*HP HDX DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 1*

First I would like to Thank everyone in The Lounge for their informative input regarding my recent inquiry on my upcoming purchase of the Dragon. I'm just about to place my order but I was reading something about a 20%-30% discount? I was going to place the order through my WorldPerks Mall (NorthWest Airlines Frequent Flyer Program), where they give you 4 miles for every dollar you spend with HP... so after configuring my Dragon to my specs, the total price came out to $3,699... which means I can get 14,796 miles!

Where is this 20%-30% coupon that I'm reading about? Does it have an expiration date and if so, when does it expire?

 

CODE: NB8821

30% off - expires 9/1

 

What are the system specs? The devil's advocate in me thinks that is pretty high unless you got top-end everything; X9000, blu-ray, WUXGA, vista ultimate, etc.

The 15k flyer miles aren't that helpful in most situations. Depending on the program, they are only worth about 75-100 dollars for an upgrade or purchase, if that. Of course I don't know how your deal works. Not trying to be a nanny, something just smells fishy...especially when you can get a fabulous system for a grand or more less, again, depending on what configuration you are looking for.

Oh, and welcome to the forums, good luck in whatever you decide.

 

I actually have this one and it works great for me. However, the included carry case for power brick and cords won't fit, so I improvised. I went to Lowes and got a 1/2' foam sheet. I cut it into 2 pieces, the first lays on top of the laptop when in the bag. The second lays on top of that and I cut slots to accomodate brick, cords, mouse, headphones etc. For the price and comparisons to competition, it suits me just fine, plus I travel on business and it looks a little more professional.

http://www.dicota.com/start.php?office=62&page=page_productDetails&ds=1278

I almost got this one and there is a youtube video demo that I couldn't find. It seems like it would work too:

http://www.ilugger.com/black-imac-c...17 20 inch iMac G5 Intel Carrying Case Black


Plus I meant to ask you, are those GPU clocks stable? Have you run ATI tool or similar for any length of time? I can only get to 650/915 before I get artifacts. I have checked games at 950 for short durations and they seem to run fine with no significant temp rise, but I just don't trust it.

 

I've been talking with a company called www.slappa.com about the lack of a good backpack style laptop bag for this size laptop and they feel the same way. I've given them the measurements of my Aurora mALX, some pictures and a whole list of improvement ideas. they said they defiantly want to target the 20" laptop market because it seems no one else really has and are hoping to have one in their product lineup of 2009. he quoted me to be in the price range of $150, which is steep for a backpack in my opinion, but if they build with quality, it's money I'd be willing to spend. I know it's not an immediate solution on the bag situations, but at least there's a ball rolling.

 

They don't ship to the US mate.

 

yeah, I wish I had located this before I bought the Dicota. Does it have a shoulder strap? Anyway, since it doesn't cost much I might check it out. The Dicota doesn't seem to weigh a full 4.5 lbs, probably closer to 3, but that still is over 1 kg, which is probably why listed as 2 kg. The whole thing loaded is heavy, I KNOW that. But I would rather carry it on airplanes than pack in my suitcase. It's really the only time I take it out of the house, and then only if business trip is longer than a few days.

 

I'm referring to a backpack style, though that's an awesome price.

 

With an X9000 CPU and ambient temp. of 21 oC, the 8800M GTS GPU rarely exceeds 60 oC under full 3D graphics load (max. 61-62 oC but that's as I've said is rare). The regular full 3D load temp (sustained) is 55-58 oC. Because of this the HDX never suffers of the 8800M automatic downclocking or bad graphics performance common in other gaming laptops fitted with the same GPU. I wouldn't recommend overclocking the GPU; it already has enough horsepower to run the latest OpenGL and DX10 games like Assassin's Creed at maximum/highest quality settings (including AA) @ 1920x1200 with frame rates of 50 fps and over.

 

How well does the X9000 perform on the hdx? In looking at the hp config, its a $900 upgrade. Seems pretty high in comparison the 2.50ghz option which is only $200.

