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

It was discussed a few pages ago... it's a feature somewhere in the Intel video card driver.

 

gotta say, I was once convinced on the Samsung, but the HP Envy 17in has me intrigued, especially with the 30% coupon right now (makes for a better spec notebook, at same price as the US03 S7)


Prob gonna wait on some Envy reviews to come in before deciding... but coupon is only valid till Dec 31

 

Just go to easy setting manager and under the display tab just deselect adaptive brightness control and set your brightness manually!

Cyber link is crap anyways and lies I believe is like iTunes for Samsung mobiles. If you haves any galaxy devices it would be useful otherwise remove it!



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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I tried it and I think it's only for ambient light (ie. if the room you're in is dark or not). What tunkas was referring to is that the screen brightness goes up and down depending on what is on the screen. I too would like to disable this but I can't find the setting anywhere... :/


Also the big "CAPS LOCK ON/OFF" image popup (similar to the screen brightness or keyboard brightness) every time I switch caps lock on or off is EXTREMELY annoying. I don't know how to disable it and it's pissing me off big time.

 

I'm kind of on the same boat as you gameface with considering the refreshed Envy series. However, as of now I'm still more sold on the Series 7 with better pricing, Express Cache, more portable dimensions, and possibly longer battery life.

Reviews and initial comments shall be coming quite soon as the machines have shipped out so I'll check those the next few days.

 

Hi guys I would like to ask if is somebody experiencing lagging when browsing on the internet for example. For example when I open a new tab in firefox it always takes a while and it is much slower than on my 5 years old machine. Could it be windows or some hardware problem?

 

Same here. My i3 laptop is faster with Firefox and I don't know why. I've switched to Chrome, which seems to run much better

 

I havent noticed this issue! but i guess it may be related to the ambientlight sensor. I find it too sensitive so the backlight of the screen may influenze the sensor and making it to adjust brightness indiscreetly!

try disabling the auto backlight option and then report back to the forums!

 

Glad Im not the only one struggling with it lol.

Considering you can get the 17" Envy for almost the same price as the S7 US03 that I wanted ($1300) the Samsung loses its price edge for me. I do agree on the express cache and the smaller, lighter design tho.

I just wish I could see one in a brick and mortar store besides the cheapy BB version... that one I looked at has almost talked me out of it tbh

There was S7 US03 avail last night on Amazon finally... and I didn't jump on it like I thought I would, so that tells me alot right there. Like you, gonna wait till the weekend to see some of these reviews

 

That is weird and such a shame.

 

I definitely removed the ambient light sensor. Doesn't affect the screen "built in" sensor.

 

Has your i3 laptop a faster graphics card than the intel hd 3000?

 

Alright, my new Samsung Series 7 Chronos has arrived from the Microsoft Store. I purchased it from them with a 25% discount bringing the laptop under $1000.

Upon opening I experienced what most have...no VGA dongle/adapter. I doubt I' use it anyway but it would have been nice to have.

The Microsoft "Signature" treatment was installed and there is little to no bloatware. It also installed Microsoft Word (with a special ad supported free version).

I adjusted "easy settings" to get high performance and to charge the battery to 80%.

I downloaded Firefox and ran into issues. Scrolling was choppy, key strokes were slow and lagging. I uninstalled and installed chrome and now all is right with the world.

I installed ITunes and it runs perfectly. It does not hesitate on loading and plays quickly. I installed "Software launcher" to give my desktop the look of a Mac.

I went into the trackpad options and set the mouse to fast scrolling, adjusted pinch to zoom and turned on scrolling with two fingers. I am very happy with the trackpad functionality.

I anticipated changing the Broadcom WiFi chip with an Intel chip that can handle WiDi (Intel Wireless Display). I deleted the two Broadcom drivers. I shut off power and battery supply, opened it up (carefully), and removed the old chip. I installed the Intel WiFi chip.

I had previously downloaded the Intel Driver and had it sitting on my desktop ready for install. I put the machine back together, fired it up, and installed the driver. From what I can tell everything is working perfect. (i have not tested bluetooth).

My NetGear HD Push2TV works flawlessly. A few adjustments and it works great. I had to install the Push2TV software and I installed their widget. The Widget was useless so I uninstalled it.

