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

This may be the reason for why they chose the BB pre-launch strategy, to see if clients would swallow this. Well, quite hard to swallow, better give up trying such tricks. I wouldn't mind paying couple of bucks more for a good screen, but stop advertising bottom features as the next big thing, it's not nice at all.

 

I've canceled my pre-order and bought the new Vaio SE 15.6 that was released a few days ago.

For those of you who are waiting for CompUSA/Tiger the sales rep said the Series 7 will ship out sometime this week.

 

Possibly true, but that seems like a major goof on Samsung's marketing if true. I'd wager most average consumers strolling the latest notebooks at bestbuy look at the laptop directly (i.e. the screen) before checking out the technical specs, if ever.

 

+1.

You guys ignored me at your own risk as I was honest (not what you wanted to hear, not afraid of being "disliked" due to diagreeing on paper). (Yeah, several emailed me and told me they were not buying --- they were too diplomatic to put it on here; they just asked me privately for an opinion.)

After I told what I saw, others were less afraid to come forward.
Now, Samsung 7 beta buyers are those who tread where (non) fools are afraid to go. I shouldn't say I told you so, but I did.

You impolite guys spent over 100 pages on this. Ha, ha, ha.

Enjoy!!! And make excuses for it if you buy.

Let's start the Club of series 7 apologists.

 

I looked at it in Best Buy today. It did feel extremely sluggish (probably due to the Best Buy crapware), but I'm not worried about that affecting the non-BB models, since there's just no way a laptop with these kinds of internals will be that bad in practice.

The screen was not very good, although changing it to "no effects" did seem to make a difference. I don't know if the problem was the standing position you have to use the display model from, but it was hard to get the right viewing angle for it to look decent--anything even slightly out of alignment looked washed out.

Honestly, though, I looked at the machines around it (HP, Dell, Toshiba, Sony) and there wasn't anything about their screens that made me feel like they were decisively better. The default Windows desktop somehow looked a bit more appealing on the Samsung screen--that could be because of the higher resolution or something else, but the matte coating made a huge difference too. Most of the time when I'm on my computer I'm looking at text, and somehow the contrast of the text (with the right viewing angle) felt easier on the eyes with the Samsung. (I used it for just a couple minutes and so of course I didn't experience any of the eyestrain akula57 mentioned).

None of this means I'm not hoping the non-BB models come with a better screen, though.

As for build and design, this laptop was just fantastic, certainly superior to any of the other PC laptops on display (unless you like fake silver coating that comes off after a few months). It was surprisingly light for its size, actually. The smooth, rounded surfaces and edges made it feel really nice to handle and touch. (I checked out the HP dv6, and the build quality there was truly awful.) This may sound crazy, but it felt nicer to work with than an MBP: I really like the MBP design in the abstract, looking at it from a distance, but I really don't like the tactile experience of working on one.

I'm definitely keeping my preorder, although I might end up returning the machine eventually. It's worth a shot, even if the screen isn't up to par. I didn't miss my Vaio Z's screen while I was trying the S7 out.

 

Hard to tell, they may think the sleek appearance would feast clients eyes on this and together with the price tag and supposedly good hardware would get them refuse to listen to reason, as a couple of people round here has been doing quite for a while. Well, most of us don't take real advantage of a slightly better CPU or GPU, but look at the screen all the time we use the laptop.

 

I do feel ridiculously defensive about this laptop, I really have no idea why! Maybe it's just hard to accept the fact that something that looks so amazing on paper could have a major flaw like this. Would I have even noticed the screen if it hadn't been discussed at such great length in this thread? No clue.

 

At the same time, this is really uncalled-for. Impolite guys? Who was impolite to you?

 

Yeah, The Narrow Road Between Success and Failure. There may still be time for Samsung to do something and provide a decent screen, if only they would listen. And don't forget the woofer, as having been advertised.

Wishful thinking, I guess...

 

That's pretty condescending. Just because someone decides the screen isn't enough an issue to prevent them for purchasing this laptop doesn't mean they're "making excuses." Everyone has different needs, that's why there are so many laptops on the market.

@boe11 Calling those who buy this fools? Classy.

That being said, I'll doubt I'll be getting one either, lol.

 

Maybe I should wait for the next revision.

 

Those with the BB version, can you comment on the battery life (or did no one keep them long enough to find out)?

TIA

 

At least it's matte. Reflections have always been for me the number one thing that made me move my head around to shift a reflection spot. I hope this is just a viewing angle issue... I gotta go check for myself when I have the time.

 

Does anyone even have a non BB version?

 

I don't think anyone got the non BB version yet. Those who pre-ordered still have not received their laptops yet.

 

And this is why I'm starting to dislike this forum. I really hope this person is younger than me (I'm 19) so that we can excuse the childish behaviour. If not, I fear for all of humanity.

 

You can already get the BB version. I don't think that many people have it. In older posts there are some pictures.

 

Hopefully someone finds out soon when the laptop's shipping, asked CompUSA and they have no idea. Over here in NZ we have slim pickings of quality notebooks and what we do get takes about 6 months longer to come in and costs 50% more. Mate coming over from NY next week so was hoping for him to bring over.

