*HP HDX DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 1*

Surely you meant Fastest notebook drive's burst mode doesn't breach 100MB/Sec.

Does the current 400GB(200x2) 7200RPM HD come with a single platter?

So the 1TB(500x2) are slim enough to fit a notebook - that would be great!

 

Yep, good looking out. I meant MB/Sec. I'll fix that.

As far as 200GB 7200 HD platters, depends on manufacturer. Hitachi uses 2. So I'm going to guess the others do. Perhaps 3 at the most.

And yeah, the Samsung 500GB M6 amazingly is 9.5mm in height.

 

Hi Black Knight,
I'm Italian too, but I cannot find any evidence on Hp italian site about the T9300 HDX model.

I've seen it on Uk, German and French sites but not on the italian one.
How do you know of its existence?
It's just a speculation based on other sites (and probably a good speculation) or have you seen it?
Could you be of help? Do you know the price?
Tks

 

HI Fulgore

It just starts to come out, the "HDX92..." is the new model with the geforce 8800 (the HDX90 and 91 are older versions)

http://www.trovaprezzi.it/prezzo_notebook_hdx.aspx

http://notebookitalia.it/scheda-tecnica-recensione/hp-pavilion-hdx9280el-2.html

If you get it let us know what you think _

Ciao

EDIT:
After checking my link, apparently they only offer the 9280 for now, which has a T8100, but here in France where I am at the moment they have a 9290 which is supposed to has a T9300. I remember an interview, though with a HP rep. who was mentioning the two versions for the Italian market...

 

Have any of you folks successfully accomplished a clean install of XP on one of these machines? Were you able to find all of the drivers?
Thanks!

 

Hi there Black.

if you check the interview with the Hp rep. on Notebookitalia you should see that he mention only the 8100 model, claiming that it would be better in terms of price/performance...

Probably the 9300 would come out even in Italy (i can't realize why they put an HD-DVD Rom and a 8100 instead of a 9300...) but who knows the price and btw when?

I wan't it, but probably i'm going to buy an import german 9270 or an UK 9250 and then check if it's possible to change the Vista's language.. no prob for English, but german should be though to manage with..

 

It's been done. The only remaining problem is that there is no driver for sound. So no sound will come through the speakers. You might want to try Dell's driver for the equivalent sound hardware to see if that works. I posted it on here somewhere. I'll look later for the links.

Search for the threads that talk about "HDX XP sound."

EDIT: here are the links:

The HDX uses a sigmatel 9271.

You'll need to first install XP hotfix for HD audio: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/888111

Then try one of these drivers from Dell:

http://support.euro.dell.com/suppor...eid=R122161&formatcnt=1&libid=0&fileid=162467

http://ftp.us.dell.com/audio/R153908.EXE

Good luck.

 

If you're getting Vista Ultimate you can change the language using a language pack available for free from Microsoft.

"Language packs for Windows multi-language interface, where users can install and use multiple languages on a single PC. Great for multi-lingual households or if you are learning a new language."

Google: "Windows Vista Multilingual User Interface Pack (MUI)."

See here also: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925471

If not Vista Ultimate, there is a Windows Vista Language Interface Pack (LIP) available.

 

Hi Fulgore

I suppose you are right about the T8100, but I would still wait and see if they come up with something in Italy: The French keyboard is azerty (yuk) the English one has no accent whatsoever and I can just imagine looking for a fifteen character word file in the German version of windows (AH AH AH!!!)

...Unless you want to change both Vista and the keyboard (actually a keyboard change is possible but costs about 100euros...)

The other option is waiting and see... In fact I also wait for the next Toshiba X200 which s also supposed to come out with a Geforce 8800 and looks pretty sweet as well... great sound and all...

 

RE: Blu-Ray Writer for the HDX

On March 10, 2008 a conversation took place with a person at Hpshopping we will call “B”. “B” indicated that there was an HP system configurable with Blu-Ray Writer/HD DVD Player & LightScribe with Super Multi DVD Burner Backward Compatible, the HP d4999t Pavilion Desktop Configure-To-Order. The desktop system was released on January 23, 2008.

d4999t reference: http://www.shopping.hp.com/cto/customize/desktops/d4999t_series/KC836AV%23ABA/?jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN

“B” indicated that a special order confirmed at Hpshopping with Blu-Ray Writers. He did not have more information to give out. “B” said that a Blu-Ray Writer optical drive for the HDX will be available very shortly. He did not elaborate.

