*HP HDX DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 1*

well im going to bed now... I cant get the fingerprint reader working it says its not connected. I install the drivers for it but it says enabling and never does it. If you all have any ideas let me know!! Thanks.

 

4. yes up to 1920 x1200. You can do dualview which can extend your desktop to the 2nd monitor. Clone, which mirrors. Set the other monitor as primary. Etc.

 

SP37920 is the driver. SP37932 is the digital persona software. Install in that order.

 

Before you did the clean install, did you save the swsetup folder?

The best driver install order is:

1. Video
2. Sound
3. Intel chipset
4. Intel matrix

Then all the rest. (Wifi, CIR, bluetooth, eSATA, lan, cardreader, quicklaunch, quicktouch, TV tuner, FP reader, lighscribe) Not in any particular order though.

And don't forget the HP wireless assistant.


TV tuner is sp37923, BTW

 

No i messed up bad and didnt save that.. my friend said dont worry it will reinstall all of that on its own.. So i have been up all night looking for those drivers and of course they are no where to be found. Is there any options for me?? Or did i screw myself out of alot of money.

Thanks for those numbers i got it all working . yessss

 

No, you're not screwed. Most can be found on HP's website.

You just lost all the bloatware, drivers and other software it came with.

If you made reinstall disks, that'll put back the swsetup folder and all software as when you first got it. You can restore the system, save that folder, then reinstall clean. Time consuming though. But all of your drivers are there. Some drivers require digging on HP's site to find. IIRC, the quicklaunch button driver is one of them.

After having done a clean install, I don't use any of the software that came with the system except quickplay (upgraded to 3.7 taken from my TX2500), wireless assistant, and fingerprint reader software.

 

FYI all. DELL stopped selling the XPS 2010. It's now discontinued. That leaves HP as the only manufacturer in the world selling a 20" notebook.

 

Appears that it's only sold in the UK. Used to be sold elsewhere. Not listed on Acer's website, US or elsewhere. Only the 8920 (it's replacement with 18.4" WUXGA screen). So I'm guessing it's discontinued. Not worth the phone call to verify.

Whereas, the HDX is still sold in most of HP's markets. Much like the Dell's XPS 2010 was.


I'm sure one could find another esoteric 20.1" notebook made by a third tier manufacturer sold in one niche market. But I think it's safe to say that the HDX is the only 20" notebook still being sold worldwide. Or... in the world.

(And not by third party outlets.)

And the reason I posted that post was because the HDX was the Answer to DELL's XPS 2010. With that now gone and sereval manuacturers moving to the 18.4 screens, the future of the HDX as a 20.1" notebook looks all the more bleak. There have be several questions as to whether or not the HDX would be updated with Montevina (Centrino2). It's all teh more doubtful all things considered.

 

Thanks for the help 2.0, i have the 2312. No Quam but its cool. One thing, i was playing FEAR last night and all the sudden, all of my quick touch buttons on the right side started going off. My sound kept going up and down and my disc drive kept opening. I restarted my computer and it did it for a while longer then it just stopped. Any speculations?

 

When I purchased the HDX, I also bought a Quick Dock to go along with it. The Quick Dock does indeed connect to the HDX via the Expanssion 3 port, however, I was unable to get the HDX's AC Adapter to plug into the dock--It was too big and wouldn't fit the socket. Thus, I've concluded that although the majority of the features will work properly on the Quick Dock, one may not use it to power their HDX as well (which was quite a dissapointment to me as I despise wire clutter...).

Good luck!

 

i was curious to check my core temp... i downloaded a programe named core temp. Core 1 showed a temp of 45-49 idle and same with core 2. do i check the temp with another programe or what should i do. help please.

 

I don't see what the problem is, those are decent temps for a warmer room.

