*HP HDX DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 1*

Plug converter. The power supply is universal. It can accept voltages from 100 to 240 @ 50-60hz. Don't be alarmed if the powersupply makes a buzzing noise when you are over there. It's normal-ish and due to the change in voltage and frequency.

 

What about travelling surge protection? I found a link to a company that has an outlet adapter/ surge protector and some other interesting items. I'm sure there are others out there.

http://www.packinglight.net/plight/dept.asp?dept_id=3017

 

Nice find. That'll do nicely. Decent pricing too.

 

Can someone please post a link to the HDX16 thread? Thanks so much.

 

I'm assuming a regular Japanese surge protecting power adaptor would perform the same function; pretty sure my girlfriend already has one of those so I should be dandy from that perspective - I just didn't wanna jack my machine into the wall to a loud unwelcome POP and be left with an enormous paperweight

Cheers for the input

 

Understood - thx!

When it comes to that, which mfgs are best to consider?

 

I believe they are the only one's making a MAC clone.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=300646

 

Loud crackling, like a fire is more like it. Mine is so loud, I need noise cancelling headphones to play games like fear.

I would recommend just going to a computer store there, get a power cord, and switch it with yours. Plug adapters work too, but this way is much cleaner.

 

yes wwoods is a pre-beta, but as long as it works I don't mind...

 

ok... I have two things which I hope the experts here can help me with.

1. I updated the HDX with the HP Update software and it tried to install a couple of fixes. Part of which is the quickplay critical update. I thought it was supposed to make it inoperable once thefix is applied so I downloaded Blacknight's fix.... however.. all my blue buttons seem to still work even after the update and even after rebooting. Did I miss something? (I didn't run Blacknight's fix then) The critical update was installed successfully as per the notice I got after running the HP software update

2. I recall you guys getting a WEI score of 5.1 for the memory... but I ran mine twice and all I get it 5.0 and my Asus M50vc which I believe also uses DDR2 667 gets a score of 5.9. So.... am I also missing something here or are DDR2 667s not created equal?

Using CPU-Z, it shows my Asus memory is DDR2 Dual Symmetric, Cas # Latency 5.0 Clocks, RAS# to CAS# delay 6 clocks, Ras# precharge 6 clocks, and Cycle time 18 clocks. Is this superior to the one in the HDX? (wasn't able to run cpu-z on my dragon.. at the office atm)

 

You got that right !

I've been working on my Dragon all day today. Its almost 9 PM. About 10 hours in all. My eyes aren't even tired ! The display on the Dragon is as good or better than most stand alone 20" monitors. Its better than my Dell that sits beside my Dragon.

The 1680x1050 display rocks for text and such. Though I haven't used the 1920xwhatever screen, so maybe I shouldn't be so quick to comment on it.

 

anybody got the recovery cds for the 9494nr series? or a link?

 

lol, what did you do?

 

lol it got ****ed and i need the cds.. lolo
anyway i can get em mate?

 

NEW BIOS UPDATE!!!

Released: 2008-09-25
Version: F.40 E
Compatibility: Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Business (64-bit), Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate (64-bit), Microsoft Windows Vista (64-bit), Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit), Microsoft Windows Vista Business (32-bit), Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic (32-bit), Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit), Microsoft Windows XP Professional
System requirements: No additional prerequisites
Description: This package contains the WinFlash Utility and a BIOS image for the supported notebook models (with a 30D4 Family ROM) and operating systems. The WinFlash Utility is used to locally flash the System BIOS (ROM) on notebooks operating in a Microsoft Windows XP or Microsoft Windows Vista environment.
Enhancements: Improves the security of pre-boot authentication (BIOS based) passwords by clearing data from volatile memory.


wolfskin

 

1. Don't worry... doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo. Be happy... Bah doo-doo, doo-doo, doo -doo.

2. The Asus might likely be running DDR2-800 with clocks like that. As for the WEI score diff of 5.0 and 5.1, I wouldn't worry. That wouldn't even represent a 1% real world difference. It can vary between RAM manufacturers.

