*HP HDX DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 1*

Hello, from a Newbe. HDX9300T owner.
I have a question about the Quick Dock KN&44AA#ABA
It seems Im having a boot issue when booting with the Quick Dock connected to the expansion port. I get "System file cannot load" The lapptop works fine otherwise and the Quick dock works ok as long as I dont boot the laptop with the QD connected. I have checked the boot menu and made sure boot from USB device was toward the bootom of the boot sequense ie. after the internal HD (C Any one else have a QD and encounter this problem?
HDX9300T purchased end of Aug 2008, Intel core 2 X9000 2.8Ghz 4 Gb DDR-2 Ram, Blue-Ray disk , 512 8800M GTS, 20.1" wuxga 1080p, 2-200Gb Sata Hds, Vista Ultimate 64.
Thanks in advance.

 

If your top speed isn't exceeding 54mbps, then you're running at Wireless G speed, not N.

There's a lot of reasons why you're seeing lower speeds, but the most likely is that you've got your router mode set to Wireless N only, which is a common mistake users make when they first get an N router.

It depends on your Router brand, but try setting it to Mixed mode, Radio Band to Standard (20mhz), Auto for Wide Channel, and pick an offset Standard Channel Frequency (I use 11 (2.462ghz))

Realistically, even though the 4965AGN works well, you'll never get as fast a throughput speed as you can by using an adapter that matches your router, i.e., same brand and standard.

What router are you using and what are your current settings?

 

Forgive me if I am repeating a question - has there been success in getting the HDX20 bass to work with Windows XP? I noticed 2.0 mentioned quite a few threads ago for the 5607 (sp40438) driver and it seems to be for fresh installs of Vista.

 

There are no hooks. There is nothing to lock it closed either. I really wish there was but since I don't transport it very much it ain't no big deal.

Aloha

 

Greetings
I recieved my monster of a notebook yesterday. and after spending a lifetime removing all the yunk HP preinstalled I am quite satisfied with the notebook.
There is only one thing i am concerned. The noise of the fan is very noticeable all the time.....its a dark grumbling sound combined with a high whining sound behind. In contrast to a lot of reviews, this thing is definitly not quiet.
Am i overly sensitive? I know that noise is a very personel sensation....but maybe you can tell me, about your experience?

 

For your fingerprint reader - if your system is set to logon via FP, how are you getting in if the reader isn't appearing? Did you reset the BIOS or have a separate password set up? Open your Task Manager and see if you have DPAgent.exe running (Processes) and the DpHost Service (Services) running, and if you have the Digital Persona FP Icon in the System Tray. If the processes aren't running your FP won't work.

Try holding the Shift key down and running your finger over the scanner - if the processes are working you should automatically get a "Create Fingerprint Logon" window.

You can check your current system's serial number (label under the remote on the left side) against the original invoice from when you purchased it to see if it's the same unit. If they've roughed it up I'd like to know - making a list of issues to send to some HP friends. If it's different, it's always possible they gave you a system that was sent in and refurbished, but wasn't entirely fixed. Such is the state of HP's Support these days.

It would also help to know your system's Product # (on the label under the left side - PRODUCT, not Model # - usually ends with a #ABA) so we know which HDX you're talking about, and your OS Edition and type (32 or 64). Also, are you running any update processes in automatic?

Your original problem sounds like it was caused by a file transferred from your desktop. Since you haven't put down your system configuration or your desktop's, it's hard to say, but if your desktop is an XP system and you didn't use a cable specifically for XP - Vista transfers it could've caused the kind of problems you were seeing.

As far as your current problem with QL button possession, as someone else has pointed out, there have been problems with HDX assembly of the QL button component not being fully attached at certain points - you can disassemble it to find out, and it's not that hard to do. The manuals are easy to access, but you might want to download it before you go back.

One thing I've noticed is that you haven't said anything about whether or not you've run all of the Windows and HP Update programs to update your system to the latest software and driver configuration, or if you have updated anything, where you got the updates from and how you installed them.

No one should ever assume that the configuration you receive your system in will work perfectly after your order changes the baseline configuration. In today's world, nothing could be further from the truth, as people just don't understand how systems are manufactured, configured and delivered, and how support works (or doesn't) when they receive your system.

Remember that these things are being made by the hundreds and thousands. All PC's, be it notebook or desktop, have a model series base configuration - the template for all others in the series to go by. Those systems are configured & loaded with applicable software and custom vendor (HP) changes, then set aside. As orders are placed, the customer's desired configuration is assembled by changing / adding to the base configuration, then it's sent for a final check then shipped.

