*HP HDX DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 1*

I have an accidental amage warranty and was also thinking about exchanging my HDX for a 25.5inch touch enabled all-in-one desktop.

I have no idea if they would ever let me do that though.

 

Yet, as of late, they have been offering DV7's as replacements more so than HDX18's. He was actually lucky to get an HDX18. Another 6 months from now, they'll only offer the DV7's replacement as the HDX18's replacement will be worth too much relative to the Dragon's street price.

 

Isn't that what an extended warranty is for? I mean, it would seem that HP would have to replace an HDX model with another HDX model...you know, stay within the same model line. I would never accept a lowly dv7 for an HDX. That's like Dell replacing an XPS 1730M with an Insprion or Studio 17.

Plus, keep in mind, many people paid $3000+ for their Dragon. That, in itself, should warrant an HDX18t.

 

Sad, but that's HP for you. They consider the Dragon doubly obsolete. For one, it's discontinued with no subsequent model replacement and two it's present value is siginificantly below its inception value.

That's why they have been offering DV7s. They would rather have you wait to have the repair done which generally costs them significantly less than replacing the unit. Suppose that's the inducement to make you wait the month(s) for the repair to be done.

And really, the HDX18 is not exactly a replacement for the Dragon. GPU is half as powerful - even less so because the the high resolution screen of the HDX18 is being driven by a mid-tier GPU. Sound is also not as robust.

Also, the DV7 comes with a more powerful GPU (Radeon 4650) than the HDX18's (9600M GT or 130M).

 

They offered something comparable with the original price of the HDX 20T.

It was configured with:

Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad Processor Q9000 (2.00Ghz, 6MB L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB)
6GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm) - For 1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 130M
1TB 7200RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (500GB x 2) with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 130M - For DDR3 Memory
18.4" diagonal High Definition HP Ultra BrightView Infinity Display (1920x1080p)
Blu-Ray +/-R/RW with SuperMulti
Webcam + Fingerprint Reader with HP Imprint Finish (Fluid)
Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card with Bluetooth
HP Integrated HDTV Hybrid Tuner
Full Size Backlit Keyboard
Extra 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
System Recovery DVD with Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit)


All said and done I wish the GPU was a little better and I am losing an inch and half of screen. The warranty I had was the accidental damage warranty. They are transfering the remainder of the warranty to new HDX. I was told they have to most closely match my old existing system. Overall I am happy with HP stood behind thier product.

 

Well, if you don't want to go through building one for yourself, then I would go with that one. I built mine to be more expandable and faster (Dual Core Athlon 5200+, 5GB RAM, 12 internal SATA ports, Gigabit LAN but thinking of switching to Wireless N). I save a lot of media and software copys so I wanted to be able to keep adding to the system if i ever needed to without having to remove a drive if i got a new one.
Tversity recently added support for sites like youtube and hulu so you can enter in the web address and it will save that link in your library. Works great the few times i have used it.
The slingbox solution should work, as I believe Slingbox just needs a signal and your Hauppage should be able to provide that. As for streaming from the HDX to PC or PPC (I assume you mean a device like a cell phone or an iPod), Tversity could do that too, you would just need to set it up for web streaming. You should be able to find instructions for that on the tversity web site or in the forums.

 

If they are offering as a replacement a 12.1" touchsmart tx2 or tx3 (when released), then grab one. It's a unique Win7 experience and with some undervolting (tx2) you can also beat the heat and fan noise and increase battery life.

 

Wow. With the exception of the graphics card that is damn good replacement for the Dragon. They seem to have took most of the original specs and and ran with them or upped them. And yeah you are losing 1.5" on the screen but overall it's a good replacememnt. You sure you didn't have to go postal on someone to get them to do all of that??
Not that I'm complaining, just asking. You know, in case something happens to my Dragon (Heaven Forbid!!), I'll know who to call to talk to HP for me.

 

DAYUM!!!!!!

I went to HP's site and and did a customize and buy with the specs from Phinfan's replacement for his Dragon (Hope you don't mind Phinfan, but i just had to know).....

Before Instant Rebate....$2,933.98
After Instant Rebate....$2,683.98

WOOOOO!!!

