*HP HDX18 Owners Lounge*

Contact Customer Support for help?

I do not appreciate you guys poking fun at my two-day-ban which was only because I suggested a way that is Illegal to get programs/music/videos on the internet to get Microsoft Word. Also, my laptop shipped today so I'm expecting it to come by Friday or Saturday.

 

There's no such thing as a highdef DVD. What you mean is BlueRay Discs. And yes, you'll need a BD writer to burn a BD disc.

 

I plan to. I just want to make sure that I'm right before calling them. I believe the writer is a LG drive BN-10 or something like that.

 

Blu ray discs have a much higher capacity than standard DVD's, too: you could ghost your OS drive on one disc, for example. If you have a high def camcorder, you could burn your HD videos to blu ray.

 

So bassiclly, if the capacity of a standard dvd is fine and I dont have a high def camera, I dont need one correct? Like there is nothing comming out anytime soon that will use it?

 

Blu-Ray movies?

 

Believe me, been there done dat.

It's the notebook. It's configured as if the left speaker is in the center/subwoofer. When I isolate it, it sounds bad. It's probably configured/connected wrong because it shouldn't be coming from the middle of the unit.
But thanx for the reply!

My 2nd unit should be here in 2 days but because of the weekend it looks like monday...

 

Certainly, it's not a necessity: it just adds some possibilities. I don't know of anything that makes it a "must have" for now, and adding one later should be easy.

 

I just ordered an HDX18t yesterday. Configuration is below. Expected build date is 20 Aug.

I did not order any additional software. I already have Norton protection and MS Office Home and Student on my two current computers. Both allow for installation on three computers, so I plan to use those on the new machine.

If I want to watch a DVD, or a Blu-Ray, do I need to buy any new software? Will the system as configured already have the ability to do that? Is there software I could purchase that would do a better job?

Also, does the HP Long Life Battery option mean the computer will run for a longer time on battery power? Or does it mean the run time on battery power is the same but the battery will not wear out and need replacement as quickly?

Configuration of HDX18t:
• Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
• Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P8800 (2.66 GHz, 3 MB L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB)
• 4GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm) - For 1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 130M
• 500GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
• 1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 130M - For DDR3 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
• HP Integrated HDTV Hybrid Tuner
• Full Size Backlit Keyboard
• HP Long Life Battery
• Mobile Stereo Earbud Headphones (1 pair)
• System Recovery DVD with Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit)
• No Productivity Software
• HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

Thanks
Bruce

 

One Blu-ray option can burn Blu-ray discs, while the other drive can only read Blu-ray but can write DVD/CD.

I wouldn't bother with the BD writer. The disc prices are still crazy high and unless you are burning HD media there is no point.

Don't be a , especially when you are wrong. Blu-ray disc is a high definition version of DVD. For this reason it is acceptable for someone to say that it is a high-def DVD. HD DVD also stands for High Definition DVD.

The HDX 18 comes with MediaSmart software created by Cyberlink that can play both DVD and Blu-ray discs. If you want better playback quality you can get Arcsoft Total Media Theatre 3 Platinum.

The long life battery option means that the battery does not wear out until significantly longer than the standard battery.

 

Scratch that, the 2nd unit just got here... Shipped on the 11th and got here today? wow..

Will be definitely comparing the 2 builds and seeing if the speakers on this one are perfect....

Also, gotta call HP and have the dimwits take back the 1st one even though I cancelled it already...ugh.

 

Hi

Question: Did you order a pre-config?

I configured mine and it also shipped on the 11th, but mine is not even close to arriving. According to Fedex it is still in Alaska.

Config as follows:
tHP HDX18t Premium Series Notebook PC
• Upgrade to Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
• Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Extreme Mobile Processor QX9300 (2.53Ghz, 12MB L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB)
• 8GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm) - For 1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 130M
• 1TB 7200RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (500GB x 2) with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
• 1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 130M - For DDR3 Memory
• 18.4" diagonal High Definition HP Ultra BrightView Infinity Display (1920x1080p)
• Blu-Ray +/-R/RW with SuperMulti
• Webcam + Fingerprint Reader with HP Imprint Finish (Fluid)
• Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card with Bluetooth
• HP Integrated HDTV Hybrid Tuner
• Full Size Backlit Keyboard
• HP Long Life Battery
• No Productivity Software

I also sent my first one back, but I didn't even open it. I found the 30% off coupon after ordering the first, but it was too late to cancel, so I just got an RMA and sent it back. That one arrived way ahead of schedule, but this one seems to be lost in never-never land.

