Samsung Series 7 Lovers - Here's The NP700Z5C Ivy Bridge!

I think there's a very strong suspicion among users that the drivers for the trackpad, keyboard backlight -- basically many of the features under Easy Settings -- are not loading correctly/promptly, or have problems after sleep. I suspect we'll see a firmware fix sooner or later.

-Matt

 

I am 95% sure those pictures on samsung.com are wrong and that the NP700Z3C does NOT have a numeric keypad. Specs say it's an 86-key keyboard -- like the NP700Z3A, which doesn't have a numeric keypad. The pictures also show an HDMI port on the right side next to the ODD, while the specs say only two HDMI ports -- again, like the NP700Z3A with both on the left side. Pictures on microsoft.com bear this out.

I think they just re-used pictures of the 15 inch. I could be wrong, of course

This looks very nice, though, and not a bad price at $999. I bought an NP700Z3A (Sandy Bridge) for my wife just a month ago and we like it a lot. I got a clearance deal on walmart.com for $600 and have zero regrets. It was $850 on TigerDirect/CompUSA and elsewhere, and I would have kicked myself if I had paid that with the Z3C now selling for $999.

The question everybody must be asking is whether they addressed the WiFi antenna and the CPU heat/throttling issues.

 

How stupid of me -- of course you're right. I forgot that Samsung recycles info from previous pages. It took them weeks and multiple complaints before they fixed the S01UB page (Best Buy model) which incorrectly listed the 640m. It looks like the Microsoft page has the right images.

RE: wifi and heat issues, I owned the Z5C-S01US for a few weeks, and had no problems with it. The 17" has it's own problems (and a much better screen), but I think the smaller 15" is fine and since the 14" Z3C is the most recent build, I'd imagine it doesn't suffer from those issues either.

-Matt

 

Agreed. I don't think a BIOS update is needed though, if only the Easy Settings programmers can get their heads out of... you know where. The reasons for our problems with Easy Settings are:

1) They decided to load all the modules as Scheduled Tasks starting 30-90 seconds after user login instead of as proper Startup tasks (registry HKLM or HKCU) or drivers. Scheduled Tasks are for idle time stuff like defragging, not essential tasks that load on every boot and stay permanently resident. The Fn keys should ideally have run as drivers. I notice keyboard delays (eg reacting to shift key up/down) which I suspect could be due to poor implementation of the Fn key module (EasyDisplayMgr).

2) They decided to bundle basic and essential features (like Fn keys) with sentitive (and outright dubious) things like messing around with loading order of devices and other startup tasks. Just because I want my Fn key doesn't mean I want the rest of my system to be messed up.

As I wrote in my previous post (about the 14-inch Ivy Bridge), we like our Series 7 a lot, it has great features and style. But Easy Settings is by far the biggest disadvantage of this PC.

Sorry </RANT>

 

Yeah, we're OK with it too now. I tried an earlier 14-inch Series 7 with the Broadcom WiFi module, and it was outright terrible. Much better on the new one -- but still not nearly as good as my old HP laptop.

On the CPU heat/throttling, we got a laptop cooler for when my wife plays games. So it's all good

 

Definitely saw that in the Microsoft Store the other day! It was really nice and what you would expect.

EDIT: I don't think it had a number pad. I think that was something I noticed. My memory is foggy because it didn't even hit me then that the 14 inch was new.

 

Would you mind linking to that? I can't get it... I can't find it...

 

lol ... that is surprising for me that u found me with Quebecois accent , as i'm not an inhabitant ... i'm an immigrant, and rather a recent immigrant .. good to hear that anyway!

by backup, i meant the option samsung recovery solution gives u to do a complete backup. i have not tried doing it, but i'm pretty sure it would not overwrite the stock backup which is in recovery partition. u can only use to to have a backup on DVD/External drive.

I believe, the only way to overwrite a stock backup that is in recovery partition] is to use Samsung recovery Admin tool and overwrite the recovery partition.

This is useful if u replace the HDD with SSD as ur main boot drive, then the stock backup present in recovery partition is not useful [as long as u are using SSD as main boot]. Then u would need to update the recovery partition with an appropriate backup to be used with "F4" startup option.

 

I've been going nuts trying to figure out which Ultrabook to buy -- but after doing some serious thinking, this Series 7 has suddenly piqued my interest (for several reasons).

Question: is this model at Best Buy (the NP700Z5C-S01UB) the best version available right now? Or is there a better one?

Thanks!