Because “B” is not a regular source for information, the extent of his knowledge has not yet been proven. Because of that, we cannot fully depend on this information. Still, “B” demonstrated marked concerns very similar to the ones we all share over the HD DVD vs. Blu-Ray issue.

 

@ 2.0
thanks a lot dude! + rep for ya! But I cannot find Vista's LIP..only Xp lips..
Upgrading to ultimate is not an option... 200 € won't worth it..

@ Black
Are you sure about x200? Wow! I'd love it too.. at a reasonable price, obviously..
For the keyboard you're sure pretty right! I guess that in case i'm going to write a lot of umlaut and double S... (or buy an USB keyboard! which is actually chepaer than replace the laptop's one..).. LOL...

 

That's encouraging news. April ought to be a big month for HP. Supposedly the 2133 UMPC will debut. Looking forward to purchasing that at the same time I'm going to get the HDX.

The other thing, GPU wise, latest news is that ATI will most probably be bringing the mobile RV770 to market in June. Probable designation is Radeon Mobility HD 4870. This will be more powerful than the current 8800M GTX, let alone the 8800M GTS which is an option on the HDX. So I figure HP will drop the 8800M GTS and offer the Radeon 3850 or HD3870 in stndard config along with the HD 4870 as a premium option.

Things are looking up.

 

Sorry that I couldn't be of more help. Thanks for the rep - right back at ya.

 

Fulgore

Regarding the X200 (sorry 'off topic' but he just asked me about that) yes the French site Laptopspirit definitely mentioned around November 2007 that Toshiba had plans regarding a X200 with a geforce8800m which should come out "beginning 2008" - Apparently the source was the British site CNET, so who knows about an Italian version of it... But the X200 is sure on my top list with the Dragon.

http://www.laptopspirit.fr/5580/geforce-8800m-en-2008-chez-toshiba-dans-un-x200/

 

Hello! I have a question regarding the bios of the hdx. Is it a simple bios ? Will the bios allow overclocking the x9000 (intel extreme prosessor)
I would love some pictures of the bios . Thanks alot!

 

NOTICE: as of 3/15/08, HP removed the option to configure an HDX with an 8800M GTS on its US website.

May be a temporary thing due to supply concerns. Or perhaps they may replace it with ATI's yet announced Radeon Mobility 3870.

 

Not so soon. The ATI cards should follow a platform refresh, i.e. Montevina.

 

Yeah, that's what I would figure. But, recent news/rumor is that in June ATI may release the R770 (4870) Mobility. So doing an interim 3870 option might be doable. Roadmap suggested that the mobility 3870 was due out in March. Then when Monte is released, offer the 3870 standard and 4870 as a premium option.

Then again, the 8800M GTS was offered before a platform refresh.

 

Is the new ATI Mobility 3870 card supposed to better that the 8800 GTS card?

 

It'll be on par with the 8800M GTX.

 

I have just looked at HDX maintenance and service guide (link posted here some time ago). There is a procedure for replacement of 'Nvidia video board'.

Does anyone know if that means HDX video is upgradeable? What kind of socket is that - only for Nvidia or compatible with ATI? And finally - can that be so easy just to plug new card or BIOS update is necessary?

 

Whether it's possible or not, consider that HP would be the only place to get a new card from and it will cost a mint. Far more than it should. And you would have to wait until after the warranty period expires.

Also, it would only be replaceable/upgradeable with cards made for the series and motherboard revision. Meaning, if a particular series offers an 8800M GTS and ATI 2600XT, that would be your only options. If the next motherboard supports say an 8800GTX and ATI 4870, you're most probably SOL. Considering the cost of the cards bought from HP as a replacement part, not sure who would want to guinea pig it just to find out if it works or not.

BTW, that socket as displayed in the manual would be some sort of HP proprietary MXM type.

 

HOLY **DASzx8coszx I wish i had the money

 

8800M GTS is once again an available option. Must have been a temporary supply problem.

 

WOW Anyone from Europe?

Look what they got in Belgium! A HDX93xx !

http://www.hcw.be/p.aspx?p=H5840

Apparently the 93 series offers a blu-ray ! it comes out in about a week!

