*HP HDX DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 1*

the only way the code registered for me was when I logged into my account and went through the process. If you create an account and the code still doesn't work, then it's a miss. try doing a google search for the HDX9494nr and see if there are any other vendors or maybe there's another code.

Let me know if there's anything else I can help with.

 

That's what I did. Made an account yesterday and tried your code in the promo code field.... but it didn't work. None of the other codes I've seen worked either.

It's true what you said. Every little bit helps and this little bit is keeping me from ordering now.

I also didn't find the option to pay within 12 months though there was the pay after 12 months. Yeesh... looks like I have to learn this thing.

I've only been out of touch with tech for 2 years and I really feel like a newb. And to think that I used to work at HP for 5 years before that. Technology really moves fast. Took me 2 days to get back up to speed on CPUs and GPUs. Geforce 6600 was already fantastic back then. Now... 8400 is considered as "good enough for mild gaming". Now I really feel like a dinosaur...

 

$1573.98 is neweggs total price (the coupon code no longer works). I priced it out at buy.com's with budget shipping, and it comes out to $1518.99.

buy.com also accepts returns within 14 days (albeit with a 15% restocking fee, if they decide to do that, except for defective merchandise), whereas, before you even hit accept with newegg, it makes you accept a NO RETURNS whatsoever policy.

i know newegg stuff is brand new, and im wondering if it is safe to order from buy.com? are they good about things if there are any question/problems? do they carry brand new stuff (not refurbished)? if so, im saving $55 and going with buy.com.

 

Well dv7t,

That's exactly what I wanted to know if someone else has bought from buy.com too. Shipping also seems to be "faster". (based on declared shipping days and not actual experience)

Hope someone can verify if buying from buy.com is going to be a better if not equal experience with newegg where many buyers have already expressed their satisfaction and delight.

Cheers!

 

i think im going to go with them, will do it later today. dont forget to gooogle search for a $15 off coupon, and change shipping to budget shipping to get free shipping. thats how it came out to that price.

 

I've had my HDX for about a month now. I've just gotten around to making my "Rescue Disks". When I run the utility to make the restore DVDs, it tells me that I do not have a burner in my computer.

I have the Lightscribe DVD multi drive.

Device manager lists this drive as:

"Optiarc DVD RW AD-7561A ATA Device"


I've burned plenty with CDBurnerProXP (Vista version). Why can't the HP utility see the drive as a writer?

 

verify your drivers, if you still have stock burner drivers then try upgrading, if you have upgraded drivers, try rolling back. check for firmware updates for your burner as well, but I recommend drivers before firmware.

 

I Had The Same Problem, Called Hp Support, They Sent Me A Set Of Official Restore Disks For Free. You Will Get It To If You Do The Same.

 

that's kind of just avoiding the problem isn't it? doesn't your curiosity and drive to make things work right kind of make you want to explore why it doesn't work? I guess to each his own.

 

The drivers listed are Microsoft provided -- dated June 21st, 2006.

I don't think I've ever had to use specific drivers for a writer before. With the sole exception of some external SCSI 1x burner I had back in 1993 or 94. Of course, that was still all DOS/WfW311 then.

I do prefer to fix this myself before I call HP. But, I'm thinking it is their software. Windows itself has no problem writing CD/DVDs, nor Nero, nor CDBurnerProXP.

I couldn't find any firmware updates, either. All I found in that regard were a few forums out there where people with this same drive were trying to make it DVD Region Free. Which doesn't seem possible at this point, nor does it apply to me. Any DVDs I MIGHT ever possibly play in the HDX are all Region 1 anyway.

Where could I possibly find a manufacturer-specific driver for this drive??

 

check HP's web page on updated drivers, a lot of people have been having problems with Microsoft drivers for other devices like the audio and video devices. This is caused because MS didn't make the devices but think they know all there is to know about the devices to make the drivers. Maybe they should focus fixing their OSs before attempting to expand?