 

I think the S01UB is $999+tax -- so I'd recommend instead the S01US at Amazon, which is $1095. That is, of course, if you'd benefit from having the 640m 1GB instead of the 630m 512MB. Otherwise, the spec differences aren't huge, e.g., you can update the RAM and HDD on either unit yourself.

To throw a small wrench in the mix, keep in mind that Microsoft Store now has the 14" cousin, with Core i5, 630m, and 6GB RAM. Kind of a junior version of the S01UB, also at $999 BUT with an XBox (AKA $200) thrown in if you have an edu address: Buy Samsung Series 7 NP700Z3C-S02US - stylish and portable 14 inch notebook with Intel Core i5 processor - Microsoft Store Online

-Matt

 

I hate wrenches.

Thanks for the info. I'll do a bit of research.

 

The 14" appeals to me because of the lighter weight. I'm also looking very seriously at the XPS 14 Ultrabook, and it also has the 630m -- in addition to a ULV Core i7 that is roughly comparable to a standard voltage Core i5. So the smaller Samsung compares well. Let me be clear: if the Series 7 14" or 15" had a screen like the gorgeous 17" I wouldn't be looking any more, and the overpriced XPS wouldn't even be in the running.

EDIT: I should probably mention that I owned the S01US for a few weeks, but returned due to trackpad issues.

-Matt

 

Do they all have trackpad issues?

Also, any idea how the 14" screen compares to the 15.6" screen, quality wise?

 

I can offer my opinion (read: educated guesses) on those questions.

First, the trackpad issue involves how the right corner behaves. I would guess the majority (maybe 60%-80%) are built in a funny way, where it feels like the right button under the pad -- instead of being placed at the far right corner -- is instead located just right of center. The left button, meanwhile, is at the far left edge where you'd expect it. It takes about double the normal amount of force to register a right-click, if pressed in the corner. If pressed near center, it's light and easy. Of the half-dozen or so units I've seen in stores plus my own, I think 4 of 6 had the "defect." One or two, meanwhile, had an effortless right click in the far corner.

HOWEVER, I'm running into trackpads on other machines that actually print a line at the bottom of the pad, separating right from left. On those, it may make more sense to click near the midline -- which makes the Samsung "design" make a little more sense. Also and perhaps more importantly, 90% of my right-clicks would be with the 2-finger tap, making the 1-finger right click a moot point.

Now, on to the screen: early reports on the 14" suggest that it has the same lackluster color and black/white contrast as the 15" Z5C, e.g.:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/samsung/684561-new-14-series-7-np700z3c-s02us-now-available.html
http://forum.notebookreview.com/samsung/671287-samsung-chronos-7-700z3c-review-tomorrow.html

-Matt

 

is anyone able to upload a copy of the np700z5c-s01 bios or vbios i was going to get someine to see if its modable so it can be modded to run gt640m at gtx660 speeds

 

I love the smaller footprint and lighter weight of the 14". But the reality is that my eye comfort prefers a slightly larger screen at 1600x900. And since I often bounce back and forth between laptop screen and external monitor, I'd rather stick to 100% DPI.

Concerning the Dell XPS 14: I like it a lot. But if I'm gonna get something that heavy I'd rather it not be a ULV. Otherwise I'd prefer a "real" Ultrabook.

If the 15" Samsung Series 9 with the 256GB SSD was less expensive, that's what I'd get. But it's not, so I keep stalling. Which brought me to the realization that since I don't really NEED a thin/light Ultrabook (I work from home and rarely travel) I should probably consider something with more gusto, like the Series 7. Much heavier than I'd really like, but it gives me more power, a larger hard drive, dedicated HDMI port, a built in DVD drive, a larger screen, etc.

P.S. -- I don't game (at all) so I don't need the graphics card, but I'll be doing some occasional AVCHD video editing (typical family stuff).

EDIT: I'll try to take another look at a 14" laptop with 1600x900 resolution, just to double-check. But I know that text on a 117 PPI screen will be easier to read than text on a 130 PPI screen.

By the way, it looks like I missed out on the Best Buy free Xbox deal. Anyone know how to get a Microsoft Store code? My wife went back to school so I can use her edu email address.

 

Would also like to know about the updated webcam drivers. The webcam is listed in device manager as WebCam SC-13HDL11431N. If I search the web for drivers, all I can find is version 6.1.7601.17514 which is the version already installed. The date for this version is 2006-06-21.

