The 2012 Samsung Series 9 13.3" (NP900X3B)

Get a large flash drive to put on your keychain, or just get a SD card for extra storage. No need to waste valuable space on a SSD for data that does not need speed-critical access.

 

Truth is I'd probably be happy with one of those hybrid hard drives, with the startup speed of an SSD but the storage capacity of a larger hard drive. I want the fast startup and resume speed of an SSD, but I'm fine with the speed of regular hard drives once I'm up and going. I actually kinda wish this S9 had that option.

 

If I remember correctly, those pics were mostly to show the wifi card as per the discussion at the time. The one showing the ram is a bit out of focus and hard to see the detail of its connection to the board. I've already put our a request for clearer shots of the ram. Hopefully someone can help us out. Clear shots of all the likely internal components that people will want to swap would be ideal (ram, hdd, CPU, etc). Mine won't be here until at least the end of the week or I'd already be investigating if I could do this myself without voiding the warranty.

 

Hybrid drives are much larger (physically); they aren't made to be sequeezed in a .5" ultraportable.

 

I saw those pics too, but he also specifically said that the memory chips are soldered on the board. There's no possible room left to shove additional aftermarket RAM modules with the spaces given.

 

That is true. I'm hoping to see how difficult it would be for some brave person with a soldering iron to remove and replace the ram. I'm not sure I'd necessarily be that person…

 

I believe this is not possible, even with soldering skills. You can't just desolder the whole PCB with memory IC's that you see in separate RAM modules, because there is no dedicated memory PCB. Instead, the memory chips are integrated on the motherboard. I think even if it's physically possible to replace these chips with a higher density chip, the bios won't recognize these new IC's and won't boot.

I'm almost certain of this, but if there's someone brave enough and has enough skills to attempt this, I dare you to give it a try

 

Ahh, right. Wishful thinking on my part.

 

What is DDP type anyway?

 

Didn't Acer do a pretty good job fitting a non-SSD HD into their ultrabook?

 

.51" = 12.954 mm. That leaves very little room for a 7mm SSD much less a 9.5mm SSD or HDD.

I seems moot to even talk about it. mSATA cards are the only storage devices going on the inside of the machine.

 

The Acer S3 uses a hybrid 7mm 320GB Hitachi HDD with a 20GB SSD... why would it be moot to talk about it if another member is interested in larger drive capacity with boot-up speeds of an SSD?

I'm just saying it's possible because Acer did it (and with "ultrabooks" in the 15" range... they are thick enough for a 7mm drive).

 

Yes, and also the SS5, but they both are much thicker, up to about .8".

 

I got this laptop last week - absolutely beautiful device and an amazing screen.

I've been working on getting Fedora Linux 16 running on it. Most stuff works well on the standard installation.

Let me know if you have Linux related questions about this laptop.

 

Cool, I'll probably be reading your blog post when mine comes in!

 

I said moot because it isn't going to happen in the second generation SS9 so the discussion is moot in this thread. Now if you want to discuss storage innovation and the merits of a hybrid approach, I'm sure there's a general discussion area for that.

 

I went on live chat with Samsung support to try to get a conclusive answer as to whether the memory on the second gen Series 9 is ugpradable or not. It was not a very satisfying experience, as she simply did not seem to have access to any info on the second gen products, and tried to quote me info from the first gen products.

At this point, based on this

http://forum.notebookreview.com/samsung/638253-new-2012-samsung-series-9-13-3-a-23.html#post8345110
http://forum.notebookreview.com/att...8-new-2012-samsung-series-9-13-3-imag0426.jpg

I do not believe that the ram can be upgraded by _anybody_ (since she made it clear that even first gen 11" model with soldered ram could not be upgraded by anybody), and I am going to cancel my order and wait for a model to come out that has 8 GB...

Chat transcript below:

Chat Information Please wait for a Samsung Agent to respond.

Chat Information You are now chatting with 'Belle'. There will be a brief survey at the end of our chat to share feedback on my performance today.

Chat Information Your Issue ID for this chat is xxxxxxxxxx

Belle: Hi, thanks for reaching out to Samsung tech support. How can I help you today?

