*HP HDX DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 1*

That's amazing. Thanks very much Eclypse3D

Thanks for posting your install order as well. I had found that before and tried it twice without success. Getting this older driver seems to be my last hope now. I think HP left the .html up in the directory just to tease us. I can get mute and volume to work but the other buttons remain inoperative. Others had luck fixing this problem with the older software. Thanks again for any help you can give.

 

The above is true. The only thing that there could be noticeable is a timing increase that may give a bit better performance, but it would only be noticeable to the most anal of us techies. (Me included )

With the bus locked at 800Mhz the difference would be small.

If you were to have a 64bit and 32bit OS HDX with same specs w/ 8Gb memory and started opening the same programs you would see the same performance up to the point the 32bit OS ran out of memory and started using virtual memory. If you had Virtual mem turned on, if not the 32bit would blue screen once it ran out of memory. If the timing on the memory on the 2 comps had a large enough difference you may be able to see the difference, but mostly only on benchmarks.

 

I agree. While your system will probably seem faster and even the rating on it will go up, you will not see (or be able to use) all of your RAM in a 32-bit OS. If the limitation was truly fixed, then you would have seen your rating increase more. And it would take more than a service pack to fix something like this. I can only imagine that this is why the Dragon shipped with either Vista Home Premium x64 or Vista Ultimate x64. Most configurations came with 4GB standard. You wouldn't be able to see the total of that 4GB being used in a 32-bit OS and I can imagine the calls they would have gotten from people after spending over $2000 to not see all of their RAM.

 

I read somewhere about a virus going around at one point I cannot remember the article but the file I thought was called Buttons SP35581.exe and that may be why they removed it.

 

That makes sense. Although hiding the legit version makes us all need to cast around to less reputable sources opening up the chance of getting a virus version.

 

Stuff I can't make up:

I can't use the Quick Launch volume setting slider graphics thing that comes up without it seriously lagging with only 4GBs

I can't open more than like 40-50 tabs without there being serious lag

I can't have more than a certain number of addons in Firefox without serious lag

all the stuff I listed before..


I guess I'll need to install 64 bit cto again instead of the Anytime Upgrade. Oh well..

 

Yea it's a difference that I can tell, but it isn't anywhere near as much as how smoothly 64 bit runs. It runs like butter. How do I turn on Virtual Memory? What you're saying makes sense.

 

It only goes up to 5.0 or 5.1 at most on 64 bit too. True good points.

 

Hmm, that's odd. Mine is at 5.5. It was originally at 5.6, but I partitioned the C driver so i could triple-boot XP x64, Vista Ultimate x64 and Windows 7 Ultimate x64.

 

LOL@Dom... 40-50 tabs??? A-D-D much? Was this just an experiment or the norm? Don't take offense bro, just made me chuckle.

 

Hi Eclypse,
Any luck finding that software? Sorry I don't seem to have luck using the PM function on here. I just wanted to make sure I didn't miss your message.

 

So you keep all the boots on the same drive and install everything to the second drive?

 

All the boots and installations are on the C Drive, all the driver downloads and software backups go to the D drive. Also any media I store on it, which isn't much as anything I want to watch or listen to I can get it from my server remotely.

 

Anyone know of a power inverter that can output enough power for our Dragons? I spend a lot of time in the car on the weekends going to faraway places, and being able to use my Dragon for watching a movie or something would be awesome, since the power only lasts only 2 hoursish. I can't seem to find a power inverter that puts out 180 continuous watts.

I found one with 150 watt continuous, 300 watt maximum, but it wasn't enough. It could power the charger adapter (er at least the green light on the adapter turned on) unplugged from Dragon, but the moment I plug the charger into the Dragon the inverter would fail. Is there any adapters out there, that are powerful enough, that plug into the cigarette lighter? I've found some super heavy duty inverters, but they have to clamp directly onto the car battery, which is obviously not an option when I'm driving.

And on a related note, can the Dragons work with one of those airline adapters on a plane? Or is there a power output limit on those too?

 

I forgot all about this forum!! I re-found it after doing a search for a new netbook I'm considering.

