*HP HDX DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 1*

I'm probably crazy, but I just picked up another Dragon from ebay (being sold by eCost on ebay) for $897 - 8% bing cashback. Total with shipping was about $850. This was an HP Refurbished HDX9494nr, which, from other users who have bought these as refurbs, are as close to NEW condition as you can get. 320GB HDD, 4GB RAM, Blu-ray, nVidia 8800M...

Check out eCost.com site and search for item # 43096153 ... looks like its one of their dumb bargain countdowns...14hrs to go...$897 + shipping.

 

You really should get a Microsoft Technet Subscription...around $239/yr and you get 10 licenses each of practically everything they have.

 

You know, you always have the best info and advice.

 

There are two versions of the 280M GTX, hopefully they have both.

These are exciting times again.

 

Yeah, the one rjtech is selling is the 2.1 MXM version, Type III card. the Clevo M570E/TU is MXM III, 2.1.

So it looks like a go.

 

So the question now becomes: who wants to be the first?

 

Just quick question as during CPU replacement I haven't looked at GPU. Does GPU card has BIOS version sticker with the number like for example 62.92.23.00.17?

 

The BIOS is integrated into the HDX's BIOS, so really it doesn't matter. But, last time I had mine apart, I didn't notice one.

 

I'm not quite sure about that. Video BIOS is definitely integrated into HDX BIOS file to be able to flash it in one go together with laptop BIOS. The question is where video BIOS is stored after flash?

 

Strange it's now working again......dragon shows I have driver version 6753.

Another topic.....noticed my screen gets pretty warm along the center of the bottom of the frame where the HP logo is....is this normal?

Thanks guys!

PS - What's the general consensus on the Win 7.....worth upgrading?

 

Does anyone out there in Dragonland, have an HDX that
WILL output quad sound out of the back jacks? Mine only
does Stereo!!! GRRRRRR! I have looked everwhere for the answer to no avail. $#%$#%$# service pack one probably.
If yours works, pleeeeeese let me know. Perhaps we can see
what your system has that mine does not; like correct
drivers or an IDT control panel app that is better than my
plain old lame-o version. If you had this problem and solved
it, that might even be better. Pleeeeese, I have all these huge silent tower speakers going to waste.
Jim

 

quad sound out of the back? that's easy. i've been using 5.1 surround out of the back since i got this in september.

i use logitech x-530 i had from years ago. they are AWESOME!
no special things done. except in sound settings i think.

here is a linky to updated version. kick reviews and oh guess what they are $65!!!!!!

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-9702...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1246189638&sr=1-1

 

hey we are talking about the HDX 20, correct? and not other HDX's. that's what this forum refers to.

 

this may be old news, but how many people reported cracks in the webcam bezel?

mine is fine, but since it was mentioned here, i think to myself, is it really a defect, or a byproduct of lifting the hdx lid from the middle, which stresses that area specifically.

that's why when i lift the screen (from closed position) i make sure i try and distribute the force and carefully lift.

 

I've done it. Just going to buy another one this summer and replace it. Going to reinforce the new one with aluminum.

 

Would the original fan assembly fit the new card?

 

That's the $490 + shipping question. And that money will be spent based on summary information of the 9800M GTX working in the HDX. In other words, it's a real risk.

Looking at pictures of the HDX's card and 9800m GTX, the holes where the heatsink connects to the board appear to be in the same place. The memory chips are also in the same place. Hopefully, the card from RJ Tech comes with the wax thermal material for the memory chips.

The other issue is that the HDX's heatsink is designed for a certain thermal envelope. The 280M GTX requires a new heatsink when used in the Sager m570. And that's when replacing the heatsink of the 9800m GTX. Installing this card in the HDX could mean seeing temps in the 90's C. Those kinds of temps will adversely affect other nearby components over time.

 

Here is a link to a thread with some pics comparing 8800gtx/9800gt/260-280gtx w/heatsinks. All look like they are compatible with each other.

Dohhhh!!! What a knucklehead...here is link: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=374192

 

Please add a link.

 

New Dragon owner, never updated nvidia graphics drivers..always had ati video cards...What is the correct proceedure to install the 186 drivers from the previous 179's....Should I uninstall the 179's and start with a clean install

 

Yes. Uninstall the old driver, reboot, install the new.

 

The 280M pictured in that link is the MXM Type B, version 3.0. Notice the difference in card edge and mounting hole near the memory.

 

OK, so the mounting hole top right (oriented with letters facing up, right?) is the Type B version 3. We have the version that the rest of the pics depict, correct?

 

I would hope not. That's 20+C higher than mine ever gets. That's a freakin' lot. I understand that simply drawing more power is gonna heat it up more, but that seems extreme. IMO, and I hope I'm right, I think the design of the HDX case is going to allow for better heat dispersal than the smaller lappies these more powerful cards are installed in.

If not, can we run with the bottom off these things?

 

That's correct. And the 280M sold by RJ tech is the type we have - MXM III, v2.1.

