Samsung Series 9 NP900X3A-B01 13.3-Inch Laptop

by Samsung

• Intel Core i5 2467M Processor 1.6GHz
• 4GB DDR3 RAM
• 128GB Solid-State Hard Drive
• 13.3-Inch Screen
• Windows 7 Home Premium

Product Description

Amazon.com

Designed with mobility in mind, Samsung's durable, ultra premium, lightweight Series 9 laptop (model NP900X3A-B01) offers mobile professionals and power users a sophisticated laptop equally suited for work and entertainment. Featuring a minimalist look that is both simple and sophisticated, it's highlighted by a dramatic enclosure made of super-strong duralumin. This Series 9 laptop also includes a brilliant 13.3-inch LED display with HD resolution, 128 GB Solid State Drive (SSD), 4 GB of system memory, and an integrated Intel HD Graphics 3000 processor.

Made from durable, lightweight duralumin
(see larger image).

It's powered by a second-generation, low-voltage Intel Core i5 dual-core processor ("Sandy Bridge"), which provides breakthrough digital media management, content creation, and 3D gaming capabilities. With updated Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, the latest Core i5 increases speed automatically for whatever you're doing. And you'll enjoy a rich set of new features for a stunning and seamless visual PC experience with no additional hardware.

Additionally, this Series 9 laptop includes award-winning Intel Wireless Display functionality, which enables you to enjoying great image clarity and sound on your HDTV without plugging in any cables.

This Series 9 laptop features one speedy USB 3.0 port--the latest development in USB data transfer technology. Perfect for transferring and retrieving large files between your PC and an external hard drive or digital camera, USB 3.0 offers the speediest, most efficient way get what you need from external devices. (It also has a standard USB 2.0 port, plus the USB 3.0 port is backward compatible.)

It comes pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system. You'll also experience new ways to deliver your best work with Office Starter 2010 (learn more below).

Vivid 13.3-inch display.

 

Power up in just 3 seconds.

 

Multi-touch SuperButton clickpad.

Key Features

Duralumin, the New Definition of Lightweight

The Series 9 laptop is designed with mobility in mind, thanks to dramatic duralumin enclosure complete with arching curves and remarkable durability. Duralumin is twice the strength of aluminum, despite being light in weight. Elegant from every angle, the Series 9 also includes backlit keyboard, brilliant LCD display screen and a large multi-touch clickpad. It's a minimalist look that is both simple and sophisticated.

Powerful Processing

With the new state-of-the-art Intel Core i5 Processor you get optimized power management when you are playing the latest 3D games, editing and compressing large-size photos or HD video, or multi-tasking. It has Turbo Boost Technology which accelerates your PC's performance by intuitively allocating CPU processing power when you need it the most.

Fast, Secure Solid State Drive

A 128 GB solid state drive (SSD) provides plenty of storage, lower power consumption and improved performance with less noise and heat output. The chance of losing data is also decreased due to the SDD having no moving parts. And it boots up 60 percent faster than a hard disk drive (HDD). You'll get less power usage, faster data access and higher reliability.

Power Back up in 3 Seconds with Fast Start

You no longer have to shut down your Samsung computer, just close its lid and it goes into a special powerless sleep mode. When you open the lid your computer comes back to life in 3 seconds and you are exactly at the same place as when you shut the lid. Fast Start saves your data and system configurations to your hard drive and PC memory. So, when you power it back on it is just like you left it.

See Vivid Content, Wherever You Go

If you live for the latest HD movies and games, then Samsung's Super Bright screens, with 400-nit brightness, will transform your mobile experience. You can enjoy HD movies, games and other favorite media even when viewing in direct sunlight with no annoying reflections.

Longer Battery Life and Life Span

The Series 9 delivers mobility and freedom with its power efficient performance and extensive battery life of up to 7 hours. Its advanced Lithium-Polymer battery and Samsung's innovation PowerPlus charging technology make the battery lifespan last up to three times longer than the typical notebook battery so you can keep going, without worrying how much battery life is left

Intuitive Navigation

Samsung's new multi-touch Super Button clickpad is stylish, user-friendly and convenient. It features a glass coating and image sensor, which means no more cursors disappearing or jumping around on the screen. This intelligent multi-touch gesture pad, which is located in the center of the palm rest , features 21 types of gesture support such as pinch, swipe, and rotate, and also has advanced 3D image sensing for intuitive navigation.

