*HP HDX18 Owners Lounge*

Sounds like you got some good info. My wife's DV7t is also in Alaska on 4/16 at 12:10 pm with a delivery date of 4/24. It hasn't moved from Alaska yet according to Fedex. I got my HDX18t two days earlier than the estimated delivery date.

I tried to get Fedex to hold my HDX at the facility rather than deliver it since I work close by: they sent several requests and told me that they'd hold it, but it went out on the truck anyway. Fortunately, the driver brought it back before I left work, so I stopped by on the way home and picked it up: much better than it sitting on my porch for several hours.

 

Same configuration from two days ago is now 300$ more expensive

 

what is more expensive? I see same price for HDX18?

 

can you add educational discount on top of 500$ coupon.? I do not think it would work.

 

Does anyone currently have the 18t with the new graphics chips/hardware?

oes it make the Bluray movies and overall picture quality of the laptop noticeably better?

 

What new graphics chips?

Since announced the video options have been:
"Choices:
512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT - For DDR2 Memory
1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 130M - For DDR3 Memory "

 

Uhh yeah the 130M is new...it wasn't available when it FIRST came out.

You can go back to the first 100 pages of this thread and look for yourself. It's been a while since I posted since everything has been running smoothly on my system since I got it.

Yet I'm sorta itching to sell this one and get another HDX 18t with upgraded hard drives (DDR3) as well as the new graphics chip (assuming its higher quality and performance).

Plus the increase in memory and the backlit keyboard would be awesome.

 

I don't have mine yet, but everything I've read and heard pretty much said it's really not that big of an upgrade.

Your picture quality is top of the line w/ either of those cards. You're getting TRUE 1080p w/ the screen and BD playback!

 

The better card would just help with games...slightly.

 

Exactly. And even that has been debated numerous times on here.

Although, I would think if you were running multiple monitors and virtual environments, etc. then the 130m might be for you.

 

yeah i typed too soon...had the specs i wanted in my shopping cart and tried to add the 500 off coupon and the site gave me a big fat no....so i guess the 500 off 1399 or more is best bet for now...i was all excited for a bit too

 

What about the 30% coupon?

Use code NB6528 to save 30% off certain $999.00+ HP notebooks. (valid 4/13/2009 12:00:00 AM - 4/20/2009 11:59:59 PM)

 

I was thinking about re-ordering with the 30% off coupon and getting some of the extras that I passed up on the first time around, but was worried that I had thrown away the original packaging and couldn't return this one. Great news! Since recycling is only picked up once a month the packaging was still in my bin so I pulled the trigger on a new order. My estimated build date is May 1st so, assuming they don't get it off early like they have for some, the longest I should have to go without a laptop istwo weeks (giving a week for shipping).

So for an extra $600 I upgraded from 3GB DDR2 to 8GB DDR3, the better GeForce GT 130M graphics card, backlit keyboard, tv tuner, lightscribe writer and 1 year complete coverage!

HP HDX18t Premium Series customizable Notebook PC

* • Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
* • Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P8700 (2.53GHz)
* • $100 OFF!! 8GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm) - For 1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 130M
* • FREE Upgrade to 320GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive from 250GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive
* • 1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 130M - For DDR3 Memory
* • 18.4" diagonal High Definition HP Ultra BrightView Infinity Display (1920x1080p)
* • Lightscribe 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 with Bluetooth
* • 50% OFF!! HP Integrated HDTV Hybrid Tuner
* • Full Size Backlit Keyboard
* • 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
* • No Productivity Software
* • HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

Your customized HP HDX18t Premium Series customizable Notebook PC will be
built by May 1, 2009

TN Tax $152.42
Grand total $1,800.30

 

Use code NB6528 to save 30% off certain $999.00+ HP notebooks. (valid 4/13/2009 12:00:00 AM - 4/20/2009 11:59:59 PM)

the 30% is better if the original price is over ~1690ish which would result in you getting more then 500 off....i dont want to spend more then 1300ish so pre discount i can put about 1900 of goodies in i just need to figure out what im going to trade off whether faster processor or bigger HD etc or stick with the MSI...i got till the 5th of may so no hurry and maybe by then ill find a great deal on one or the other that makes the choice easy.

 

HP tricked me with an email saying my order had shipped. I was like, how in the world!? Then I looked at the details and apparently they shipped off my protection plan. Wierd.

 

Yeah, they ship the protection plan immediately.

 

Remember, though, if you call to cancel your order, they probably won't be able to stop it from shipping unless you cancel fairly quickly. If you wait until close to May 5, you'll probably have to return it. Not a big deal, but just FYI.

