*HP HDX18 Owners Lounge*

Thanks Peter exactly what I was looking for!

 

OK, this seems to be my last problem, and one which I am not surprised was not an issue in XP.

The ESATA port does not work now in scratch 32bit vista install.

Even with the intel matrix storage running. Locks up the machine. And will not restart or boot from off, with the ESATA plugged into my external drive.

Worked in the original 64bit Vista configuration, and worked with XP, but not with 32bit Vista.

And here's the real odd thing. With the ESATA drive connected, I cannot even start the computer with an original Vista installation disc. Only in safe mode will it start. This tells me it's got to be a driver that's installed as part of my 32 bit install.

ANY IDEAS from the "gurus?" terabytes awaiting...

 

The targus chill mat you are using is pretty sucky as far as cooling pads go. Go for a Zalmon 2000 or something similar. it costs more, but it's also a better cooling solution.

 

I must say, if the form factor (case) isn't set up to properly cool the Quad's internally, it will be a minimal gain to set the thing in front of those 3 foot tall fans from the home depot at max. You are only going to get the circulation internally that they have built into the thing.

Laptop coolers are a minimal gain for the laptop, a better gain for the lap.

EDIT - just so I'm not misunderstood, the user must know the basic crucial importance of cooling, and know better than running the notebook on cushions, or on a cluttered desktop with debris blocking the area immediately surrounding the notebook. "your notebook has been designed to cool itself properly whilst resting on a flat surface."

A better CPU fan, in combination with a quicker/efficient main fan set, has got to be the only way to reliably run the hotter quads at cooler temps.

 

Another way is to under volt the chip. I'm still researching this, but it appears there is some snag to chips with .5x half multipliers like the Quads. Might still be possible with a little loss in speed (rounded to whole number multiplier).

 

I checked out the Zalman web page, and while their coolers look pretty impressive, it appears that it's too small. Has anyone used a 2000 with an 18t?

 

Oblio, it seems you have ordered the same build that I am running.

Anyway, can anyone write a guide or link to properly undervolt the CPU? It would be much appreciated. I wouldn't mind a slight performance lost in place for cooler temperatures.

 

ok I am trying to decided on a configuration. what advantage does the quad offer of the core duo in real world terms.

I watch and rip blu rays but dont game very much

 

A lot of people are in your boat as well as I. I didn't get the quad because it wasn't available for me at the time.

The dual is just fine for me. If you really don't know if you need the quad or not, chances are you probably don't need it.

Those that are determined to get the quad, already have in mind how they are going to utilize it fully....hope that helps.

 

Just incase anyone is concerned, Iron Man BR does work on our HDX.
I got it today for Xmas and prayed that it would work....

 

If you're paying full retail for the quads now, I'd suggest you skip it, it's way too much of a premium. You are better served getting the T9400 or T9600 and a fast HD, and since you have money for the quads, you might as well think about getting an Intel SSD. They have already dropped in price since 1 month ago. Newegg sells them for 500, ebay 400.

What processor chip do you have now, and what is your CPU utilization rate currently for what you are doing?

 

How do I remove the warning sticker from the laptop?

Also what program are you guys using for playing Bluray movies? I tried watching The Last Samuria on Bluray on the 18t a few days ago and I dunno it didn't really look like full HD to me. I used the software that came with the laptop. Could that be the issue? Or do I need to tweak the settings on anything to get a full crisp picture?

 

I've been using the HP media smart to watch the BR movies...

 

Stickers - Pull the stickers off with fingernail. Then just hold them by the corner and dab them onto the residue left on the surface of the laptop. Then dab them again. This naturally removes the residue without having to use a heat gun. EDIT - or hair dryer.

Note: The NVIDIA sticker has a little more residue, and after you initially peel this one off you should remove any large globs with a scott towel (DRY), and then use the Dab method.

 

Stickers - Using Hair Dryer, heat it to remove it. Heat will allow you to remove the residue easily with no scratch.

I have finally decided and ready to order with T9600 CPU.

 

FedEx showed up TODAY with my HDX 18t! That was FAST!

Fired it up for a quick spin. Threw in a Blu-Ray (Police Certifiable) and got the buzzing speakers deal. Bummer.

