Samsung Series 3

Thanks. I believe that explains why the Series 3 didn't get USB 3.0. Due to Intel's unfortunate mobile chipset designs, the only way to get USB 3.0 in a notebook for now is with an add-on device. I think the Series 3 may lack the required mini-PCI Express slot, perhaps as a cost-saving measure. Looking at the mid- to low-end market in notebooks, it seems very few have both USB 3.0 and Bluetooth at the same time, again probably for cost savings.

By the way, how did you get the bottom panel off? I got as far as removing the rubber feet and the screws under them (except for the corner with the RAM compartment). I couldn't see any obvious way to open the bottom. I pried at a few corners gently, but I didn't want to break anything, so I gave up & put it all back together.

I had an idea about removing the optical drive to make room for something more useful, like maybe an eSATA port. But I can't tell whether that's possible unless I can see how the CD/DVD-RW drive is hooked up.

 

I want to add something to this. I recently got the 11.6" Series 3 Princeton from Staples and I really don't have any of the problems corteen has - build quality is great. Very sturdy, very good keyboard, and a very nice screen for such a small laptop. No issues with the hinge.

Battery life, for me, playing movies and web, has been 5.5 hours.

On the subject of the MBA and the Series 3 - to compare the two is fair, since they're very similar. However, it's worth noting the Series 3 is 600USD, versus the MBA being 1000USD (entry-level 11-inch)

First, the MBA wins (decidedly so) in the following regards:
The MacBook Air has the better processor. The 1.6ghz i5 beats the 1.3ghz i3.
The MBA is thinner and lighter.
Battery life is something the Air wins, if only slightly. The Series 3 is slightly worse on average in everyday use, and definitely worse in stand-by.
The MBA has better speakers, in my experience. (Though, I really never use the speakers on either...)
The MBA has Bluetooth 4.0, while the Series 3 has Bluetooth 3.0. The main difference between the two is power usage. The MBA draws less power using bluetooth devices.

The two essentially draw in the following:
The displays are nearly identical. Both are 11.6" diagonal WXGA TN panels.
Both the MBA and the Series 3 feature Intel HD 3000 integrated graphics.
Keyboards are very similar. Both are sturdy, easy to type on chiclet-style keyboards. The MBA is backlit, and the Series 3 is not.
At odds are the hard-drives. The Air comes with 64gb of flash storage, as opposed to a 5400RPM SATA with 320gb of space. This is definitely an issue of preference.
WiFi is identical on the two.
Both feature low-quality, consumer webcams and microphones built-in.

The Series 3 is a clear winner thusly:
RAM - The 999 dollar Air has 2GB DDR3 RAM, versus 4GB DDR3 RAM on the Series 3.
Inputs on the Series 3 are better. Unless everything in your house is Apple, the Thunderbolt port on the Air isn't going to cut it without some add-ons/converters/adapters. Conversely, the Series 3 has HDMI-out and VGA-out. Both units have 2 USB 2.0 ports, and the Series 3 has a third. Both have purpose-serving, on-par audio-in and -out. Finally, the Series 3 has a 4-in-1 card reader. The MacBook Air does not. If you're an all mac household (TV included!) then you might consider the MBA's input options better. Otherwise, the clear winner is the Series 3.
PRICE! It's undeniable that the Series 3 is the better value. Now 400 dollars cheaper at Staples (500 if you're a student), it's a much better value.


All in all, if you're more inclined towards Windows/Linux and business work, or plan on using the computer as a media center at some point, I'd go with the Series 3 (HMDI-out > thunderbolt). If you're an Apple junkie, the Air is clearly your option. If you're on a budget, go for the Series 3.

Of note, both make great computers for school and are an ideal size for word processing, note taking and general classroom activities. Both are also marketed highly at college students - go figure!

 

Could you tell us how the viewing angles on the series 3 compares to the MBA? Is the screen matte, glossy, or anti-glare? Thanks

Besides .6in in screen size is there a difference between 11.6in and the 12.1in(or is it 12.5in like the series 4)? Can the 11.6in be had with the i5 that it seems the 12.1in model comes with.

