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

I think it's more likely an shortage on GPU chips (GT640M and GT650M and other 28nm) since TSMC production capacity is limited. For example, here in Norway there has not been any stock of GTX680 cards since release, and situation doesn't seem to improve.

Thus samsung probably try to focus on the smaller markets with the highest profit margins first. Here in norway the 700Z5C is ~1800$ USD and the 700Z7C is ~2200$ USD.

 

Speedfan shows CPU temperature around 50ish and reach mid 60s at load. I'm playing diablo 3 and less than 10 minutes I see artifacts. When I alt tab out and back in, the artifact is gone but will come back in a minute or two. When I check the temperature history, the game artifacts around the time when temp1 hits 80C.

 

No way CPU temp will be mid 60ish at load, 75-85 is more correct depending on which game it is.

My guess is that you got an laptop with a faulty memory chip for the GPU, return it and get it fixed/replaced.

 

My GPU idles at 61c (fans set on Silent Mode), and the CPU idles at 29c, in 20c ambient.

 

One thing I have noticed since installing my Vertex 4 SSD is that on reboots - the drive is not detected.

What happens is the following: the Samsung boot menu comes up automatically asking if I want to boot from the DVD drive. I go into the Setup menu and the Vertex drive is not there. I press F10 to save and quit and the system restarts and immediately boots into Windows.

Note 1: I have enabled AHCI from the Bios.
Note 2: this was enabled prior to my installing Windows 7 Pro.
Note 3: This doesn't happen every time (more like every other time).

 

So I downloaded the "Easy Software.." and after installing and attempting to run it, this crashed my notebook so badly that I had to press and hold the Power button to get it to shut down.

Think it may be because I am on Win7 Pro instead of Home Premium?....

 

Easy Software Manager isn't usually dangerous by itself. The problem is usually with what it chooses to install. I don't think Samsung do enough compatibility checking before adding updates to the database.

John

 

I wish I could get it to stop nagging me about my uninstalled Norton bloatware.

I too lost my ExpressCache tab after Easy Software Manager installed an updated Easy Settings...but a reboot later and it was back, like magic.

 

Are the issues that plagued the SB model still apperant in the IB model?

 

Depends what issues you refer to?

Sucky trackpad? Yes still present.
GPU switching in games? Not so much, optimus is not 100% either, but a lot better than enduro.
Poor screen? Yes still has the same screen.

Any other issues?

 

poor wi-fi signal was the big one after the graphics switching problems

 

Which was often because people didn't change the power saving options for it...

 

Sorry my mistake was installing the Easy Software Manager. What I needed to do was read the original poster's comment more closely. I shouldn't have been installing the Easy Software Manager, its the Easy Settings program I needed.

I uninstalled the Easy Software Manager because it was crashing (still don't know what it does). I have since installed "Easy Settings" and its working perfectly. I can lower the brightness etc.. using Fn key combos again.

 

I thought it was a combination of antenna placement and shielding form the aluminum casing? I don't think it was just power saving mode

 

I don't know for the 7005ZC, but for the 700Z7C the wireless range is very short, I loose connection about 8-10 meters away from router, that is with power connected.

Which is part of the reason why I returned it.

 

I've been happy enough with my Z5C's wireless performance, keeps a signal everywhere I need it at home and at work. Is the Z7C using a Broadcom or Centrino?

 

Intel 6235 with BT 4.0 card.

Comparison:
In my bedroom 8-10m away from router (through 2 wooden walls).
Samsung 700Z7C with intel 6235: 0/5 (sometimes 1/5 but not enough to keep a stable connection) signal.
Asus N55SF with intel 6230: 3/5 signal.
Acer 3820TG with intel 6200: 5/5 signal.

The atheros and broadcom cards that origianlly shipped with acer/asus I replaced with intel cards due to crap signal strength, but looks like the new intel cards are just as crappy as broadcom/atheros.

 

Are there still wifi issues?

 

Are these Intel cards that you're talking about different models?

 

yes, model numbers is even in the post intel 6200, 6230 and 6235.

 

Sure that really doesn't help, but having the wifi power options set to maximum power saving is even worse.

 

You probably have a dud in this case. You should take it back. My NP700Z5C works perfect through 3 walls and a hardwood floor (from my 2nd floor to my basement entertainment room.)

Notwithstanding that you are posting in the wrong forum (this is for the 700Z5C NOT the 700Z7C)... there is probably a problem with the adapter in YOUR notebook.

 

Any news about a 14 inch version?

 

no news, all i know at this stage is that 15inch model should be available in mid june...

 

15" will be here sooner than that, I'm expecting it in about 10-12 days, by the week of June 3

I'm planning on putting in one of the first orders

 

I can report that I decided return the samsung. After some hours of usage I could not live with the "bad" screen after all. Coming from a MBP earlier the screen was a disappointment. I also found it to get a little hot when having it on the lap.

I'm now considering a ivy bridge series 9 or the new ux31a, since I probably don't need the extra power provided by the nvidia graphics.

With a better screen (IPS or equivalent) the series 7 would be killer...

