upgrade the np900x3b by hacking the SD slot

Having a computer that I can't upgrade is kind of a buzz kill IMO. As I'm currently roadblocked re: upgrading the RAM, I decided to see if I could upgrade something else in my Samsung Series 9 2012 13.3"

It perturbs me immensely when companies build a memory card slot that leaves part of the card sticking out. This coupled with the fact that SD cards are obsolete caused me to want to use the bay to add 64gB (or 128gB if you have the cash).

So...

To do this you need to do the following:

1. Hack a device that uses SD pinout but that is half the length

2. Open up the computer

3. Hack 1 into the SD slot

Here are photos from the operation. Without my soldering iron the closest I could get was a 32gB SD showing up (see photo of computer screen) - but when I get my tools back I will try out a microSD - > SD hacked adapter (also pictured)

13" Ultrabook with 8gB Ram?

I was severely disappointed with the Asus Zenbook when I got it many months ago- not due to the 4gB of ram, but rather the keyboard. It was unusable.

I had been waiting for the right Ultrabook to come along that could match the Zenbook's Sata III, excellent resolution & form factor, and come with a usable keyboard. At CES, I found it. The Samsung Series 9 2012. 1600x900 resolution on a 400 nit (super bright, awesome viewing angles) panel w/ i5, supporting Sata III (or so I was told), 2.5lbs, .5" thick, nice battery, gorgeous form factor, awesome keyboard - etc.

Now that it's finally out, I did some research and decided to go for it.

I found this:

http://answers.uk.samsung.com/answers/7463-en_gb/product/NP900X3B-A01UK/samsung-np900x3b-series-9-notebook-questions-answers/questions.htm

Which is a Samsung rep clearly stating that the NP900X3B (B for 2012, 3 for 13") can take 8gB of ram. Awesome!

So... it came yesterday. I opened it up. Really looks like the RAM is soldered underneath the metal grate, doesn't it?

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UPDATE (7/7/2012):
I noticed this post gets a decent amount of traffic. If you are still seeking an ultrabook with 8gB RAM, consider the new (NP900X4C) Samsung Series 9 15". It has the brightest screen of any ultrabook (400 nits), is only 3.6 pounds and .58" thick, and has a 10 hour battery life. I wrote up a teardown of it here.

I actually upgraded mine from 8gB RAM to 16gB RAM.

I also wrote up a comparison of the Samsung Series 9 to the Macbook Air on my other blog.