 

The viewing angles on the Series 3 are normal for a TN and are no better or worse than the MBA. The screen on the Series 3 is matte/anti-glare.

I do not believe there's an 11.6in with an i5 - that said, the difference between the processors won't be an issue for 99% of your use... They're both sub-2ghz dual core processors.

Besides the screen size, I very much assume there are differences. I don't have the 12.x" series 3 so I can't say what they are.

 

Is there a way maybe you can compare(or some how find out) the color gamut of the Series 3 vs the Air(is around 48%)? Thanks.

Anyone else know the difference between the 11.6in and 12in models? Is the screen some how better? And is the 12in worth the extra cost over the smaller model(screen size not being a factor)?

 

The color gamut seems very similar. The AG coating is different, but I'd still wager the two have the same generic TN panel. It's not spectacular but I like it.

 

I was hoping the Samsung has a better screen than the MBA as my Vaio TT has spoiled me. If they add a usb 3.0 option I may just say F it and get either 11.6in or 12in model.

Hmm that be a good show down comparison the 12.5in Series 4 vs the 12in(or 11.6in) Series 3, vs the MBA, vs LG P210.

 

It's not better, but it's not worse. It might be better, I don't have my Air anymore.

 

Another note on the 11.6 - You don't have to "completely disassemble" it to replace the hard drive. Just four screws and the back panel comes off, and the hard drive is very easy to remove. It's not buried under anything and it's very, very easy.

 

I'm sure if you stuck an SSD in a Series 3, you'd have one heck of a machine.

However, I don't think I could stomach laying aside a perfectly good HDD. But I guess you could put it in an external enclosure and use it for backup, or something.

 

dorino12, thanks for that info. An earlier post made it sound difficult, but I don't think they actually looked inside, like you did.

Since these come with 4gb RAM and, from what I understand, only take that amount, what do you think the point of the memory door is?

 

FWIW, the NP300-V5A-A02US model comes with 8 GB RAM, and I know of no reason it cannot accept more. If I could find a pair of the elusive 8 GB DDR3 SODIMMs for sale, I assume I could upgrade to 16 GB total.

As with any other laptop, there are a ton of different configurations, with slightly different model numbers denoting different amounts of RAM etc. Some models are only available through certain retail channels, e.g. the -A02US I mentioned above seems to be sold only at Costco.

 

Is there any information on the screen type/quality of the 12.5in model? Is it possible to be an IPS display like the 12.5in Series 4 counterpart?

 

I was referring to the 11.6", which is not up yet on the Samsung site but at Staples shows as 4gb max. At the Samsung site, the 12.5" shows as the same - Features and Specifications - Series 3 12.5" Laptop | Samsung Office. The larger Series 3, 13.3" to 15.6", take up to 8gb.

 

I was on their site and that doesn't tell me much about what kind of display it has(IPS or TN). :/

 

Guessing that all the sizes use the same panel type. My 15.6" model has a TN panel, for sure. I don't think you're going to get an IPS panel in a mid-priced notebook line, such as the Series 3.

It's better than some TN panels I've seen before. May be a Samsung thing. I have a medium-sized Samsung LCD monitor that's also a TN panel, but definitely looks better than other-brand TN-panel-based monitors I've owned or used.

 

The Samsung NP350U2B-A01 12.5inch laptop is on sale for 674.99 at J&R.com. Original price is 749.

 

sorry for sort-of double posting. But the OP here http://forum.notebookreview.com/samsung/610768-series-3-11-6-i3-np300u1a-anyone-else-have-one.html
states that battery life is only 2.5hrs, and someone else on this thread said 4.5 hrs. That's quite of a difference.
Also is there any previous thinkpad user here of X200s or x200? that can give me a comparison against the series 3?

