Samsung Series 9: Out MBA-ing the MBA?

[Hellhammer]

Also you can put OSX on a normal laptop its not hard.

You will have to wait for Apple to use Sandy Bridge before OS X's kernel will support the new CPUs and thus this Samsung lappy. OS X has already been installed on Sandy Bridge computer but it required hacked kernel which will most likely lead to stability and other problems as it's not recommended by Hackintoshers, yet.

http://tonymacx86.blogspot.com/2011/01/intels-new-sandy-bridge-and-mac-os-x.html

 

[HLdan]

Resale value of the MBA using a C2D, which will be 5+ years old when you sell, processor might not be that great. It might cause Geeks That Lurk Forums to hesitate. Thats the problem with buying 4-year old hardware.

I think we are a being a little to optimistic about resale value of these current MBA and MBP because of the current resale value of the MBP, which hasn't had a great upgrade in a while.

Sorry, I had to fix that. Most people that are looking for a used computer on Ebay hardly even know a Core 2 Duo Processor from Sandy Bridge or even G4 for that matter. They just want to know if runs Mac OS or Windows and how much ram is in it.

 

[Sounds Good]

1400 compared to 'around' 1600. Thats not to bad considering it will be discounted more. I will be adding an ethernet usb adapter and a display port adapter to that 1400 like a lot of people.

Not to mention the Samsung comes standard with 4GB ram, vs $100 extra charge on the MBA. And the Samsung has the backlit keyboard, not available on the MBA -- but wanted by many (myself included).

 

[foiden]

I can't wait to see if an intel GPU can beat out an Nvidia. It'll be the first time in history it has ever done that. Not that I'm saying it can't happen. I'm just waiting for the unprecedented to happen. I will mark that date.

 

[Hellhammer]

I can't wait to see if an intel GPU can beat out an Nvidia. It'll be the first time in history it has ever done that. Not that I'm saying it can't happen. I'm just waiting for the unprecedented to happen. I will mark that date.

Help yourself

http://www.anandtech.com/show/4084/intels-sandy-bridge-upheaval-in-the-mobile-landscape/5
http://www.anandtech.com/show/4084/intels-sandy-bridge-upheaval-in-the-mobile-landscape/6

It wins in benchmark with low graphics, mot likely because the CPU does most of the job there. Also, remember that LV and ULV chips have significantly lower clock speeds than the IGP used in those tests so if ULV CPU like the one in Samsung was tested against 320M, it would very likely be slower in all tests.

 

[size100]

Help yourself

http://www.anandtech.com/show/4084/intels-sandy-bridge-upheaval-in-the-mobile-landscape/5
http://www.anandtech.com/show/4084/intels-sandy-bridge-upheaval-in-the-mobile-landscape/6

It wins in benchmark with low graphics, mot likely because the CPU does most of the job there. Also, remember that LV and ULV chips have significantly lower clock speeds than the IGP used in those tests so if ULV CPU like the one in Samsung was tested against 320M, it would very likely be slower in all tests.

I think tests between the two CPUs between MBA and series-9 would be more interesting. The GPU is obviously not up to par with the 320m.

 

[foiden]

I see. It looks good at low settings, but once you kick up the details, it still struggles. Still sounds like intel has a way to go. So I still have to wait for it when it comes to performance with real GPU-using tests.

So, still no *better than Nvidia* from Intel yet. So I'll still wait for that day.

 

[double329]

I like the way it looks. I also like the look of Dell Adamo. But, I like the MBA more....

 

[s15119]

No release date.

 

[Ach111es]

the black brushed look is pretty foxy...wouldn't mind apple going back to the soft touch black like the old ones, but with metal of course. Granted that would ruin the whole aluminum black flow they have going.

 

[bowlerman625]

It looks interesting but I would not want it because it has Windows on it.

 

[aCondor]

This is BLASPHEMY! Off with his head!

 

[almostjay]

My (what I like to consider to be) non-biased point of view:

As a satisfied new MBA owner, who has never owned an Apple product other than an iPod by the way, I will never, ever purchase a computer based on specs without using it ever again.

I very rarely see it discussed around here, but my favorite thing about the Macbooks is the trackpad. Obviously this feature is not unique to the Air, but the awesome trackpad (size, responsiveness, gesture integration, etc.) makes using this computer so fun and easy. The trackpad on the Samsung looks bigger so maybe they are trying to emulate the Mac in this regard, but others have tried before but in my opinion they haven't come close.

I played with 20 laptops before settling on the Air, and really, for my usage (think standard MBA user profile), the trackpad seriously became the most important differentiating factor. I feel like that will sound ridiculous to a lot of people, but it really is amazing to me how much the trackpad affects the user experience, and even the most advanced Windows machines I have used feel totally clunky compared to the Macs.

The bottom line is that the numbers do not tell the story. Take this thing for a test drive before you declare the death of your new MBA!

 

[potentpotable]

I'm glad Samsung is pulling this off. Aesthetically, I still prefer my Air, but now it's proven that Apple was being lazy or stupid by not including simple things like a backlit keyboard.

With more competition, only good things can come. Only sadness I have about it is that my Air just got that much more obsolete.

 

[ecib]

...the trackpad seriously became the most important differentiating factor. I feel like that will sound ridiculous to a lot of people...

