*HP HDX16 Owners Lounge*

Hello, I am new to this forum and have a couple questions about my recent purchase of a HDX16t and the setup I chose to go with. Here is the original setup that I purchased two days ago for $1051 (after instant rebate of $200 and coupon of $250).

HP HDX16t Premium Series Notebook PC
• Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
• Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor T6600 (2.2GHz)
• 4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
• 320GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive from 250GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive
• 1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 130M
• 16.0" diagonal High Definition HP Ultra BrightView Infinity Display (1366x768)
• LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
• Webcam + Fingerprint Reader with HP Imprint Finish (Fluid)
• Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card
• Full Size Backlit Keyboard
• 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

But now I am considering a different setup, upgrading the processor and going with the P7450 (2.13GHz) and downgrading the graphics card to the 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT once another coupon comes out. Could anyone tell me if the higher graphics card is worth the money, or should I get the higher processor?

Thanks.

 

This is what I've recommended before: go with the 9600M card if buying the 720p screen. I don't think there's much of a difference at that resolution between the two cards.

 

Here are my two guides for the HDX.

MediaSmart Customization on the HDX16/18.

Overclocking the 9600M GT

 

@time4fun

Wow...that's a pretty nice improvement with the overclocking. Beats the scores of the stock 9600M GT and GT 130M by some I guess. How much time did you play continuously with the ocd GPU? Are you sure that it wouldn't heat up in a fair run? I guess I wanna be confirmed before trying to oc mine...coz I don't use a laptop cooler...

 

My temps never run high. Never above 70c. To achieve this, I put 2 erasers, about 1-2 in in height, below the laptop in the two back corners, under the rubber footing. This is a great way to keep it cool. I've played for an hour or two staying under 70c. However, I rarely play that long. But don't worry, it's very safe to overclock using my method. Just stay at "Low" while not gaming. It can even increase battery life because of the constant lower clocks.

 

@time4fun

Right...Thanks

 

Alright so i finally finished optimizing my New HDX and im loving this thing. from looks to performance this machine impresses me everytime i use it. the only thing that could be improved upon is the slight keyboard flex.

 

Is it possible to replace the standard keyboard with the backlit one and how?

 

Hello fellow HDX 16 owners, just wondering if anybody can help me out, my audio works fine however for certain programs like Avast, when the virus database has been updated (it gives an audio warning) the sound is extremely deep in bass it also happens for other Windows Errors, any ideas ? Any help is deeply appreciated, thanks.

 

Adjust your bass settings?

 

Tried all various settings, turning the bass off even, my HP HDX16 is connected to the xb3000 expansion dock, which outputs to a 4.1 Speaker system, even when it is not connected to the dock, the sound still occurs.

---EDIT----
I just realized that some programs are affected as well, the bass is overwhelming. But at the same time if I am playing something over at Winamp the sound is just fine ? Any ideas ?

A BIG WARNING TO ALL OWNERS OF THE HP HDX 16

I have my HDX 16 connected to the xb3000 expansion base which is then connected to a printer, speakers, monitor, and cooler. As the adapter for the HDX16 does not fit the xb3000, I reverted to another adapter I used for my dv6000 and was assured at the shop that it would not be a problem, I then checked the adapter's voltage and it was the same, just that the amperes were less. I was using it perfectly then suddenly today on one reboot, the blank screen appeared with just an _ (underscore) it didn't even load the HP splash screen. I thought that was it, the laptop was dead. After several restart attempts, it did not work, as I was about to give up hope, I decided to try it with the old adapter and with the battery, it worked. Does anybody else with the expansion base find any problems with theirs ?

 

Hello Again!

Been using my new HP HDX16 for a month+ now and I love it. It runs very smoothly and handles a boatload of work without fussing.

I've recently noticed something a little disconcerting, however. Along the bottom of the screen I've noticed what appears to be some scuffing. It is in a straight line, approximately where the media smart bar would be when you close the screen. I've tried using the proper LCD cleaner and towel to wash it off, but it simply won't go away. It's barely noticeable, but it is there. I cannot tell if it is a scratch or some muck that simply needs a stronger solution to come off.

Has anyone else noticed this with their screens? I don't use anything to separate my screen from the keyboard when I close it. Should I be buying something to make sure my screen stays clear and unscratched/unscuffed? It'd amaze me if it is a scratch because i've been very careful in taking care of this machine.

is using an alcohol solution safe? or is this a case of a screen that scuffs too easily?

