Samsung Series 7 Laptops - 15.0" and 15.6" Models (NP700Z4 & NP700Z5)

I took a couple of snapshots of the display under different viewing angles. It wasn't as easy as I thought it would be though [my (good) point'n'shoot camera produced horrible moire, probably due to internal polarized filter of some sort. DSLR faired much better but still not perfect].

Display was set to maximum brightness, camera to sunlight white balance, f/3.5, shutter 1/10 sec. Note that color reproduction in my non-scientific approach is very poor - the display is not as dull as on the images. Mostly, you should look for the relative changes as the angles are changed.

 

Maybe I'm just not very discerning, but that seems like a totally decent screen. Not a disqualifying factor for me in any case.

 

I asked TigerDirect they replied expresscache is there. Now it's back to backlit keyboard missing wow this is some confusing stuff.
But their own Samsung employee says it has backlit keyboard. This is from review with Tigerdirect TV.
Quick Link : Samsung Series 7

 

Got an absolutely useless (but expected) reply from samsung.com below:

 

Well yeah, but do you really need a 7200RPM or 7400RPM hard drive? The faster they are the battery life is drained and heat produced. Well I guess it's up to your own personal preference. 750GB hard drive (5400 rpm) is what the Best Buy model is listed as on the Best Buy site.

 

Good, those angles seem good for my use of that screen

It's also surprising that samsung included monitor/TV like screen presets on a laptop, to me it's quite a good innovation.

 

There is 750GB HDD(7200 RPM) with Express Cache written
on technical details part on Amazon for both S02 and S03.

S02
Amazon.com: Samsung NP700Z5A-S02US 15.6-Inch Notebook - Silver: Computers & Accessories

S03
Amazon.com: Samsung NP700Z5A-S03US 15.6-Inch Laptop (Silver): Computers & Accessories

 

Where did you get that? Afaik Series 3 uses 200 nit screens.

It could mean that they both use screens with the same brightness. It doesn't have to say anything about contrast or gamut.

As the guy from Notebook Italia said the screen on the unit he saw was high quality I still have hope. The guy knows notebooks. It may have been a pre production unit though.

Is this the best buy version?

 

When I pre-ordered mine other days ago. Just got email saying that shipping date is still unknown and I'm under backorder. So I guess i'm on waiting list.

 

Try to change the display settings according to post 992 here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/sam...6-models-np700z4-np700z5-100.html#post7973146

 

It's sad that Samsung themselves don't know what is going on with their Series 7.

 

I'm used to the fact that sales reps have no clue of what's going on. I don't even bother asking them.

 

randomThought,
I'm in exactly the same boat - I've got an old & beat up XPS1530 & want something newer & a bit lighter.

If you can give any more comparisons, I'd be very grateful!

Kind regards,

wow

 

Thanks for the tip!
It would be nice if the people complaining could check this and report back to see if its a general solution.

 

I have the large 9 cell battery in my dell and hence weighs more than 6 pounds. The samsung one feels much lighter even though technically it is supposed to be 5 pounds. The screen is slightly wider (by about half a centimeter) than the M1530. THe bezel on the top, where the webcam sits, it thinner on the samsung and this makes the screen a bit wider than on the dell. After changing the screen color profiles, the lcd is as bright and clear as the dell. I am pretty happy with the machine.

I did get used to the dell keyboard but was never a big fan. The chicklet keys are much easier to type on and need less power to push them in. Plus the huge trackpad is pretty nice as well and supports a few gestures like two finger scrolling and four finger aero view. My trackpad on the dell was not really usable since I could not get the drivers to work properly after some time and had to get it replaced by dell like 2 times.

There is a bit of flex if you really try to push hard on the sides of the keyboard but you would never feel that during regular operation.

Since the samsung has an i-7, it does get a bit hot if you place it in your lap and the fans come on occasionally more than they turned on with the dell but then again it depends on the amount of load you are running. You can turn on the silent mode where the fan runs continuously on low speed so you never hear the loud whirring but i am guessing that would not be a good option when playing cpu/gpu heavy games.