What's important to note is that the OS install and the drivers for the base configuration are usually installed weeks or months prior to you ever even ordering it, and of course changes (driver updates, Windows updates, etc) are to be expected during that time frame. Engineering issues may have come up with a certain component, something may not work properly, any number of things, as well as anything that may arise from any custom configuration components in your order. The 'net, while changing the way we live, has unfortunately given businesses a way to slack off of Quality and Product Assurance. System or Game not ready? No Problem!!! Ship it out so we can get $$ rolling in. If there's a problem, the customer can update their system with an update via the 'net.

And therein lies the problem - the vendor expects the user to update their system to the latest drivers and software configurations available, but the majority of users don't know how to correctly update their systems. Instead of using the system to do it for them, they try to do it manually, and in some cases wind up installing a driver that didn't need to be updated. Updating a driver just because there's a newer version is just plain stupid - sorry to everyone else, but frankly you should only be replacing a driver if there's a good reason, and just because it's newer isn't one of them. If it ain't broke, don't fix it - or even try to.

There's other things you can check as well:

First - click on Pearl (start icon in Vista) then All Programs, then click on the Maintenance folder. When it opens, click on the "View Problem History". If you're having intermittent problems there's likely a record of it that'll give you a clue as to either the process responsible, or whether it's likely a hardware problem rather than software/firmware.

Another question to also ask is that even though you're in the big sandbox, are you using your system in environmentally stable conditions or is it exposed to desert thermal fluctuations on a regular basis? Also, are you running it on AC or DC, and if you're switching between both, does it occur on both power options, and are you using an AVR UPS for your AC power?

(Yes, I know that the AC is converted to DC via the transformer for anyone thinking I don't know that. The reason for asking is that system power is more stable when the AC adapter is used rather than just battery power alone - unstable voltage can cause more than one problem and will appear to be intermittent faults. If you've never experienced this, let your battery fall to critical levels with several programs running and watch what happens.)

One way you can check for a thermal intermittent is to download and install HWMonitor (CPUID.com), then note the thermal conditions when it happens to see if there's a specific thermal condition that triggers it.

The reason I'm focusing on a hardware intermittent is because of what HP found, or in this case didn't find. The reason they just replaced / re-installed the OS is that they couldn't find an actual problem using in-house diagnostics, nor could they recreate or find the problem. In those kinds of cases they have limited options, so realistically unless you have a hard fault you can point to, you're just wasting time by sending it to them. And don't take it personal that they didn't pay attention to what you told them - I'm guessing that they're taught to ignore anything the customer says, which if you think about how many thousands of idiots there are that they must deal with, probably isn't a bad idea. Remember as techs ourselves we're used to providing much more personal service than HP and other vendors do these days. Also, you've got to remember that dealing with anyone who lives in a country where they would rather worship a cow and starve to death rather than eat it ain't playing with a full deck anyway. Just an observation......

If you're using the system exposed to the extreme thermal variants of the sandbox, constant board expansion due to thermal changes can cause any borderline SMT component connections to fail, and any such problem wouldn't be seen unless it was a clean failure or the system was tested at all thermal conditions the unit was exposed to when the problem occurred. HP techs these days aren't smart enough to figure that out unfortunately. Of course if you're using it in a conditioned, stable environment that's different, but given the situation there I can't believe that you're enjoying constant air-conditioned comfort on a regular basis.

Keep in mind also that it doesn't take much pressure either on or near the QL buttons to initiate the process. You can start a process just by getting your hand or finger close enough to the QL buttons while pressing one of the number or F keys. Even a microfiber cloth sitting on top of them will trigger them.

A way you can narrow down a QL button fault is to use its Sound function. Go to your Control Panel, then open up Quick Touch and click on the Sound option. You'll get a window with 3 Sound options with checkboxes - #1 is silent, 2 is a beep and 3 is something best left to your imagination as to what it is.

Check either #2 or #3 - if your problem is in the sensors itself, you should hear the sound the next time you get an unintended start.

As far as the QL button LED's going on and off, you do know that the theatre mode button turns those LED's off right? The reason I mention it is that if the problems are connected, that'd be the first place to look. Also, if you touch it intentionally or unintentionally and aren't aware of what it does, it could appear to be a problem when it isn't. The theatre mode button has the projector icon on it, in between the QuickPlay and DVD buttons.