 

HP will sell you a set. They can't be downloaded though. They may even give you a free set if you know what to say. You know, like you were in the process of making them then it failed. System went dodgy thereafter. Then you rebooted and then the computer went on zee fritz. That sort of bullocks.

But you didn't hear it from me, yeah? Right then. Best of luck.

 

i cant find them online though,i was trying to find the cd, got a link?

 

Carb0n, you can go buy them from HP.

Maybe this link can help you to the right direction.
https://warp2.external.hp.com/driver/dr_country_select.asp?Product=487059-001&lang=en&cc=us

2.0, thanks once again! You were right about the Asus being DDR800 with those clock speeds. Just rechecked at the official site.

 

Perhaps I've just become more sensitive to it recently (I noticed it before but it seemed to dissapear after a few minutes), but this high pitched whine is starting to get irritating. I get this really high pitched noise coming from my screen - much louder when the brightness is turned up, and louder still when the lappy is plugged in...

Is there any quick fix for this, or am I going to have to ship the **** thing off to get it looked at? Past experiences have left me very distrusting of the entire support process for laptops >_<

 

Hi all! I've owned the HDX9310EA for only a few days now. Ordered it direct with HP from their site. Fantastic machine except for the following:

The item I ordered should have had the WUXGA 1900x1200 resolution but mine came with the WSXGA+ 1680x1050 display!

They will arrange collection for a full refund and then I have to reorder it...... It came with a Blu-ray drive and I'm wondering whether to keep it or hold out for the full HD display........

I've asked them if they can offset the cost between the two screens and refund it but at the moment, no reply.

Can any one tell me if the 1900x1200 screen is more superior than the 1680x1050?

Cheers!

Ian

 

By superior, what do you mean?

The WSXGA+ is made by LG and is of better design. The WUXGA is made by chi mei (I believe, sp?) and is of lesser quality. If you're going to game, keep the WSXGA+ and have HP refund the diff. You'll be playing games at native res with better frame rates than you would with the WUXGA.

Also, how would you be able to reorder? They're discontinued.

 

Hi,thanks for the quick reply. I was wondering if the 1900x1200 was better.... I'm in the UK and on their website, the specifications still show this screen.

I'm really happy with the rest of the unit, and as you say the WSXGA+ is made by LG then I'm happy with that too!

I'm going to hold out for a refund on the difference......I wonder if they will?!

I was looking through this forum last night and its SO long Brilliant information though!

I'll keep you guys informed how it goes. PS, the customer support is a tad slow from HP........

 

Hey guys! I'm wondering if anyone has tried the new Fallout 3 game on the HDX. I'm thinking it'll do pretty well with the 8800gts. Sometimes I think people forget how awesome a gaming machine the HDX (8800gts) is - with it's massive screen and all. Anyway, if I get the game I'll try to post some fps on the gaming forum....give the HDX some props to all those gamers out there.

 

This is weird. I do not know why but my WEI for my Mem has always been 5.9. Ever since I bought it. I have ran it several times to see if it was a fluke but always comes back 5.9. The only ones that don’t are Gaming Graphics 5.8 and CPU 5.1. I have used several tools to check the specs and they are 5,5,5,15 timing, and DDR2 667MHz.

 

** WARNING WILL ROBINSON **DANGER ** DANGER **

Yea well.....this BIOS update just turned my HDX into a real expensive brick.....no responce, pretty black screen though, wont boot. On phone with HP now for a repair...oh the joy. Extreamly happy I have a full backup scheduled every night to to a external drive.

Tech says about a week to repair and return it to me....we shall see, since these no longer in production, I am wondering, hoping they still have the part(s) it needs or I am gonna be REALLY pissed.

 

I've got them. I made them before I wiped the hard drive and installed Linux. I want to keep them in case I want to reinstall Vista at some point.

PM me...

 

Be advised that your product key is contained with those disks. They are preactivated. You may run into a situation where MSFT says that it's a pirated copy when trying to use windows update. I could be wrong so look into it.