OH, the goofy partition that is with the C Drive....The C drive comes set up as a 50 gig partition with a separate temp partition with everything else on it. I went in and deleted the Temp partition and "expanded" the C drive. I found instruction on how to do this on a Best Buy review for their model on their website. Just like that the C drive is full size with no formatting required.

I am an amateur with computers. I have built towers in the past, but have relied completely on internet instructions and recommendations when doing this. I tell you this because I don't want anyone to hesitate when trying to open up their system and changing settings (just do your homework first).

Enjoy

 

Link?
Copy and paste directions?

Butters-

 

Hi All I just spoke to Samsung support after countless escalations and one of the managers now told me that offical display driver update is in the works. This should hopefully address all the issues with you tube and bsd. Stay tuned

 

Yes, it has a HD5650, but according to GPU-Z firefox uses the HD6750 (I tried to open a "complex" page (with flash, images, backgrounds, etc) and with Firefox was terribly slow. With Chrome I can navigate normally in same page...

 

There is an S03 model on Amazon right now for $1299, if anyone was waiting for over a week like myself.

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-NP700...TF8&coliid=I1SNZ9OM74S36B&colid=3U640H3TNC6HB

 

Try turning hardware acceleration on/off in Firefox itself not only in flash.

 

Is there an official disassembly guide for the series 7?

 

Good to see a positive review of the computer. Are you satisfied with the computer so far? And have you experienced any of the mentioned problems while using the computer?

 

Disabling ambient brightness control solved the brightness issue.
Ty!

 

The only problem i have had it the one's I have mentioned. The C drive partition appears like it was a problem but I suppose I could have stored everything on the "temp partition". It seems weird that they did it, and If I was a user who planned on uploading 100 gigs of music and didn't know how a hard drive function, I would probably be screwed.

I love the computer but the lag in high def video is a lil troublesome. Im going to re-install my wireless router tomorrow, and I'll report back with results. Also I will try to cut and paste dissassembly, lan card replacement, and settings I have used.

 

Once I get my laptop, apart from updating firmware and installing leshcat's drivers, is there something I must be do to avoid most noticed problems ?

And yes, remove automatic brightness setting. use the .icc provided in another thread.

something else to get it to "optimum" condition ?

 

btw, for those looking for this laptop - Samsung Samsung NP700Z5A-S04US 15.6-Inch Laptop (Silver) Laptop computer

is this a fake / scam website by anychoice ?

 

I haven't updated firmware or drivers yet, since it has worked for my needs for now, but yes, remove the brightness feature, load up the .icc file and also check the setting for your mousepad.

Both which features you want enabled on it and its sensitivity etc.

But other than that it should be fine, unless you want to repartition your hard drive...

 

No way that is real.

As they say, if it looks too good to be true, it most likely is. And that price is really silly...

 

Hello guys,

I have a very interesting thing. I bought another samsung 7 chronos for my family member and it is totally different. The biggest difference is in term of display. few weeks ago I stated here that I am really unhappy with display color, bad viewing angles and cold blue and very "TN" feel. However this new one has absolutely fantastic display and it looks almost like my my Dell ips 24 monitor. How is this possible? I am comparing those two samsung chronos side by side and difference is really huge. Maybe samsung started to put better display into it lately?

How I said colors, viewing angles etc are great now!

 

can you post some pictures?
and run hardware info (HWinfo) on both laptops and check display panel and post it here!

Thanks

 

Ok I will try to make some pics however I am not sure if it is going to make a difference on pictures.

Please where do I find LCD panel in hardware info?

 

Check your display settings in easy settings. It may still be the same panel.

To check LCD hardware ID, type devmgmt.msc in search box.
Then find the monitor and right click properties.
Under details tab, look for hardware ID in the list.

The ones that are on the market are known to be SEC314B. If different, congrats.

I have a new one coming, so I hope for the panel change if there is.

 

Wanted to follow up on my battery life issue. So, just to refresh, I was getting no more than 4 hours of run time when browsing the web with all settings set to power saving.

Even though the video card seemed to be working properly, I decided to load the new drivers using the link Ganxxta posted and what do you know, problem solved! Even with the 80% battery charge cutoff, I still get over 6 hours of run time. Thanks Ganxxta!