 

Yeah they ship the warranty first. I don't know why they even need to ship a piece of paper since everything is digital now.

Yeah if it is still in the building process then you probably can cancel it. If not, then you'd have to wait to get it, then do a return, then order a new one. By that time the 30% coupon would be expired. However I've been following HP for 3 months and every month they have a big coupon. It was 30% in Feb, 25% in March, and 30% again this month. Just wait for it.

 

I got my HDX18 in late January, and my WiFi has died twice now. Literally the device just disappears.

The first time was a couple weeks ago. After a couple hours on the support line trying to re-install drivers, etc, we solved it by me opening the back, removing the wifi card, and re-seating it.

Yesterday, it happened again. I trie, the same procedure, and it again solved the issue.

The laptop actually stays put on a desk so it doesn't get jostled around much, and the card and wires look fine. Perhaps the motherboard connector is bad? If it happens again, I guess I'll ship it in for repairs, but I'm really not looking forward to that.

For anyone else who this might happen to: Look at the little "bubble" notification in the lower right that appears when the on/off WiFi & Bluetooth button is pressed (just above the numeric keypad). If you only see a line for Bluetooth, and no line for WLAN, then this is probably your problem.

 

my wifi's been working fine... but my bluetooth seems to have blown out on me. i bought the matching mouse to go with it.. and lately everytime i try to connect it the computer never sees it. then i go to bluetooth settings and check "allow bluetooth devices to find this computer" then ok or apply a message comes up saying "the bluetooth device might be unplugged".... the first day i tried using bluetooth it was fine... but its stopped ever since... have no idea whats up....

(tried reinstalling drivers but that didnt help either...)

 

Does Bluetooth show up in the network bubble when you enable/disable it (the antenna button)? Not sure if it would have the same symptom as wifi or not, but I think they are on the same card, so if it doesn't show up, then it's a good indicator it's the wrong problem. You might want to try opening the back, removing the card, and re-installing it, which fixes my problem.

To do so:
- Remove power and battery
- Flip unit over
- Remove the one screw near the subwoofer speaker on the back, and remove the "door".
- Remove the two screws on the wifi/bluetooth board corners. Be careful you don't drop them inside the unit!
- Pull the two wires off the board. The way the connector works isn't obvious, but if you use needle nose pliers, just pull them straight up away from the board; they are a little metal button that snaps into a metal ring (kinda like a cloths snap).
- Lift the board and remove completely from the connector
- Put it all back together

 

Hi there,
Does anybody have connection problems with WiFi? I have a Netgear WNR834 N-compiant router and another 2 machines having WiFi (in N and G modes). They work flawlessly, but my HDX18 has troubles. Internet seems to work fine (with very rare dropped connections), but when I try to copy large files between HDX and other local machines, connection is dropped almost immediately. Then I can connect to the LAN again, but any attempt to connect to local machines leads to connection drop sooner or later. And transfer rate is horrible. Looks like something wrong in the card settings (however I keep factory-default) or inter-OS compatibility issues. HDX is the only 64-bit Vista in LAN. Others are Vista 32 and XP. They copy fine between them. Now, I'm basically forced to connect HDX to the LAN using cable, because WiFi is quite useless.
I researched the issue on Internet, but didn't find any good explanation or fix. I wonder that nobody talks here about this problem. Am I only one who has this problem? Any help will be much appreciated.

 

^^^^I have had mine since last year with no troubles at all.

May need to get it replaced or fixed.

In other news I think I'm gonna stick with my current setup. I wanted to try out the DDR3 memory to see if it would really result in a faster operating laptop but I don't think it's worth the hassle right now.

 

Has anyone done really thorough battery tests on the HDX 18t?

Like, I know it's averaged at 3 hours and 12 minutes with full brightness surfing the web. But what about 50% brightness and wifi on? Or with wifi off?

 

My HDX16 which uses the same network card I think Intel 5100 AGN has issues maintaining a stable connect with wireless N. However, I switched to G only and it doesn't have issues. What are you connected to?

 

vista x64 rc2 makes my wireless flakey.

 

Well, it finally shipped today (was supposed to ship Friday)

Talk about frustrating, waiting two+ weeks before a item even ships is a bit silly. Maybe I'll get lucky and it will arrive prior to me leaving Saturday.

 

My wife's dv7t shipped on 4/16, and I got it today, 4/20.

My HDX18t shipped on 3/27, and I got it on 3/30.

