Samsung 9 Series vs MBA 13"

[Lefort1]

I just heard about Samsung's new 9 series meant to compete with the MBA 13". It's thinner, lighter, faster and better speced with even better battery life! I can't wait to see some reviews for this thing!

I have an 11" MBA and am waiting to hear whether or not Apple will FINALLY give us some Sandy Bridge. It looks like this may be the key for all of us looking for a portable Sandy Bridge laptop!

http://www.samsung.com/us/computer/laptops/NP900X3A-A03US

Thoughts from other MBA owners?

 

[Hellhammer]

Actually, overall MBA is thinner. MBA's thickest point is 0.68" but the thinnest point is only 0.11" while the corresponding numbers for the Samsung are 0.64" and 0.62". So, from the thickest point, MBA is 0.04" thicker but from the thinnest point, MBA is 0.51" thinner.

Samsung being lighter is also a bit moot. The difference is 0.02lb so yes, technically it is marginally lighter but to be honest, I wouldn't call that a difference.

The screen is also 1366x768 which is the same as in 11.6" MBA so that isn't very impressing. 1649$ price tag doesn't make it too appealing either when compared to 1299$ MBA.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1119174/

 

[GFLPraxis]

I just heard about Samsung's new 9 series meant to compete with the MBA 13". It's thinner, lighter, faster and better speced with even better battery life! I can't wait to see some reviews for this thing!

I have an 11" MBA and am waiting to hear whether or not Apple will FINALLY give us some Sandy Bridge. It looks like this may be the key for all of us looking for a portable Sandy Bridge laptop!

http://www.samsung.com/us/computer/laptops/NP900X3A-A03US

Thoughts from other MBA owners?

They claim 7 hour battery life...that's the same as the MBA. Faster processor, slower GPU, more RAM, lower resolution screen, smaller (by half) SSD, higher price. I'd call it a fair competitor to the top end MBA, but it doesn't really beat it, just matches it.

Do you work for Samsung? xD

 

[Scottsdale]

They claim 7 hour battery life...that's the same as the MBA. Faster processor, slower GPU, more RAM, lower resolution screen, smaller (by half) SSD, higher price. I'd call it a fair competitor to the top end MBA, but it doesn't really beat it, just matches it.

Do you work for Samsung? xD

I think if Apple introduced an MBA the same shape using Duralumin as the 9 Series Samsung people would say it's incredible. Yet since it's a Samsung many are saying it's ugly. I think it looks great.

Others bash Windows 7, but I think Windows 7 has been incredible. If there weren't viruses it would be equal in my mind. However running antivirus software makes 7 slightly inferior.

The real problem is it will not run OS X. I love some of the apps only available on OS X. I wish there was a way to run OS X on other systems just to give them a real test drive.

But looking at the components inside the 9 Series leaves something to be desired. I know many want Sandy Bridge but with it comes the Intel IGP. I think the 9 Series might show us how inferior the Intel IGP is in low voltage variants. I think this might be the real indicator as to could Apple even use them or would they represent half or less of the 320m's capabilities. I really want these reviews and IGP numbers. Then I want to consider OS X is inferior in OpenGL and graphics drivers vs Windows.

I think a lot of people will be surprised as I don't believe Apple can go this far backwards with graphics in the MBA. And before anyone quotes the IGP in the 13" MBP you had better know the difference with that and the IGP in the low and ultra low voltage Sandy Bridge chips. I think this will show us all that Apple is going to need to stick with the current C2D until Ivy Bridge or even look into the discrete GPU options from AMD or even the roadmap of AMD CPUs with on die IGPs at maybe as much as 5x the capabilities of Intel's SB.

 

[J&JPolangin]

...if it natively ran OSX I'd consider buying it = otherwise I'll just stick with my HP DM4 i5 w/ 8Gb RAM, Intel G2 SSD & 3 year extended warranty (weighing in at 4.2 lbs) = $1040 shipped including upgrades (giving me a spare external eSATA 500Gb HDD and RAM to upgrade a friends laptop from 2 to 4Gb!

Prices on RAM and SSD have come down since I got this whole setup ~1 year ago and the 3 year warranty also covers accidental damage (+ shipping to a military address box is expensive = it would have been under $1K with out the shipping costs).

 

[neteng101]

Thoughts from other MBA owners?

Screen resolution is a big fail on the Samsung, shiny bezel around screen looks to be plastic. Unknown at this point but I've seen other black metal laptops become huge fingerprint magnets (eg. some of the Asus ones). Only a 128GB SSD.

And it doesn't run OSX.

The processor seems to only be 10% better even than the 2.13 MBA.

If processor is a big issue for anyone, wait for a Sandy Bridge MBA. It will likely be some i7 low voltage variant and way better than what the Samsung brings.

 

[votdfak]

Apple's design is unbeatable in my opinion. Also, obviously the main difference is operating system. Beeing a Windows user for several years and with my IT background I can say that Mac OS X is superior OS. In the end I like the fact that Apple will never go over 5% share, that way we are safe from harm. There are true Windows laptop contenders, like Sony Vaio Z or this Samsung 9 series lap, but they come with serious price tag. Can't wait to get my hands on MBA 13" Ultimate.