Even though your audio problems sound more like a corrupted driver or Windows file, the audio problems you describe could be caused by any number of things, including ITunes (HP systems have had problems with ITunes), even the audio files you're playing or how they were recorded. Does it do the same thing with hard-copy files (DVD or CD based) rather than MP3's or other files downloaded into your system? If you haven't checked, see if you get the same problem.

Let us know more info about your system and what you've done to it as far as updates - it'll be easier with more specific information.

 

That high pitched whining, I believe, is the monitor. I get that too, for about 5 minutes or so after I boot the machine, if it's been off for a while. Irritating, but not the biggest problem in the world, as long as it's fading.

I have weird problems with the powerbrick ticking.... sounds almost like a laptop hard drive... strange and annoying. Only happens when plugged in and I'm taxxing the system. I shoved it under my desk so I can't hear it :/

 

That's why I don't remove any program unless I know it's useless (Norton, AVG, etc.) or has proven itself to be so.

Vegas Pro is a good program - I actually considered getting it several times before I finally had the opportunity to get Premiere and After Effects with the Master Collection at a price I just couldn't ignore - $1399. I actually have an old copy of the original Vegas when Sonic Foundry released it before Sony Digital bought it, Sound Forge, Acid, and a few other programs that were really the core of what Sonic Foundry was. Speaking of which, you can't beat Sound Forge for an audio editing program.

The biggest problem Vegas Studio has had is problems with its DVD authoring and learning curve - there just hasn't been much formal training for it available like there is with Adobe programs, and Vegas was intended from the start to compete with Adobe's flagship video/film editing programs and lower end home studio versions. I have a close friend who picked it up last year and got really frustrated at the lack of information available on its use.

However, Sony finally did something about it and offers training solutions and instructions:

http://tinyurl.com/6j4s9b

They also just released (10/14) new updates for Vegas Studio 9 on the SDM site, so make sure you download and install them:

http://tinyurl.com/5la8s5

Hopefully you won't have any problems, but there's more than one or two of us here who have editing experience if you do.

 

You have to make sure that the monitor's bottom edge is pushed back all the way and locks (for lack of a better term) into the the support arm before you close it.

The HDX doesn't have a latching mechanism for a simple reason - it takes a good bit of pressure to open it from the fully closed position. However, if you feel the need for something to make sure it's not going to open, you can get a Velcro strap that'll go around the system and hold it in place.

 

If you haven't already done so, update your BIOS and other drivers either with HP Update or from the HP Support page for the 9300:

http://tinyurl.com/5bujhr

2 other questions:

1. Did you use the installation disk that comes with the QD or just plug it in the expansion port?

2. What devices do you have connected to the Dock when you're booting up?

This question is for me - Did you get an AC adapter with yours, and did it come in a separate box from the QD or was it in the box itself? I swear they didn't send me one with mine.

Anyway - update your system first if you haven't done so then try it.

 

Trivia question for the week - where did Solid State Drive (SSD) technology come from and how was it first used?

 

I'm shooting for partial credit here:

EEPROM. (electrically erasable programmable ROM)

Don't remember how or where it was first used. But I remember it as being the cat's meow. I used one along with 5v STSP relays for a Radio Shack robot arm I modified when I was a wee bit.

 

Ball Bearings? It's all ball bearings these days...

How about electronic programmable calculators.

 

Mine is silent - and I'm very sensitive to noise - sounds like you've got a problem there. Maybe you have the faster video card which would require more cooling?

 

Mine is also silent at first i thought it wasn't even on.I would take it back and get a exchange.It took me three returns to get the one i wanted to keep

 

Cybervisions - I have a D-Link Xtrmeme N and will recheck my settings, thanks.

 

Hi everybody - I am just posting this as a reminder of my post on page 100, which tries to resume the main points of this thread. Since I am a bit busy lately I am starting to lose track of things... (also with 377 pages going and all... I can just imagine the big YUK a newbie must feel when he gets here!)

What I mean is that if there is anything that you feel should be added to my page 100 post, just feel free to make me a list!

cheers

 

Hi there, I got a problem with my Dragon, from time to time it locks, the screen goes white or blue, it is not a BSOD. My settings are to power user.
when windows re- estarts doesn't tell me of any problems, it goes at random once every two days, the unit is only warm. Video card is ATI 2600, the program PC Monitor lists the temperatures of all components exept the GPU, they all are below 45 Celcius.
Another problem; tried to install Riva tuner using "run as administrator" it installs but when try to run it says that a driver Riva Tuner64. sys driver could not be found, that vista requires signed drivers, it gives me de choice of instaling it as administrator but it goes on and on. After reading the service manual I got scared of the amount of componentes that have to be dismantled to get the video card heat sink.

