*HP HDX18 Owners Lounge*

To be honest, I have no doubts that I am getting two HDX18t's with QX9300's. The emails from Ryan The Rep (a friend of Joe the Plumber?) has assured me that I am getting QX9300's and they indeed shipped out when he said they would.

If, for some reason I don't, back they go (after abusing them badly for 20 days of course) , or I want a really healthy discount!

 

If you're into the live.com cashback thing (now at 25% back) there is techwave on ebay is selling the Seagate 320GB 2.5" 7200RPM for $97.25 - 25% cashback = $72.79 total (free shipping). That's a great price! Search ebay for item # 390003072521

 

Trying to figure out how this who livecashback thing works.

 

I can't figure out how to do it with Ebay.
Maybe RYAN the REP is messing that up for me too!!

 

Those are single channel though. For dual channel you are paying ALOT more.

I can't post links yet, but if you Google: "dual channel ddr2 8gb ram 200 pin" you'll see a nice $700+ price tag on newEgg.

 

In a nutsell, you need a Windows Live ID. So search that out and sign up and get one.

Then, go to www.live.com and search for something that will bring up the ebay link. I use "zune", but "wii" and "dell laptop" always seem to work also.

In the search results, you'll see a cashback symbol and link for ebay (along with how much the cashback is now). Click on it. That takes you to ebay. At the top of the screen you should see the cashback logo with the red tag showing how much you can save.

It only works on BUY-IT-NOW items, and only those that you can pay with Paypal (so, you need a Paypal account also).

If you click on some of the info (terms and conditions) links, you can read and understand all about it.

Once you purchase and pay via paypal, in 60 days you get your cashback deposited into your Paypal account.

Simple. You can only do one cashback purchase per "session" (60 minutes).

Good luck!

 

You rock!!!

 

Whoa...I thought if its DDR2 its dual channel?

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but "dual" and "single" channel is not a function of the memory module itself, but instead an implementation of the system's chipset memory controller.

Dual channel requires TWO memory modules be installed allowing twice the number of memory bits to be processed. So, while Crucial advertises "Dual Channel", that is only because they are selling a PAIR of modules, just like G.SKILL is. So, G.SKILL is just as "dual channel" as Crucial is, as long as your system supports dual channel mode, and you use two modules simultaneously.

 

DDR2 is Dual (or double) Data Rate. Different than dual channel. See my previous explanation (which, I hope is correct!)...

 

Is anyone that has a 18t on the way planning on selling it? If so what are the specs?

I'm looking for the quad core processor, 4G memory and Vista Premium (but I"ll consider Ultimate as well).

Dual hard drives would be good too. Anyways name your price.

 

Is the new Cashback for live available for HP as well? I thought that ended a couple weeks ago.

 

It's only 5% cashback now.

 

Single vs. Dual Channel RAM bench marks

Seems the difference is nominal but I'm sooooooo OCD I have a feeling that crap is going to keep my up at night. Its like a tick in my nugget, I'm not running 800, dual channel at 8GB. Most QX9300 from other vendors run with DDR3 at 1066. Dont think that hasnt kept me up at night as well.

Thinking of getting 4GB dual channel 800 until price comes down on the 8GB modules. But nuts, were on the cusp of DDR3 so they may never come down all that much before they disapprear.

 

OH wait yeah I was wrong. Yet another reason why I'm a programmer and not IT.

 

It's important to note that for all three speeds of RAM, for each increase in speed is an increase in Latency (which slows things down). So, 667-->800, you increase latency from 5 to 6. So your clock is higher, but so is latency so it's a wash. Same with DDR3...look at those latencies!

If you can find a particular clock of RAM at a lower latency that what is "normal", then you gain some performance, but you pay a higher price. You can find CAS 4 RAM @ 667 and CAS 5 @ 800, but those cost more.

I wouldn't lose sleep at night knowing I wasted a bunch of money needlessly. Look at performance benchmarks comparing all your choices...then make a decision based on performance, not just DDR2 or DDR3 or 800 or 1066...that's not the whole story.

 

Hi guys anyone of you knows if the code SV3204 still working on HDX18

Thanks,

 

Hi Guys. I was wondering if anyone is so kind enough to help me out. Yesterday I did a clean install on my HDX-18 and upgraded my Vista Home Premium x86 to Vista Ultimate x64. After restoring back all the drivers, I realize that I'm missing the Finger Print Sensor Software (DigitalPersona Personal 3.1). I contacted HP the the technical support guy told me that they do not have a copy of the software. Can anyone using Vista x64 tell me where I can get a copy or download the x64 version? Thanks in advance.

