The 2012 Samsung Series 9 13.3" (NP900X3B)

I like having the micro HDMI for TV setups, also more devices that HDMI/DVI then DisplayPort. That said, the VGA port is useless considering you can do micro HDMI to VGA. They should have put the DisplayPort instead of VGA, or another USB. I wonder what the limitation of the resolution is? HDMI/DVI should do much much higher. I have DVI at 1600P at home. I guess if you want higher resolution now, you have to get a USB to DVI/DisplayPort setup.

 

"It's way nicer". What the heck does that mean? I can't imagine much changed other than slightly better performance and way better battery life.

If they put a Thunderbolt port on it instead of the mini VGA port, I would consider that way better, dude.

 

yeah i have no idea- completely boggled as to what he meant

mayb he was just a performance junkie...

 

I had very similar issues and after trying every setting change I could, rolling it back to the shipped drivers twice and spending quality time on the phone with customer service I was advised to send it back as DOA for another. My second machine is way better and I do not have the same trackpad problems as the first. It it still somewhat sensitive, but the difference is noticeable enough that it had to be that machine. You may want to go the same route and get a replacement.

 

Is there any way to adjust the trackpad sensitivity? Have trawled through the mouse / trackpad driver info & cannot find anything!

Great Laptop though - I do happen to think that the weak link (for me anyway) may well be the power connector - very small & thin & liable to get caught & bend / break.

If I was designing it, I'd have made something a bit sturdier (or copied Apples design ;-))

 

Use the etdaniconf.exe from here to access the sensitivity control.

Yes, it is a bit skinny. The plug on the previous S9 tended to break and I wonder if it has been strengthened. I would note that the socket is not fixed on the mainboard and is slightly loose in the chassis, perhaps to give a little flexibility.

John

 

Thanks (yet again!) John - it looks like the program is stand alone (not a driver update) so I guess the system remembers the settings when you exit?

The USB (2) port on mine is pretty tight too - one of my memory sticks actually stuck & I had to be very careful indeed not to pull it off at an angle & rip out the socket (or so it felt!).
I'm very glad I've got the extra warranty from JL!

BTW, where in Kenya are you?

KR,

Nic

 

Has anyone seen or heard the reports that ivy is power thirsty and hot? I've seen a few of these reports over the last few days. Wouldn't this negate some, if not all the benefits of waiting for the ivybridge xc?

 

Reports from whom? None of us have an Ivy Bridge notebook computer.

 

HP EliteBook 8470p Review - Intel Ivy Bridge Shines

Doesn't appear to run hot, however, looks like battery life was non-discussion. Meh. That would be the main thing I'd want to improve.... Obviously a small sample on a rather medicore laptop.

 

Hopefully this will be fixed in the Ivy Bridge version. Samsung will be releasing their Samsung Series 9 SA970 Monitor (2560 x 1440) this year. Will be silly if Series 9 devices can't connect to each other.

 

Yup - that case turned up this afternoon & it was a bit big & padded for my liking - I also ordered one of these - Fencer 13.3 inch Laptop Ultrabook Leather Sleeve and it is spot on!
Just the right feel & padding for me.

I also ordered the Verbatim Netbook 32GB USB 2.0 Drive & it seems to do the job perfectly - barely sticks out the side & doesn't catch on the case at all

 

is there any information an i7 version of the ivy bridged s9? I would love to have an ivy i7, 256 gb ssd and of course 8gb, but 4gb would be also fine?

 

Here is a "rumor" I found regarding ivy bridge in general. So it might be worth it wait for ivy bridge for the new tech, or just for price to plumet for sandybridge model of this S9.

Intel's Ivy Bridge 3D Chips May Launch April 23 | PCWorld

 

They said the same thing about Sandy Bridge Ultrabooks when they were first coming out. All of the good ones are well about $1000. I don't expect that to change with the IB wave.

The window for grabbing a Sandy Bridge Ultrabook machine on sale will likely be small. It doesn't look like anyone is stocking them to the ceiling, so I don't think there will be a lot of inventory to clear when the time comes.

 

Have you found a reasonably priced and reliable micro-HDMI to VGA cable?