 

Hey Everybody,

I’ve been lurking, reading here in the shadows for the last few months but I finally went for the purchase. I bought my HDX through costco and it came out $140 cheaper then the same configuration on HP’s site. The shipping was free and they extend the manufactures warranty 2 years plus I can take it back within the 3 months if a refresh comes out. I got the 2.5 GHz w/ 4 GB memory, WUXGA, Blu-Ray, Nividia 8800M, But I cheap-ed out on the HDD, I’ll upgrade those later. This will be replacing my obnoxious plasma tv and Xbox 360. Both of which have seen little action since the birth of my child. I look forward to seeing what this thing can do with Solid Works. Anyways, the coffee is wearing off so I’ll rap this up. Thanks for all the tips and information and I look forward to using it soon! (build date is 8/12, sick of waiting)

 

/i read somewhere here that exceeding 40 c is considered high while idle!

 

Does anyone know if it's possible to switch out the HDDVD with a Blu-ray drive?

 

Might be a heat related issue considering that you were playing FEAR. Or the cap touch panel connector/cable has gone bad. It's connector is located somewhere under the keyboard IIRC. did you notice the touch panel was warmer than usual?

Anyway, monitor your temps. Download the following:

http://www.cpuid.com/hwmonitor.php

Report your temps, at idle, during regular usage, gaming.

BTW the CPU is located on the Mid right side and GPU on the left when the HDX is facing you.

 

Yes it is possible.

 

Try HWmonitor:

http://www.cpuid.com/hwmonitor.php

My idle with a 2.5ghz is mid to low 30's deg C. CPU utilization of 4-10%. I have a bunch of things running in the background. Ambient room temp 78 deg F.

Also, I did an Arctic Silver 5 application to CPU/GPU.

That said, you should probably be in the mid to high 30's range. Even low 40's.

Like Jflash said, if your ambient room temps are kind of warm, then expect fourty-ish range. I'd think low fourty high thirties range.

 

Hey guys I broke down and bought the bag from the HP website for the HDX.
http://www.shopping.hp.com/store/product/product_detail/KD853PA

It got here this morning and it's great. Roomy, padded and looks to be very sturdy.

I still want to put together a hardshell case using an old piece of wheeled luggage but for now I am content.

HP HDX + Gears Of War = Happy Poster.

BTW,

My machine came with 1 hard drive and an empty bay. I was told that since I'm not using RAID I can add whatever drive I like to the second bay.
So if I got a 160gb 7200 rpm drive I could load all of my games to it and use that drive to load from increasing my load times etc??
Is this correct?
And is there anything special I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance!

 

I lost my subwoofer after installing the new driver but figured out how to get it back.

1. Open Control Panel, Sound.
2. On the playback tab select speakers and dual headphones.
3. Click the configure button.
4. Select stereo audio and click next.
5. For select full range speakers make sure nothing is checked here. Checking off the front left and right box is what disabled the subwoofer on my system.
6. Click next then finish.

I think the 6.10.5929.0 driver might have changed the speaker setting on some systems.

Hope this helps.

 

what are you talking about a month or 2? i ordered it yesterday, and its on the truck to be delivered this tuesday!!!

 

I found an open (read "battered") box table top HD antenna (Pure AV by Belkin) with amplifier for a bout $30 at Sam's Club. With the HDX's included antenna I could not receive any HD channels where I am. With the powered antenna I get 26 channels now and the antenna sits nicely near the HDX.

 

I have just received my HP HDX (Dragon) notebook yesterday (08.08.08) in Istanbul,Turkey. My purshasing price was 2750 USD (tax included)

System;

- Windows Vista Premium
- Intel Core 2 Duo T9300
- Nvidia Geforce 8800M GTS PCI Express® 1791 MB TC
- 4 GB (2x2 GB) DDR2 667 MHz, max. 4GB
- 500 GB (2*250) SATA 5400 Rpm
- 20,1" WSXGA+ (1680 x 1050) High Definition Utra BrighView Widescreen
- 9 Cell Li-Ion -- 180 W AC

My Product Summary review;

The Good:

- Excellent,sharp,crisp,Colors were bright and lifelike massive dual-hinge display,illumination is brilliant,contrast is excellent... GREAT (averagely: 245 cd/m2 brightness)
(more beauty than Acer Aspire 8920G 18,4" and Toshiba X series 17")
- Fast Penryn CPU and a powerful (Class 1) Geforce 8800M GTS video card by nVIDIA.
- Piano-black pinstriped finish on the outside and silver pinstripes,looks very luxury and stylish,very good built-up quaility
- Triple Bass Reflex Subwoofer and integrated amplifiers GREAT
- Integrated hybrid TV tuner, which lets you watch, record, and pause live TV
- Easy to use - Touch-sensitive controls
- Intel's new draft-802.11n connection
- Battery is suprisingly good for this DRAGON.

