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.
UPDATE AUGUST 10TH 2011
I noticed some prices on several Samsung Series 9 Models and realized how mis-priced some of them are so I wanted to talk about the deals available for the given prices concerning each individual model:
NP900X3A-B01 128GB SSD $1,300
NP900X3A-A02 128GB SSD $1,610
NP900X3A-B02 256GB SSD $1,645
NP900X3A-A03 128GB SSD $1,440
Essentially, the best deal by far is the B02 with 256GB SSD which matches the A02's price range. However, I think the A Series offers 3Year Warranties, which if you're clumsy might be good for you, but for the rest I would recommend the better model.
NP900X3A-A05 256GB SSD i7 Intel $1,980
If you can afford it the A05 is an incredible machine, it's out of my price range and if you're going to get a laptop with specs like this one I wouldn't recommend it. This is not a solid gaming computer only due to the integrated Intel HD 3000 graphics card. I say this because there is no reason to run an i7 processor unless you're gaming, anything less that gaming does not constitute the price increase.
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.
Buy Samsung Series 9 NP900X3A-B01 13.3-Inch Laptop Now
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.
Read Best Reviews of Samsung Series 9 NP900X3A-B01 13.3-Inch Laptop Here
This machine is loaded with terrific features. It boots incredibly fast, the display is amazing, and the keyboard response is wonderful. The touchpad did take some getting used to, but wasn't a big deal.
However, I cannot recommend this device for one reason: the blasted power cord doesn't attach firmly to the laptop. When I pick up the laptop, it falls out. When I move the laptop, it falls out. When I close the lid, it falls out. Sometimes it just falls out for no apparent reason. Worse, sometimes it doesn't fall all the way out, but it just kind of hangs there, not charging the battery. This is especially annoying, since there are no indicators that the machine is charging when the lid is closed. Thus, I have closed the lid, the power cord has jiggled and disconnected, and the next morning my laptop isn't fully charged.
This is incredibly bad design in a machine that is otherwise superb.
About 3 weeks ago, I started having the wireless problem other users have noted. I went to the online help provided by Samsung to report both the wireless problem and the problem with the cord. I spent a frustrating hour there, with instructions like, "plug the cord FIRMLY into the machine." Annoyed, and not expecting much, I called the 1-800 number for service the next day during business hours. I am pleased to report that this worked out extraordinarily well. The person on the phone line was helpful, courteous, and prompt. Within 15 minutes I had a return authorization for both problems. Ten days later, I have my machine back. Both problems are fixed. The cord no longer falls out, and the wireless is impeccable. I'm now again delighted with my laptop.
My only reservation is with the build quality; I've owned 8-9 laptops previously, and this is the first time I've had to send a new machine in for service. This is a great machine, now that it's working...but for over $1000, shouldn't it have worked in the first place?
Want Samsung Series 9 NP900X3A-B01 13.3-Inch Laptop Discount?
-The Trackpad: It sucks. No driver updates have changed that. It's not that it has a problem distinguishing between gestures, but it seems to lack any sort of sensitivity. No, I do not mean mouse movement speed, I mean the accuracy of it detecting fingers present on the pad. I have a 5 year old laptop that you could glide your fingers across and the mouse would move accordingly. This one only seems to pick up fingers gliding near the center of the track pad, leave the center and it actually requires some pressure for it to pick up your fingers. Considering that the track pad is central to a laptop, this is incredibly disappointing.
The only gesture I really have a problem with is scrolling up and down. There is major lag between the time you scroll with your fingers and the time it takes the page to scroll. You will either scroll too far or not far enough because of this insane delay.
-The Screen: I understand that Samsung decided on a matte screen for anti glare, but on a laptop that is designed around aesthetics, it's hideous. There is a distinct lack of clarity which becomes increasingly noticeable on lower brightness settings. I thought ClearType was disabled when I bought it, but it turns out that is just how to the screen works. Want to simulate it on a glossy screen? Go turn ClearType off and look at the jagged artifacting around the text on the desktop icons and various windows. That is what a matte screen looks like all of the time.
Now for the positives:
-Battery Life The laptop has three power modes you can choose with the fn keys. Power saver, balanced, and max performance. On power saver, I get an average of 5-6 hours of battery life with wifi enabled.
-The Keyboard It has very quiet and sensitive keys. I find it very enjoyable to type on.
-The Duralumin Body Other than the fact it looks awesome and is very light, everything about the body styling is perfect. The screen closes and opens smoothly, the edges are nicely tapered, and it feels much more solid than the mac book air without being much heavier.
-Runs Cool it won't warm your lap. After watching a 2 hour movie with the fan partially obstructed by my blanket, the bottom of the laptop is barely warm.
-Very quiet because of how seldom the fan comes on, and because of the solid state drive, the laptop is virtually silent under all conditions.
-The Wi-FiI haven't had any issues with Wi-Fi connectivity. Supposedly it has been resolved with the latest drivers.
Bottom Line: Get a portable bluetooth mouse, if you can stand one, and the laptop is easily the best ultrabook out there.
It gets 3 stars, because to me, the trackpad is the center piece of the laptop, I hate carrying around extra stuff, and needing a mouse for a laptop is absolutely ridiculous. The trackpad apologist reviews are saying you know, "oh you get used to it". No, the lack of any consistency with mouse movement is not something you simply get used to.
