*HP HDX16 Owners Lounge*

are the coupons posted on this website in the main page the only coupons available? 250$ additional discount doesnt seem bad at all, i think i will look really hard into this

 

The $250 stackable coupon available right now is a joke. They raised the price on the laptop so even with a $450 off, it's even more expensive than what it was 2 weeks ago.

 

how is it more than it was 2 weeks ago? and how the coupon now a joke? please explain because i seem to miss something.

it was the same price 2 weeks ago, with just different options. sure they offered a blu-ray for free, i say who cares for blu-ray. ok they might have offered an upgrade for RAM, useless to me personally.

now they give you a HDD upgrade which is better for me than blu-day and the ram which i will upgrade to 4GB of GSkill when i buy it

I am still amazed at how MUCH people ***** and moan about prices. Sure it sucks to pay more, i sure as hell dont want to, but if you show me a similarly prices laptop with the same looks, hardware and etc then i will take you serious. The only laptops that come close to price are Asus laptops, the M50 series B1. It lacked the GT version of video, having only the GS and you cant upgrade it. I concidered that laptop but i hated the way it looked, the speakers are round which gives a cheap look (for me) and the screen is only 15.4, when i played around with a 15.6 wide HP laptop at CC i knew i had to have a widescreen laptop.

NOW PLEASE show me a 16" laptop with the same componenets and design that even comes close to HP? Acer? Acer makes nice monitors, but their product feel/quality is like holding a fisher price toy you got for a 5 year old. Insides might be up to standards but they need to fire their design team. For the most part if other Companies designed laptops that looks as good as HP's and put in same components at the same price then i could see your argumenet. Right now i dont!

Price NEVER changed, only the offers they gave and freebies.

 

Easy tiger...

You do realize that pricing isn't always a 1 sided story. There is a difference between net and gross. The bottom line is yes this deals change and you can't exactly compare apples to apples when the new promo's come out, but you can configure a similar system and compare the prices. I've done that and when you look in terms of NET dollars and value, the BEST stackable coupon applied to what HP is offering right now, is $150+ more than what a similar system would have cost you two weeks ago.

 

Again, please show me som kind of proof that HP had LOWER price on the laptop...

I seem to miss something, because i have been looking for coupons that work for over 2 weeks now and the price on the HDX was the same as today, again only with different offers which i have no care for. The only thing that matters to me the CPU, HDD and Screen options which never changed besides when the laptop first came out, it was something like 300$ more.

What similar systems are you comparing this laptop to? What specs are you doing pricing on? nothing comes close to similar priced laptops (because there arent any). Like i mentioned, no one desgiend such clean looking laptops like HP, that alone is an advantage, to me anyway.

I am not trying to make anyone angry here, i am simply trying to get to the buttom of this coupon sucks comment. I try to save as much as i can and additional 250$ on a system i priced was a good touch.

T9400
1920x1080p
2gb RAM which i will toss and put in 4GB of Gskill
320hdd
The rest is stock

 

I can't provide pricing for your configuration because I don't have the data from 3 weeks ago, I only have what I purchased, but I assure you it would have been similar in NET savings.

This is my configuration/price vs today's pricing

- HP Pavilion HDX16t Entertainment Noteboo
- Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P7350 (2.0GHz)
- 16.0" diagonal High Definition HP Ultra BrightView Infinity Display (1920x1080p)
- FREE Upgrade to 3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
- 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
- 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
- Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card
- FREE Upgrade to Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
- 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

Price after coupon - $1041.24

Configuration with TODAY'S PRICING
HP HDX16t Premium Series customizable Notebook PC
* – Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (32-bit)
* – Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P7350 (2.0GHz)
* – 16.0" diagonal High Definition HP Ultra BrightView Infinity Display (1920x1080p)
* – 3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
* – 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
* – FREE Upgrade to 320GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
* – Webcam + Fingerprint Reader with HP Imprint Finish (Fluid)
* – HP Color Matching Keyboard
* – Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card
* – Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
* – 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

Priced as of right now with stackable coupon - ($450 combined) = $1174.99

So if you are comparing the two, no they aren't identical. Today's config comes with a 320GB hard drive but everything else is the same. You are talking about a difference of $133.75 and again that's WITH the $250 stackable coupon!!!