 

i am going to add to my question above another question. Can anybody weigh on kitchen or precision scale the 11.6" series 3? i am curious if the samsungs specs are actual or factual

 

Question about the keyboard of the 11.6-inch model. It looks smaller than most 11.6 inch laptops, somewhere between the the typical 11.6 model and 10.1 inch netbooks. The keyboard felt fine to me, but I just checked it out in the store. Does the smaller size make the keyboard less comfortable?

TIA

 

I ended up keeping my 11.6" model for about 5 days before returning it. I have absolutely no usability complaints about the machine. For the size, the keyboard was great and as a high speed typist I was able to pull off a good 85 wpm compared to my desktop rate of 105. That's not bad for a small keyboard however I did not like that the keys were so flat. I felt they could have molded to your fingers a little betters as they do on other keyboards. For what it is, however, it has a great keyboard. (for the record, the only reason I returned mine was because the i3-2357 is not fast enough for my needs, though plenty quick enough for most people).

 

Thanks for the response.

 

Is there a possibility that the Samsung 9 series 13 inch backlit keyboard could fit the Samsung 3 series 12.5 inch laptop? They look very similar. It would be nice to have a backlit keyboard for the 3 series.

 

i just bought the S3 11.6" from staples, the $100 visa rebate made it too appealing. I should get it sometime next week. i might just replace and sell the 320GB HDD right away since I have a spare 120GB and wait for SSD prices to come down a bit more.

 

I was very surprised to read this:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2358...e_and_portability_at_an_affordable_price.html

Without having seen one, I'm pretty confident Samsung uses standard quality displays for the Series 3.

That means the MBA has a much brighter screen with far better contrast. The gamut on the MBA is quite low. Your Sony TZ will blow it away.

For reference, the Samsung screen in the 11.6" will be very similar to the screens Acer uses in the 1810t, measured and compared to MBA here:
AnandTech - The 2011 MacBook Air (11 & 13-inch): Thoroughly Reviewed

PCWorld about the 12.1" screen:
Display isn't as good as we expect from Samsung

 

@Phil I have a TT, and I know it would blow it away since I've read that it has a color gamut in 88%+ range. Shame to read that Samsung isn't an improvement over the air, seeing as I want to replace my TT in the next 6-8 months, but there not many laptops that can match the TT's screen in this category.

 

@ Coldmack, your best bet is probably the Samsung 9 series with 11.6" screen.

Edit: not true, Samsung 9 series uses a screen that's comparable to MBA standards. Still much better than the 3 series.
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Samsung-Series-9-900X1B-Subnotebook.61307.0.html

 

I wasn't that fond of the screen on the MBA. I could deal with the glossy aspect of it, but I could not deal with the viewing angles or color(though that might be fixable with a calibration). It's a shame since Samsung has the ability to create some nice screens, and the Series 3 and 7 would have been perfect candidates for it. Is it known how the Series 7 tablet that is also 11.6in may compare(screen wise) to the Series 3 or Series 9? Thanks.

 

Well, the Series 3 was never meant to be Samsung's luxury notebook line, so mediocre screens are pretty much to be expected imho. Try findiing a 11.6" MBA for USD$700 - good luck. Don't get me wrong, I'm extremely fond of Apple's solid product quality. All I'm saying is, MBA and Series 3aren't even comparable to begin with.

 

Exactly so, series 3 is the budget line.

 

True, but I thought maybe since Samsung makes its own screen, even the budget model would have something better than average.

 

Do the 11.6" and 12.5" have glossy or matte screens?

 

Does anyone know how to bypass having to press the function key to adjust speaker volume by pressing the function key?

I just want to press the fuction keys without having to press the fn key first. I know I am lazy.

I know HP computers have a setting in bios but not sure if my NP300V3A has this setting in the bios or not.

 

I know the 12.5 has a matte finish. Not sure about the other.

 

I don't think this was ever answered, but does the 12.5in Series 4 have the same screen as the 12.5 S3? I know both have the same res and are matte, but does the S4 have a better screen because it's a business model, or no?