One-Year Warranty

Samsung's commitment to quality and service is backed by a one-year warranty, 24/7 US-based tech support, and two way free standard shipping. Enjoy total peace of mind with Samsung's reliable, fast repair and return service

 

See larger image.

 

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Specifications

• 13.3-inch LED-backlit widescreen display with 1366 x 768 resolution and 400-nit high brightness.
• 1.6 GHz low-voltage Intel Core i5-2467M "Sandy Bridge" dual-core processor for smart performance with a speed boost (2.3 GHz with Turbo Boost Technology; 3 MB L3 cache). It also includes Intel's Hyper-Threading Technology enables each core of your processor to work on two tasks at the same time, delivering the performance you need for smart multitasking. And it comes equipped with Intel Quick Sync Video, which provides accelerated encoding, decoding, and transcoding features (for converting video for portable players or online sharing).
• 128 GB Solid State Drive (SSD)
• 4 GB of installed DDR3 RAM (upgradeable to 8 GB)
• Intel HD Graphics 3000 delivers built-in performance for casual and mainstream gaming with no extra graphics hardware needed.

   

  
• Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking capability provides up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range using 802.11n-compatible routers as you would with 802.11g networks. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found at Wi-Fi hotspots and in older home routers).
• Intel Wireless Display capabilities, enables you to easily stream videos, photos and music from your hard drive, home network, or the internet straight to your HDTV--easily and wirelessly.
• Next-generation Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity provides faster throughput while minimizing on power requirements. It's compatible with new Bluetooth 3.0-enabled devices as well as backward compatible with older Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as printers and cell phones.
• 1.3-megapixel HD webcam
• Built-in stereo speakers (1.5 W x 2) with SRS Sound Effect audio processing
• Up to 7 hours of battery life
• Weight: 2.88 pounds
• Dimensions: 12.9 x 8.9 x 0.64 inches (WxDxH)
• Warranty: 1-year international warranty, 24/7 US-based tech support, and two way free standard shipping.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion

• 1 USB 3.0 ports for ultra-fast data transfer with up to 10x the speed of USB 2.0 (and is backward compatible with your USB 2.0 peripherals). Download a 25 GB HD movie in just 70 seconds.
• 1 USB 2.0 port
• HDMI high-definition audio/video output allows a single cable to transmit uncompressed high-definition video to your compatible digital TV or external monitor.
• Microphone input port plus headphone output jack
• MicroSD memory card reader
• Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000) (via dongle)

What's in the Box

Series 9 laptop with 13.3-inch screen (model NP900X3A-B01), 40-watt AC adapter, rechargeable battery, LAN dongle, operating instructions

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Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium

The Best Entertainment Experience On Your PC

Windows 7 Home Premium makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. You can even watch, pause, and rewind TV or record it to watch whenever and wherever you want. For the best entertainment experience, choose a PC with Windows 7.

Peek behind open windows to get a quick look at your desktop (see larger image).

Windows 7: Your PC Simplified

Simplifies everyday tasks, works the way you want, and makes new things possible.

• Improved desktop navigation features like Snap, Peek, and Shake, make it easier to manage all of your open windows.
• Creating a home network has never been easier. You can even share files and printers with all the PCs with Windows 7 on the network.
• Find virtually anything on your PC--from documents to songs to email--just by typing a word or two with Windows Search.
• Designed to make your PC sleep and resume quicker.
• Watch, pause, rewind and record TV with Windows Media Center to watch whenever and where ever you want*.

 

Create, Connect and Share with Windows Live

Windows 7 and Windows Live bring it all together for free. Get the free set of programs that make it simple to create and share amazing photos and movies, organize mail, and stay connected with your closest friends.

• Get 25 GB of free online storage with Windows Live SkyDrive.
• Sync files on your PCs automatically with Windows Live Mesh.
• Share photos during video chats with Windows Live**
• Easily edit photos and combine the best parts of multiple photos into one perfect photo with Photo Fuse.

Windows Live is available for free at download.live.com.

Complete your PC Experience with Microsoft Office 2010

• Microsoft Office Starter 2010 includes reduced functionality versions of Microsoft Word and Excel with advertising. (Note that PowerPoint or Outlook are not included.)
• Purchase Office 2010 today and get the most out of your new PC.

* Additional hardware may be required. Not available in all countries. (See windows.microsoft.com/products/windows-7/system-requirements/ for more information.)
** Requires a compatible microphone, speakers or headset, webcam, and broadband connection.