So ok, what if you don't want bluray, fine take it off and save yourself $100. But guess what? Now you are still paying $33.75 MORE and you still ARE NOT getting bluray. Tell me, how are the prices similar? Now granted I did cheat a little bit. I didn't take the complete deal from HP which is a $40 discount off 4GB total RAM, but that would still add $60 on top of the $1174.99 for a Total of $1234.99. So you technically are paying $193.99 more an extra Gig of ram and a larger hard drive. Hardly seems like a deal to me.

I don't want to to get into another debate about pricing, but looking at the numbers above, there IS a difference in prices.

 

I agree with you that the offers changed and also that this is one of the very good models available today. But see the snapshots below. The same Config costed less back then as it costs today. It costed $1329 earlier and now it is $1470
(as of today) after all the Coupons etc and also Taxes and Shipping are Included. Please note I have taken 2 day shipping also into consideration as back then it was free.

 

That is what i mean, as you can see there is a 40$ discount on memory and etc. The prices never changed, only when they first released them and then they went back up and down, and now they are the same price.

Hp just discounts the components, such at 50$ off here and there, that why the price is different, its not because HP raises the prices every single week.

 

Whatever, I'm so tired of people being so closed minded. Laptop and I have shown you with examples the the prices have been going up even with the discounts currently applied and you are still sticking to your guns. If you believe that, fine, i'm tired of trying to convey to you that now is not the time to buy. Hopefully someone who is planning to buy but concerned about price will see the light.

 

Not regretting paying 1250 for my HDX at all, but a shame HP couldn't swallow those losses for too long =p

My only complaints are the 5400 HDD, weak battery life, and sketchy 64 bit driver support. But the screen is gorgeous, processor is blazing, and the 9600 GT is adequate for my games. I'm impressed with blu ray, the HDX screen and speakers perform well, and HDMI makes it easy to hook up to the TV. I like the looks, but it is a fingerprint magnet, I use the included cloth pretty often..

 

See Attachment

LOL I understand ur frustration...I've been on that road, and some people just don't get it. I think its just one person looks at business one way, while other looks at it another way.

The laptop I got for 1128 is now 1958 (minus any instant rebate and whatever coupon you can apply) does not even come close to it now. I'm pretty sure prices will go down during thanksgiving, as they mostly do.

I agree with you about "now is not the time to buy".

 

I am not closed minded, i know business practices better than you.

HP sold the laptops for so cheap when they came out to get them going and see how they sell. They released such high discount coupons for that same purpose. If i owned such a business and saw people buying my laptops left and right i would raise the prices aswell. Especially in this economy everyones price goes up, shipping, materials and everything in between and gets passed on to you.

If anything you are closed minded and cant adjust to the way things are. If you dont like the price then go some place else and buy a cheaper inferior product, simple as that. I complained about HP not releasing good coupons, you complain about the prices in general, buy a compaq or a dell, plenty of cheap options for you.

I am glad there are some coupons out because nothing was available as a stackable discount on the HDX models for a long time, mostly DV5T and the other laptops.

I understand everything you people wrote and i still stand by what i say. You are forgetting that you have PLENTY of laptop choices, why are you sticking around here when HP is so expenssive and all you do is ***** about prices going up?

 

Goshax, are you serious? You just changed your story 180 degrees. You WERE saying that prices hadn't gone up. Now you are saying they did, but that's business. Sure, that IS a common business practice. But it's generally better if you stick with one argument rather than switching it up.

Also, most people are not complaining about the prices, they are simply stating that if you WAIT, the price will come down. Plus, I would bet dollars to donuts that Black Friday will net some great discounts on HP products.

