*HP HDX DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 1*

hell, i'd be willing to pay someone on here to make me a copy of their 32bit restore discs.

 

2.0
1) Clearly, the Montevina platform is desirable. However, if time factor is an issue, do you feel that a refresh of the Santa Rosa, which would include Intel’s Penryn x9000 Extreme Mobile Processor would be sufficient or would the Montevina platform offer many greater advantages that would justify waiting another 6 months for its inclusion in the HDX?

2) I am not sure that AMD’s PUMA would measure up to Intel’s Santa Rosa. I must say that I have personal preference for Intel’s – always did.

3) RE: Samsung’s 16” (Full HD LCD aka FHD):
a) What is so special about it when HP’s HDX is already a 20.1" FHD LCD?
b) HP offers the HD burner HD DVD-R. Its Blu-Ray DVD option is only a reader. Assuming that HP might offer Blu-Ray writer soon, baring in mind the importance of writing HD, do you feel that Blu-Ray DVD is a better option on the long run than HD DVD format?

 

2.0
What are the major differences between the Santa Rosa and the Montevina platforms, then, the Nehalem microarchitecture?

 

1. The DDR3 800mhz over DDR2 667mhz should give you a very nice boost. The 1066mhz frontside bus versus the current 800mhz FSB would give you a nice boost also. The idea is, The extreme x9000 as well as any Penyrn would be best matched with a Cantiga (Montevina) Chipset. There are a few other feature enchancements but I don't know if they are useful to you such as:

Intel AMT 4.0 (if you're into remote computing, this will help a fair bit)
Intel VT-x and VT-d (enhanced virtualization.)
Intel Turbo Memory 2.0 (supposedly will bring us closer to instant on, but you know intel, lots of promises.)
ICH9R southbridge's Hardware Raid controller for Raid levels 0,1,5

Overclocking a CPU, unlike a GPU, doesn't really give one all that significant a boost in all software. Generally speaking, it's not worth the price premium paid. By the time Montevina debuts, there will be a 2.8GHZ 6MB L2 Penyrn available. The strata of avaible chips will be as follows, 2.5ghz, 2.6ghz, 2.8ghz, 3.0ghz, another x series dual core (x9100 @3.06ghz) and perhaps an x series quad core (qx9300) to follow. Plus there will be a price cut by then. You'll probably end up getting more machine for the same money you would spend today. But that's always true with technology.

2. Yeah, I'm an Intel fan too. Amd has a LOOONG way to go and PUMA will not measure up, but competition keeps prices in line. We might see an AMD based HDX.

3a. Because it's a full 16" HD screen, may mean that HP will have to add more value to the HDX to justify it's price, size, and weight. HP doesn't offer 1920x1200 on their DV 9xxx series. They only go up to 1680x1050. The full 16" HD screen is going to be 1920x1080. A fully/near fully configured DV(whatever it will be with 16" LCD) will probably cost around $1500-$2000. Too close to the HDX's base price.

3b. Yeah, I suspect next month they should offer a BD-RE drive. I believe they had an HDX model at CES with one. Blu-ray is the future. However short that future may be with the emergence of other HD media outlets. But I wouldn't touch HD-DVD now. Blank media could cease to be produced and probably will not be improved. Whereas blu-ray will continue further development and the price of its blank media will continue to fall. Just as blank Dual-layer media has fallen and improved over time.


Here's the other thing, if you wait just two more months or so because you want to buy the current config with Santa Rosa, the price should only get better as it nears it's end of life. If the price doesn't get better, the amount extras or discounted upgrades should be better.

 

Well, in the last post, I listed some of the major differences between Santa Rosa and Montevina. The Nahalem platform is supposed to be a paradigm shift. Gone will be the front side bus for something more efficient.

Then comes an integrated memory controller, integrated GPU core (on low-end models) faster cpu to chipset communications, multithreading, etc... Simplified implementation of support circuitry unlike the recent past (cpu + i/o hub), means better efficiency, less bottlenecks. Add to that a bump in clock speed for the cpu, RAM, etc... mid-range quad cores for notebooks (instead of a single expensive high-end cpu like the Penryn QX9300).

But that's 2009. By 2010 its refresh will appear and will be "perfected."