 

Hi guys.

I'm absolutely loving my Dragon. Its the best laptop I have ever used or seen.

I have a question... I had a HP zd7280 that quit 6x in the last year. That machine ran really hot. Recently I learned that those failures might have been due to excessive heat and/or excessively hot temperatures.

The 3rd time it quit I thought maybe it might have been the processor. So I took off the processor cover and popped it out and swapped in a different one. Alas the problem wasn't the processor, but in the process of doing this, I had to remove the heat sink. What I noticed was how dirty the heat sink was. It had a lot of dust and dirt on it. That has to affect the processor cooling.

So... I want my Dragon to last a long, long time. Who knows when someone is going to build a machine as nice as this again. I am wondering if anyone is using an air hose to blow out the air vents on their laptop ?

Btw: I had some Mac guys drooling over my Dragon last night. We were talking about hot running laptops and they said that the Apple 'books run extremely hot. So hot, in fact, that Apple doesn't call them laptops because they run too hot to be comfortable on the lap. Very interesting.

 

Mine too. I'm running on 220v and it's really loud when the machine is under heavy load. I moved mine away under the desk too, but it's still very audible. Been doing that for 3 months now though and no problems.

Just to be safe I ordered a new one and it should be here in a week, so we'll see if the one does it too.

 

Just got my dragon. I want to use it as a desktop replacement in my office. When I live my office I want to close the lid and leave it running so that I can access it remotely from home. Question is is there any harm if I select "Do Nothing" when lid is closed and access it using logmein remotely and keep it running all the time?

 

There is a way I believe, but I don't think that's a good use of a laptop though. That sort of 24/7 use would be better suited for a desktop, no?

 

Just picked up new batteries, and still same results (range is about 1 foot from computer!!)

So i'm going to go ahead and assume its a bum remote. Will HP give me a hard time sending me a replacement in the mail?

 

I have had my HDX since May and I almost only use it with the lid closed, connected to a HDTV . No problem so far.

I don't know about keeping it on all the times... If I had to do that I'd build a little desktop PC myself with a couple hundred $... But I do leave it on a lot in fact.

 

Oh, and another thing. And I've searched this through out the thread but couldnt seem to find the solution.

Everything has been great about my Dragon, but just yesterday some strange problems started happening with a reboot. F

1. First, the volume button next to the clock in the lower right hand corner dissappeared. When I go into taskbar/start menu properties and try and click the box that says show sound notification, the box is grayed out and I can't click it. This normally wouldnt be a problem, but...

2. I can't adjust volume, or use any of the buttons for that matter, above the keyboard. They are all lit up blue and pretty, but they don't respond at all. The fingerprint scanner still works, but none of the blue buttons respond.

3. Also now missing is the indicator near the clock that shows what wireless network I'm connected to. So it makes it a pain joining networks, because it doesn't seem to auto connect saved networks anymore.

Sorry if I'm and idiot and there is a really simple solution! And I DID CHECK THE POST ON PAGE 100 and didnt seem to see the solution there...


PLEASE help me with this! I can't do a system restore, since the only available restore date is this morning, when I already had the problem!

 

So my wife wanted me to put on some Coldplay this morning and I thought it would be a good opportunity to hook up the HDX to my proper HIfi system. I just used a rca to mini adapter and connected it to my system via the audio outputs in the back. I have to say that I'm really impressed with how clean a connection it is.

A little history.....I've tried to hook up multiple laptops to my hifi rig many times with no success - crackly connection, laptop sounds coming through the connection, basically way too much extraneous sounds degrading the quality of music. The HDX outputs in the back of the computer are super clean.

For example, when I listen to music, even while running other programs, all I hear is clean sounds and no interference. Very happy.

I just thought those out there who haven't tried should check it out. That is if you have a audio system that is better than the hdx's built in speakers (which are of course really great for laptop sound).

 

The subject of Chimei displays has come up in the past as the WUXGA used in the HDX is apparently manufactured by them. It turns out that they make quite a range of panels and have supplied them to Dell, HP, Apple and others, providing panels, as well, to display makers. The widely praised display of the Macbook Air is a Chimei. There have been so-so displays made by Chimei, and some extraordinarily good ones.

