*HP HDX18 Owners Lounge*

If anyone is looking for a carrying case for their HDX18t, I just tried a Belkin 17-Inch Messenger bag (Black/Cabernet), and the '18t fits in the interor pocket perfectly. Almost too snug, but it's fine and is a great, light case for protecting your '18t.

Comes in a girlish color too for you female HDX18t owners!

Belkin 17-Inch Messenger Bag

 

I guess they either know this and chose to ignore it or they really don't know!

It's actually quite easy to prevent really.

All they have to do when you order the recovery CD is ask for your HP serial number and match it up with their records of what you bought.

Then if you bought Home Premium, the recovery disk adjusts to compensate for Ultimate. And if you bought Ultimate, it would be $16 or something cheap since you already have Ultimate..

Of course anyone would be a fool to let HP know about this..

 

Hurry up and place the order before HP realizes their blunder (just like the QX9300 pricing blunder) and make changes to its Recovery CD ordering system (just like the QX9300 blunder)

It really doesn't matter even if they realize it. You can still borrow a Vista Ultimate DVD or find the DVD image on the internet and still be able to install it WITHOUT a key. The problem lies in the OEM ID string embedded in the BIOS, and that's just how the SLP 2.0 licensing agreement works between M$ and OEM PC makers.

The only downside to that is you have to manually install all the HP drivers and factory softwares. It will be much easier using the HP Recovery DVDs as it's a one step process.

About SLP 2.0 :
" ...The SLP 2.0 (System Locked Preinstallation 2.0), also known as OA 2.0 (OEM Activation 2.0) is supposedly the improved OEM activation technique of Microsoft, which allows most branded OEM computer manufacturers (such as Dell, HP, IBM, ASUS, etc) to pre-activate Windows Vista in factory before shifting to the market. So, the end users will not have to go through Windows Vista activation process, either by toll-free phone or activation online to Microsoft network. ..."

 

Aye, Ive been going through a little bit of this. I wanted a clean ultimate install with only the apps I needed and wanted.

Sooo I copied the software folder from the OEM C:/ drive and did a clean VU install and then I started to install apps that I wanted. Well not all the apps were in the folder from the OEM drive.

I then resored the OEM install from the recovery disks that I made and low and behold all the software was in there. Copied that over. So I was thinking at that point what the hell this is taking a long time..I uninstalled the apps I didnt want and tried to use the Vista disk I have to upgrade to Ultimate. That wouldn't work.

...and to expand on that comment someone made earlier. Frak that took forever. I have other computers that I have ghosted and XP installs took less than 10 minutes. Never did a vista one like this before.

So I reverted to doing a clean install and once again reinstalling only the apps I wanted from the now complete software folder that I copied. Took a while but Im happy now.

Im in the process of taking the spare drive and trying to mess around with OS X. I got stalled during the first instal with no love and now Im trying one more time.

 

On the flip side what would be cheaper is if someone who ordered the 18t with Ultimate would burn some backups and mail em out for postage and very nominal fee that would be nice.

...or post em as a torrent

Not sure if I violated the fourm rules for suggesting such; if so post and I will delete.

This post will self destruct in 5...4...3...2...

 

On the other flip side (how many sides are there?), why not just do what was mentioned in the first place...order the Ultimate Recovery DVD for $16.

All these other methods sound so convoluted and now suggesting pirated copies mailed out for a nominal fee? Is $16 too expensive for Vista Ultimate with all the drivers and apps? Seems like a no-brainer to me!

 

Point taken and a good one I might add. I guess its the expediency aspect of it I was looking at.

 

THANKS LANCORP!!!! I ordered the vista ultimate cd for $16! YOU'RE THE MAN!!!

 

There are ways to load ANY version of Vista and patch them so that they think they are using the BIOS or some kind of ID so you don't have to have Vista "phone in" and activate. I know because I've done this "just to see if it works" and it does...

$16 is a great price and I would pay it to avoid the hassles of patching...

