging the battery when it reaches 100% and only start recharging again when the capacity drops below 97%. So you won't use up lots of charge cycles (500 is a typical figure) by leaving the computer connected to the mains.

I was interested to note that Samsung downgraded the rated capacity of the Q35 battery a few months back. My Q60 plus has a higher rated battery capacity but struggles to hold its charge. It is already at 11% wear and if I leave the power unplugged overnight then the computer will probably go into charge mode when I plug it in. This doesn't happen on the Q35.

Whatever you do, the battery will probably lose 20% to 30% of its rated capacity over a year and the warranty for the battery is one year only. Samsung don't publish what loss of capacity within the year would qualify for replacement under warranty.

John

 

so... by mean... for Q35... because of the 97% starting charging point, and of the capability to hold the charge... i just dont need to remove the battery actually rite...

okay... just wondering actually... btw... if i'm willing to invest like €200 more... is it better to add up RAM or to buy T5500 version?

 

Hello,

about the 2GB SO-Dimms, i bought a Samsung 2048MB DDR2/667 SO-Dimm, and it is working without a Problem.

Samsung Germany updated their Tech Specs:

http://notebook.samsung.de/article.asp?artid=CBA2DAA6-436F-4F66-9A94-94680554B8CE&show=specs

 

i see... thanks for the info about the 2Gb module... btw.. how much does it cost for the 2Gb module ?

 

It's a matter of personal preference whether or not to remove the battery. I always keep mine in.

The T5500 version has the same 1GB RAM as the T2250 version and the difference in CPU speed is small. It is probably better to spend money on a RAM upgrade.

Welcome Creed67 (I hope you will stay around) and thank you very much for the confirmation about 2GB RAM. Samsung Germany seem to be more awake than Samsung UK when it comes to keeping their website up-to-date. I must browse and see if there is other useful information. Now I understand why I had to learn German at school!

I ordered a 2GB Transcend module from MemoryC. It was about Euro 150. It was despatched yesterday, but I am currently away from home. I expect Transcend RAM to work: I have been using a 1GB Transcend module for over a year in my Samsung X60 / X60 plus.

John

 

cool... nice to have opinions from someone who know about the tech, n yet using the product too...

i will try the default 1Gb RAM first then... before i upgrade it or something... cause dont want to be too stingy...

but €150 is cheap i would say... huhu

 

Yes, minimise your expenditure now knowing that there are easy upgrade options for the future.

And yes, €150 is cheap. I had been watching the same module at another supplier where the price had dropped from ~£400 in February, ~£200 in March and the ~£150 in April. I did a Google to check for other suppliers and found the one I ordered from. Google took me straight to the page, but I couldn't get to it through their menus. It is possible that RAM prices may go back up a bit if the Santa Rosa platform stimulates demand.

John

 

cool... btw... all the ruby version is glossy like urs is it?
is the silver glossy too?

cause i tried to search at the local shop nearby me... i couldnt find this model... so just wondering how the silver finishing...

hope someone can tell me... cause i need to buy this online now...

 

I am 100% sure that the red Q35's are all glossy. I'm 99.9% sure that the silver finish is not glossy. Go to this page and select "Location of controls" and then scroll down to rear view.

John

 

okay... thanks a lot... decision made... i will share my notebook here too once i receive it... maybe within two weeks time i guess...

 

Good luck and I hope you enjoy your purchase.

John

 

thank you john... now i just looking for other shop too... maybe there are some that cheaper... hopefully...

 

No, the silver one's have the same silver paint on the lid that is around the keyboard base.

 

okay... thanks for that info creed67

 

btw... how about the heat... is it gonna be that warm so that you cant put it on ur lap?

 

Under normal use the bottom gets warm under the CPU area, but not uncomfortable. It may get unpleasantly warm if you use the "silent" mode, which raises the fan trigger temperature by a few degrees.It may also get unpleasantly hot if you are doing something which heavily loads the CPU.

Samsung uses a relatively big fan (there is a small hump on the bottom of the computer because of this) running relatively slowly and I find this to be an effective cooling arrangement.

John

 

i see... meaning if i didnt use the "silent" mode... then the temperature will be within the pleasant area is it?

btw... is there any docking device for q35... something where i can put my monitor on the dock... n put the q35 below without needing to plugin so many cables (ie:monitor cable)

 

Yes. The "silent" mode makes the computer a bit hotter. However, under light load the fan only comes on intermittently and is not very noisy. It "purrs" , not "whines".

