*HP HDX18 Owners Lounge*

Normally I would agree with you that the built-ins are better. Unfortunately the HP built in TV Tuner is slightly limited by HP. Where I can get a USB Hauppauge TV Tuner for 59.99 it allows me to plug in video from a coax connection, a S-Video connection and a RCA jack connection. This way I can dub old home movie VCR tapes to digital. All HP gives you is an antenna and a Coax connection. Since the connector to the computer is proprietary I asked if I can buy and S-vedio and RCA connector. The answer was no. I would have been better off with the external conection for less money.

--Rocco--

 

My comment in my last post was rude and uncalled for. I apologize to the forum members. It was a long bad day and I vented on those undeserving of ridicule.
I have gotten useful information from the forum. Specifically, I would not have known that the vista ultimate recovery disc would work on a system shipped with a lesser version of vista.
Again, I am sorry for the comment.

 

I see, that is true too and I agree, sometimes integrated components can be limited by the vendor. That's why it's always to ask around first if anyone has experience with the product that you want before you pluck down all that money...

Now for someone else, coax might be all they care for so the integrated tuner isn't an issue.

I've heard good things about Hauppauge and I was going to buy their TV Tuner, but I stopped by a Best Buy and saw the Pinnacle on sale, it was originally $120, and it was on sale or $99 so I figured what the heck!

 

Please let me know if it works because eventhough I'd like to play with Vista 64bit...I would rather have XP since it is compatiable with my Cisco SSL VPN software and other applications...

Then again, when I do upgrade to 4GIG's I will need the 64bit.....

decisions decisions!

 

pdx-alpha,
Thanks.
I look forward to your input.
How was the LiveCD on it?

 

Installing XP

For the SATA driver needed to install xp,

see posts at:

www_dot_msfn_dot_org/board/lofiversion/index.php/t103136.html

For nlite go to:

www_dot_nliteos_dot_com

in above replace "_dot_" with "."

I doubt XP drivers can be found for the TV tuner. Also, you can probably
find a driver for the fingerprint reader but not the software to use it.

I used this method to install xp with the needed sata drivers on my dv9700.
It should work for the hdx18 as well.

 

Kudos to 'EJFUDD' for the apology.... it's not easy knaw'in a little crow every now and then.

Anyhow, "HEY GUYS"! Another NEWBSTER HERE! I too have been a 'secret reader' here, following your post with exceeding interest in the HDX18T. I have not 'pulled-the-trigger' yet, as I am STILL WAITING on those quads . I really envy those fortunate few who lucked out and got them. I only hope whatever caused their delay, does not become problematic for you in the future.

I have a few questions, if anyone would be so kind.....

I am curious 'WHY' HP would ask so much for their dual 7200 rpm drives? We all know a 320 gb, 7200 rpm, SATA 3.0, can be had for less than $100.00, so this had me thinking (not always a good thing)...... are the chipset drivers & SATA controller, SATA 1.5 or SATA 3.0? Could HP be charging an extra premium, due to a change in the SATA controller to support the 7200 rpm drives (at SATA 3.0)? I realize the chipset and controller should support either, but I am wondering if HP has not done something proprietary in this regard to justify the price?

In otherwords, for those folks who are swapping their dual 5800's for 7200's, are you transferring at SATA 1.5, or SATA 3.0?

'WHEW', sorry, I realize that was long winded.....

Thanks Guys!

 

Yeah I believe Vista and Lance are correct. Most people don't know to look. If it wasn't for you guys and this forum I would have clicked the upgrades as well. Instead I saved a chunck of cash and my "upgrades" from Newegg are due tomorrow. LOL they will beat my computer. OH Vista I am in Texas were are you abouts? You know to see who gets theirs first.....

 

HP isnt the only one that does this. Other OEMs do as well. They charge a premium on hard drives and memory upgrades. Bigger profit margin I guess.

 

You must be single because that's what wives are for!!

No problemo.

 

Also, maybe the ProtectSmart included on the drives adds cost to the manufacturing process? That’s the only thing I could think of. Does anyone know what allows these drives to "lock"?

 

I am in New York.

My unit status is in production as I beleive yours is too and so is Lancorp's..

Lancorp is in southern CA right?

So that's southern CA, Texas and New York...