I sure am getting anxious.

Do you know anything about the tv tuner? I am unclear as to how the tuner actually works.
I also have a question about the hard drive. I have read that a shallow hard drive is faster than the bigger one, for example, the 250 gig would be faster than the 500 gig. What do you think about this, and if there is a difference, is it significant?

Thanks.

 

I kind of wish I bought that battery since it's ~$170 on its own...
Someone's already replied, but just a bit more info for you on that battery.

The new HP Long Life batteries that are being sold are made by Boston Power. Here's their site: www.boston-power.com/boston-power-hp-batteries-enviro.html

The claim w/ these batteries is more about an increase in the LIFE of the battery. I think I've heard it mentioned that they do give a little longer computing time, but I wouldn't expect too much of that from the purchase. They come w/ a 3-yr warranty, and it's my understanding that should one require replacement before that, you'll get it switched out free. That seems to be the biggie.

 

It's true that shallow is faster, but the biggest speed gain would be going to SSD, which a lot of ppl have commented about already. Since you went w/ 2x500GB, you could remove one drive and replace it w/ an SSD, on which you'd have your OS and important apps loaded, using your other drive as data storage. That seems to be the optimal configuration barring going the only SSD route.

 

Thanks for your answer. I am afraid my tech level is too low to attemt the swap of hard drives, though. Is it really a big difference or just slight. Meaning, is it worth the extra money and headache. Just how much faster is the 250 over the 500?

Thanks again.

 

OT: Does this forum crash for anyone else? For the past few days now, I've been unable to post replies at certain times cause I get a 404. Just wondering if anyone else has had this problem.

 

I have had the same problem all day, today only though.

 

You will have to figure out what Mother Board you have..

I have a 478 (PGA, I dont know which of the different 478's that HP is installing).

But the Video Card in mine can be changed it is a MXM2 (once agin I dont know which of the 1-4 + or - different MXM2's it is) but can be swaped.

The old welded into place adage is not holding up it would seem.

If you have a 512mb Nvidia there are occing options you can use to speed it up available.

Follow this link for instructions.. I am not responsible for you changing your computer in any way.. just trying to help you have more information.

http://www.hphdx.net/Forum/tabid/55/forumid/8/threadid/432/scope/posts/Default.aspx

I hope this helps you and makes your search a little easier than mine has been.

Be well, JW

I searched to figure out which MoBo you have... I still dont know.. I would assume a 478 becuase HP would buy in bulk and service multiple machines but I do NOT know that for sure or to be true.

Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T9900 (6M Cache, 3.06 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB)
Add to Compare Queue
Compare Now (0) Processor
Essentials
Status Launched
Launch Date Q2'09
Processor Number T9900
# of Cores 2
Clock Speed 3.06 GHz
L2 Cache 6 MB
FSB Speed 1066 MHz
Instruction Set 64-bit
Embedded
Supplemental SKU
Lithography 45 nm
Max TDP 35 W
VID Voltage Range 1.050V-1.2125V
1ku Bulk Budgetary Price $530.00
Package Specifications
Thermal Specification 105
Package Size 35mm
Die Size 107 mm2
# of Transistors 410 million
Sockets Supported BGA479, PGA478
Halogen Free Options Available

http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=39312

I hope this helped you.

JW

 

Today a little while ago it was down.. call it around 2-2:30 this afternoon. This site does see worldwide traffic so many the slowest time for traffic is mid-afternoon and they took it down for service.

But... No you are not alone..

Be well, JW

 

peter0328, registereduser,

Thanks for your responses and the information.

Bruce

 

Prelim results on 1st arrival vs 2nd arrival:

The 2nd arrival does not have any audio issues!
Which means the 1st one is messed up.

2nd had no smudge/glue/bird flu marks
1st one did

2nd one keyboard is firmer and more responsive
1st one on some of the keys (R esp.) I had to press a little harder because it didn't register.