 

Can't you just order from Australia? Is it cheaper to buy it from the states than auzzieland?

 

i spoke with an agent of compusa and he told me that we need to wait between one to three weeks! not good at all

 

Hey Guys,
i was following this thread from the beginning, I'm from Germany so I can't participate in the discussion of the BB Model, but in Germany many retailers have the NP-700Z5A-S03DE Model listed as "available", prices start at 1300€.

Most shops don't have any description at all, but this one says it has everything including backlit Keyboard... but again no mention of 8GB Express Cache...

This shop has 27 left according to their homepage, so if anyone from Germany wants to try it, here you go

Hopefully its the real deal and not the stripped down version like the BestBuy one.

 

Ya i'm with the other guy, I hope you are like 15. Real mature. I for one love the screen I saw at best buy, along with the build quality and I can't wait until the better models are available.

 

I have the BB Model and will be keeping it.

I find the screen to be more than accurate and it compares nicely to the other notebooks I have. I removed the bloatware and upgraded the ram to 8GB - works fine for me.

 

Yes! I've been looking for comments like these. Still waiting for reviews though!

 

Please advise as to which brand you upgraded the ram to and how much it cost... Thanks.

 

This is intersting to me, since i'm from Austria. Good to see they they just did a 1:1 $:€ conversion, I was expecting a higher mark up. I hope to God this laptop doesn't suck.

 

How's the battery life? Any real work numbers? Thanks!

 

I am finding the battery life to be pretty decent.
Last night I watched Transformers 3 on DVD on it then played L4D for a little while and when finished it still had 35% left ....I haven't clocked the time exaclty but so far seems to be pretty good in day to day use.

I am travelling this week so will do a rundown video test later this week.

 

I bought this Ram from NEWEGG
Newegg.com - Kingston HyperX 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1600 HyperX Plug n Play Laptop Memory Model KHX1600C9S3P1K2/8G

Be aware that there is only 1 Ram slot available/accessible on this machine.

I get 7.6 in the Windows Experience Rating for the Memory (After Install).

 

Unfortunately still cheaper in USA and you guys get everything well beforehand. So really hoping that the 1-3 week delay isn't correct.

 

Does anyone know how well an SSD will play with the Express Cache? I would like to replace the HD with an M4.

 

I'm wondering why you bought a 2 x 4 GB memory package to get to 8 gb if there is only one 1 slot (I assume 4 gb) available? The other slot has 4gb soldered in, no? Did you just use one stick from the package? Does no one sell a 4gb high performance DDR3 memory stick by itself?

Could this be a cheaper better option if one wasn't going for brand name?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231483

 

great I am just waiting when it comes to Germany. I am from Slovenia and it will be to long to wait here.

Can you please call there and ask, what about SSD and back lit?
and when you can recieve it at home if you order it. how long ist the shipping?

 

on amazon.de german there is already this lapotop available.

there also is written that is a backlit... excellent I will buy it, if somebody will buy it also please tell us if it is better thant this from bestbuy version.

no problem with display,

nothing is written about ssd..

Samsung Serie 7 700Z5A: Amazon.de: Elektronik

 

I just checked out the Best Buy Series 7 notebook. After reading all the negative posts about the screen, I had to go check it out myself.

I'm glad I checked it out because the screen is nowhere near as bad as everyone makes it out to be. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't say it's a bad screen. It doesn't have great viewing angles but other than that, I don't have an issues with it.

I was seriously considering buying a Sony Vaio SE after reading about how bad the screen is but I'm glad I checked it out for myself. I'm going to stick with my pre-order and just wait until the Series 7 gets released.

One thing I did notice is that it doesn't seem like there's any easy way to replace the hard drive. This might be an issue for you guys who want to swap the HHD for a SSD. You may have to disassemble the laptop like you would for a MBP or Envy 15. I took a picture of the back so you guys can see. There's easy access to the memory module but nothing else.

Hope this helps.

 

How come it says in the box to the right:

Maybe its not coming to the US, but only going to Canada?

 

Ahaha , impossible. We (Canada) only gets what USA gets and sometimes we don't even get it.

 

OK, a bit of piling on. Well, it does take courage to try and save some people money and possible heartache. And it's just my opinion. Of course, I've used it much during the last 10 days, too.

The good screen Samsung is (IMO) the Series 9. Higher contrast and 400 nits. Possibly not full color spectrum but better than this one in that regard, too. Not all colors but probably better than this. I suspect the contrast ratio is under 200 and the pale blues are, indeed, painful. As are the viewing angles. Even my gf noticed. Everything but a 6750 card (I'll use an Xbox for games if I get a 9). The Samsung with a 6750 will possibly get hot and noisy, too. Your call.


We don't know each other and attacks on individuals are not nice. Age, huh? OK, here goes. I'm not under 19 --- I couldn't afford a new computer then, unless with my own money. Put myself through grad school by age 23 (an MBA from NYU) (three scholastic scholarships --- all earned), made MENSA by 17 (min. of 148), was an orphan (not why I got the scholarships), worked since 14, and can afford a good computer now. You know nothing about "fearing for humanity." (At least not until you fear for yourself, first.) (But you gave me a good laugh anyway --- no, not directed at you.)
Let's forget it.