Product Description

Sleek and stylish, streamlined and powerful, the Samsung series 9 is a true "no compromise" PC. With its stunning looks and fully capable hardware, this PC is a seamless marrige of beauty and brains

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

140 of 150 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Samsung Series 9 > Macbook Air July 26, 2011

By Drew C. Davies

Amazon Verified Purchase

Alright, I wanted to be the first one to review this specific version of the Samsung S9 so here I am. First off, I'd like to say i'm a college student that was in need of a solid Laptop, as i'm majoring in Graphic Design next year. I researched this product endlessly before I bought it, and after working with it for some time I wanted to write a more full review than from what I've seen.

My Experience: I'm 20 and have been using a PC my whole life, I was glad to see an Ultraportable Windows computer on the market. I am extremely skilled with W7, and have no biases against the Mac OS X having used it as well. My main reasoning behind my decision by choosing the SS9 over the MBA (Macbook Air) is my skill with W7. If you are a dedicated Mac user I wouldn't bother reading my review at all, buy the MBA V2 (second generation). Whereas the SS9 seriously out-specs the MBA V1.

The Design: To kick my review off I'm going to get into the design first. Destruction, this Laptop destroys all other PC's design in a single look, but this isn't anything new. The duralumin is clearly strong, lightweight, and clean. I've read complaints about it being a fingerprint magnet, however, I haven't had any issue with fingerprints. Personally, I don't have a lot of oil off my hands and am generally a clean person, I'm not sure if this is the issue constituting that argument. And even if you do have this issue the laptop is black, not much shows up, and if it does it's an easy clean due to the material. One of the things that makes this laptop for me, ontop of the matte screen, is the ability to hide the ports on the side. Not only does it increase portability and look cool, it protects your ports from damage and dust.

The Keyboard: If you've used a Macbook the keys are extremely similar in feel and are of high quality, however, completely different in usage. The SS9's F key options were utilized well in development, by pressing Fn and F1 it brings up a management screen specifically designed for this Laptop. In the application, you can alter the Wi-Fi, turn on "Silent Mode" + Bluetooth, adapt brightness, change the levels of backlight on the Keyboard and even set the backlight to turn off after a predefined amount of time being ideal (to save battery). Also, there are options to turn on "Battery Life Extender" which boosts the battery's life and minimal performance cost. And Lastly, there is the option to turn on "Fast Start", which shuts down the computer momentarily when you close the lid to save battery and starts up in 3 seconds, "Chargeable USB" which can charge your iPod or any other USB connected device while the SS9 is off, and "Movie Color Enhancer" which increases all movie displays. All of these options are simple and easy to adjust(Fn + F1). As for the rest of the F key options, now that I'm done explaining F1, are even better. F2 + F3 increase in decrease screen brightness, F4 easily changes external display, F5 disables touchpad, F6 easily turn on and off the "Battery Life Extender" that was also accessible in the F1 menu, F7 + F8 increase and decrease Keyboard backlight, F9 mutes the audio, F10 + F11 increase and decrease audio, and F12 is the Wi-fi. Needless to say it's extremely usable.

The Performance: The i5 processor coupled with the SSD makes this Laptop the fastest one I've used. The system does come with pre-loaded applications, therefore, it's necessary to uninstall them. If you're not sure what to delete simply google it, if your SS9 detects something important was deleted, such as a driver, upon startup it will prompt you to re-install it easily. If you don't want to deal with this you can purchase this laptop from the Microsoft store and purchase their plan to wipe the system of useless programs, I've heard it was nice especially considering the limited storage space.

The Wi-Fi + Tracpad: I've brought this up on concerns for the bad Wi-Fi and Tracpad issues, which were something I watched for as I purchased the SS9. Currently, I'm typing this as far away from the router as possible, across the house on the second story, and have honestly had no issue. Occasionally the Wi-Fi bar at the bottom will read it's low, however, if i click on it and it displays the connection it shows much higher bars, and I notice no difference in the speed even from being right next to the router. I'm not sure if this issue is exclusive to only some models however, I could easily use the stressed Wi-Fi I'm using now for schoolwork, intensive projects, or media streaming. I say "stressed" Wi-Fi only due to the distance from the router not the performance. Overall, I'd keep an eye on this issue when you first purchase your Laptop but from my experience with mine this is a folk tale in my mind. As for the tracpad I am more of a mouse person, the Samsung 2.4GHz Mouse looks and performs great with my SS9. However, despite my lack of the issue if for some reason god hates you and this happens to you, just re-install the drivers, it's not an issue concerning the actual tracpad itself. The way I see it this is a quick fix even if you experience the issue, nothing to defer you away from the product.

