Samsung Q45 (12.1" widescreen)

Recieved my q45 today and am very pleased with it. As always there's the task of removing the volumes of useless software that get installed, which is time consuming - but nothing more. I was not a fan of the forced partitioning for a 'backup' that I do not want, and thought the default of splitting the hard disk in half was crazy, so I changed it so the C drive is 30Gb and the D drive is 108Gb (the missing Gb are - I assume - a hidden partition).

Other than the annoying back-up and four re-boots required to get the system set up, it all does everything I was hoping, with one exception:

The AVStation button which you are supposed to be able to hit when the laptop is off to boot into multi-media software - doesn't work. Instead I get a brief flash of the AVStation boot screen and the system then boots windows. This is not at all what I was expecting, and to be honest I think it's not what it's supposed to do either.

Been very happy with it all day, it's quiet, fast, and feels well put together. Now if only I could sort out my wireless network (I got the q45 on the net no trouble, but my desktop computer no longer wants to play on the internet!)

 

I believe that's normal for the AVStation button to start Vista. Samsung never re-wrote the old AVStation software which was looking very dated. I also think that Vista has much better built-in power management than the AVStation software. I would also point out that when I played a DVD on my Q35 running Vista with an SD card being used as ReadyBoost, I got a significant increase in battery time.

John

 

Now that sounds like a good idea!

Did the ReadyBoost SD card change the Q35 performance and battery lifetime noticeably?

 

The SD card added about 20 minutes playback time: Instead of running out 10 minutes before the end of a 3 hour DVD, I had about 10 minutes running time left.

Vista was running the DVD drive intermittently when the SD card was installed, so I assume that it was caching DVD data in the SD card. (I have been wondering how much more playback time I would get if I compress the whole DVD onto an SD card, which should let both the HDD and ODD sleep).

John

 

Well then the button is pretty useless. Why on earth would I want to have a dedicated button that does nothing more than boot windows as normal - and load a program? I was expecting a little utility that booted all on its own so you could start watching DVDs much faster. If that's all AVStation does then it will be getting uninstalled pretty quickly.

 

I agree that at present, with Vista, it doesn't do a lot. There is a separate application for XP (although I was underwhelmed by it). Maybe Samsung have something under development which will better use that button. Otherwise perhaps someone will work out how to re-program it.

John

 

Lets hope so. In the mean time i think i shall uninstall the software, as it's not really something I'll use from windows. There are plenty of other applications that I like more.

Day two with the q45 - still very happy. battery life is good, screen is excellent, even the 3d is surprising - I can run 'tomb raider aniversary' on it (with depth of field off anyway).

 

I want to get a case for my q45. Any you guys recommend? What about these ones:

http://www.laptopshop.co.uk/casesafe-pcb58-PCB58-laptop_case-2-cc7.htm

http://www.laptopshop.co.uk/crumpler-the_gimp_silver_small-tg12004-laptop_case-4-cc7.htm

 

The first one isn't quite wide enough and the second one is not quite far enough from front to back. They might stretch enough to fit, or they might not.

I'm using a 13.3" becase sleeve (see link below). It is not bulky and only protects against dirt and scratching. Or you may want to look at other options for a 13" sleeve. This Dicota sleeve looks to be about the right size for the Q45. It's not quite thick enough but I expect it would stretch around the feet.

John

 

Hey

Been reading through some of the comments and seen one about the chipset needing updating. I was having lots of problems with the screen drivers, but after a couple of days a Windows Update came through for the chipset that removed all the problems I was having (including BSOD when using Media Centre and when coming out of sleep and hibernation). No other problems with the laptop, but Vista is dogged with problems that seems to affect the chips and graphics that come with UltraMobile laptops specifically.

People into watching avi Films etc, my best advice is get VLC 0.8.6c (the c is important!), "Vista Codec Pack" so thumbnails display properly, Quicktime Alternative as Vista has a problem with .MOVs causing windows explorer to crash when .MOV files are played, and to keep running Windows Update until you have them all installed. Firefox was dogged with problems too but if you are using it i assume you know how to patch it/ fix it.

Only problem im yet to find a solution for is that Vista doesn't seem able to install drivers for USB flash drives (and apparently a variety of USB hardware). MS know of this problem but are unable to fix it atm. Symptoms vary across laptops, with some people being able to sort it and others (including me!) not.