Kinda glad they messed up and shipped 2 now.

No, I re-ordered but the exact same config.

I am familiar because I have Vista MCE Networked throughout the house w/ an XBOX, an extender and a HTPC. There is alot of things you can do so Your best bet to learn about this:
Visit these Forums!
also, Don't be timid, Play with it!

There are a few threads about this and actually some discussion in this very one.
On paper it's true but do we really see/feel any real difference?it's all relative.
I took the free 500GB upgrade and left my 2 slot open for a SSD later on...

 

Had to go offline earlier. Sorry, I can't give you a % difference between the two, though I'm sure someone here or elsewhere can. Suffice it to say that various factors will change the performance of your system. Iirc, your HDX18 is pretty much maxed out. It should be able to handle anything you're throwing at it. Compared to the specs on mine, of which I am waiting delivery , yours has everything and the kitchen sink
Your intended use will also impact how the system performs for you. I think you said you weren't gaming, so you should be fine. For example, someone else mentioned they didn't go Quad because they realized they were never going to utilize the extra power of the Quad for the apps they ran. Sometimes, while true on paper, things can still be all relative. Based on your specs, I wouldn't worry.

 

My order is now in this status:
Int'l shipment release
ANCHORAGE, AK
Ship date is Aug 12, 2009
Estimated delivery is Aug 17, 2009 by 10:30 AM

Dunno how this will work out because it's already in Alaska and I doubt it takes 4 days to come on Airplane. Hoping it'll come tomorrow or Sat since it is now going through customs (I think? Coming into US/Alaska)

 

Mine said ship date was Aug 12 and it shipped Aug 11, just like yours. As of 3pm (Eastern standard time) it left Anchorage. My estimated date of arrival is Aug 14 10:30 AM. I got the two day shipping so it looks like i will get mine tomorrow and you may have to wait for monday.

 

That's weird. My ship date was set for Aug 13th, and it shipped on the 11th(my time, 12th in China). It arrived in Anchorage at like 6:20PM and is in Int'l shipment release. I also got the two day shipping and I cannot understand how it will take more than 2 days to come from Alaska to my house when it's coming by Air?

 

Thanks everybody for your input, it is greatly appreciated.

Fedex says mine left Alaska at 6 pm, central (my time). I am sure it won't arrive until Monday. Darn!!!

I am not a gamer, or video editor, or any thing else like that. I would like to be, but I just don't have the time or the knowledge.

I am glad that I found y'all. I know where to turn with my questions now.

Thanks again.

Have a great evening.

Gayle

 

Ok, I have had my 2nd replacement for some time now and have to pop in to say how she is doing.

Going from a P8700 to a T9550 has eliminated 100% of the problems the 1st 2 HDX's had. The computer is now stable, all ports work, BD Burner works, all is well and I am so happy with the computer.

For those who dont want to go back 300 pages...
1st HDX came on under some Harry Potter Majic while in my bag, when I pulled it out, it burned my hand pretty bad, returned it for replacement.
2nd one came brand new with defective mainboard, wrong burner, case not put together, went in for repair, they only wiped the hard drive, case was really not together, went in a second time, came back even more messed up. Gentleman at HP corporate replaced and upgraded me, works so nice, so happy now.

Not really impressed with the HDMI output, I thought it would have looked better on my Plasma, I only tried it a few times, once when the Watchmen Blu-ray would not let me view the ultra movie mode thing on my stand alone BD Player, so I used the laptop.

Anyway, HDMI.
Any known mods to use the HDMI port inbound for Premiere Pro? I would love to use the HDMI port for importing into PP, but have not managed to get it to work, I cant get it to work with my camera, or the Xbox 360 (thought I would try it playing Burnout Paradise). I am not expecting the HDMI port to work for import, but I can wish and hope. Has anyone managed to get it to work that way?

 

TV EPG question.

I got my HDX18t one month ago. I ordered it with the tuner thinking I might use it someday. I tried it out recently and it works but I have no real need for it here as I have a TV in my office.
My problem is that the EPG runs in the background everyday and it takes a long time to update. This is no problem except it takes focus away from whatever program I am using every 5 seconds or so requiring me to click on the program I am in to get it to respond to my typing etc. Is there a way to turn off the EPG as I have no use for it now?