 

Hey guys,just got my HDX 18t...it is great!But I have a little problem,everytime I try to run a game it tells me to install dx9 but I have dx10!any suggestions?I have vista 64bit.

 

FYI, it only took two days to arrive after I ordered it using the cheapest shipping method (US MAIL, I think)...

I'm on the West Coast, so YMMV elsewhere.

 

Install both versions. DX10 is not backward compatible.

 

Where do you order just the recovery disk? I always have trouble finding this kind of stuff on HP's website.

 

Look back two pages (page 115) and my post #1144. That whole page has links and talk about it.

 

Thanks man, I'm on so many pain killers for my back it slid right past me. Do'h!

 

Is the remote control standard issue without having to buy the tuner?

 

the remote control is standard issue, no tuner required.

 

cool, thanks for the info. How do I hook up the 18T to a TV with only S-Video input? I assume the unit doesn't have S-Video out.

I've already ordered a eSata to SATA cable, going to use that to off load big files. I'm amazed they now have 500GB laptop drives (not on HP). I wonder if I should spend $25 to up my RAM to 4GB (comes with 3GB), or splurge and go for a stick of 4GB for a total of 6GB.

 

Well, I found my answer. There is no HDMI to S video, but there is VGA to S-video:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...d=1040113&p_id=2509&seq=1&format=1#largeimage

I've got my X-fi Express card ready (it's been in the box for 1.5 years lol), may shop of a new BT mouse and the RAM, and I think I'm all set. Oh yeah, would love to find a neopreen sleeve for it, I know Sony makes one for their laptop which is almost the same size.

 

Sony 18.4" laptop neoprene case, should fit:

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...-1&productId=8198552921665536740&tab=Features

 

Hi HDX18 Lounge,
Looking to purchase the HDX18 as a desk based laptop, have some questions

1 - How well does this perform for Gaming and graphics?

2 - Has anyone discovered or found the HDX18 service manual, I need to confirm I can replace the HD disk and Memory?

3 - How many disk does it take and I assume they they are SATA

4 - How many memory DIMMS does it take and specs of these, would like to work out what I need to purchase to put more ram in it.

5 - Any recommendations for where the best place that has memory for this laptop?

Thanks in advance.

 

Hi HDX18 Lounge,

1 - How well does this perform for Gaming and graphics?
It is not a gaming laptop.

2 - Has anyone discovered or found the HDX18 service manual, I need to confirm I can replace the HD disk and Memory?

You can replace the main HD. If you want to replace the second HD, you have to buy the laptop with 2 HD in the first place. You can't as yet find the parts (HD caddy) if you don't buy the second HD if you want to use it.

3 - How many disk does it take and I assume they they are SATA
Two SATA.

4 - How many memory DIMMS does it take and specs of these, would like to work out what I need to purchase to put more ram in it.
2 slot 8GB max DDR2 667.

5 - Any recommendations for where the best place that has memory for this laptop?
Newegg.

Thanks in advance.

 

That's wrong, it serves very well in general for gaming. Although it isn't the most powerful, it's good performance for the price. I use it for gaming all the time.

Actually, it's DDR2-800, which is PC2-6400. To be specific, they are the 200-pin variety and the machine supports up to 2x4GB sticks.

 

Here is a good link at Notebookcheck.com that gives a full run down of the 9600M GT cards capabilites. Benchmarks to the typical games are found at the bottom of the page and will give you a very good idea if the games you want to play are playable.

When reading keep in mind that the HP HDX series does not use hybrid-SLI because the system does not have an integrated graphics GPU and a 9600M GPU. The HDX only has the 9600M GPU. Also of note is the HDX GPU uses GDDR2 rather than GDDR3.

 

Nice find. I was at a Sony Style boutique at the Tampa FL International Mall and they had the AW series laptop out. I asked the sales person if they had a case for it and they said they did not.

I guess you proved them wrong.

 

Hey Yarseyer, don't supposed you ordered that cable kit like you were thinking about doing?