 

Right on Black!!!

Enjoy!

 

640GB (320GB 5400RPM x2 ) option now available.

 

First off, thanks for this forum! It has been VERY helpful!
I am leaning toward the purchase of the HDX, but have a few questions that hopefully you all can answer.
1) Vista 32-bit vs 64-bit. Is there a REAL advantage to 64? It seems there are a lot of compatibility issues with hardware?

2) Is it worth waiting for future builds with upgrades to video card or the montevina upgrade? And what will that do to the cost?

3) And, is there a feeling that HP will include a Blu-ray writer instead of the ROM?

Again, thanks!

 

Oh, for the record, this is the tentative build.
I wanted the larger HD, but I utilize external drives, and figure I could upgrade them later at a better price from different store. any other suggestions are welcome!

# Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
# – Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo Processor T9300 (2.50 GHz, 6 MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
# – 20.1" WUXGA High-Definition HP Ultra Brightview Widescreen Display(1920x1200) - "True HD" 1080p res
# – 3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
# – 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8800M GTS
# – Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection and Bluetooth(TM)
# – 240GB 5400RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (120GB x 2)
# – Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer

 

It would have been nice if it was at 7200RPM ;-)

 

Blu-Ray Writer:
On March 15, 2008 3:50 PM Pacific DST we had a conversation with a very well-informed representative at Hpshopping we will call “JR”. JR has been with Hpshopping for 3 years in-house and spent another 3 years as an outside area rep for Hpshopping. JR indicated to us that Blu-Ray Writer should be available on the HDX in 1 week. Furthermore, he indicated that when Toshiba informed HP and Hpshopping that they were pulling the plug on all its HD DVD businesses, Hpshopping continued selling HD DVD for another week or two. We were able to confirm the latter. However, we are unable to confirm that Hpshopping will make a Blu-Ray Writer for the HDX available in 1 week. At this point, it is based on information of belief. Also, logic dictates that the flagship notebook of HP could/would/should ASAP include a Bllu-Ray Writer option. JR concurred, and, indicated that everyone is calling and asking for it.

The bottom line is that from a marketing standpoint, it makes business sense for HP and Hpshopping to list a Blu-Ray Writer ASAP because it will immediately boost sales of the HDX. If you all can, wait up for this to happen. I know of 9 persons/entities waiting for the Blu-Ray Writers to become available to put their orders in.

Soundcard (onboard):
JR indicated that the soundcard on the HDX is integrated onboard and manufactured by Realtek:
http://www.realtek.com.tw/

Sound Blaster Xpress Card:
JR also indicated that Creative.com makes a great external USB Soundcard and a Surround Sound Upgrade Kit for Express Card Sound Blaster that is 5.1 or 7.1 and may be Dolby Digital dts capable. JR indicated it is USB 2.0. We were unable to confirm that it is USB 2.0. However, Creative does list an express card that is a Sound blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio for notebook. The ExpressCard Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio Notebook sound card features smart technology that turns plain stereo sound into rich surround sound by centering vocals and moving ambient sounds all around you. Listen in virtual surround over headphones or stereo speakers or add the Surround Sound Upgrade kit (sold separately) to connect to your 5.1/7.1 speakers.

Creative Express Card Sound blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio for notebook:
http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=208&product=16642
Creative Surround Sound Upgrade Kit for Express Card:
http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=16&product=16741

Other peripherals and their releases (according to JR of Hpshopping):
HP releases new computers or puts out major computer changes every 4 months.
2nd generation HP MediaSmart TV's will be out in April 2008.
1st Generation HP Media Center Extenders doing what MediaSmart features do on existing HP TV's will be out next.
New HP Printers and HP cameras in Fall July – August 2008.

GPU:
Monday March 17, 2005 Hpshopping pulled the NVIDIA GeForce 8800M GTS.
On March 19, 2008 Hpshopping relisted the 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8800M GTS.

 

1. The only real advantage of 64bit is that you can use more than 3GB RAM. BY the time 64bit starts to become somewhat of a standard, Windows 7 will be out (2010). And that's being very optimistic about 64bit.

2. Already addressed in this thread. Answer summary: if you can, wait until June. HP will keep the base price @ $2000.

3. Answered again in this thread and most recently by Valmon.

One other wonder, will Dell update their XPS 2010 to some less fossil-like to something more modern? There's a rumor that they might for Montevina's launch. Competition is always a good thing.

