The 2012 Samsung Series 9 13.3" (NP900X3B)

This makes me sad.

 

No way Samsung put a different screen in the 15" model. Hmmm............

edit: just re-read what I wrote, sounds stupid.. OF COURSE it's a different screen, it's 15" vs 13.3", however, no way its inferior other than the resolution being the same and the image is "blown up"

or is there?

 

The only error is below, which i have idea what it's even saying. I guess a full rebuild is in order, right?

Event filter with query "SELECT * FROM __InstanceModificationEvent WITHIN 60 WHERE TargetInstance ISA "Win32_Processor" AND TargetInstance.LoadPercentage > 99" could not be reactivated in namespace "//./root/CIMV2" because of error 0x80041003. Events cannot be delivered through this filter until the problem is corrected.

 

Do you have both?

 

I own neither , but have now demoed both. I can vouch for the screen and audio differences first hand. Can't really say I observed differences in build quality, but have read about it in more than one source. Kinda surprising, as I wouldn't think it would cost Samsung more to equip the 4 with the same audio and a PLS 15.6" screen, as it is their patented technology and, as a supplier, they will have far more demand for the 15.6" than for the 13.3" The only explanation I can come up with for de-contenting the 4: $$profit$$. Make the larger one look like the 3B but way cheaper to make, sell it for $200 more.

Other ideas?

Yeah, it really is a different screen technology, think 900X3A caliber screen, but 15.6" and 1600 x 900. If you read this review of the 3B and this review and this review ("Matte is good, but Samsung chose a larger screen instead of a better one") of the 4 and tell me they have the same screen and same audio. Why ?? (see above)

Yeah. Me too. A little mad too, because people are buying the larger one thinking it is just a larger screen version of the 900X3B. Ironically, they may lose sales of the 3B as word about the 4 get around and people assume the 3B is the same, only smaller. I guess Apple's position is less at risk than I thouught.

 

I should have my 15" this week. If it is inferior, I will return it. I really like the 13.3" but considering I am buying several for my family, I want to see both up close and personal.

 

So, it looks like there's another BIOS update. From P04AAH to P05AAH. Anyone happen to know what's different, if anything? Samsung seems not to know what the word "Changelog" means.

 

I think that's the only way to go. I can't remember the last laptop I bought without a free trial period. Looking forward to hearing your assessment having them at home, side by side. Thing is, at 15" if weight is not an issue, you can get a Dell XPS 15, soon w/IB, for around $1,000 and it has pretty much the best 15" display in the market (though glossy, but you can easily apply non-gloss protector) and definitely the best audio. I'm sure the IB refreshes of the Sony SE and HP Envy 15 will not have the notorious "orange red" problem, and those are also cheaper than the Sammy with IPS displays and great audio on the Envy, not so good on the Sony.

Still, i am totally hooked on the razor thin design of the Sammys and will be ordering two 3Bs once 256GB versions are available; probably wait for IB versions too.

 

If you actually read through the both threads, I believe the 15" model does not actually have the PLS screen, only the 13" model does.

 

I just did the update for the hell of it (just glad it didn't brick). Don't see anything different in the BIOS, except I did have to tell it to go back to default settings since some of the optimizing settings were disabled.

 

Which may end up being a strategic blunder on Samsung's part. I don't mind paying more for superior design and looks, but I refuse to pay more for a so so screen. That is the top of my list of must haves for ANY notebook.

Some reviewers have been complimentary of the 15" screen. It may be because they've been looking at the industry standard crap for years and can't spell IPS.

I have a pretty critical eye when it comes to color, contrast, blacks, etc. and I think the 13.3" PLS screen it stellar. I have a feeling the smaller size combined with that screen is the winner but I want to see for myself.

 

Well, the prices are only $100 different for the 13.3" and 15", so I wouldn't consider it as "[paying] more for a so so screen", not much at all. Let's say you get a PLS 15" and 256GB, would you pay $2100 for it? So I wonder if it is a marketing reason because it will get too expensive. At that price, I would probably get a MBP 15" instead.

 

When I said paying more, I meant the $1500 price which isn't trivial to a lot of people.

You are right, price increases the total number of machines you can get for that price, or reasonably close. And a so so screen drives you to look elsewhere even more.