The laptop though is very good, and i too am please with the screen, battery life and quietness. I have purchased a 13" Gimp by Crimpler case (not yet arrived). I tried my laptop in a 12" and it was just too small. Amazon Marketplace sell a wide selection of sizes and colours.

 

Cool, I was looking at the 13" gimp earlier

 

I've not noticed Firefox problems with Vista on my Q35, nor have I seen any problems with USB flash drives. Maybe this is something to do with the new chipset. I would note that Vista on my Q35 supports SDHC in the media card slot, but XP on my Q35 does not (suggesting that the SDHC support is a driver issue).

John

 

I'd like to second John.

I'm also running Vista Business on a Q35, never had a problem with Firefox and also use USB flash drives, USB and Firewire hard drives and CF-cards attached to the PC-Card-Slot via adapter with no problem whatsoever.

Must be the new Santa Rosa driver / chipset problems.

 

I am running the latest firefox 2 on my Q45 and have had no problems.

I have also been using a USB flash drive (PNY Attache I think) without any problems. I haven't tried using the card reader at all.

Where I have had problems was trying some linux live cd's - Ubuntu 7.04 and Knoppix 5.1.1 won't boot - they seem to hang at the ACPI loading stage (whatever that is). Anyone else know of a live cd that supports my wifi out of the box that I can try?

Scott

 

regarding the ready boost... you use the 4Gb SD for your Q35 is it? how does this really work actually... mind to explain lil bit?

 

Ready Boost is explained by Microsoft and Wikipedia.

It works by preloading files which it thinks will be used. Because the solid state storage offers very fast access times (<1ms) but slower data transfer rates than HDDs, the Ready Boost logic will leave the larger files to be loaded from HDD.

The nature of Ready Boost means that it is very difficult to measure the benefit. I think Vista watches what you do and learns what files you may need.

John

 

Q45 Trusted Review

 

Thanks. That is a favourable review with no surprises.

John

 

Hi
My First post !

After reading all the posts on this most interesting thread, I was persuaded the Q45 is the one for me. So I've ordered one today for delivery on Friday
Ordered from
http://www.saveonsamsung.com/Home
£750.83 inc Vat. and Free delivery. Cheaper than the Q35 I was previously looking at ?

Cheers an hello to all.

Simmo

 

Well I have this laptop(for 3 weeks , rebuilt by me 2) ; It is great apart from the Intel Video drivers which keep stop responding and WVB keeps recovering it - the screen goes blank for a few seconds hell it is very annoying - but it is better than the whole laptop from crashing every 10 min

Apart from that a beautiful laptop which you will be cleaning often because the shiny piano black finish shows up every single fleck of dust and fingerprint and no matter how careful you are, scratches from breathing too hard on it !!

 

Hi Anil EC2a,

I have exactly the same problem. Even after downloading the driver, still the same error message. If you or someone else knows how to sort it out, please
let me know.

Many thanks

Louisa

 

Which Intel GPU drivers are you using? Have you tried both the driver on the Samsung download site and the latest (6th June) driver from the Intel site?

If you are getting problems with both of these drivers, then I would recommend that you contact Samsung support giving details of the problem.

John

 

Hi, I have just purchased a Q45 with which I am very happy, however I cannot find a Samsung approved way to switch off the bluetooth without disabling it in the device driver, or installing a 3rd party app to switch it off, any thoughts from the forum?

 

I presume that you mean the BT On / Off utility as the third party application.

Perhaps you should give this problem to Samsung support. You can contact them through their email. I don't know if they will have an approved solution, but they might pass the issue over to the development team in Korea. It is anomalous that the XP version of the Bluetooth driver had a simple start / stop option on the tray icon, but the Vista version does not.

Are you seeing the problem with Bluetooth seriously reducing battery life? If so, stress this issue as the reason to be able to turn off Bluetooth when on battery.

John

 

I have taken delivery of my new shiny Q45 and what a great little machine !
I will be getting a soft case to protect that shiny gloss surface. As mentioned here, the inability to turn off BT is a little annoying, other than that no gripes as yet

Will post updates if I get any problems.

Cheers
Paul

 

Two specs for Q45?