Cheers

 

Apropos of this, here's an article from the Taipei Times

STAFF REPORTER

Thursday, Jun 14, 2007, Page 12

Chi Mei will also begin supplying 20.1-inch screens, the biggest ever for notebook computers, to the world's biggest computer maker Hewlett-Packard Co next month."

The first HDXs sold were, I believe, in July of 2007

 

I have been using my HDX with iTunes instead of my CD player since January 2008. It does sound exceptionally good. I use a lossless format for importing Cd's to my NAS drive (about 5000 songs stored at this time). I use Magnapan MG IIIa speakers with high end amps. So I can judge the sound quality.

However, when I connect my HDTV via HDMI (for 5.1 decoding) there is a substantial amount of digital noise. This is not hum from bad grounding, in fact all of my equipment is attached to a power filter/conditioner. The real issue is poor analogue ground isolation from the digital ground within the HDX. My solution is to use the Creative Labs Xtreame Audio notebook card (it uses the ExpressCard/54 slot). Digital noise completely gone. Its a shame that HP's audio design is so poor.

 

As long as it stays cool it will be just fine. Heat is a laptop's worst enemy, but thankfully the hdx run pretty cool compared to other laptops.

I ran my HP zd7280 24 hours a day. After 2 years the motherboard quit due to excessive heat. But the fan was howling continuously on that thing and there was a class action suit due to MB failures.

I remove the battery from mine when I am not on the road. Heat is the enemy of batteries. I also put a deck of cards under the rear of it. It inclines the keyboard a bit and makes it more comfortable. It also increases the air movement and lets it run cooler.

 

I absolutely friggin love my Dragon. I know I have posted about that several times already, but its true. I just had to say it again.

I don't have a desktop. My laptop is my life - its all on there. My work, my personal stuff, etc. I live with this thing day in and day out.

I've had several laptops over the years. The hdx9494 is by far the best. I can't believe how far we came and how LONG it took. I finally have a machine that I can live with without a huge number of compromises.

Something I find funny now is how generic all the other laptops on the market are. They are all the same. A small pizza box with a keyboard and a 12, 15 or 17" display. The Dragons break the mold and that is a very good thing.

The Dragon display is excellent. My last laptop had a 17" 1680x1050, but this 20.1 is much, much better. I use it as my primary display with the brightness set to about 80%. That is a first for any laptop that I have had. I can use my Dragon for 8 hours a day and not be squinting at the end of the day.

The Dragons have 2 hard drive bays. I could never live with just one hard drive again. I've got a 7200 RPM 160 GB drive in the first slot with my OS on it and a 320 GB in the second slot for storing all my media. My zd7280 had an 80GB drive on it and it was always full. I was always moving files around to make room for things. What a waste of time ! Is it me or is it only recently that larger 2.5 inch drives have become affordable ?

Eventually I will put a 120 GB SSD in slot1 to run the OS from. I'll put a 500 or 750 GB drive in the second slot when I need more room. It will be a pleasure to transfer the data on my second drive and not have to move the OS as well ! Its outstanding to think my laptop will have almost a Terrabyte of storage on it. Finally !

The Dragons have an eSATA port. Finally we have a means of doing full backups overnight and moving data to external devices quickly. Backups got easier with external USB drives, but this eSATA port will make it a breeze, even when backing up huge amounts of data.

The keyboard is excellent. It took a bit of getting used to because the the keys aren't really centered with the touchpad. But the keyfeel is excellent, as is the layout. I like having working home, end, pg up and pg down buttons even when the number pad is enabled. Its a small thing, but when you use a laptop day in and day out, it makes a big difference.

The sound is excellent, for a laptop anyway. Its way more full ranged and less tinny than any other laptop I have listened too. Again its a little thing, or maybe it isn't. I love listening to a webfeed or mp3s while I work.

The hdx9494 is a decently fast machine. It doesn't take forever to open up files and work with them and the hard drive isn't running continuously like on other laptops.

I like that it has 4 GB of RAM from the store. I run Fedora 8 Linux and I usually have 2 or 3 desktops going at once. Switching apps is instantaneous. Is it me or is this the first time that RAM and processor power seem to have the upper hand over the operating system and applications ?

I love that the Dragon runs cool and the fan isn't noisy. I am so sick of having a hot laptop on my lap with the fan howling away. Yuck. That is the first thing I check for now when I look at a laptop.