I should be getting it last since I am further out....

 

The HP recovery software doesn't want to play nice with my Intel SSD

I'm organising some Vista media now and I'll try and do a clean Vista install and add the HP drivers.

 

If the Vista doesn't work stand-alone, then it would appear that Vista isn't ready yet for SSD installations?

 

The video drivers worked like a charm. Now for the rest of the drivers not on the HP site lol...

...but it looks like I may be forced to go with and XP x86 installation. As much as I really really really hate to do so.

The whole reason I want to use XP is because of a work program that wont run on Vista. I tried installing it on the XP x64 system and it installed but it bonks when I try to use the executable. Seems the program can't discern that its in the folder labled "Program Files (x86)" vs. the normal "Program Files" folder.

I'm going to have to have a talk with the Sypris Solutions programers...lol.

 

Oh man, thats going to suck.

This happens every time there is a change in the disk or disk controller architecture after the gold release of an OS disk.

It happened when DMA 66 controllers started to co-mingle with the new DMA 100/133 controllers on the mother boards. If you had to boot from the DMA 66 controller you were fine. The windows disk could read it but if you placed your boot drive on the DMA 133 controller you better have the controller driver disk ready during the windows install (Press F6 to install 3rd party driver).

It's the same reason the XP disk(s) bork trying to do an install on the HDX-16/18. The SATA drivers aren't on the factory XP disks.

I suspect the SSD drives have a driver? The OS may think its a large USB drive or something...

 

Thanks lancorp for verifying the recovery disc part number. We did a cleanup and someone thought it would be a good idea to put all software in one location. I ordered the recovery disc early and it made it into the heap. We have a number of recovery discs for vista ultimate. I thought the highest part number of the bunch would be for the HDX18 but I wasn't certain. Now I know it is.

 

Wow, that's great! Please continue to let us know what else will work with XP on the HDX..

I don't care so much about the fingerprint reader...however, I'd like the bluray to work though, if I have to buy nero software to get that to work, I'll do that....I would love to run XP on this thing...

how about the sound drivers?

 

So you think all he has to do is slipstream the SSD drivers into his Vista setup?

 

Will do. Its going to be a slow work in progress as I get motivated at each step. Im in the process of moving at the moment.

I think that *should* work.

Try googleing it as well. Im sure others have run into this problem.

 

Going back a few posts, I work for HP and the external battery for my laptop (nw8240) cost $179 on our web site but my internal cost was $49.

All companies make lots of profit on the accessories of the machines.

 

Does anybody think the heat generated by the hard drive might be bad for the battery in the remote? I just transferred some files to my laptop and when I pulled the remote out to watch a movie, it was pretty warm. Do you think that could be bad, over time, for the battery?

 

Hey guys,

I think I'll do an unboxing when I get my HDX. I heard there's not much to it but I figured I'll do one anyways for those lurking here or those that are just ready to pull the trigger but may want to see real shots of it, not the super clean professional HP shots...

 

Thanks that would be great. You might push me off the fence
I'm down to three HP, Lenovo and Sony! I'm leaning HP HDX18t.

 

Is anyone else keeping an eye out for the HD caddy for this notebook? It'd be nice if those of who are waiting on it would post a msg once it's out.

 

Hey guys, will this RAM work in the HDX? It is from OCZ and it's $40.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3582217&CatId=3633




Compared to the G.Skill from Newegg for $50...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231156

 

Very fast! lol.

ProtectSmart is just a driver that turns the HDD led orange when the drive's free-fall sensor decides it needs to be locked. Seriously. My HDX came with a Seagate Momentus 5400.2 (or something like it), and I put in a 7200.3 - cost me $109 (I think they go for $90 now) and the free-fall sensor is built in.

 

Sorry, that's only a 2GIG, DUH!!! I really need to rest my eyes!

 

Tatung, any word on HP providing a kit specifically for adding another hard drive, either to customers or vendors?

 

Is this it? $75

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4178475&CatId=2682

 

*sigh* yeah, I guess I paid a bit more for going through Newegg and getting it over a month ago, but oh well. I got a killer deal on my HDX so I'm still happy lol.

 

What is the difference between 7200.2 ad 7200.3?

