*HP HDX DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 1*

I've been really busy lately so I haven't had too much time to play around with it, however, I'll give you a breif synopsys on my progress:

I installed OSx86 to the 2nd HDD of the HDX. At first I couldn't get it to boot. I found this odd as it had worked fine from my 500 GB External HDD. To make a long story short, you have to format the drive as MBR (Master Boot Record), not GPT (Global Partitioning Table). Without the MBR, you can't boot from it with either the vista bootloader or gub. I installed it using the iDeneb v1.1 10.5.4 disk, and it worked flawlessly. The only drivers I installed with it from the disk were the Intel Chipset drivers (which worked well). Other then that, the only the that I've been able to get running is the graphics card, which works perfectly (QE and CE enabled, 512 MB RAM recognized). Other then that, I don't have internet, (wireless or ethernet), or anything else pretty much. Any help that people would be willing to give would be apprecaited. I think this could be a really interesting and fun project to persue for us HDX owners... We'd definately be the only ones with 20'' Mac Book Pro's =).

 

recived my HDX today and it is awwwweson!!!!!!the screen is incredible

 

Sweet congrats man. Is it WSXGA or WUXGA?

 

Thanks you all for your confirmation.

I still see some HDX9010NR laying around. Should I get this one? Is it possible to swap the 256MB ATI for a 512MB GeForce?

 

Select United states as the region.

http://h20141.www2.hp.com/hpparts/C...QTE155839F0B&NotBulk=&NotFound=&NotOrderable=

Crazy, no?

 

No, the 90xx use the ATI only motherboards. They're also merom based and not Penryn. Though, a Penryn could be dropped in since they're socket P also.

 

Thanks!
I saw your comment and wandered if you meant me. It did not make sense, thought I missed something.

 

I second that, great work!

As for the sound hardware it's STAC 9271 or Sigmatel 9271. Should be able to find the driver on insanely mac forums.

HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_8384&DEV_7627&SUBSYS_30D4103C

You'll probably be able to get the screen speakers working but getting the subwoofer on other than Vista's a bugger.

 

It's very fine work. You ought to be proud.

 

Congrats and enjoy!

 

Hi, I'm new here. I bought an HP HDX 9494NR, should be arriving Monday, cant wait!

I'll be using it for gaming and digital imaging work. I do graphic design and a bit of photography and photo editing, the massive HD screen will come in very handy for that, though I'll probably have to get it calibrated to print settings. But ya, lots and lots of gaming too.

 

Question.

For different video files, codecs, etc, I generally use Windows player classic that comes with the Klite codec pack. It generally plays any format out there.

But I notices when I try to use Windows media center with the remote and all that jazz, I do not have all the codecs available? Not sure how the codecs would work in regular windows, but not in windows media center..

Any ideas?

Scott

 

yes its the WUXGA........the only thing i dont like about the computer is the mouse pad.....but i purchased a blue tooth mouse which works great

 

2.0 mentioned earlier that since the HDX is discontinued, to be wary of scams trying to sell too-good-to-be-true deals. Is this one of them? (dont worry I didnt buy mine from here)

http://cgi.ebay.com/Super-HP-Pavilion-HDX_W0QQitemZ150299048344QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item150299048344&_trkparms=72%3A1205|39%3A1|66%3A2|65%3A12|240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Legitimate? SCAM?

 

That would be a scam. Also, it violates Ebays rules.

Contact the the piker. He'll probably want you to do Western Union.

Funny how he's had 5 available for 2 weeks. at those prices, it would be none left in one day.

EDIT:

In any event, ebay is the last frontier. All US online retailers are out of stock of the HDX 9494nr. Might be an HDX 9010NR (ATI) left somewhere like tiger direct or comp usa..

UPDATE:

Newegg has the HDX9494NR back in stock today $1599+ship; run, don't walk. They sold out in two days last week when they got a batch in.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834147750

If you're looking for the WUXGA display, forget it. That's ebay's territory and you'll pay top dollar for that display. And by top dollar, I mean TOP.

 

Last week I posted some questions about WinDVD 9 and decided to get it. I installed it a few days ago and I have to say that I'm completely unimpressed. First of all, it's unstable - this is after I installed all the patches and updates. Second of all, when fully functioning, it is actually worse in picture quality than Quickplay!