And how do you go around assuming you "know business practices" better than anyone here? I used to work for an OEM... I probably know better than you. But other than during this precise rebuttal, I would never make such an assumption.

As for the price, it went up considerably. My laptop spec (shown in this thread earlier somewhere) is now $320 more, INCLUDING their "$40 off" for 4GB of RAM. That's a 16% price increase, even taking into account a "coupon" built into the spec. 16% is a bit much since the average gross profit on a laptop computer is 8-10%. Yes, they may have started low and worked up a bit, but computers are not a loss-leader business model. They can get away with it for printers because they have you on the hook for ink. They don't have you for anything on a PC/laptop, so they have to make their cut up front. Put that in your business practice bonnet and see where you go.

 

Actually, I can go one better. Let's look at the meat and potatoes of it all... price after available discounts.

Currently, there is a $200 instant rebate on laptops through HP. This bring my configuration down to $2,119.00. When I purchased mine I used a $500 off coupon, which brought my price to $1,399.00. These are prices not including shipping or tax (obviously). So, if you purchase the laptop I purchased in September today, after all applicable discounts you pay a touch over 51% more for the same equipment. You don't see why people might want to wait for a better deal?

But hey, I'm also an impatient buyer, and could very well see myself eager to get it now... I'd probably try to leverage arguments in my favor as well. Just trying to make the price issue crystal clear here.

 

This statement alone describes your maturity level.

 

Xepherys, don't bother, there is another member in this forum that is just like this. You can't convince them of anything and just fueling the fire. Let him believe whatever he/she wants to believe and let's save our energy for those who actually need help and are willing to accept it.

 

I never changed my story, i said prices havent changed from 2 WEEKS ago. I have been reading through the threads and people were saying how prices went up drastically after HP started selling the lpatops like hot cakes, never changed my story.

Look i am not arguing here, i simply saying it like i think it is. If you dont agree thats fine, we all have opnions. We all have choices on what we want to buy and if HP wants raise prices we are **** out of luck, but what else is out there that can be compared to HP in price and looks/quality of finish, no other company, so we are going to have to pay the price.

Lets not turn this into a flame fest, getting on whoevers side, we are not in middle school. Opinions are opnions, you are entiled to one, if you dont agree thats fine, but if you call people imature or think i am starting a flame bait then you need to grow up!

 

Ok guys...calm down...lets get back to the actual laptop, problems with it, the things we like about it and etc etc etc...

HP came through on the promised credit for me to meet the original price. Just wish it had been a lesser of a headache, but after all its done.

One fix over my previous unit: the memory door does not pop out on the edge anymore.

Anyone know what that other light thing in the lightscribe dvd-rw drive is???
I don't think thats the lightscribe laser as it does not move or anything. I havent seen it on any other laptops before.

 

xtreme, do you mean another laser-lens looking thing? Do you have a picture?

 

Hello i just bought the HDX16 and would like some suggestions on a good router.I want something fast and with good range.Something reliable.

I was thinking of getting the Linksys WRT160N Ultra RangePlus Wireless router but was wondering if theres something better out there.

Thanks so much.

 

I dont have any picture, as I do not have that notebook anymore. But it looked like a small light, It's not the laser, as laser is connected to the motor and is a moving part. This was a fixed small light. I asked a tech support guy about it, he said it must be the lightscribe thing, but i disagree. Lightscribe has to be a moving laser as it writes to the entire disc when burning label.

WRT160N is a good router. I would definitely recommend it. I've had used Linksys, Netgear, Belkin, and few other brands, and Linksys has been the best for the money spent. Get dd-wrt firmware to make it a super router. If you want something simple, just use the regular firmware.

 

Does anybody know a site with easy to read instructions on how to flash DD-WRT to a WRT54G V8.0???

I've searched google, and found the wiki page, but I don't understand some of the steps listed.