 

[2IS]

I've said it before in another thread, the only thing I don't like about the Samsung is the screen resolution. The MBA has slightly cleaner lines but not by a whole lot. Windows 7 > OS X IMO so thats a point for the Samsung.

I just really don't understand Samsungs design choice to go with a 1366x768 display. Really baffling to me considering this is obviously aimed to compete directly with the MBA and the fact that Samsung is one of a handful of manufacturers that actually make their own LCD panels is even more dumbfounding.

 

[votdfak]

Something much more interesting than Samsung 9 Series, Sony Vaio Hybrid.

Ultraportable laptop with i7, ssd and dock with Thunderbolt, graphics card & Bluray. That's more like it.

 

[hcho3]

I just heard about Samsung's new 9 series meant to compete with the MBA 13". It's thinner, lighter, faster and better speced with even better battery life! I can't wait to see some reviews for this thing!

I have an 11" MBA and am waiting to hear whether or not Apple will FINALLY give us some Sandy Bridge. It looks like this may be the key for all of us looking for a portable Sandy Bridge laptop!

http://www.samsung.com/us/computer/laptops/NP900X3A-A03US

Thoughts from other MBA owners?

I hardly see how this will affect 13 MBA sales or apple.

1. They copied from apple's first gen MBA. It has a drop port.

2. Who cares if it's .01 inch thinner?

3. Sandy bridge is nice, but I don't want intel graphic card.

4. You must work for samsung.

 

[2IS]

I hardly see how this will affect 13 MBA sales or apple.

1. They copied from apple's first gen MBA. It has a drop port.

2. Who cares if it's .01 inch thinner?

3. Sandy bridge is nice, but I don't want intel graphic card.

4. You must work for samsung.

1) Why would that not affect sales?

2) Why would that not affect sales?

3) Why would that not affect sales?

4) Sounds like an apple fanboy upset at some competition

 

[Hellhammer]

Windows 7 > OS X IMO so thats a point for the Samsung.

You can run Windows 7 in MBA just fine so I wouldn't say that is the whole point of the Samsung.

 

[Veinticinco]

The day one of these 'me too' laptops can natively run OS X is the day we can have a relevant and meaningful discussion about comparative specs and design in relation to an MBA.

As for this latest pretender, it's a Samsung. Ugh. QC issues every week of ownership you can bet. Plus I'd be taking a blade to that awful ugly typographic logo on the lid if I was unfortunate or deluded enough to buy one of these.

There is no "vs." aspect to discuss. If you want an ultraportable Mac then buy the MBA, if you want to run Windows 7 (for some reason) then still buy the MBA. If you want to try to impress people with "it's like a MBA but it's a PC, black, and more expensive" then knock yourself out with the Samsung clone.

 

[2IS]

You can run Windows 7 in MBA just fine so I wouldn't say that is the whole point of the Samsung.

I didn't say that's "the point" I said "a point" like what you get when you score a goal. And I know you can run Wndows on the MBA, I have mine setup that way but the average consumer looking for an ultra portable laptop that runs Windows isn't likely to get an MBA even though it's capable.

 

[Scottsdale]

I didn't say that's "the point" I said "a point" like what you get when you score a goal. And I know you can run Wndows on the MBA, I have mine setup that way but the average consumer looking for an ultra portable laptop that runs Windows isn't likely to get an MBA even though it's capable.

But I agree with his POINT that the MBA also runs Windows so you cannot give the Samsung a point when the MBA is fully capable of the same... and that was his point.

The deal is the MBA runs both Windows and OS X. I enjoy both Windows and OS X equally. However, until all of the apps I run in OS X will run on Windows, I need a machine that runs OS X. Therefore, the POINT has to go to the MBA as it runs BOTH OSES just fine rather than being limited to Windows as the Samsung is. There is the point... two OSES is better than one OS.

If the Samsung ran both OS X and Windows, I think it would be a real competitor but it's obviously not capable and therefore loses that POINT.

 

[Lefort1]

4. You must work for samsung.

Yes, I must work for Samsung. Especially considering I registered this form right around when the newest MBA was released. And reading my old posts, you'll see I was back and forth between the 11" and 13" MBA like everyone else.

As seen in my older posts, I want something PORTABLE and POWERFUL. It's funny how anyone on this forum jumps down your throat when you ask a simple question about anything not-apple.

Am I an apple fanboy? No. But I respect SOME of their products.
Am I a Samsung fanboy? I don't own anything from Samsung actually.
Do I like tech? Yes I do. Sue me.

Actually, overall MBA is thinner. MBA's thickest point is 0.68" but the thinnest point is only 0.11" while the corresponding numbers for the Samsung are 0.64" and 0.62". So, from the thickest point, MBA is 0.04" thicker but from the thinnest point, MBA is 0.51" thinner.

Samsung being lighter is also a bit moot. The difference is 0.02lb so yes, technically it is marginally lighter but to be honest, I wouldn't call that a difference.

The screen is also 1366x768 which is the same as in 11.6" MBA so that isn't very impressing. 1649$ price tag doesn't make it too appealing either when compared to 1299$ MBA.

