Samsung Ultrabook 13" Series 5 battery questions. What do you not like about this series 5 notebook?

Recently got the:
Samsung Ultrabook 13" Series 5 NP540U3C-A03UB Touch-Screen Laptop,
Core i5-3317U, DDR3 8GB Memory, 500GB HDD + 24GB ExpressCache
I upgraded the memory as soon as I got it.

My main complaint is you can't take the battery out like most notebooks.
Why did they do this? To save weight? How hard is it to replace this battery if needed?

That is my only complaint about this notebook so far.

 

To save weight and keep it thin, it's what all ultrabooks are doing. Plus battery technology has advanced far enough that people don't have to worry about overcharging the battery and reducing it's usable life.

Replacing the battery is only as hard as taking the entire cover off the reveal the components.

 

Do they have a series 5 service manual or tear down manual?

 

You can purchase downloadable service manuals on samsungparts.com. They are copyrighted, so there are no free ones available.

 

That isn't right! They should supply the service manual free from the Samsung support site!
Simply GREED.

I recall that I use to get those free in the past when I had Dell and some other brands.

 

I think their motivation is more likely to contain the number of users who disassemble the laptops and make modifications, in the hopes of reducing their own support and warranty costs. Although I understand that motivation, I am not sure if it works that way -- and not the opposite.

 

If that were the case, why are they selling it on their Samsung parts site? GREED!
If they were concerned about people mucking up their computer, they would only sell the service manual to authorized computer repair shops.

BTW, the forum is running really, really slow this morning? What's up with that? None of my other sites & stuff is running slow on my computer.

 

1. I presume that they sell the service manual along with parts on the assumption that the purchasers have proficient repair skills.

2. I didn't notice any slow-down but maybe I wasn't on the forum at that time. It seems OK now.

John

 

OK, can I do this without a service manual? Anyone done it? I don't need to yet, but I don't want to wait until I actually have to... to know beforehand.

 

1. Remove the screws on the bottom using a good quality screwdriver with the right size of tip.
2. Then, if the base is plastic, you will have work round the edge using an old credit card in order to release the clips. It is usually easiest to start in one of the front corners.

I wouldn't invest in the service manual to get more specific guidance on this process. It probably says something like "remove the base".

John

 

Is that the same place as where you put the memory in or is it for the whole bottom plate?

 

You will probably need to first remove any cover over the memory slot(s) and then remove the whole base.

Post a photo of the base and we can probably give better guidance.

John

 

I'm in Oregon right now as Mom is in the hospital there. When I get home (near Seattle) this weekend, I'll take some pics and we will continue this discussion.

Samsung Ultrabook 13" Series 5 NP540U3C-A03U Users manual (if you have access to that) has some pics on pages 95-98. Says: To remove or replace the battery, use an authorized • service center in order to protect the product and users. You will be charged for this service.

And this is on the Samsung Support site:
The hard disk is in the same compartment as the memory upgrade, easily accessible under the back cover that's held on with one screw and then the cover snaps off. The battery is listed as not user replaceable and requires disassembly of the chassis.

 

John, Do they have a category on this forum for viruses and malware?
I have a problem and would like to ask some questions...

 

Computer Security Forum, Antivirus

John

 

Did you get the back off? If you did, is the little 24GB SSD soldered on or is it in a mSATA port?

 

Unfortunately the ExpressCache SSD (so-called iSSD) is soldered on the motherboard.

It would be great if it were an mSATA, so that we could replace it with a larger and faster one to hold the Windows installation (although it cannot be booted directly). Also, if the iSSD breaks down (due to wear or for other reasons) the entire motherboard must be replaced: A defect iSSD can cause severe delays during startup, even if it is not being used (ExpressCache is uninstalled).

 

John PM'd me about this post... I'm late.
Dannemand is correct.

 

I have this exact laptop once again and found this website showing step by step how to get that battery out if I ever need to.
Samsung Series 5 Ultrabook Battery Replacement
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Samsung+Series+5+Ultrabook+Battery+Replacement/36379