 

Adrian i would recommend anything out of Netgear line or Linksys. Although some hardcore router "experts" out there would say Netgear has the highest quality componenets out there, i cant comment on how good Neatgear is from Linksys but from what i heard they are good.

I have a wrt54g myself that i have been using for about 3 years now. Seems to be working fine in my condo, good range for a standard range G. Recently i have been having some internet issues, but that is probably comcast acting up and not the router. It was pretty easy to setup the network protection.

But, when linksys got bought out, their quality is questionable, but then again they are probably built as good as any other brand like Belkin, Netgear, D-Link and other sub companies.

 

@Goshax
On the comment regarding having internet issues, it is usually the modem fails to broadcast the IP address. I've had numerous issues with my modem not broadcasting the IP address to the router and to the computer connected directly to troubleshoot.

@GilderoyLockhard
Instructions to flash back to original firmware differ from router to router, and even router version to another router version even if its the same model.

I've tried the DD-WRT in 3 different routers, and tried to go back to the original. I was able to go back successfully on WRT54G v1 & v2, but in v4 or 5 I think, I had to get tftp.exe and upload the firmware right after resetting the router from the button behind the router. It worked.
Your router may be different, if you can post your make, model and version of the router, I may be able to assist you.

 

Thanks, I already posted the model and version number. I thought the model would be a give away because of it's popularity. it's a linksys

 

I used to love Linksys... and I still love Cisco, but ever since Cisco bought Linksys, their products have just not been as good. I've had a D-Link DIR-655 for a while and it's been VERY solid. Signal strength is good, mixed mode works like a charm (I use my PSP over 802.11 as well). I recommend it!

 

Looks like the 12-cell battery is now listed under accessories, price is a steep $169.99. I'd post the URL, but it won't let me.

 

OK, getting back to technical questions and answers...

Now that I have my HDX, I love the 1920x1080 display, but even at 16in it is very hard to read (especially without my reading glasses). This is my problem, not a flaw in the system...

So my next step is to hook up a larger external monitor. Can anyone recommend any HD capable 16x9 monitors 22" - 24"? I saw this one Westinghouse L2410NM 24" Widescreen LCD Monitor on eCost for a reasonable price (I want to keep it under $300 if possible). This one has an HDMI interface and max resolution of 1920x1200.

Can my HDX drive this monitor? Can I have an extended screen setup with this monitor hooked up to my HDMI output (both laptop screen and ext monitor as dual monitors)?

Any advice woiuld be appreciated...

Thanks,
Andy C
===========================
HP HDX16t
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor P8600 (2.4 GHz)
4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
16.0" High Definition HP Ultra BrightView Infinity Display (1920x1080)
320GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive Webcam + Fingerprint Reader with HP Imprint Finish (Fluid)
Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card (WiFi Link 5100)
LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 (64-bit)

 

I have a Linksys WRT300N which I have had for a couple of years now with no problems at all. Range is outstanding, with N adapters I get 270 Mbps routinely. The only problem is I haven't been able to connect my HDX at N speeds. Linksys says it's because of the draft N standard. They say I will be fine if I change to WPA2 security, but I don't know how that will affect the G devices that are on my network.

 

That's insane. $170 for a battery? Compared to the basic configuration that's like 15% of the product pricing.

 

Actually, i think the reason its hard to read is that the display is too dim for the size.

Have you tried the instructions on this page:
http://www.scorpiontek.org/portal/content/view/31/36/

Also, when going back to original firmware, make sure you get the right bin file. It is very easy to get the wrong bin file, for example bin file for the different version of the same model.

 

Really? I find it plenty bright, especially in a dimly lit room. Perhaps in an office environment it would be different, since it has a very reflective screen. I still think my eyes are just going.

In any case I still want a larger monitor! I found a ViewSonic (VX2233wm), a new Dell (S2209W) and something called a BenQ (E2200HD) - never heard of them before. All are 22in and in my price range. Any comments on these models? The best deal right now is the ViewSonic. They used to be the "gold standard" in displays, not sure that is still true.