 

The HP tech people are incompetent imbeciles It is readily available from their own website.

Give this a try:
- Vista x64 links
h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareDescription.jsp?lang=en&cc=US&swItem=ob-64441-1

or from here:
h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/genericSoftwareDownloadIndex?cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&softwareitem=ob-64441-1&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN

- Vista 32-bit link:
h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/genericSoftwareDownloadIndex?cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&softwareitem=ob-64439-1&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN

 

Thanks a million nbster. You just made my day. The HP tech people made me wait for almost 2 hours before telling me they can't locate the software.

Could you show me how to search for the factory software on HP's site (like how you did for the digitalpersona personal) so I could restore some of it like HP Media Smart which I also can't seem to find. For some stange reason the HP Quick Launch Driver for x64 which I installed isn't working. It didn't create a program menu and the icon isn't showing in the taskbar. Also my volume slider buttons are not responding.

 

See if you can find all you need here:
h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareList?os=2100&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&lang=en&product=3769214

There is also a link to order a Recovery CD on that page.

 

Thanks once again nbster. I have already downloaded and installed all the x64 driver for my HDX (mine is a 1008TX). For some strange reason, even after installing all the listed drivers from HP's website, the Multimedia Controller driver still apprears ? in my device manager list. I'm not really sure what the "Multimedia Controller" does but I'm guessing it could be the TV tuner or the Media Smart program which I'm trying to locate on HP's site.

 

Just out of curiosity, since you just got your HDX18t, and are going through all the hassle of a x64 upgrade, why didn't you order it that way in the first place? x64 is the same price as x32....

 

Updated FedEx tracking shows mine is out for delivery today, Monday.

 

Hi lancorp,

For some strange reason, HP didn't offer the x64 option when I ordered my HDX18t. I did ask the sales person taking my order twice but he said they didn't have the Vista Ultimate x64 atm. Now I'm going through the hassle of doing the x64 upgrade myself. Btw, this is my first time going 64-bit. It's a bit scary on what to expect but I'm willing to start somewhere and learn.

 

A bit of advice for the future...you cannot upgrade from x86 to x64 on any Windows OS. Just a reformat/clean install. You CAN upgrade from Vista x64 Home Premium to Vista x64 Ultimate. So, you could have ordered the Vista x64 Home Premium (has been available since day one of the HDX18t), and then once you got it, merely upgraded to Ultimate, keeping all the drivers, programs, and settings.

Make it easy on yourself next time!

Don't worry about 64-bit. As long as your hardware and addons are somewhat new, you shouldn't have any problems.

 

Also, as nbster stated, from the drivers page, you can order a 64-bit recovery CD, which will wipe your drive and do a factory install of whichever 64-bit Vista version you get. I believe all the drivers and apps will automatically go back on.

I just ordered one ($16 shipped), and will try it out when I get it.

 

You lucky dog! Are you getting a QUAD or a DUO?

Mine still shows it's departed from the Phillipines...how long does it take to fly from the Phillipines to the US, anyways? Hopefully, it'll land in San Diego as not only is that where I live, but it's the first mainland US city north of the Phillipines!
If it goes to Alaska, I'm going to scream! (and, complain to FEDEX that their rates are too high because they needlessly fly packages all over the earth!)

 

i am still waiting to hear from Ryan.
If he is avoiding me, any advice? Go to a supervisor? It seems the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing over at HP CS!
but i saved all the emails and chat logs!

 

I have noticed that I only get emails from him in the afternoon (PDT). Not sure what he does the rest of the day!

Do you send emails with READ RECEIPTS and DELIVERY RECEIPTS? If so, does he read them?

 

I actually ordered a HDX16 with the T9600.

Was just commenting on the FedEx thing. Mine shipped almost a week earlier than predicted. But alas, the tried to deliver when my back was turned at 7:58 this morning - so now must wait till tomorrow morning.

 

Yes, they do get read. Just no response. Does he think I will just go away?
nope.

Lancorp, question for you. I already received the HDX16 for my wife, and I used her serial # to order the Vista HP 64 bit recovery disc.
Can i use that same disc to install 64 bit on my HDX18 in the future or do i need to order another?
Thanks.

