13.3" Samsung NP900X3C with Ivy Bridge CPU

[Thors.Hammer]

256GB Crucial M4 2.5" SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive SSD (CT256M4SSD2) $180 or less + Free Shipping - Buy.com Deals, Coupons and Promos

Thoughts on this one?

Yes. It will not work inside the chassis of a Series 9 notebook. It is not a mSATA form factor.

[JOL]

9 hours would be impressive considering that the X4C, with 50% larger battery is only good for 10 hours of light usage. It has a bigger display to illuminate but is otherwise the same.

John

Right - I figured that 9 hours was questionable. Even on the B version, when I asked the MS employee about the rated 7 hours, she laughed and unequivocally stated that 4-5 hours was a better estimate. I should have asked her the same question about the C w/ Ivy Bridge, but forgot.

I just wonder (a) how Samsung was able to rate the C at 9 hours. Again, is IB THAT much more efficient?; and (b) how much better the C is over the B in terms of battery life and overall performance. I understand that the C has Ivy Bridge with the better graphics card. However, the MS store sells the C for $1299, whereas the B was $799 on clearance. My cheap self had a hard enough time justifying an $800 purchase; no way I could justify a $1,300 one!

However, was just interested in seeing whether anyone here has had experience with both the B and C who could chime in. Thanks again.

[Thors.Hammer]

Right - I figured that 9 hours was questionable. Even on the B version, when I asked the MS employee about the rated 7 hours, she laughed and unequivocally stated that 4-5 hours was a better estimate. I should have asked her the same question about the C w/ Ivy Bridge, but forgot.

I just wonder (a) how Samsung was able to rate the C at 9 hours. Again, is IB THAT much more efficient?; and (b) how much better the C is over the B in terms of battery life and overall performance. I understand that the C has Ivy Bridge with the better graphics card. However, the MS store sells the C for $1299, whereas the B was $799 on clearance. My cheap self had a hard enough time justifying an $800 purchase; no way I could justify a $1,300 one!

However, was just interested in seeing whether anyone here has had experience with both the B and C who could chime in. Thanks again.

I have yet to see any reports where any Ivy Bridge model shattered a battery life record of a Sandy Bridge machine. It appears they are pretty similar but you are getting more processing power (CPU and GPU).

[JOL]

I have yet to see any reports where any Ivy Bridge model shattered a battery life record of a Sandy Bridge machine. It appears they are pretty similar but you are getting more processing power (CPU and GPU).

Thanks, I appreciate your input. My B should be arriving on Monday, so I am looking forward to my new laptop. The Wifi on my Acer Timeline is driving me nuts (Intel 5100).

[Thors.Hammer]

My NP900X3B should be arriving next Wednesday.

[akheron]

Been reading this thread for a while. Wanted to say thanks for all the informative posts! :-)

For me it came down to the 2012 models of zenbook prime, MacBook air and series 9. After much research, decided to go with np900x3c. It just feels perfect for my needs. So far everything is looking great, though it's only been a couple of days. Paid $1100 for it before taxes which I think is pretty good for the model.

[SZ-zer]

Hey -

I am about to go for the 900X3C-A01US on Amazon. It's $1299 - but there's a $100 discount that ends tonight for a total of $1200.

Where did you get it for $1100?

Thanks

[aamsel]

My NP900X3B should be arriving next Wednesday.

I just got a X3B unit from MS Store yesterday.
Sorry to say, the keyboard is not as good as the C models.
Feels even more hard plastic, and even less throw to it.
I hope yours is, for some reason different.

The hard drive in it was a 128GB Samsung MZMPC128HBFU-000,
which is the good PM 830 mSATA, but don't think I am going to
be happy with the keyboard.

[intarweb]

Yes. It will not work inside the chassis of a Series 9 notebook. It is not a mSATA form factor.

What form factor is the SSD in the Series 9?

[akheron]

I just got it from futureshop (Vancouver). The guy helping me just offered to take $100 off from the $1200 sale price when I told him I'm interested in the 3 year protection plan. I'm still unsure if I need the plan ($349 for 3 yrs). I'm good with my gadgets and they usually last. Might just drop it. Any opinions if a protection plan is needed for it? It's built pretty solidly.