The Bad:

- Heavy,sorry...very heavy but yes who gets it must know it and no probs...more than 7 kg
- No Blue Ray



I am really impressed...great notebook,great bargain..and specially thanks to HP service in Turkey.


F.E.A.R. (full settings 1280*800): 114 FPS (very playable)
Crysis (full settings 1280*800): 39 FPS (very playable)
World in Conflict (full settings,1680x1050 pixels): 28 FPS (playable)
World in Conflict (full settings,1280x800 pixels): 38 FPS (very playable)
Doom 3 (full settings 1024x768): 169 FPS (very playable)

 

Bezel:

$30 + shipping from Singapore.

http://www.pchub.com/uph/model/0--8979-1/Pavilion-HDX9000-Series--parts.html

 

Yep, I went out the other day and bought an antenna from Radioshack and got a whole bunch of channels. Amplified it also, but there was too much pixelation, freeze and stuttering. And CBS wouldn't come in. Problem is, I live on a slope that leads down to the beach. Apparently, that interferes with all sorts of signals from radio stations to cell phone transmissions.

 

Yep, you can drop in any SATA HD you like. Even SSD. You just need the bracket and SATA connector.

 

i hope that you can post pics of the alienware backpack as soon as your camera is fixed. i would love to buy this nice looking bag for the HDX

 

Thanks 2.0!

You always have the right answers for us Noobs!

Do you have a link to that cradle and SATA connector?
My beast only came with 1 HD I don't have the extra bracket, while the HD is seated and seems fine, I know I'm half stepping without the proper cradle.

 

Yep that looks really sweet!
No wheels though, and that's a deal breaker for me.

I guess I'll stick with this Targus rollaway from HP for now.

http://www.shopping.hp.com/store/pro...detail/KD853PA

It's really nice too. but not as sexy as the Alienware bag.

 

You can swap the HD-DVD for a BD-ROM, but don't do it - HP has to to get off their ass and provide the firmware update for the Sony/Optiarc BC-5500A BD-ROM that I have in my HDX 9300. The problem is that the current update by Sony is 5/08, making it able to play newer BD's. HP hasn't released this update, although they clearly state on their support page for BD playback problems that updating the firmware for the drive is one of the primary fixes for that problem. It's a textbook case of engineering finding the fix but tech support not bothering to ensure the data for the fix is uploaded and available. As a former HP Tech stuff like this really aggravates me as I and other former HP techs and Engineers discover what HP has become.

The BC-5500A will playback a BD, the problem is that without the firmware upgrade it won't access extra menu features. You also have to update the QuickPlay software to the current revision - without it, a new BD will lock up QuickPlay (or the system) while loading the disk.

For now, stay away from it until they get their act together. Even though I have a 32" 1080P Aquos for my PS3, I was really looking forward to BD playback on my 1080P 20" HDX without any hassle. Guess there's just too much to expect these days.

 

@SF_Beachbum

I ordered this same bracket off E-Bay after looking at several others. As Wolf stated in another post you need only remove a couple screws and carefully clip a couple metal tabs and then secure the hard drive in the bracket and pop it in the HDX. The large screw that secures it in place lines up perfectly. This bracket + another 320 gb drive from newegg ended up under $100 (I did go with another 5400 for now I will up both to 7200 at some point). Much better than the $300-500 price HP was quoting. Thank you again Wolf and 2.0 for their links and information on brackets.

 

Okay I seem to have the opposite problem of some folks here with my DVD writer. The recovery manager was able to successfully create my recovery disks on dual layer media, which yielded 3 disks. Any other program I have tried however is getting an error when it tries to write to dual layer discs. Each program words the error differently however here is the error I get from CyberLink DVD Suite:

(1) Setting DVD+R DL disc Layer Jump Address failed.