 

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to the forum and am in the process of getting this awesome Samsung 13.3" ultra thin laptop. Can anyone tell me how it would performs with Crysis or Crysis 2 using an external portable DVD-Rom drive? I am currently using a Sony VGN-TX670P 11.1" screen (1366x768 pixels) and my eyes are getting a little sore after 5 hours of use each day. The boot up time from hibernation is around 2-3 minutes of wait until the hard drive stop spinning. That's the reason why I have been dreaming of this laptop (after seeing the CES reports) that I can put into immediate use as soon as I unfold the screen.

I currently also own a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet but I cannot really use it for real businesses efficiently (no easy way for copy & paste & not multi-windows capable). My primarily use for the NP900X3B would be to execute web orders, customer technical support, and create/update websites for business. But I would also love to play a few games during break hours.

I apologize if you noticed there is a similar post in the 15" incher thread since I would like to get more input from everyone.

I appreciate your help.

Regards,
Lyen

 

John's review at Samsung Series 9 NP900X3B Review: An Ultrabook With A Great Display includes some standard testing benchmarks. You might take a look at the results there. It should give you an idea of what to expect from any machine with the Intel HD 3000 GPU and the processor in the Series 9.

 

It's about $40 on Amazon or the MicrosoftStore.

Amazon.com: Samsung AA-AH1NAMB/US Micro HDmi To VGA Adapter: Electronics

 

or for $10 you could have a cable that supports hdmi, dvi and vga

Adapter, Computer Adapter | Meritline.com
+
3.3 Feet HDMI to DVI-D Male to Male Cable, Black
+
VGA Adapter | DVI Adapter | Male DVI-I to Female VGA Adapter (DVI 24+5 Pin)

 

Have you tried? Does it work?... to the VGA part.

 

Sorry to jump in... I have not tried this, but I suspect this would not work. I believe (and may be wrong!) that the HDMI port configuration on the Samsung is possibly proprietary, hence Samsung being the only one to sell the appropriate adapter.

Normally HDMI (whether mini, micro, or normal) only carries a digital video signal, which is the same signal that would be carried on the digital video pins of a DVI connector. This is why there is an abundance of HDMI>DVI adapters in the market. Some DVI connections (DVI-A and DVI-I, but NOT DVI-D) also carry an analog signal, hence the abundance of DVI>VGA adapters. The reason there is a complete lack of HDMI>VGA adapters is because there normally needs to be a conversion between the digital only signal of the HDMI to the analog only signal of the VGA. One would often use a scaler to accomplish this. The port on the NP900X3B seems unique in that it also outputs the analog. I would guess that the adapters above do not have the necessary pins to make use of this signal. (I also wonder if it's possible that the Samsung dongle actually has a scaler built into it and is powered from the HDMI...)

I do not have any of these adapters and have not played with the port on my computer at all, so this is all a guess, but it is based on years of work in the A/V industry. For the amount of money it would cost to try it out, it's probably worth a shot. But if I needed a VGA output, I would personally just buy the Samsung one. If I'm wrong about any of this please correct me =)

 

I'm in the middle of a move and don't have my cables and adapters with me.

I have used those hdmi->dvi converters and dvi->vga adapters bought on meritline and they've all worked, but I'm not sure if I've ever gone from hdmi->dvi->vga. If this is still of interest when my stuff arrives next week I'll write up a follow-up.

Also, Gibs, not sure if that was a typo. HDMI usually carries both video AND audio. Not just digital video.

Converting to DVI loses the audio.

 

gibs, interesting theory, I'm no expert in digital to analog signal conversions, but how you explained it does make a lot of sense. I would love to know if a cheap $5 adapter can be used instead of the official Samsung rip-off one. My guess is that the samsung adapter is only costly because it carries the name brand, and also because it's "official". I don't think it has a built in scaler inside the adapter.

Btw, can HDMI actually provide power through the cable like USB? I always thought an HDMI cable was for signal only. If power can't be sent through the HDMI cable and the scaler needs power, then it's safe to say there is no special scaler inside the adapter cable.

Here's one I found that's just a tad cheaper, although still a rip-off since it's Asus branded and also "official":
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006AR1QAA

 

The Samsung micro HDMI to VGA adapter has been problematic on the first generation Samsung Series 9 notebooks. There's actually a couple of generations of that adapter.

Then there's the new micro VGA adapter.

