Next Samsung Series 9 Release

Samsung UK have a promotion to the end of July giving a free Galaxy Mini phone with a number of models (list in file here).

This might be construed as meaning that Haswell models could show up in August.

John

 

Well, this can be only good or bad

 

I've basically always looked for highest resolution laptops I could find: Dell D620 as my first widescreen laptop with 1440x900 at 14" in 2006 and then Sony Vaio Z in 2009 (I don't refresh often because it's hard to get top-end laptops in Serbia, and they usually carry a 30-50% premium over getting them in the US when they do appear here). I think I am going to be happy at 300dpi or close (hey, that's laser quality printing from early '90s). At that resolution, I would perhaps even be able to turn subpixel rendering off (I hate seeing those murkish hues on text with overdone subpixel rendering, but jagged edges at ~100dpi suck), thus perhaps compensating a bit for the power draw coming out of more pixels to run.

Anyway, I am short-sighted and I never thought about "too-high resolution" the way many reviews treat laptops with Windows on: it simply worked for me. Granted, I've been using GNU/Linux exclusively since 1998 or so, so I do have quite a bit of experience and knowledge of the internals with it. So just give me those high-res screens at last!

 

Do you know if in other country we show the promotion?

 

Look on the Samsung website for your country.

I get the impression that Samsung UK prefer promotions to deep discounting of prices - it's more difficult to get the normal prices back if they have been heavily discounted.

This offer includes a 7" Galaxy tablet with the NP900X3D-A01UK plus there's the free phone: Very attractive to anyone who has a use for both of the freebies.

John

 

link doesn't work

 

It works for me. Perhaps it's one of those websites that doesn't work for people outside of the target country (UK in this case) to prevent potential customers getting frustrated because they can't place an order.

John

 

@John: Good to see that Europeans can get great deals too I would agree this has to be a sign that something new is coming.

@Skuter: All the links worked just now when I tried them. Maybe just try again.

Edit: Just saw John beat me to it. I am in US, so at least the link is not blocked for all non-UK users.

 

I don't know for me the link doesn't work, but I found it by google

In Poland was similary promotion, but for notebook series 5

 

Should be out by August at the latest, here they said they would be available before kids go back to school and that starts in mid-August.

 

The AMD powered Series 9 Lite could be out sooner because the NP905S3G and NP915S3G are in the SW Update database which probably indicates that they are in production. Unfortunately, Samsung have put a low-res display into that model.

John

 

I expect the demand (if you can call it that) for AMD chips is far lower than Haswell, so that's not surprising. I still don't understand the 720p on this premier line. Series 5 equivalent, fine. Can only hope it was a deliberate move to leave a middle ground option.

 

Hopefully they meant both but if they were talking about back to school as they were they may have very well meant only the Lites.

 

I wouldn't be surprised if the Lite is on the shelves in some countries before the end of this month. A range of models with software and drivers are listed in the SW Update database and if you Google for NP905S3G or NP915S3G you will find they are already listed by some retailers. I forget what Intel's ultrabook price target is but Samsung will be getting close with these models.

John

 

How do you get access to that database? From your 900x4?
Is it possible to download drivers for each and every model?
If so, does that only work through SW Update?
Does SW Update run on non Samsung machines?

 

I've not tried running SW Update on a non-Samsung machine. You can download the program here and see if it will install on a non-Samsung computer.

SW Update automatically offers the latest software and drivers for the (Samsung) computer it is installed on. However, it includes a Find Model facility which allows searching for other recent models (useful for when Samsung have stopped updating the database for last year's computers but we know that newer software versions are available). I would consider that entry of a model (actually specific versions including the country code) into the SW Update database to be an indicator that it is ready for production.

John

 

All they had to do was ditch the costly intel chips

 

I am aware of that, or I at least expect it that way lol.

Let's assume I'll buy a 900X3E and like to run Windows 7. Can I install SW Update (from your link) and will it offer me drivers for Win7 or do I have to sneak into the local store and plug an USB stick into a 900X3C model to download Windows 7 drivers?

To avoid any headache like that, is there a way to download drivers from the Samsung site without using that dubious update program?

I see the 900X3B has a support page for direct downloads, but I'm wondering if any of those internal Samsung components might have changed by the time. (I am awre that I can download chipset drivers from Intel directly, but I am concerned about Samsung specific stuff like FN-keys etc...)

 

I've just looked in SW Update and there are no Windows 7 drivers offered for the X3E or X3F. However, just select an X3C or X3D and Export all the drivers / software. There's nothing stopping me, for example, getting a driver for the Z5E. 9 months ago SW Update was a bit buggy but it now seems to be running OK. I disabled the auto-checking and notification so it doesn't nag me about things I don't want to install.

I would assume that the drivers / software on the X3B downloads are more out-of-date than those in SW Update's database. However, the one program worth grabbing is the BIOS Updater (on the Firmware page). It is safer to use this stand-alone program than let SW Update try to do the BIOS update.