I haven't decided what to do yet. I'd call customer service and demand that they send me the parts, but I know they will have no clue what I'm even talking about.

*sigh*

 

No not yet. I'm getting ready to move from Tampa to Seattle (I'm swamped atm) so I'm thinking I'm going to wait till I get a new address.

Did you try the HDX support line or regular support?

This may buy some time for the aftermarket to catch up.

During the meantime I've been visiting some locally owned computer shops for notebook drive parts. I found a caddy with screws that someone gave me for free. Not sure who makes it but it does protect the bottom side of the drive and it does fit the HD enclosure. Now, it doesn't have the outward protruding stumps to place the rubber cushings but I think I can take some eraser heads, slice em a bit with an exacto knife and place them in the 4 corners for some immobility.

When I get settled in I'll take a shot at buying the cable kit.

 

I have the HDX18 and the factory images so I can 'view' the recovery dvd, etc as I did a Vista re-image not using the recovery DVD.

I am looking for the software so that when I scroll the volume or bass/treble, the screen displays the level.

Also - I am looking for the software that allows the quick launch buttons. I installed the QLB software but that seems to only allow the volume to adjust, but the screen does not show anything.

Thanks

 

I'm also having the same problem like tatung70. I installed the QLB software for Vista Ultimate x64 but everything else doesn't work. The volume does increase and decrease when I press the volume slider but doesn't show anything on the screen like when it first came from the factory.

tatung70, you should be able to see the mini icon on the taskbar that says IDT Audio. Click on that and you should be able adjust your bass/treble. Like what the other guys mentioned in the previous pages, the sound coming from my HDX-18 is rather soft and the bass is rather weak. Hopefully there is something that can be adjusted to make it sound like what lancorp claims it to be.

 

I'm not sure what yours sounds like, but don't get me wrong...when I say "bass", I mean you can feel it through the HDX18 itself (fairly strong). You cannot feel it through the air. That little driver isn't big enough to push any real air.

Mind you, the sound out of my HDX18 is not soft. It is very loud, and clear, and when typing on the HDX18t. you can feel the bass through the chassis and palmrests.

My Dell Studio 15, on the other hand, is horrible. The speaker there are good for nothing more than Windows beeps and dings.

I just wanted to make sure you weren't on a journey to make your HDX18t equivalent to a giant boombox!

 

Saw that on Saturday when I posted the link to the Belkin messenger bag.

The Sony looks more like a sleeve than a case, as there doesn't appear to be a handle. It states "Transporting your PC is made simple with this handy case. It easily allows you to slip your PC into most backpacks or carrying cases."

So this is great for putting in your luggage or a giant backpack, but not really for carrying around. (IMHO).

It's also not available yet.

 

I have to agree with exe here...although the HDX18t can play some games, it is not considered a gaming laptop. Although there may not be an official definition of what a gaming laptop is, one would expect that a "gaming laptop" would specifically be designed with high powered GPU's capable of playing some of the more demanding games at the high frame rates desired by those who play those sort of games.

Given my WEI core of 4.8 for the GPU, the 9600M GT is not a very strong GPU (the most essential component for a gaming computer).

I don't think you'll ever see the HDX18t in a roundup review of Gaming Laptops.

EDIT: MrFA's initial question is rather vague after re-reading it. To accurately answer his question #1 with regards to the HDX18t would require more detail as to what he expects to do in the area of Gaming and Graphics.
I think 3D Modeling would be out, too!

 

I think better drivers for the 9600gt will improve gaming as time goes by. I'm surprised to find my 8600gs with good drivers showed markedly better performance when running different benchmarks. So it's really just a matter of having better drivers.

I'm not a PC gamer anymore (Sexbox 360 for that), I still like to squeak out the maximum performance out of every computer I own while keeping heat down to a minimum.

The 'Latest' Drivers are not always the 'best' Drivers. when you find a good driver that works well, stick with it.

 

More importantly, is how well the games perform at the native resolution of the screen. I don't think 1024x768 will look pleasing at all on a 1920x1080 display.