I likely won't be able to buy an hdx till after the 11th, so sadly the 30% will be expired by then

 

Some people just have more money than god! But seriously, the x9000 can be had for about 375.00 on ebay, and relatively simple but time consuming to swap out on the HDX. If you really wanted it, and have any kind of tech skills, I would go that route. It runs significantly cooler and is faster, but not worth the 900.00 upgrade on HP (in my oipinion). I have the 2.50 ghz CPU in mine, and I am very happy with it.

 

Rumba,

That quote belongs to hovercraftdriver. See this post:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=3845495&postcount=1978

 

Agreed. Not worth the money HP is selling it for since you can't overclock it. Raw CPU processing, it's about 8-12% faster than the T9300(2.5ghz). In games however you can get between a 2%-12% increase in GPU performance. All depends on the game. At WUXGA resolutions, that might make the difference between stuttering and no stuttering in certain scenes of a game. With WSXGA+ in the future it might at certain graphic option levels as games become more advanced.

The fact that it runs cooler is no big whoop since it won't add the the CPU's life. All Penryns, including the T9300, run below average temps in the HDX anyway. Penryns are design to well tolerate 50's C for extended periods of time. One could make the case that the fan will run more often with a T9300 than an X9000. Sure. But by the time you need to replace the fan, the HDX will be a proverbial relic. That and a new fan/heatsink assembly will probably cost you $60 in the future.

All that to say is +$700 over the T9300 worth avg 10% more performance and slightly lower temps on top of not being able to overclock (which could have taken you up to 3.4Ghz)?

What's more, not only is Hovercraftdriver right about Ebay pricing, but when the 2.8ghz Montevina Penryn (T9600) hits ebay, it will be more plentiful and cheaper. And it's also compatible with the HDX's chipset.

T9600 specs: http://ark.intel.com/cpu.aspx?groupID=35563

Also see this: http://www.intel.com/cd/channel/res...obile/processors/core2duo_m/feature/index.htm

 

As promised, heres my Bertha with her little sister.



HDX Big Bertha and my new Asus EEE 1000h netbook.

 

If any USA hdx owners are still lookin for a case, the ever elusive dicota multigiant is currently in stock on amazon.com for 42.99. I just ordered one

 

How to check if all 4 speakers and sub are working?

 

Good looking out. I'll check it out.

 

I clocked in @ just under 3hrs on balanced, screen 60%, wifi on, bluetooth off, browsing and typing with the T9300. That's a seriously sweet UPS.

Haven't run a DVD test but I suspect it would be just over 2 hrs. Not much more.

I plan on getting the X9000 next summer perhaps. Just because.

 

Is the Montivena refresh of the HDX pretty much dead? Is this the end of the line for the HDX?

 

Both, thanks again.
B

 

Stupid question, what does HP 6.10.5929 signify? I'm look for the one magic url where I can dl ALL NEEDED XP drivers for the HP Pavilion HDX9494NR.
B

 

Where do you see that it will be compatible? What I understand from those pages is that the T9600 is only compatible with the mobile 45 series chipsets.

 

1st link, scroll to bottom of the page. Lists PM965, ICH8 (82801HEM) as compatible chipset combo. And it's socket P.

There might be the issue of whether or not the HDX's BIOS will not properly recognize the CPU and its speed.

As a comparison, here's the T9300 page: http://ark.intel.com/cpu.aspx?groupID=33917

 

This is what I'm thinking, it's a 1066 bus, so even if the HDX sees it, it's probably going to run at 2.1GHz instead of 2.8.

I wonder who will volunteer to be the first guinea pig. Any takers?

 

I don't have IDT Audio Control Panel in Control Panel. I've started that applicaton from c:\program files\IDT. I don't quite understand 4+1 concept in that laptop. I can only choose stereo, quadraphonic, 5.1 and 7.1. I don't have 4.1 option I've installed drivers you've recommended. Are those 4 speakers just double stereo? or I have something wrong?

 

Yep. Scratch it.

T9600 has a 10.5 ratio, while T9300 (and the rest in the series) have a 12.5.

HDX has a bus of 200mhz x 4= 800mhz. Doing the math, T9300(2.5ghz) = 200 x 12.5 = 2,500 mhz. Slapped in T9600 = 200mhz x 10.5 = 2,100 mhz.

X9000 is the only hope of 2.8ghz. And the final frontier.