 

darengibo:

As 2.0 pointed out - you will find the following of help:
2. Link to where this thread specifically addresses Montevina that is on page 11: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=3041194#post3041194
3. Link to where this thread gives an indication regarding the Blu-Ray Writer on the HDX is on page 24 (2 postings up on this page): http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=3130942#post3130942

Best,

 

Wow this HDX sure is frustrating me. I first purchased my HDX at costco.com. I got it after 2 weeks or so and loved it until I noticed the dead pixel. Boy that sucked. So because it's costco I simply returned it at a store and then went back to costco.com to re-order. Unfortuantely the same configuration wasn't available so I had to pay $150 more. I just got my new one yesterday. Again I loved it until.....I noticed a dead pixel. What the heck is going on? This is completely ridiculous. I have been without a computer at home for over 1 month. I know I can return the thing to costco and re-order but then I would have to wait another 2 weeks at least and who knows if there would be a problem again. Has anyone had this problem with this machine? Also do you think I could convince Costco to work for me with HP and have a technician sent out to replace the monitor instead of me having to send it back for repair?

Any advice would be great. I really like this laptop but can't see spending $3000 on a laptop and being ok with a dead pixel.

 

Hi if anyone is thinking of getting a HDX here in the UK i would say go here and get this one i paid £1,650 for my HDX9120EA only 4 months ago now you can get the HDX9160EA for only £1,199 damn that make me sick lol

Anyway they just gone out of stock but if i was you i would keep a eye on there till they get them back in anyway heres the link

http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/424595/HP-PAVILIONHDX9160

 

Wow, I thought I was reading my own post. I am getting ready to return my second HDX to Costco for a stuck pixel (stuck bright blue) on each one. I spoke with the Costco Concierge Service and they call HP Tech Support for you and all work is done through HP. Unfortunately that falls in the acceptable tolerance for HP. I will continue to purchase and return them to Costco until I get an HDX I am satisfied with. I am in total agreement with you, this is too much money to settle for a flaw. Whenever I watch a movie it is like a little blue flashlight shining right in my face! The 90 day satisfaction return policy from Costco rocks!

 

I really can't believe it to be honest. I mean not having a computer for over 6 weeks and I keep having these problems. Even with the costco return policy it makes me not want to give them my money. Have you called Costco to ask if they can make HP send out a new monitor as well as someone to replace it? I mean I had a dell and the standard 3 year warranty and I had a repair person come out 1 day after calling support to replace the motherboard. They did this 3 times for me. I am just very upset and I know it's not Costco's fault but I feel they need to make this right. Have you tried to get Costco to help you with anything like this? Or discounts or something?

Thanks

 

You're exactly right. A dead pixel especially spending that much would piss me the hell off too.

Maybe order one and call them while its being built to make SURE everythings working and that theres no major noticeable dead pixels before they send the new order to you.

 

Yea I don't really know if there is a way for me to track it that carefully. My thoughts are that any reputable company should already be doing these kind of quality controls checks before sending me the machine. I mean heck if it was a $99 portable DVD player I wouldn't have much to complain about but this is a much different level thus the quality control aspects should be higher as well. Just my thoughts I guess. I will see what Costco decides to do for me when I call tomorrow. I mean I almost want to just drop it and go get a new dell or something but dell doesn't really have anything comparable.

 

The HDX is an awesome machine- definitely worth what you get. Stay on it.

If you scroll to previous pages of this thread there are some issues that are still around. Depending on which you ordered- specifically the Nvidia card 8800m GTS 512, a lot of people here and on other forums including myself are reporting their card not showing up in the device manager. One of my messages here fixes that. Theres issues with Quicklaunch atm. A lot of the buttons don't work after their security hotfix thru HP. 'They're still working on it'.

I had to do some running around to figure stuff out but after I got this badboy up and running the way I want- it was definitely worth it. I wouldn't return this for anything else. Fast, sleek, HD Bluray movies look great, EQ2, WoW all run fantastic. Bioshock ran very well. Apps run smooth. No real issues other than the above paragraph. Overall this is the best laptop I ever purchased. If I could afford it I'd buy another for home (i leave my HDX at work).

