*HP HDX DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 1*

So how come I can watch HD telivision through my s-video input on the HDX, but cannot feed an HD Xbox 360 signal through it? Is it because in order for the computer to play HD through the s-video input the signal needs to be digital? If so, couldn't I get an analog to digital s-video converter. Or a vga/rgb to digital s-video converter? Or an HDMI to digital s-video converter? (if something like that existed)
I just don't wan't to bring two screens to college with me (the HDX and a dell Monitor) and the monitor I would have to play the Xbox on is nearly half the size of the HDX's screen.... Any way I could hotwire/mod the HDX when I open it up to replace the proccesor in a few days? UGH...

 

I have done everything, recovery + driver but unfortunately nothing everything as before.
It seems that I really ati x2600 .. but unfortunately with various tests the card and 'a 8800 gts.
Today I start the practice of reimbursing hoping that I return the money back.
goodbye

 

What videocard drivers are installed?
Nvidia or Ati?

 

8800 gts.
drivers are those originals.

 

You may want to do a return/exchange with HP. There's definitely something wrong with the card.

A few questions though and I may have asked these already;

1. Are you running the test on wall or battery power?

2. On power profile, is the CPU set to 100% while plugged in?

 

S-Video's resolution is 500 lines so it can't be HD. But you should be able to feed the Xbox's S-video signal into the HDX along with the audio to the audio in.

In any event, I have to give the S-video input a go to see what's up.

 

1 battery and 'linked to high performance and' the max
2 in the task manager and cpu 'between 0-2% of work (avast)
I tried also disable antivirus internet everything .. Nothing to be done
I am very afraid I regret I gave back my hdx.

 

Roberto, you shouldn't expect the same performance from this PC while running from battery - I haven't had the HDX for long enough to know all the tricks, but at least give it a try connecting on wall.

(Prova a rifare il test collegandoti alla presa elettrica, perché questo PC ha una durata di batteria molto buona proprio perché riduce certe prestazioni quando non é collegato alla presa murale - é un "trasportabile" ricordati, non un vero "portatile" cioé un ibrido fra un PC normale e un laptop - strano comunque, ma dammi retta e guarda se le prestazioni dei giochi sono soddisfacenti prima di rispedirlo indietro, perché 'sti test sono un po' delle cavolate)

(please English speakers, forgive me: I just more or less translated what I said above in English)

 

I have already done everything and 'I understood that the text with the electric cable connected ..
Did I say that with some games unfortunately runs as an old computer ..
Euro 1600 so not'll jump.
I assure you that I am very sorry

ho fatto gia tutto ed e' sottinteso che faccio il testo con il cavo elettrico collegato..
Ti dico che con certi giochi purtoppo gira come un vecchio computer..
1600 euro cosi non li butto.
ti assicuro che sono molto dispiaciuto

 

Hmmmm……?
Could someone please post a pic or two of this notebook sitting next to something? A TV, monitor something? Even if it’s just on the desk next to a normal size keyboard would work, just give me something to go by? Maybe that high gloss black with dragon imprint is not as sleek looking as I thought, because you guys sure aren’t showing it. I’m really looking for the perfect bag, and maybe that’s why I want to see more of it.

This wait is driving me crazy! Sorry if I’m being such a noob.

 

To give you an idea if you put a regular PC keyboard in front of it they are the same width. The look IS as sleek as you think, and not too "loud" to feel overdone (meaning you can definitely see it but only on a certain light because boith background and design are very dark). Anyway there are plenty of reviews on the net where you can see good pictures of it. It looks good, it sound good and in my opinion is the best notebook around (and I assure you: I have been looking!!). Its only faults are a couple of buggy drivers that control the blue lights (quicklaunch buttons) but you get them to work pretty easily by downloading this:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp38001-38500/sp38171.exe

Another little problem has to do with the On Screen Display that appears when you change the volume, but it can be disabled (the volume would still work you just disable the OSD)

Apart from that this PC is P-E-R-F-E-C-T I just love it!