 

Can you send a printscreen of your IDT CPL. I can't hear anything where I'm pressing test speakers.

 

What is 3DxWare panel? How to reinstall the driver properly?

 

Thanks! I've been checking Amazon off and on...I already have one of these for my XPS M2010 Dell 20", but I cut out the handle of the case to make an opening for the handle of the M2010 to stick out, which works well, but now that case won't work for my soon-to-be-shipped HDX!

I just ordered another! Thanks again.

 

What is SigmaTel Audio in programs and features? Do I understand correctly that it is a drivers for sound card in HDX and IDT is a driver for HDX speakers?

 

Can someone explain to me why my 8800GTS is running at 1x not 16x? PCI-E speed?

 

I ordered an HDX with the extreme 2.8 cpu, 4GB Ram, WUXGA, and 8800gts. A day later I found out about the EliteBooks with the potential for a quad-core CPU, and NVIDIA's 512 or 1GB Quadro FX.

I'm less concerned about the CPU, but the GPU seems clearly better than the 8800 gts. So I'm having second thoughts.

I had a curious conversation with an HP tech who told me the GPU is upgradable without voiding the warranty. The next day an HP tech person told me the precise opposite. Pretty confusing. Of course, I couldn't get a firm response from anyone whether the Dragon will be updated with new CPUs and GPUs. I like the 20.1 inch screen, but I also would like the most capable graphic card.

Any wise thoughts?

Thanks

 

Rumba:

Thanks for the thoughtful response. Do you think the Dragon will be refreshed with a more potent GPU? With regard to the figures you provided for the 8800GTS, can you put them into context. How capable is the card?

Is the GPU in the Dragon upgradable, and are there other cards which are presently compatible? Would a Quadro work in the device?

Does upgrading void the warranty?

Sorry for packing in so many questions. I like the Dragon, but don't want to feel that I'm buying in right before a major update. But if the GPU can be upgraded later its a better proposition.

Thanks

 

Due to the lack of standardization in regards to mxm slots, don't expect that there will be an upgrade path for the gpu in the hdx; there's no guarantee that HP is going to keep the HDX laptop line going at the moment as far as I know (basing this mainly off of 2.0's statements in this regard), much less bringing in newer gpu options that will work in the current HDX.

That being said, the 8800 in the HDX is very capable; it can run everything I've thrown at it, including such workhorses as age of conan.

 

Can anyone furnish the best way or the steps that need to be taken to tweak the 8800 GTS card?

 

The update already happened when the 9800M line came out. The 8800M GTS is a good card though, as long as you don't get the UWXGA screen, you should have no problem with med to high settings.

If you want something with a stronger card, look at a Sager. I personally recommend xoticpc.com. You can get a rig with a 9800M GT and Montevina for $1700 or so there, with a smaller screen of course.

 

Well, I did get the WUXGA screen, so....

Does it appear to you, because the 9800 is already out, that the HDX will not be refreshed, and will possibly be discontinued?

I read 2.0's comments, but still wonder about the future of the Dragon.

The 8800 gtx is more powerful than the gts, but it's not an option.

I still can't figure why the HP Tech told me the graphics card was upgradable.

A pity there's no real review of Toshiba's Qosmio G55. It comes with the newer NVIDIA mobile card and seems pretty nice.

 

Well, I did get the WUXGA screen, so....

...so you're still good, you'll just have to run some games at med settings, which will still look really nice.

Does it appear to you, because the 9800 is already out, that the HDX will not be refreshed, and will possibly be discontinued?

I don't think it's going to be refreshed. I hope so, but I doubt it as of now. Everything I've read says HDX is becoming a line, and the 20.1 doesn't fit in there yet.

I read 2.0's comments, but still wonder about the future of the Dragon.

The 8800 gtx is more powerful than the gts, but it's not an option.

It is, but not by as much as you think. One of the biggest advantages of the HDX is the cooling power. Add to that, the GTS puts out less heat than the GTX because of the lower sp count, so you have a better shot at a great OC without it getting hot enough for the drivers to kick it back down. I run 650/950 and never crack 70C. If you do overclock, this levels the field quite nicely. Of course, there are still risks though with that choice, but they are minimal if you watch your temps.

