I received my Series 9 a couple days ago and I have to say I love it. The size is perfect for traveling and the Core I5 processor delivers more than enough punch for any applications I use. Really, there are many reviews on the Series 9 virtues and my experience with the system overall is in line with everyone else's: it is a great computer.
However, there is one glaring issue that purchasers should not gloss over and that is the weak wireless abilities of this system. Before buying mine I had read the plethora of issues people were having with wireless, but there also appeared to be various fixes for the weak performance. And honestly, I assumed that after more than 6 months on the market any issues would have been resolved. But not so, at least with my system. As of today, I have tried every correction I could find on the Internet (my computer has the Intel wireless module, not the Broadcom so there was no need to replace it) but nothing has corrected the problem. I found a couple reviews where brave users had removed their covers and found that the wireless signal increased substantially, but decreased again when the covers were re-installed. So, based on my experience and what I have read, it appears to be a serious design issue where the Series 9 covers are interfering with the wireless signal, and that is no easy fix.
On the plus side, I have noted that the problem is only with the 2.4 Ghz wireless and NOT the 5.0 Ghz wireless. I use a Netgear Dual band router at home so I was able to try both bands. I normally use the 2.4 Ghz because it has better range than the 5.0 GHz, but even if I am able to get 4 bars on the Samsung with the 2.4 Ghz wireless signal (and that is while standing within 10 feet of the router only), the signal drops out so frequently that it renders the connection useless. Most pages provide the "Page cannot be displayed". To compound this problem, when I am traveling, most wireless access points I encounter are still 2.4 Ghz bands, so I will essentially not be able to use the computer while out of my home, or I will have to install a USB wireless dongle, taking up one of the 2 available USB ports. I should note when I say this that most of my time on a computer is spent on web-apps, so wireless is critical to me. Using a dongle for wireless is not particularly appealing to me.
On a more positive note, I noticed that on the 5 Ghz band, while I may only get 2-3 bars signal, my connection is stable and FAST: I am getting about 22 Mbs transfer through SpeedTest.net, which is as good as any other computer I have on the wireless network. So if you are primarily using a 5 Ghz router, you probably will not have any issues (making the broad-based assumption that your experience is the same as mine).
If you are not surfing the web and just using the Samsung as a work horse, again, I think you will be exceptionally pleased with this computer. Only the wireless is an issue and it should not be underestimated, as I did.
Sorry for the long-winded review, but I felt that it should be clear to potential purchasers that the wireless problem is a big elephant at the dinner table still. Looks like my Samsung will be going back next week and that makes me sad.
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Finally, a PC product that's as attractive as anything from Apple. I've had mine for a month and I still get real tactile and visual pleasure from using it, or just looking at it. Samsung has fixed whatever the wifi issue was. Clearly, they should have been more open about the problem and so able to explain that they'd fixed it! Wifi performance is on a par with my old Asus UL30, which was always good.
System performance is definitely hindered by out of date drivers. Run the update (as you should anyway) and both processor and graphics benchmarks jump to where they should be. It's a big difference and explains some odd reviews in which the Samsung was substantially outperformed by competitor products with identical hardware.
Battery life is also better than most professional reviewers have shown. First, the screen is wonderful. It's bright, a lot brighter than the competition, and non-relective. I run mine at around 15%, unless I'm working outside. Nice touches like the backlit keyboard and the adaptive brightness use up juice as well. Now that I've set everything up, I'm getting 5 1/2 hours with a mix of writing (Final Draft) and web browsing, wifi on, bluetooth off.
Build quality is excellent. Despite what you may have read, the whole thing is duralumin, no plastic anywhere. Ports for everything including USB 3.0, although you'll need an adaptor for the HDMI. Like everyone else, I wish they'd put in a standard SD card slot rather than the micro. But you CAN close that flap with a card inside. Push it slightly deeper and then shut it. I bought a 32GB micro card and put it in. Problem solved.
Really not much more to say. The whole thing weighs 2 lbs 14 oz. It's the best laptop I've ever owned, by a long way.
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I had ample time to read the reviews of all ultrabooks. I was also aware that many new models will be launched at CES 2012 but I will leave the U.S. in a week's time, so I could not wait. And I am glad I did not. For me this is the perfect laptop and I have had many different models before. Works like a charm, excellent hardware, and absolutely no problems with touchpad nor wifi. I purchased a refurbished unit that came without the Samsung software installed. In this connection I had to call 1-800-SAMSUNG a few times. The speed and competence with which they help is truly outstanding. Most pleased.
Honest reviews on Samsung NP900X3A-B02 13.3-Inch Notebook - Black
I purchased this as a refurbished (by Samsung) product. I had a few qualms and contacted the seller more than once. Each time, the seller was extremely prompt, courteous, and informative. I went ahead and bought the NP900X3A-B02US. From order date to receipt: only 3 days! It was well-packaged and as described. There are a few minor scratches that are barely noticeable (noticeable only because I used a flashlight and scrutinized every inch)...to be expected in a refurbished product.