Even so, the HDX is a very fine unit as it is with Santa Rosa. It's a work of art IMO.

 

I actually have two copies. I would sell you one. I bought a second copy when my original set didn't work too well...but that didn't help me either. The factory recovery discs aren't too reliable but if you're interested, I have a set that is brand new.

 

Grats on your build! Almost the exact same as me. I didn't get the Blu-Ray though. I went with the Geforce 8800M. If there's any way I can swap out the burner for the Blu-Ray some day I will. My build date is also the 5th. Did you buy the extra protection?

 

Thanks! No, I didn't get the extra protection. I take care of my stuff pretty well and already spent more than i planned, but i might see about adding it in the near future if I feel the need.

 

Anyone know if the Lightscribe burner I got in mine is going to be upgradeable in the future if I want to take advantage of this monster of a screen? I know my junk on a desktop, but this will be my first laptop.

Complete noobness lol.

 

2.0
HD DVD-R vs the upcoming Blu-Ray DVD-R:
For video purposes, which in your opinion is better HD DVD-R Camera or a Blu-Ray DVD-R Camera (that is if one is made)?
The better format would dictate the desired drive in the HDX.

Also, among many uses this HDX would be utilized for high-end feature length video editing and music production. As such, I thought that combining it with 1TB@7200RPM (not sure if 1TB is available at 7200RPM) HP vault and an HP MediaSmart TV maybe a good way to go. What is your thought on this?

Maximizing its use is the goal so having all the necessary (with emphasis on necessary for high-end video and music production) bells and whistles is the objective.

 

PM sent



P.....

 

I have no concerte knowledge of the studio/Preofessional video business. I assume that a studio/pro level hi-def video camera outputs H.264/MPEG-4AVC in full 1080i/P HD. Or perhaps its just HDMI or component video. But whatever the output, I do know that the standard compression for post production will be either MPEG-2, MPEG-4, or H.264/AVC.

With Blu-ray, you have capacities of 25GB to 50GB. Using H.264 compression, you can get approximately 4 hours and 6 hours respectively on a BD. 2 hours and 3 hours respectively using MPEG-2. Just another advantage of Blu. All depends on the audio formats you include. Then again, you can encode MPEG-2 onto a single and dual layer DVD. DVDs are still the mainstream and are backward compatible with BD players as well as HD DVD players.

But I would go with Blu-ray regardless. There's no advantage to HD-DVD anymore and player production has ceased. Blank HD-DVD disc media production will end sooner rather than later. It's not like how while Betamax ceased on the consumer side but kept going for a while in the pro/studio side of things.

The HP vault is definitely a good way to go. It's convenient to do it "one-stop-shop" method. But there are other storage towers out there that are more versatile as far as RAID configuration goes and expandibility. But, the HP is good enough for most purposes. I'd definitely configure RAID1. But doing so reduces your capacity to that of one drive since the other drive is just a redundant copy of the first. So a 1 TB total capacity is actually 500GB in RAID 1 config. But if one of your hard drives goes to pot, you lose nothing since the other drive is an exact copy. But you can always buy more than one Vault.

Adding a Media Smart TV? Sounds like a sweet setup. The press on these units are pretty good. Some say picture quality is on par with Sony and Samsung LCD TV's. Other than that, not having actually had any experience with them, I couldn't steer you either way.

 

2.0
In summary: you are saying that HD DVD media production will cease sooner rather than later while BD will continue. How terrible that must be for consumers who invested in and purchased HD DVD-R technology. So, BD will be the sole norm?! In this case, clearly one should wait for writable BD-R to become available on the HDX. Hopefully, BD-R (writable) will become available on the HDX in a couple of weeks?! I recall you referring to it as BD-RE. Is it BD-R or BD-RE?