Visitor: Hi. I have a new second generation Samsugn Series 9 notebook on order. It is the 4gb moel with 128 SSD (NP900X3B). There is conflicting information as to whether memory is upgradable to something else than the 4gb it ships with

Visitor: thiss FAQ here

Visitor: Samsung samsung NP900X3B Samsung Notebook Series 9 : Questions, Answers, How To, FAQs, Tips, Advice, Answers, Buying Guide

Visitor: seems to imply it is

Visitor: that said, memory has been shown as soldered in, in several pirctures posted on the net

Visitor: original series 9 _did_ have upgradable memory, but had DIMM sockets

Belle: I understand that you want the information regarding the upgrading the memory in laptop. Is that correct?

Visitor: yes

Belle: Thank you for confirming.

Visitor: exact model numbger is NP900X3B-A01US

Belle: I see that you're not chatting from US. Did you purchase the unit in Canada?

Visitor: no, in US

Belle: Thank you.

Belle: Would you mind holding a few minutes while I gather the required information for your request?

Visitor: no problem at all. I really appreciate you getting this information in accurate form. thatnks

Belle: Thank you.

Belle: Thank you for holding.

Visitor: no problem

Belle: I'm sorry for the delay. I'll be right with you.

Visitor: no problem

Belle: Samsung NP900X3A model comes with 2 memory slots.

Belle: Standard memory is 4GB we can extened memory upto 8GB.

Belle: The memory type is: DDR3 PC3-8500 204-pin SODIMM

Belle: Upgrading the memory on the 9 Series (NP900*) Laptops voids the warranty, because you must open the notebook to access the memory.

Belle: For example,

Belle: •If you upgraded the memory, and you have a problem with your Wireless LAN that requires service, Samsung will service your notebook under warranty.

Belle: •If you upgraded the memory, and you have a problem with the memory that requires service, Samsung will not service your notebook under warranty.

Visitor: that part I have no problem with. what I would like clarity on is that the second gen does have the socketed memory

Visitor: while my unit is in transit, people that have already received thos have taken pics which seem to show the memory as soldered in

Visitor: so I am worried that first gen is socketed, but second gen is not

Visitor: NP900X3A is first gen

Visitor: has two dimm slots

Visitor: what I have in transit to me is NP900X3B, the 2nd gen

Visitor: I do not believe, based on pictures, that it has dimm slots

Belle: Please hold on for a few more minutes, I am still working on the issue.

Visitor: thank you

Belle: You're welcome.

Belle: Thank you for holding.

Belle: The RAM Upgrade Procedure for Mobile Computing Products has been updated. It now notes that the upgrade process does not apply to the NP900X1A. The RAM in this model is integrated, so it cannot be upgraded.

Visitor: ok, that is very disappointing, but is what I expected based on the pictures. At least I know for sure now

Visitor: thank you for the clarification

Belle: In the case that a you wants to upgrade the RAM on computer, you can contact Intelisol directly at 1-817-230-5230.

Belle: Intelisol

Belle: 1001 NE Loop 820 Suite # 200

Belle: Forth Worth, TX 76131

Visitor: are you saying _they_ are still able to upgrade the ram?

Belle: There is a $75 upgrade fee for this service, which does not include shipping. Payment is handled between the customer and Intelisol directly.

Belle: We offer 4GB RAM modules only. The warranty on the upgrade will either be the remainder of the original warranty of the unit or 90 days, whichever is longer.

Belle: Note: This process does not apply to the NP900X1A. The RAM in this model is integrated, so it cannot be upgraded.

Belle: Yes, you're correct. NP900X3B-A01US model is upgradable.

Visitor: I am not sure why you are mentioning part number NP900X1A

Visitor: that is not either the first gen or second gen series 9 13"

Visitor: first gen series 9 was NP900X3A, second gen is NP900X3B

Visitor: at this point, I am clear that I can not upgrade the ram on NP900X3B myself

Belle: I understand your concern.

Visitor: because it is soldered

Visitor: but I am not clear if Intelisol can still do it

Belle: I am sorry, we do not have enough information on internal parts, and only an authorized service technician can identify and fix the issue.

Belle: Once you contact Intelisol, you'll get the information.