 

Don't mind at all. Its all good. I didn't have to go postal. I just had to keep calling day after day after day. Once Hp extended my promise return date by the second time is when I got the Conflict Res involved. I am just happy to be getting a laptop again.

 

You mean a Touchsmart? I've played on them and they're eh.. Very heavy, they don't seem that upgradable and the specs in it are not as good as the HDXs. Unless that's what you're really into, perhaps giving yourself another way to get carpo tunnel that's ok, though it does seem kinda cool to be able to move things via touch..I can imagine it getting old quick. I thought about one myself, if you really have a need for it then why not, but can you exchange it if you open the HDX18? I guess you can within like 15-30 days or something right? So the accidental was not a barrier to you getting the HDX18. Good to hear. Yea I THINK they would let you, it would go back to the case manager but you have to find out what time period you have to evaluate it.

 

Does the DV7 have DDR3 and open GL? Seems more like an upgraded 9700. I think they're policy is to give equal or better, that's what they've always told me, but if they give you trouble like trying to give you a Netbook for it and fight with them you can negotiate. I've done it before and went from a C300 I think it was..like the piece of crap on the front page they're usually looking to get rid of with its horrible specs, to a 6700, all the way to up a suped up 9700t core2duo with almost top specs.. this from a single core laptop I bought for 150 at Circuit City on Black Friday. It takes being on the phone a lot perhaps but it can get results.

 

Nice. But from what I understand the previous CPU is slower and hotter than the nicest 2.5 one. Other than that it looks great. If you come up with a reason why you need the most powerful CPU you could likely get it you know Especially with what you had to deal with. What they did was what they're SUPPOSED to do according to policy..but it depends on the case manager ultimately. Usually I find they're good about stuff. I called Dell the other day to get another laptops LCD replaced and they are not as good in what they offer as compared to HP from what I can tell.

 

DDR2 RAM and Open GL 2.0

Radeon Mobility 4650 is still faster than the 130M and 9600GT.

Spec-wise, neither the HDX18 or DV7 is equal or better.

And why once again, you can't listen to HP techs or CS reps.

Indeed, I always recommend putting up a decent "fight." But the old acronym remains...

YMMV.

 

My idea is to have a bigger screen. I watch tons of movies (2 per day) and 20" does not seem enough anymore. I thought of selling the dragon and buying something like those hp iq.

I also considered a Sony 25.5" all-in-one desktop, but the price of 2400 british pounds ($4000) sounds a bit too high. See the specs of the Sony: http://vaio.sony.co.uk/view/ShowProduct.action?product=VGC-RT2SY&site=voe_en_GB_cons&pageType=Overview&category=VD+RT+Series

GPU is a bit loow, but the rest really fine.

 

Well, I have been looking for a replacement for my HDX in laptops (excluding gaming specific laptops) and all-in-one desktop and there are 2 (two) all-in-one PCs coming close to HDX:

VGC-LV3SJ Series

and

VGC-RT2SY Series

None of these is equal to HDX though (sound, 5.1 headphones output, GPU etc.)

Everything else is basicaly crap in comparison with HDX Dragon (even mine which is not highest specs)

 

I always wondered how many movies a "ton" were...now I know!

Seriously, though, if movies are your main concern, wouldn't it seem more prudent to spend far less money on a bigger screen and just get an LCD TV and a Blu-ray player, and keep your Dragon? I mean 42" LCD TV's are dirt cheap it seems, and I don't know how much time you spend "computing", but seems you'd save "tons" in electricity bills (and, single-handedly saving the environment) by just having that bigger screen on when you watch movies, instead of all day.

Not to mention, bigger displays in PC's (anything in the 22-26" range) are maxed at 1920x1080 resolution, so you'll lose a bit of sharpness on the computer if you go with a bigger screen. (There are 30" Ultra res displays, but those alone are big bucks).