 

Nothing listed on HP's site for DVD-RAM drivers. Optiarc's website has nothing as well.

I went ahead and called HP, they're shipping out restore DVDs for free.

The guy I talked to on the phone (well, I went up the chain to three people) said that this is a common issue in all Pavilion laptops, not just the HDX.

At which point I asked him, "so, why don't you guys either fix it, or just ship out recovery disks with your products?"

The answer was, "I don't know, I do seem to ship out a lot of recovery disks."

"TheOriginalGiga" -- I TOTALLY understand what you're saying about Microsoft screwing around with drivers thinking they know best. I know this alllll toooooo wellllll. But in my particular case, it is just a DVD writer, not a motherboard chipset, graphics controller, ethernet controller, or some such -- just a drive.

Kind of like having to hunt down specific drivers for a cheap $10 keyboard. Why??

Anyway -- it is something with the HP software, since everything else has absolutely no problem recognizing the drive and using it to write. I've been able to write DVD -R/+R/RW and CD-R without any issues whatsoever. In fact, this is one of the very few drives where I've never had a bad burn (and I burn some really odd ISO's from time to time).

 

the last bad burn I had was I was burning a a movie to a dual layer DVD, playing a game, listening to music, had internet exploder up and ran into memory leak and blue screened. most if not all burners have either burn-proof (Lite-On terminology) or buffer under run protection to eliminate bad burns. It's odd that you run into them from time to time on other burners, usually firmware fixes that, but if it's in warranty, leave the firmware alone imo.

I think I'll contact HP and get them to ship me a set of disks, my burner worked, but hey, if they're giving it out for free why not right?

 

I burn some Playstation 2 dev stuff - and I can't just put the straight data on a disk. Buffer underrun tech/burn-proof usually needs to be turned off, and data written at 2x. Dreamcast dev stuff is even more wonky. Also, I don't update my hardware that often. This HDX replaced a Dell Inspiron 8000 (P3/1ghz, 256megs RAM).

I also just replaced my aging 19" RCA television from 1986. I usually hang on to something until it is just dead.

Yeah, no kidding. If it helps, the exact error message I'm getting is:
--------------------------------
Recovery Manager (title bar)

"This computer does not have a drive capable of creating CDs or DVDs. Contact HP support"
--------------------------------


I say get your free recovery disks!!!

 

Hey guys,

I have 2 quick questions:

1) What is the difference exactly between the tuner that normally ships with the HDX and the QAM tuner? When I originally ordered the HDX, I had the capability of playing the radio on it. I have since sent it back becasue of a few problems and am still awaiting a replacement to be bulit and sent to me. Does this mean that I'll get one with a bust tuner since they ran out of their limmited supply of good ones?

2) Does anyone have a comprehensive list of bags for the HDX? I will be carrying it around on a daily basis, and was wondering what the best bag for this purpose would be? Also, I was wondering what the different prices and features are of different bags?

Thank you!

 

Custom Fit Hardshell Case!

Keep Your packing materials!

I ordered the HDX roll away bag from HP today for the Beast but I also noticed that the high impact foam included in your HDX box provides an excellent framework for building your own custom carrying case.

1. Find your piece of hard shell roll away luggage with an inside diameter that fits the dimensions: 17 1/2"X22" width & length with 6 1/2" Depth.

2. Remove the inside lining and set aside, do not discard as you will use this again.

3. Glue your foam pieces to the inside, now bare, shell. Top and Bottom.

4. Replace your lining with a glue gun, silicon gun, smooth it out as desired.

5. Insert your HDX and use your new custom fit hard shell roll away case!!

 

@xanlexian: I've never really been a console person so I can't really sympathize with you, but I do understand the special needs of some things that are burned. if they're packaged ISOs, may I recommend blindwrite, it's always treated me right and does wonders about creating backup disks.

Also thanks for the error message, that'll move me a long way through the process.