So, how about a mutual agreement of no negative comments directed at one person?


Ignoring someone is worse than disagreeing you know --- the way I grew up, I found that out. So I sometimes push. But no evil intent. So, if any offended anyone, sorry. Mea culpa, if so.


By they way, never underestimate the power of denial.

 

J&R

NP700Z5A-S03US

NP700Z5A-S04US

ProVantage

NP700Z5A-S03US

NP700Z5A-S04US

 

I posted a pic with the back removed. Wasnt difficult, just a bunch of screws.

 

So the S03 is the real deal with 8GB Ram, EC and Backlit Keyboard. The S04 has the same but only 6GB Ram. So I guess possible S02+S01 will be without Expresscache...

 

I am interested in the 15.6 in model, I was wondering if it is possible to extend the warranty on these bad boys. I like my laptop to have a minimum of 3 years warranty. In addition what are the cost for the warranty.

 

If someone orders one of those SO3 models let us know how it is. Hopefully its not the just the best buy model.

 

I don't think express cache have much of an effect if you install an SSD. You'll simply have 2 SSD's, the 8 GB onboard + whatever you install. Judging by these graphs:

Benchmark Results: PCMark Vantage, Boot-Up, And File Copy : Intel Z68 Express Chipset Preview: SSD Caching And Quick Sync

Express Cache offers a definite performance boost over platter HHD's but pure SSD offers a definitive advantage in speed.

 

It's already confirmed by Tigerdirect that S02 will have Expresscache. Well it comes down to "factory option" so before you buy or order, as them whether it has Expresscache if you feel you want be safe.

If you living in the States. You can get addition add on warranty for 3 years if you buy SquareTrade or other warranty. Standard Samsung gives you is one year.

 

Of course there was nothing wrong with it, some people just like to complain.

 

I couldn't care less about your background, it has no relevance to the abuse you gave to people who want to buy the laptop (and this is someone who claims to be part of the MENSA group).

You started to behave like a child over a laptop, over a forum on the internet. I can no longer take you seriously to give advice about a laptop, yet alone, to be giving me (us) a life lesson.

Who do you think you are?

Don't bother replying and stick to the subject at hand i.e. the samsung laptop. If you have nothing else to say you can leave if you wish.

 

There's nothing "wrong" with it, in that it is not much different from the many other mediocre panels that litter Best Buy's shelves, but it is also not the premium model that some of us had expected based on the marketing. Those of us who actually took the time to evaluate the screen firsthand, including dreamwonder who had already nailed the contrast ratio and color gamut 60 pages back, are doing the community a service by sharing our observations, opinions, and measurements. The panel's quality may be sufficient for your purposes, but that is no reason to be so huffy and defensive about it. For those prospective customers who place a heavy emphasis on display quality, I'm sure the feedback in this thread has been very helpful in steering them to other possibilities.

 

I wanted to keep it short, but what i really wanted to say is that it'snot as bad as some people are making it out to be.

If the screen is important then the only way to evaluate it for your own use is to buy and return it if you don't like it or go to a store to check it out.

 

Hypocrite, huh? Unwilling to accept an apology/truce. I was explaining myself (why I may have come on too strong --- we all make mistakes --- I had an argument with my gf and had a few beers, for example) --- you brought up age 19 and being childish and so on. You were personal, so I was back. Only I still didn't attack you --- as I said, explaining myself as a sign of trust and so on. (Being accepted by MENSA is meaningless --- I can do well on tests, that's all --- 148 is top 2%, so 148 or above gets you in; I got in at 17 or 18 --- no big deal. Just please don't imply I'm a liar as in I was not in MENSA --- "claims to in MENSA" or whatever. But, no harm, just forget it.). I'm not any better than anyone on the board in any way. And can learn from some here.

Nineteen --- please don't act as if you are the super-moderator and own the board. For all I know, maybe you do. (I don't really care --- no offense.)

Let me ask you once again: If you (or anyone) were insulted, I apologize. Why don't we both drop it and you can call me at fault if you want? Ok? And let's drop it now. Let's talk Samsung 7 (nicely and with respect --- sorry if I did not).

To the machines, so dp3000, what do you like best about the machine? I like the cpu, 6750 card, mouse-pad, keyboard, build quality, and decent price off the top of my head. The slimness and, hopefully, the battery. Everyone has different needs, but the screen is something I use 100% of the time and it is not terrible but not as good as expected (I guess I value the screen quality more highly than some.). I had just tried the Sony F22, so I had a real comparison (the best screen I've seen on a laptop --- but a very short battery life). Of course, subjectively, I've seen worse. I am not a computer expert, but can quickly learn from you and others here. I am perfectly willing to be corrected --- in terms of facts, opinion, and even decorum.

If you buy, I hope you love it.

Thank you, dp3000, et al. Once again, sorry if I was out of line.