 

Re the 13" vs 15" comparison, I had confirmation from an trustworthy source that the 15" is not PLS and this is confirmed by the reviews which suggest that it is a normal panel, but perhaps a bit above average.

I wouldn't be surprised if the build isn't quite so robust - increasing the size without a significant increase in thickness is going to reduce the rigidity - and if the hinges are they same then they may struggle to hold a 15" screen in place.

I have difficulty in believing that the touchpad is not the same considering that the Samsung download site has the same driver for both the 13" and 15" models.

John

 

Can I ask where you bought it? I'm shopping in Ireland too but that's a better price than I've been seeing.

(sorry for putting this in the thread - I looked for a PM option but it doesn't seem to be available.)

 

Note that Ireland is included in the Samsung UK VAT back offer.

Newbies are not able to PM as an anti-spam measure.

John

 

And it's not just that it's a lot of money -- it's that it's a lot of money for a laptop. These days you can find plenty of sub-$1000 laptops that are certainly "good enough" for the average user. But if we're going to pay $1400+ for a laptop today, it had better be well above average.

 

as above, comparing costs to laptops bought in the early to mid 2000's is pointless, prices have crashed since then and when a bogo and perfectly useable laptop can be had for 1/4 of the price, the premium ones had best be exactly that, a cut considerably above, any shortcomings will be very glaring.

 

I was aware that Ireland was included, but thanks anyway. I'm in the process of trying to get a couple of retailers to confirm that they are participating in this offer, as I'm not sure that it applies universally (the vatback page on Samsung's website specifies 'qualifying retailers' but I can't find a list of them.

I may have answered my own query, as I see that PC World are offering it for €1200 whereas the two 'Irish' online retailers offering it have it at c. €1450. If PC World are participating in the vat back offer I reckon I might go for this!

 

FWIW PC World confirmed they are participating in the Samsung VAT back offer, so at €1200 - c. €224 VAT = c. €976 total I think I'm ready to go for this!

 

Can someone post the dimensions of the black box where this laptop comes in? I'm trying to see if it'll fit inside a Fedex Express large box. I'm confident about the height and width being smaller than the box but not sure about the length. Thanks.

 

Paddy just seen your posts there.

That's where I got it alright, not on pcworld website though for some reason.

SAMSUNG Series 9 900X3B 13.3" Ultrabook - Black | Laptops | Currys

Blanchardstown had about 4 left I think if you're in Dublin area, none on display.

I'm really impressed with mine, really glad I bought it. Couldn't believe it was €1,200 when I checked on Friday!

FYI Samsung VAT offer says 'All Retailer's for notebooks in the T&C's section.

 

The current price here in the USA is €1,069.

 

US is always cheaper for electronics than over here.

All our prices here include taxes (23%!) though and there's no getting around it by using mail order like you can with amazon in states. If we import from USA you get charged even more extortionate taxes if customs inspect your package.

EDIT: With our VAT back deal it will be almost €100 cheaper so I shouldn't be complaining!

 

Outer black box is 19 x 4.5 x 12.5 inches. This is the UK versions so not sure if same as USA but I'd guess it is. There is another black box inside that one, let me know if that's what you need and I can post it up in a while.

 

Well you got it first!!!

 

Actually I was thinking about the inner box when I asked this and then remembered about the outer one. Post the dimensions of that one too if you can. The outer box will definitely not fit as the inside dimensions of the Fedex box are 17.88 x 12.38 x 3 inches. Thanks for your help.

 

Absolutely. I would without hesitation. In fact, that's what I'm waiting for. I want the 15 with 8gb RAM and 256gb HD. And I don't want an inferior screen. When it comes, I will buy it right away, but not until. Why would I pay 2k or more? Because I just sold my 15" MacBook Pro that I paid 2k for a year ago because I hate the fn/ctrl mapping on the keyboard. Really? Yes, really. Loved the hardware, OSX kinda sucks, but it's unix underneath, but I want a PC-mapped keyboard. This has it and more, so I will get a beefy S9 and be happy to pay for it.

 

Oooohh it will just about fit!

I measured 17 x 10.5 x 2.75 inches.

 

About the VAT cashback. Could I go to the UK or Ireland and buy the S9 and then claim the VAT back ONLINE despite NOT living in the UK or Ireland?
I'm just concerned that if I buy the notebook, come back home and then try to claim the VAT they will tell me it is not possible.
If anyone here claims their VAT back online, could they post whether they asked for their country of residence please?