 

I have the the series 7 14" fron john lewis UK and the screen is more than adequate for me, coming from a thinkpad x60 tablet. The screen can be better but I feel is more than enough and especially caters to those that work in bright environment and suffer from glare from glossy screens.

I have no touchpad or wireless issues with the laptop for anyone who may be worried. I have yet to do a clean install and replace the hdd with a ssd. Also plan to remove the ODD for a second hard drive.

 

can the 700z5c-s01 be upgraded to 16gig of memory?

does anyone have a copy of the 700z5c-s01 bios i could have, i need it to do some modding to get the gt640m running at gtx660m speeds stock

 

I'm in a very similar situation -- I'm looking at the XPS *mainly* because of the build quality. I'd really prefer a standard voltage CPU, but I'm willing to drop down to a ULV in exchange for 2-3 more hours of battery life, which the XPS offers.

As for 14" with 1600x900, what are your thoughts on the Gigabyte U2442N? It should be at Amazon soon (another educated guess):

http://forum.notebookreview.com/other-manufacturers/669118-gigabyte-u2442-line.html
GIGABYTE - Notebook / Slate & Device - Notebook & Netbook - U series - U2442N

Just enter your wife's email here -- I did it last week (I teach at a state school) and got the code without any fuss. Doesn't seem to be verified other than that it works.

Microsoft Store Online

That's good to hear -- I wish I had a MS store nearby or Best Buy carried it on the floor -- I'd love to give it a try!

Last time I read through this thread, the conclusion was you can put 8GB max (i.e., 12 total) in the open slot. IIRC.

-Matt

 

Yeah, it's a pretty nice unit. Shame it's not just a tad lighter.

No clue. I'm not familiar with their laptops, so unless the reviews are outstanding I'm unlikely to wanna try 'em.

Funny, I was on that page several times on my iPhone and each time it said "Sorry -- out of codes. Check back soon." But on my computer it works fine. Interesting. Thanks for getting me to re-try it!

By the way, I re-looked into the 14" Series 7. It sure looks nice. Wish I had one nearby to look at, but no go. I'd really rather see/touch it in person.

 

To those considering the Series 7 14 inch:

I bought the 14" Sandy Bridge (Z3A) for my wife about 6 weeks ago, and she likes it a lot -- so do I, when she doesn't use it

We got a great deal on the Z3A, knowing that Ivy Bridge (Z3C) was on it's way -- it had already been out in Europe for some time. With the faster and cooler CPU and the Nvidia GPU of the Z3C I think it's a no-brainer choice among 13-14" notebooks.

I consider 1600x900 to be the perfect resolution for this size screen. In fact, a matte screen with high resolution was a requirement for us. Other notebooks we looked at either had the measly 1366x768 res or glossy screens. This screen is readable outside or in a Starbucks next to the window. True, contrast could be better, but part of that comes from the screen being VERY matte; and once calibrated, it's actually pretty decent.

The closest contender was Sony SA 13.3" CTO with very similar specs. It was a tad faster (even with the same CPU) but not nearly as elegant or well designed. It's screen had a bit more contrast, but was also more reflective and not as bright. The Samsung is the exact same physical size, but with a 14" screen (tiny bezel) and a full keyboard.

And it's an excellent keyboard with excellent backlight -- best I've seen! The Samsung also won on a large and very nice trackpad, great for multi-finger. It can be a little finicky at times, though, depending on your settings.

WiFi is somewhat weak in our Z3A (with Intel 6230) but better than the first model we had (with Broadcom). And it's acceptable. I would hope (and expect) that SAmsung has improved antenna design in the Z3C.

I consider Samsung's software to be the weakest link in this notebook. Actually, it's pretty decent, except the Easy Settings package. Unfortunately this is also the one package which you cannot be without, because it controls Fn keys and other hardware features.

still, all in all a great notebook, even if not perfect in every way.

 

Since this is the forum for the 15" NP700Z5C, I want to make sure I don't distract too much -- but for prospective owners who are looking at the 14" and 15" form-factor and like unibody-esque design, I think the Gigabyte looks very promising. Unfortunately it's not readily available in the US, so owner reports are trickling in. But where it competes well is with a dual 128GB SSD + 750GB HDD solution, plus either a Core i5 or Core i7 (standard and ULV, respectively). It also has an interesting dual-pipe cooling system.

But to tip my hat to the Samsung, I think it has the better build quality of the two machines (probably best in class for under $1100), and Dannemand is right, that keyboard is superb.

