The 2012 Samsung Series 9 13.3" (NP900X3B)

[drofphilosophy]

Shame on you Samsung for equipping their high end machines with slow Sandisk SSDs instead of their own 830 series SSDs, so for me it's probably going to be an Asus UX31 which I can get for around 400 bucks less with the same specs.

[ThreeD]

it's really a shame. powerhouse product in their sexiest shell with poor interiors. wlan issues, gigabit issues, scratching fans, slow ssd. don't know why they don't do their homework and get the basics right. great screen, size, package and weight, but issues that shouldn't be there... :/

[SoundsGood]

Shame on Samsung for equipping their high end machines with slow Sandisk SSDs instead of their own 830 series SSDs

I've gotta admit, you'd think their high-end flagship model would get the best materials. Especially when it's their own materials.

[sensationxe]

After optimized Windows 7 settings SSD Benchmark is 7.5

Information to fingerprints on materials:
Ist much better than 900X3A!
But problem is NOT solved to 100% ...

On keyboard-keys you can see fingerprints and where hand is lying on while typing there are places getting "shiny"

[sensationxe]

Wlan-problem:
I think problem comes from antenna which is located directly under the display behind F5 - F10 keys of the keyboard .... problem is different if notebook is standing an a table or on my knees ....

tomorrow I'll get different wlan-chips ... I'll check them an give you further information

[ThreeD]

thanks for all your updates! can you run a chrystaldiskmark for the ssd? cheers!

[sensationxe]

thanks for all your updates! can you run a chrystaldiskmark for the ssd? cheers!

Here is Crystaldiskmark (with censored serial)

[NangNang]

Haha... Can't believe they use SANDISK instead of THEIR OWN SSD!!! That's a fatal mistake and If the 15 inch version has the same SSD , I WON'T buy this one anymore and I go with Apple... that's just a real real shame... they're asking 1400$ and more and offer us crap? What do they think who we are?

[CJP2]

Like many others here, I had my sights set on this new SS9, either the 13 or 15. However, (in the US) there still doesn't seem to be a firm release date. And the 15-inch, (I wrote this in that thread) CDW said their Samsung Rep confirmed it would be 3-4 weeks, or even April. And so, no release in sight.

Unfortunately, I cannot wait longer than another week – 2 at the most. (If I could, I would just wait a little while longer to see the difference with Ivy Bridge and to better evaluate this snazzy new SS9.)

Today, I stopped by a Best Buy (No! Not to purchase, but just to put my hands on) to see the Asus UX31, and the Samsung 5 and first Gen Series 9.

The most important elements to me are
(1) the least weight possible
(2) longest battery life (again its about not carrying extra weight and adapters)
(3) good (backlit) keyboard
(4) at least one 3.0 USB port (I don't care about an optical drive or all the other HDMI, etc ports)
(5) SD card slot is a must
(6) Reliable Wi-Fi is essential

I am completing my dissertation and so I teach as an adjunct on many campuses and travel a great deal throughout the week. I have to work on the fly any chance I can get. Given all the texts, etc. I carry, the lightest notebook really matters.

I use the Internet and MS Office on a very regular basis (many times a day), but it will also be extensively used for data (so I need as much RAM as possible). I can live with a 128 SSD, but would 'like' a 256 GB. Definitely do not want a spinning HD even if it does have more GB.

I've looked at these three above, and still do not see a clear winner. I’ve been reading reviews and of course, the discussions here, but would like to hear from some of you.

Any thoughts? Any input would be really appreciated.

[dandefilippo]

Like many others here, I had my sights set on this new SS9, either the 13 or 15. However, (in the US) there still doesn't seem to be a firm release date. And the 15-inch, (I wrote this in that thread) CDW said their Samsung Rep confirmed it would be 3-4 weeks, or even April. And so, no release in sight.

Unfortunately, I cannot wait longer than another week – 2 at the most. (If I could, I would just wait a little while longer to see the difference with Ivy Bridge and to better evaluate this snazzy new SS9.)

Today, I stopped by a Best Buy (No! Not to purchase, but just to put my hands on) to see the Asus UX31, and the Samsung 5 and first Gen Series 9.

The most important elements to me are
(1) the least weight possible
(2) longest battery life (again its about not carrying extra weight and adapters)
(3) good (backlit) keyboard
(4) SD card slot is a must

I am completing my dissertation and so I teach as an adjunct on many campuses and travel a great deal throughout the week. Given all the texts, etc. I carry, the lightest notebook really matters.

I use the typical internet and MS Office on a regular basis, but it will also be extensively used for data (so I need as much RAM as possible). I can live with a 128 SSD, but would 'like' a 256 GB. Reliable Wi-Fi is essential.

I've looked at these three, and still do not see a clear winner. I’ve been reading reviews and of course, the discussions here, but would like to hear from some of you.

Any thoughts? Any input would be really appreciated.

im with the exactly same problem mate. Wont be able to wait more than one week. Been working hard and need something quick....
so u said the 15" is coming soon...anything about the 13"? just dont wanna waste any more time.