 

There is that to consider. Would have been nice if we could have gotten some temp data from the 9800 GTX installed in the HDX. Other than that, we won't know until we try. But for those with the Sager M570, they get temp ranges from mid 70's to 90's.

Other thing is idle temps and idle temp fan noise.

I know, questions, questions. But we got so little info to go on and someone will be taking the risk. It would be nice to know at least this basic info before proceeding.

LOL, a steam-punked HDX. Well, by any means necessary...

 

Nero 9 is one sale, 50% off in case anyone was wantiung to get it:

http://www.nero.com/enu/nero9-final...=794430ae0e39491d1fb5c2cf2cb8e6a5&utm_id=8865

I use it with Slysofts AnyDVD and DVDShrink to backup my movies and it all works great together!

 

There has been talk between the 9800 and 280, is the 3700 any good? Which is the best deal?

On another note, I tried the 5929 audio drivers, they work but while there is more bass, the overall sound is not as vibrant and sparkling as the 5607s..if that was the right number can't remember. I also tried them with the SRS and while they sound amazing in the headphones with the 5929, via speakers they were..eh.

 

Another one that gets bass with 5929...go figure, as I and still others can't. How about doing me a favor if you (or anyone) get a chance and installing these then:

http://www.laptopvideo2go.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=23793

You have to use have disk method, as they don't have setup files. Anyway, they install great on my machine, but don't register internal speakers. The headphones sound great as well. HDX18 users report them working well, and they are HP drivers.

I just don't get it. I have been fiddling with audio drivers for several months now, trying to mod .inf's and get them to work. Quite maddening actually.

 

thanks for the linky, but you can get a good working copy for free via torrents. just saying.

besides, clonedvd is much better and faster. try it.

 

Well, 280M GTX is more powerful than the 9800M GTX and, well, a source has been found for the 280M GTX. 280M GTX and Quadro 3700 share similiar specs but the 280M GTX has a faster memory bus. 3700M has advantages for graphic design and CAD applications.

 

An old Catholic nun materializes out of thin air carrying a mahogany stick - grabs your right hand and holds it firmly against the desk - whacks your knuckles 'til they bleed and cartilage is exposed. Then, while you're whimpering, she grabs you by the face with one hand and wags a disapproving finger with the other hand. Then *poof* she vanishes leaving a cloud of dust in your room.

Yep, you have to be careful with what you post on the Internets.

 

Having problems installing the tv tuner driver for my 9000T model..Any suggestions. Currently use windows 7 { 32bit edition.}

 

I would probably downclock it most of the time. Something like 550/1250/900, then crank it at home with a cooling pad.

I'm getting kinda amped to try this. Anyone wanna give me $20 moron insurance? lol

Also, what happened to Ilikedragons? No response in awhile now.

 

I use Win 7 RC1 64 bit and had to install the TV tuner using compatability for Vista SP1 and then all was then OK. Also, don't forget to load the remote control.

 

ha ha. i know you meant it in jest, but to respond seriously for a second. i only reported the facts. i said that you can get this for free with torrents. so what.

first of all, i never said i am hosting the file(s).
secondly, i never said "go get the file"
thirdly, i never linked anything nor was specific as to how besides "torrents"
fourthly, despite all of the above three, i never said (although you can read between the lines) overtly, nor can one surmise without a doubt that i was saying you can get an illegal licensed copy.
fifthly, refer to fourthly and let me give you that doubt...you can get a trial version online via torrents.
lastly, while i did not say you can get a trial version (which is a working copy, although limited), i also did not say you can get a licensed copy.

so yes i covered my a$$ in 5 different ways. nuff said.

that being said, i'm only reporting the truth without a call to action, and as well, whomever wants to can read between the lines on their own.

really lastly, i was by my last sentence, in the earlier post, stating to essentially NOT get nero in my opinion and use CloneDVD instead as it is superior. nuff said again. stick it software nazi police.

 

Dont think the mods will like that but I own all of Slysofts software..never used clonedvd. The thing is that when you use DVDShrink it automatically uses Nero, and just asks that you insert a DVD to burn. It's pretty seamless.. maybe I'll try clonedvd. Any tips/pointers?

 

The source being whats in the BIOS installer? So the 280M GTX seems to be the best way to go..but likely the most expensive I guess.

 

Haha you, and her, got to it before I did..

 

Does anyone know if 16-bit apps will work with Windows 7 ?

 

Did you have problems with your Quickplay or Quicktouch buttons not working after the install? I had one issue after Win7 RC 64bit of having one unknown device and the buttons not working as well as other things, should I just install all the software and drivers in Vista SP1 compatibilty mode?

 

Also, I have a HDX9494nr and I am also putting Windows 7 64bit on it, I have not been able to get the Avermedia tv tuner card to launch from the quicklaunch buttons, just the DVD, Quickplay will launch from it.

Any ideas?

 

Does that beast fit in the HDX9XXX series and work?