 

Hello!
I just ran over 319 pages of the topic.
Can't find out one thing: 15'6 NP700Z5B which is sold now in BB for $829 is a watered down version? Where can I find backlight keyboard and 750GB 7200rpm Chronos 7?
What is exact model I'D for that "full" version?
Is the screen better then in BB's laptop? What must be screen I'D part number?
Thanks!

 

Oh man please!
Where did U buy this better one?
What is full model number?
What was the price?

Please give all of us Ur display I'D. I use Aida64: go Computer Diagnostics & Network Audits Software | Lavalys.com and download AIDA64 for free [30 days trial]. It's hi-end package for computer hardware diagnostic. The interface is very easy and laconic.

Waiting for Ur reply! Thanks!

 

Jopty I am typing from my backlit laptop. Model number is NP700Z5A=S04US. The screen seems to be the same one as the best buy model. I got it at the microsoft retail in San Diego for just over 900$. The retail outlets are doing a 25% off purchases over 1k. The original list price is 1150$. I have to say I love this laptop and if you can find one dont regret the purchase.

 

>~$900 with taxes? Oh shut!

I know that. New Envy 15 doesn't impress me much. So many defects from couple of people. And design is not so sleek as Sammy's. Only IPS screen could be a deal.

I'm in LA, man. Your outlet does still have s04us? What is address? Tel? Online link? Any.... How U claimed for 25% off, ah?

Did U do something with display settings? Are U all right with screen?
What is Your screen part ID?
Any idea what differences between s04us/s03us?

 

@compengr which link is that? Can you post it? I am not able to find it!

 

Everyone in this thread would be very interested in some pictures and panel information of each of these, because there has been a suspicion of there being different panels in these laptops, but no smoking gun.

 

This has been covered here already, but to recap, the S03 has 8GB of RAM and Windows 7 Professional, whereas the S04 has 6GB of RAM and Windows 7 Home Premium.

 

Ok guys, so I just checked panel type an everything and it is exactly the same like my first one which has much worse display. I dont get it . I will try make comparing pictures today

 

Are they both running the same BIOS version and graphics driver versions? The basic display settings can be controlled at the BIOS level.

John

 

I know this question has already been asked before but I don't feel that there was a clear cut answer:
- Does changing the HDD (to SSD), Intel wifi/bluetooth (to intel 6230) void the warranty? I'm asking this as I would like to upgrade the sammy but i'm also looking into a full-service 3 year warranty extension (300 € extra where I live...) and don't feel like upgrading it only to notice I just lost the warranty doing so.

 

Guys, follow me:

Everyone who has NP700Z5A writes here his info [only 2 things]:

Laptop Model #
Screen I'D part

Let's track out this mysterious "better" screen!

 

The best strategy is to keep your old hardware so you can swap it back in if you get a problem.

John

 

I have the Swedish one, only one version available here, and it has the same screen ID as the one listed earlier.

It's a i7, 8Gb, 7200rpm 750Gb drive, so think it has the same specs as the "top" version in the US.

 

Good to hear
But I just posted the link, not made the drivers myself, so credits go to the original maker

I believe its this one:
leshcat blog IT Tips & Tricks

Instructions:
https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1LDgrb6Mte34Sg26RJnmJy5m1HuuN5RRa_7KKFfGP7tI&pli=1

 

and in my opinion, install the 12.1 preview version.
on the samsung series 7, like mine, i reccomend doing all the cleaning procedures and advanced cleaning of the old drivers, as described on the instrucions.

 

How well do the new drivers work when it comes to GPU switching and Intel GPU? Does it work well, and is it done any differently, or do you do exactly the same as before to tell what program to use which etc?

 

And the BIOS and the driver.... no point in gathering partial info...

Personally, I'm betting it's different batches of the same screen, with the problem being due to initial QA issues... which is a perfect example of why you never, ever get the first run of anything, but what do I know?

 

You mentioned cold blue temperatures. I have noticed that an option is available in EASY SETTINGS to set the display colour under display tab. No effect gives you the blue. That is likely your explanation.

FYI: The screen is still the same old SEC314B on my new unit, which sadly is DOA again due to a manufacturer scratch mark on the screen.

 

Off topic,
just read your signature, you seem to be a very unlucky person in terms of hardware, your amount of DOAs is amazing.