Just received a brochure from Stone Computers listing the following Q45 models:
LXD - 2Gb DDR2, 160Gb SATA2 HDD, 1.3M Web Cam, Windows Vista Home Premium
LXD2 - 1Gb DDR2, 80Gb SATA2 HDD, Windows XP Pro
The second is £70 cheaper than the first one. Not worth the savings, but I thought I should let the list know.

Seraph

 

The second (cheaper) version comes with XP Pro and a cut-down spec. What is its model number (NP-Q45????/SUK)? I presume it is aimed at companies. The good news is that there is now a set of XP Drivers and XP software for the Q45 for anyone who wants backwards compatibility. Drivers and software are also there for the Q70 (which is basically the same hardware).

Laptops Direct also lists a Q45 ( NP-Q45A003/SUK) with Vista Business. That has got a smaller HDD and a bigger price than the normal version (NP-Q45A002/SUK).

John

 

I don't recall previously seeing the Q45 hardware specs published at SamsungPC.

Has anyone see the 6.5 hour battery life? These specs show that the 8400M G is a design option for the Q45.

John

 

Have just noticed 05ST version of firmware has been posted on website ( http://www.samsung.com/uk/support/p...ecode=1102&model=NP-Q45&filetype=FM&language=)

I am pretty sure I am currently running 04ST (would have to reboot to find out). Downloaded file has date in the name of 06 07 2007.

Anyone know what this update will fix / improve?

Scott

BTW, Samsung Update Plus software does not find this.

 

Hello folks,
just discovered this site by an accident while looking for some more info on Q45. Am I lucky or what BTW, thanks for being there for us less learned guys, this is an excellent source of mobile computing wisdom.
Thinking of buying this laptop but am a bit concerned about this Vista business. I am used to (and happy with) XP and wouldn't like to change to Vista - if it ain't broken....
There seem to be quite a few problems (probably teething ones but all the same) with this OS and nobody actually seems to want to simply uninstall Vista and then just install XP instead and no worries. Am I missing the point or is it not possible to just swap Vista for XP?
I mean maybe there is something to do with new processors or whatever else( I am not very technically minded so don't know much about these new technologies) that makes it impossible for XP to run on so and so machine.
Would anyone care to explain please, I am dying to find out. I quite like XP and would be quite happy never to have to change to anything else.
Regarding this Bluetooth "on and off" switch which is standard on XP and not on Vista, wouldn't it also be fixed by just installing XP?

Many thx in advance
GD

 

There's a few older software packages or utilities which won't work with Vista at all. Many other aspects of Vista can be supressed or disabled (eg the eye candy and the UAC).

Samsung has published XP drivers for the Q45 and it appears (see Seraph's post a bit further up this thread) that an XP version of the Q45 will be available soon.

So you have the choice of trying to work out how to live with Vista or sticking with XP for now. However, sooner or later you will have to move to Vista as Microsoft and the software companies stop supporting XP.

If you get a Vista machine and then install XP, you can set the machine up to dual boot so you have the choice of both operating systems.

John

 

Thx John,
I don't really like the specs on the proposed "XP Q45" laptop and the saving is not that great anyway.
What I don't understand is what happens if I buy this laptop with (obviously) Vista on it,then completely de-install Vista and then freshly install XP? What kind of problems would you be experiencing then?
Would I need to install separate XP drivers or would I be doing that just to make it future proof, which is not my concern at all. I don't use that much of demanding software, and would be happy with m/s word 2003 and firefox for many years to come.
I think some folks still have machines with windows 98 on them and that is some 9 years later. Maybe in few years time I will have to change regardless but I would like to stiick with what I am comfortable with for the time being and hopefully in few years time Vista will be more or less trouble free.

BTW, dual booting is kinda complicated for me and I wouldn't feel comfortable with it. It also seems not be totally trouble free.
Please keep it simple, it is already going way over my head

many thx
cheers

 

I think what you are suggesting (i.e. de-install Vista and then freshly install XP) is more complicated than dual booting. Personal experience (from VAIO) suggests that re-formatting and installing a new OS (Home to XP Pro, in my case) is likely to lead to loss of functionality: FN keys, touchpad scrolls etc etc.