While it's nice to have the control and functionality of WinDVD, there are just too many problems with this program. So, I'm sticking with Quickplay and going to try to take back WinDVD.

Just a thought.....it seems as though Quickplay was made for the HDX's hardwared and completely takes advantage of it, movies just pop and sparkle on the screen, whereas with Windvd, everything is dull and slow - maybe inefficient use of the HDX's graphics card? Also, not all my blu-ray's would work with Windvd, not a problem with Quickplay.

On a side note, I have been really enjoying Blu-rays on the Beast. While it's not full 1080p, the detail surpasses by far my Panasonic Plasma/PS3 combo. I was watching Rescue Dawn on the living room setup (plasma/ps3) and then compared it with the HDX - just blew me away, such realism and detail in the picture, very film like, whereas the Panasonic/ps3 looked good but in tv kind of way.

Anyway, I just thought some people would want to know.

 

Well for those in Canada, BestBuy.ca still has the HDX9494nr instock at $1599.99CDN...

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10108503&catid=26975

I got lucky and got mine for $1399.99CDN a few weeks back....never looked back....sweetest "laptop" ever....

 

I have a problem using the HDX with a plasma TV via HDMI. I use my HDX for business and as part of my entertainment system. When playing DVD’s on the plasma I get some “snow”, random white specs across the entire screen. Also get white flashes that cover a quarter to half the screen, always the lower half of the display. Sometimes the screen goes blank for a few seconds, then back to the video. Note the HDX display works fine (1680x1050). This occurs using PowerDVD, Quickplay and WinDVD. However Windows Media Center works flawlessly, I have watched many movies. I am using the HDX because the video quality is far superior to my OLD DVD player (480). Plus I use the HDX as my 5.1 decoder for surround sound. So why not use Media Center? Will not support Blue ray! I can’t wait to watch Blue ray movies on the plasma without the cost of a dedicated player. My HDX specs: T8300, 2MB, ATI graphics, Vista Ultimate 64 bit. Bloatware has been removed. Have spent much time experimenting with the graphics settings, to no avail. I thought about switching to the 8800, but that’s at great expense and a lot of work to get to the card, plus I don’t know if that would correct the issue. Anyone know of a solution?

 

asking for help...anyone know how to find any trusted dealer offering hp hdx with t9300,nvidia 8800m gts and screen of 1920x1200 resolution?hope it can do international shipping also...

 

Reputable, not really. The WUXGA models were mostly only sold through HP USA and in very limited fashion by authorized partners in Europe. Retailers and the rest of the world got the WSXGA+ versions.

There weren't very many of them sold as compared to the WSXGA+. It only started selling in January of this year. Expect to pay more than what HP sold them for fully loaded sine June. You'll be paying January prices for a discontinued unit.

all the "trustworthy" sellers on ebay will be smart enough to let folks bid on them.

Such a shame that the HDX was a commercial failure. No 20" had staying power.

 

Thank you, and nice job!

 

1. Does the ATI catalyst control center recognize your Plasma display?

2. In ATi catalyst control center, display manger, select the desktop 2 or screen two. click detect displays. if that doesn't help try the next:

Click the FORCE button. Force HDTV modes with 25hz or 30hz @ 1920 x 1080. Or force the 720P modes.

3. It could be a timing problem. Your plasma may not accept PC timing via HDMI. If it has more than one HDMI input, try those.

4. Your HDMI cabe is not HDMI 1.2 compatible or you may need a 1.3 HDMI cable.

 

Nice work! I was wondering if OSX would run on the HDX considering that it uses the same Santa Rosa platform as the Macbook Pro.

On a similar note, I saw an article the other day on a product called EFiX. It is a USB dongle that plugs into a standard PC, and emulates Apples EFI BIOS. This allows you to install any retail version of OSX Leopard, not a hacked version. Apparently it works rather well and even allows OSX updates.

Here's a link to the article
http://gizmodo.com/5049756/review-efix-dongle-perfectly-transforms-pc-to-mac

If the wireless adapter and sound can be made to work, I just might take the plunge myself.

 

Wow, I didn't reallize the HDX were that scarse. I guess I was lucky to get my 9494NR on Newegg for $1599 last Fridya when I did, seeing as they sold out in 2 days.

 

1. Yes, it knows the manufacture, and displays the desktop on it just fine in full 1080 resolution, no problems there. The display issues only occur when watching DVD movies using software other than Media Center.