 

I'm pretty sure Series 4 uses cheap screens too. It's only Series 7 and 9 that use premium screens as far as I know.

 

Shame, I would have though their business line would have a decent screen. I also take it the S6 using the same screen as the S3?

 

sorry guys but i think you are just being a bit too picky with the screens. the S3 screen is pretty good and bright. And if you really need a good screen why would you even consider a 11.6" laptop? Are you doing any particular work with photos or something display sensitive? Sure it's nice to have a nice screen but at this size monitor my main concern is readability and overall portability with good performances.

the x220 has an IPS screen FYI

 

I can't speak for other here, but at least for me its not really about brightness, but more about viewing angles, clarity, and color gamut. I had a 15in MBP, and while it was a very nice machine, the size was too large for my taste, and max I could use daily would be the 14in Series 7(and even that that pushing it a bit). Hence, why I am looking for update replacement for my 11in Vaio TT. I thought the 11in-12.5in Series 3 would be it, but based on the comments the screen may not be for me(sadly the TT has spoiled me). The Series 4 is still on my list despite it may having the same screen quality as the S3, because I like the business features/durability it offers, while still looking very modern.

 

You really didn't answer Sir Punk. Viewing angle on a 11.6"-12.5" laptop? If you're talking about laterally, get real. Otherwise, just fold the screen forward or back. Color gamut on a small laptop? What kind of work are you doing on a small laptop that requires concern about gamuts? Clarity? What specifically do you need a high level of clarity for? I can't figure out whether you're expecting to do something like photo work - why on a small laptop is beyond me - and want to get by on the cheap, or you've been reading lots of articles about monitors and are imposing the issues there on a small, relatively inexpensive laptop. In either case, I'd be interested in seeing something more to justify your criticism of the Series 3 than "my taste."

 

I understand that watching video you would want nice quality screen, and viewing angles(specially if the light is not in your favor); but, why not the Series 9 is beyond me. Unless, their budget since buying their Sony has changed. Then again I find the Series 3 to be a sexier machine than the Series 9, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Anyone know how the 13in Series 3 compares to the Samsung X360 screen and durability wise?

 

I have the 15.6" Series 3, and I find the screen brightness more than adequate. I typically operate it at no more than ~65% maximum brightness (assuming the on-screen indicator is proportional, 6 out of 8 bars) and will turn it down to 4/8 or 5/8 in a dark room. Like you, I'm wondering whether the same applies with the smaller screens. Obviously they won't put out the same amount of light since they're physically smaller, but I suspect the brightness is still more than adequate.

In recent years, there has been something of a "brightness race" in LCD devices. So we have seen the proliferation of glossy screens, shiny bezels, and such like unfortunate gamesmanship. The Series 3 is exceptional, in not participating in some aspects of the brightness race. I'm more interested in display resolution and color gamut, features typically lacking in all but higher-end displays (and priced accordingly).

 

The brightness is adequate for inside use. For outside use 200 nits is not adequate. That's why Samsung 9 series and Macbook Air have 300 to 400 nits displays.

Personally I'm more interested in good contrast rates than brightness. Standard laptop screens like the ones used in Series 3 usually only have 150:1 contrast. Better screens have 500:1 or more. Screens with good contrast rates have black stand out from white more, resulting in better readability and more crisp images. Darker scenes in movies look more detailed.

 

++++

totally agree. As someone mentioned probably the most important thing would be contrast and nits, since it's a small laptop will be used outside or on the go. Any professional graphic designer, video editor, etc will NOT use a 11.6" screen, maybe a 13.3" for some quick stuff but all graphic designers I know have a 15" AT LEAST. or an external monitor.

 

Everybody has different requirements.

A high quality, high gamut screen on a small laptop is not a strange requirement. Lenovo X220 of Sony TZ are examples. If there was no demand for them they wouldn't be as popular as they are (were).

 

I could see that, why else would Sony Vaio Z and 11.6in MBA have the screen they have.