I found some gaming results for the 9600M GT card at notebookcheck.com:

Crysis: 1024x768, med: 25 fps -> playable (only in low fully playable)
Unreal Tournament 3: 1280x800, Stufe 3/5 -> fully playable
Call of Duty 4: 1024x768, high Details: 50 fps -> fully playable
Supreme Commander (Gameplay, Multiplayer 2vs2): 1024x768, med -> playable
Race Driver Grid: 1024x768, med -> fully playable
Colin Mc Rae Dirt: 1024x768, med Details: 30 fps -> playable
Gothic 3: 1024x768, high Details: 35 fps -> fully playable
Lost Planet: 1024x768, med Details, DX10: 30 fps -> playable

Most games are playable on the 9600M GT, but only at low res or low details.

 

I am looking at aquiring the HDX18. I was wondering if it is possible to to hook the computer up to a reciever and then run through the TV. That way wouldn't have to buy an extra set of speakers for the computer. I will be using this in my room as I am a sigle father and don't want my kids to mess with it. I have a seperate desktop for them. Is this possible?

 

There have already been a few - I'll post a link when I'm able to find them again.

I play WoW and UT at full res and both run in the 60-90fps range. I call that pretty good for gaming. Just because it's not the best doesn't make it completely "not a gaming laptop" - I'd say if anything, it's got the best of both worlds between gaming and good all-around performance.

Of course GDDR3 and SLI would make it better, but I'm just happy HP managed to make the screen somewhat decent this time around.

So I guess I'm just imagining all the things I'm doing with 3DS Max, Vue, etc? Although... this quad-core might bias my results over all those "puny" dual-core machines

 

You're missing the point of my statement. I didn't say the HDX18t won't play games. WoW requires very little to play (my girls' slow AMD-based notebook plays it great). My statement was in reference to calling the HDX18t a "Gaming Laptop". In general, the gaming community at large would NOT call the HDX18t a "Gaming Laptop" due to the GPU (and even lack of SLI-capable GPU's). Look at a Dell XPS 1730. That is a "Gaming Laptop".

We can go back and forth all day that you can play games on your HDX18t, but that still does not make it a "Gaming Laptop".

 

And, as I was saying, nothing makes it not a " NON-Gaming" laptop.

 

Why is it that my HP business laptop with a crappy video card can support 1920x1600, yet the HDX18t can only go as high as 1920x1080?

Thanks

 

I think it has a lot to do with the screen size (aspect ratio) and capabilities. I can hook my HDX up to my 30" Apple monitor and get 2560x1600 just fine.

 

Some coupons are back up;

$250 Stackable Coupon for $1,299+ Pavilion Laptops; NB0031

$150 Stackable Coupon for $999+ Pavilion Laptops; NB0023

$100 Stackable Coupon for $799+ HP Pavilion Notebook; NB0021

These will work with the discount HP already has on their website. So you can get up to $450 off the hdx18.

 

Which HDX can you hook up to the 30" at native res? The 20" HDX I assume?

 

A few days ago I posted on here for help. I was having problems hooking my HDX 18 up to an HDTV through HDMI. When I called HP support two different techs told me that the HDMI output doesn't work without the optional TV tuner. As many of you said, they were idiots.

Over the weekend I tried a different HDTV and the HDMI output worked just fine; no TV tuner required. The problem was with the TV I was originally using, not the laptop.

Thanks again to everyone who helped me out.

 

It's not stacking for me.

 

No, my HDX18. I do believe, however, that 2560x1600 is pretty close to the absolute maximum resolution for the 9600M GT.

 

I noticed you bought 2x4 sticks of ram for your HDX18, did you get it at newegg? What type of memory was it?

 

How did you hook it up to the Apple? What spec cabls and adapters did you use, links please if you have them.

 

Worked for me. Are you sure you're over the required price?

 

I have something along the lines of this coming out of the HDX, which the monitor plugs directly into.

 

Any specific spec HDMI cable you used?