It's only been a few hours since I've received it. I've updated the drivers and backed up system files (also did a full backup), began personalizing it to my taste, began learning about all of the bells and whistles (still much to learn), connected to my network wirelessly. All went smoothly and very quickly and easily.
I encountered only one minor problem. At first startup and during Windows setup, the system froze. Went immediately to Samsung support website using another computer and initiated a chat with customer support. The problem was resolved before our chat was over, only a few minutes. The CS agent was courteous and knowledgeable about my problem. Very satisfied.
The NP900X3A-B02US is a beautiful tool, very pleasing to the eye, elegant, and a joy to work/play with. So far, I like everything about it. I had a bit of a time locating the USB plug and the other plugs but found them after checking through the installed User Guide. All of the plugs are behind a lid. I like that feature because it should keep out the dust. Never had a computer that covered the plugs before. The laptop is not only beautiful, it is very light. I like that. I like the keyboard and found no problem with it or using it. I like that the keyboard is backlit.
I purchased this particular model because I wanted a fully SSD with 256GB total capacity. I also purchased a 500GB portable external drive to store my system and all backup files. I have a 500GB Cardinal backup drive on which I store all of my data, photo, music, video, and other miscellaneous files. So I'm covered.
I gave this review only 4 stars because I intend to update it after using the laptop for a few weeks. I may then upgrade the review to 5 stars.
I want to again comment on how pleased I am with the seller concerning this purchase.
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27 Sep 2012
I've had my S9 for 2 weeks now and I am still extremely happy with it and can't seem to keep my hands or eyes off it. There are many other good-looking laptops out there but until I saw this one, I never saw one more beautifully elegant...and it performs greatly, too! Haven't learned all the features yet but wanted to add a couple of comments.
I've had no issues with the wireless connectivity. Connects on startup, no disconnects, and always 5 bars. The other point I wanted to add is this: I have owned several Samsung products (TV, cell phones, etc.), I trust their products and have never been disappointed, I've had no problems with their customer service on the occasions I needed to contact them. My customer service experience have all been online chats with their technical support agents at their website--no email or phone calls. Maybe that's why my experiences have all been good. The tech support agents were courteous, knowledgeable, spoke English very well, and resolved my problems immediately, usually within minutes.
When searching for an ultrabook, I considered both Sony and the MacBook Air. They both had beautiful products with a lot of great features. However, they both also had one huge negative for me--they are both extremely proprietary. Nearly all after-market accessories and parts for their products (I have had their laptops and a Sony TV) had to be purchased from them and their prices are expensive. I don't like being forced to buy their products. Don't get me wrong; both Sony and Apple have excellent products. I just want the option of buying what I want or need from whomever I want and get the best price for it. So I opted for Samsung with no regret.
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21 Feb 2013
I am still very pleased with this ultrabook. In fact, I am considering the purchase of a 2nd one from the same vendor. I really wanted one in a color other than black but I wouldn't be dissatisfied with another black one. I still think it's beautiful and very well-made. I have had no problems with the wireless connectivity or with bluetooth. My 2 BT mice connect in mere seconds; all I need do is turn it on and they're ready to go.
This laptop runs VERY cool, barely feel any warmth to the hand, no heat rushing out the sides from underneath the laptop. I'm running the SETI program on it nearly 24/7. It does not slow down my use of the unit to surf the web or work on any other program or to play (simple) games. I don't like the fast-moving violent video games. The webcam is excellent though I hardly ever use it. The sound volume is more than satisfactory and has a nicer tone than either of my VAIOs or Gateway laptops have/had. I originally planned on upgrading my RAM to 8GB but, for my use, I find it isn't necessary. The 4GB it came with exceeds my needs.
So, yes, I am seriously considering purchasing another one of these--same model, same vendor, and once again a refurbished unit by Samsung. The price is right $999 plus $16 s/h. If the 2nd unit is as great as this one is, I will be extremely pleased. Why a 2nd one? I always need a spare on hand...just in case. I don't want to use the VAIOs any longer. Maybe I'll donate them to a school or someone handicapped.
I have absolutely no reservations about recommending this refurbished unit from this vendor to anyone for purchase. Samsung has not let me down with any of the products I've purchased from them--cell phones, HDTV, cameras, video cameras, dvd/cd player/recorder. Samsung makes beautiful, quality products and for me, they have provided A++ online customer service support for all of their products. I will never return to Sony or Apple for any of my electronic wants or needs.
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I've had this laptop since August/2011. I did not get it on Amazon there was a *great* deal on-line from another supplier and I took a chance on them. This is without a doubt the best laptop I've ever had. Thin, light, fast, with a superb screen. The keyboard and touchpad are top notch. The audio is excellent for such a small machine. No fans going on and off, instant boot, dual-band wireless (2.4 and 5Ghz, which I wasn't even aware of when I purchased it...) make this thing amazing. Highly recommended.