 

HMMMMMMM same thing happen to my HDX Dragon just a month ago. Did the bios update as directed to and the system froze and never worked again. The issue then was that the repair center in houston was still down because of the hurricane. so I opted for a buy out. got a refund and purchased a HDX 16t. Now its being replace becase the keys are falling off. JUST ABOUT HAD IT. So now there sending out another laptop. suppose to be overnight(Capture program) We will see I may just go get a refund and go buy a $800 special.

 

Oh i forgot they did not want to replace the dragon because of being discontinued and some other issues. This is just what the customer service rep informed me of.

 

One thing that's not commonly known (and that HP Support apparently fails to tell customers in trouble) is that you can order a set of Recovery Disks from HP even after you've received your system. Personally I always advocate getting a set with any new system anyway, as it's cheap insurance. Recovery partitions are nice but that doesn't help you if you can't access the partition drive. With a bootable Recovery Disk you have more options available.

To order a set of Recovery Disks for your system:

http://tinyurl.com/6zdpla

You'll need the data off of your label under the left side of your system.

Although as I said it's not well known, it's also no big secret either - it's just that nobody bothers to read the various Support Bulletins and Solutions for their particular system on the HP Support site. The link to obtain a Recovery Disk set is on every system support site - the next time you're there, click on "Solve a Problem" and then "System Recovery" and you'll see the link.

 

It depends on your particular need and future use for your system, but if you're planning on running RAM intensive programs or games, then yes, I'd say upgrade to a 64bit system.

As we've discussed here previously, 64 bit systems have seen an exponential rise in sold units as more people become aware of their potential RAM capabilities. Most of us here that have 64bit systems have them because we're either designers, engineers, consultants, etc., that run RAM intensive programs, so the choice was an easy one. However, with the recent release of Adobe's CS4 programs that are all 64 bit certified (it actually started with Acrobat 9), it's clear that major software vendors are aware of the shift toward 64bit systems and have made the change accordingly. I expect that we'll likely see that any new version of popular programs being released will also be 64bit certified, and that will also fuel more people into buying the systems.

As far as a 1080p screen on a 16 - well, that's really up to you as only you can tell what looks better. If you're looking at a 16 and not an 18, then I'm guessing screen real estate isn't a big deal like it is for many of us here that need big displays or multiple display setups for our work. Frankly, once you've used an HD display or multiple display setup you'll never want to go back. But again, it's up to your particular system use and budget as to which one you get. If it's a choice between the display and upgrading to 64bit and adding RAM, remember that you can always upgrade to 64bit and add RAM at a later point if you can't afford it now. You can't however do the same with the display.

 

I actually raised that concern with the rep, and they said they would for sure have the parts needed to repair my unit. Also was mentioned that if they did not they would replace it with a "similar" one, I then mentioned "You dont make any 20' laptops any more..."

She dident have much to say after that. Realistically, I am wondering, since its BIOS, they will have to replace the MB, what I will end up with. My unit is a 9300....just a tad concerned because, well, if they dont make em what will happen here ? anyone have any insight ?

 

I'm not sure if anyone else but me has noticed it, but if you look at the left column at the top of the Forum page at the "Popular HP Laptops", they've got several of the 20.1" HDX 9010's listed for sale. Click on link #8.

 

For >$2100... pretty expensive, given what they were selling for.

I don't mean to offend anyone who paid that sort of cash for theirs, I'm just pointing out that they suddenly became more valuable as they sold out.

 

Is it possible to upgrade the HDX9404NR sound output so it can be hooked-up to a 7+1 receiver via Coaxial, Optical etc?

 

If you get an expresscard, otherwise, no. But it natively has 7.1 support, so you can just run it in with an adapter.

 

Really sorry that this has happened to you. It's happened recently to another poster in this thread.

I think we need to figure out how to resurrect from this situation. It's utter nonsense that HP would post a BIOS only to have such a thing occur. They should have either engineered a safeguard or supplied the end user with a mode of recovery from it.