A lot of familiar names!! 2.0, I'm really pleased to see you still actively active -- and always full of good advice and information! Certainly the rest of you regulars! I keep my page views at 100 posts per page (so, I'm only on page 151) -- but I had to catch up from something like page 130ish.

I'm still pretty much running my Dragon at stock. Official nVidia drivers, official PhysX drivers, BIOS is at F38 though. 4gigs, 2x 200gig 7200 drives, etc...

Computer has been turned off for a total of about 6 hours since I received it just over a year ago. I'd say 2 of those hours is a grand total of numerous disassemblies and cleanings, the rest during a move. Rarely gets rebooted. Still works like a champ. I still play Oblivion at max settings and everything working smooth. Run my own WoW, DAoC, and EQ servers and clients locally (I don't like playing with other people online... people suck) -- everything still runs smooth as silk!

My USB project I initially had worked like a charm! Running a total of 16 USB ports with various things plugged in 15 of them. That certainly slows the system down, but chugs right along!!

The only thing I can see myself upgrading at some point would be the hard drives. The few people that have seen this "laptop" all have the same first impression, "What in the hell is THAT?! That's your computer?! WOW!!"

Still an excellent system, and even moreso -- I'm very, very pleased to the Dragon community still much alive and well (and the same folks!)

Kudos to all.

--Alex

**EDIT** -- Actually, I was thinking about my BIOS. I'm running F.36.

 

Yeah, I thought it was my internet connection too, but what drove me crazy is that my friend was able to watch hulu in 480p w/out problems on my connection. I'm stumped because I really want to stop downloading episodes and stream them through legitimate means, but I can't seem to get the same image quality! Has anyone else had problems with flash video on hulu?

 

what is the best bios for hdx 9xxx? f.40.e currently or f36/f37?

 

There must be a limit on planes. Used to take my Dell XPS a lot and my Dragon once when I first got it. Fried two power adapters on my Dell. Stupid me, thought the first instance was a fluke cause it was like 1 1/2 years old. One month overseas without my lappie wasn't cool. Dragon power adapter didn't fry, but just wouldn't work. Don't know what the average output on planes is, but it seeming ain't near enough. And this was in 1st/business class.

I have an DC/AC inverter for my truck though, that works great. I use it on road trips for the kids to watch movies. Dragon just fits on my center console for them to watch from the back seat. Anyway, I don't remember who makes it, but I got it at Walmart. I'll get the name of it.

 

Yeah a name of the inverter would be great!

And I did a little more research; most planes have a maximum output of 80watts. Pathetic shortcoming when we need 180w. Maybe newer more modern planes will start having more power output?

 

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10780287

This what I use. A Black & Decker 400 Watt inverter. Has the cigarette lighter plug on it as well. There seems to just be one review on this thing and it only has one star. I'm guessing the reviewer got a bum unit. I've used mine on numerous trips and it has handled my Dragon, my Axim X50v, and the USB charger charging my cellphone -- all simultaneously.

As far as airplane charging/inverters -- I honestly couldn't tell you. I've never used one before.

**EDIT** -- the inverter DOES get a bit warm (not 'hot') when I have all three devices plugged in (AND turned on!) but the little fan on the inverter does a more than adequate job of keeping it cool. It never gets warm/hot enough where it becomes a concern.

 

Do you use it plugged into the cigarette lighter, or do you have it wired to the battery? If the Dragon works through the cigarette lighter, AWESOME. Cause I don't want one where I have to wire it to the battery, since I'd be swapping cars a lot.

 

I use the cigarette lighter adapter. I've actually used the alligator clips for a ham radio antenna project. As I said, that one review saying this thing is a piece of junk -- s/he must have received a bum unit. Mine has been working solid now for going on two years (I had the inverter a good year before I had my Dragon.)

Hope this helps!

 

I just raced over to the local home depot, and they had ONE in stock. As I was driving back home, I plugged it into my cigarette lighter just to see some lights turn on. All it did was make a short noise (the noise I presume it makes when theres an overload or emergency cut-off due to prevention of killing the battery) and then died. Each time I plugged it into the cigarette adapter, same results; made the quick noise, a very fast flash of indicator lights, then dead. Keep in mind I don't have anything at ALL plugged into the inverter.

