*HP HDX18 Owners Lounge*

Yes, I have SSD's now in three of my four notebooks, and that new G.SKILL looks awesome with it's speeds, and the review said a new controller design eliminates any of the pauses ("shuddering") from the previous generations.

And, we could eliminate blu-ray players, if instead, HD movies were distributed on inexpensive SD cards! Imagine that...a whole hi-def movie on a chip.

 

lancorp,

I like the way you think!!!

 

Was checking out different docking station options. Assuming that my HDX18 is a keeper, any advice? Noticed the quickdock and the xb4 but have zero experience with them.

 

Got one coming! Will report back on performance!!!

 

Has anyone installed the new F12 BIOS?
It has been released at the end of Dicember.

If yes what differences do you notice?
Are the fans running earlier or more frequently?
What about temperatures and system stability?

Thanks

 

My HDX 18t will be here in the next few days. Is there anything that I should do to it once I get it to optimize everything? Any bloat ware to get rid of? What virus program are you guys using. I want something good, but don't want to tank my new system!

System Configuration Below
HP HDX18t Premium Series customizable Notebook PC
• $50 OFF! Upgrade to Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
• Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor T9600 (2.80GHz)
• 18.4" diagonal High Definition HP Ultra BrightView Infinity Display (1920x1080p)
• 4GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm) - For 1GB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT graphics
• 1GB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
• 320GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
• Webcam + Fingerprint Reader with HP Imprint Finish (Fluid)
• HP Color Matching Keyboard
• Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card
• Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
• HP Integrated HDTV Hybrid Tuner
• 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
• No Productivity Software
• HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

 

What speed is the drives? For stuff like that you really need a 7200rpm drive for recording. 5400 can be a bit slow.

 

What sucks is neither offers DVI output. You're stuck with HDMI fromthe HDX18t and then VGA from either dock.

I've used the Quickdock, and it works. Not much else to say.

 

HDMI is DVI, you just need a dongle available mostly everywhere, it's standard!

 

Sweet! Let us know.................

 

Anyone know a way to add facial recognition to the HDX 18t like some other companies offer - example Dell studio 16?

 

Here are some great tips: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=166532

 

Not heard of any, which begs the question, Does the software Dell uses really work or is it one of those gimmicks you wind up just turning off out of frustration?

I'll admit, if it works, it sure seems pretty cool!

BTW, I really like the look of the new XPS Studio line....too bad they don't have an 18 or 20" model!

 

They use Sensible Vision and it seems to be pretty legit. It is only available for corporate or volume purchase from what I have found and is targeted at large enterprises like hospitals. Looks very cool! It seems to also be very expensive $399 for a trial setup for a corporation looking to add.

The XPS Studio line looks pretty good online, but havent seen it in person. I like the leather accents (in theory). The 16in monitor is a deal killer for me, plus there is a big price premium on there compared to what I just paid for my HDX 18t.

 

Awesome link thanks! Anything specific to the HDX 18t I should look for?

 

Yes that would be a fantastic idea, and HDTV's could just have a slot on the side like some do for media cards.

Sony can still have their big DVD packaging if they want for marketing purposes.

Only problem is you would destory the Bluray player market and the PS3 would become obsolete with it's BR player.

They could always double dip and come out with movies on BR and SSD's .

You're already paying a premium for BR movies so I'd bet the SSD movies would be even a higher premium!!

 

Personally, I wouldn't lose a wink of sleep if blu-ray died. It's a shame they muscled HD-DVD out of the market with their pockets. Why pay for some overpriced player when afterall, like you said, most new TV's have a slot for SD....just stick a card in and play! Cases could be more the size of Nintendo DS cases, and we wouldn't have to worry about scratches, etc.

Just remember, folks, you heard it here, first! (any venture capitalists out there care to help fund my idea? We'd need more money than Sony has, though, to succeed)

 

Has anyone put OS X Leopard on their HDX18t? I haven't got my laptop yet but I wanted to try it out. Also is it still possible to get that Vista Ultimate recovery disc for $15-$20 through hp?

 

lancorp,

Thanks for the reply about the docking station. And I was very glad to hear that you ordered the 256gb SSD. Keeps me from ordering more hardware for a laptop that hasn't been delivered yet and I have yet to actually play with. Must...wait...must...not...buy...more...toys... (losing battle)

 

The QX9300 is back, granted at $1500 above base processor. You can still use the 30% coupon code (NB8818) until 01/18/2009 or 1000 max uses.

 

FYI: This is the code where you have to combine the notebook with an accessory to get the 30% off. There is another code (NB8543) which can be used to save 30% off HP Pavilion laptops. Has anyone tested this code?

 

I can answer my own question. This code does work for the HDX18T without having to purchase an accessory. The code expires 01/21/2009 and is limited to 900 uses.

 

I'd like to know that as well.

 

Try this link to the Recovery DVD: http://tinyurl.com/9yz7yc
Select your operating system then scroll down to "CD-ROM order page - Recovery Discs".

 

I wonder why the 64bit recovery DVD shows a date of 01/2009? Is it newer than what was posted there before, because I ordered one November 2008.