Wish I could take some pictures of it right now, but I can't. It doesn't look like a scratch, but like a bunch of small dots dusted across a portion of the screen. I really have to look for it to find it, but it's definitely there.

Halp?

 

I have the same problem! I was going to contact HP about this. I have the scuffing along the bottom of the screen and also a spot near the top, perhaps where the screen would contact the touch pad.

Paul

 

I don't think I have this problem but I will check again and report back. I use the keyboard cover that shipped with the laptop because I've read reports on here that the keyboard could make imprints on the screen over time.

 

I decided to purchase a screen protector from scruffymac not long after making that post. having something sitting between the keyboard and the screen just makes sense. i used the divider that came with the computer for a long time, but lost it somewhere along the way. it wasn't until after i lost it that these scuffs appeared. would HP do anything about them? i'm not even sure it'd be worth it. i've also read that there may be some very simple ways to clean up the scratches, but I'm going to wait on doing that. I barely notice them unless i'm really trying hard to see them.

if anyone knows of any simple ways to take care of screen scratches, please speak up! I've read that everything from petroleum jelly (vaseline) to pencil erasers will repair minor scratches on glossy screens. these are certainly minor.

in the meantime, i'll be using the slip case as protection for the screen. i think that'll work fine until my scruffymac shield arrives.

 

I don't appear to have any scratches on my screen. Maybe cuz mine is only 2 months old. Always use a cover between the screen and keyboard. Good luck.

 

that's a good idea. i almost threw out that keyboard cover that came with the laptop but now that u said that i got it out of the box that i was about to throw away.

 

So finally I got my HDX16 delivered in India. Although I love it (the looks and all)...there seem to be some disappointments posing for me too. Like...are the speakers supposed to crackle (clip) at higher volumes and with dolby effects on? I'm really hating it...as the speakers (as I read that they're much better than the standard laptop speakers) were one of the reasons (may not be a key one) that I bought this laptop... :-(

 

Mine is only a couple of months old, too. I may try one of these easy scratch removal tricks shortly, but this should serve as a warning to all HP HDX users! Make sure you use something to separate your screen from your keyboard! Otherwise, you'll end up with tiny and annoying scratches/impressions.

Cheers!

 

i hav bought a laptop hdx 16 with t9550 2.66ghz,4gb ram,gt 130M nvidia 1gb expandable to 2gb ..i am using vista home premium and an vista ultimate...in both the OS i am able to play .mkv videos of 720p(1280X---)without any ;problem.i am also able to play 1080p .avi,.ts without any lag.but when it comes to 1080 both the Os cause a mismatch (the video is slow ,audio is correct..they dont sync)..i use vlc and kmplayer to view thopse videos..plz help me with this issue

 

how did u get it in india..has it been released in india

 

i hav bought a laptop hdx 16 with t9550 2.66ghz,4gb ram,gt 130M nvidia 1gb expandable to 2gb ..i am using vista home premium and an vista ultimate...in both the OS i am able to play .mkv videos of 720p(1280X---)without any ;problem.i am also able to play 1080p .avi,.ts without any lag.but when it comes to 1080 both the Os cause a mismatch (the video is slow ,audio is correct..they dont sync)..i use vlc and kmplayer to view thopse videos..plz help me with this issue....i for got to tell i use the 64bit OS both hme premiunm and ultimate

 

@neo143

No it hasn't been released in India yet. I bought it from ebay usa and one of my contacts there brought me the product.

@Everyone

Do you all have the same crackling sound issue (at higher volumes and bass settings...not with all kinds of musics though)? Please do reply so that I can infer that it's not only my own laptop's problem...

 

I don't even with the volume all the way up. What music etc are you playing? It might with high bass songs.

 

"the os cause a mismatch" is an assumption, (i am assuming)

there is no vista issue that can or would cause video audio sync problems. more than likely it's the file itself, next i would look at the player/codecs, and lastly i would look at the drivers for audio/video/chipset.

i think actually you are just describing a laggy video, not a sync issue, since the audio during video lag will want to keep playing (uses less resources than video), and the machine cannot keep up with the video settings. This should not be happening for you with the 130m, and I believe it to be your player software. I use MPC, so I don't know exactly how to set up your play filters or if your player has issues, but I know you can have problems if the player is trying to use some odd setting that you may not even know about.