 

The following applies to a Win 7 RC1 Clean Install:
I load the Quickplay version 3.6... all is ok. Then go into Quickplay and immediately upgrade to version 3.7. Quicktouch I cannot load without an error. Also, the fingerprint reader and fingerprint sensor pretty much do not work. I'm waiting for the production version of Win 7 before going further. I found an HP fingerprint driver (I think it's SP41660) that somewhat works, but not very well (only on cold boots).

Here's my load sequence; pick what applies to you.

Windows 7 RC1 CLEAN INSTALL Load Sequence
1. Win 7 RC1 - 64 bit Ultimate
2. Windows Update
3. AVG Software
4. Remote Control
5. TV Tuner (Setup, drivers, TVTnr) – Use Compatibility Vista SP1. This step asks me to remove fingerprints which don't exist... a conflict is starting.
6. Stop compression of the C: drive, Computer, rt click, properties, don't compress or index (This is for my SSD.)
7. Load favorites into IE
8. Set IE default
9. Set Windows default for Documents, Music, and Pictures. I do this so before I go into Windows Media Center, MY defaults locations are already pointing to my DATA drive (the non SSD)
10. Load Chipset in Setup, Chipset - REBOOT
11. Load QLB – Use Compatibility Vista SP1
12. Load QPW 3.6, then upgrade to 3.7
13. Load PowerDVD9 (Purchased software) This brings my blu-ray viewing to life via the Media Center pathway. I use the remote control, not the quickplay buttons. My wireless, mute, and volume buttons work.

Note, I'm not loading audio or video drivers as with my setup, the Windows Updates work for me. This will not work for everyone.

**************************
If you want your quickplay buttons to work, then I recommend a clean install of the HDX Vista image from a recovery or restore. Vista SP1 must be installed, and then Win 7 RC will allow you to upgrade. It's time consuming but you will get your quickplay buttons and the fingerprint reader to work.

 

We don't know, that's been the discussion the last couple pages.

 

mods? not sure i understand, but if you read my post before that, it pretty much answered my torrent statement. no harm no foul. anyhow...

OMG, are you kidding me, i have been using slysoft anydvd with nero for years until last year. i thought it was the best until i actually tried clonedvd. what a freaking difference!

firstly, you only need anydvd and clonedvd. not dvdshrink or whatever.

secondly, once you go clonedvd you will never go back! i'll get to that in a second.

thirdly, when i used nero recode on the highest quality , 2nd pass, etc. it took quite a long time to BACKUP a dvd .

fourthly, when i tried clonedvd, not only when viewed on a large screen lcd, did i not notice the difference in terms of more or less artifacting.. (clonedvd seems smooth btw), but it takes an average 40 minutes for the whole process with clonedvd, from making temp files to completing the burn.

fifthly, if you have anydvd running, you pop in your dvd...then you start clonedvd, and if you want to copy JUST the movie, no titles, extras, or even menus (meaning it will just start playing the movie (which is kind of really nice) you hit copy dvd titles (first choice of 3) and you select your dvd drive if it isn't already, and hit next and bam.

sixthly, if you want to have more control, hit the 2nd option, and again, it reads the dvd drive, imports all the sections of the movie like this: main movie, and different extras or trailers, etc., copyright info, etc.) it list the time of these things to the left of it with checkboxes, to which you can selectively uncheck (most people just leave the main movie checked, which leaves the menu intact, without all the copyright notices, extras, etc.)...

seventhly, ...and if you are unsure what each section is, when you highlight it, it runs in a preview window on the left of that so you know exactly what you are leaving out or including (it makes sense when you see it). there is so much junk and 0 second sections (which often represent the copyright stuff, fbi warnings, etc.), that it is often easier to right-click anywhere in that section and select "invert all". as a default all are checked, so this will uncheck everything, and then you can just check the main movie and whatever else.

eighthly, at the bottom, it shows you what percentage it will be of the dvd as a whole, and when you click next, it will analyze it for like 5 seconds, and give you the compression, let's say 85% of fitting it on a 4.7gb dvd.

ninthly, hit next again, and it will prompt you to enter a blank when it's ready, and then make some funny noise(also when it waits for you to enter a blank...and you can change these sound schemes), when it's done.

tenthly, while this seems long winded, it will take you 20 seconds to go thru all this.

oh, eleventhly, on that step before (which i hardly change) you can uncheck other language audio streams, 5.1 surround, or whatever.

twelfthly, rep me if this was helpful to anyone. if you actually do this, you will thank me immensely and never go back as slysoft rules.

 

Just ordered a Nvidia 280M GTX from RJTech.

Should be here by Weds or Thurs. Of course you'll get full details w/ pics and metrics.

Figured I might as well be the first since I believed it couldn't be done considering it was never possible on any other HP notebook with MXM.

 

@ DV7T,

Concur about clone DVD. It is second to none.

 

you are officially my hero!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Woo hoo! Though this kinda makes eating crow pointless since you can put it on the barbecue and have a simultaneous party if it works Lol.