 

I use a Slingbox. Its the earlier version of Slingbox. Works well, but I can't say I can watch anything in a large screen with good resolution (works well when viewing in a small screen). Of course, as mentioned, this is the earlier Slingbox. The newer one's seem potentially better.

http://www.amazon.com/Sling-Media-S...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1252168307&sr=8-1

You can get a refurbished HP 500GB MediaSmart EX470 Server (HP Refurbished / Recertified) from ecost.com for $275.00.

http://www.ecost.com/detail.aspx?ed...ver - GG795AAR&[email protected]#ABA

 

Which is why I remind them they need to listen to their own policy and have no problem arguing my point till they give I think they're supposed to match it according to the CTO option specs...like if you had an HDX with 2.4GHZ processor, then they'll give you the CPU 3rd down from the cto specs on the replacement. This is the reason why they wouldn't give me the top CPU for one of my replacement laptops.

Yea true with most companies.

 

hey it's been awhile. been on vacation around europe. spain mostly, france, italy and greece. haven't had time to catch up on all the posts, just last page or two.

hey how's this for the hdx replacement. supposed to be under $3000, and offered as dual 17" as well. not a joke.

http://gscreen.blogspot.com/

pretty damn cool idea, not sure why anyone hasn't thought about it before. sliding screens.

technically there were a couple things out.
http://theawesomer.com/lenovo-thinkpad-w700d/7866/

and concept
http://gizmodo.com/5100933/lego-mac-tri+screen-macbook-and-other-cool-apple-prototypes scroll down to see triscreen

 

Anyone have any ideas on how to clean the CPU fan without taking the unit apart? I still don't understand why they wouldn't put a grill under the fan like the GPU side.

 

I have already counted the option of getting a secondary screen out, and it is mainly because of space.

I used to have a 15" laptop+22" screen before I got the Dragon. Unfortunately this means wasting your desk space and it is not a good idea in my already clutered space.

I want one device that will work for eveything and apart from the smallish screen the Dragon it does the job excellently.

I have also been thinking about getting a 17-18" laptop and attaching a 26" screen to it, but still good laptops cost a lot and are not as good as the Dragon.

Basically, after searching a lot I got stuck and still have no options that are good enough to accept them (not a fan of compromises when it comes to gadgets )

 

My suggestion wasn't to get a secondary screen for the Dragon...it was to buy an LCD TV (42", for example) and a blu-ray player and have that for watching TV and movies. It would not be connected to the Dragon, so space shouldn't be a concern.

 

You should have mentioned that, I have been hunting cherokee scalps around the same places all summer (mostly in Rome, at mamma's) and now I am back in Paris - Too bad... next time

 

Whoa that first one is hot..wish it didn't have the black line in the middle but that's pretty sweet! Very cool idea! I just hope they come out with the most updated specs (super quadcore, ddr3, 9800 is nice but there's better, etc) and that is something I'd like to keep my eye out for! So wait.. if its a 17 inch screen does that mean if both screens were opened it would become a 32-34 incher?? I hope it comes with an easy way to have it be one single larger desktop experience that increases the desktop real estate, as opposed to two screens that repeat the same thing on each of them.

 

I spend most of the time in my room and do not have enough space for so much equipment there. I would hate to buy a TV and put it in the sistting room as I do not spend time there at all.

Plus if I buy a TV I still need to buy some 5.1 speakers, while with the Dragon I do not need any external ones plus I can use my 5.1 headphones with it.

As I said, the only option for me is to buy a good all-in-one PC. Maybe I just need to wait till the prices drop and more and more all-in-ones appear on the market.

 

Why you grounded?

 

Haha, Just enjoying the life of an Internet addict

I live with 2 friends and we have completely different working shifts, so we almost do not see each other. Spending time in the living room is simply pointless. I definitely prefer the cosiness of my room (and the Dragon is close-by)

 

bsel mod!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! work?'????

 

No!!!!!!!

Doesn't work with the Santa Rosa chipset.

 

LOL!!!!!!

 

I like the triscreen idea. Feels a bit more balanced.

Welcome back, BTW.

 

but it this is a thread that a bsel mod work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=390696

 

That was awesome

 

That one reminded me of a flying elephant of sorts.

 

In the beginning it says it can't work with Intel, but they get it working...what's the dealio?...Sorry...I mean...What's the DEALIO!!!!!!??!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

For shame, Dominick... for shame... You know better than to end a sentence with "dealio" without the trailing, "yo"!

