What changes are in the new Series 9 models?

Hello,

Other than a new proc, ssd and more memory, what else changed in the new Series 9 models announced this week?

Did they fix wireless?
Did they change the ethernet and wireless chipsets to intel?
Do these machines run hotter and are they louder ?

Inquiring minds want to know.

 

$100 bucks says its the exact same product with only a wider variety of processor choices.

 

Warranty changed. 3 years vs. 1 year for the new models

 

Is the warranty from Samsung? I'm about to buy from ABT and it says 1 yr warranty.

 

Yes, they are Samsung warranties. The B01 and B02 models have 1yr warranties, and the other models still have 3yr Samsung warranties.

Provantage seems to have a pretty good list of all 6 currently available models, with warranty periods, here.

Just be aware that the "weak WiFi" is apparently still an issue...

EDIT: It's your choice where you buy the notebook from but, for this model, I strongly suggest you review return policies. ABT has 15% restocking fee. CircuitCity, where I got my first, and Buy.com, where I'm getting my second, do not.

 

Kalahari, thanks for the return info. ABT is quite a bit cheaper but it's risky with that restocking fee. Think I might pre-order the Asus U36SD with SSD instead of the Series 9 since I'm not willing to pay the stock price at other retailers.

EDIT: Although I do really like the Samsung. I'm hoping it's possible to deal with a serious wireless problem, if it arises, through the Samsung warranty instead of the retailer. Also, ABT is listing the warranty as 1 year. Is it possible different retailers have different manufac. warranties?

 

The warranties are dependent on the model being sold, not the retailer. All A0x models come with 3-year warranties while all B0x models come with 1-year warranties.

 

dibara has already confirmed the warranties. They are the same for all retailers.

What I wanted to point out was the "weak WiFi" issue is just that and whether you would find it "serious" is dependent on your usage. For me, I will typically be near access points (home, hotels, airports) but can use an external USB wireless adapter (that I have) for the exceptional case. Someone else had reported that they wanted to use the Series 9 around campus -- now that could be a "serious" problem as you won't be able to connect as well as other WiFi devices while moving around.

The Series 9 is amazing, just like the MacBook Air was (and will be again), and you just have to figure out if you can live with it until Samsung fixes the problem. Even if they do not fix it, one can definitely consider installing the Intel Centrino 6300 adapter (which has 3 antenna) but you lose bluetooth. So you do have options...

 

I think I am going to wait for the reviews on the ASUS UX21. I don't need another machine until fall.

 

You might want to read my new post here for a positive update...