Samsung has recently unveiled a new iteration of the ATIV ultrabook series, the Book 9 NP900X3K-K01US. Upgraded from last year’s version, this premium, thin and elegant laptop comes at a list price of $1699, so not exactly cheap, but with great features and specs.
October 2019 Update:
This laptop has been discontinued.
If you’re searching for a similar model, see the Samsung Notebook 9 Pen at Amazon.
The main improvement comes from the processing unit: they’ve fitted a brand new 5th generation Intel Core i7-5500U CPU which is capable enough, but not nearly as fast as many of its portable counterparts. It registers an average CPU mark of 3941 on cpubenchmark.net. The installed system memory of 8GB is not upgradeable, but that’s not an issue since it’s more than enough for what this ultrabook was designed to do. Add in the 256GB mSATA Solid State Drive and you end up with a multitasking monster capable of handling even the most demanding tasks of any computer savvy, power user.
The display department is where this product really shines. It has a marvelous QHD+ display which will give you a resolution of 3200 x 1800 pixels on a 13.3 inches screen. A simple calculation shows us this screen has a pixel density of 282 PPI, comparable with some of the leading smartphone brands’ flagship devices, where screen quality is a paramount requirement. Browsing the internet or editing photos, you’ll have an enriched experience thanks to the next generation display of the ATIV ultrabook.
Being so slim (just 0.53 inches), the Samsung comes with only an integrated video card, so playing any recently launched games will be out of the question. The wireless card benefits from the latest 802.11ac protocol and also from the 2×2 antenna. Signal strength and internet speed will be of no issue, whether you’re in a cafe, or in a far room away from your home router.
Being a Samsung device, the ATIV Book 9 NP900X3K-K01US also comes with the “Samsung SideSync” technology, which allows users to seamlessly use their laptop and their Samsung Android device to sync files or share screens either way. A good feature for business professionals who need to quickly share presentations or those who want to switch devices quickly while on the run.
Design-wise, this ultrabook has one of the best looking chassis we’ve seen. It’s slim, lightweight, made of aluminum and beautifully balanced all across. The airy keyboard layout allows for easy typing while being elegantly and discretely back lit. A true portable laptop and a real winner.
Technical Specifications
| CPU | Intel Core i7-5500U 2 cores, 2.4 GHz, 4MB cache |
| RAM | 8GB DDR3-1600 RAM, max 8GB |
| Storage | 256GB SSD |
| Display | 13.3′ QHD+ LED |
| GPU | Intel HD Graphics 5500 |
| Interface | 2 x USB 3.0 HDMI 3-in-1 card reader RJ-45 Combo Audio Jack |
| Connectivity | 802.11ac WLAN Bluetooth 4.0 |
| OS | Windows 8.1 |
| Battery | 4-cell Li-Polymer, 5880 mAh |
| Weight | 2.36 lbs |
Conclusion
Pros:
- Good CPU, RAM and storage device
- Exceptional display
- Great battery life
- Lightweight
- Premium materials
- Elegant and understated
Cons:
- No dedicated graphics card
- System memory is not upgradeable
- Quite pricey
As the price tag suggests, this is a laptop designed for business professionals and/or people who travel a good deal and need a powerful enough machine without compromising portability and functionality. Thus, the ergonomically designed Samsung ATIV Book 9 NP900X3K-K01US is a great choice for those who want performance and portability.