HDX owners, please check in...

I've been reading the few threads on the HDX here, a couple from people considering buying the unit and wanting to know from owners how it is, and I see a lot of comments from non-owners, pretty much vilifying the unit and suggesting alternatives from other makers, or just getting a desktop or making a fragbox.

Okay, now I don't want to insult any of those people mentioned above, but I ask that only current HDX owners reply to this post.

The reason is that I am having a devil of a time deciding between the HDX and the dv9500t--both have pros and cons for my uses, and I want to ask owners of the HDX about both the pros and especially the cons. (Again, non-owners, I don't want to get flamed, but please just assume I don't want to get a desktop instead, or a Sager, or etc. etc. IOW, please just work from my original request--how is the HDX on its own terms, and let's go from there. (BTW, I can get a good discount on one, so price isn't a huge issue.)

My uses for the HDX would be entertainment (DVR, possible HD, TV watching, etc.), and artiste-type stuff (video editing, Photoshopping, etc.)

So here goes:

1) The size is obviously the main issue w/many anti-HDX people. Surprisingly, in talking to an HP rep yesterday, he said that they are selling most of their HDX's to "business people". If I bought an HDX, it would stay in my house, and just get moved from room to room--no backpacking, no travelling, etc. But, I do want to move it from room to room, which is the answer to why don't I just build a good desktop (BTW, I already have). Plus, when 17" notebooks were first introduced, they were also criticized for being too big. So, HDX owners, how are you dealing w/the size? Is it a problem for you?

2) Are you running Vista Ultimate 64-bit? Any compatibility issues?

3) Is the WSXGA+ screen enough rez for you, or are you sorry you didn't wait for the (as still unreleased and unannounced but promised) WUXGA screen to allow full 1080p viewing?

4) Has the double-hinge on the screen given you any trouble? The HP rep told me you can both open the screen like a regular laptop, and also do the "click-release" thing to let the screen do its limited swivel thing.

5) If I chose the HDX, one of my main reasons would be to get all the components prebuilt inside the case--i.e. on the dv9500t, the TV tuner goes into the card slot, and needs an IR dongle, while the TV tuner in the HDX is inside the case, and the case itself has an IR "window"--i.e. no dongle needed. Basically, in this and similar component issues, the huge size of the chassis is an advantage in that everything can go inside--do you owners find this to be an advantage also?

6) I'm a pretty big guy, w/big hammy hands and sausage-y fingers (suddenly I'm hungry for pork products), and have held off for many years on buying a laptop, because mainly I didn't need one before now, but also because I just couldn't type on the damn things. The smallest size that I can type on relatively comfortably is a 17"--the larger HDX just gives me more to love. Have any of you HDX owners put the unit on your lap (w/one of those lap-desk cushioned thingys, of course)? Did it feel like it was crushing your thighs, or did the weight distribute enough to be reasonably comfortable for awhile?

7) How durable does it feel? Is the build quality sturdy--as it should be for such a large unit?

I can get the HDX fully tricked out the way I want it for about $1000 more than an equivalently tricked out dv9500t. While pricey, I don't see the price difference between the two models that outrageous.

Thanks in advance.

 

well....first, if you have the money.....dont equate price into the situation

get what you feel is comfortable, and if you have to wait a bit longer to get that which you find even more comfrotable (because of upgraded screen)....you have waited this long why not a few more months
bottom line is find the one YOU want and wont regret

btw im 6"5 275.....I use a 15" rather comfortably out and about, and when im at home I use a external keyboard....

 

Even tho you don't appear to be an HDX owner, I do appreciate the polite reply. I included my comments on price because so many anti-HDX folks complained about the price. Actually, since it's been so many years since I've looked seriously at laptops, in my view they are actually very inexpensive, comparable to when I last looked at them. Doesn't mean they aren't overpriced, just that I was pleasantly surprised at the level of components I could get for a decent price.

I posted this thread to try to get answers to questions I can't get w/out actually getting my hands on an HDX. HP does have that quite helpful 21-day return policy, but to truly put an HDX thru its paces, I would have to load all my high end software on it, and if I chose to return it, uninstalling it and deactivating the license, especially for the Adobe products, is just a hassle. Ergo, I'm trying to get as much info before I make my decision.

And you may be right; I may wait a bit for the WUXGA, but HP could not tell me when it might appear.

Still hoping to hear from HDX owners... Are there any out there???