 

I own both the 2011 and 2012 Series 9. I also have a few of Samsung's micro HDMI to VGA adapters (AA-AH1NAMB) laying around. There were actually a few revisions of them. I own both the original and Rev 02. I use them mainly for projectors. Although both works, the Rev 02 (assuming all the new ones are now), work much better. Rev 02 has a better clearance for the 2011 model (Rev 01 was a very tight fit, I actually shaved a part of it off). Also with Rev 02, when you plug it in, the screen automatically switches to dual display. With the original, assuming Rev 01, you have to manually switch the screen to dual display. They both have worked for me, just Rev 02 is more mindless.

I am sure hdmi to dvi will work, because they are both digital; not sure sure about digital to VGA w/out some kind of conversions.

DVI does not necessarily lose audio. Some DVI can do audio. My HTPC is DVI (PC) to HDMI (TV) and it can still transmit audio to the TV. It depends on the DVI; I am assuming there are many revisions of that too.

 

I don't know of any cheap solutions for this. In the equipment racks that we build and install, we often use rack mounted equipment made by Extron for these type of things. They are a manufacturer of pro-level a/v equipment, which is perfect for the large scale no-downtime sort of systems we're working with. They are very expensive (many hundreds of US dollars) and WAY overkill for the sort of thing we're discussing here. Another product we sometimes use is one made by HDFury which will take an HDMI signal (standard size) and output a VGA or component video signal. It works more like a dongle, connecting to the VGA device. It is also much more expensive than the Samsung dongle though less than the Extron equipment.

As far as HDMI providing power... This depends on the port. I know that some modern TVs have MHL enabled HDMI ports which allow them to power devices. An example is the Roku Streaming Stick, which looks a lot like a USB dongle, expect it is meant to be used by an HDMI port on a television.

You are absolutely correct. I was only focusing on the video aspect since the discussion pertained to achieving a VGA output, which wouldn't use the audio signal being output by the HDMI port.

 

Ok, this is the absolute cheapest one I found. I looks like a generic brand. It's also advertised as having a "built in chip". Anyone guess what this chip actually is? Is this the scaler that gibs was talking about? And based on one of the features, it looks like power can travel through the HDMI cable, similar to a USB cable.

Micro HDMI D Type Input to VGA Output Port Projector Adapter Cable With Chipset | eBay

 

I'd like the Samsung proprietary dongle for the mini VGA port. Then I can see if it will drive two external panels. One via HDMI and one via VGA.

 

Guys,

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That certainly sounds like it should do what you're hoping. I'm not sure what the "chipset" is, but I suspect it handles the digital/analog conversion. If anyone gives this a shot, let us know if it works. I'll be glad to see a cheaper solution for this than I'm used to seeing

 

Does anyone know if the Samsung mini VGA port on the Series 7 notebooks is also a mini HDMI, or is it a proprietary port that will only accept the Samsung mini VGA dongle?

 

As I've stated in the past, there is not a relatively cheap, easy and reliable method to go from HDMI (or micro-HDMI) to VGA because:

1. The implementation of the HDMI has to include an analog signal

or

2. The cable has to convert from digital to analog

So whenever anyone says that there isn't a need for a VGA (or DVI) port because you can easily use HDMI to drive VGA output... I like to know how that is possible.

 

I have ordered mine today, already got my £50 cashback Final cost £865 - not bad eh?

 

I don't get it.

Is it some sort of Euro directive? Tiny PSU, giant bundle of cloverleaf cable. Not specific to the 900X3B of course but it's really annoying me at the moment across all my Lenovo's, Sony's and the Samsung - but probably especially the Samsung given the size of the PSU.

I've probably asked this elsewhere before and not got a reply, but does anyone know of a compact cloverleaf cable, in either UK or Shuko form? I'm probably looking for the wrong thing but fleabay turns up nothing.

 

My work-around is to use one of these.

John

 

Quick poll: What is everyone using for brightness during the day and at night?

I set my NP900X3B to 50% brightness at night and bump it up a notch or two during day. I assume that's about 200 and 250 nits.

What are you using?

 

I guess it's an option but it means that the earth pin isn't connected.

 

I'm in the same range. I reckoned in my review that 5/8 on this notebook was equivalent to 13/15 on my Lenovo T420s, which is my usual daytime brightness.

I prefer it that way having come across unearthed earth systems that have floating voltage from other connected equipment.