I was very surprised at how quickly they got here (Fort Worth, TX) from Shanghai. I called Fedex and had them hold the packages at the facility for me to pick them up: much better (for me) than being a prisoner in my house all day waiting for delivery or having the driver leave it on the porch while I'm at work. Have you ever waited for hours on a Fedex delivery only to be in the bathroom when they ring the doorbell, the driver ignores your signed note to leave the package, and he's gone by the time you get to the door?

 

My bluetooth mouse died on me, too, after the first day. I restored the system to a point prior to some updates that I had installed, and the mouse started working again after I redid "install bluetooth devices". I wish that I could remember which update was the culprit, but I think that it was an "optional" update.

 

I may have them do that (hold the package). It's supposed to come to my office instead of home but we'll see.

 

My router is Netgear WNR834M. It is N-capable and my desktop machine having cheap AirLink101 WiFI card connects to this router just fine @150Mbit. Another machine, 3-years Asus notebook, reliably connects using G. Only HDX has a problem with N connection. I didn't try G mode yet, but this is quite pointless, I'd rather connect via wired 100 Mbit... Kinda very dissapointing side of the HDX which is a great notebook in other aspects.

 

I know what you mean. Whats the point of having a N router and N laptop when it can't connect to it. Sure I can connect at 54mbs with G but I bought the HDX16 and n router to CONNECT TO N!

I've been reading that its the card's fault. The 5100AGN can't get a stable N connection on any laptop. I'm surprised theres no other complaints. I guess all these guys are using G. I'm thinking about switching it out to the 5300agn card.

 

Wanna see a bunch of BS? I just got this from HP:

I knew it wouldn't ship on time. I've seen this form letter before with the same lame excuse. First they told me the ship date was actually the BUILD date in order to buy an extra day. Now I get this. PL-lease!

 

Did it say what component they are waiting for?

 

No, they did not and they never will.

Like I said, I've seen this before. They send you $50 coupons to get you to buy more products (like maybe a printer so they can get you on the ink, paper, etc.). In the meantime, they don't ship on time.

It's a scam, I tell ya.

 

Will the motherboard that comes with the 2.5 core2duo processor be upgradable to QX9300?

 

Well I got mine today @ 12:30 Eastern Time!!!

Holy hell is this thing NICE!! Everything is so beautiful.

I have never typed on a nicer keyboard.

The Volume and bass adjusters work flawlessly, as well as the fingerprint reader!! The sound is FULL and great! I don't have any Blue-rays yet, but can't wait to watch Casino Royale on this bad boy.

The webcam is awesome, and I love how there is a light for it! Nice touch. The built-in mics pick out sound perfectly (unlike my previous HP Pavilion DV6000 Series, you had to literally scream into those).

The resolution isn't going to be a problem getting used to.

A couple things I was worried about were, the trackpad and surrounding surface picking up tons of fingerprints. Well it does, but not as bad as I thought it would be (based on others testimony).

Another thing I was worried about was the screen being super reflective. Have to say, I can't tell enough to bother me. In my opinion, this is no worse than my DV6000 and I sat on a couch w/ an open window directly behind me, no problem. It was overcast out today though, so we'll see, but I don't think it is going to bother me.

The screen is SOO NICE! I do find however that when I am on a site such as this where it's mostly white, then I find it a little on the bright side. I just dim the screen a notch or two, and then it's perfect!

I was hoping that I could use my Hard Drive caddy from my DV6000 on this. Then I would just throw that 160gb HD in the HDX, but I am not seeing a way it will work. Looks like I'm going to have shell out for the HDX Caddy. No Biggie, because right now I have that 160gb HD in an external case I got on eBay for $7.23!!

I did get the TV Tuner, but am in the middle of nowhere right now going to college, so I can't pick up any HD channels. Of course today was really rainy out, so I'll try again tomorrow.

A couple things different (and I believe better) than my previous HP Laptop are the ports for one. Inserting a USB cable into them, it is a very nice tight fit. Also, to open it up, you have to use just a tiny elbow grease. It feels VERY sturdy, which is what you want w/ a screen this size.

It does get a little warm around the trackpad, but nothing uncomfortable yet. See me in July and August on that one! haha.

It runs fairly quiet. I do hear the fans a little. I might need a bios update, those kind of things usually fix themselves w/ HP's updates (if it's running more than it's supposed too).