Thanks

 

Mine shipped Monday 8/10 with an estimated delivery of 8/17, but I got it at 9:06 am on 8/12, and I had standard 5 to 7 day shipping. I live close to a Fedex airport shipping facility, though.

 

I believe that you wouldn't notice a difference. I think that having the extra space is better than a negligible (in my opinion) speed increase. And you can partition your 500gb hard drives for better performance if you want (it's easy to do). Also, changing drives on the HDX is very easy to do: you could do it even if you're not a very technical person. You've got the same build as mine except for the drives: I went with the SSD option.

 

Oh, I just noticed some guys gave me rep. Thanks!

 

Oh, just a little update on shipping info for those who might be interested.
I ordered my HDX18 on Aug. 7th. The estimated shipping date was Aug. 17th (the night before, the estimated shipping date was Aug. 11th and then, a few hours later, 14th, but that was gone by the time I placed my order).
So I got an email this morning from HP notifying me that my order left Shanghai this morning. Hopefully I'll get it early next week

 

I just got my HDX today. It came about 15min earlier than it said (10:15 instead of 10:30). It looks great and works great. There are no apparant problems with it at all so I am very happy. I am going to spent the next few days changing settings and loading music and videos, and just generally tinkering.

Just wanted to say thanks for all the help and answers I have gotten. It is pretty sweet to have an accessible knowledge base, because I don't know much more than the average computer user.

 

Coolers: Is the consensus here that the Zalman NC2000 is the way to go? Looking to get a notebook cooler for the HDX18. I know there are coolers that are popular here, and am just trying to get the 'right' one.

 

What do you mean by a "shallow" hard drive?

If both HDDs are 5400rpm or 7200rpm, whichever one is the larger size (500GB) would be faster than the lower size (250GB) because of the higher disk density.

The max sequential read you will get on the 500GB is 60MBps, but mostly will be around 30MBps or less.

The best SSDs are >200MBps read/write. They also have faster random read/write speeds which is what you will notice throughout normal use of your system. The only drives worth getting are the OCZ Vertex or Agility lines or the Intel X-25M.

 

The drives that I have are both 500 gig @7200 rpm. I see what you mean by the SSD being faster, that is quite a difference. I am not ready to change out the current drives for SSD, though.

Pipper mentioned that partitioning the drives would make them a bit faster. He/she (sorry, I don't know if you are male/female) said that it wasn't difficult, but I don't know how to do it.

My new HP is going to arrive this afternoon.

Thanks for your help.

 

Below is a link to a story regarding the Intel X-25M, should anyone be interested. It involves a 'defect' related to BIOS passwords. http://www.notebookforums.com/thread229076.html

 

Partitioning the drives has no effect on speed whatsoever.

This bug has been fixed in all currently available v2 units at retail channels.

 

The firm ware fix from Intell eats up how much space?

"This is not the first time Intel's X25-M and X18-M SSDs have suffered from firmware bugs. The company's first generation of drives suffered from fragmentation issues resulting in performance degradation over time. Intel issued a firmware upgrade as a fix.

Intel said the problem does not occur if a user has not set a BIOS drive password. After testing a fix for the issue, Intel said it expects to issue a firmware upgrade in the next couple of weeks.

"If they have not enabled their BIOS drive password, we are advising them not enable a BIOS drive password...," Intel said. Instead, users should visit Intel's support Web site for the firmware update when it becomes available.

Meanwhile, Intel has suspended all shipments of the new SSDs until the firmware fix is validated and its drives have been updated. Online retailers like Newegg and ZipZoomFly have also pulled the new drives from their ordering systems.

"It made sense to pause shipments and implement the changes ourselves and via our customers versus asking consumers to do so," Intel said.

Computerworld has been reviewing the 160GB version of the X25-M and found its read/write rates subpar compared to the previous version of the drive. The SSD's average sequential read rate was 190.5MB/sec. and its burst rate was 231.5MB/sec, well below the first generation X25-M, which had a maximum read rate of 256.7MB/sec."

http://www.itworld.com/storage/73405/intel-confirms-data-corruption-bug-new-ssds-halts-shipments

I hope you note the degenerating read write times.. for the money?

http://www.photofast.tw/eng/SSD_G_Monster_V5.html

With and internal Raid..