Thanks,
Andy C

 

Hi everyone. I'm wondering how loud/quiet these laptops run?

Granted my main experience is my dying 4.5 year old notebook with a half gig of RAM, so maybe fan noise isn't as much of an issue these days. I'm still deciding whether to go with the T9400 over the P8600 regardless of price, so could some of you current owners give some feedback on whether the power savings of the P8600 might also lead to quieter operation?

 

the P8600 won't likely be terribly more quiet, and with undervolting, the T9600 can run just as cool (or close to it). I'd go with at LEAST the T9400...

 

You can actually get it from HP for $149.99...

http://www.shopping.hp.com/store/product/product_detail/PB995A

And yeah, batteries are NOT cheap.

 

That one isn't compatible with the HDX16.

this one is
http://www.shopping.hp.com/product/computer/categories/notebook_batteries/4/accessories/KS526AA

 

Just placed my order for one of these after my utter disappointment with my recently purchased Vaio FW190's weak speakers and its awkward placement of usb ports. The FW has a very elegant look to it that reminds me of the Macbooks, and I love its white keyboard, but the speakers are too pitiful compared to my previous dv9000 that I've decided to return it.

I was debating between the HDX16 & the dv5t for a while since I don't really need a big screen. But after comparing the prices with added coupons, the HDX16 was actually a better deal. For those of you who have seen both in person, how do the 2 compare in terms of the surface finish (i.e. One shinier than the other)? I've seen pics of both, but it's hard for me to tell.

I'll only be using it at home and won't be traveling with it much. I mostly watch non-hi def TV shows, listen to & edit music, convert & edit home videos, and use Adobe CS4 apps. Do you think the following configuration is good enough? I got it for $1,360.03 including tax + shipping.

* Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (32-bit)
* Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P8600 (2.4 GHz)
* 16.0" diagonal High Definition HP Ultra BrightView Infinity Display (1920x1080p)
* 3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
* 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
* 320GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
* Webcam + Fingerprint Reader with HP Imprint Finish (Fluid)
* Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card with Bluetooth
* LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
* No TV Tuner w/remote control
* 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

What I'm most concerned about is the screen and its resolution. The Sony HiColor screen is amazingly vivid and bright compared to my old dv9000, which I've already paid more for a nicer screen. And how is the 1366x768 resolution? I had a 1680x1050 17" screen and thought the text looked a bit too small, while Sony's 1600x900 is perfect, so I was concerned that 1366x768 is not crisp enough. But I'm also afraid that the 1920x1080 will make the text even smaller than a 1680x1050 on a 17" screen. What do you think?

Any input is greatly appreciated and sorry for such a long post!

 

Mine arrived via FEDEX and I was not home to sign (dammit!). Anyway, how are the speakers - everyone happy with the sound quality? I have a dv9700t I'll be selling, never loved the sound quality on it.

 

Well, its been 4 days since I've received my HDX16t. This is my first attempt at using a laptop as a total desktop replacement and so far I'm quite pleased!

- Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
- Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P8400 (2.26 GHz)
- 16.0" diagonal High Definition HP Ultra BrightView Infinity Display (1920x1080p)
- FREE Upgrade to 3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
- 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
- 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
- FREE Upgrade to Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
- No TV Tuner w/remote control

~$1388 shipped - $100 HP discount for almost cancelling - $255 MSN Live 20% off. = ~$1033

MSN Live at first said there was no transaction of the order, but after a 2nd time insisting I used the service (which I truely did), they credited my account. I was going to cancel after I found out it didn't go through, so HP gave me $100 off.