My plasma display is fully capable of receiving PC displays, including a PC video input connector. The HDMI cable is a Monster ultra 800 rated for blue-ray use. The cable and display are both current models, meaning current technology.

 

-i agree when u said that customer will be paying a discontinued hdx unit for january price...man..this thing is really HOT...

 

Man I'm missing out on the HDX X9000s WUXGA sale offers!:/ I missed Lancorps somehow, and several others.. If anyone sees any top specs ones out there could you please let us know..but let me know first? lol

 

me first lol...

 

Quiet you Hey isn't that an HDX over there over that hill?? Go awa.. I mean...go for it man! Lol.

Seriously, I'm just pissed and frustrated with all this...with HP to be more precise! I'm looking at their site and it lists it as discontinued!:/ After being told month after month that they would get the BlueRay/HD DVD Burner Combo Drive back in stock so I could get all that I wanted when I initially bought it so that I didnt have to buy multiple drives and not be able to sell one in case I needed a repair done (since you have to send it back with the factory set configuration), and right when I saved up the amount I needed for it they discontinued it!:/ After only a week or two after they discontinued it apparently the only people who seem to carry it are people from overseas which require me to have to use a freakin rosetta stone to talk to them. Jimney Crickets I wants me an HDX yo!

 

Do you and/or anyone have an idea of how much the duty/taxes would be to buy and have it sent from overseas to the US? I'm expecting it to be outrageously high, if I'm practically forced to get it from outside the US.

 

Hello
I am glad and happy to have found this HP HDX owners lounge, as I have just ordered a HP HDX 9270EG.

I will be using a Linux operation system with this laptop.
...And wireless Internet,

 

What's bold in red confirms that there's no wifi card whitelist. Something of interest to be noted.

 

Best wishes with Linux. Likely you won't get all the features running.

 

LOL. You still peddling this myth? No such product exists nor existed for any notebook, old son. Especially since HD DVD products were discontinued early spring when HD DVD lost the format wars. HP never even offered a blu-ray burner for the HDX.

ValmonNR was waiting for them to offer a blu-ray burner and it never happened. One thing he was dismayed about is that at the begining of the year, Dell was offering a blu-ray burner. (And if such a drive existed, dell would have offered also.) Read through the early parts of this thread to see how much we've been tracking this issue. No such thing ever existed.

There were three combo drives for the HDX:

1. DVD±RW and CD-RW Super Multi Double-Layer Combo Drive with LightScribe
2. HD-DVD Combo Drive (HD-DVD ROM + DVD/CD ±RW Super Multi Double-Layer Combo Drive)
3. Blu-ray Combo (BD-ROM + DVD/CD ±RW Super Multi Double-Layer Combo drive)

There was never a dual HD (Blu-ray and HD DVD) format drive for the HDX or any notebook. The ones that did exist, existed for desktops only. HP used the ones made by LG in their desktops.


Anyway, such a thing would have made tech press world headlines if it existed. It would have been that big of a deal.

Read this thread for an illustration of the confusion:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=207341

 

It's the best notebook HP ever made.

There were a few new (WUXGA/8800M) on Craigslist, but they sold.

Check google shopping also.

 

Mobile, Brent, 2.0 and any others who are either GD's or use Adobe programs:

As you all know, Adobe's position is that none of the software programs they have (CS3 and prior) are "officially" certified for 64bit systems operation. That being said, many of us, myself included, are using Adobe's programs without any problems, or at least nothing major.

However, the System Requirements list in the Press Release the other day for the CS4 suite information says that all of the new CS4 programs are certified for 64bit systems. 2.0, I think you've got the Photoshop CS3 Extended upgrade - it's also 64bit certified.

If anyone subscribes to Lynda or is a NAPP Member, they've also got the new features on video there. Lynda has the Beta versions as well.

 

I'm soooo glad I got the HDX this summer! I was actually thinking about getting a Dell Studio 17, but when I checked out the crappy build quality of the Studio 15 at Bestbuy, I realized I should look elsewhere. I can't believe how cheap and junky those studio laptops are - if you check on the forums, there are also so many problems with them.