I have to play around with it a bit. This sucks.

 

Sorry to hear you've joined the buzzing speakers club. I had a similar experience -- turned on my beautiful HDX for the first time, heard the first sounds, and "oh, no."

If you figure out a solution, I'd love to hear it. Otherwise, I'm planning on returning my HDX in early Jan, probably trying again when a good coupon code rolls around.

 

I've recently started to get the 'buzzing speakers'. Before the sound was amazing, but I guess I'm going to have to let go of this behemoth for a little bit.

 

yeah that's a bummer. I am thinking about getting another one but I'm not sure. I don't think I will get lucky twice.

What do you think HP does with all the HDX's that come back and customers don't want them anymore? Do they repackaged them as new?

If so, how can they do this if the serial# was originally already assigned to the first customer?

 

That is highly illegal, and a company as big as HP would not take the risk. I'm sure they get sold as refurbished through certain channels as soon as they have a big enough bunch to sell off.

 

I would hope so. I'm sure there a bunch of HDX's that work just fine that I wouldn't mind taking for reduced costs.

Let's hoping the next generation HDX's have better QA as these don't seem to.....

 

We initially had problems with the Blu-ray Iron Man, but found that it was due to the fact that we had the HDX display on at the same time we were using the HDMI cable to send the signal over to the 42" plasma. After we turned off the HDX display, the movie ran just fine.

 

I wonder about this, too. I hope HP does the right thing. Especially with all of the computers coming back early Jan.

I wish ordering an HDX didn't feel like putting a quarter in a slot machine. (Not that I've ever actually put a quarter in a slot machine.)

I really like this computer. Maybe I'll get lucky next time.

 

I wonder if they figure it's just cheaper to spend very little on QA and let us do the testing for them. Plus, they probably correctly assume that a lot of people won't bother sending a computer back that has some flaws.

If they are doing this deliberately, they suck.

Yet I'm still probably going to go for another HDX18.

 

That is the precise reason why I did not bother to order HDX-18t at the first batch of production model line. It took about 7-8 month with my zd7000, before they upgraded the production model line, and replaced my motherboard with a plenty of hassle along the way.

As in the past, I am sure they will upgrade the motherboard soon and only then, I will have mine ordered.

I am still using zd7000A and it served me very well.

 

Exactly. It's a crapshoot! It should not be that whatsoever. It's pretty obvious QA is practically non-existent, othewise there wouldn't be so many issues with this machine.

Either that or they didn't train the assembly line crew properly on how to build laptops...

Either way, it's HP's fault!!!

I do believe they take a gamble (haha speaking of slot machines) on people simply not taking the time to return these machines. They are trying to get away with whatever they can...

 

The more I spend time with this thing, the more I like it. I've just transferred my data from my dv9000 and this thing SMOKES. The wireless N seems to work as advertised, very fast. I have a CPU Usage gadget installed and this thing at idle uses only 1-2% processing time (at this point). All 4 bars, one for each core, are basically empty.

I am going to give the speakers a good check out once I get some quiet time, but for now this things a winner. I'm now very glad that I got it at Costco, because if I have to, I'll just keep it for a month or two, Ghost the thing, take it back and buy another!

And oh yes, the keyboard if superb!

More later.......

 

Great to hear!!! With all th e negative feedback, good that you experiencing a good HDX...we should have some kind of poll...

 

Hallo and merry Christmas !

I got myself a HDX18 for Christmas and I have a question about the keyboard. The right side of the keyboard "numpad" is flexing a lot especially when I push number 4 ! Are any of you having this problem on your HDX18 ... ? My mother have a dv7-11** series and do not have the same flexing at all !

Greetings from TBP

 

Here's an interesting update on the drive caddy/bracket and SATA cable for a 2nd hard drive in the HDX18t. I was working on a Dell Studio 15 (1535) for a client, and had the hard drive out. Lo and behold, the SATA connector is the same as the HDX18t! I even plugged it into the HDX18t to make sure it fits and it's the same. The only problem--the cable from the drive connector to the motherboard connector is not long enough. But, at least I've found another model that uses that same funky connection! So, I'll check and do some research on other Dell models and see if any of them have a longer cable. I'm not so worried about a caddy/bracket....just really need that cable assy.