 

I trust Seagate so I will be getting this. $99

Seagate Momentus 7200.3 ST9320421AS 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache
SATA 3.0Gb/s Notebook Hard Drive (Bare drive) - OEM


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148336

 

250GB and 320GB, respectively... so I guess I actually got the 7200.3.

 

Well it looks like I'll be waiting a little longer now the 30% coupon is no longer valid.

 

whoa you scared me...it still works i just tried it...doesnt mean i still wont be waiting a little longer though...

 

"coupon code entered is invalid", what code are you guys using?

 

The tuner works with the Vista Utlimate MCE extentions. If you were successful in finding a driver for XP and you then use the Windows XP version of Media Center Editon as the OS it might work. BUT you will get an x86 OS vs. a x64 one.

 

I just read this when looking at that Seagate Hard Drive that seems to be really popular...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148336

A very nice drive. For $100 it's worth the upgrade from stock 5400 to 7200. Formats to 297.77 GB using HFS+ W/Journaling.
Don't neglect upgrading RAM. For OS X, extra RAM allows you to keep a LOT of programs open allowing instant switching.
This drive does not have the "G-Force protection" feature. This drive is the ST9320421AS. The ST9320421ASG has the "G-Force Protection" feature. To all those saying otherwise PLEASE do some research before posting.

Is that the HP ProtectSmart feature that HP keeps touting? Is it really important to have or no?

 

I'm SURE it does work, as another poster mentioned, there's a sensor that supposedly detects any issues like bumps and drops and locks the drive..

The gforce from Seagate is kind of the same thing...

I've honestly have never had any issues with failed drives, of course it could happen at anytime...but I don't see newegg offering this drive with the gforce, I'm not sure how much more expensive it it.

Seagate is already the best and most reliable IMO....

 

NB3434 is the coupon code we have used....I just tried it out and it worked.

 

Hey everyone I just notieced something on the HP site for the HDX18. There is no longer a quick ship model.....You look at the other notebooks and they all have a 'quick ship" model including the HDX16. I know there was a QS for the 18 I wonder what happened? I hope there are no part constraints holding up the 18. Anybody else know anything on this? I work in the industry and I know there are some part constraints but nothing that I know that would hold up the 18. Don't get me wrong i don't work for HP. But i have heard HP isn't the best at letting people know what is going on.

 

Yeah that's an understatement...

I better get my HDX next week! I keep checking my email for confirmation that it is done and so far nothing....

 

Here's my latest status:

Order in production
(Estimated to ship on November 19, 2008)

 

Mine says the same thing. I have already got everything else i ordered with the computer, the free printer and what not. Plus I am expecting my delivery from Newwegg today. So all that is left is the computer.

 

BIG smiles...

 

My estimated ship date, is 11/20/08. My 320G/7200 Seagate has already arrived. I plan to change out one of my duals, to the Seagate. My wife should really enjoy this lappy. Especially, after I get through with it.

Al ..

 

I ended up getting the HP recovery DVD to work and play nice with my Intel SSD. The result is a really, really quick and responsive HDX18. I have the 2.4ghz processor and 3gb of RAM from factory, but application launches etc are all much more responsive than with the stock drive. Also, it's kind of eery having a completely silent hard drive. All I need to install the old disc as a data volume now is the internal sata cable, doesn't use any screws or enclosures etc...The HP support guy said I should be able to pick one of these up pretty easily? Is this not true?

 

1) How did you get it to work? And is it Vista 64?

2) How much was your Intel SSD and how big is it?

 

It's Vista Ultimate 64. The home premium 64 recovery DVDs would not work for some reason, they kept saying "recovery data missing" and failing; I suspect they were trying to find the non-existent recovery partition on the hard drive. The Ultimate recovery disc correctly gave me the option of running the recovery from the disc.

The Intel SSD is an 80gb, and costs about $640 on Amazon.

So right now I only have 80gb on board. Which actually isn't a problem for me, as I don't tend to store a lot of media on my laptop. Although, as soon as I can get the cable, I'll also have a 250gb drive on board. I got the full media docking station with a 500gb 7200rpm drive installed as well, so I shouldn't be wanting for storage space.

App installs and loads simply fly on this drive. I really haven't ever found a computer to be this responsive. I'd be very surprised if it doesn't give the Quad cores a run for their money on a whole range of everyday computing tasks.