The Q35 has no docking facility. There is a docking station on some bigger models such as the X60, X20, X25 and X50, X1 and M50. You could look out for an [URL="http://www.morgancomputers.co.uk/shop/detail.asp?ProductID=3800&CategoryID=11&SubCategoryid=']X1[/URL]. It is actually lighter than the Q35 but the battery life isn't very good because of the small battery. The CPU is also a little slow by current standards. It would be good if Samsung had another attempt at a really slim and light machine, perhaps in the 13.3' size range.

John

 

for me... battery life is really important cause i need to work while travelling... so that come first... then only the docking station... was wondering only... n X1 is 14" widescreen laptop... i just look for 12,1" or 13,3" rite now...

rite now still trying to search for shop that i can go that have this model... maybe this weekend i can have the chance... lol...

 

Then a small display is good to prolong battery life as the smaller display needs less lighting. The Q35 represents a good balance between above-average battery life and good computing power when you need it.

John

 

thanks for that info... now i just feel like few days just too long... lol... before i can get my hand on this one... but there nothing i can do except to wait till this coming monday...

 

is there anyone who come from germany, or anyone who know... if the q35 ruby that sell in germany, have the german keyboard? until now... i still have not found any shop that sell this model...

 

Yes, it would make no sense, to sell the "Krauts" Notebooks with no German keyboard.

Here's a list from German I-Net Shops:

http://geizhals.at/deutschland/a244065.html

 

The Q35 photos posted on the Samsung Germany website clearly show the US keyboard. See here.

The German Q35 spec is silent on this aspect. Maybe the keyboard question should be put to Samsung Germany. I had always assumed that computers sold in a particular country would have the relevant national keyboard. I attach the keyboard page from the German R70 manual. What does the German Q35 manual show?

John

PS: I've just looked and cannot see a German Q35 manual. Q30 and Q40, but no Q35!

 

If you look on on that page on picture 6 "Grosses Bild 6", the picture shows a
Model Torino, ever heard of such a Q35 Type ?
Every Notebook sold in Germany has a "German" layout. If Not, it has to be explicitly mentioned.
It is really a problem, to buy an Notebook with English layout in Germany, mostly you must buy the keyboard as an spare part, and change it on your own.

There isn't one. The German Samsung Site is so brilliant, that i had do download the XP Software and Driver's from the U.K Site.

 

Fascinating point about the "Torino". Perhaps the bottom photo is a different computer to the top one.

As for keeping websites up-to-date, I always use the global download site (and note that the NT- series are the Korean NP-series: If you need X60plus drivers then look under the NTX60plus since they have the wrong ones under NP-X60plus!).

But at least Samsung Germany are keeping most of their specs up-to-date. Samsung UK still have the processor options for the Q35 as:

John

 

okay... nice to know about it... just like you guys wrote already... i cant see the keyboard on the samsung germany.

but thanks again...

 

I happen to have emailed a few german stores on this very subject. So far all have indicated that its the German keyboard sadly enough. On a side note, the german keyboard layout does seem pretty usable: you'd be able to use it as a regular US/English keyboard but a few keys won't match their print with their function.

 

I need the german keyboard cause i write lots of documentation in german, so the extra symbol are on the keyboard normally... like ä,ö,ü but thanks to you too Xspringe for the info....

 

Perhaps I should clarify that a national keyboard just has the markings appropriate for the standard national character set. What codes are actually created depend on the keyboard selected under regional settings. For example, I have temporarily set up a German keyboard on my UK X60plus and get the following characters for the 4 rows (front to back, normal and shift):

<yxcvbnm,.-
<YXCVBNM;:-
asdfghjklöä#
ASDFGHJKLÖĒ
qwertzuiopü+
QWERTZUIOPÜ*
1234567890ß´
!Ҥ$%&/()=?`

It just gets very confusing if the characters that appear on the screen do not match the characters on the keys.

John

 

btw... one obvious thing that sometimes make me feel uneasy is...
the Y and Z, cause in german keyboard, the Y is at the Z position n vice versa... but this is something that just a matter of time before you get use to it again... only for me... the important thing is, the default key that already on the german keyboard, which is the Ä,Ö,Ü,ß... but once i finished my thing in germany within a year or two, then the keyboard doesnt matter anymore...

btw... maybe i will order my laptop tomorrow (saturday) and ask for the fast delivery... then i should receive my laptop on monday i guess...

then i will share my laptop too here... one year already since i looked for a laptop... now it seems like my dream will come true...