 

Then how come I can watch local HD tv channels through the antina set up on digital input? Theres no doubt that their in HD... like at least 1080i

 

Oh ok, I see. That's a different input. Unfiortunately, the XBOX only output hi-def through HDMI or component video out (different than composite). The S-video out on the xbox is a pretty good signal but not hi-def. The resolution of S-video is something like 700x480 max. Typical is 580x480 or what they call 500 lines. It'll still fill the HDX's screen but might look a bit blocky due to the scale up to 1680x1050. Might even have the wrong aspect ratio making it look a little stretched.

I'm going to give it a test later on to see for myself.

 

BTW, Suland, there's a $400 off 1299 coupon code available that works: code is NB7530.

Act fast my friend.

 

Thank you very much for the code! But the machine I try to customize is still about $150 more than I ordered first time. I think I will need to wait a little more for a better discount

 

This deal is freaking sick!

It would have been nice to be the only one show up at a LAN party with this notebook, but I guess that’s out of the question now. At this price, that’s a steal!





w/Intel Core 2 Duo 2.10GHz, 20.1-inch WSXGA, 2GB RAM, 240GB, 512MB TV Tuner, Wi-Fi
# FREE Upgrade to 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8800M GTS [add $0]
# Default Options: Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit) / Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T8100 (2.10GHz) / 20.1" diagonal WSXGA+ High-Definition HP Ultra Brightview Widescreen Display (1680 x 1050) / 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) / 256MB ATI(TM) Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 2600 XT / HP Imprint Finish (Dragon) + Microphone + Fingerprint Reader + Webcam / Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection and Bluetooth(TM) / 240GB 5400RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (120GB x 2) / 9 Cell Lithium Ion Battery / Integrated HP HDTV Hybrid TV Tuner and 4 Altec Lansing speakers +the HP Triple Bass Reflex subwoofer Power Pack software - muvee autoProducer Premium, Cyberlink DVD Suite Premium and Serif Web Plus
$1,799.99 - $400 Off $1299 Coupon Code NB7530 (Ends after 2790 uses) =$1399.99 + Free Shipping

 

That gives me pretty much the visual idea of what I needed to know, thanks!
I’m sure that link you posted will also come in handy, much appreciated!

 

/me cries because in Belgium there's no hp-shop, so no coupons and of course no customization é_è

 

AH they aren't stack able. That would have sealed the deal for me.

 

Oh, I was thinking the one that takes the tv antenna/cable was the s-video... But now I understand that one is the RF jack and the one next to it is the s-video. With that said, could I run an HD Xbox signal through the RF jack? Theres got to be some sort of adapter that would convert a HDMI, component, or VGA cable from the Xbox into a RF cable that would plug into the back of the HDX....Then I might be able to pick up the HD signal in windows media center in the same way it picks up HD antenna/cable signals! hmmmmmmm
the images below show what i'm thinking

 

I bet the HDX fits in this bag (and I bet I am the first one who noticed ) if someone over there is so daring to try it let us know!

http://www.alienware.com/accessories/gear-shop-Detail.aspx?ItemId=17094&CatId=1288#

or in this one:

http://www.alienware.com/accessories/gear-shop-Detail.aspx?ItemId=17073&CatId=1288#)

notice the size it fits: 19.1" x 13.25" x 3"

The first one is actually made to carry two 17" notebooks, but the size seems good for us too!


edit:
AH-AH!

Look at this review! It says it can carry a 19' laptop!!

http://www.amazon.com/review/produc...cm_cr_acr_txt?_encoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

 

You'll find a number of companies that sell an S-video adapter cable for the Xbox. Also on ebay. As for getting a digital signal (Hi-def) into the HDX, I'm still looking into it. It would involve either a USB device or express card device. Probably a video capture device with component video, DVI, and/or HDMI input.

Example of S-video cable for the Xbox:

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/systemsetup/xbox360/accessories/svideocable.htm

Example price and reviews:

http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Video-AV-Cable/dp/B000B6MLPK


As for converting a digital signal (HDMI/VGA/Component) into an RF coaxial analog, it's not currently possible. No matter what, one would lose the hi-def signal in the process. It's not the same process as say converting OTA hi-def into RF for standard def TV's. Even in that case, if the standard def TV only has an RF input (like the HDX), but without an ATSC tuner (unlike the HDX) it loses the Hi-def signal and the picture is letterboxed. The HDX overcomes this because it can convert the RF digital signal into Hi-def via the ATSC tuner. BUt the Xbox doesn't output an ATSC signal. Only Composite/ Svideo, Component, VGA, HDMI, and RF.