Just remember the Tech Support sucks ass. Costco's rocks, but when you want tech support thru HP, don't bother. You'll be talking to robots who read scripts. You'll find more help here in this forum and googling.

Maybe try emailing Costco and HP (CC) and say I'm going on my 3rd laptop and the first two had two very noticeable dead pixels. Please check this before you freakin send it to me or I'm taking my business elsewhere.




Asuhoru

 

Just not ment to be. It's a very sad day.
Going to be sick and I just want to say goodbye.
I'm now back to using my very old PC.

Well what started out to be a great plan for the Dragon Just went down the tubes today.
I have no idea why this has happend to us. Maybe somone at HP has my number???

As many of you know from my previous posts. When we first got our Dragon back in December of 2007. We had great plans to use the HDX as a HTPC.
In fact, when we 1st turned it on. We fell in love with it. And it seemed to do everything we wanted.

But, We tried to record our 1st TV show. It crashed and screen went black. Tried again. Crash crash crash. Contacted HP support (Horrible Support). After a 1 1/2 months of trying to get this and others things such as Non Working webcam and hissing noise comming from bottom of display corrected. I then contacted the BBB and opend a case number. After a week. I called HP support and asked to speak a Case Manager. They just gave me the phone number and extention.
I then called and called and called...... After almost another month and a half and 3 months since I purchased the machine. I had to send my old Dragon back to see if they could repair it.
Well 2 days ago. I received a hdx9200, with Half the memory 2GB instead of 4, No currently HDMI support. BD player DVD/RW (Did not play Blue Ray Disks), Among other things. Must be the worst "Bait and Switch" anyone has gone though.
And if that is not enough. This afternoon. The bottom of the display. started to smell real bad. I shut the new machine off. Then tried to turn it back on. Nothing happend. I think, it's dead and gone. So much for that.

I called the HP case Manager line. After, refusing to hang up until I could talk to the case manager that was working with me or anyone. After 45 minutes.
A case manager came on. He said, They spoke to the office. He told me. Nothing else could be done for me. Then said goodbye.
So that's the end of that.

The only things. I'm going to do now. Which, most likely will be a waist of time. Are; Contact my lawyer, the BBB and update the case, Contact my credit card company and Write a letter to Mr Mark Hurd. If anything, at least this will help my stomach ulcer. I think, going though this for the past 3 months has caused.

Then, If nothing happens by July 4th. I'll give the Dragon a nice bonfire goodbye and watch my $4,000 go up in smoke. Yes, I know. Crazy. I'll try and put it on Youtube

So, a word of warning. I'm not going to tell you not to order, The Dragon.
Becuae, I have no Idea why this has happend to me. Must be bad karma. If you get one that works BIG IF!. It will be an awesome machine I'm sure. In my case, I could not tell you. Becuase. Mine was a POS. Both of them.
When you receive yours. Make sure you check everything out. Top to bottom and inside out. If you notice anything wrong at all. Return it and get your money back. Don't let them BS you into getting a replacement. Just get your money back and go someplace else.

Sorry for this long negative post. But had to get this all off my chest.

Good luck


Never Never again HP.

 

I completely understand your frustration being that I am in the same exact boat. I would not try to get it repaired. I would definitely want factory fresh computer. Hp won't repair it due it to being within specs. Not very many manufacters have a dead pixel warranty. There is a certain percentage of dead or stuck pixels that they do allow. The service plan Costco has is very good. They got me into contact with an actual technician not just a customer service rep reading a prompt on their computer screen. As for having a technician replace your screen you are slave to the skill level of the tech. I know it is a pain in the rear, but it would definitely be better making another attempt. I was tempted in getting a new XPS from Dell, but it my case I am not a heavy gamer, I really like the larger screen with the full 1080p.

 

Oh Geez.



Theres got to be something you can do. Its been 3 months? Doesn't warranty cover it? Tell the ****s they sent the wrong computer back. Something just aint right there.

You ever read PCWorld magazine? Write to them and tell them your story.

 

Your're right. Something is just not right there. It says 1 year Warranty on the bottom of the new PC just like the old one.
Maybe for some reason. They just wanted me off the phone line.
Anyways, I'm going to settle down a little and call again next week.
I'm beginning to think. That these HDX machines are built without any QA.
A friend of mine, also suggested I call my home owners insurance co and see if they can do something for me.
He joked with me and asked, "Who the heXX did I tick off at HP. maybe somone you went to school with? Hee Hee.