I was just randomly perusing newegg.com for deals when I happened upon the HDX 9494nr for 1549.99usd - I was absolutely floored and excited, "could this be true?". Months before, I could only drool and gawk over the very expensive 2500+ HDX. Now, it was in my price range and I didn't even hesitate. Man am I so glad I didn't - I love the thing, the best freakin' laptop in the world!

 

Nah I was just describing the history of reasons I delayed, not trying to lead people to believe it was a reality yos. HP mislead me, and others by listing it that way, having me believe I could have had a completely different drive/combo burner and had me being all concerned about getting what I would have wanted to upgrade to later, WHEN I bought it..so that I wouldnt have to buy more than one drive if you knows what I'm sayun? Ju know what I'm sayun?

 

@matsudaMan:

I hear you. I was in the same boat...actually, I wanted an HDX since about a year ago when I first started looking for a notebook, knowing I wouldnt be able to buy until tax refund came. Couldnt justify blowing the whole wad on a computer, though.

Fast forward to about a month ago...ready to pull the trigger. Was at Newegg, just browsing and saw the 'equipped with 8800gts' in red...then saw it was the HDX for 1549! Kind of wished I'd jumped at the HP page when the 30% off coupon was in effect, wanted a t9300 and wuxga screen. But I spent the weekend at my brothers pool so the kids could go swimming, etc. Still, I absolutely LOVE the notebook from newegg. I agree with 2.0...quite simply 'the best notebook HP ever made'.

Dont know if im just lucky, but i have not a single problem with this thing. I thought I had a dead pixel, but rubbed it and it activated. My power brick makes no noise, i have no 'light bleed' or whatever on the bottom of the screen...nothing. So glad I waited, then jumped.

Oh, actually do have a problem: fiance is Jealous (yes, with a capital J)! I think she thinks I love the dragon more than her.

Dont worry baby, ill chew that box, just a few more minutes. gotta optimize just a couple of settings...

 

That is so funny! My wife is the same way. When I'm in my study with the HDX, she's like "Honey, why don't you hang out with me in the living room?" - then I just lug the thing into the living room....kind of a compromise. Marriage is all about meeting in the middle!

Yeah, my HDX doesn't have a single problem - no dead pixels, no bleed, no noise, just pure awesomeness.

 

That's another thing, it's 'luggability'. So many reviews, ratings, etc., made it seem like this thing is so heavy and non-mobile. No, it's not a air-mac or whatever. but for christ's sake, it's only 15 pounds. my two year old is like 40 pounds and she acts as if she's a parapalegic, forcing me to carry her everywhere we go. the HDX is just as mobile as any other laptop.

and yes, it can be used on your lap, for any doubters. it accompanies me to the crapper most mornings. nothing like dropping off the cosby kids at the pool with a 20 inch screen perched on one's legs.

ok, ill stop there. just enjoy the mental picture

 

Dude, hiiiiilarious!!!! I'm totally going to use that one.

Yeah, I'm moving the HDX all over the house - no problem. I'm definitely going to take it on trips in the future. Am I the only one who is thoroughly impressed with the HDX's battery life?

 

I agree about the whole stupid weight business. 15 pounds is not a big thing to be carrying from place to place, especially with all its functionality. A bag of groceries can weigh more than that, and provide a lot less enjoyment.

You don't take your Macbook air jogging with you, but you put it in your car and take it out at the other end and put it on a desk, just like you would with the HDX. Maybe we should make our cars out of balsa wood.

MobileArtist
Still looking for a PS3 HDX HD solution

 

It was a hassle installing Acrobat pro 8 on Vista x64. Acrobat pro 9 works like a charm. And yes I have Photoshop CS3. Also Illustrator CS3, Indesign CS3 and sound booth CS3. All run perfectly in X64.

I'm going to look into CS4. See if they have any features worth upgrading to.

 

Well, it looks like I will hold on to my HDX9000 and not send it back to HP. HP rep did tell me that I can send it back and trade it in for a HDX16 for an improved graphic experience. Why would I want to go from 20" to a 16"? I was hoping that HP would have a SLI graphic or something like a 9800GTX for the new line of HDX9000. Of course that didn't happen since the HDX was discontinued. Anyway, not only is the huge laptop very nice but this forum makes it even better by help supporting and answering questions on issues that occur. I especially like to thank forum member 2.0 for answering many of my questions and thank others as well for their assistance. So far the one thing that bothers me about the HDX is the touch sensitive buttons. When the system is off and if I accidently touch any of the touch sensitive buttons, it will power up the HDX. That kind off eliminate the need to have the "power" button.