Try the KMPlayer Forum and search for either "lag", or "best settings"

 

I USE KMPLAYER AND VLC PLAYER...I AM ABLE TO PLAY 720P .MKV FILES FINE IN MY VISTA ULTIMATE 64..WHEN I PLAY 1080P .MKV.THE VIDEO IS SLOW AND AUDIO IS NORMAL.THEY DONT SYNC...I AM ABLE TO PLAY THE SAME FILE EXCELLENTLY ON THE XP 64BIT THAT I HAV IN THE SAME LAPTOP...PLZ HELP ME PLAY IT ON MY VISTA..COZ I AM HAVING THIS XP ONLY FOR PLAYING THIS .MKV..TELL WAT CODECS U USE

 

Looks like I came to the right place, everyone in this thread seems to know quite a bit about my computer
I just purchased the newest quick ship HDX16 model (16-1370us) from the HP webstore. I received it on June 24th. When I purchased this computer, it was stated that it came with a lightscribe blu-ray ROM as the primary CD drive. This was clearly listed under the specs on the HP webstore. To my disappointment, it only had a DVD drive when I took it out of the box. A few phone calls to HP confirmed that the website had an error and it's not supposed to have a blu-ray drive in it. I had the associate working on my issue read the website and they clearly saw where it said blu-ray. As far as fixing the issue, they offered me a new computer with a step down in processor (for the same price I paid for the current configuration) that has a blu-ray drive OR an $80 discount off what I paid.
I don't think I have to tell you that I'm not going to be able to purchase a lightscribe blu-ray drive for $80. They refused to send me a blu-ray drive in return for the DVD drive, stating that my processor would not be compatible. I personally think it's bs.

So, tl;dr, will a lightscribe blu-ray drive work with my Intel Centrino 2 P7550?
Another thought I had is to order the replacement blu-ray drive for the HDX18 since the parts store doesn't have a replacement for the HDX16. Would this work in my laptop? Thanks in advance for any insight you can offer me.

 

hey guys question... oook i got an hp hdx16 and made the three recovery cds.... then i found out that the right shift key doesn't work... then i went to exchange for another one... do i need to redo the three recovery cds on this newer machine or will the previous three suffice!

thx in advance

 

hi guyz.... i am planning on buying a HP HDX16 laptop with the following config..
* – Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
* – Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor T6600 (2.2GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
* – FREE Upgrade to 4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
* – FREE Upgrade to 320GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive from 250GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive
* – 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
* – 16.0" diagonal High Definition HP BrightView Infinity Display (1366x768)
* – FREE Upgrade to Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
* – Webcam + Fingerprint Reader with HP Imprint Finish (Fluid)
* – Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card
* – No TV Tuner w/remote control
* – HP Color Matching Keyboard
* – 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
* – No Productivity Software
* – HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope
its 899$ before handling and shipping....
i just wanted to know whether there are any coupons expected around this time of the year?

 

emmazing, do you have a screenshot of the store as it is? From what I understand (at least in california), they would be required to give you the product listed at the price listed.

Also, wondering if anyone was ever able to find a better webcam driver than the one that comes with the HDX16t. I have still be unable to use the built-in webcam with facebook and a few other web applications (do not remember which ones though).

 

Heyy guys, does anyone here know what kind of tv tuner you need to get to play xbox 360 on my HP HDX16?

I've heard that you can either get one that will cause a lag and that will give you HD or one that will take away the lag but doesnt have HD.

I was wondering if there is a program that you can install that will take away the lag so i can get the HD one?

Thanks for the help

 

Has anybody any idea if i can replace my standard keyboard with a backlit one?

 

Just a quick thanks to all you regulars who have been posting advice and tips on this thread. I have had my HDX16 for two weeks now and I have found this thread to be invaluable.
I bought mine in LA while on holiday, I got the HP HDX16 1370US from Frys electronics and I am now using it flawlessly in the north of Scotland. Touch wood! I have had no problems with it so far and have found it to be an excellent laptop and replacement for my desktop at home.

Cheers guys.

 

Silver surfer, coupons tend to come out every month around the 15th. sometimes even twice a month like this past June. its a 30% off coupon on laptop that are $999 or more. just do a google search and you will find it. i highly suggest that you wait for it so you can upgrade the specs you have now and still pay the same price you intended. I would suggest a faster processor.