John

 

Just a PSA...
The J&R website has that Speck leather sleeve (SPK-A9227) people have been using for his laptop for only $29.99 with free shipping. It's about the cheapest I've seen it, so I ordered one.

 

Hey Guys, Got my 3b there last week and I'm loving it except for two things.
Touchpad sometimes, mainly while playing browser games, stops registering tap or click input at all. Will move cursor no problem but have to reboot to get the click functionality back. Waiting on newer drivers for that one I guess.

Other thing is a question, when you adjust the brightness or leave it idle and it auto dims - does it fade between brightness levels or obviously step?
Currently mine steps and is quite distracting - I'm convinced that when I got it first it used fade up and down which made it much easier on the eyes. Can anyone confirm this behaviour?
If fading is possible, I cant for the life of me find any option in windows or samsung software to change this option back.

Any ideas?

 

Run the Samsung Easy Settings application. Click the Display section on the left side. Turn off auto.

 

I had to get a replacement unit after noticing the cracked airvent on the bottom.

I did the clean Windows 7 install, but now I can't adjust screen brightness. I installed the Easy Settings program and can use the function keys for volume, fan, backlight, etc. However, screen dimming does not work. I even tried moving the slider bar, but no luck.

Any ideas?

 

Figured it out... apparently, my new CD or new laptop didn't have the appropriate graphics drivers. After installing Easy Software, I was able to update the graphics driver and the screen dimming worked. Very strange!

 

Just got mine today . I just made an unboxing video, will post it soon. I only got to play with the notebook for about 10 minutes so far. Still need to make a recovery DVD before I nuke the SSD contents and really start playing with it.

 

I made a Samsung Recovery iso file on my USB drive (for the system files), but ended up just using the included Windows 7 DVD for a clean install. USB boot won't work, just go straight to the external CD. Remember to change the boot order.

 

May I take this belated opportunity to compliment your very well written and balanced review? On balance you were tough, but fair. Most reviewers tend to lionize this kind of product, which seduces with its design and succeeds on many levels. You were very clear on its virtues (screen, impossible thin and lightness, build quality) while taking it to task for its shortcomings (mediocre performance and battery life, poor port access, price). This was not the kind of review that said "this is a laptop to drool over; get every cent (pence!) you can find and buy it!" Rather, it said "this is in many respects a formidable piece of work but in some rather pedestrian, even disappointing.

Good show. I still crave one! (waiting for IB, 256GB SSD)

 

Re: Noise. For me - unlike John's review, possibly because he doesn't have the same yardsticks as I do - while not the Tosh Z830's everpresent whirr, the Samsung doesn't disappear like the Sony Z2 does for the most part - and I find I have to keep putting it in (relatively) Silent Mode, whereas it's a set-and-forget-until-change matter on the Sony. Anyone have a solution for that?

In ekeing, I have to say while not once again matching the Z2's runtime it's not terrible and is not noteworthy as even 'moderate' but I'd say 'decent' given an apples-to-apples comparison with other ultraportables, especially when considered from the weight standpoint - see if you can get runtime like the B even in OS X on an 11" Air in like-for-like utility test not favouring OS X or pretentious media creators (as so many Applefanboi publications uses).

As for price, I thought it was a bargain.

Oh, and I HATE the touchpad. Really, really, really HATE it. It's basically a really good copy of the Mac touchpad - and that's not a good thing in Windows. Excellent for making gang signs on, poor tracking and response otherwise. Even the tiny arrangement on my X201T runs rings around this pile of crud.

Apart from that though, IMO it's a huge step up from the A in many ways. It's something I'd actually consider using (if I can tune the trackpad or get driver updates to make it somewhat acceptable), whereas the A was a no-way for reasons of design and functional merits. The B ticks a lot of boxes for me. If the Z route doesn't work out, this is currently looking like a creditable second-string choice as a 'city daily' where I'm not ranging that many hours from an AC socket.

 

Gah, this is driving me nuts! It seems to be related to the tap+drag. Now I have the 'tap again to release' enabled and some times im dragging something around and i hit the second tap to release it and it wont release, no buttons work at all.
I can still scroll using the sidebar and i can see from the tray icon's activity that it is registering the input but no action!

Have a autokey script and a usb touchpad to keep me going till i reboot again.

Anyone else come across this at all?

 

Here are the setting I am using for the ELAN touchpad. I am not having any issues with it. It works the way I expect.