Can anyone suggest a good webcam program? Cyberlink webcam is decent but I have seen others like Logitech that have many more very nice features. Thank you.

 

I hope you have a plastic sheet between your legs and your Dragon.

Sometimes the 'kids' do belly flops and you wouldn't want excess splashage.

 

Wow, this thread has been moving along.

I love the HDX, its a uniquely designed machine. I've been messing around with mine for a little while and have no real complaints, except for one thing.

The LCD screen has backlight bleed. I was expecting a perfect screen from this top tier of notebook, and I think HP intended the same.

I was hoping my unit had something wrong with it. But it seems many people like xanlexian have the same screen issue. Apparently on both WUXGA AND WSXGA+ screens, most of page 274-275 talks about it. The problem mostly appears as two dark corners and backlight bleed from the bottom bezel.

2.0 suggested the DPT program to check the screen. With DPT if you select the "Hash 2 (xo)" pattern and cycle the background colors, the dark corners on the bottom become clear to see. If you bring the backlight all the way down to the lowest setting using Fn+F7 key, it makes it even more visible.

It looked like a "pinching" of the bottom corners, as if the LCD was mounted too tightly. I assumed and Cybervisions also thought it could be an overtorquing of the screws. In the service manual that 2.0 linked way back in the beginning of time, it shows two screws in the corners and two more screws beneath the bezel near the corners. I actually loosened these screws, which was easy to do, but unfortunately there was no change.

I looked around online about this type of problem. I found a few interesting things. One possibility is that the inverter board for the LCD can be faulty, giving uneven backlight output, or if you're luckier the connectors to the inverter board could just be loose. The other possibility is a bad LCD panel itself, due to a catch-all type of manufacturing defect known as a " Mura".

HP part #452308-001 is the inverter, #452301-001 is the WSXGA+ panel, #452302-001 is the WUXGA panel. Both panel types seem unavailable to order as parts from HP.

Trying to explain the dark spots in the corners was this FAQ from a company that makes CCFT backlights for LCD panels.

Do the LCD panels in HDXs have too short a CCF backlight bulb? leaving the last 5 to 8mm on either side only partially illuminated? Do we know which manufacturer made the LCD panels for the HP HDX20?


The FAQ mentions being careful not to put stresses on the glass when mounting the backlights. This could have been the way the screens got damaged, but doesn't really help with a fix.

Cybervisions wondered if the speakers directly under the screen could have been interfering magnetically with the LCD or inverter, which sounds possible. Though I'd hope the speakers are shielded considering where they are mounted. The FAQ speaks to RFI and EMI from the CCFT/inverter, it's possible the inverter has something to do with the problem.

The one thing that makes me consider risking a repair with HP is this:

I'm not too keen on physical panel defects for this grade of laptop. Especially considering this:

Now I'd hope HP used "A" panels for their flagship HDX 20.....

 

Would somebody who has this supposed "backlight bleeding" please post a picture? I'm not sure what a black lcd screen is supposed to look like and what bleeding looks like. I think it would be helpful to many on this forum.

 

You guys crack me up About the battery life MatsudaMan, how long/how much usage you getting out of it? When I had a DV9700t I would get 4-5 hours with the larger cell batter, which is more than they listed at review sites so that I thought was cool. When HP used to list the HDX as configurable they'd tease you with the 12 cell battery picture next to the option for battery when it wasn't available ever..I actually wanted that too and wouldn't care about the weight. I have an extended battery on my Samsung i730 which works very well so extra weight wouldn't really bother me..16 pounds isn't that big of a deal. I hear drs say woman should keep their purses at 30 pounds or less if I'm not mistaken so there you go for all the peeps online who'd mention hernia and HDX in the same sentence.

 

I'm consistently getting around 2.5 hours. I know that isn't a lot for a "normal" laptop, but for this beast to be getting over an hour on such tiny battery is nothing short of amazing. Also, my last laptops (compaq and toshiba) couldn't hold a charge for over 45 minutes! So, just being able to get a good solid two hours with a 20 inch screen - powerhouse laptop is pretty **** impressive.

Yes, I have to agree with you on those hernia wimps out there. To all those scrawny geeks who have a hard time lifting the HDX, I say lift some weights and get some muscles.