NP540U4E from Windows 8 to Windows 7 or Ubuntu 12.04/12.10

Curious if anyone has been able to install windows 7 and/or ubuntu on the Samsung ATIV Book 5. (NP540U4E-K01US).
I need to buy a nice laptop but my options are running out... I don't care much about the touch screen but I do care...
1. backlit keyboard
2. Core i5 ULV processor
3. Expandable memory 2 dimm slots
4. Expandable HDD slot to my choice of 7mm SSD
13.3 - 14 in screen

I don't care much about windows 8 but I want to be able to dual boot the ativ book 5 windows 7 and ubuntu.

Anyone out there have this ultrabook and install ubuntu or windows 7?
Thanks in advance.

 

Anyone have any advice for me?

 

It does not have backlit keyboard, neither 2 dimm slots. Why would you like Windows 8 to Windows 7 or Ubuntu downgrade? More info on this model, in here.

 

Lol... I'd like to have what you're smoking cuz you clearly have the specs correct. Sarcasm intended.
See the actual specs.
Specs - Laptops NP540U4E | Samsung PCs
Has Backlit Keyboard, 2 DIMM Slots with max 16GB config and fully compatible with 7mm SSD Drives.
I am not a fan of Windows 8 (yet) and I need to have Ubuntu installed here simply to code and compile some openwrt, simple as that.

 

If you go to the manual it appears there is one installed 4GB memory module and another dim for upgrade. However there is no back lit keyboard in the gallery or manual and no associated keys to adjust keyboard brightness.

 

1. Specs says "Backlit Keyboard: Yes"
2. Manual ( http://downloadcenter.samsung.com/content/UM/201304/20130403142246556/Win8_Manual_eng.pdf) Page 51 Clearly shows F9 and F10 as shortcut keys for Keyboard Backlight control...

All this fact checking aside, let's get back to the questions at hand. Windows 7/Ubuntu install: Will it work? Or is it going to be a touch cookie?

 

If you look at the gallery there are no keyboard light keys and in Amazon it is the same, so beware.

Amazon.com: Samsung ATIV Book 5 14-Inch Touchscreen Ultrabook (Mineral Ash Black): Computers & Accessories

Edit; Here is hope as Newegg tends to post its own pics and it shows the keyboard backlit. So it may just be Samsung releasing old pics of the prior version.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834131488

 

Thanks for sticking with this thread.
As you mentioned, I looked in 3 places: Samsung's official specs/manual, Newegg and Amazon
All listed the laptop has having backlit keyboard.
Furthermore, after looking at crucial.com, I was able to deduce that there are two memory slots in the notebook (allowing for an upgrade to upto 16GB), and the ability to place a 2.5in SSD (7mm).

My questions, which I originally started with though are still unanswered.
I'm hoping that someone has actually bought one of these laptops is able to test out Ubuntu/Windows 7.

Have a great July 4th (US folks atleast).

Cheers,
cchha01

 

You too, cchha01

 

It appears the primary DIMM has a 4GB stick. Of course you can change that over too an 8GB stick and then another 8GB stick in the spare DIMM. I think the SSD though would then be the primary storage as well. This could be an issue but a fast drive in the primary along with the 24GB NAND might be the ticket.

It doesn't seem on the sites that have the new system there are many reviews yet. Doubtful if many have not gotten these to review stock there will be many out there to have tried other OS's yet.

Per the movie ID4 this is no longer just an American Holliday...........

 

This brings me to another point about the 24GB Cache SSD. Any idea if this can generally be converted into Storage rather than as a go-between cache? The HP Envy I had didn't have this option in the BIOS (Stupid locked-out BIOS).
Does Samsung generally make this option available in the BIOS?

 

The 8GB in mine can be used as storage..............

 

Yes, as TANWare wrote, the iSSD in these Sammies (the models that have it) can be used for general storage. Without the ExpressCache software (for caching) and the Intel Rapid Start software (for fast hibernate/resume) it's just another drive. It's not the fastest SSD around, but still faster than your HDD. And you're lucky to have 24GB, I also only have 8GB.

Do note that you cannot choose the iSSD as boot device. So if you install an OS there, you'll have to use a boot manager on the HDD (Grub or other).

 

You mean you checked at crucial.com how much memory can use your system and you listen to that? I'checked on my Samsung as well and it says the same bull;


ha ha, 4GB Elpida is clearly soldered on my lappy;


Although thanks for bringing my attention for backlit keyboard on NP540u4e, it also good news for NP530u4e owners to make their upgrades.

 

Just checked your post. That is something I didn't consider. I cross checked with Kingston as well and it showed something similar.
Which model Samsung do you have? I was just about to pull the trigger on the order. If what you say is indeed what they have done, I might be SOOL and may need to look at an alternative notebook.

Please let me know.
Thanks.

cchhat01