Samsung 9 Series laptop (ZX310 / 900X3A) unveiled

[gsainc]

One thing to note is that this laptop comes with USB3.0.

Agreed that USB3.0 will be AWESOME, but ........

The USB3.0 spec suggests a 1000% speed improvement (10x) over USB2.0.

However, that theoretical maximum speed was not even close to being achievable in earlier implementations (eg, the ASUS U33JC USB3.0 port produced transfer rate improvement over USB2.0 of only 200% max.)

The bottleneck will always be the I/O bandwidth of the appropriate M/B chipset.

Hopefully, in the case of both the Samsung 9 Series and the ASUS U36, no bottlenecks will seriously cap the max. speed of USB3.0.

[Capt'n Corrupt]

This was really interesting. Rep points incoming!

ETA: another advantage of docks is that the laptop is closed, so you don't have to deal with the small screen while using the big one. I guess if you go this USB route, there's no way of using only the external display(s)?

That's a good point, but this is a software issue, and if the software is implemented well, I see no reason why it shouldn't be possible.

ie. When the dock is connected, temporarily disable the 'auto sleep' functionality, and when the screen is closed, push output over USB.

This is how display link does it:
DisplayLink: Support

At first it seems cumbersome, but if you set your laptop up to 'never sleep' when plugged in, and to 'turn screen off' when lid is closed, it should effectively provide the same functionality.

It would be far better if this were automatic, though it's still possible, which is nice.

[Capt'n Corrupt]

Agreed that USB3.0 will be AWESOME, but ........

The USB3.0 spec suggests a 1000% speed improvement (10x) over USB2.0.

However, that theoretical maximum speed was not even close to being achievable in earlier implementations (eg, the ASUS U33JC USB3.0 port produced transfer rate improvement over USB2.0 of only 200% max.)

The bottleneck will always be the I/O bandwidth of the appropriate M/B chipset.

Hopefully, in the case of both the Samsung 9 Series and the ASUS U36, no bottlenecks will seriously cap the max. speed of USB3.0.

Definitely. Even so, the bandwidth should be markedly higher than USB2 -- or I would as least hope.

I look forward to actual throughput tests!

[Baldrake]

YouTube - Targus USB2.0 Docking Station with Video

Anyone have any idea what that laptop stand is in this video? It doesn't look like a Targus product (at least I couldn't see it on their web site.) Looks rather nice.

[Capt'n Corrupt]

Anyone have any idea what that laptop stand is in this video? It doesn't look like a Targus product (at least I couldn't see it on their web site.) Looks rather nice.

That's a good question!

It's probably one of these (EDIT: It's the first one):
Targus|AWE05US–Targus Ergo D-Pro Desktop Laptop Stand
Targus - Targus Laptop Stand with Removable Chill Hub customer reviews - product reviews - read top consumer ratings

They look as though the have room for the USB docking station (which is good product plannning if true).

My only gripe with the USB docking station, is no Linux support (I use ubuntu exclusively)! I'll have to stick with HDMI out (which is fine for me), and a good USB hub (incl. some audio device).

Still, this is a great option for Windows users.

[Baldrake]

Right, there it is.

By the way, Amazon users hate the Targus dock. Sounds like it's got a nasty installation process.

It will be interesting to see when the USB 3.0 versions of these start showing up.

[Capt'n Corrupt]

Right, there it is.

By the way, Amazon users hate the Targus dock. Sounds like it's got a nasty installation process.

It will be interesting to see when the USB 3.0 versions of these start showing up.

That's very good to know. Thanks!

I'm comfortable sticking with the standard HDMI out (audio/video), a standard USB hub, and a power cord. Yes, there are three connections to make as opposed to a single one, but it's not all that painful for me as I move the computer somewhat infrequently. I also have very little choice being a linux user

What I'd really like, is to be able to output to two screens, which seems to be limited to USB output solutions (or laptops with VGA and HDMI/Displayport). Good for windows users, bad for linux users. It's not enough to have me denounce this laptop, though. I'm contemplating a large 37"-42" screen, a desk set back from the wall (think middle of the room), and a very nice speaker system to complement the system. Now that's luxurious (and not too expensive either).

[Capt'n Corrupt]

Hold the phone! It seems that the latest displaylink adapter has working Linux drivers!
http://libdlo.freedesktop.org/wiki/

It may be possible to set up a laptop dock afterall! Too bad I'm sold on my utopian vision of a large screen and a desk in the center of the room.

[Free_Man]

I was just on Samsung's US site and noticed a video right off the homepage showing and talking about the 9 Series...I still cannot actually find it listed under their laptop section, but they do at least have the press release there that states it will be released in February.

[ghegde]

any word on the processor it'll have? Sandybridge i3 perhaps?