You just wrote a paragraph comparing tenths and hundredths of an inch and then you tell me 0.02lbs is a moot. That's pretty funny!!!!!

Good point about the screen res. Price not so much, you're comparing a base 13" that doesn't have specs anywhere near the Samsung. Price out the ultimate MBA 13" at $1,729 and now we see Samsung has chosen a nice price point.

I'm all for competition, a world full of one company leading the way would be boring and creates a Monopoly that ruins things for the consumer. The Dell Adamo was a pretty poor attempt at competiting with the MBA. I simply posted to see what thoughts and strategies other MBA owners were going to take.

Wait for possible June MBA refresh?
Wait for possible October MBA refresh?
Sell now and go for Samsung?
Wait and see?
etc.

 

[Lefort1]

The deal is the MBA runs both Windows and OS X. I enjoy both Windows and OS X equally. However, until all of the apps I run in OS X will run on Windows, I need a machine that runs OS X. Therefore, the POINT has to go to the MBA as it runs BOTH OSES just fine rather than being limited to Windows as the Samsung is. There is the point... two OSES is better than one OS.

I have the 2GB MBA, so the consensus on the board is that VMware/Parallels is out of the question for me. I really WISH Apple would just give us SOME details about the MBA refresh. And for the love of God make 3GB of ram STANDARD.

 

[2IS]

But I agree with his POINT that the MBA also runs Windows so you cannot give the Samsung a point when the MBA is fully capable of the same... and that was his point.

The deal is the MBA runs both Windows and OS X. I enjoy both Windows and OS X equally. However, until all of the apps I run in OS X will run on Windows, I need a machine that runs OS X. Therefore, the POINT has to go to the MBA as it runs BOTH OSES just fine rather than being limited to Windows as the Samsung is. There is the point... two OSES is better than one OS.

If the Samsung ran both OS X and Windows, I think it would be a real competitor but it's obviously not capable and therefore loses that POINT.

Like I said, your average consumer does not care. They either want a Mac or a Windows machine. They don't have the need for both OS' nor the desire to Install Windows on a Mac. The people on this forum are not indicative of your average consumer. What that means is that if your average Joe wants a ultra portable Windows machine, they are not going to buy a MBA and install Windows on it, they're simply going to buy the Samsung and move on with their life.

 

[tbobmccoy]

I have the 2GB MBA, so the consensus on the board is that VMware/Parallels is out of the question for me. I really WISH Apple would just give us SOME details about the MBA refresh. And for the love of God make 3GB of ram STANDARD.

I'm betting that with the next MBA update, they'll make 4GB of RAM standard. Of course, that could be when Ivy Bridge is around... so not until Winter 2012, but there's still the possibility for Sandy Bridge MBAs...

 

[DarwinOSX]

It runs Windows and Windows is crap. Including Windows 7 which is a terrible Ui pasted on top of the same old tired crap.
For a cheap PC laptop Samsungs aren't bad but not the quality, service and support of Mac laptops. dollars to donuts the screen sucks too as well as the trackpad.

 

[DarwinOSX]

Like I said, your average consumer does not care. They either want a Mac or a Windows machine. They don't have the need for both OS' nor the desire to Install Windows on a Mac. The people on this forum are not indicative of your average consumer. What that means is that if your average Joe wants a ultra portable Windows machine, they are not going to buy a MBA and install Windows on it, they're simply going to buy the Samsung and move on with their life.

On top of that the average consumer is not going to spend the money on this Samsung. They will buy whatever is on sale at best Buy this week.

 

[iRun26.2]

I have the 2GB MBA, so the consensus on the board is that VMware/Parallels is out of the question for me. I really WISH Apple would just give us SOME details about the MBA refresh. And for the love of God make 3GB of ram STANDARD.

3GB of RAM??? You must be kidding. That will never happen.

 

[Lefort1]

3GB of RAM??? You must be kidding. That will never happen.

Hell I'd rather have 4GB standard for the MBA, but that seems like a FAR stretch for SJ.

 

[Hellhammer]

As seen in my older posts, I want something PORTABLE and POWERFUL.

Those two don't go hand in hand. It's either one or the other. You can't have everything.

You just wrote a paragraph comparing tenths and hundredths of an inch and then you tell me 0.02lbs is a moot. That's pretty funny!!!!!

That was just a counterpoint as you said it is thinner, while it is not. 0.51" is actually quite a lot when the thickest point is only 0.68". At least it is bigger than the 0.02lb difference.

Good point about the screen res. Price not so much, you're comparing a base 13" that doesn't have specs anywhere near the Samsung. Price out the ultimate MBA 13" at $1,729 and now we see Samsung has chosen a nice price point.

Ultimate MBA has 256GB SSD whereas the Samsung has only 128GB. Not fair to compare them. Base 13" with 4GB of RAM is the closest you can get and it is still noticeably cheaper than the Samsung.

 

[BENJMNS]

So much for OSX stability. For the most part, great, but this happens once every two weeks or so...

Nothing is perfect. I happen to like Win7. we, the consumers, win here (pun intended).