Why is x3f cheaper than x3c??????

Title pretty much sums it up. I'm looking for a new computer and was going to get x3c but found x3f with newer processor, higher res screen for cheaper. What are the other differences between the two computers? I am in the US.

x3f
http://www.samsung.com/us/computer/pcs/NP900X3F-K01US

x3c
Series 9 13.3

 

I don't really know anything about those two, but from the looks of the Samsung pages, the second one is older with outdated pricing.

 

THanks for the response. From my understanding the "c" model is definitely older, but even the amazon pricing for these models has the "c" more expensive than the "f".

Does anyone know if the "f" model has a matte display? THat was an attractive feature of the x3c and I was curious if that carried over to the x3f and the 1080p display

 

The first post in this thread gives some more info about the X3F.

If the computer is not touchscreen then the display should have a matte finish.

John

 

Thanks John for the link. I am in the US market so some of the differences listed in that OP do not apply. I still don't understand how the x3c could be more expensive as it appears they are very similar computers with the main difference being the 900p vs 1080p screens with the edge going to the x3f.

I have been dead set on getting a series 9 laptop, but at $1100 I can get a MBA for the same price with haswell processor and 12 hours battery life!!! I've never owned a Mac, but have experience with them. I know the screen on the MBA is inferior (and the bezel is hideous) to the series 9, but am having a tough time pulling the trigger on the 9 because of processor/battery life.

 

Here is another example of the pricing. Can anyone offer some explanation as to the differences to warrant this large price difference?

x3c
Samsung NP900X3C 13.3inch LED Ultrabook | Staples®

x3f
Samsung NP900X3F-K01US 13.3" Ultrabook | Staples®

 

Perhaps one reason for the good X3F pricing is that Ivy Bridge chip prices will have dropped once Haswell was launched. And, while Samsung are unlikely to admit it, many people prefer the previous Series 9 to the new Book 9 Plus. Haswell also delivers most benefit during sleep. Battery life improvement during normal usage is not so dramatic. IIRC, the X3F has lost the shiny metal band around the edge of the chassis. However, if that little loss results in a big drop in the price tag then I know where I would put my money. It's also very likely that the X3F, as new production, doesn't have the Sandisk U100 SSD which might feature in an older model.

You will find that some of the discussion in this thread is about alternatives to the Book 9 Plus. The X3E gets mentioned but I'm not sure about the X3F.

John

 

So would it be fair to say that the differences between these models (outside of the 900 vs 1080) are only cosmetic and I should basically go with the lowest priced one I can find?

 

No go with the 1080P. Its a better screen with much improved saturation and contrast. Very accurate. So your not just getting a higher resolution screen. Its better all around. I recently bought the ATIV Book 9 NP900X3E-K01US 13.3 from amazon with the top of the line i7 2.0 with 256 SSD. Absolutely amazing machine and screen on this. Yes the airs are decent machines and one would think very good build quality. Until you hold and use a book 9. Believe it or not, its a much higher level a build then the air. Samsung says they build to tolerances to 1/10000th to spec. And believe me, they do. Perfect build quality and its flawless. Track pad works perfectly. KB is very good, Speakers are very good for the size of this machine. The screen, well lets just say there probably is no better. Period. That includes the retinas. I never get tired of looking at it and still can't believe just how good it is. The air may get better battery life buts that it. Its really second rate next to the book 9. I'm not just saying that because I bought one. For 1500 dollars if there was one thing off, even a little I would be pissed. But after using this for 3 weeks it just works to perfection. Not one complaint. No reason to wait for the glossy book 9 plus. Just buy the matte 1080P model and I guarantee you won't regret it. The 2.5 lb form factor is just amazing. Not even apple has anything this good.

 

i have the x3f and it's an amazing machine. i got to try the x3d version (dunno if it's same with x3c as x3e is basically the same as the x3f aside from minor cosmetic differences) and tbh i liked the finish on that one better than the one on my x3f. i get sweaty hands and the x3f is a magnet for fingerprints. and they're not easy to remove, too, since the finish is some sort of matte (idk why fingerprints stick to it) . i like the screen better on my x3f, though. if I had the chance to return my x3f, I wouldn't.

so basically, you decide if the better finish is better than a better screen and a much lower price

 

I really like the Mineral Ash Black finish myself. Cleanup is not an issue. Just get a box of Zeiss Pre-Moistened Lens Cloths at walmart. Best thing to clean phones, screens, notebooks, and glasses. They sell them at the optical area at most walmarts and very cheap as well.

 

But X3E-K models price tag still remains high, although released pretty much the same time than X3F models.


My guess the reason for the X3F to be cheaper is that it's not based on Intel® Centrino® technology*
* samsung.com/us specs page says it is, but that might just be a typo - AU & DE models have been confirmed not to come with centrino

Do you have a US model? Can you tell us what WiFi module it came with?

 

As noted in the first post of this thread, the X3F uses a soldered Atheros module. There have been no complaints about its performance and it's probably a better choice than the Intel 6235 which still has some remaining driver bugs.

The Atheros won't give you the Intel WiDi, but that technology is being used by very few people.

John

 

Thanks for all of the responses. I've decided to get a 1080 screen based off of your recommendations and will more than likely be getting the x3f. I don't really see myself needing a i7 since most of what i do is basic computing. For that reason I don't see the x3e to be of any added benefit to me and I don't see many other differences in the US models.

This is all assuming these prices remain constant until my check comes in the mail.
x3f Amazon.com: Samsung ATIV Book 9 NP900X3F-K01US 13.3-Inch Full HD Premium Ultrabook (Mineral Ash Black): Computers & Accessories
x3e K http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-NP900...=UTF8&qid=1376513090&sr=1-2&keywords=NP900X3E
x3e A Amazon.com: Samsung Series 9 NP900X3E-A02US 13.3-Inch Full HD 1080p Premium Ultrabook: Computers & Accessories

 

I wrote that post

Samsung US site states the X3F comes with Intel 6235 and the gallery even shows the same chassis like the X3E. I believe this information is wrong but we can't say for sure until someone with an US model proves it

 

I never know what to believe with Samsung's website. For example on the x3e-a02 model the "overview" page says 400 nit panel while the "specs" page says 300 nit. There are many different examples of this I have found on their website over time and just never know what to believe.

Not that .01 inches matter, but I'm curious what makes the x3f a little bigger and also lighter

 

OK. We need an X3F owner, anywhere, to tell us what the WiFi is (or someone to look in Device Manager on a display model). If one X3F uses soldered WiFi then they all will. The Intel WiFi card needs a socket.

For what it's worth, the Book 9 Lite uses the on-board Atheros WiFi and it out-performs the Intel 6235 in my X4C (but having the antennae in a plastic display gives it a signal strength advantage).

John

 

thanks i'll look for that in one of our local stores (we don't have walmart). i'm also looking to get a keyboard protector for my x3f. would a keyboard protector for other 13.3" models be alright?

just checked mine and it says Qualcomm Atheros, so yeah it's Atheros. haven't noticed any problems with it.

 

thanks for confirmation timepolice.

 

Well I just ordered the latest push2tv 3000 from netgear. Should arrive from amazon next week. I actually look forward to trying it out. I hear the newest push2tv has very little lag. Something the original was bad at. As for the wifi, I've had no disconnects, zero, since I received my ATIV Book 9 NP900X3E-K01US on August first. No issues with track pad either. No issues period. I'm saying this latest build seems to be very stable driver/hardware wise. But then again, it may be the last generation of its kind. They finally got it to perfection and watch they will probably discontinue it.