 

Flexing? Well, whatever you mean, the numberpad doesn't feel any different than the main keys on my keyboard. Hope that helps.

 

You are right!
The keyboard numpad flexes a lot in exactly the position you mentioned.Mine has the same "problem" so don't worry, it is not a specific problem on your HDX18.I have noticed it even before buying mine so I checked at least 5 different HDX18's on various stores.They all flex!
It is a shame that HP didn't take care of this issue but it isn't a reason to avoid this notebook.Just don't think about it...

 

Wrong version update, apparently the HP synaptic is already up to date.

 

Yeah, mine flexes there too. I'm not too worried about it though........unless it fails due to the flexing!

 

[Preface: For those people that know how to upload a small file so that others can benefit from my work, please download and proceed to upload and share thank you.]

This is the color profile generated from my professional grade color calibrator. It obviously is custom to my monitor, but it is better than what you guys have now, which is the uncalibrated monitor. Under your display properties, go to color management and point to the .ICM file. Your display will look a lot less blue and much more accurate.

http://rapidshare.com/files/177413175/HDX18T_DISPLAY1_D65.icm.html

 

Unless I am missing another thread full of complaints, I have read about two people with scratched cases, about 5 other machines with other issues (trim and heat) and a few complaints about buzzing speakers (mine buzzes occasionally, but I like high volume and lots of bass), and some comments on the touch bars, (which seem to suck on all HP laptops). The main issue seems to be speakers. That is probably less than 99.99% of total owners. Am I missing another thread?

 

If anyone is interseted in gaming performance, I have run the CRYSIS demo at medium settings. You have to lower the resolutiona bit to get a good frame rate. Stalker runs fine with everyhing on high (that games max resolution is 1024). The only negative is a loss of crispness at the lower (not native) resolution. The diffrence when you switch from the native resolution is noticible, more then any screen I have used before. Not terrible, but it is noticible.

 

Well I think that the main keys are great, zero flex ! The numberpad feels like Hong Kong plastic

It's a shame, think I will call HP and ask if there is anything to do ! hope it will not get worse...

 

That won't hurt the laptop at all? And I don't want to remove ALL the stickers. Just that stupid "warning" one.

Also I love my HDX 18t. The speakers were a lil buzzy to begin with but I think that's to be expected the first time you crank them on. So far since that initial boot they have been fine. And everytime I turn up the volume it seems clear to me.

The color thing I'm gonna have to look at. I'm not sure how we're supposed to do what exe is suggesting. Also will we be able to remove those settings if it turns out we don't like them?

 

well, I have an issue/problem.. PLEASE HELP!
my quad no longer recognizes the Optiarc BD Rom (BC-5500S).
It has the ! next to it in device manager. I uninstalled and re-booted, but it did not install correctly.
anyone know how to fix this via a download?
thanks!

 

My number pad has a bit of a cushion effect to it, but it does not bother me.

FYI - I have the quad and the two 7200rpm HDs, and this thing is running cool and quiet. I was really worried about the reported problems, but this one seems to be fine. I'll get some temp readings using Everest once I use it for an extended period of time. As of yet, I'm still setting it up.

 

OK, I'm about to order a HDX18, and I'd like some information from users regarding the quad core. I'll be glad to share my experiences with you-all once I get my machine (in some configuration, I'm sure to order something).

I don't mind spending the extra $500 or so it will take to get the quad over the dual core models I'm considering. I am sure I'll get a performance boost given the use I plan to put it to. I will usually be running at least two programs at once, like some ancient DOS business applications in dosbox as well as office or something more sophisticated in windows, and I figure two applications plus background Windows tasks might right away make use of three or more cores. I also want to try a couple ideas to keep the laptop running a bit cooler and maybe extend the battery life, in particular undervolting (and maybe underclocking) the quad.

Anyone have experience yet with undervolting the HDX18’s quad? I would think that undervolting and the quad on this machine would be a great choice, as the quad does draw potentially draw a significant amount more power (45w vs 35 or 25w TDP for different dual-core models) at least when running at full speed.