IMHO..

I hope this helps, JW

 

I recently bought an HDX 18 for college...so far i absolutely love it but i am having a heck of a time finding a backpack that will fit this beast. does anybody know of any backpacks that will for sure fit this and also work for school...Thx

 

Here is some good hard info from people who own HDX 18's that have bought bags and the like that did and did NOT work out and what they ended up with..

I will say you will be spending more than $100 bucks on the lite side I might add.. I think there are a couple of budget bags that worked out for more than one person with one post.. if you know what I mean..

http://www.hphdx.net/Forum/tabid/55/forumid/2/scope/threads/Default.aspx

I hope that helps get you some real information that makes your purchase a good fit the first time around..

Be well, JW

 

Hey, check your college bookstore! That's where I found mine.

Here is the link. There are pics, links to buy, and my personal description in there.

Good luck!!

 

Same with me! I haven't found and thing wrong with the laptop and will upload pics later . I am going to reformat this Desktop now

 

Hey guys, Im looking at buying the HDX18 tonight or tomorrow and wanted to get some opinions on if the qx9300 was worth the extra money? If I dont get that processor, I think Im leaning towards the T9900 oever the Q9000 because of the faster speed and the cache is the same. The computer will stay at home and will be used for suring the web, foruming, and a good amount of photo editing. I havent played computer games before but it could be a possibility if this computer can handle it...

I wish this damn laptop came with a better, gpu, if so it would be the ultimate computer, imho...it already comes with dual hd, webcam, finger print reader, full number pad, ddr3, and blu ray player...only missing a better gpu...

 

I knew you got yours! You were gone way to long! :tongue:

 

I have noticed that the charger port w/ the ac adapter plugged in is a little loose. It sort "wiggles" about a 1/4 of an inch. Its not really a problem but it is a concern I have because I have had trouble with charger ports in the past. I was just wondering if anybody else has noticed this at all.

Also I don't really like how HP's chargers are not at a 90degree angle like most, I knew that was how they were made before I got it (my brother has an HP), but I didn't know if there was a reason because it seems like it would be easier to break off (which happened with my old computer).

 

The quad is going to perform better and last over time better with the multi thread apps and OS's coming and / or that are here already..

I went with a q9000 as it was my first buy into quad land.. it has worked out better than expected..

If you want to spend the extra $750 - $800 I offer an internal Raid SSD..

http://www.photofast.tw/eng/SSD_G_Monster_V5.html

I am thinking Raid 0 and read only for my OS and apps.. I am trying to find out whether a raptor will work with an HDX now..

But the SSD will add the speed that no chip can.. not even an i7..

I hope this helped and good luck, JW

 

I might add...

Coupon Code: NZR91524 Expires: 8/16/2009

http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/HP-Pav...ptop/8569.aspx

Save yourself a coupe bucks..

Good Luck, JW

 

YA thats the code Im using, Im getting $450 off the laptop and a free printer, so thats why Im thinking about getting into the qx9300...

 

I would say the QX mobo makes the purchase worth the money..

Status Launched
Launch Date Q4'07
Processor Number QX9650
# of Cores 4
Clock Speed 3 GHz
L2 Cache 12 MB
FSB Speed 1333 MHz
FSB Parity
Instruction Set 64-bit
Embedded
Supplemental SKU
Lithography 45 nm
Max TDP 130 W
VID Voltage Range 0.950-1.212V
1ku Bulk Budgetary Price $999.00
Package Specifications
Thermal Specification 64.5°C
Package Size 37.5mm x 37.5mm
Die Size 214 mm2
# of Transistors 820 million
Sockets Supported LGA775 <-------- Mobo *********
Halogen Free Options Available

http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=33921

The 775 verse the 478 which is being phased out will give you the ability to upgrade going forward..

The SSD (read only for OS and apps) will make the largest difference performance wise..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlB8r_0dDlI&feature=related

The slc verse mlc verse cost.. well when you learn a little more you will see it is a very fragmented market place.. but they are that good..

IMHO..

Be well I hope this helped, JW