Anyways, I'm finding the super high HD resolution for everyday use a tad small, but I think its just some getting used to. It really makes great use of the 16 inch screen. I'm used to my 22inch monitor and thought I'd be sad about only 16 inch, but 1920x1080 pretty much makes up for it. But what good is a free Blu-Ray player without the HD screen?? I find it plenty bright and I haven't had an issue with reflection, but I don't work in a highly lit room. Viewing angle is better than my dv6000.

The noise is not anything I've noticed except when running a Blu-Ray movie, I hear the vibration of the disc spinning. The speakers are loud and crisp enough to compensate for it. The HD screen is nice for it too!

Speakers again, they are pretty good for the laptops I've used before. I have always found laptops don't go loud enough. But the HDX16t seems to be plenty loud and I don't have it maxed! Some bass makes it vibrate which is neat

The keyboard is responsive and a short "depth", if thats what we want to call it. I'm trying to get used to there being a numpad there! I love it!

Haven't had an issue with heat yet, but I haven't played any games on it. Installing WoW fresh is proving quite a daunting task, and a lot of downloading. I was going to try Oblivion tonight, but thats hardly a test of gaming power these days.

Still trying to get rid of the bloatware on it. 78 processes running at start up is WAAAY too much, imo.

I couldn't justify the higher price to get the T9400 processor not matter how badly I wanted to get it. I must've spent 30 mins debating. But for what I do, yea, I couldn't get myself to do it. (WoW mostly, Spore, RTS's, everything else is my PS3)

I still want to look into under-volting. Readyboosting another 1gig. I want to get a GPS software set-up going, and maybe go out and buy a TV Tuner.

Anyways, thats my review and my first post to these forums!

 

I find the text clear but small on mine. I have to wear my reading glasses to read it when I have my contacts on. I tried the lower resolution but it just looked weird to me, so I went back to 1920x1080.

Andy C

 

The speakers and sound are great! Better than any laptop I have ever worked on. The sub-woofer on the bottom is awesome! For music as you work you can't beat it. For music in the background as you do something else, you may need to use an external speaker system.

Andy C

 

WOW!!

I took the day of from work to only get a yellow envelope with my 1 year warranty of my HDX16. I feel like screaming right now.

Why could they not just send this all together with the labtop.

Unbelievable.

 

My support email response from [email protected]:

 

Retrospectively, that dumbass also told me there was no such thing as a 4GB SO-DIMM. So, I'll go with the compatibility text agreement on the link from Gilderoy.

 

I had a quick question. I just purchased mine the other day online (in production now) with the BR Drive and was curious if you could view a Blu-Ray movie connected to an external monitor with the laptop closed. I was walking through a home show this past summer and they had a laptop as the DVD source with the lid closed and using a IR remote with it. At the time, I didn't think to get the make or model - but was curious if this laptop can do the same.

 

Yes, you can use the remote while the lid is closed

 

I ordered the T9400 processor. What is the difference between that one and the P8600? What does the T and P mean?

I obviously realize the 9400 is better, but how? I have a T9300 in my DV9700T, It works great, wouldn't say it blows me away but it might just be I have a lot of crap on my computer.

 

The T9400 has a 6MB cache and 2.53 ghz clock and consumes 35W, the P8600 has 3MB cache and 2.4 ghz clock, but consumes 25W. The cache here should make the largest difference, but I don't know how much of a difference. If you're not going to use demanding apps or games, the 8600 (or slower) will be just fine, and perhaps boost your battery life.

 

On further investigation I find that the Viewsonic and Dell monitors above can not be connected to my HDX (at least not at HD resolution). For that you need a monitor with an HDMI interface. The BenQ does have an HDMI interface, but they are a bit pricy and hard to find. I now found a new Acer H213H which newegg has for $199 with free shipping. Anyone have any experience with Acer monitors? Acer also has a 24in model for about $100 - $150 more.

Thanks,
Andy C

 

What kid of interface does the Viewsonic has?? If it has DVI, i believe you can use HDMI to DVI cable, that how my desktop is connected to my TV/Monitor (Vizio 32" 1080P).