 

thanx Kcouture0827...
however i have few more questions....
these free upgrades i have listed in my earlier post are a part of the 4th of July sale i am also getting a $250 instant rebate as part of the sale..... will these be available when the coupons come out as u said around the 15th???

 

Can't say for sure, but I know personally that the free upgrades lasts for about a month. However, if you're looking to spend past $999, and you consider that you get the 30% off coupon, that would take $300 off. That is a better deal.

 

You're welcome.

 

i just read on the HP website that these offers are only till 7/ 7.....

 

They always say that, then they'll rerelease the offers. Don't worry about what they say, it's a marketing tactic. I bought my HDX16t about 7 months ago with similar offers.

 

Does anyone here know of any good websites for coupons for purchasing HPs or Vaios?
I live in Canada so Canadian coupons would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

simfun-g im not sure if you can buy the backlit keyboard as a separate part but when you buy the notebook theres an option to put in the backlit keyboard.

 

alright surfer listen to my story. i was in the same position as you last month. i saw the deals and was like, should i wait for the coupon and let these awesome deals go away. i said no i cant do that. i bought the HDX without the coupon. i recieved the HDX and loved it but then the coupon came out. i got greedy and returned the HDX that i bought so that I could reorder it. i upgraded the processor, the video card, and added the backlit keyboard for 7$ cheaper than the first order!!!

in the end. wait for the coupon it saved me 500$ and will save you at least $300. the more you spend the more you save.. the coupons do come out and the deals that they say expire only actually expire for a week until they come out with a new bunch of deals...

 

Do you know if these coupons work for Canadian consumers as well?

 

Hey guys, I'm trying to decide between the Sony Vaio VGNFW350DW or the HP HDX X16t. If the Vaio model sounds unfamiliar it's because I'm from Canada.

You guys seem to be very educated on notebooks and I'm having some trouble deciding so any help would be appreciated

These are the specs for the 2 models:

Sony Vaio VGNFW350DW:

Base Features
Approximate Battery Life Up To 3 Hours
Hard Drive Speed/Capacity 320GB
Optical Drive 2x Blu-ray ROM With 8x DVD+/-RW DL
Processor Speed 2.0GHz
Processor Type Intel Core 2 Duo T6400
RAM 4GB PC2-6400
Screen Size 16.4 Inches

Graphics
Discrete Video Memory No
Expandable Video Memory No
Graphics Chipset Mobile Intel GM45 Express Chipset
Integrated Video Memory Yes
Native Screen Resolution 1600 x 900
Upgradable Video System No
Video Memory 1759MB

HP HDX X16t:

Base Features
Approximate Battery Life Not Provided By Manufacturer
Hard Drive Speed/Capacity 320GB SATA 5400RPM
Optical Drive 8X Super Multi LightScribe DVD+/-R/RW DL
Processor Speed 2.13GHz
Processor Type Intel Core 2 Duo P7450
RAM 4GB DDR2 (Exp. To 8GB)
Screen Size 16.0"

Graphics
Discrete Video Memory Yes
Expandable Video Memory No
Graphics Chipset NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
Integrated Video Memory Yes
Native Screen Resolution 1366 x 768
Upgradable Video System No
Video Memory 512MB

Thanks

 

strats, i dont know if the coupons work with Canadian consumers or not.

As far as the sony vaio Fw. i too was considering that model. the reason why i choose the HDX over it was becuase...

1. the HDX was cheaper becuase of the 30% coupon
2. no backlit keyboard on the FW
3. the 130m was the better graphics card compared to the card in the FW which i belive is the ATI 3670 or sumthing like that.

 

I think I'm going to end up waiting for the Vaio FW 490 series to be released in-stores here before i buy anything because right now we can only purchase it after customization on Sonystyle Canadas website. I've heard the 490 series is better then the 300 so I'm trying to find out when it gets released!

Thanks for the help

 

yea i was just looking around the sony site and the new FW 490 looks really good. its way cheaper for some reason after custom building it than the 350 version. weird. but yea its got the ATI 4650 which is a very good card and good processors to choose from. its a good buy.

 

yaa thats probly what im going to go for. im just waiting until its released into stores and until after tomorrow because in Canada all the prices lower pretty much after every month so i can put on more features.

 

Well, i bought it in EU country and i did not have the option to choose the type of keyboard. That is the reason i ask for it.

Thanks.

 

what is the returns policy by HP??