 

2.0
Re: Media Vaults - HP MediaSmart Server EX475 vs others
http://www.shopping.hp.com/store/product/product_detail/GG796AA%23ABA

HP MediaSmart Server EX475 General features:
Processor AMD 1.8GHz 64-bit Sempron processor (Not an Intel)
Memory 512MB DDR DRAM (Assuming it is expandable)
Network support 10/100/1000 (Gigabit) RJ-45 Ethernet
Interfaces 4 USB 2.0 ports 1 eSATA port
Internal hard drives 2 SATA 7200 rpm, 1 TB (2 x 500GB)
Power Internal Universal Power Supply
Maximum storage capacity Includes 1TB hard drive (2-500GB hard drives)Expansion 2 empty hard drive bays
Operating system Windows Home Server
Dimensions 15.75" (W) x 9.8" (H) x 14.72" (D)

I was thinking that it would have been better if it had an Intel 2.5+Ghz processor and 2GB+ of RAM instead of the AMD 1.8GHz 64-bit Sempron processor and 512MB of RAM. Would you consider this a powerful vault to access and wirelessly write to realtime video code?

As you indicated "one-stop-shop method" is convenient for $750. Which (if any) do you feel would be a better vault one can get for said applications?

 

2.0
RE: MediaSmart TV
HP SL4778N 47-inch MediaSmart High-Definition 1080p LCD TV


It is good to know that the picture quality is on par with Sony’s and Samsung’s LCD TV’s. My only concern is that the Contrast Ratio of 1200:1 is very low on the HP in comparison. Contrast Ratio that varies between 500000:1 – 10000:1 by Samsung and Sony to 1200:1 by HP is the most important factor, a differential that clearly drives price. Also, not many have 802.11 g or n built-in and not all have PC connectivity. I am wondering if DLP HDTV is as good as LCD HDTV. The kicker is that the DLP has much higher Contrast Ratios for a lot lesser $$$$. What is your take on this?

There is also Sony’s Next Generation Flat Panel HDTV OLED, which is impressive. What is your take on Sony’s OLED?

Samsung LCD HDTV:
http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/...up=televisions&type=televisions&subtype=lcdtv
Samsung DLP HDTV:
http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/...up=televisions&type=televisions&subtype=dlptv
Sony LCD HDTV:
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665116636
Sony’s OLED HDTV (next generation flat panels:
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...151&langId=-1&identifier=S_BrandShowcase_OLED

HP’s 47” LCD HDTV:
http://www.shopping.hp.com/store/product/product_detail/RP853AA%23ABA

Screen 47" High-Definition Widescreen LCD
Resolution 1920 x 1080 pixels
Contrast Up to 1200:1 contrast
Brightness (typical w/o filter) up to 500 cd/m²
Tuner Integrated 1 ATSC/NTSC/Clear-QAM
HDTV supported inputs Component Input 1 & 2 (YPbPr/VGA) : 1080i/720p/480p/480i; HDMI 1080i/1080p/720p/480p/480i; 1 analog cable/antenna input
Image processing 3D Digital Comb Filter, HP Visual Fidelity Engine, 3D Color Enrichment, Video Noise Reduction, Photorealistic Sharpness Enhancement, film mode processing (3:2 Pull Down), Motion-adaptive deinterlacer, Fast 6 MS response time
Audio enhancements Surround Sound, Dolby Digital output
Speakers 10W x 2 speakers (integrated, bottom)
Video connectors 3 HDMI, 1 PC input (RGB-VGA, 1 Antenna Input (RF), 2 High Definition Component Input (Y, Pb, Pr), 2 Composite /S-Video Input
Other connectors 4 A/V Audio Inputs, 1 Digital audio out (optical), 1 HDMI audio Input, 1 PC audio input, 1 Analog audio out, RS-232 (for service & control)
Dimensions 44.4" x 31.7" x 11" (in)
Wall mountable Yes
Remote control Universal (included)

 

I have been watching the development of OLED for damn near 10 years now. I'm pretty sure Sony didn't come up with the tech, but I think it's the best thing in a long time for monitors.

 

This isnt really relevant but would be really cool if it coincided with the Montevina launch. I dont know how many people know about the new Lithium batteries but they have achieved 10x the capacities of current lithiums without changing sizes. They used nano tubes inside the cells. Anyway i think it would be so amazing to have a beast that now gets 1.5-2.0 hours of battery life to 15-20 hours. That would be a milestone. Whats really interesting is from what i have read, there arent any techonlogy barriers and they have already done this Now its just getting production going and getting them into the market.