I've been looking at and using laptops since 1990. This is the first one that has everything I want. Its been such a long wait ! Sheesh. Maybe I appreciate my Dragon more because of all the torture the other laptops imposed on me.

The LCD displays on the laptops in the 1990s really sucked. Dark, low contrast, ugly. :shakeshead:

And the laptops back then were chronically underpowered. And they ran hot. And the powerful machines were expensive !

And they didn't have enough hard drive space. And the battery life was terrible. And the keyboards were bad and they didn't have a numberpad. And they were heavy. I had to use them and so I did. But life is so much better now.

Its such a pleasure to use my Dragon. The only downsides to it is that its large and heavy and we are limited to Duo 800 MHz FSB processors. What I wouldn't give to have a 1300 MHz quad processor in this thing ! Hmmm....

Its funny... I'm an electrical engineer. When I got my zd7280 3 years ago, I made a list of everything I wanted in a laptop for the next time I shopped for one. I just came across it yesterday when I was looking at old files.

My list had a 20 inch LCD on it and just about everything that the Dragon has. The Dragon is actually better than what I had on my list because lots of stuff is better now than it was then. (ExpressCard port, faster, cooler processors, more RAM, etc.)

Life is good, thanks to my Dragon. Good work, HP.

 

Hello....

Iam looking for some opinions and possible advice on what will be my first laptop.Ive done some research on different laptops and have come up with this laptop from HP.I personally went to look at this laptop in person at bestbuy and really liked how this looked and the features it offers.

Please feel free to share any thoughts on my pending purchase.I dont play video games and my basic use is web browseing and use of java loops for work.I need something fast and reliable that works good. Thanks so much.

Here are the specs for my HP HDX16 Premium Series....

HP Pavilion HDX Laptop with Intel® Centrino® 2 Processor Technology
Lithium-ion battery
AC power cable
Mobile ScrollSmart remote, stereo ear bud headphones
Software: HP Photosmart Essentials, Mediasmart and more
Owner's manual
Product Features
Intel® Centrino® 2 processor technology with interrelated Intel® Core™2 Duo mobile processor P8400
Intel® Wi-Fi Link 5100AGN network connection (802.11a/b/g/n) and extended battery life.

The next-generation Intel® Core™2 Duo processor
Based on the innovative Intel® Core™ microarchitecture, so it runs faster and is more energy-efficient for cooler, quieter operation.

4GB DDR2 memory
For multitasking power, expandable to 8GB. 1066MHz frontside bus, 3MB L2 cache and 2.26GHz processor speed.

Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support
Records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media. Also supports LightScribe direct-disc labels using compatible LightScribe media.

16" high-definition HP Ultra Brightview Infinity widescreen display
With 1366 x 768 resolution showcases your movies and games in stunning clarity.

320GB SATA hard drive (5400 rpm)
Offers spacious storage options and fast read/write times. ProtectSmart hard drive protection technology locks the hard drive in place during abrupt motion to help prevent data loss.

Built-in fingerprint reader
For secure access to your data.

NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT graphics
With 512MB dedicated video memory and up to 2303MB total available video memory for vivid image detail. Built-in Altec Lansing speakers with Dolby Home Theater; built-in triple bass subwoofer. HDMI interface.

Built-in HP Pavilion webcam with microphone
Makes it easy to chat with and send video mail to family and friends.
5-in-1 digital media reader

Supports Secure Digital, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, MultiMediaCard and xD-Picture Card formats for quick and easy digital photo access.

IEEE 1394 (FireWire) interface and 4 high-speed USB 2.0 ports
For fast digital video, audio and data transfer. Expansion port 3 and eSATA interfaces for additional connectivity.

Built-in 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet LAN with RJ-45 connector
Along with 56 Kbps modem for flexible wired Web connectivity options.
Weighs 7.1 lbs. and measures 1.7" thin
For portable power.

HP Fluid Imprint finish with flowing linear pattern
Adds a stylish look to the laptop.

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition 64-bit operating system with Service Pack 1 (SP1) preinstalled
Software package included with HP Photosmart Essentials, Mediasmart, muvee autoProducer Premium and more.

 

This is for everyone here on this thread - you all really need to get out of thinking that when a problem happens that either the hardware is bad or you need to reinstall a program. There is just way too much propensity today for people to automatically assume the wrong thing is bad when problems occur, and usually the worst, not the simplest.