-Matt

 

Nice write-up, Dannemand. The 14" Series 7 sounds pretty good. My only concern is if a 14" screen might be just *slightly* too small for 1600x900 (for MY eyes, that is). I'll take another look at an XPS 14 since that's got the same numbers.

 

does anyone have a copy of the 700z5c-s01 bios they could upliad for me?

 

Thank you.

I've been into high res monitors for 25+ years (prepress in a former life) and find the Samsung LCD quite sharp and crisp, despite its moderate contrast. But I understand your concern about resolution and type size.

I found the 13.3" of the Sony to be just about as small as I would want for 1600x900. My eyes have gotten older too

 

Well, my external monitor is 1920 x 1200. But it's a 24" so text size is no problem at all.

 

Yeah this one will be a bit smaller, of course. But again, the panel is quite crisp, which makes type readable at smaller sizes.

 

Any idea where we can find detailed pictures of the 14" model? The Samsung site's pictures of the 14" are actually pics of the 15.6" version.

One last question: anyone know the return policy of the Microsoft store?

Thanks...

 

Good, according to this essay.

John

 

Thanks John. Again!

 

Guys, on the 14" vs 15.6" argument, are there any "quality" reasons to get one over the other? Like, is one keyboard better than the other? Does one get hot but the other stays cool? Anything like this?

Thanks...

 

UPDATE: I called Microsoft Store to verify their return policy and spoke with the rep for a few minutes. There's no way to know if she was being honest or not, but she said that there were only a couple of the 14" Series 7 units left in stock and that this particular model (the NP700Z3C-S02US) is selling fast.

Since this laptop seems to cover most of the bases for me -- and I'd really like that free Xbox 360 for my son -- I decided to just order the NP700Z3C-S02US while on the phone with her. Done.

She may have been pulling my leg about inventory being so low, but I didn't wanna take any chances since the the free Xbox offer ends soon.

 

I ordered mine Friday and they told me the exact same thing: low inventory, only a couple of left, order now.

I pick mine up Thursday.

 

can anyone help me out im desperate for a copy of the 700z5c-s01 bios

 

I buy (metaphorically speaking) the low-inventory argument -- I might be wrong, but it seems this model just recently appeared in the US, and I'm not sure if the 14" is available anywhere other than the MS store. I haven't seen it at Amazon, not even third-party Marketplace. But if it's built and marketed like the larger model, I expect it will become more widely available in the next several weeks.

@SG, I've FINALLY finished reading the XPS14 thread, and see you chimed in there a bit. I'm REALLY excited for your choice (read: jealous that I have nothing!), and hope you'll let us know how you like the Samsung mighty-mite (new owner's thread?...I guess not). I have every reason to suspect it is identical to the larger Z5C, including keyboard and build quality. At 4.5ish pounds, it looks like a super package.

-Matt

 

Steve, I'm not sure why you're not getting any love here -- my first thought was "sheesh, why not go to Samsung and do it yourself???" But I took a peek yesterday and saw the closest a non-owner can get is a firmware EXE that authenticates the machine and downloads the BIOS. Since you don't own the Samsung (right?) I see your dilemma. Sorry I can't help out.

-Matt

 

Hallo....what is max. output resolution over HDMI on this Samsug?

 

I think you're right. I looked, but didn't find it anywhere.

I chimed in on about 300 different threads. I simply couldn't make my mind up. Crazy.

I sure hope so. It's not like me to buy a laptop sight-unseen. I really prefer to see it in person, view the screen and try it out first.

I just couldn't bring myself to drop $1800 on a laptop, which is what the 15" Series 9 with 256GB goes for. And I also couldn't bring myself to get a laptop with only 128GBs of space, then deal with external drives or SD cards or pay to upgrade the SSD. So I waffled around, stalling... for months!

 

My order shipped, but it won't arrive until next week. Oh well.

 

OK, well *fingers crossed* that the Xbox comes on Friday!

-Matt

 

I totally know that feeling -- I sold my 13" Asus a few months back, thinking I'd have a new machine. Four tries later, still nothing. My daughter hates me -- I banished her back to the 10" netbook, and "borrowed" her 12" Asus for my work!

My latest mantra is "wait for the Labor Day sale before buying number 5." I hope things are good and done next week!

-Matt

 

No such luck. It's 1 single shipment of 2 packages.

Parallel lives. I had given my old Dell to my son but took it back when my Sony died. It's a little slow, but I had forgotten how much I actually like it!