Not convinced by Vista either, so my personal plan is to either purchase an XP Pro laptop with Vista specs (not many left, so looking at Tosh R500 right now) and ask them to format/install Vista some time next year, or just go along with John's suggestion and the dual booting way.

Seraph

 

Thx Seraph,
I never knew anything about this loss of functionality. My whole experience is based on me changing 98 to XP on my pc. It was so easy, the only thing I had to alter was something to do with file format (fat32 to NTFS, if I remember rightly), the rest was all done automatically. I have Samsung P40 with XP on it and I did reinstall the OS once without any problems. But then, I used the same Samsung XP disc so it doesn't count

What would an XP Pro laptop with Vista specs be? How does that work, never heard of that term before? Does that mean that particular laptop will be different from say my Samsung P40 and what is the difference or even better(so I could understand it) what would happen if I were to install Vista on my P40? Layman's terms please

many thx
cheers

 

Your easiest option is to get the Q45 with Vista and start it up and create two partitions. The installation routine will save a backup of your initial Vista installation into a recovery partition on the hard disk. then download all the Q45 XP drivers and software from the Samsung download site and save them on D:

Get your XP installation CD. [Optionally, you can use nLite at this stage to create a new XP installation CD complete with the Q45 drivers.]. Boot up using the XP CD then format C: to wipe the Vista installation and then install XP. Then install the Samsung Q45 drivers and software which you have saved on D: and you should have a fully working Q45 with XP.

However, if you are just running applications such as MS Office 2003 and Firefox then I suggest that you try to live with Vista. The aggrevation comes with older applications which are not Vista compatible. You can quickly tweak Vista to behave more like the XP you know (I have both Vista XP set to look like Windows 2000 - I prefer my windows with well-defined edges). And, maybe when Vista SP1 arrives (sometime in the next 9 months) there may be some additional features which make Vista more attractive than it is now.

In my case I have some older software which won't work with Vista and I use occasionally so it is better to set up a dual boot system.

John

 

Hi i am a bit new on this so please go easy,
I am planning on getting a Q45 because of what the size/performance/price point.

The problem i have is that, i have seen advertised built in broadband that works of the mobile phone networks, (it was on a sony notebook) this idea appeals to me as i move around quite alot. Is it possible to get that on the Q45

 

You are probably thinking of the HSDPA-enabled notebooks. The only one at present in the Samsung range is the Q40, but this is somewhat more expensive than the Q45. An internal HSDPA card is an option for the Dell M1330, but it adds over £100 to the cost.

The alternative is to sign up with a company such as Vodafone and get an external HSDPA card. If you buy a notebook from some suppliers such as Nexus then you can get a free Vodafone adaptor. However, study Vodafone's tariffs before you are certain that it is a good investment. The tariffs are biased towards regular monthly usage.

John

 

Thanks for the info. My only concern is the 3gb allowance, not sure how much i use at the moment but i would think it is alot more than that.

I'm a serial downloader.

It's still an option but i work from the internet and cannot be losing the connection at the end of the month because of a limit on downloads.

ps, Is there any way to check how much you are using on the computer

 

If you read the manual for Vodafone's Mobile Connect software, you should find the attached page which shows that the software keeps an approximate record of the traffic.

I think this is the information you are looking for. 3GB/month sounds a lot but is 100MB/day, which isn't so much if you start downloading big files.

John

 

FYI, my UK sourced Q45 (with Vista HP) came with Cyberlink DVD viewing software and photo burning software, but no data burning program. When I registered this software they gave me a link to a free copy of their data burning software Power2Go. But the version they supply (v4) only works with Windows XP (it won't load into Vista) and they have refused to give me a Vista compatible version. I suspect they simply want me to purchase v 5.

I think it is fair to consider the Cyberlink software as bloatware and of no value. I for one have removed it.

 

I actually meant this comment in Layperson's terms
By "XP Pro laptop with Vista specs" I mean looking at laptops currently available with Vista and asking the provider to install XP Pro instead. In a couple of cases, the same model with XP Pro can be a couple of £ cheaper; in most cases it comes at the same price.