I'm disheartened by this unsettling news and feel for you. My sincere hope is that all goes well during repair and that your unit is returned to you in the same or better condition.

 

Yes, and now that I have my HDX18t, my HDX Dragon may be on the selling block soon! More valuable is how I like my investments!

 

I just ordered a set for my HDX18t two days ago, and they came today.

2 DVD's. I'm not sure how (or how well) they work. I'm assuming I put the first one in, and boot from it, and I wind up with a computer just like out of the box. That would be cool. But, somehow, I don't think it's that easy.

I got the Vista Ultimate 64-bit recovery DVD set.

 

Wow, I can't see that an HDX18 would be better than the venerable Dragon. Atleast you'll be selling someone one heck of a computer.

 

You'd be surprised! The Dragon is not my main computer. I have a very powerful desktop and too many other notebook and computers to list.

The Dragon is an awesome unit, but for traveling, and still having a big screen, the HDX18t is a better computer. It's more powerful, and smaller and about half the weight.

If one needs a big screened portable as their main "desktop" you cannot beat the Dragon...but in my case, portability, power, and a big screen are in my hands complements of the HDX18t.

 

Does this "danger" apply to other Bios updates, lke the one posted 2 weeks or so ago, or only to the one released yesterday?

Thanks

 

Dunno? Not willing to risk anymore BIOS updates since the remove RTC (real time clock) battery method, which works for many systems, doesn't recover the HDX.

That method involves disassembling the HDX down to the point where you can get to the small lithium watch battery on the system board. You remove the battery for 5 mins or so, put it back, reassemble, and the BIOS is suppose to default back to original or last good config state. HDX apparently isn't designed that way. Apparently, the flash BIOS chip that holds the KBC (keyboard controller), BB (boot block) and system controller software doesn't store a default backup of last known working config. So once it's written too, whatever image, be it good or one bit off, is what you get.

HP should have written the software to verify via checksum that the image written to the BIOS flash is correct and without flaw considering how critical such a setup is to get it right before deployment. Or a partition on the HDd which backs up the previous image in the event of BIOS failure that one can recover from via some initial boot method.

If not that, then a user serviceable mode that allows one to use a USB flash drive with a lightweight LINUX OS environment to access the BIOS flash and re-flash it with the USB Flash inserted that will boot at power up. OR a method where you copy the .bin flash file onto USB FLASH, hold down a key combo while turning the unit on and it will read the bin file and re-flash the system - a blinking num lock light to indicate it's flashing. Likely they have this or something similiar on their end to recover the system. It should be made public.

In any event, I do not recommend any sort of BIOS update be performed going forward unless one is fully aware of the risks and doesn't mind the possibility of downtime due to having to send it in.

 

I tried this myself but the boards seemed fairly tight. I have them a push in but didn’t notice any 'give' to suggest they have moved overly. I put everything back together and the buttons worked... For a while..
I carry the laptop to Uni everyday so it's likely that the boards will move if they aren't properly secured. Is there a way to make the fix permanent? Has anyone else tried this fix? I'd love to see a picture of the offending boards so I can judge what distances we are talking about here.

 

Dragon gets like 8,500 on 3dmark06, while the hdx18 gets only in the 4500 range - not more powerful for 3d gaming. But, I guess the cpu on the hdx18 is faster. True that the Dragon is not as portable.

 

true, I should have included that. I'm not a gamer, so as long as it has a decent video card, it's good enough for me!

 

Whew! So what is the risk of not doing the Bios update announced a couple of weeks ago? I recall there being a security risk of some sort.

Thanks

 

Hey,

Just wanted to thank the contributors to the page #100 post where you describe turning the unit upside down, removing the battery, then holding down the power button for a minute.

I don't know why it worked, but I had a huge problem with the on screen display control for the volume and tone popping on every five seconds, and that was the only thing that fixed it!

My first problem in 7 great months of ownership.