 

Here's a great review of the EX475: http://www.wegotserved.co.uk/2007/11/23/hp-mediasmart-server-ex475-hands-on-review/

The speed of the box is fine (referring to the AMD CPU). Wireless G or N should be fine for streaming compressed video, but you'd be better off using the HDX's internal storage for streaming since it's SATA II, which is significantly faster than 802.11G/draft N spec, then transferring to the server when You're done.

I sort of like the EX475. Nice simple setup. Think I'll get one when I get the HDX. Though, I read something about Windows Home Server having a few problems with certain scenarios. Have to look that up.

Here's a detailed review of Windows Home Server (WHS) : http://arstechnica.com/reviews/os/Windows-Home-Server-the-Ars-Technica-review.ars

But if you're looking to go pro, better to have pro tools like the aforementioned HP vault server or better. But either is fine if you're just starting out.

 

My choice would be one of Sony's XBR. They all have PC wired connectivity. Be it 15Pin din VGA or HDMI. I use mine for dual screen. Sony's XBR is arguably the best you can get consumer-wise and is right up there with prosumer screens.

OLED? Like Cridgit, I've been following its development for years. It's great. Can't wait until it goes mainstream and large screen. But I can't recommend being an early adopter of any new technology.

DLP? Most players have gotten out of the game in favor of LCD. Late last year Sony discontinued their line. It's only a matter of time before Samsung does also. LCD is the future.

 

Yep, BD is and will continue to be the sole norm. Early adopters always take a gamble. That's why I never invest in new technology until it becomes de facto. I also stay away from version 1.0. I prefer 2.0 or later.

BD-R is write once media (like CD-R, DVD-R). BD-RE is write many (like CDRW, DVD-RW).

 

Yeah, I heard something or the other about that late last year. Using Silicon instead of carbon to store the lithium. But that'll take some time to get to market. Don't think we'll see them this year. Maybe in 2 to 3 years. And probably for cell phones first.

 

Yeah, one of my friends dads works in HP's laptop devision and he said that they got it a few days ago but it wont be ready for 2 years.

 

2.0
In your opinion, how many weeks until a BD-R option on the HDX?
And how much time before HP offers a BD-RE drive for the HDX?
Also, assuming an HDX with a BD-R drive, later on, when BD-RE media becomes available, do you think that with a simple firmware upgrade a BD-R drive would then be capable of writing many on BD-RE media or would we need to change that optical drive – and could it be changed?

 

A BD burner drive writes to both BD-R/RE media. What HP offers currently is a BD-ROM drive that's capable of burning only DVD and CDs.

Considering that Dell has BD-Burner drives available for their XPS 1530 &1730, Inspiron 1720, I'd say HP should offer them in a month or two. Unless they really want to wait until their Montevina line debuts. Can't see why they would wait that long.

Blank BD-R and BD-RE media is already available. Newegg has some decent pricing on 25GB capacity discs.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010100071+1087423444&name=BD-RE(Blu-ray

BD-R's too:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010100071+1087422108&name=BD-R(Blu-ray

 

2.0
If a BD burner drive writes to BD-R and re-writes to BD-RE media, would it be accurate to deduce that HD DVD-R should write to HD DVD-R and re-write to HD DVD-RW media?

 

In some cases, yes. But not all can. The one HP sells with the HDX can't write to HD DVD-RW. Nor will it probably ever be able to (I seriously doubt there will be firmware upgrades for the drive. Even so, firmware wouldn't enable RW capability). But it's a moot point given that the HD DVD-RW media doesn't exist and it's highly likely it wont ever exist given the end of the format war. Plus all current blank HD DVD-R media only writes @ 1x speed and has a max capacity of 15GB. I haven't seen the dual layer version of it sold anywhere which would be 30GB capacity. But I only looked at the usual outlets for that kind of media.

 

2.0
The Toshiba SD-L912A is a Slim rewritable HD DVD–RW optical drive that is notebook-specific. This drive writes to HD DVD–R/-RW and is SuperMulti backwards compatible with DVD+/-R/RW Dual Layer.

This drive has been out since mid 2007. Have a look at the following 3 references. Do you assert that HD DVD format will be gone soon?