I am only considering an XP machine on practical, rather than stylistic grounds: some of the special s/w I am running at work is based on XP Pro with no immediate plans for Vista. However, having re-read John's informed comments, I am now convinced that dual boot may be the best option. Having lost some of my VAIO functionality following a move to XP Pro, I decided that installing a new OS on an old machine is a no-go for laypersons, like me.

Seraph

 

I am a bit puzzled by what is the the Cyberlink suite. On my second attempt at installing the Vista upgrade on my Q35 I manually selected the software options and ended up with a Cyberlink DVD suite including: Instant Burn; Label print; Media Show; Power2Go; PowerDirector; PowerDVD and PowerProducer.

I suggest you start up the system software DVD and see if it will let you do a full installation of the Cyberlink suite. If not, I suggest you invest in Nero. You can get the OEM version quite cheaply if you buy some hardware (eg a flash drive) at the same time [BTW, you you are shopping at UKDVDR then this 14" sleeve is good value and is a loose fit for the Q45.]

I'm just a lay person as well but have been using computers for longer than most member. Dual boot is not that difficult provided you can set up separate partitions. Installing Vista after XP gives no problems while XP after Vista means fixing the boot loader to get Vista working again which is a simple, well documented task. I've got XP Home on the way to install on my Dell M1330 (when it arrives). I decided I did not need the extra facilities of XP Pro for what I will be doing.

John

 

Dell M1330?!? John, I thought you had just purchased the Q70! Obviously, I have missed a couple of episodes here, but please let us know where your Dell M1330 first impressions will be published (esp battery life and display reflections).

I am still torn between Samsung Q45, Tosh R500, Vaio TZs and now Dell M1330.
All different machines/styles/specs, I know, but all below 2kg, which is essential.

Seraph

 

The Q70 went back for various reasons including inadequate battery life, increased fatness and missing communications devices. If you haven't read my review, the link is below. I hope my configuration of the M1330 (X3100 + LED backlight) will get towards 5 hours on a 6 cell battery but I added an extra 6 cell battery into the order for a few £££s.

John

 

Re Cyberlink software suite - I did as John suggested and re-installed the suite from the System Software Media disk and it all got installed - not just the 2 components that were installed out of the box - so that's useful.

One thing odd though is that LightScribe drivers / services get installed with Cyberlink even though there is no Lightscribe compatible drive in my Q45. Fortunately on www.lightscribe.com there is an uninstall program which seems to work.

sKooTr

 

1. Thanks for the feedback for the Cyberlink Suite. It's strange that it is not all installed by default.

2. When I looked at the Q70, the software DVD said Q45/Q70. The Q70 has a Lightscribe burner so the software is in the standard installation. On the inside the Q45 and Q70 are the same (although different hardware options such as the graphics). Even the BIOS is the same.

John

 

Hi peeps. I have a Q45 that I absolutely love. Runs vista very well. I am now having a problem. I recently got a new LG monitor (226wtq) which has a resolution of 1680x1050, but it is not a display option on the Q45. I have updated the intel gfx drivers, but still no luck. Any ideas?

 

I know it can be done.

What procedure are you using to detect / connect the external monitor? How are you setting it up?

Page 57 of the Q45 manual doesn't describe the whole process very well. I don't think you will be able to use 1680 x 1050 when the internal display is enabled. So use Fn+F4 to enable the external display, then right click on your desktop. Can you change the resolution? If not, go into the display properties. What can you see? Does it report the name of the external monitor? If it doesn't, try rebooting the computer with the external monitor switched on.

I'm sure we can talk you through this, if it is not fixed already.

John

 

I connected the external monitor. It was registered as a generic non-pnp monitor. I then installed the lg226wtq drivers from the disc (vista version) and tried to set the resolution. It has lots of options but not 1680x1050. I am using the monitor to display and not the internal. I have tried rebooting, but with no effect.

 

OK. Let's try this:

Right click on the desktop and select personalise.

Then click on Display Settings. You should see two displays numbered 1 and 2.

Click on the 2. Does the range of resolution options change? If so, what is the upper limit? Can you tick the box for Extending the desktop?

If you want the higher resolution on the external device you either need to use it as the extended desktop or make it your main monitor, in which case Windows will stop displaying on the internal LCD once you exceed the resolution it can display.

Give it a try. The Intel GPU should handle a lot higher than 1680 x 1050. There is also a button / box for displaying all modes.

John