Like I said, I'm going to give it a few more months to resolve this.

But HP lost me as a customer. If things had worked out. Even with the 3 month wait. I would have bought 2 more notebooks. One for each of the bedrooms and another Dragon for the home office.
But now that money is going someplace else.
I know HP sells millions of PC's all over the world. So, the lost money doesn't matter to them.
Another thought, I think maybe. The machines that are built or pre-built for the box store's like, BB may have much better QA then machine built for customers via the HP WEB Stores. Same for business customers.
We just don't understand why this happend to us. Twice now out of HP's millions of customers. I just don't get it. Wish I had this kind of luck with the lotto. If you know what I mean? hee hee

Once again. I wish this had worked out.

Who knows, maybe something will be done.

Thanks.


Never never never again HP.

 

Well I have come to the conclusion that the best bet for me might be to just re-order the laptop then transfer all my data of the exisiting one when I get the new one. I just checked costco.com though and the same computer configuration is $100 more expensive. This is getting so ridiculous. I will be call Costco to see what they can offer me.

 

OMG, you've had a horrible time, i've had my HDX since November'07 plus i paid extra for a HP total care pack until October 2010.

HP has to accept responsibility for your 2 HDX's you've received, keep on their backs until the matter is resolved.

I hope my HDX does not get a problem, i'd hate to be on the phone 24/7 to some dumb f*** explaining the problem.

I just back up everything regulary and keep the laptop standard, even the RAM.

I hope you get sorted out soon mate.

 

Welcome to the club.

At least the 2 machines I had did not have any dead pixels.

Before the second machine smoked. Both the webcam and TV tuners worked great. If I didn't have to send the 1st machine back to get the second machine. Maybe I could have switched parts.
This kind of tells me. The problem with my 1st machine had to do with the TV card they used and or the drivers. Becuae the second machines TV card worked great and had the QAM tuner also.

You getting 2 monitors with dead pixels is also crazy. I wonder if the people building these things are not testing anymore. Maybe just 2 many machines being sold and they can't handle all the business.

Good luck.

 

I called once again a little while ago. Was on hold for about 40 minutes. I got told somone would have to call me back to setup a repair. I asked the person. Arn't you a case manager? He said yes. But the case manager you have been dealling with would have to setup the repair.

At least this was better then getting told, "nothing more could be done for me."

Anyone want to take any bets if the CM will call me back?????

I'm not going to worry about it anymore.

The only sad thing about this was. I could have spent that $4,000 on a nice desktop to use as a HTPC or go on a nice trip to the islands. It was part of my bonus. So I'm not going to go homeless at the loss. But HP may have well pointed a gun at me and said Give me your money or else.

Another thought is. I wonder if your HDX came from the same factory the 2 we received did? Maybe by looking at the serial numbers we could figure this out??

Good luck with your machine.

 

Yea we'll see. Hopefully 3rd time is the charm. Luckily Costco kicks butt and will offer me the machine at the same price as the last one even though it has gone up. The really crappy thing is that I was looking at dell's and I can't get anything even near this good at this price from Dell. Just hoping it works out this time.

 

Update on our on going adventure with HP.

Maybe some good News too.
I just had a chance to speak to a very nice sounding and very knolagable young lady.
She must be in training and HP has not had a chance to brainwash her yet Hee Hee.
She even took over my case.

1st she explained to me. That I need to treat the second PC that I received as a new PC and contact a support agent. She said if she were to do this it would just mess things up. They need to follow the guides. She also said. This could be the reason I was told, "they could do nothing else for me", when I called on Friday.

2nd. The reason things were changed such as memory being reduced and HDD's changed to 5400 were most likely. They needed to match the cost or value of the second PC to the 1st PC. She said if she had handled it after HP made me wait so long. She would have given me a new one with the works no matter how much it would have cost. Things like the BD burner and X9000 CPU increased the price of the second PC. So they had to put slower HDD's and reduce the memory.

3rd. She thinks the smell at the bottom of the monitor was the power inverter burning up. Or could be the mother board.

Well. All I can say is. we do feel a little better then we did on Friday.

So let see what happens next.