Ref:
http://www.toshibastorage.com/main....s/HDDVDDrives/SD-L912A/SD-L912ASpecifications

http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,132522/article.html

http://news.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/10381/360525.html

 

That drive most likely has been discountinued or shortly will be. The HD DVD format is already a goner. You can still find some HD DVD-R media but not for long. HD DVD-RW media, if it's to exist outside Japan, will be hard to find and will be in limited quantities. I read somehwere that Maxell will bring some to market next month but in Japan only.

Toshiba has officially ceased production of all things related to HD DVD.

http://www.toshiba.co.jp/about/press/2008_02/pr1903.htm


Steer clear of HD DVD.

 

Does anyone have a link to where I could buy an internal Blu-Ray for my HDX?

 

Not an easy question to answer because while internal notebook drives have a standard form factor, they do not have a standard front face plate bezel. The HDX's optical drive has a custom "wedge" shaped face plate bezel that slopes with the body of the HDX.

Best bet is to wait until HP offers a BD writer for the HDX.

Unless you're talking about obtaining the current BD-ROM (only reads Bluray) that comes as an option for the HDX. If so, just give HP parts a call or check the parts section of their website. It'll probably cost you a pretty penny though if they offer it. Call them and see what they can do for you.

 

Sweet that's a good idea. I think it would be best to hold out until a writer if offered.

Another question... Is the processor on the HDX a ZIF socket or is it hard soldered to the board? (In case I wanted to upgrade someday.)

 

Yes it's a socketed CPU. Also if you do upgrade in the future, do be sure to buy Arctic Silver thermal compound. It goes between the top of the CPU's heat spreader and bottom of CPU heat sink. Just a drop goes a long way. A small tube of it should cost around $5US. Be certain to clean the surfaces before applying as HP uses some sort of silicon thermal compound there.

 

is it worth upgrading the memory from 2gb to 4gb in Vista64 ? i don't play any games, mostly internet, email. etc.

 

I wouldn't right now unless you like to simultaneously run a lot of fairly memory or data intensive apps. Otherwise, you likely won't notice any real difference in performance. Vista's superfetch caching works best with more RAM but mostly if you're doing things that require a fair bit of RAM.

For instance, if you do a lot of photo editing with photoshop, while running several spreadsheets that calculate real time investment data, while encoding a batch of MP3s, while converting a batch of Word files to PDF, while... Heh, well, you probably know where I'm going...

Thing is, you'll need to buy (2) 2GB sticks. What you have now are (2) 1 GB sticks. It'll cost you from $110 - $160US for a 4GB kit depending on the RAM's speed. 667Mhz or 800Mhz respectively. Price won't go down all that much in the near future. Besides, who knows what you might want to do in the future with your rig. Nice to have memory there when you need it. But at the same time, why waste money on something you presently don anticipate needing?

If you do decide to get RAM, check out Crucial. Good reliable brand. Whatever you do, DO NOT buy it from HP.

 

how can hp charge so much for memory and sleep at night???

 

the cheap price is the main reason i considered upgrading, $110 for 4gb is very cheap. i'll probably order a set from crucial as you suggested, i have bought from them many times in the past.

i wish there was something i could do about the ridiculously slow boot times in Vista, 2min+ to load is crazy !

 

You might want to try Diskeeper. It has the option to defragment the MFT to increase boot times. I also disable most programs that start with Windows, indexing, system restore and UAC.

Mine finally shipped yesterday! When I get it I'm going to repartition so that my page file has it's own partition at the beginning of the drive and I have a seperate partition for programs. That always helps me.

 

Diskeeper rocks!

 

Hey guys, just found this bag. I'm buying it tonight. I'll let ya know what I think of it.

http://www.shopeezee.co.uk/proddetail.php?prod=SE-DI-N16178P

 

I just received that bag yesterday. It is a pretty good fit for the HDX. The main compartment unzips fully and is padded on all sides, it did include a separate bag for the power supply that is designed to sit alongside the computer in the main compartment but it won't work for the HDX so you have to stow the power supply in the front compartment. Having the power supply in the front doesn't make it bulge or anything. There is also a separate compartment at the back with dividers so you can store documents. The shoulder strap is pretty comfortable though for my purposes I will never have to shoulder it for more than a few minutes at a time. I highly recommend this bag for the HDX and it only cost $36.99 + $12 shipping for me. I was using the roller case available from HP but this one is more suited to the everyday transport of this computer for me.