John

 

I just saw Amazon UK listing 9+ out. (maybe they have done it for a while)
But i still think the 128 GB SSD and 4GB RAM are too far away from my expectation, which should be a 256 GB SSD and 8GB RAM.
Do you guys think Samsung will offer some update or customerization for their 9+?

 

SW Update shows the USA as having 3 versions of the 9+ but the UK only has one version. They seem to be repeating what they did with the X3C/D/E which was only offer a model with decent specs late on.

John

 

Apparently the 900X3F-G models come with 3G/4G modem. The WiFi card doesn't talk GSM, so it has to be a seperate module, but I can't see where this would fit in. Also there is no hint of a SIM slot in the Gallery

Please let me be wrong and this is indeed true...


Samsung NP900X3F-G01UK - TECH SPECS
John, can you please check if there are any WWAN drivers listed for the X3F-G?

 

I begin to believe

 

There's no hint of any WWAN software / driver in the SW Update database for that version or any of the others I randomly selected. I have to wonder if Samsung are getting creative and omitted to mention that it requires use of a dongle. Or, if you don't want to use a phone then there are various standalone 3G modem / router options.

For me, built-in WWAN is no longer a highly desirable feature. The ease with which most smartphones can be turned into a WiFi hotspot takes away the need to have the facility in the computer (and being able to put the phone by a window to improve the signal strength is a major benefit - a 3G antenna inside the Series 9 metal chassis isn't likely to get good reception).

BTW, while I was rummaging in the SW Update database I noticed there's a group of X3F versions in the Korean section (the most likely place to find LTE) for which there are no drivers / software. This suggests that there could be some further versions of that model to appear.

John

 

Check the picture above taken from the manual - it seems to be indeed built in. But thinking about the limited space, maybe they borrowed a chip from their smartphones and soldered it rather than using an expansion card.
I'm wondering though why the SD Card slot is marked as optional too on that picture? I can't imagine it either has SD Card or SIM slot. The specs page says it comes with both WWAN and SD Card reader.

For occasional use sure, but being frequently on the road and even abroad tethering is not convenient imo.

- Dealing with external devices is annoying in the long run.
- Tethering is a waste of precious resources on the move. (Maintaining 3 connections when all you need is one)
- A separate modem allows a hassle free data plan or network change independent from your phone (number)
You might still want to receive calls abroad, but don't want to pay data roaming costs.
- Superior signal strength - bigger chassis allows bigger antennas. Ha, quite in contrast to what you see as a benefit But assuming the GSM antennas go where the WiFi antennas are it's still only covered with plastic.

 

I missed that picture - you added it while I was researching the drivers and software. I agree that it confirms that Samsung is considering adding that facility to the extent they have put it in the manual. They might be able to have a slot with two sets of contacts. Nonetheless, finding a notebook with the WWAN depends on a Samsung country marketing office ordering the configuration from the factory.

My solution to this problem is a dual-SIM phone so one puts a local SIM into one slot and uses it for data while maintaining the facility to use one''s home number.

The antennae between the hinges may be covered by plastic but there's still a lot of metal in the vicinity. However, isn't the X3F slightly thicker which might enable the antennae to be put back into the display?

John

 

So far I could only find a single X3F-G model each in the UK & Germany. Both are just basic specs with i5 and 128GB / 256GB SSD. It's frustrating Samsung doesn't offer CTOs.

That would be finally an explanation why it's bigger. Although X3F-K models don't come with WWAN and are bigger too. Maybe they have put WiFi antennas in the bezel too.

Is there a way to find out WWAN manufacturer and model number by FCC information?

 

Interesting that Apple is going 17-inch again.

Reports: 17-inch Retina MacBook Pro Revival with 2013 Haswell Refresh

I applaud the trend towards faster and lighter laptops with larger screens.

I hope Samsung will follow...

 

There won't be anything light about a 17" MBP, the 15 inch weighs almost 6 pounds.

 

The retina weights 4.5 though. Dell's new 15" precision is similar, but nothing comes close to a 3.5lb 15".

 

There are no large market for large light premium laptops, only a large market of people talking about wanting to buy them and not buying them. Samsung made thin premium 11.6, not enough sold, they canned it. Samsung made thin premium 15", not enough sold, they canned it. Move on.

 

We don't know that they have canned the 15" Series 9. There's the same lack of info about a new a mid-range 13.3" (ie something between the 9+ and the 9 Lite). They didn't put a lot of marketing effort behind the 15" while the pricing justified a bigger SSD and better display (but, IMO, the current panel is well above average). An updated 15" would have minimal R&D costs. There's nothing inherently wrong with the design or construction that needs to be fixed.

John

 

Today Samsung is finally listing the Plus on their US site. Two models showing without prices, the K01US and the K03US. They won't even list the specs other than to say they are both QHD+ and touch. Oh, and they are also finally listing the Q too with two models as well.