One thing I don't really like, though I must admit I am getting used to just after about 10 hours, is the trackpad! What the hell were they thinking making it SO SMALL?!?! My Pavilion's trackpad is bigger than this one! Of course like everyone else, the first thing I did was go into the mouse setting and set it to the fastest pointer speed. Literally, that was the first thing I did!! There is absolutely no reason it should take 5 swipes to get from one side of the screen to the other!

Not that it could be helped, but the powerbrick looks like something form the 1980's!! haha, wow is that thing huge!

I haven't ran any VM's yet. I still haven't installed Windows 7 or Ubuntu 64 bit yet either, but eventually will.

Well that is it in short. Feel free to ask any questions you may have!!

Now I will list my specs. I ordered it on April 7th I believe, it shipped out on the 15th, and I got it today, the 20th.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HP HDX18t Premium Series Notebook PC
- Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
- Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P8700 (2.53GHz)
- FREE Upgrade to 4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) - For 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT graphics
- FREE Upgrade to 320GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
- 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT - For DDR2 Memory
- 18.4" diagonal High Definition HP Ultra BrightView Infinity Display (1920x1080p)
- 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 with Bluetooth
- 50% OFF!! HP Integrated HDTV Hybrid Tuner
- HP Color Matching Keyboard
- 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
- No Productivity Software
- HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

$1214.79 after taxes. That included an All-In-One Wireless Printer, Copier, Scanner, and Fax Machine. I also got the Logitech Z-2300's for an additional $106 shipped.

I will be getting money back too, as there were several coupons that came out the DAY AFTER I ordered mine. HP has a 21 day Price Match Guarantee.

 

You can fix that under the mouse settings, make it move faster that is. Congrats.

 

Thanks!

Yeah, that was the first thing I did. You must have misread it there.

 

They delayed mine, too. Original ship date was the April 17 and it just shipped on the 20th. I got a hold of someone that said it was due to a shortage in the P8700 processor. But, for the delay, I had her give me free 2 day shipping instead of a coupon. That way, I'll probably get it at the same time I originally would have, if not sooner!

 

Don't be so sure. Most of what I heard is that the 2nd day shipping is basicially the same because it comes from Shanghai and has to be released through customs.

Not trying to rain on your parade, just letting you know. Mine took 5 days to get to Michigan once it was shipped from Shanghai.
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Now playing: Beatles - Maxwell's Silver Hammer
via FoxyTunes

 

Oh, I didn't get the 2nd day shipping by the way. Sorry should have mentioned that in the post.

 

Did you have 2 day shipping?

 

Beat me to it. I'll keep checking (probably hourly) and give an update when received. If I don't get it in 2 days, I'll just have to get that coupon after all.

 

That's the spirit!!

Keep us updated! Hope you get it in 2 days!!!

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Now playing: Default - Let You Down
via FoxyTunes

 

Hey, while I'm posting... I'm looking for a good external hard drive option to take advantage of the eSATA port. From what I've found so far, it looks like my only option for a portable drive is to buy a eSATA capable case and stick a 2.5" drive in it. Am I correct? Is so, any suggestions on a good case and a good drive. I'm probably wanting 500GB at either 5400 or 7200. The drive coming with my machine is 320GB, 7200 if anyone cares. Thanks!

 

Well you actually have tons of options. It all depends on what you want.

Now here is a link for eSata external drives.

Also, you could buy your own drive and enclosure and go that route. I would check out eBay for the enclosure.

Off eBay I just got a 2.5" external case (USB, not eSata like you want) for $7.23! Chances are you can find a decent deal on the eSata enclosure on there as well.

It's also your choice with what size drive you want. You can get the 2.5" and 3.5" drives already in an eSata case, or you can build your own.


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Now playing: The Eagles - After The Thrill Is Gone
via FoxyTunes

 

Not sure if this what you were thinking of.

2.5" 500gb eSata HDD in case, $129.

2.5" eSata and USB enclosure, $20.

 

You have to stay on top of them, though. You should follow up with Fedex a couple of times to make sure that they got the message to hold it. Then, on the morning that it arrives at the facility, call and ask to speak to the manager at that facility and make sure that they remove it from the truck. On one of my deliveries, I called three times on three different days, and I was assured each time that it would be held: the morning that it arrived at my Fedex depot, it went out on the truck, and I had to wait for the driver to get back to the depot that afternoon.

If they tell you that they are required to make a delivery attempt before they'll hold it, call EARLY on the morning that it arrives and ask to speak to the facility manager and ask him to get it off of the truck (I was told this by a Fedex rep, and it worked: the manager was a little annoyed, but oh well).

However, if it's coming to your office, you should get it without a hitch, and of course, no worries about someone stealing it from your porch.