If you're a skilled Windows user and you're looking for an Ultraportable laptop, don't be swayed into the slim Macbook Air you can grab at bestbuy, because eventhough you can't touch it the SS9 destroys the MBA is looks. This is something you've got to see. They SS9 and the MBA (VERSION 2) have the exact same processor, 128SSD, Intel HD 3000 Graphics, but the SS9 sports a 400nit display (brighter) and has duralumin exterior that's not only awesome looking, it makes your Laptop LAST. For me, I was satisfied with my order. If you have any questions or concerns please post a reply to this.

I'll add onto this review as I use the laptop more. Hope this review helps.

UPDATE AUGUST 9TH 2011

Now that i've used the laptop even more I do have some things to add to my review:

I've sent back my Samsung S9 NP900X3A-B01 but for one reason; hard drive space. I just bought the Samsung Series 9 NP900X3A-B02 13.3" which has 256GB of SSD space. Honestly, I could have worked with the 80+GB SSD especially considering my organizational skills. However, I felt that more space would give me room to stretch, as I am using this computer for college.

If you're not willing to pay for the extra SSD, see my "Other Thoughts" section below.

SIDE NOTE: (The SSD upgrade from 128GB to 256GB did cost me more money $1,303 compared to $1,635. However, if you're in the market for a Macbook Air and you want the increase in SSD space as well you'll be paying about the same for the extra hard drive space) -ofcourse i'm talking about Gen 2 MBA.

I've uploaded wireless information that I used on my old SS9 to all of you here reading this, in hopes that if you do occur the WiFi issue this can be a quick fix for you. Here are my WiFi settings:

Intel(R) Centrino(R) Advanced-N 6230

2.4 Band - 20 MHz Only
5.2 Band - Auto
N Mode - Enabled
ad Hoc QoS Mode - WMM Disabled
Fat Channel Intolerant - Disabled
Mixed Mode Protection - CTS-to-self Enabled
Preferred Band - No Preference
Roaming Aggressiveness - 4. Medium-High
Transmit Power - 5. Highest
Wireless Mode - 6. 802.11a/b/g

Driver Date 1/4/2011
Driver Version 14.0.2.2

Now if you're not sure how to get to these settings got to: Control Panel> click "Category" in the upper right corner, and select "Small Icons">Device Manager> WiFi Adapters> Under it should list your WiFi card (Intel(R) Centrino(R) Advanced-N 6230)>"Advanced" tab>And you're there.

SIDE NOTE: Make sure to first Check to see if your Driver Version is 14.0.2.2 if not you can easily update it by simply clicking "Driver" right next to the "Advanced" tab, and updating it there.
I also recommend routinely checking for WiFi driver updates.

My long Story: A few weeks ago my WiFi was incredibly slow, my SS9 was struggling to even get up webpages. So I go downstairs and hard wire my SS9 directly into my router to see if i saw increased speed...(cuz i'm a bit scared my SS9's WiFi was ready to leave me) and it was just as slow. My brother came down and asked why his desktop was struggling and when we resolved it, our Internet Service Provider (ISP) was failing hard. My point in telling this story was that if you do occur some WiFi issues with the SS9 it's not always the laptop itself, which is why I think I see so many harsh reviews on it.

To this day I have had no issue with my WiFi. (that was the 1 time).

Other Thoughts: Everything is running smoothly, just as it should, I do love this laptop and honestly there's nothing else to say about it. However, I would like to show a few tips i've learned:

The Mouse: A few tips I would like to add is directed to mouse users like me. I recommend buying a Bluetooth mouse for your SS9. It will enable you to really harness the portability of this laptop (because you do not need to remove a USB port to operate it). I just open my SS9 in the sun or wherever I want to work and turn on my mouse.

If you're not willing to pay for the extra SSD there are other valid options to this problem if you have them. Buying an external portable HD can instantly solve your HD issue. I recommend a 500GB to 1TB.
Another option is to simply grab a 16GB - 32GB - 64GB Flash Drive. I bought a 16GB, which provides me with enough space to move anything I want. Usually, I will keep files I'll need soon on my Flash Drive and archive larger ones in my external HD. It's up to you.