The way electronic systems are made today, bad hardware frankly is just hard to come across. It has to have had something done to it after it left the factory - ESD spike, been dropped, etc. Bad components today don't even see the assembly line as they're quickly id'd and pulled from the line - if there's more than one, they shut down the entire assembly process until the problem is resolved before continuing. And on the rare occasion when something IS bad, it's an engineering design issue or materials problem, and not a hardware performance one.

That said -

Even though you purchased new batteries, check their voltage to make SURE they're good. Batteries fail a lot more than electronics do.

The biggest problem with IR systems is that they suck unless you've got good LOS, and a clean lens on both the receiving unit and the remote sending unit. Most forget where the IR lens is on the HDX - right in front, to the left of the headphone SPDIF jacks. It's a prime location for picking up oil and dirt from your hands while typing or using the Touchpad. Not once have I seen you say anything about cleaning the lens off to make sure you're getting a good signal. The fact that your range is decreased would tell me that's the first thing you should look at.

Haven't any of you ever tried to use an IR remote when the lens is dirty on the DVD or cable unit, or you're trying to use it when those units are in an entertainment center and they're behind a glass door that's dirty?

The best thing to use to clean the lens is eyeglass lens cleaner, or a swab that has the stuff on it. If you don't have that, you can use isopropyl, just use either a pad or just a small amount, then wipe it again with a micro cloth that's been dipped in clean water and wrung out. Then dry it good.

That's a bit much, but whatever you use make sure it has solvent properties to dissolve any skin oil, and that you're using a cloth that won't scratch plastic.

You also need to clean the one on the remote - if you look at it on edge from the front, it's just to the right of the locking notch (small square). Give it a good cleaning as well, then try it. If it doesn't work after that, then maybe you've got a problem with a component.

 

CyberVisions i noticed that you said i was better of with a 64-bit rather then a 32.My current specs actually include a 64bit. By the way i found this labtop at best buy with a price of $1,139.00.

Should i go for it? Hey another question for you i noticed you can enlarge the screen on the 16HDX from (1366x768) to (1920x1080p).This is only if a create the PC at the orginal HP site.

 

I would go with the 18 inch version if you are going to actually use it for work a significant amount of time.

 

elmerfud You cant make the screen size bigger on the 16? For the 18inch its almost 300 dollars more.Is it worth it?

Is there really much of a difference between the 16-18 feature wise?

I thought the HDX16 was better?

 

I don't know if the HDX16 is better or not. I just know that I had a high end 17" screen on my HP zd7280 and I wouldn't want to go any smaller than that for doing real work. Even Internet browsing. Whenever I wasn't travelling I had my zd connected to a 20 inch external monitor and I missed it when it wasn't connected.

My laptop before that had a 15 inch screen... I would never want to repeat that. My girlfriend's laptop (dv5-1100) had a 15 inch screen. I would never want to use it as a primary work machine with that screen.

One way around the screen size issue is to run an external monitor. If you want to do that, make sure the laptop has a HDMI port to drive the monitor digitally rather than just a VGA port. But then you have to weigh dragging an external monitor from location to location or having a monitor at each location.

I wouldn't get 1920x1200 on a small screen. I think 1680x1050 is great on a 20 inch monitor.

"HDX 16, better ?" I haven't looked closely at the specs. What is the difference other than the size of the screen. I wouldn't try to save weight by going for the smaller screen. Weight seems to be a highly personal thing. How often will you be carrying it on your shoulder ? How far ? What will you use for a bag ?

I'd check that whatever laptop you get runs cool. Nothing worse than having a hot pizza box on your lap. I think larger laptops have an advantage here because they have room for larger heatsinks.

Just my $0.02.

 

What about the Dv7t series?Any thoughts on that...

 

The dv7 looks OK right until you get to the video card.

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/s...&a1=Brand&v1=HP+HDX&series_name=HDX18t_series

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/s...ertainment+powerhouse&series_name=dv7t_series

Other than that, the main difference seems to be the display. I think I would take a 17 inch 1680x1050 over a 16 inch 1920xsomething.

I haven't looked closely at these specific models. Someone else might want to chime in here.

What is the FSB speed on these machines ? Edit... both are "Up to 1066Mhz, processor dependant." I wish our Dragons were this !

Will either of them be able to run a Quad processor in the future ?

This thread is mainly concerned with the HDX9000 machines ie HDX20s, aka Dragons. There are similar threads for the dv7, HDX16 and HDX18. You might ask people there.

 

Already gave you my input on your last post - glad you found the right spot.