Not silly it all. It was the single biggest factor for me as well.
It's the first Mac I've owned, and the trackpad is the single biggest reason I went with a Mac over a cheaper PC laptop with better specs. It's just effortless to use.

 

[Maven1975]

One of the main reasons I just repurchased a 11" MacBook Air was because Apple is GREAT at servicing their products.

I just recently switched back after trying a Sony Z for 60 days. I had an issue with my keyboard and Sony's repair time was 20 days. This was not acceptable to me as I need my computer for business on a regular basis. I had my old MBP's logic board replace and it took 48 hours! And yes, you are buying OSX, and the iLife suite when purchasing a Mac. Replacing iLife is a complete hassle on PC. It can be done, but if you do it legally, prepare to be absolutely raped by Adobe.

Windows 7 is a good OS. Their live essential suite is a step in the right direction. Also, Hotmail/Live (Their MobileMe) is FREE making it even more appealing. Windows Phone 7 is also second only to iPhone. (Sorry Android Fans) Apple has some catching up to do with iOS on the iPhone as it is really starting to look dated/bland. Yes, its rock solid and works, but at the very least where is the social networking integration for contacts? I think if there were a company with integrity/customer service like Apple producing PC products, I might have a REAL hard time staying with OSX.

Another thing us long time Mac users are starting to fear is the iOS takeover. The Mac App store is launching tomorrow and will flood our systems with low powered supplement apps. Thinking of this reminds me of looking at an old mail box stuffed with nothing but junk mail. These apps will be nothing more than widgets on steroids.

Anyways, to sum it up. Samsung is known for launching products and not supporting them. If you look at all of the Galaxy S owners, you will find they are all still running 2.1 (In the US) months after 2.2 was released and all of the devices have broken GPS. This laptop is all flash, but good luck getting it serviced or receiving any type of support.

As for the Air, the 11.6 is the only one that makes sense to me. Apple is able to sell the 13" right now because their 13" MBP sucks balls. If Apple refreshes their Pro line with Pro specs, it will be very hard to pick the 13" Air over a 13" Pro.

 

[gdeputy]

i like it, but a weaker resolution and integrated graphics hurt. Factor the design of the MBA being better in my opinion, and I'm happy to save 200+ and go with my MBA as opposed to that. Plus I like having an OSX laptop.

and as mentioned above, honestly, the trackpad on this air is better than anything I've ever used hands down.

 

[gonnabuyamacbsh]

Sexy as hell. Gun metal black beats silver anyday imo.

 

[gonnabuyamacbsh]

Btw if the 13" air had an i5 option, how much do you think it would be?

I'm guessing $1900+

 

[HLdan]

So many people here are bashing on the Air because it's lack of a backlit keyboard and the Samsung has one, well, so what? What the Air offers is much better for the end user and that's software/hardware integration. No matter which flavor of Windows 7 PC's you buy you don't get software/hardware integration which leads to the usual problems from the PC world.

 

[iCheddar]

I know this has been hashed over time and time again, but there are SUBSTANTIAL differences between the C2D chips of 5 years ago and the chips today.

It's simply not genuine to say the MBA uses a 5 year old chip, the SKU for the chip in the MBA is maybe 1 year old...maybe.

 

[Xil3]

I know this has been hashed over time and time again, but there are SUBSTANTIAL differences between the C2D chips of 5 years ago and the chips today.

It's simply not genuine to say the MBA uses a 5 year old chip, the SKU for the chip in the MBA is maybe 1 year old...maybe.

Actually, the chip in the MBA was made in 2007, as per the intel site.

 

[naujoks]

My take on this from a value based perspective.

1. $1600,- THUNDERING TORNADOES, WHAT THE HELL??
2. No dedicated GPU. I'll take the 320M with the slower CPU over this any day. Also cheaper. (MBA)

Resale value.

Buy Samsung: $1600,-
Use 1 year, keep in good condition
Resale value:
$750,- to 900,-

Buy MBA 13", 128GB, 4GB: $1400,-
Use 1 year, keep in good condition
Resale value (before release of new rev.)
$1000,- to $1100,-

Yes people. It works this way.

Resell value: Dreamland.
I tried to sell my 11.6" MBA, which cost 999 pounds on Ebay. Was lucky to get 800 for it. It was just 2 weeks old and spotless. Good eBay account etc. Very disappointing.

 

[Hellhammer]

Resell value: Dreamland.
I tried to sell my 11.6" MBA, which cost 999 pounds on Ebay. Was lucky to get 800 for it. It was just 2 weeks old and spotless. Good eBay account etc. Very disappointing.

Well, the base 11" can be had for 719£ from the refurb store. Computers lose most of their value when you open the box. Would you buy a used machine for same price as new one?

I would say Macs keep their value better in the long run. You might have gotten the same 800£ if you sold it 6 months from now.

 

[Xil3]

Resell value: Dreamland.
I tried to sell my 11.6" MBA, which cost 999 pounds on Ebay. Was lucky to get 800 for it. It was just 2 weeks old and spotless. Good eBay account etc. Very disappointing.

I agree with you - while the resale value on macs still remains fairly high, it's doubtful that you could sell it for that much.

And one of the main things that kept me with apple was the design of the laptops (nice big touch pads mainly with multi-touch). With the release of this new Samsung laptop, they finally have a big touch pad (something pc laptops never had...).