I'd put more in here but I'm bored. I'll update when I feel like it. hope my review helps and thanks for reading. Read more ›

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Samsung series 9: how to resolve the WiFi issue September 21, 2011

By AT

I was shopping for new laptop and decided that I want one with SSD - much faster, lighter, quieter and consumes less power. The choices were: ss9 and MacBook Air. After reading all negative reviews about the horrible WiFi issue with the ss9, and also some display flickering, I chose the Mac - beautiful HW, but took me a couple days to realize that I'm not a Mac OS person.
So I ordered the SS9, despite all negative reviews. It holds its ground really well against the MBAir, and even aesthetically looks better, except for the surfaces - fingerprints stains all over. However, the WiFi issue was still there: ~1/10 of other laptop's bandwidth test in downloading speed, and terrible reception. I was sure in my gut that they simply used poor quality antenna, because the Intel WiFi adapter is top notch...

To resolve the WiFi issue: go to Samsung website and download under "Drivers" tab WLAN_Intel_64bit_14.1.1.3 - COMPLETELY RESOLVES THE WIFI ISSUE

To resolve the annoying auto dimming of the display: press Fn+F1 and uncheck "Adaptive brightness"

One more issue to be aware of: to replace the battery you'll have to ship the laptop to one of their service locations (I know of one in Buena Park, CA and another one in TX). The replacement takes 5-10 biz days + the shipping. Doing it on your own voids Samsung's 3yr warranty. This really sucks due to 1)the long time w/o your favorite tool, and 2) you'll have to remove all sensitive info from the computer, including your cookies, browsing history and saved passwords, and then put it all back. I wish they had a batch file to perform all that for you.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A great mobility, design and performance in a single tiny laptop August 17, 2011

By Daniel

Amazon Verified Purchase

My job supposes a lot of mobility. Have few offices to visit regularly, sometimes have to work virtually anywhere (outside of the Town, in my car, in a plane etc.) At the same time I need my work device to be able to run graphical and sound software (which might be quite demanding in terms of performance). I have to say Series 9 totally handles my every need. Here's the list of pros that in my opinion make this laptop the best of ultrathin mobile laptops at the moment:

* Incredibly fast boot: it boots whithin 3 seconds if in sleep mode, and less than 15 seconds if shut down allowing to start working immediately.
* Lightweight, slim and slick. Can carry it wherever I go. I'm not really the guy loving to show off with my stuff but no matter whether I want it or not, it does attract other's attention.
* Really bright screen: my previous laptop (ASUS M50VM) had a real dim display and it was glossy making it a real pain in the ass when I tried to work outside, uptown, breathing fresh air. The display at S9 is bloody awesome, you can work with sun shining right into it and still be able to see everything.
* Powerful and blazing fast: can run graphical software (like Photoshop or Flash), sound software (like Audition or FL Studio) 2d and 3d games, and because of SSD and USB 3.0 file management (copying/pasting internal/external) is really fast.
* Quiet. In some reviews before buying I read that it makes a lot of noise. It's not true: even if I put my ear right to it I hardly can hear the sound of coolers.
* Backlit keyboard. Too late, Apple.
* It's not MacBook Air: explains itself.

Now despite all pros there still are few cons (which is normal), and if these are cruical for you, you should consider another laptop.

* Really bad touchpad. I never noticed how the touchpad was working on my ASUS M50VM until now. It's said that you may not notice good thing until it's gone. The touchpad is Achilles' heel of Sammy's Series 9. You might accidently touch it while typing. In fact as I was typing this I had to return the cursor in the right position for about 5 times because of this. Of course this isn't a problem when you use mouse, you can disable touchpad with an Fn+F5 key combination. But when you hold the laptop on your knees usually you don't have how to use mouse. It was a bad decision to get rid of touchpad buttons. You have to look at touchpad every time otherwise you can just hit the wrong mouse button. Working with MS Visio or other stuff that requires a lot of mouse becomes hard as a hell. I really hope they will find a way to fix this with driver updates.
* Not quite good sound speakers, but it's not a big deal. When I want to listen to quality music I either wear my Beyerdynamic DT-770 headphones or use my KRK RP6 studio speakers. I don't expect the tiny laptop sound like a cinema theater. It's loud enough and that's enough for me.

If these two things are not a huge problem for you (as they aren't for me) this is a great choice in terms of mobility and performance. Besides you get it in a really cool packaging.