I still can't figure why the HP Tech told me the graphics card was upgradable.


You see, it is. Just only if HP decides to make another card for it. The current card comes out, but there's nothing you can replace it with. Good old marketing at it's best there.

 

Does the 2.8 core extreme help the GPU at all?

So there are no other cards now that will fit the HDX socket? It would be a nice gesture for HP to provide an upgrade. Dell allows consumers to upgrade the GPU.

From what you've said, it seems there will be an HDX line, but without the 20.1 inch display.

Have you investigated the Toshiba Qosmio G55?

Do you know of any other large screen (above 17 inch) with more powerful graphics capability?

Thanks. One of us should get some sleep.

 

Really? "allows" in what sense? I've not even really heard of or seen any multiple GPU choices for their laptops. If you buy any integrated video Dell laptop, they leave out the daughter-card connector so you're out of luck there.

The only option I could think of is if a laptop had 2 discrete video options (very few Dell's do), say the 8400M and 8600M. You could change out the video card/cooler and upgrade to the 8600M, but I doubt that is covered under warranty, i.e., NOT allowed.

Did you have a different experience?

 

BTW, I got an email from HP today, stating my HDX shipped! Yippee!!

I am definitely more excited about this unit than I was when I ordered it because of you guys!! Lot's of juicy goodness in this forum!

Now, I have to wait for FEDEX. Anyone know where the HDX's are shipped from (what part of the US or what city?)

 

I know what I have been meaning to ask! Can anyone answer if C1E can be turned off on the HDX?

For example, on my Dell M2010, the 2.1Ghz CPU is mostly running at half speed in Vista when idling or at low CPU utilization. Not until the CPU utilization reaches a certain threshold does the CPU speed jump up to 2.1Ghz.

Now, in XP, you could set your power options to ALWAYS ON, and the CPU would run full speed all the time. Not Vista, though.

I've seen it as C1E and also possibly Enhanced Speedstep causing this.

Is is possible, on the HDX, to have the CPU running full speed all the time?

(Obviously, battery life would take a hit, but when running on AC, I prefer this mode, as despite what others say, I do notice a difference when running at throttled down speeds...things that run at low cpu use like opening windows or even running IE are slower...people say I'm nuts, that there is no perceivable difference, but on my XPS 720 desktop, where I can control C1E, when I run full speed all the time for a few weeks, and then set it for throttled, power-saving mode, I can definitely tell a difference! It's just plain faster when running full CPU speed all the time.)

 

In taskbar, click the power icon in taskbar. Set to high performance. It'l reduce the stepping to just 2 steps. 50% and 100%. Some programs will report this setting as 100% full speed all the time. CPUz reports 50% and 100%.

Moreover, you can adjust the cpu speed min/max in advanced power options to your liking. click more power options, change plan settings, then adjust advanced options. Click the processor power management tree.

 

Congrats.

Shanghai, China. No kidding.

 

Dell DID allow upgrades in the XPS line, and for a while, still touted upgradability (same advertising BS as mentioned before.) I got the XPS Gen2 with 6800 Ultra and later upgraded to 7800 GTX. It was pretty easy too...could have the thing apart and back together and running in about 45 minutes (total parade rest). Wish all laptops would make this so easy for cleaning purposes.

It pretty much stopped there though. When the XPS 1710 (I thinK) and 7900 series hit the streets, subtle changes were made to the motherboard and the GPU assembly, so the swap wasn't a natural. Some folks were able to mod and make it fit, but then BIOS compatability was an issue. I stopped paying attention as it seemed more trouble than it was worth. Don't know if Dell still advertises the ability to upgrade now or not.

 

hi everbody,

I returned my hdx9480eg and I have now a hdx9350eg. Unfortunately either the hard disks are loud or one fan runs all the time. 9350 seems to be louder then the 9480. Does anyone know how I can check if the fans run. Speedfan doesnt display anything then temperatures. In Bios GPU fan is disabled.

hope you can help.

 

What is the HD speed and size? What BIOS version?

 

F3.5 and two Toshiba MK2546GSX.

 

Hi,

can 1680x1050 display owner please post the manufacturer. I have got a AUO with bad illumination. Thought it is a S-IPS.