Good luck. But ya know what? The more I think about this Samsung I just ordered the more I think it's the right choice. It has a slightly smaller footprint than the 13" Macbook Air yet it has a 14" screen. 1600x900 resolution. Full power processor. Graphics card. 750GB 7200 RPM hard drive with SSD cache (I want the fast start-up but otherwise don't need SSD). Built-in DVD player. SD card reader. Bluetooth. Long lasting 8-cell battery. Intel WiDi (who knows, could be fun). Only 4.56 lbs (which is not bad at all, and only 1 lb more than the 15" Series 9 that I almost bought). All this for only $999. And I get a free $200 Xbox 360.

 

Hey guys! I was contemplating whether to get the Sony S 15" with i7 3612qm or the Samsung 700Z5C-S04. After quite a bit of research I am leaning more toward the Samsung as I'm looking for a computer to last me at least 3 years while I'm in school (I plan on using it for programming and some gaming). I was planning on dropping by a Microsoft store to pick one up but just in case does anyone here know anywhere I might be able to get the 700Z5C-S04 for cheaper?

 

If you're interested in a comparison of the two, I owned both for a bit and compared them here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/wha...30-impressions-sony-s15-samsung-np700z5c.html.

Or maybe you've already decided on the Samsung? :thumbsup: I'm not sure how to find a cheaper S04, but isn't the Microsoft Store model still eligible for a free Xbox (=$200)? Er...I'm assuming you have an edu email (or can get one) though.

If you're not eligible for the Xbox, I would recommend checking out the S01US at Amazon ($1090), which is pretty much the same machine with 6GB instead of 8GB RAM.

-Matt

 

Thanks for the response Matt. I did find your comparison to be helpful although I hate wishy washy endings as well. Is the display really that bad on the Samsung? I haven't had much time to go and handle the machine in person so I'm going off of the specs alone. Also, what laptop did you end up with in the end?

 

I really think the Samsung is a superb machine, and as my search has dragged on, it's always been a favorite for me. The display issue is kind of tricky -- it only looks subpar next to a better screen -- on its own I think it's well above "satisfactory." You hear it over and over, "It's very subjective," so I encourage you to go check it out!

The last machine I tried was the Asus N56VZ, which ended up being too heavy/bulky for my needs (though the screen was the best of the bunch I've tried). After that, the Samsung rose back to the top of the pack for me...until I got hit over the head with a frying pan while looking at the Dell XPS 14. So now that's in my Amazon shopping cart -- but it's hard to justify the price for the feature set (plus I'm waiting/hoping for a Labor Day sale). I also found the Gigabyte U2442N pretty interesting, but that won't be available for a few more weeks. Long story short, I'm still shopping!

-Matt

 

I like that XPS 14 a lot. Came pretty close to saying "what the heck, I'll buy it." But 2 things stopped me. 1) as mentioned earlier, it's kinda heavy for being an Ultrabook with a ULV processor. And 2) believe it or not, I really like having dedicated Home and End buttons, and the Dell XPS machines don't have 'em. Yeah, I know, not a huge deal. And yeah, I know, I could re-map keys, etc. But I like having actual dedicated keys that say what they do. Sue me.

EDIT: Oh, there was one other thing. I find the font used on the Dell XPS keyboards to be kinda funky. Almost like alien writing. Again, not a huge deal... but I like a certain look. Sue me 2.

I'm also not a fan of the greasy look! ( see here).

 

Wow, we have remarkably similar tastes. I agree 110% with your points.

(1) I am REALLY unhappy with the prospect of pushing the frickin' F-key every time I want to go "home". (The Asus keyboard layout is much better)

(2) I HATE that keyboard font!

(3) Grease...don't even get me started....

But hey, I keep saying: if the Samsung should happen to dip under $1000, I'm sure I couldn't resist it at that price! With all these recent product announcements (did you guys see the new Asus 15" ultrabook?), who knows...

-Matt

 

Matt,

I made myself a list a LONG time ago of things I'd LIKE to have in my next laptop. I realized I couldn't get everything I wanted, but this is what I was shooting for:

Actual-size ports (no adapters needed)
Backlit Keyboard
Bluetooth
Color: silver with black keys is preferred
Dedicated Home and End buttons
DVD drive is a plus
Hard drive: at least 256GB
Keyboard to NOT have a Number Pad
Maximum 1600x900 resolution
SD card slot
Under $1000 if possible
Weight: less than 5 lbs

Guess what? If I'm not mistaken, the 14" Samsung Series 7 covers everything on my list. Pretty cool, huh?