 

There Wont be much of you guys lol

 

How can you get the HDX for only $1000 more than the dv9500t? I know that the HDX starts out at $2,999 and I got a fully loaded dv9500t for 2,200 with the 3 year accidental warranty. If there is a deal or something that you know about that would help others as well please post it (unless you work for HP and get good deals). I wanted a laptop for gaming and just for the fact of having a portable computer that I can take with me around my house and outside of my house when I need to. The only reason I went with the dv9500t instead of the HDX was because it was much cheaper. For me the only extra thing that the HDX offered was a better video card, but it sounds like it would be great for you because it offers the tv tuner built inside and a bigger monitor and more room. The HDX does offer better processors and money really isn't an issue for you then go for the HDX over the dv9500t.

If you're not getting into some serious gaming with the laptop, you don't mind a 17" screen, the tv tuner not being built in, and only want a 2.4Ghz Core 2 Duo I would say go with the dv9500t.

*One thing too, if you plan on putting 4GB of RAM into the machine don't buy the RAM from HP. To upgrade to 4GB of RAM it is anywhere from $475-$525 and if you buy the RAM yourself from Newegg, like I just did today, you will only spend about $220 after shipping.

 

I should have been clearer in my original post when I said that, tricked out, the HDX was $1000 more than the dv9500t. For me, "tricked out" meant a T7700 in the HDX, not the new T7900. Since i probably won't do much gaming, overclocking and such isn't a big deal for me. Also, "tricked out" was just the components that were important to me: 7200 RPM HD rather than 5400; 4 gig RAM (your alternate cheaper source is noted); Vista Ultimate. Most everything else I wanted comes w/it.

So primarily, my price savings come by not configuring it w/a T7900, plus some things that are included w/the HDX that are extra-cost options w/the dv9500t.

Your point about portability is the main issue I'm wrestling with. I have to decide if the greater portability of the dv9500t is more, or less, important than the convenience of having everything inside the chassis of the HDX.

 

Also, just so you know there is a 20% off coupon on the DV9500t until 9/12. You can find it in the first post under HP titled Student Discount and Coupons. If you have any other questions let me know.

Hope my info helped!

 

Thanks!

Is the 20% the same as the $150 instant savings mentioned on the dv9500t's Configuration page at HP? Or is this an additional 20% over and above the $150?

 

Coupon discounts replace all other rebates.. they are exclusive...

 

You don't get both the $150 off and the 20% coupon, you get one or the other. I just ordered my DV9500t with the following specs and got $400 off with the 20% coupon:

2.4Ghz Core 2 Duo
1GB of RAM (I just ordered my 4GB RAM from Newegg for $214)
120GB 7200RPM HDD (I will be ordering another HDD shortly because it is cheaper for me to do it myself the only thing is I have to get the HDD adapter and case from HP to install another HDD)
Nvidia 8600m GS
2-high capacity 8cell batteries
Vista Ultimate 64-bit
3 year warranty with accidental coverage
17" Standard High Def. Bright Screen
Imprint Finish, Webcam, Microphone, and Fingerprint reader
Lightscribe Dual Layer DVD burner
I didn't order the TVtuner because I already have one.

I got everything for right around $2,000 (which doesn't include the price of the RAM). The coupon code is NB2770

 

If you order from Costco instead of HP you get a 90 day return policy rather than the 21 day. Might give you a little more time to play around with the HDX and see if you like it. Also, the only HDX owner around here I have seen is someone I believe by the name of flashram. You might try PMing him or something with your questions. Good luck and happy computing!

 

Hello everyone , I am machinedragon

I received my hdx a few days ago , and i can tell you the best deal is costco.com i managed to get almost everything maxed out for just under 3200,

to be completely honest my only problem right now is the lack of carrying cases

other than that , make sure you get the full blown 64bit vista , or else you are just not getting the top speed , i didn't get the 2 extreme 2.8 chip , i got the 2.6 , 600$ more for a small jump wasn't worth it , and 500 more for 4 gigs of ram over 2 gigs , seemed funny , so its almost the top of its performance , strangely enough i tried to get hp to put xp 64 on it , but they gave me vista 64.

 

From the day you ordered it, how many days was it until you actually had it in your hands?

 

Hello there!

I am an owner of "The Dragon"

Have you decided yet? If not, then i can give you my opinion on the HDX.

 

I'm looking through Costco.com and I can't find the HDX anywhere. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong spot, but I figured I'd ask you where it was located.
Also, you can buy 4GB of RAM off of newegg for about $200.

Thanks in advance!

 

Hello peopel I'm also looking into buying the the dragon, later in the year or early next year. I found this website for HP discounts, it has a coupon code for the HDX that will save you $400. It also seems to list all other HP notebooks. Hope its helpful.

http://www.hp-webdiscounts.com/

 

After much thinking, ive finally decided to get one. bought it today from HP. they said it should come within 2 weeks, im hoping it comes alot sooner.

will post about it once i get it.

 

Yes, please, give me your opinion.