 

Where did you get it for that price?

 

Dicota Multigiant 20"

I had placed the order for it 2 weeks ago and was suprised when it shipped as I had forgotten about it. When it did ship I checked the website and it was showing as in stock but now it is on order again.

 

Wow! Look at that price. No wonder why it's out of stock.
I want one too. I bet they increase the price soon too.
If you have time. It would be interesting to see a photo how you have everything packed.
I'm sure you removed the battery and power supply. I wonder where you packed these items in the case.

 

I'll try to get some pictures. Is it necessary to take the battery out of the computer on a short 20 minute commute?

 

What is a good carrying bag for the HDX, preferably one that has a firm construction, and is allowed on planes - not a backpack.

 

What is a good portable antenna to pick up OTA HD broadcasts? I've been able to pick up one or two stations with the included antenna that came with the HDX but would like to know if there is something better out there for it.

 

I have been told about the iLugger, which is an iMac bag and I found a link in the posts above to some bags by Dicota. If I find any more I'll let you guys know.

 

On anther note, has anyone wiped their HD's and installed Vista with no driver problems?

 

Someone I know contacted Hpshopping and asked them if the Blu-Ray optical drive for the HDX could write on BD-R or BD-RE disks. Hpshopping replied: it does not. The caller then outlined the reference on the page of Hpshopping, which states:
Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
Enables High Definition video playback and large storage capacity
The caller added: expressing “Enables… and large storage capacity” implies writing capabilities.
Hpshopping replied: that statement pertained to an HD DVD option.

Clearly, neither the written text nor that which Hpshopping explained is accurate. Hpshopping should get its act together.

 

In regards to Intel’s highest performing Core2 Mobile Processor to date the X9000:
On March 5, 2008, today, Hpshopping began offering the latest Intel X9000 Core2 Extreme Mobile Processor on its HDX. Until today, Hpshopping outlined that its Intel X7900 Processor was Intel's highest performance mobile processor ever. While that used to be the case, it was no longer true after Intel released the X9000 Core2 Extreme Mobile Processor. After the release of the X9000, Hpshopping, however, continued referring to the X7900 that it continued to offer on the HDX as Intel's highest performance mobile processor ever, which once again no longer held true.

Today, on Hpshopping, the “Help me decide” on the Processor Section is finally accurate as such:
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Extreme Processor X9000 (2.80GHz, 6MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB), Intel's highest performance mobile processor ever.

In regards to the Optical Drive and the HD DVD – HP and Hpshopping really should immediately begin offering BD-R/RE:
It has been confirmed that HP and Hpshopping are aware that HD DVD is officially discontinued. Still, Hpshopping has not yet begun offering the writable/re-writable Blu-Ray BD-R/RE. It continues to offer the already discontinued HD DVD and HD DVD-R. While it does so, it is opening itself to possible liability and added losses in the future – I did say possible liabilities. Many think of HP as the leader in implementing technology – and righteously so. As such, a leader is always expected to be on the ball in implementing newest technology as it becomes available. Certainly, a leader is expected to immediately do away with older technology that is confirmed discontinued equipment such as HD DVD. It can take a write-off on inventory on hand of HD DVD optical drives.

In regards to the Hard Drive – HP and Hpshopping should offer already the 400GB 7200RPM:
It is the time that HP offered the 400GB 200x2 7200RPM Hard Drive.

Immediate implementation of newest releases comes hand in hand with being a leader. It is the cost of being a leader and doing business as one. A leader must realize that customers expect that of it. And, a leader must live up to the expectation. HP and Hpshopping would do better realizing that the faster they implement new technology into the HDX the faster they can begin reaping the results of boosted sales. The HDX, after all, is a high-end machine and the flagship notebook of HP. As such, the HDX should offer the latest high-end options immediately as they become available - not months later.

Given our current slow economy and slower spending, it is more reason for a leader like HP to offer the latest available technology to create interest and to stimulate customers into buying. Our solidarity on these thoughts will make for a continued marked and positive difference. I hope and trust for its sake HP reads our forum.