The only trouble that I am having is with the webcam. Samsung doesnt seem to have the webcam drivers listed on their support page and none of the applications are able to detect it. It might be due to a defective unit or some driver issues. ( i got the best buy version for testing )

I got the best buy model to see the screen and use it for a few days in person because of all the concerns on this thread. I think its a pretty good upgrade to the dell. I have pre-ordered the saamsung on amazon so the express cache will make stuff faster too, though even without the express cache, the boot times are really quick.

 

I can't get the display options you mentioned. After Fn+F1 I get into Express Settings app, which does list Display options, but there is nothing related to color profiles. The only way I was able to change it is through Intel's video adapter configuration, but there you have to adjust brightness/contrast/hue/alpha - nothing like switching between predefined profiles.

Can you give more details, may be post some screen shots?
Thanks.

 

You have to scroll don a bit to get to the display color settings. Here is the screenshot of what I get when I press fn+F1

 

That's fantastic randomThought,
are there any areas you've found so far where the Dell is better?

How big is the power supple on the Series 7 too?
I travel a lot & space is always a consideration!

If you ever get the chance, I'd really appreciate a photo of the 2 side-by-side!

Kind regards,

wow

 

Does the series 7 have bluetooth?

 

Just got the BB version. Love everything about the Series 7. The built quality is very good and screen w/ 1600x900 resolution is good. The touch pad is one of the best in the Windows/laptop world... Very Mac-like and very customize-able... I switched from using Mac for 3 years back to Windows after Win 7!! Am I crazy??

From the perspective of "desktop" replacement laptop, this is pretty mobile and powerful. I agreed with one of the previous reviewer that it "feels" lighter than 5.05lbs.

I am trying to consolidate both my desktop and laptop (Toshiba R835-P50x - 13.3" 3.2lbs w/ ~8 hours) with this... So, I am still trying to get use to the extra weight and size when I am out and about... 3.2lbs --> 5.05lbs... I know... I know... considering it is a 15.6", it is light at 5.05lbs and size-wise, not big at all.

Two minor issues for me:
1. The webcam has NO LED indicator when activated...!!?? It is always nice to get that reminder that the webcam is on. Is it just me? What do others feel about this?
2. The system status indicators (LEDs): Power, Battery Status and HDD Activities are hidden once you closed the screen/cover!!??
-- You can't tell if the battery is still charging or fully charged...
-- You can't tell if the system is sleep/hyber, shutdown or wake-up (by accidental mouse moment w/ screen/cover closed)

 

The best buy version does not. The others do have Bluetooth ver 3.0. The best buy version has the intel wifi card with WiMAX while the others have the Broadcom wireless card with bluetooth.

Hope that helps

 

Thanks! I'll check it once get home.

 

The BB version doesn't but all other Series 7 should have according to the Samsung's spec.

 

Uh, is this the same Broadcom card that the Series 9 had issues with?

 

Thanks good for the quick answers Random and huoyjii

 

Get to know the Samsung SERIES 7 CHRONOS (MaxScreen 15") - YouTube

Are you kidding me?? How can Samsung taunt and torment me with the NP700Z4 15 inch screen (14 inch chassis) model on youtube and not release it in the United States??? What country will get this model?? Samsung on youtube dodges this question everytime it's asked!!

 

Judging by this page the US would get the NP700Z4A.

 

Does the Series 7 have WiDi?

 

And NP700Z3A is not even mentioned:
http://ww2.epeat.net/publicSearchResults.aspx?return=search&&status=1&ProductType=3&model=NP700Z&epeatcountryid=1,2,3,4,39,5,6,38,7,8,9,10,12,11,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,40,25,26,27,28,29,30,42,31,32,33,34,35,36,37&

 

Someone posted a few pages back that CompUSA/Tigerdirect (I'm assuming they are the same thing) get their product sometime at the end of this week. I just emailed them since we are at the end of the week, and my order hasn't shipped yet.

I asked for a time frame, here's the response.