 

To sum up a little:
The bad things are:

Keyboard (try it out. Much a matter of taste. I don't like to much. I give it 3 out of 5)

Harddisks. I took 2 x 120GB. They are slow. But i took cheapest option because i knew i wanted to swap them for two Hitachi 7K200 200GB (much faster)

Everything else is just positive and i am very happy i did not go for a 17" laptop.

In case i missed something, just ask.

Daniel

 

Old-Crank et al.,
I'm adding a second request for all the same answers. My beloved zd7000 died and I'm considering the HDX or dv9500t to replace. If you have experience with the HDX please let us know how you like it, especially all the questions Old Crank asked. I'm retired HP guy (30 years) so I'm dedicated to HP. Thanks in advance! paul

 

I just wish i could afford one...lol

 

Hey guys. I just got my HDX a few days ago, so thought I would share how my experience has been going. These questions below were posted, so I'll try and answer them as best I can:

1) The size is obviously the main issue w/many anti-HDX people. Surprisingly, in talking to an HP rep yesterday, he said that they are selling most of their HDX's to "business people". If I bought an HDX, it would stay in my house, and just get moved from room to room--no backpacking, no travelling, etc. But, I do want to move it from room to room, which is the answer to why don't I just build a good desktop (BTW, I already have). Plus, when 17" notebooks were first introduced, they were also criticized for being too big. So, HDX owners, how are you dealing w/the size? Is it a problem for you?

The size for me is not much of an issue. Yes, it weighs around 9KG, but its not heavy to me. I work out alot, but the weight is not excessive. Regardless, it would be much more of a pain to carry a desktop. This can be portable. Yes, for sure, its not the kind of laptop you would be using in Starbucks, but its not too bad to take around. Still, this laptop is utterly gorgeous and lovely to use. Once you sit in front of the 20" screen, it all makes sense

2) Are you running Vista Ultimate 64-bit? Any compatibility issues?

No, Im running 32bit Vista Home Premium. Its what came with the laptop. I used Ultimate in my old laptop, and to be honest, there is nothing "ultimate" about it in my opinion.

3) Is the WSXGA+ screen enough rez for you, or are you sorry you didn't wait for the (as still unreleased and unannounced but promised) WUXGA screen to allow full 1080p viewing?

The WSXGA screen is more than fine. Its perfect. I dont really want WSXGA as I think its too high a res. Besides, I dont play games at that res anyway, so its not an issue. Also, the increased visual quality in 1080P when playing back HDDVD is also not much of an issue, as the benefits of 1080P is only truly appreciable in screens 42" above. Watch an HDDVD on the HDX and you will truly fall in love with it. I went out and bought 300 on HDDVD and boy does it look fabulous. It truly looks much much better than DVD.

4) Has the double-hinge on the screen given you any trouble? The HP rep told me you can both open the screen like a regular laptop, and also do the "click-release" thing to let the screen do its limited swivel thing.

No. The double hinge is extremely well designed. It opens up like a regular laptop. Then it does release, and the hinge has very good free movement, to allow the screen to be moved to best position. Works very well and is very sturdy.

5) If I chose the HDX, one of my main reasons would be to get all the components prebuilt inside the case--i.e. on the dv9500t, the TV tuner goes into the card slot, and needs an IR dongle, while the TV tuner in the HDX is inside the case, and the case itself has an IR "window"--i.e. no dongle needed. Basically, in this and similar component issues, the huge size of the chassis is an advantage in that everything can go inside--do you owners find this to be an advantage also?

Oh for sure. You dont need anything else. The HDTV tuner is built in, as well as everything else you would ever want. On board speakers are also superb for inbuilt effort. It also comes with a whole range of optical sound outputs for use with quality external speakers. I use external 2.1 speakers, thats only because they are excellent (Harmon Kardon Soundsticks 2). The onboard speakers are better than most average 2.1 external speakers, and miles better than standard laptop fair.


6) I'm a pretty big guy, w/big hammy hands and sausage-y fingers (suddenly I'm hungry for pork products), and have held off for many years on buying a laptop, because mainly I didn't need one before now, but also because I just couldn't type on the damn things. The smallest size that I can type on relatively comfortably is a 17"--the larger HDX just gives me more to love. Have any of you HDX owners put the unit on your lap (w/one of those lap-desk cushioned thingys, of course)? Did it feel like it was crushing your thighs, or did the weight distribute enough to be reasonably comfortable for awhile?

I've used this on my lap, and it doesnt feel too bad. Does not feel like your being crushed. If your thighs are big enough to balance it properly (mine are), then no probs.

7) How durable does it feel? Is the build quality sturdy--as it should be for such a large unit?