Has anyone else had any similar problems? Since the Recovery Manager was able to use this same media in the drive without issue I know the drive itself is capable of writing to it.

 

glad i could help and good to see it works for you as well. awesome

 

Can someone tell me exactly what video inputs and outputs the HDX has? I know it has: Inputs: Svideo, and composite (Where is the composite exactly? and for outputs it has VGA and HDMI. Does it also have a composite output or S-Video output? Thanks

 

Everything but DVI.

 

Composite means Composite Video, but it's not on the HDX, it's on the docking station if you get one with it. The dock also has everything the HDX has, including Composite/Component Video RCA jacks. If you need optical ports, along with RCA in/out's, get a Creative Video Blaster external box - I use it for a lot of multimedia transfers and editing. It has just about anything you can think of, including MIDI.

The HDMI port is only on HDX's with HD displays.

Here's a list of all the HDX connections/ports right out of the manual. Location noted is as if looking at the location directly. Some numbered items are missing because they're lights, etc. Here is a PDF copy of the referenced HDX Manual pages. View attachment HDX Externals.pdf


Front components

(4) Consumer infrared lens Receives a signal from a remote control device, such as the HP Remote Control.
(5) Audio-in (microphone) jack - Connects an optional computer headset microphone, stereo array microphone, or monaural microphone.
(6) Audio-out (headphone) jacks (2) Produce sound when connected to optional powered stereo speakers, headphones, ear buds, a headset, or television audio.

Rear components

Rear left-side components

(2) Infrared (IR) emitter jack - Connects the computer to your cable or satellite set-top box.
(3) TV audio line-in jack - Connects a cable or satellite set-top box to the TV tuner for high-quality audio.
(4) S-Video-in jack - Connects a cable or satellite set-top box to the TV tuner for high-quality video.
(5) RF coaxial cable jack - Connects a coaxial cable or TV antenna.

NOTE: The computer is shipped with an RF coaxial cable
adapter. Depending on your computer model, the adapter
may be required for proper setup.

Rear right-side components

(1) Left- and right-side analog channel output jack - Connects optional audio speakers for left and right-side audio output.
(2) Rear left and right-side analog channel output jack - Connects optional audio speakers for rear left- and right-side audio output.
(3) Center channel and subwoofer analog channel output jack -
Connects an optional audio speaker for center channel and subwoofer audio output.
(4) Front left- and right-side analog channel output jack - Connects optional audio speakers for front left and right-side audio output.

Right-side components

(1) USB ports (2) Connect optional USB devices.


Left-side components

(1) USB ports (2) Connect optional USB devices.
(2) RJ-45 (network) jack Connects a network cable.
(3) Expansion port 3 - Connects the computer to an optional docking device or expansion product..
(4) External monitor port - Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.
(5) HDMI port (select models only) - Connects an optional video or audio device, such as a high definition television, or any compatible digital or audio device.
(6) eSATA port - Connects high-performance eSATA components, such as an
eSATA external hard drive.
(7) 1394 port - Connects an optional IEEE 1394 or 1394a device, such as a camcorder.

 

For everyone looking to buy a traditional laptop case for the HDX, there is one sold that will fit the 20" HDX, but HP doesn't sell it (who knows why). Believe it or not, Dell is the main supplier in the US for it (for use with their 20" XPS). Mine's been on order for a few weeks as it's evidently popular. Even though I've got the roller case, I still wanted a traditional laptop case for short local trips.

The case I'm referring to is the Dicota MultiGiant. You can Google it, but most links in the US lead to the Dell online Store. I originally ordered mine a 3 weeks ago, and it was supposed to be here last week. Dell informed me that I won't see it before 9/8 due to high demand. So if you want one, Dell's supposed to get them at the end of the month. Dell's cost is $49 + shipping.

Here's what it looks like, and the reference info from Dicota:



Large 20" Notebook case in multi-design

MultiGiant is the largest Notebook case available in the classic multi-design from DICOTA. Notebooks up to 20" are easily stored and safely protected. The especially effective, yet light-weight protective padding made of high-density foam surrounds the Notebook on all sides and makes for a maximum of safety during transport. The Notebook compartment is lockable and offers a further holding with a Notebook strap.