Did I just pick up a bum unit, or is it more likely that my car battery is just very very low, and the auto-shut off feature is preventing the inverter from turning on due to the car battery being very low? The car I quickly tested it on is very old, the battery is very old, and I haven't driven it in 2 weeks till my quick Home Depot trip today.

 

Update: last night I tried something different. I overclocked the graphics card to the green zone that was mentioned in a ratio based overclocking post a while ago on this forum. This seemed to help smooth the video out nicely. Glad to have a solution, but I'm still stumped however as to why I would even need to do this for something as basic as flash video when my rig can play the latest of games and hi-def content w/ ease? I can't help but think I'm missing something. My power settings on high, system mostly decrapified, Aero is on but most other Vista stuff disabled. Newest Nvidia drivers, powermizer tried on and off and checked to be working.

 

Huh, odd. Maybe it IS junk and I just got terribly lucky with mine?? I'm using mine primarily in a 1990 Toyota pickup with an average battery/alternator (nothing "heavy duty" with either). Mine makes a whining beeeeeeeeep when I plug it in and turn it on -- but works like a champ.

The battery in my truck is about six years old. What a bummer about your inverter. I'd CERTAINLY get your $$$ back (I guess an exchange isn't going to happen, seeing as you picked up the last one).

I linked to Wal-Mart -- for whatever it is worth, I actually purchased mine at a Target (yet, they're not listed on Target's website -- I checked there first before posting that Wal-Mart link).

Really sorry to hear about that. What a hassle!

 

This is the one I use and have had no problems whatsover. There have been times that my wife had her laptop (HP dv9640) plugged in at the same time as mine so she could game or do homework or watch her own movie. It does get pretty warm, but not too much so.

Says only available online, but I bought mine at the store on a whim. 82 reviews with 4+/5 stars, so must not be too bad.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4891079&findingMethod=rr

 

I am still thinking that it's the internet connection. The video card is now just compensating for the lag. It's something that needs to be tweaked in your settings or something in the registry. I will look into it more and if i find anything I will def let you know.

Also, I wanted to ask if anyone in here uses pcpitstop. I mainly use it for my new pc builds to make sure everything is running good before I give them to the customers. I decided to take a chance and run the overdrive tests on my Dragon. It ranked in the top 19% for the World Portable Rankings. I am impressed. My last 2 laptops (DV9620us & DV7-1240us) never got past top 30%.

It might rank higher if i fix the issues it listed. Cache overflow, delete temp files, delete cookies, etc. The only one I can't fix just yet is the hard drive speed. I plan on getting faster hard drives at the beginning of the year. But to be honest, I am very happy with the ranking I got

 

Well, to rule out the possibility that my theory was correct and that my car battery was just really low, I drove around for a while and ran some errands. When I got back home, I then tried plugging it in again, and great success, it turned on with the green light!

Satisfied that I didn't have a dud unit, I grabbed my Dragon and adapter and tried plugging it in to the now on green light unit, and it then immediately switches over to the red light. According to the manual, "a red LED indicates inverter shutdown from an over-load or over-temperature fault..."

Further examination of the instructions result in: "The DC Accessory Outlet Plug is suitable for operating the inverter at power outputs up to 80 Watts. Connect directly to the power source using the included Battery Clips when operating above 80 watts."

So I get why it is shutting down, the cigarette plug is for <80 watts, the battery clamps for > 80 watts. But then how on earth is it working for (xanlexian) you??? Do I maybe need to drive my car around more and get that battery really full?

If I can't get the Dragon working (through the cigarette lighter), I'll give hovercraftdriver's recommendation a go, but I'm hoping that I can get this Black and Decker one to work. Hovercraftdriver, does the Whistler model that you mentioned have similar instructions (cigarette plug for below certain watts, battery clamps for over certain watts?)