Very superb build quality. Everything about it says quality. From the custom design pattern. Even the box it comes with, the manuals etc, feel great. The little remote is awesome, with HP making a proper effort. Build quality is fantastic. There's no worry of it falling apart. It comes with a nice little cloth to wipe away smudges, which I thought was a nice touch. Trust me, you will want to keep this laptop in prestine looking condition. My friends who have seen it are very envious.

Finally, if you like it, go for it. It is much better than I ever hoped it would be. It does everything you would ever want a laptop to do. Once you see HDDVD running, the size, the screen, all of it makes sense.

Its also a great gamer. This was my one worry, that it would not be good enough. The ATI card is very good, and I can run the latest games at high quality without any hiccups. (MoH airborne, World in conflict, stranglehold). The screen is also the best I have ever seen. This laptop is everything it promised to be, and I love HP for making it.

 

Hi, i'm trying to install xp on my hdx machine.
But i cant find xp drivers for

audio : sigmatel "idt stac9271".
tv tuner : averTV
quick launch

Anyone can help me?

i'm desperate, i hate vista.

 

any pictures from the owners?

 

I just ordered the latest HDX with the 1900x1200 screen and the 2.8g processor. Vista ultimate OS. 2x 120G HD 7200 rpm.

Looking forward to getting my new beast. will post some pics upon arrival along with a mini revew

 

Agreed and I was going to wait to respond to this thread but felt since I have one on order I was kinda an owner.

At the end of last year I bought the DV9000T and had it for almost 3 months but returned it to Costco because the Dragon was rumored so I played the waiting game. I was going to buy it a few weeks ago but wanted to wait until the WUXGA screen was available. Now that it is I waited until the price came down. In fact I spent the last month deciding and while waiting and then going back and forth between the new DV9500T and Dragon because the 9500 has some nice specs and I was arguing with myself about size.

Costco reduced the price to 2490 so I bought it instantly, at that price I had to even if a fully optioned DV9500T could be had for less than 2k.

I buoght it for personal and business use, however haven't figured out how I'm going to carry it around from home to work yet, still looking for a backpack or something to lug it around in.

I used Vista 64bit on my DV9000T and it worked fine however the HDX has the HD2600 so we'll see. I would have liked to continue using Onecare so not sure which AV I'll be using.

If I was going to own a laptop this large, it has to have WUXGA resolution, I'm glad I didn't have to wait any longer!

I'll post on this when I receive mine.

I won't be using the TV tuner, I have the Slingbox Pro at home and it blows away every single hardware tuner I have tried, which is many.

I'm a big guy, it will reside on my lap sometimes, not worried about it but will post about it when I have it in my grubby mits.

If it's anything like the DV9000 series it will be top notch.

I bought it with:

2.4ghz
2gigs memory
2x120gig hard drives
256meg HD2600
WUXGA Screen
HD DVD
4965AGN Wireless and bluetooth
HD TV Tuner - Included
Webcam, Fingerprint reader and mic
Vista 64bit with restore DVD
Spare 180 watt AC Adaptor


I'll post a full review when I get it.

 

have you guys actually carried it to work and back, was it that bad>
i was looking at it and im a big guy and id otn mind weight but id be carrying it all day, but i know that 7 ; pounds is even a lot for carrying around, anyway my question is...is it that bad to bring out of the house.
thanks

 

Back in 2002 I had a 17" Sager that weighed in at 15 lbs, this one weighs close but is bigger. The weight isn't the issue, at least not to me, the issue is finding something to carry it in since backpacks aren't big enough.

So my question is, what are people using to lug this sucker around?

 

hey everyone , sorry for the long delay in this post. it took 14 days to get, i got with less ram , Costco didn't have it listed as the hdx, they had it listed as something else, the ram , might get thru new egg . this laptop makes people cry , absolutely cry. portal , lost coast. hl2 all run beautifully. the only thing i regret , seriously is the hd-DVD. everythings built well except for usb ports , i think there in a bad place on the right side. and wacom tablet install was a pain in the rear that wouldnt quit till recently.


if hp ever reads this, why did you even put this monitor in this beast, why not for the price make it really the dragon it deserves and put a cintiq instead. that way i wouldnt have to lug a wacom with it inside of a pelican case. ( the only option for maintained portability)

and someone please tell me that there are standalone chargers, since i want to use my solar battery backup , but that requires the plug to be used into the laptop( and with it on the left side in the back where it is, i can tell you it makes me freak the hell out it is so flimsy looking. )

so if ya want to know more, email me directly at machinedragon.com and ill record a vid of the only cosmetic damage, *when a horsefaced jerk scratched it all up when they knocked it to the floor* (he was lucky everything still worked, cuz he knew how much he would have to pay for it.

 

that's an understatement.