@brentatent12: there was a list of a couple bags a little while back, I can't remember which page, but it's after page 100. go through and you'll be able to find more than most of us can remember off hand. when you're looking for best bag, it's more of a determination of what's comfortable for you, it's a 15lb laptop plus whatever else you want to carry, so keep weight in mind when selecting a bag.

As for the difference between the 2 tuners, I couldn't tell you (but thanks for reminding me I have a tuner, I'll have to play with it) but if you get something back that isn't what you had or better, you can always call them back and get them to remedy that for you. Remember, they may be a big business, but customers do have the BBB and forums and reports. Image to them is extremely important due to the competitiveness of the computer industry.

 

Awesome Idea, but getting it through places like an airport may be a little conspicuous, not to mention it would be HUGE to carry around every day. I like it though, I may have to build one just for S&Gs

 

Absolutely a biggie O.G.

But, after years of humping Army ruck sacks, this troop is done trying to schlepp big stuff.

I think the dimensions still qualify as carry on, but what do I know?

Anyway, if you have a cool aluminum case that fits those dimensions I guarantee you some oohs and ahhs when they see what comes out of it.

 

As well as lots of "sir I'm going to need you to open that." when they see the case

 

An ATSC tuner (standard HDX tuner) can receive and decode over-the-air HD broadcast transmissions.

A QAM tuner, or more specifically a clear QAM tuner, can receive and decode HD broadcast transmissions through cable. But it can only recive the "clear' QAM channels. at a minimum, that's channels 2 - 13 in HD. Depending on your cable operator, you may get more than just that.

There are no bad tuners. The QAM tuner is desirable if you live too far away from an HD broadcast tower but have cable. But in most cases, you'll have to split your cable line which drops the dB no less than 3.5db's. Which might cause pixelation and dropped audio. An in line bi-directional amp (preferably and adjustable one) will take care of that problem.

Both the ATSC and QAM tuners have an FM tuner section on board.

 

What media and manufacturer are you using?

That software seems to like HP, Sony and Verbatim (datalife plus) DVD+R best. I had figured as much so I bought HP DVD+R Lightscribes before receiving the HDX considering how important the disks might be. From reading around, most who use brands other than the three listed above tend to run into problems while trying to burn recovery disks. HP might as well ape the situation and state that their media is preferred.

 

Yup, that would be badass.

 

Ya, but unfortunately, it's not the standard tuner they ship all HDX's with. It's a recent, seeming random thing due to whatever reasons. They say supply constraints. Probably is. But the DV7T, which I believe uses the same type of integrated tuner (mini-PCIe) is the plain Jane ATSC.

 

@Rumba,

What country are you in or did you buy the HDX from? I ask because I suspect that it's possible that certain non-US models include the QAM tuner. Because I looked up DVB-T and it supports 2 types of QAM. And only the international models (non-US/Canada) have the DVB-T tuner. That one might porbably be the A321.

 

Due to the oddball type of stuff that I burn, I use EXCLUSIVELY the Verbatim. Datalife Plus (as you mentioned) is what I started using when they came out with those.

I've pretty much just put this whole matter behind me and have it chalked up to "poorly written software" on HP's part (in regards to the "Recovery Manager" stuff). They're shipping some recovery DVDs (free of charge).

I've yet to try to "Lightscribe" anything. I've been meaning to buy some LS DVDs just to give it a test drive.

Also, 2.0, I don't think I ever thanked you for all of the info you gave me back in April when I was asking about the HDX and the tv-tuner bit. The money I was going to spend on the HDX dropped, a LOT, by the time I actually made the purchase. So, I actually had enough left over to buy a VERY nice Hi-Def television -- I never use the built-in tuner like I thought I would.

As a side note to all that "cable"/QAM stuff, I did indeed find out that my cable provider can hook up a cablecard (with two-way comms) to my HDX. But with the purchase of the television itself, I never bothered. I also am now finding out that I'm using that HDMI port on the HDX to the television. An HDMI input would be WONDERFUL on the HDX, but after reading and researching, I know that just isn't going to happen. Not nowadays, at least.