 

See the Terms and Conditions:

John

 

No, it says you need to be a resident of UK/Ireland.

Samsung VAT Cashback

I'd presume they'll know you're not a resident if you use an Italian bank account? Or would they be able to prove it??

If you know someone resident in either place you could buy it and ask them to claim for you. Postal submissions receive a cheque in the post back, online submissions get the money sent to their bank account.

 

Thank you John and Keth...
Getting good deals outside the US and UK/Ireland seems impossible...
The other problem is that the same person has to buy and claim the VAT back....
One more question, in the UK and Ireland is the S9 available at the stores? Or only online retailers?

 

John Lewis has them to buy both on line and in store. However, the price is higher than most outlets but includes a 2 year warranty extension.

John

 

Available in Curry's/PC World in Ireland also. Haven't seen them in store in any other stores.
It's available online from other retailers but it's €1475.

Curry's is the best price here by far, wouldn't be surprised if it's a mis price and is supposed to be equivalent of £1,199 in Euros.

SAMSUNG Series 9 900X3B 13.3" Ultrabook - Black | Laptops | Currys

 

Great! Thanks so much for the quick response!
Now I have to force someone I know in the UK or Ireland to buy it for me...
BTW how did you find this promotion? Samsung is very quiet about it, you cant find it their site!

 

Email John Lewis's export department. They ship all items overseas without VAT by default.

http://www.johnlewis.com/Shopping/ExportCallback.aspx

 

I read about the promotion on this forum. Thanks to whoever originally pointed it out. Many of the retailer sites have now mentioned the promotion on their product pages but I see that while the relevant page is on the Samsung website, it is not linked to their promotion page.

As for why the UK people are so lucky (for a change), perhaps Samsung UK decided that there was too much Sandy Bridge inventory to shift before Ivy Bridge arrives. Or maybe they have been reading the reviews that say that the products are good but too expensive.

John

 

Speaking of good timing... see Micron Technology, Inc. - Micron Announces mSATA Solid-State Drive for Ultrathin Laptops and Micron RealSSD C400 mSATA SSD Review | StorageReview.com - Storage Reviews

YAY!!!

 

Wow - this thread is overrun by residents of the former British Isles! Good for you!

One thing I wanted to comment upon. I don't think it stands to reason that if the 900X3B sells for, give or take, $1,399 US that the 15" version, with the PLS screen and the same audio card and speakers would need to sell for $2,100. The 15.6" PLS panel will soon be a lower cost part than the 13.3" because the demand for the larger panel, especially in the US, is some 2X that of the 13.3" panel and economies of scale will drive the cost of the larger panel down to, or below, the cost of the 13.3. The audio components should cost the same regardless of which box they go into. If you look at premium ultraportables 12.5-13.3" prices vs. 15.6" models with comparable specs, the latter are generally cheaper. The additional aluminum, magnesium and plastic used in the larger chassis are not a significant cost. The battery is cheaper when it doesn't have to be as miniaturized.

The one area of greater challenge in making the 15" as robust as the 13" is more of an engineering (ie, one-time) cost to achieve the same rigidity in the larger frame.

I'm sticking with my initial hunch: Samsung sees an opportunity to sell an apparently identical model that's a little larger for a couple hundred more and make a bundle of additional profit because it is de-contented vs. the flagship 900X3B. In truth, Samsung has so flooded the market with confusing models which overlap in size and feature sets (Series 5,7,9, Chronos, etc.) that they are going to create confusion and wind up looking more like Asus than Apple to the market. I'm not a fan of Apple or much of Steve Jobs' business "philosophies," but one thing I think they got right - then went to far on the other end of the spectrum - was to keep the number of models and variations to a minimum. I think they went too far and offer too little choice, but it's hard to knock their success.