Visitor: I just figured out that NP900X1A tht you are talking about is 11 inch model

Visitor: in any case, the ram does seem to be soldered in NP900X3B as well

Visitor: so I think I am out of luck, even with Intelisol

Visitor: I will contact them to confirm though

Visitor: thank you

Belle: That would be fantastic, definitely you can contact Intelisol.

Belle: You're welcome. Is there anything else I can assist you with?

Visitor: that's it. unfortunately I dont' think you seem to have any info about the second gen series 9. It would be helpful if you got this info sooner rather than later. There are a lot of people other than me who have the same question

 

I had a presentation today, and finally used the "micro hdmi to vga" adaptor (AA-AH1NAMB/US) connected to a projector and it worked flawlessly. Anybody know what type of connector is the vga plug on the right side? Is it even standard?

 

I believe the dongle at micro VGA to VGA is the thingy that plugs into that proprietary port.

From what I can tell it isn't currently sold anywhere. It appears to be scheduled for release and sale on April 2, 2012.

Supposedly you can drive two external LCD panels with it, and the micro HDMI port. I'll believe that when I see it.

 

lol that tech clearly has no idea on their own models. You asked about the 2nd gen S9, she kept telling you info on the 1st gen S9, then switched to a 11" model . I would never trust tech support to help me with anything with those kinds of comments?

 

That tech support does not compute. Almost laughable. Almost.

 

Belle almost sounds like she's an AI support script. Weird conversation.

 

Person: Hi, how are you?
AI: It seems like you are asking how I am. Is that correct?
Person: Yes. How are you?
AI: Thank you for verifying. Can you please hold while I check on that?
Person: Sure.
AI: Thank you for holding. I have determined the answer -- the weather here is fine. Thank you for asking.
Person: But that's not what I'm asking. I want to know how you are feeling.
AI: Thank you for contacting technical support. Have a nice day.

 

Any gamblers? Transformersandgsmphones via Amazon has them listed for $1,089.99.

Amazon.com: Used and New: Samsung Series 9 NP900X3B-A01US 13.3-Inch Laptop (Titan Silver)

 

Seems legit They must be refering to the old model.

 

I'm sure they are, I was about to order and didn't want to go through the hassles of returns lol. Understandable mistake, even Samsung can't keep their numbers straight as evidenced by customer service...

 

The vendor seems legit, but may be a typo. I noticed the other models of the 2011 model for 13.3" are same price... the count however is different.

 

Well, if it is the old model, that certainly should be an easy return given they show the new model number and new machine itself. I was going to wait for Ivy Bridge, but for this price.. I am seriously considering trying it.

 

Ordered one. Let's see what I get.

 

Is anyone able to view the support page on Samsungs site? It's been down the past day....

Page Not Found - SAMSUNG

I am trying to narrow down what enables resume-from-sleep on opening the lid. It works in W7, but not in W8 after I changed something (display drivers maybe). I did a fresh wipe and install of W8, but can't get it working again.

 

Oh.... and if you recently placed an order within the last ~7 days, chat with Amazon!!

You are now connected to Shyam from Amazon.com.
Me:The price for this item has dropped significantly within a 7 day timeframe. I am asking for a price/refund adjustment. I have been told you will do this for a 7 day policy. Thanks.
Shyam:Hello, my name is Shyam.
Me:Hi, Shyam
Shyam:Are you referring to order #XXXXXXXX
Me:Yes
I paid $1399, it is now $1315
Shyam lease wait while I look that for you, Michael.
Me:Thank you.
Shyam:I'm sorry to keep you waiting. I'll just be a moment longer.
Me:Thanks
Shyam:I've requested a refund of $84.27 to your payment method. You'll see the refund in the next 2-3 business days.
Once processed, you'll be able to see the refund here:
Me:Thank you!!! I love Amazon. Take care.

 

Slopkdave, awesome! Now I am jealous you got it for cheaper.