Browse & Compare Laptop, All-In-One and Tablet Computers: Reviews and Prices

And on the US site at least it still says 12 hours of battery life..not even UP TO 12 hours but 12 Hours period.

http://www.samsung.com/us/computer/pcs/NP940X3G-K01US-features

 

I'd very love to know spec of both models. i5, 128GB SSD and HD4400 are really not enough.
Hope they will release the more powerful model at the very first time. Maybe that's K03US as listed on their online store.

 

One is i5 128GB, the other is probably i7 256GB/512GB. Unclear if the latter will have 8GB. Probably the same graphics.

I'm not convinced yet, if nothing shows up by holiday season then it's dead. Many reasons not to release the 15" or mid-range 13" now
1. W8.1 will require new drivers
2. Haswell release is slow, many OEMs have not updated their lines. Also prolonged, broadwell not released till 2015.
3. Back to school provides opportunity to unload surplus ivy stock
4. Focus on flagship Plus model sales with large margin

 

How about closing this thread and move discussion to:

13" Ativ book 9 Plus: http://forum.notebookreview.com/samsung/722548-samsung-ativ-book-9-plus-haswell-new.html
13" Ativ book 9 Lite: http://forum.notebookreview.com/sam...wered-ativ-book-9-lite-np905s3g-np915s3g.html
15" Ativ book 9 No Plus?: http://forum.notebookreview.com/samsung/722604-no-ativ-book-9-plus-15-inch-screen-model.html

?

 

I always prefer consolidating overlapping discussions in fewer threads, since it saves time, reduces clutter and ensures that more members see valuable posts. So I personally like that suggestion. Let's see what other members feel.

John: I'll let you make the call based on the feedback.

 

There's a big gap in our knowledge that isn't covered by those other threads and that is what will happen to the middle of the 13.3" range, ie a direct successor to the NP900X3C/D/E/F. I can't believe that Samsung will leave a gaping hole in the product range between the 9 Plus and the 9 Lite.

In fact, new versions of the X3E and X3F are still appearing so maybe Samsung will try to get maximum mileage from those Ivy Bridge models.

So my own thinking is to leave this thread open for general discussion and speculation of what might come but try to divert discussion of specific models to the relevant thread, where they exist. Otherwise if, for example, we find evidence of an NP900X3G then where shall we discuss it?

Anyway, let's see what more members think.

John

 

Good points, I can see the logic of that too.

There is some analogy to the 2013 Series 7 / Ativ Book 8 threads, where one (the so-called Intro thread) was pre-announcement and evolved into mostly discussion and speculation about upcoming models and where to buy them, while another (the Owners Loungs) has focused mostly on questions, answers and solutions for actual owners. That has helped keep both threads useful and relevant for their individual purpose -- despite the inevitable overlap.

What motivates me to desire consolidation, is the fact that so many different Series 9 threads are live and active, forcing members to follow multiple threads in order to keep up with parallel and overlapping discussions, and making it difficult for new members to decide where to post.

But admittedly, this thread has shown endurance and could be the thread that gathers issues common to different Series 9 models, so that other threads can focus on model-specific issues.

I am fine with either.

 

true, sounds like a lot of work for the mods though

In the thread: "Nothing else matters: Samsung has found the holy grail"

 

Other members should (and usually do) share the workload of directing people to the right place.

John

 

As long as they put 8GB and mDP in.

 

Wait a second. The 9 plus listed on Aamazon UK has been priced at about 1300 Euro, which is about 1900 USD.
Way too pricey!! It's only a laptop with I5 and 128 GB SSD! How can they set the price at 1300 Euro...LOL

 

It's 1299 British pounds - that's even worse than 1300 Euro. However, even after taking off 20% VAT it's the equivalent of over US$1600. However, US computer prices are always lower than the European ones to the extent that it's sometimes worthwhile ordering one from the US, paying the shipping and taxes and still have money left over.

John

 

If you order from the US though don't you end up with an annoying US keyboard layout?
I might be wrong, but I can't see how you would change the layout with this keyboard style since it isn't just the print on the keys, the size of the enter key is different too.

 

Yup, that's a problem we'd face, and I hated having a US keyboard on the last laptop I got from the states.

Given Samsung's design, where the whole front panel, touchpad and keyboard are one piece, it would be expensive to swap out.

 

I'm getting used to the US layout.

The current fashion for the separated key style of keyboards has the beneficial side-effect for the computer sellers that it discourages cross-border sales so the marketing people have greater freedom to maximise their profit margins. However, I suspect that there's also an element of technical necessity in the keyboard arrangement. It is more challenging to fit a removable keyboard without adding to the computer thickness.

John

 

Well, I don't know the cost but regarding the X3C Euler wrote:

Is the UK layout btw any different from the US one except pounds symbol? Do keys have different sizes?

 

The enter key is shaped differently, which also affects the backslash key. Wikipedia has a great article showing the difference.

 

I think you mean awesome.