 

Adrian2323,

There is a thread here just for HDX16 owners...you might ask over there for some input as most of the people here have the HDX(20) Dragon, and not the HDX16t.

I wish the moderator would change the title of this thread to reflect this is for the HDX20. At the time, there were no other HDX models, so HDX automatically implied the Dragon. Now, that isn't the case and there are specialized "Owner's Lounges" for the HDX18 and HDX16.

 

This should be stickied. Lots of sound advice. I thought about suggesting that one check that battery voltage then it dawned on me. Most people don't have a volt meter.

Anyway, I didn't think that one might not know where the IR eye is on the HDX. Then I thought about how people are used to pointing a remote at a screen that they don't realize where the actual IR receiver eye is.

So +rep, old son.

 

@ lancorp...

So HP is going to ship the QX9300 in the HDX 18 after all?

 

I used to own one. Good machine, ran pretty cool, but I cant remember which Graphics Card it had. I think it was middle grade. Not much in comparison to an HDX though. The 17 inch screen let me know I wanted a bigger screen.

 

HELP with my nvidia 8800m gts.

I just got far cry 2 game. installed it and when i started the game it said that my video driver is not up to date. so i checked nvidia website and there was an update released on 5 august 2008, 175.32. I downloaded and when i started to install it i get this msg:
"the nvidia setup program could not locate any drivers that are compatiable with you current hardware"

I go to the control panel, device manager, display adapters, check my nvidia version, driver version: 7.15.11.6753 !!! driver date 12/13/2007!!

What is this!!

 

Originally Posted by CyberVisions View Post

Even though you purchased new batteries, check their voltage to make SURE they're good. Batteries fail a lot more than electronics do.

The biggest problem with IR systems is that they suck unless you've got good LOS, and a clean lens on both the receiving unit and the remote sending unit. Most forget where the IR lens is on the HDX - right in front, to the left of the headphone SPDIF jacks. It's a prime location for picking up oil and dirt from your hands while typing or using the Touchpad. Not once have I seen you say anything about cleaning the lens off to make sure you're getting a good signal. The fact that your range is decreased would tell me that's the first thing you should look at.

Haven't any of you ever tried to use an IR remote when the lens is dirty on the DVD or cable unit, or you're trying to use it when those units are in an entertainment center and they're behind a glass door that's dirty?

The best thing to use to clean the lens is eyeglass lens cleaner, or a swab that has the stuff on it. If you don't have that, you can use isopropyl, just use either a pad or just a small amount, then wipe it again with a micro cloth that's been dipped in clean water and wrung out. Then dry it good.

That's a bit much, but whatever you use make sure it has solvent properties to dissolve any skin oil, and that you're using a cloth that won't scratch plastic.

You also need to clean the one on the remote - if you look at it on edge from the front, it's just to the right of the locking notch (small square). Give it a good cleaning as well, then try it. If it doesn't work after that, then maybe you've got a problem with a component.

Hopefully, it really is that simple. My neighbor has a volt meter, i'll check it out tomorrow. I just assumed included batteries not working, and the newly bought in store ones not working, ruled out batteries. And I'll run by to frys to get some cleaner. And I am aware of where the IR receiver is on the notebook itself. Thanks guys for the help! And sorry for being so noobish. If you need any advice on chugging a beer in less than 3 gulps I can certaintly help you with that!

 

Check these out for update driver options. 2.0's post with HP driver:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=169232&page=359

and my post on this page:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=169232&page=351

good luck!

 

Also, you might try this driver. Original driver is optimized for SLI and Far Cry 2, but the author of this modifed version has made some tweaks for non-SLI rigs as well. The original, thus the mod version, are both based on Beta nVidia drivers, with WHQL version reportedly coming out in November some time.

Link for Vista 32 and 64:

http://www.laptopvideo2go.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=21398

 

I tried that one. Choppy performance in games like COD4, Age of Empires III, C&C3. But it scores well with 3dMark06 - both with physx on and off. (Have to download physx driver seperately from Nvidia.)

 

Yeah I downloaded it a couple of nights ago, but got tied up and haven't installed it. I hate to throw something out there that I haven't personally tested, but this driver supposedly has been optimised for Far Cry 2, which m221 said he just installed.

Although... this is Dox's tweak driver..he may have adjusted some settings that the original Beta driver addressed. Who knows? Did you use Dox's or the original Beta 180.43 posted on the front page of the site? I am personally using Dox's 178.24 right now and REALLY like it.