 

I just happen to check it to see, but, there are sites like camelcamelcamel out there that help keep you alerted when this happens:

Samsung Series 9 NP900X3B-A01US 13.3-Inch Laptop (Titan Silver) | Amazon price tracker / tracking, Amazon price history charts, Amazon price watches, Amazon price drop alerts | camelcamelcamel.com

 

Wow price decreased to $1315 on amazon. I was waiting for the ivy bridge model but not sure how much longer I can resist this temptation. I also have $1500 in gift cards too...

PS - if anyone is interested in the amazon purchase, I can give you my gift card for 5% off the face value. So that saves another $66, bringing the notebook down to ~$1249. PM me for details if interested, I probably won't be selling this GC right away though. Need to decide if I should use it to buy this notebook myself

 

Slopokdave, thanks a lot! I just finished a chat with amazon support and got myself an $84.27 refund too. Now I feel slightly less bad about buying myself such a nice toy.

 

You're going to feel really bad if my order for $1103.41 ships.

But I am not holding my breath.

 

Wow, a price drop already. I guess they didn't meet their predicted sales quota or they're trying to get rid of the rest of their Sandy Bridge stock.

 

I doubt it is a "real" price drop. I think it is some competitive pricing algorithm where the price mistake from Transformersandgsmphones at a much lower price automatically triggered a price reduction from Amazon's own price. It is currently at $1,315.72, which is a very odd odd price.

 

Hmm amazon price increased by $2. I really wonder how they come up with these weird random numbers. Still having a hard time deciding to pull the trigger or not before it goes back up to full price....

 

It's back up again...O.O
Amazon.com: Samsung Series 9 NP900X3B-A01US 13.3-Inch Laptop (Titan Silver): Computers & Accessories

 

Did you not just return one because the 128 gb drive is insufficient for your needs?

 

No, I did not. Apparently you didn't read the entire message. Let me quote myself:

"And the reason for the potential return is the 128GB SSD. I can live with 128GB but I don't want to force my wife to. She needs a 160GB+ model. And if I decide to buy and keep the 15", then that makes the machine I currently have null and void. That and I need to see she is happy with the touchpad, keyboard, etc. It's a big change going from a ThinkPad T400 to this machine."

 

Right, makes perfect sense now

 

Regarding the RAM upgradable? discussion here:
After having had no luck chatting with Samsung support agents
on that question twice, I sent an email to "the CEOs office"

My question apparently was forwarded then to somebody who was
able/permitted to provide more than "There is currently no info available on the 2012 Series 9":

Answer: RAM is NOT upgradable but it is dual-channel RAM and not
single-channel as it has been claimed earlier in this thread.

 

Anybody have any idea what was that 1 day special $85 price decrease by Amazon about?
It's really weird, the price is back up to the original, $1399.99.
Their stocks are about 15-20 each day and they are completely sold the same day. Next day is the same thing new, low stock completely sold.

 

I think Iso was right... pricing algorithm from the mistake by transformersgsmphones caused it to drop Amazon's price to $1315. I was lucky, and placed an order for one of the two left that day. Just got it (in two days!), and I have to say... it looks sleek. I have a Zenbook and Portege that I ordered this month that I haven't returned yet. I have a feeling both of those will be going back, and I'll be keeping the Samsung. Only negative is the 128gb drive, which I'm going to try and get around by limiting my Dropbox files that sync to the computer...

 

Congrats achilles! How would you compare the UX31 and the S9? Is the S9 worth the higher price?

 

MicrosoftStore has the Samsung Series 9 900X3B-A02 for $1399 + $200 gift card. I still don't know the difference between A01 and A02!!!

Buy Samsung Series 9 900X3B-A02, 13.3 inch notebook PC, Intel Core i5 processor, sleek design, HDMI - Microsoft Store Online

Even the drivers and firmwares for both models appear the same on Samsung's support page (same driver versions).

 

Hi, I would like to try the windows 8 CPE on my series 9. Just wanted to find out if any of you had tried it and how stable it was. Also will I have too many software and driver compatibility issues or the current drivers work fine?

 

According to the link below (which is referencing the older Series 9) the A0# designated the OS. A02 is Win7 Pro 64 bit, A03 is Win7 Home Premium.

I'm assuming on the new series 9 that A01 is Home Premium 64bit, and A02 is Pro 64bit.

http://m.samsung.com/us/series9-laptop/technical-specification.html