I love my new Samsung Series 9. This is the first ultraportable laptop that I’ve ever used that TRUMPED my previous full-sized laptop.
The biggest difference (besides the obvious size/look & feel differential) is the switch from Core2Duo to Core i5 w/ Sandy Bridge architecture. The performance on this thing is stunning.
I created the following table from a variety of sources to compare it to “the other guys”.
|
Attribute |
Samsung Series 9 |
Apple MacBook Air |
| Processor | Core i5 2537M 1.40GHz, 3MB cache w/SpeedBoost to 2.3Ghz (Sandy Bridge) | Core2Duo 1.86Ghz (optional Core2Duo 2.13Ghz with 6MB cache) |
| Memory | 4GB DDR3 1066 (8GB RAM max) |
2GB DDR3 (4GB RAM max) |
| Dimensions | .64” thick | .68” thick |
| Screen size | 13.3”Active Matrix TFT | 13.3” |
| Display technology | LED-backlit 400NIT SuperBright Plus | LED-backlit |
| Resolution | 1366×768 | 1440×900 |
| GPU | Integrated Intel HD 3000 GPU | nVidia GeForce 320M (256MB) GPU |
| External Display Port | Mini-HDMI (w/Mini-HDMI-to-VGA dongle) |
Mini-DisplayPort |
| Wireless Display | Yes (Intel Widi) | No |
| Front facing camera | Yes (1.3Mp) | Yes (1.3Mp) |
| Storage | 128GB SSD | 128GB flash storage(optional 256GB) |
| Keyboard | Backlit+Matte finish | Non-backlit+Glossy finish |
| Pointing Device | ClickPad (Multi-touch gesture) | Trackpad (Multi-touch gesture) |
| Speaker | 3 watt (1.5Wx2) stereo speakers + 1.5 watt subwoofer | Stereo speakers |
| Audio ports | Headphone+Microphone | Headphone only |
| Ethernet | Built-in Gigabit | Add-on 100Mb USB adapter |
| WiFi | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g |
| Expansion | MicroSD slot | SD slot |
| TPM | TPM 1.2 (A02US only; not A03US) | No TPM available |
| Bluetooth | 3.0 | 2.1 |
| USB | 3.0 | 2.0 |
| WiMax | Yes | No |
| Battery (Company reported) |
LiPoly 7hrs | LiPoly 7hrs |
| Battery (3rd party tested) |
5hrs 22min (CNet) | 4hrs 58min (CNet) |
| Weight | 2.89lbs | 2.9lbs |
| Warranty | 3 years, all-inclusive warranty. International parts & labor parts & labor; 3 years technical phone support | 90 days phone support + 1 year limited hardware warranty. Similar 2 year US-only protection available through AppleCare for $250 |
| Price | $1,599 + free Xbox 360 4GB | $1,299 (requires $1,599 for 256GB) |
Other noticeable differences:
- TEMPERATURE
Runs cool… even when SpeedBoosting! Not gonna burn your lap… unlike the MacBook Air which may leave a scorch mark on a wooden boardroom table. - CHASSIS
The laptop is encased in “Duralumin”, a metal composite used to build jet airliners for it’s strength & lightweight. It is of very sturdy construction as a result. - NETWORK PERFORMANCE
The Series 9 has a native, integrated gigabit network adapter with actual performance of up to 1Gb/sec data transmission rates due to its integration with the PCI-E bus. The Macbook Air’s lesser 100Mbps network adapter is a USB adapter that not only takes up a USB slot, but is relegated to USB data channel performance. - SALES TAX
An interesting thing about the Samsung is that you can buy it out of state and avoid paying sales tax. For example: In CA, you can pick up the Samsung from Amazon and be tax free & shipping free. Not so much with the MacBook Air: Apple’s likely got a store in your state and if that’s the case, you’re paying sales tax. This is roughly a $140 premium for really no value. - WIRELESS DISPLAY
Something that no one seems to mention is because the Samsung Series 9 leverages the integrated graphics processor – the HD 3000 – on the Core i5, Intel’s Wireless Display technology or “WiDi” is available to the user. This allows users of the Series 9 to wirelessly transmit their laptop screen at 1080p full 30fps to their consumer HD TV using a WiDi receiver, requiring no additional hardware on their PC. Great for video sharing!
A few great links for the Samsung Series 9:
- Samsung’s official site for the Series 9 including marketing photos:
http://www.samsung.com/ca/consumer/office/mobile-computing/performance/NP900X3A-A01CA/index.idx?pagetype=prd_detail&returnurl=
&pid=ca_mobilecomputingtype_keyvisual1_np900x3a_20110504 - TechRepublic’s very excellent hardware tear down of the Series 9:
http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/itdojo/samsung-series-9-worthy-rival-to-apple-macbook-air/2607 - Tej Babra’s look at the Intel WiDi Wireless Display feature of the Series 9:
http://www.tejbabra.com/index.php/reviews/samsung-series-9-laptop-review-with-intel-widi/
kurtsh
Kurt Shintaku's Blog 