A lot of rambling in this post...

 

anyone know if/when the 9m series will be available on the HDX? i'm planning on ordering one before september.

 

Very good then. Wish I had the part number for the A321. This way I wouldn't have to monkey around with them on the phone.

Would it happen to be: 448168-003 or 448168-004? That is if you have access to it. Sometimes they "white sticker" the replacement part number on the item. Lately they've been doing that on their new models. My TX2500 has 'em on everything.

 

First question is, will there even be another HDX or refresh of this one.

Prospects look bleak. But like the lottery slogan... "hey, you never know."

 

Good deal - glad I could be of some help.

As for the lightscribe, it's OK. Burn simple and it takes about 2 mins. By simple I mean very very limited graphics and mostly text. Contrast is kind of light though. But It's good. I think the novelty wore off as I noticed that I'm back to my trusty fine point sharpie.

 

I'm not too sure on just those brands. I used Memorex and it went flawlessly, albeit ungodly slow. I've only burned 1 CD with the blu-ray player so I'm not sure if it was a setting I did wrong or what, but is 8X the fastest this thing will go?

 

How do i find out what tuner i have?

 

Ok, I'm writing this on my new hdx and its great!! One problem... I go into system information and it says hdx9300??? This is suppose to be an hdx9494nr is there a difference between the two?? Any help is appreciated thanks!!

 

Control Panel/device manager/sound, video, game/integrated HP TV tuner/ Details tab.

In the properties drop down box, select hardware IDs. A321 = w/QAM + ATSC. A312= w/o QAM just ATSC for HDTV.

 

List your specs. That's really what it comes down to with the various model numbers.

 

Windows Home premium 64 bit SP1
t8100 core 2 duo processor 2.10 ghz
Nvidia 8800M GTS Pure HD Graphics Card
1680X1050 high def glossy screen
4 GB Ram

All of the specs look the same to me, just got worried when I saw the model numbers were different.

Also in device manager the bd rom is Mat****a brand?? Coulda swore someone said it was a sony drive??

I just noticed the sticker on the wrist rest of the laptop says hdx9494nr... So I really wonder why the internal number is different now.

 

Rumba,
i got the driver loaded, I saw the Tones tab and there was literally
no bass as compared to before with the other driver.
I played a while, are you willing to specify what settings you use, to get
all of that great bass out of the wonderful sound system??????
The extra goodies I did see, and i thought that was cool too,
but without great bass, i dont want any alternative.
Maybe there is a setting I did not stumble across, or missed.......
remember, I am using Vista Ultimate X64, not xp
let me know

 

Did you ever have bass? If yes, then perhaps you've a blown subwoofer or the subwoofer connector which is located internally near the touchpad, came loose.

With any driver, at default settings, the bass is noticable. The only settings for bass are on the tone tabs and enhancement tabs.

Also, be advised that the audio driver that rumba supplied didn't work for everyone. In fact some had to roll back.

 

i have this same driver installed,
and no you obviously do not have this driver loaded onto your hdx 9494nr.
no tone controls tab...........cmon, if it will work for you, it will work for anyone, a driver installed onto 2 identical hdx's will do the exact same thing for each...............i have to ask you a question....
do you own an hdx 9494nr? i am thinking you do not.........
anyway, i come in peace...i am a lover not a fighter.....i just know personally
hard hard it is to tweak our rigs and beleive in efficiency completely.
if i don't know it works for sure, i ususally don't even mention it.
you have helped me, to be honest, and for that I give you props.......
just don't spend too much time on my less than rosey comments..please.
if you look quickly past the roughness, you will find fairly easily
...we are probably on the same team..........................
thanks , and don't stop.......we all need to keep onnnnnnnn
one day it will all be easier and the MAC wont be the only way out........