What you should have said is, "What's the DEALIO!!!!!!??!!!!!!!!!!!!! yo?"

Just 'cause, y'know, we're fly like that. werd. homey. yeaaahhhh boooyyyyy

and some such. That's the limit of my 'bonics.

 

Haha my bad dood. My thing was the exclamation points in this case But seriously though, does any one have any remarks about the posted mod link?

 

The pin mod for overclocking won't work but the pin mod for undervolting will. But you can undervolt using software. I've done it with my TX2500 with excellent results. Increased batt longevity by 30mins and dropped temps ~10C.

Same can be done with the HDX using a program called RMclock.

 

Guys,

I have a question regarding the remote provided with the Dragon and WMP.

Has anyone tried using the remote with WMP? I have been using it with KMP and I would like to try t use it with WMP, but the shortcuts in WMP (mainly Vol+- and FF/BF) are plain stupid.

Has anyone tried editing the settings to be able to use the remote with WMP?

I am especially interested in WMP embedded in Win7.

Thanks

 

My remote works with WMP (Win 7, Build 7100, 64 bit) without any customization.

 

K guys I have a problem that I've been ignoring for MONTHS now thinking I botched an earlier fresh OS install or something, but after a 3rd fresh OS install and it still happening, now I"m finally addressing it and asking help.

So here's the problem... every now and then, sometimes daily, sometimes not for weeks, all of a sudden it is as if my video driver/card just stops working, and the reason I notice this is because all of a sudden my FPS will drop dramatically. Watching video becomes pointless, even the minimizing of windows becomes choppy. And if I were to click and drag a blue box on the desktop, it is not a smoothly created box but the larger the blue box gets, the choppier it becomes.

I've seen it randomly happen while doing simple word processing, I've seen it happen while watching 4 different TV channels at the same time. I don't know what seems to trigger it; as far as I can tell it happens at random.

Quick fix: I reset the computer, the problem goes away. Unfortunately, I'm way way over this quick fix of resetting; I just straight up don't want it to happen again!!! Anyone know what could be causing this?

PS This has happened ever since I bought the laptop new with HP bloated stock OS; I have the 9010NR with the inferior ATI card.

 

I had reoccurring problems, until I put the hard drive in an enclosure, connected it to my PC, and reformatted it with the long thorough (non QUick version of the) format via Windows when you right click the drive and select format. I then did the cto recovery disc reinstallation of Vista and it worked fine. I didn't have that exact problem you had but other problems and that took care of it.

 

ok, I would suggest trying a different version of the video driver. How recent is the one you are using?? If AMD doesn't have the updated driver, check laptopvideo2go.

If you have that one or you have tried different versions of the driver, then I say go with Dominick_7's idea. Good luck.

 

I checked the AMD website, they apparently JUST came out with NEW drivers SPECIFICALLY for Windows7 x64, (unlike older versions that were for vista AND 7), installed, reboot, and not only did it apparently fix things, but it's made things run even smoother. And some video compatibility issues I had with some video games, GONE

can't believe the fix was that simple, high five to ATI for finally updating their video drivers

 

What driver are you using? Mine does not work with WMP at all (I mean it does now as I used wmpkeys to custmize it).

 

Glad that it worked out for you and that AMD finally came out with Windows 7 drivers.

 

My solution was extreme so I'm glad you found a fix without having to do that. I just hope it fixed it for good.

 

I have the ATI board and see you have the NVIDIA. As an FYI, my driver version for the ATI board is 8.56.1.13.

 

Ok i had kinda forgotten about this (ok pretty much totally forgotten. Sorry about that dugsterfresh.). I finally got around to doing more research on the solution to this.
While watching Family Guy on Hulu (dunno why, I have every episode on my server.), I had the same problem as dugsterfresh. The video started skipping on full screen.
After a little while of searching and coming up with nothing useful, I found a MAC forum. They solved it by right-clicking on the video and going to Settings. Then unchecking the box "Enable Hardware Acceleration". Once I did that. It played great on 480p full screen.
So dugsterfresh, I didn't give up on you, just got a lil absent-minded. Again, sorry about that. I hope this finally solves your issues with flash and the Dragon.