 

I can't believe it, the HDX is listed as "in stock" but they can't send me one...
Damn liars.
Now I have to find a new shop -.-

 

Uh oh...where are you getting yours from? That’s the one thing I don’t want to hear my grandmother say “Can’t get it”, because I would be sick, literally.

 

BCbuse,

Just tried the S-Video through Quickplay and it works fine. *Note, I'm using quickplay 3.7 which came with my TX2500Z. I like the look and interface better than the original HDX quickplay. Though it puts the display in a box with black bars to the left and right. It can probably be stretched the way Windows media does it. But otherwise it looks good. You'll need to also connect audio if you go this route via the audio in connector at the back of the HDX. It's right next to the S-video input. You need an RCA steroe to 1/8' stereo phono converter or cable.

Like this one: http://www.radioshack.com/product/i...Cable+Type/Y-adapters&fbc=1&parentPage=family

To access the S-video input in quickplay, just choose the media source console. you'll see S-video. Select it and you'll be up and running. Then click full screen.

 

I ordered at three other Shops now.
One said, they can't send me the notebook for the price of 1199€, because it was an database error, the other one has not answered and the third one said, mine wasn't shipped today, because there were others before me and mine will probably be shipped tomorrow.
So there's still hope to get it by thursday!

Yay!

 

Thanks. Props on that!

 

http://www.notebook.de/index.php?section=shop&group=752&productid=11727

Verfügbarkeit: Sofort lieferbar

 

Thanks for the heads up on the coupon. I couldn't see this machine going much lower, so I ordered one. Still trying to save $, I ordered it with only 2 gigs of ram, and am planning to upgrade to 4 gigs. Question is, what ram to get? Any thoughts would be appreciated!
JoeNeil

 

Congrats. May it arrive in perfect condition.

As for RAM Crucial(Micron) or Kingston. 4GB kit will run you ~$100 or so delivered. Don't get DDR2-800. HDX won't use it to it's capacity. Can only use DDR2-667. And yep, you have to get the 4GB kit. What's in your setup now is (2) 1 GB sticks.

Here's a link to Crucial: http://crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=Pavilion HDX

Then sell your (2) 1 GB sticks on Ebay to recoup some loot. Figure on getting no more than $30 for the pair.

(Well on the other hand, you might want to hold unto those sticks until after the 21 day return period.)

 

"Hallo,

danke für Ihre Email.
Alle Bestellungen werden nach Zeitstempel erfasst und bearbeitet.
Ihre Bestellung ist leider noch nicht an der Reihe. Die Sendung sollte
morgen aber mit versandt werden.
Wir bitten um etwas Geduld.

Für Ihre Fragen stehen wir gern zur Verfügung.
"

So it will be send tomorrow ;D

 

Alright I have ordered this alienware backpack hopefully it will fit...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UCDA6Y/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

(Now I will never be able to travel again without whistling the Xfiles tune)

 

Back in April / May, there was a lot of talk about quad core in the HDX, but nothing recently. Anybody heard anything?
Joe Neil

 

Nice looking bag though. At least the alienware symbol isn't ostentatious and blingy. I hope it fits too.

 

All speculation. You will see quad core notebooks in the fall though. The price for the Quad core QX9300 chip @ 2.5ghz will be $1000 more. Not worth it by any stretch of the imagination. In January Intel will release a refresh of Montevina which will include normal (non-extreme) quad core. I forget the Ghz but it'll be more reasonably priced.

And since it's socket P, you most likely be able to use them in the HDX - which is also socket P. Only issue is how robust is HP's BIOS such that it can properly report the chip's ID and speed. But it might not matter if Vista can identify them correctly.

When the new Montevina (centrino 2) chips are released (next week), there'll be more concrete info coming in on Santa Rosa (HDX's chipset) compatibility.