If so, I might even settle for this one, which doesn't even have the option for battery clamps, just straight up cigarette plug and that's it. But claims 375W constant 600W peak.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3910267&findingMethod=rr

 

Like I said, I haven't had issues, but I just checked my manual. My F150 and wife's Expedition are both rated at 180 watts for the power point. That is probably the difference. My unit must be rated for higher than 80 watt input from the lighter connection. Unfortunately, I'm sure I don't have the instructions anymore. I couldn't have even told you for sure what mine was rated at until I found the link today. And I don't even know where my clips are at. They are a plug in type, so not permanently attached.

 

I would appreciate any ideas, I'm tapped out. Maybe you're right and it's my computer's interaction with the network. I know my dsl connection is capable of streaming w/out stuttering though. I just tested my wife's laptop as well on my home wifi as well as my previous test w/ my roommate's craptop. She has a good rig, Nvidia 9300M GS and similar processor as mine, but she's running about 15 more processes than me. Her Hulu was flawless. So same network, completely different video experience! I wonder if it is an issue with my wireless adapter on my notebook introducing latency?

 

Haha no ADD At least I don't THINK I have ADD I actually USUALLY have 80-100 opened for all my emails, social networking sites, research search results, business sites, tech stuff, youtube videos I have not yet downloaded and am too lazy to just go back to find them in my favorites etc. One of the sites is of course the Official Dragon Lounge. So yea it's the norm

 

Hmm ok cool. Software backups? You mean like exes? Why separate the drivers or are you saying that like your download folder for Firefox is on the D drive? I'm thinking I'm going to have to go the server route myself..any recommendations on an easy to use server from you or anyone? Is that HP server they sell on the site at check out any good? Looks pretty easy.

 

My Hulu USED to be perfect as was youtube UNTIL I loaded a lot of software..which makes sure a lot of stuff runs in the background... That may be something else to look at.

 

Wow! You're absolutely right -- this thing IS rated for <80watts!! For the life of me, I can't tell you WHY mine is working with such a load. But it is. It really does look like I've got a fluke device. It does work like a champ, though! Dragon, PDA (both AC) and USB cell phone charger -- all on, all running. Again, as I said -- my old Toyota pickup has nothing special about the battery nor the alternator. Just "to-spec" to the truck itself. At one point, I gave thought of putting in a heavy-duty alternator/battery combo and permanently mounting a really high-power inverter, but never have.

Considering the bad luck I have with a lot of electronics I didn't build myself -- I'm surprised I've got a store bought item that performs WAY above and beyond specs.

I am really sorry for leading you down a dead-end path! I'm now very tempted to start plugging in other things to see just how high my inverter will go. I may just drag my coffee maker out to the truck for a test along with a "kill-o-watt" meter.

 

Exactly. My download folder for Firefox and IE is on the 2nd hard drive. If i need to seperate drivers, I put them in folders for their specific OS. Eventually it all does to the server as i have drives for everything I download or have a digital copy of.
As for a server, I have only built one, and that is mine. I am not doing anything special with it. It's just a regular desktop with 5TB of storage space on it (spaced out between 12 seperate hard drives, each one has a specific use, no RAID as i use a different method of backing up the data, and Windows 7 as of an hr ago.) Mainly it's for backing up files for my clients in case I need to do a wipe and clean install on their systems. Recently I have added media streaming to it (Nothing like watching Hulu on your 50" DLP without having to plug a PC into it lol) and software storage so I can do remote software installations and not have to use CDs or DVDs beyond the Windows Installation.
As for HP's server, there were like a few nitpickers when I read up on it. But you can't please everyone and it has been a while since i read about it. Figured I would just build myself one and save money.

 

Nah, that's ADHD. ADD only gets you to about 50-60 tabs on firefox lol.

 

I was thinking along those lines. Or maybe the way your Dragon receives the internet. Basically, a registry tweak for you internet connection.

Try this site....
DSLReports Tweak Test
It will test your settings to see if your Dragon is set up to properly use your broadband connection.

Also thy this site....
PCPitstop
Run the OverDrive tests (both sites are free to join, but you don't need to join them to run the tests.). OverDrive will check EVERYTHING and tell you everything that is wrong, from outdated drivers to internet connection tweaks, to everything in betwee. And it even tells you how to fix the issues. I hope this all helps, as I know it can be frustrating.