I’d like to know if the choice of an "extreme" processor like the QX9300 might allow for more undervolting than usually can be accommodated by standard run processors, as variations in processors allow for different degrees of undervolting (like on the other end different processors may overclock to greater or lesser extents). and perhaps the tighter quality controls/testing standards for the extreme processors might help with undervolting the processors as well. As it is the overclocking abilities of the QX9300 can’t be used as HP’s bios does not allow for it, and so some of the extra capabilities that one pays for in an “extreme” processor (that one pays through the nose for!) can’t be used, so it would be a particularly good thing to know if choosing an “extreme” processor may allow for greater undervolting, which of course HP and other manufacturers don’t prohibit or try to restrict users from doing.

If so, with the choice of the QX9300 I might end up with a computer that can run as quickly or faster than a comparable dual core model with similar battery life (perhaps even longer) when the quad is undervolted, while still being able to run at full speed and greatly outperform dual core models when needed for my applications. I am sure I’ll run into a point of diminishing returns (in temp reduction or battery life increase) by undervolting as the GPU and screen draw significant amounts of power, but especially in the quad I’d think that any amount of TDP reduction would be appreciated, and maybe the slightly lowered clock speed might not be so significant with the increased performance of the quad.

Also, if anyone has tried undervolting the HDX18’s quad, has anyone tried the “Super Low Frequency Mode” (SuperLFM) or “IDA” (Intel Dynamic Acceleration) modes? Can they be used at all on the quad in the HDX18? Readers here may be familiar with these modes from another thread on this board, the “undervolting guide”:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=235824

While it may seem like defeating some of the purpose of spending $500 or more for a quad core processor only to underclock it in SuperLFM to half-speed, for times when I’d just be doing word processing or something requiring minimal processing power and running off batteries it would make sense to draw the smallest amount of power while doing so – and I can only imagine the reductions in heat and wear on various components, including the battery, would be significant.

Reducing processor power draw means reducing fan speed and fan duty cycle (the amount of time the fan has to run relative to time the fan isn’t running), maybe also reducing ambient noise, etc. And again the choice of a oversized, power-hungry processor may prove to be a boon when undervolted and maybe underclocked, as the higher TDP-rated quad processor requires (I'll imagine) a larger than usual heat sink, maybe especially carefully designed fan and ductwork (I'm just imagining), so any reduction of power and heat through undervolting might have a more significant reduction in overall heat (by a more efficient heat sink and perhaps fan implementation) and power consumption than even the lower-powered (and lower TDP-rated) dual core models.

I have other questions, namely about the availability of hard disk caddies so I can add a second hard drive without paying through the nose for a overpriced second HP drive (maybe through an alternate nostril, given how I'm already commiting one to paying for the quad ) so I can get the caddy, but I gather that there is no aftermarket solution – yet – for that.

 

About the buzzing speakers - I only really experience them at higher frequencies it seems. Is this normal? I seem to get them randomly at times during a movie or something similar.

 

yep The rubber legs fit on the pad, the notebook itself does hang over some.

 

None, the bottleneck in your case will be the HDD. not the cpu.

 

Grab a copy of AnyDVD.

HP's Media Smart Blu-ray software is just ok. THe biggest issue is the lack of full controls for calibrating the screen, imo. The screen looks like poo without proper calibration.

 

they get around it by using the parts on units that come in for repairs.

 

How are the blacks with this profile? I find the blacks when watching blu-ray movies to be utter crap. I did a quick calibration the other day to test out Ironman but that was it.

File is hosted here: http://www.dewhite.info//ScreenCal/

Just click on the link below the copyright.. The copyright doesn't pertain to the file. the site is being built for my photography.

 

I don't have any issues with the speakers.They work fine, at least that is what it seems to me...

The only "issue" is fan activity.Everybody say that the HDX18 is very quiet but the fan on my HDX18 is working too often and I can hear it very easily.It is not very annoying but my old HP DV6000t was definitely more quiet.
Of course I disabled the "Fan Always On" option on BIOS and I don't run any particular program on the background.Only the Norton Antivirus and the Digita persona software for the fingerprint device.
But the fan spins even when the screen saver starts.Maybe I have to check the CPU,GPU and HDD temperatures.
What program do you use to measure temps apart from Core Temp and Everest?