 

i am also interested in getting this backpack. please give us feedback on how the HDX fits inside (i.e. is it snug, tight, loose, etc)

if you can post pics of the alien (ware that is) with the dragon inside, that would be a great help

 

I second the above, that's the bag I plan on getting too

Oh btw, how about this one?: http://www.alienware.com/accessories/gear-shop-Detail.aspx?ItemId=17073&CatId=1288

 

OK but it won't be here before a couple of weeks, so if you guys need it for the holidays you are on your own.

(The one you are showing is a newer model, I can't get it in France: It's not on the Euro-Alienware site yet, and the American Alienware site doesn't seem to accept orders from Europe - I also have the impression that it's a tiny bit smaller than mine _ There is a messenger bag, instead in the same site you mention that is probably huge... supposely able to carry two 17"...) - The one I am getting is called Aurora mALX, which was also the name of a huge Alienware laptop a few years ago... That's what makes me hope that it fits.

Now if I get abducted by a starship I am all set.

 

i think that the HDX won't fit that backpack (alienware orion). if you notice, this backpack is curved around the edges while the HDX is purely squarish in size and dimension. i have tried a number of large curved backpacks and while the HDX fits at the bottom, you just can't close the bag.

the aurora maLX backpack seems to be a better fit due to its seemingly square shape but i want to wait for black knight's feedback on this before taking the plunge

 

Alright Guinea-pig me!

 

consider it a service to the community

cheers

 

Is it me, or is this notebook just getting cheaper and cheaper?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834147750

 

WOW! Well, when Newegg gets it that generally means product cycle end of life.

 

AKA, taking one of the team.

 

I tell ya, I start seeing price's drop more gonna grab me a 2nd one of these things for the wife.

 

Hey, other than the obvious whats the main difference between the 1680x1050 and the 1920x1200. This Newegg is really appealing to me. Also whats going to be the performance difference between the t9300 and the t8100. Thanks

 

So my display question makes more sense, like viewing angles and what not.

 

2.0, did you have any issues with your hdx when you got it. Other than the quickplay thing which makes everyone's day.

 

I can only tell you what I have researched (a lot) around because I have never personally compared the t8100 and the t9300, but supposedly you should get a 20% maybe 30% better performance with the t9300, that's because with the geforce 8800 and today's processors, the actual bottleneck is supposed to be the CPU. Definitely go for the t9300 if you can afford it.

 

1680x1050 is the standardize resolution for a 20" monitor. Everything is nice and big and clear to read. However, 1920x1200 gives you more real estate on screen with the tradeoff of smaller fonts. You can always use zoom. Other thing is the GPU will work more since there's more pixels to draw. Even in 2D. I went with the 1680x1050. No regrets.

Viewing angles are superior. Forward view has to be seen to be believed. It's a dual lamp monitor so colors and brightness is uniform with little no no light bleed.

Other than the quickplay? No. However there was one thing for me that was a matter of personal preference. I hate fan noise. That's why I don't own a desktop and haven't for more than a decade. The HDX's CPU fan can run for a while. To remedy that I run a program called HWmonitor in conjunction with HWmontray and a side bar gadget called HW monitor meter (displays core temps, GPU temp, cpu % and speed, etc). What it does apparently is that it polls the ACPI to read temps. In doing so the CPU fan only runs for maybe 2 or 3 secs to cool from low mid forties to mid 30s. Then won't run again until something brings the temps over that threshold. The cooling on the HDX is exceptional. Otherwise without this program, the HDX's CPU fan can run for a minute or two before cutting off regardless. It's not that the fan is loud. It just makes a dull buzzing noise when on medium. Both my units do this. When I'm web browsing or reading I like quiet.


Also, I did a clean install with Vista x64. another personal preference thing.

Other than that, no probs.

So, if you're not going to do a lot of gaming, that Newegg config should suit you just fine. Everything beside gaming means you have a little bit more wait time before a task is done. And in most cases we're talking about a difference in seconds.


Just think, with Newegg, no tax (if you live outside NY or their other tax collecting states.)