 

You will need the specific recovery DVD for the HDX18t, because the '16 and the '18 are not identical, hardware-wise.

You might be able to get away with using the DVD for the '16, and just update some of the drivers manually...not sure. Plus, since I don't have mine yet, I don't know whether the DVD does any checking for supported models of the notebook before starting the recovery (I doubt it).

 

Does anyone know the best place to buy the HDX 18 inch right now. There is only one vendor on EBAY and building on the HP site seems a bit overpriced.

Anyone know any other good sources or coupons?
Thanks

 

Lancorp,

Is it possible to check with you regarding my ? "Multimedia Controller" driver and the software for Media Smart and also HP Quick Launch when your Vista x64 recovery disc arrives? These are the only 3 items left which HP tech support isn't able to do anything to assist me whatsoever. I would really appreciate your help.

 

So I get the email from Ryan but all it states is the 275.00 off my order (200 for price protection) and then the 75.00 off for the processor..
he is not answering any of my questions re WHY can I not have the QX9300 since I was one of the original ones ordering... it was to ship the very day we got Ryan's email stating it was no longer an option.
Ugh.

 

If youre looking for it in a retail store, the ONLY place that I have been able to find it (in KS) is Nebraska Furniture Mart. At the very least, you can poke and prod it.:wink:

 

he also gave me 10% off on top of it all.
but still no quad.

 

You should probably just return it. It doesn't sound like you're going to get any help going this route.

 

I can only imagine the increase in price when HP does add the quad again...
and magically any of the "issues" they had will have been long gone.

 

For anyone that has gotten their HDX18, are you happy with your investment? Could you please post some pics of your BabyDragon?

 

I'll try to remember. At my age, with my chronic C.R.S, you may need to remind me in a week!

 

Ryan emailed me today with my credit's that have been issued and answered me when the Quad's will be available for sale. He basically said there is a supply problem with them, so until that is cleared up, they won't be an option.

Oddly, the credit's I received also included the $75 downgrade credit, which I'm not supposed to be getting, because I'm supposed to be getting a QUAD CORE!!!! Ryan, if you're reading this and I get a Dual Core YOU GOT SOME 'SPLAINING TO DO!

 

I guess FEDEX has nothing better to do than fly around and waste jet fuel!

 

Lancorp,
Talk me down will ya? Please tell me that I won't really miss the QX9300 and the 500+ dollars taken off plus 10% off my wife's HDX16 PLUS the 267.00 from live.com is good enough and the t9600 in the HDX18 is good enough for me...

PLEASE tell me that...
it seems my quest has ended.

 

I think my notebook is sitting next to yours...
Oct 27, 2008 12:42 PM ANCHORAGE, AK

 

Personally, I'd always regret not getting the QX9300. But, your situation is a bit different than mine (hopefully!!!!). With any luck, I have a couple of HDX18t's with QX9300's sitting in Alaska right now. It was confirmed with Ryan, last Friday, that my orders shipped with Quads.

Depending on what the bottom line price of your HDX18t is, it might be worth keeping and just being happy with the fact that you probably got the best deal of anyone.

I heard from Ryan today, but he hasn't gotten back to me today, either.

He's probably a busy guy...inundated with people nagging him about their orders!

What is the bottom line pricing on your notebooks?

 

Hi Guys,

I know the agony and pain waiting for the new gadget to arrive. I waited 3 working weeks and it finally arrived being shipped from HP's assembly plant in Shanghai, China. And since I'm based in Malaysia, I didn't have much of an option of the QX9300's or the T9600, only the T9400 which is rather dumb and since HP didn't have any laptop case to fit the HDX-18, they threw in 2 17" laptop cases which is utherly useless to me. Overall, I have to say the HDX-18 is an awsome machine given the value for money deal. All in all, after conversion I paid like US$1,600 including the 3 year additional warranty. So I hope you all will be patient as good things are coming your way!

 

I think for me it's not as much the HDX18t itself, but whether or not I got a QX9300! The mystery surrounding that little chip is really building up, and as soon as I get it, I'm heading straight to the BIOS!!

If I wind up with QX9300's, then I'll breathe a sigh of relief and then clone my drive to a 320GB/7200 Seagate and install 2 4GB RAM's that I have waiting for it.

As far as the 2nd one I have coming, I think I'll have an investment better than Wall Street can muster for me right now (assuming it has a QX9300 also!).

 

Departed Anchorage, AK! Next stop...?