 

In fact I own 2 HDX 9300s. Go figure. And I know it's asking a lot, but if you read back so many pages, you'd know that and that I have installed the driver that rumba posted on one of my HDX's with good results. So I think I have a pretty good understanding of the HDX. Plus I also disassembled the HDX to apply Arctic Silver on GPU and CPU and posted a few pics. Probably somewhere in the 80's range of pages.

I've installed many drivers and programs for the HDX, found some fixes and workarounds for them also.

So believe what you wish my friend. But there are certain steps one should take to troubleshoot an issue.

That said, what I would do if I were you at this point since you got the tone tab, is to reinstall the original driver the HDx came with. Just give it a go. What do you have to lose?

 

Thanks everyone for all of your help and advice! It is most appreciated =).

 

I'm 99% sure I've decided on this machine, and I'm definitely happy to see an active community of (mostly?) happy HDX owners here. Before I make the jump, there are just a few things I'm wondering....

1. I'm reading great things about the sound, but I also have some Logitech 5.1 speakers. Are there front, rear and subwoofer mini-jacks in the HDX that will enable me to use these speakers?

2. The HDX9494NR looks like a great bargain, but is it worth a few hundred more to go with a WUXGA screen through the HP website?

3. Are the two hard drives treated as independent disks in the base configuration? Wondering this because I may get a larger hard drive one at a time in the future.

4. This may seem elementary, but I'm assuming the VGA port will allow me to run a dual monitor configuration. Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong.

Thanks all for your replies!

 

1. the HDX has a 5.1 output, but the speakers in this laptop are awesome so I would doubt you'd need them unless you're REALLY going to be cranking the tunes.

2. the screen upgrade is a personal preference, I have 2 1680x1050 screens now and they're very lovely, my friend has a 42" 1080p TV and I really can't tell a huge difference.

3. Yes, they are treated as independent disks, as I've griped about previously, there is no RAID option.

4. I'm 99% sure you can run dual monitors. I say 99% because I haven't tried it but every other HP i've put my hands on at my office can do it and one includes one of the HDX's little brother, can't remember the model but it's a 17" and was about the same price.

 

1st post, I just received my new HDX 9000t CTO yesterday, and am trying to find a "docking station/expansion base. HDX manual says the hp xb3000 will work, hp tech says it won't. Also says the hp Quickdock will work, again tech says it won't?? Anyone know of one that is compatible? (Seems none of the units will support the power the HDX requires??
Thanks for any help.

 

I have a couple HP docking stations at my office, I'll see if they work and their model number, but from what I noticed is that HP seems to a universal plug. again, I'll take a look and let you know tomorrow.

 

Well i did a clean install of ultimate and now it doesnt detect my finger print reader.. graphics card and all the other stuff is messed up too.. im about to have a nervous breakdown. Why in the heck did i do this?? plz help if you have any ideas .

 

It's ok, first, see how many devices aren't installed in the device manager.

 

YES! Finallly had the courage to go click that "buy" button!

I reallly would have wanted to buy from newegg but those little dollars saved matters to me a lot. Went with Buy.com's offer instead.

d7vt, thanks for your tip on the $15 coupon off! Even that amount matters a lot to me already.

Once I get it in a month or two, I'll be visiting this fantastic thread again for the latest tips and tweaks.

Cheers and thanks to every person's post here which convinced me that this is a great buy indeed. I don't think I'll be able to buy a computer till 2014 after this big one.

 

I've went through hp's drivers and as of now theres 4 things i cant get going...

The avertv tv tuner ( need a driver im guessing )

fingerprint sensor ( says activating or something and never does.)

mass storage controller

and the last is unknown device..

if you have any ideas i would be so greatful thanks!!

 

Quickdock will work. HDX has the expansion port on the left hand side that will work with quickdock. Quickdock comes woth no power unit so you will just have to use your laptops AC adapter with it. It will work 100%.