 

Hmm, interesting. Probably includes updated drivers/software. I have noticed a couple updates on the HP website for the HDX18T since we got our notebooks in October.

 

Funny thing is when I check it shows 09/2008

 

Anyone know if the DDR3 Ram is 800mhz or 1066mhz

 

Do you think the HP HDX18t will get 8 gb RAM capacity (like the new MacBook Pro 17") ?

Or does it have it now with the right RAM?

 

Sorry if this question was asked before, but is anyone else having trouble with the sound?

Most of the time that I return from sleep mode, the sound just doesn't work. I was wondering if HP put out a fix for this, or if there is something I can do to get the sound back. I don't really enjoy restarting every time.

Thanks,

Matt.

 

So is this:


Blu-Ray +/-R/RW with SuperMulti

a Blu-Ray burner?

The "HELP ME DECIDE" on the configurator at HP's site actually has the identical description for this option as for the Blu-Ray ROM option, but this one is $100 more, so it seems like it could burn Blu-Ray disks...

 

Yes the Blu-Ray +/-R/RW with SuperMulti is a blu-ray burner.

Formats: 12x (DVD), 32x (CD), 2x BD Read
32x (CD), 12x (DVD+R), 12x (DVD-R), 4x (DVD+R DL), 4x (DVD-R DL), 2x (BD-R) Write

 

Thanks, sonic2120 - I missed that at the end of the list...

 

There are quite a few here in this thread that are using 8GB RAM in their HDX18T. Just check out some of the signatures of some of the users.

 

DDR3 is 1066MHz and 1333MHz. Not sure which HP is putting in the HDX18T, though.

 

Yea, well, back in October, all that was available was DDR2 800MHz. I do have the QX9300, though.

 

That is one AWESOME setup! Congrats!

 

Pros:

Offering 30% discount code
Offering RW Blu-Ray
QX9300 is back

Cons:

+$1500 for QX9300 (Yowza)
+$250 for 1gb 9600 to use DDR3


Are the Extremes in that much demand (Along with the ~$1100 Q9100?) or artificially inflated to offset coupons?

 

FYI I just posted about a blu-ray and HP MediaSmart problem and solution.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=343503

 

Thank you!

My first laptop was a HDX X18t 1000 but order for the replacement forthe one I returned, which is 64 bit this time is listed as HDS x18t 1100. I assume the difference is the 64 bit. And the dates for the recovery disks are different on the pages for the 1000 and for the 1100.

Does it cause problems with the license and Microsoft authorization if you have Home Premium and then use the recovery disk to install Ultimate?

 

This morning I did a quick experiment when I booted up the HDX18 at 10 am on battery.
At 12:30 pm I got the 5% balloon and plugged it back in.
During that time I was surfing, downloading and installing some programs as well as updates.
2 1/2 hours is not too bad.
I'm pretty impressed.

 

Stop teasing!

 

I love what I have no matter what.

 

Those of you that got a new 18T, could you tell me if your touchpad is the one on the upper left or lower left side of this pic, thanks.

 

On my 18T, purchased early Dec 2008, my touch pad is the same as in the upper left corner. It has a cross-hatch pattern that starts as a point at the middle of the left side of the touch pad and widens out until it reaches the right side (about 3/4" wide there).

 

May I ask if you noticed a difference between the two? I have the same one, the top left.

 

Nice system, and I know you're "on top of the mountain" right now, BUT...

That Q9100 is a BIG RIP OFF at that price. The ONLY difference between the Q9000 and Q9100 is about 200Mhz. Everything else is the same with them...same cache size, same FSB, everything. I guarantee you'll hardly notice 200Mhz difference (not to mention, the CPU is almost always in a lower clock speed anyways, to save power). To have HP ask $1100 MORE than a P8400 is nothing short of HIGHWAY ROBBERY. The same new Q9100 on ebay is only $450!!! You're getting ripped off on that Q9100.

My suggestion to you is to CANCEL your order, and reorder with the Q9000 and save yourself $700.

Just some advice from a well "traveled" notebook buyer!

 

One more suggestion for -=$tR|k3r=- , do some research on 1GB video adapters...do you really need 1GB in a 9600M GT? It's not that much of a gamer chip anyways, some feel like 1GB is going to go unused.

Just be careful when adding in all these options, and consider what you are paying and what gain you get from them.

Obviously, it's your money, but some careful research here and you could keep some hefty change in your pocket!

(I might suggest getting the cheapest two drive option, then putting in your own 320GB/7200RPM drive along with a brand new Solid State Disk! Some of the
newest ones out (Check out the G.Skill Titan 256GB SSD) will blow away anything else, including the speed increase from your $1000 Q9100!)

 

what kind of speeds are you guys getting with the wireless N card? I have a dual band linksys router and my 5ghz n speeds are slower than 2.4 ghz G.

 

If you look carefully, the lines on your imprint, the lines on the left and right side of the touchpad... they all line up with the line in the touchpad in the picture on the upper left and lower left (16T and 18T respectively). When the 18T laptop is using the 16T touchpad, the lines no longer line up.