Samsung is clearly trying to capture a wider portion of the market than Apple - ie, low end, mid and premium, but they need to have a coherent product strategy for doing so if they are to succeed. By taking the Series 9 "brand" and mixing ultra-premium models like the 3B with mid-hi end models like the 4C they are foregoing any brand equity in that model line. This is the same trap Sony fell into years ago and it does not portend good things for Samsung in the laptop market. Especially disappointing since they are clearly the low cost producer of the best components in the market due to their vertical integration and excellent R&D productivity, and they appear to have some outstanding design talent as well. If they played their cards right, they could "have it all." Regrettably, the track record of very large technology components companies developing successful end user brand/product loyalty is rather abysmal. And Samsung could completely exit the laptop business and it would be but a blip on their financial statements. Their primary business is design and manufacture of technology components, not final end user products and systems. Still, they are doing very well in the mobile and tablet product lines, so there is some hope. They are both the largest supplier of components for the iPhone and they have the largest and fastest growing brand - Galaxy - of end user devices competing with the iPhone and, in terms of hardware, the iPad. I'm willing to bet there is no cross-fertilization between the mobile product management organization and that of the consumer laptop business unit. Apple doesn't even have product line management or individual P&L responsibility by product lines, so many of the same people work on Macs and iPhones. Then again, nor do they have a multi-multi billion dollar fast growing components business to manage. They might be doing their shareholders and consumers a favor if they spun off the consumer brands as a separate entity, still controlled by Samsung and with access to its components juggernaut, but with a purely consumer device - hardware and software - focus. But that's just me talking.

Ok, off my soapbox. I am rooting for Sammy. They've shown they are capable of designing and building products that are every bit the equal of Apple's best and I so hope that someone will take the fruit company down a couple of pegs. But it is well said, "hope is not a strategy!"

 

Has anyone been able to find comparison pictures between the Mineral Black and the Titan Silver?

Just bought the Titan Silver version and am starting to question if I should have went with the black. (the stock pictures on Amazon don't truly reflect the laptop) If it's anything like the finish on the Series 5 Chromebook, I'll be fine but, I'm not going to be happy if it's very bright aluminum ala macbook .

has anyone seen both versions yet?

 

Tell you what, if you get the silver MacBook Air looking one, I'll be happy to trade you. That's the one I would prefer.

 

Bingo. That's the one I'd want too.

 

Well, currently there are no demands for the PLS 15, it doesn't even exist... so with the new technology, plus the increase in price from the SS9 2011 to 2012, I estimated $300 more today. Also, I mentioned the 256GB SSD pci express sata, which will probably bump it up $200-300 more... hence I estimated about $600 more today. For companies like Apple which Samsung is in some ways modeling after, the larger laptops are more pricey.

 

Sounds good to me.

 

Hey what link did you order from on amazon? I was under the impression that in the US, all the NP900X3B are the darker mineral black color. I haven't seen anyone with the silver one in the US, and only time I saw the silver one was a demo model from a CES video. Can you link which one you ordered from? So even though amazon says that it's titan silver in the description, I believe the real color is the darker blue/black. This is what I'm referring to:

Amazon.com: Samsung Series 9 NP900X3B-A01US 13.3-Inch Laptop (Titan Silver): Computers & Accessories

 

EDIT: I had posted that there was what I thought was a Samsung mSata 256GB SSD for sale in NBR Marketplace but:

1) it was not mSATA
2) It's now been sold

Meant well

 

The board in my X3B says "NP900X3B/NP900X4B" on it, so it seems to be the same board for both models. I would expect the extra cost of the PLS panel to give the 13" a slightly higher price than the 15" without PLS.

I wonder if Samsung has other customers lined up for the 13" PLS panel. It needs the same for 15".

Mainstream 15.6" models have a plastic chassis.The battery cost is roughly proportional to capacity and the 15" has a bigger capacity.

It's only decontented with respect to the display but I agree that we are, most likely, seeing some rarity pricing. Now that the UK X3B has gone into wider distribution it is around £100 less than the pre-release price of the X4C with 8GB RAM and no PLS panel.

The mineral ash black is an intriguing colour - most of the time it looks to be black but under some lighting it becomes dark blue. I'm quite happy with mine.

John

 

Haven't seen this posted yet, but Samsung now lists the X3C Ivy Bridge refresh with the 3317U on their homepage:
NP900X3C - OVERVIEW | SAMSUNG

Still only 128 GB SSD and 4 GB RAM.

 

This is super awesome. Looks like I'll be waiting. I almost pulled the trigger a few times too when the current model's price went on a $50-100 temporary discount. This also confirmed my google search a week or two ago about the ivy bridge i5-3317U (1.7GHz/2.4GHz turbo) processor.

Now I'm just wondering when this will actually be released.