 

Hp has officially scrapped my Dragon. I sent it for the bezel around the webcam being cracked and when I got it back I was having some issues with the os and the restore disk would not work at all. They have had my Dragon for a little over a month a could not get it working. When all said and done they are giving a new HDX18 fully loaded. I have really enjoyed this forum and I will be checking in from time to time to see what luck you all are having with your Dragons.

 

For the life of me, I can't find either of my "kill-o-watt" meters. Still packed in a box SOMEwhere...

However, I DID take my coffee maker out to my truck -- cranked the truck up and hooked everything up...

Nope... coffee maker took way more power than the inverter could handle. Soon as I pressed the "ON" button on the Mr. Coffee -- the inverted made a death beeeeeeeepppp... Drug the Dragon out, hooked it up and all is good (actually, I'm typing this from my passenger seat now.)

 

You know? I know *EXACTLY* what you're talking about with the bezel being cracked around the webcam. Mine broke in the same spot about two months after I had my Dragon. I deemed it as a "minor cosmetic" incident and didn't want to risk sending my Dragon in and end up with something inferior to what I originally had. HP had already sent me a set of silk screened recovery disks for free -- AND they had sent me a new AC power unit -- for free. I wasn't going to push my luck.

This Dragon is hands-down one of the best systems I've ever worked with -- and its MINE!! I can deal with the crack (a small chip came out of the crack as well).

 

NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Sorry to hear that man. I hope that the HDX18 works out for you. If you start to miss us too much (or you come into some money and get REALLY bored) you can always hit up ebay and pick up another one. Good luck.

 

man. that is strange. although I'm still crossing my fingers for maybe my battery still is a little low, but who knows. otherwise, i'm probably gonna go with this one
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3910267&findingMethod=rr

Since it doesn't have any battery clamps PERIOD. And it claims 375W continous and 600 peak, that SHOULD handle the dragon. Thanks for all your help though. Seroiusly, what a strange angel-possessed unit you have

 

MobileArtist your PM is full dood..clean them out yo..

 

Lol shedap

 

Nice. What do you think of this: http://www.shopping.hp.com/store/pr...mpid=in_r329_personalization/browse1/home_PDP

Is it good or for sucker MCs?

I want it for storing files, pics, and especially for storing the HD 1080i recordings and Blu Ray movies on back up HOPEFULLY for streaming remotely if possible via Slingbox or another means? I'm needing a solution because I'm running out of room quick..

 

Wow. Did they just offer the HDX18 to you or did you have to argue for it? Also did you have an accidental warranty or not? I've been looking at an HDX18 for a bit now, but was hoping they'd upgrade the GPU..the backlight looks sweet.

 

The regular customer support would never give you anything. I did have the extended warranty. I had to have them open a case up. The case is opened by the Conflicts Resolution Team. After they had tried to make seveal attempts to get an answer from the engineering team that had the laptop, he told he me was going to start the paperwork to get it replaced. All said and done, didn't have to argue with Conflicts Resolution. They were very coorperative and just wanted to help. Just being without my laptop for a long time was bad enough.

 

Ok, the link didn't work. But I know what you mean. At 5TB, I need a few new drives before i run out of room myself. As for media streaming, I am using a program called Tversity. It can take media files from your PC or even stream from Hulu and YouTube to your TV VIA your game console or you can set it up to stream via the internet to your PC. I am doing both currently. While it doesn't do live tv, it does enough for me.

 

Thank you for posting this, the word was that they only give you dv7s or dv5s in exchange for the HDX which I found unbelievable on their part if true. I'm VERY familiar with the process and I'm glad they didn't try to pawn off a door stop to you first before offering an HDX18 at max specs. If you would please, when you get a chance, please do let post what you think of the newest quadcore if that's what you got.

 

I meant the HP MediaSmart Server EX487 but its' expensive. Yea I used to use TVersity on my Xbox 360, pretty nice software. I didnt know about Hulu or Youtube. How's that work? What I'm trying to do is stream my movies I record from my Comcast DVR through my Hauppage in 1080i to another pc remotely via Slingbox...also be able to stream whats on my HDX to another pc or ppc device remotely over the internet. I have the Slingbox HD which looks super nice.