 

Did you check 17 inches model of Chronos? Best for laptops. Take a look there & you will like that.

 

excellent screen but laptop is too big and heavy, + 2lb power adapter

 

Correct. But unfortunately, there is no all in one available in the market

 

Do you confirm that is the same display of sandy bridge version?

 

You may have a "dud" - the screen in my 700Z5C is pretty great. Otherwise you may have to play with the brightness and contrast to suit your preferences (I did).

I have stated it before; I'm not an expert on screen technology, but I have 3 flat screen TVs (2 LCDs and an LED - all are name brand and 1920x1080) and can tell the difference between them. One thing I can say is that this screen stands up, both to the TVs in my home and the previous Notebooks I have had.

 

If you look at a MBP and a S7 side-by-side, the difference is considerable.

 

looks like the NP700Z5C will initially launch in the US with 2 flavors. The S01US will have 6GB DDR3 750GB HDD, price point coming in at around $1150. The S02US will have 750GB HDD too, 8GB DDR3, price point around $1350. Don't know the other differences besides the 2 gigs of RAM

 

I'm thinking of getting the 17 inch Chronos right now but it's just so freaking huge! Will the 15 inch US version also be getting the 1080p screen and jbl speakers? The 100 dollar difference isn't much considering you're also getting the 2gb Video Card.

 

I hope one of the versions will have the 650m but that is improbable

 

Strikes me as a bit odd that the "top spec" US model will be lower spec (750gb vs 1tb) and fifty bucks more than the $1299.99 Canadian Z5C I'm typing this on. Unless that's a 7200RPM drive instead of the 5400.

 

Same 1600x900 screen as last year's model, no JBL speakers, the only visual difference is an Nvidia Optimus decal on the palmrest instead of an AMD sticker.

 

Do you confirm that is the same display of sandy bridge version?

 

Check HW ID of screen.

 

HW ID of the screen is same for 700Z5A and 700Z5C: SEC314B. So screen is the same, sure samsung could have improved the quality of the screen without changing HW ID, but I'd say it's unlikely.
Also some people are less picky than others when it comes to screen quality. For most people the screen is good, but for those that's picky the black levels are grayish, color details poor and contrast a bit low. But brightness is good.

 

Yes it is the same or quite similar TN panel with the same viewing angle issues.

 

I doubt that will be the top spec, I'm sure there will be an S03 version with 1TB HDD but I haven't seen such a model listed on any retailers for pending sale yet

 

I must have been in a rhetorical mood! Captain Obvious would be proud. Any chance of swapping them out to test how much of the machines themselves are the culprit?

 

Considering they've been selling them for a few weeks now, I find it amusing that Futureshop finally has them on the website as of today:

Samsung Series 7 15.6" 3rd Gen Intel Core i7 3615M Laptop (NP700Z5C-S01CA) - Silver : 15" Laptops - Future Shop

 

$100 dollar difference for the 17.3" and you get a better screen, track pad, speaker, processor Wish they priced this a little lower.

 

I'e actually been really considering purchasing this exact laptop. I just made an account a couple min ago in order to ask if there have been any major issues with that model? I've read through most of this thread so I'm expecting some minor issues with the screen color. Other than that this is a long thread and it's hard to distinguish between which models are being discussed.

So anyway, is there anything I should be aware of before making my purchase?

Thanks

p.s. the other model up for consideration is the NP550P7C-T01CA listed here: http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/prod...spx?path=23754cbf3f9be65a11a7bf2f7ef31013en02

i know this isn't a chronos as it's missing the 8gb ssd etc, though it does have the bigger screen. I'm only considering it because it's the same price as the chronos atm, so any opinions about that model are also very welcome.

Thanks

 

It's big, it's heavy, and as you noted, it's a Series 5, not a Series 7.

Personally, I preferred every aspect of the Z5C, even last week when Best Buy had the 550P7C on sale for $1199 and I paid $1299 for the Z5C.

The screen on the 550 17" is still only 1600x900, which makes it look worse (pixel density), and it's the same sort of TN panel with the same sort of viewing issues the Z5C has. Speakers aren't even that much better, nor is the keyboard.

Now, if the Z7C had been available, I might have reconsidered, because it's 1080P, just as thin, and with a better GPU.

 

Future Shop is offering a free Xbox 360 for a Samsung laptop purchase over $600 I think, until June 30th. Bought mine 10 or so days ago, so I went back today and got the free Xbox.

 

The swiss model has hit the shelves today : NP700Z5C-S01CH

Intel Core i7-3615QM – 2,3 GHz
8 GB DDR3 RAM, 1-TB-HDD (5400RPM), 8 GB ExpressCache
Non-Glossy 15,6"-LCD-Display (1600 x 900 Pixel)
Bluetooth 4.0, USB 3.0, HD-Webcam
Windows 7 Professional, 64-Bit

Best price so far is 1522 USD (1469CHF)

Too bad they didn't update to a higher res display. I'll have to pass I think.

 

I've ordered mine today for 1059 euro.

Oh, spain.