But I suppose it's the second week of October after this weekend anyway. Just a little disappointed it's not shipping this week. I want my toy!

 

Yes. Even the bestbuy model has WiDi

 

The series 7 slate was delayed till early November. I wonder if these will be shipping at the same time.

 

Cool, thanks. I didn't see that mentioned in the specs anywhere so I wasn't sure...is that just something that's standard on newer laptops?

 

I don't know if I've been too harsh on this machine or not. I haven't been trying to be a "it sucks" person. I really wanted to damp the expectations of some out there who haven't seen the machine or used it to any extent. And problems with Samsung support are very real (Tier 2 never called back as promised.)

I've been as disappointed as some of you may be with the machine not seeming to live up to expectations. I really want to love it. I want to be blown away.


All I could do was compare it to Asus and Sony products I tested and returned (both of which cost more than the BB version and were in some ways better --- these were BB items, too). I guess I have high standards and most laptops don't meet them --- especially high screen expectations.

But judge for yourself, especially the non-Best Buy model (100 pages on speculation --- including my own; you guys are anal just like me - and that's fine).

It's getting decent reviews on Best Buy (as do many of their computers). From experience, I know they don't approve all reviews and publish them. But, more importantly, new owners gush about their products and don't want to hear about issues. Neither do prospective owners --- such as me and many of you.

I'm going to set up my MBP and Samsung and look at them side by side. The price is close (13.3 inches). Put movies in the optical drives, compare the screens side-by-side, compare the trackpads, compare the build quality. Maybe even the battery. I know many here won't want to hear the results, especially if it favors the MBP in some ways.

And many of you guys have known each other via the internet for months or whatever and have similar views (I'm being a little kind here.) I'm an unknown quantity even if I have the 7 and even put numbers on test results several pages back.

Some things I may not have mentioned enough in my disappointment is that it's well built (even with the plastic bottom which one doesn't notice much anyway) and has a 2nd to MBP trackpad. And not big glitches so far. Aside from screen arguments (which have gone on ad nauseum), what concerns me is the machine (do I have a lemon?) not being that fast. Subjective usage measures and numbers (5.1 - 5.2 2D rating?). Subjectively, log on isn't a blaze and programs (such as browsers) don't open up super quickly. That and the screen are my concerns for a premium laptop.
(And heat for any i7 laptop --- I'm glad it has two fans but the bottom gets hot; I really believe laptops, at this point, may be better with i5s.)

I don't have an agenda and may post on this again and still want to love it.
The Best Buy reviews are good --- that's to be expected but still good news.
Strangely, many giving four or five stars are returning the machine (Yes, I know the other machine will at least have a better video card).

Good luck and don't ignore those who disagree. At a minimum, it's not polite. (Take a hint from your excellent moderator.)

I can learn a lot form you guys, too. No one likes to be primarily ignored. Anyone can sne d me an email (to help me or whatever) at [email protected] (just don't send any malware )

Good luck.

 

I asked the same thing (I preordered with them last night, after cancelling once), and here's what they sent me:

I'm not going to cancel again just yet, but this is ridiculous.

 

I called them up and they said that they will get a new batch of supplies on 26th. They got one batch today but it wasnt enough to fill all the pre-orders (only a couple hundred)

 

akula57, I really appreciate your posts. Do you think you could try randomThought's solutions for the screen and fastBrowsing2.exe and report back?

 

A lost post a while ago. Say Tiger direct first batch had 250 units. But guess we are the couple hundred after.

 

Just returned my BB series 7 after visiting a local Apple store and doing comparison with macbook pro and air, both base 13.3 models. Unfortunately, this Samsung laptop is not even in the same league. I also looked at Series 9 at Best Buy and it has a much better screen. And I mean MUCH better than Series 7! So, switching to macbook air Good luck, guys!