Cell phone, business cards and documents are stashed ready-to-hand in the front compartment. The integrated workstation with its extendable CD compartment on the inside of the case offers additional storage room for mobile equipment (PDA, CDs, etc.).The power supply unit finds space in the cable pocket included in the scope of supply.

The extra soft and especially developed handle ensures pleasant transportation. To make transportation of your 20" Notebook even easier, MultiGiant is furthermore equipped with a shoulder strap and a fastening strap for trolleys!

Padded Notebook compartment (high-density foam); reinforced frame; front compartment; workstation with pockets for mobile equipment; extendable CD compartment; document compartment; lockable Notebook compartment; Notebook fastening strap; double-riveted carry handle; shoulder strap; trolley fastening strap.

Dicota Website link:

Keep in mind though, that if flying with your HDX, traditional laptop cases are required to have the laptop removed while going through TSA Security points - with a roller case you don't have to take it out as it qualifies as carry-on luggage.

 

*sigh*

Well... it's a long story. I don't live in the USA and it involves getting my aunt to get it for me.. then to be shipped here and such.

UNFORTUNATELY, I got a message from buy.com the next day when i reported a seeming error of my order getting cancelled. They then told me that since the order was placed outside the US, they automatically cancelled my order.

Now... it won't arrive in time to coincide with my aunt's schedule.

In short.... I lost my chance to get the dragon.

I may as well go settle for a PS3 instead and just be happy with my Toshiba Tecra M4 tablet pc. (at least it plays Max Payne 2 and No One Lives Forever flawlessly)

 

I bought one as well, here are the pics I took
http://forum.notebookreview.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=542

 

hey, anyone have a link to the disassembly manual for the laptop? I'd like to drop in another hard drive as well as change out my RAM and I'd like a nice little walk through so I don't take anything apart I don't need

 

nice bag and great pics

does the HDX fit in the laptop pocket?

 

aye it does, it's really snug, what is in there is my 15.4" lappy (didn't have the HDX at the time of the pics)

 

Thanks for the info!

 

Here is the link off the HP site for the maintenance manual:

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01279508.pdf

I think this will have the information you want. If you are adding a second hard drive you will want to get a second bracket. HP does not sell the bracket alone without a drive for the HDX presently. There are a few on ebay that can be made to fit almost perfectly with very little work. I just purchased one recommended by wolfskinbjc:

You need to remove the IDE connector and snip a couple metal tabs, but then this bracket fits perfect and holds the drive snug.

Good luck!

 

thanks! About the bracket, I'll call using my offices corporate account and see if I can get someone to give me the part number for it. I highly doubt they don't sell the bracket, I mean what if it broke while trying to install a replacement drive? Just some sales bull crap to try to get people to buy new drives.

For now until I can solve it I'm gonna ghost the drive to my 120 7200 RPM drive, toss the 320 into one of my enclosures.

 

Hey, I'm wondering if there's enough of an interest for second hard drive cages. I found a deal online that I can order 10 of them and it would break the price down to $10 shipped per cage. If I can find 9 people who are interested, I'll buy it and ship them out (please US only, I'm not sure how to handle international shipping and not sure how much it would cost).

PM me if you're interested, I'd like to order the cages (or at least one for me) by the end of Monday.

 

Ok, well I have noticed in my newly purchased hdx that the blu-ray rom is not made by sony as others have said theirs are. But by a brand called matsu****a, when I went to play a dvd it said not currently set to play region code 1 would you like to change it to this format? So of course I put yes. Should this be a player installed in an american model or did I just get an aftermarket bd rom put in my hdx? Any help is appreciated thanks.

 

Can someone list what HP brackets (from which HP models) are compatible with HDX laptop without any modification?

 

If the drive is Sony/Optiarc BC-5500A BD-ROM why not update it with the firmware which Sony has created?

 

I have yet to find them, I'll be calling HP on Monday to see if I can finagle a code and possibly a way to order them.