 

Actually I don't think I'll be going with the Series 7. I've been tempted by this HPs DV6 and I think Im going to get it. Had my XPS M1210 for 4.5yrs now and its time for a change. Ones I've compared so far:

Sony Vaio SE 15.5" 1080p Win7Pro - CTO
2.8GHz Turbo Boost 3.4GHz, i7 2640m dual-core, 8GB RAM, 750GB(5400rpm), AMD Radeon HD 6630M 1GB, Blu-Ray/DVD, USB 3.0x2, USB 2.0x1, 6.85lbs - $1450

Sony Vaio F 16.4" 1080p Win7Pro - CTO
2.0GHz Turbo Boost 2.9GHz, i7 2630qm quad-core, 8GB RAM, 750GB(5400rpm), NVIDIA GT520M 1GB, Blu-Ray/DVD, USB 3.0x2, USB 2.0x1, 4.4lbs -$1500

Dell XPS 15z 15.6" 1080p Win7Home
2.8GHz Turbo Boost 3.4GHz, i7 2620m dual-core, 8GB RAM, 750GB(7200rpm), NVIDIA GT525M 2GB, DVD, USB 3.0x2, USB 2.0x1, eSATAx1, Mini DisplayPortx1 - $1400

Samsung Series 7 15.6" 1600x900 Matte Win7Home
2.2GHz, i7 2675qm quad-core, 8GB RAM, 750GB(7200rpm) w/ Express Cache, AMD Radeon HD 6750M 1GB, USB 3.0x1, USB 2.0x2, 5.05lbs - $1300

HP Pavillion DV6-6195CA 15.6" 1080P Anti-Glare Win7Pro
2.0GHz Turbo Boost 2.9GHz, i7 2630qm quad-core, 8GB RAM, 750GB(7200rpm), AMD Radeon HD 6770M 2GB, USB 3.0x2, USB 2.0x2, 5.78lbs - $1200

They all have VGA, HDMI. I really don't need eSATA as long as there's USB 3.0 port. No need for DisplayPort either unless I use 2 monitors.

I don't know how Samsung's after sales/extended warranty support is....with HP I can add on the warranty care easily. I think I'll get more bang for the buck with the dv6 compared to the ones I checked out above.

 

The ram for Series 7 is better off upgrading yourself. For like 30 bucks u can get 4 gb which is also made by Samsung. And the price of you notebook would be like under 1200. When it comes to ram better off buying yourself and not factory stuff which is usually overpriced. Even any of these computers it's cost heck a lot less to upgrade ram yourself.

 

I'm pretty sure you've gotten the weights of the Sony F and SE mixed up. The Sony Vaio SE is 4.4lbs. Not sure about the F.

 

damn...i totally forgot that i ordered it from amazon alrdy
i've been using my debit card like no other

im under the amnt that the laptop is worth so i have to cancel my order
wish amazon would charge me the 1149 already so i can have it taken away from my bank acc

being a college student i usually hover near $0 once i've made a big purchase

when is thing going to be available...samsung is bad at getting their products out asap

they did the same thing with the galaxy phones

 

You got a Macbook Air instead? What on Earth...?


The Series 7 was designed for people who need performance and some portability!

 

HP makes bad laptops. I was thinking about the HP also for the graphics card but for the weight and the crappy reputation I'm thinking about the Samsung 7 or the Sony SE.

 

The F is 6.8 lbs. So yeah, he just swapped the weights for the SE and the F.

 

i'd also like to know how you went from a series 7 to a mb air...

totally different league's of laptops

i understand going from a series 7 to another "performance" laptop

 

I'm considering what laptop to buy, the 14" series 7 is on my shortlist, so is the MBA. I just want a good looking portable laptop with enough power for what I do.

Going from the 15" Samsung series 7 to a MBA is a bit of a stretch but I can understand it.

 

If I pre-order the 15.6" model listed on Amazon for 1149$, what are my chances that it'll get delivered within a month?

 

yea sorry guys...got the weight mixed up for the sony ones.

can you let me know what exactly is bad about HP laptops? HP provides 2GB Graphics card compared to Sony or Samsung

The weight of HP DV6 is ok compared to the rest...I've seen video reviews and checked it out at bestbuy/futureshop...it looks decent...good value specs/price ratio