*HP HDX18 Owners Lounge*

sounds like you gotta bring it back, I can't see how you can separate the screen from the monitor to pull out that piece....how horrible!!

 

I would totally get that exchanged if you could. I'm still debating myself. I wish others here had a similar issue so I could figure it out. I wish I knew if this slight buzzing is normal or not. My girl doesn't care, but I care.

 

Anyone?

 

My HDX18 is finally home. So far I've replaced the memory (went with the 8gb GSkill package,) and loaded 64bit VU. The flex in my num pad is only if I press much harder than normal typing requires (and I am not a feather-typer) so that is a non issue and I have no cosmetic issues other than the touchpad being the HDX16 version (though I could care less about the graphic lines not being aligned.) So after reading all the posts about the myriad issues with some peoples HDX18's I have only a glowing report thus far. My recent $200 credit has already been processed (due to the change in processor prices) and all of my service experiences thus far have been a credit to HP.

My ordered build:

- tHP HDX18t Premium Series Notebook PC
- Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (32-bit)
- Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor T9600 (2.80GHz)
- 18.4" diagonal High Definition HP Ultra BrightView Infinity Display (1920x1080p)
- FREE Upgrade to 3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
- 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
- 640GB 7200RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (320GB x 2) 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 with Bluetooth
- Blu-Ray +/-R/RW with SuperMulti
- HP Integrated HDTV Hybrid Tuner
- Extra 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

Final price as ordered before any upgrades I performed: $1515.79

I want to thank the community on this forum, because the help provided here and the atmosphere fostered are some of the reasons I decided to go with the HDX18. Thanks all.

 

Anyone have the link for the G.Skill 4GBx2 memory? Could not see it available at newegg.
thanks

 

Deactivated item: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231210

 

Hmmm... is it available elsewhere?

 

Darengibo,

I could find it a few places a week ago, but I haven't been able to locate it anywhere on the web today.

 

Hi Caffeine&Chicory,

I tried to customize my HP HDX18 with the same parameters as yours but it cost me over $2.000, could you please explain me how it cost you $1515.79.

Thanks in advance

 

Today, my 60-day 'holding period' has completed for the MS-Live-Search 40% discount deal that I got on Black Friday (after Thanksgiving). I had ordered an HDX-18t quad-core and an HP 2558 LCD monitor, and the rebate was a whopping $1260. Today I requested that a check for that amount be sent to me at my home address. Now we shall see if I actually get the check. If I do, I will forgive Microsoft for the Black Friday fiasco (maybe).

 

I got my HP HDX18t today and it works like a charm. Just one question, I have dual hard drives and just realized it is not in RAID, so does anyone know of a way to have RAID installed without having an integrated chip?

 

I was wondering a few things about this seeming 'big daddy' of the notebook world. I have a DV9207 that I love (but it's getting aged, NOT like a fine wine) and am thinking of upgrading whence the newest deal arrives.

Is the Keyboard backlit? (doesn't look like it from the web site)

There's still a sound mute, right?

There's still a wireless on/off button, right?

eSATA is not on the USB bus, right?
***I get 100MB/sec throughput on a 640GB drive through an eSATA express card which is of course on the PCIe bus.

You can plug in a USB device in the eSATA port? That sounds fishy to me.

Does the HDMI port pass audio in Vista? (9207 doesn't in Vista but does in XP)

How is the fingerprint software working for you guys?

Thanks for any help, guys, and congratulations on owning the best out there!

 

Update:

Good news! My friend was able to revive my faulty hard drive and have my HDX up and running. He said there were a cluster of bad sectors in the drive. So, I moved data that I wanted from the bad drive into my external drive. I then replaced the bad drive with the new drive HP sent me. They sent it to me pretty fast just with in two business days. Then I had to do a fresh install (default factory settings) in my HDX using the two system restore DVDs that i burned last year.

Now everything is fine. I have learned my lesson and to always back-up my stuff. Thanks for the advice peoples.

Also, I ordered the HDX hard drive caddy (for 2nd HDD bay) from newmodeus.com and I should get it this week. I was thinking of getting this hard drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136280 Does anybody have this? If yes, how is it?

 

Mara,

I think most of us got a really low price by taking advantage of a 30% off coupon that HP occationally makes available. It took me over a month of watching for it but one finally came out. You need to act fast because they usually expire after a certain number of usages (1000). Some have suggested that HP uses these coupons to clear supplies of older equipment just before releasing new options like faster processors, high end graphics cards, etc. I checked out this site everyday to see if there was a coupon.
http://www.ableshoppers.com/HP_Notebook_deals.shtml

What I ended up with was:
- tHP HDX18t Premium Series Notebook PC
- Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
- Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad Processor Q9000 (2.00Ghz)
- 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
- 500GB 5400RPM 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 with Bluetooth
- Lightscribe 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
for $1759.09 but after the processor price dropped I called back and they gave me a $200 credit to my card so it only cost me a whopping $1559.09

Brian

 

The keyboard is not backlit, but due to the silver color and black lettering, it is easily readable in the dark with the light gently reflected from the screen.

There is a mute button.

There is a wireless on/off button.

I have not tried the eSATA port, but I would be very surprised if it didn't work off the PCIe bus. I also think someone on this forum would have mentioned that by now if it were the case. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong about this.

I have not tried the HDMI port yet either since I use my 18t exclusively for HDTV. However, I'm sure others in the forum should be able to answer that for you.

The fingerprint reader is faster at reading fingerprints than my 9500t, but there are a few instances (Verizon, Lycos, My T-Mobile sign in pages) where it does not work correctly or consistently. The reader on my 9500t does work well on these same sites.

Hope that helps some.

 

I figure i'd speak up and get my self in on the HDX18 owners thread since my upgrade should be here soon. To answer your question about the HDMI, yes it will pass the audio. If your using the factory installed operating system image, you should have the Nvidia HDMI audo drivers installed. Assuming you have an HDCP complient TV or reciever, you can get the digital audio passed through (even the blue-ray stuff). However if you wiped your system clean, install the HP nvidia drivers before upgrading the to something from laptopvideo2go. it seems as though only the HP ones include the HDMI audio drivers. As long as you do that you should be good to go.

 

Mara, there was a 30% coupon at the time - and then the processor was discounted. So when I built the machine it was 2443.99 with the 30% off it was then 1710.79 then the price change on the processor was -195.00 bringing it down to 1515.79.

 

I got my HDX18 on monday. It seems pretty sweet for my first laptop. I got the wrong touchpad like everyone else has been getting. Everything else seems great except for these volume buttons up top. They work when they want to work.

I also picked up a Targus 17" Shield backpack. The HDX18 fits in it nicely. It looked like a better pack to me than the Targus XL.

 

Hey guys I am at work and need the direct line to the HDX18 support. I tried looking through the forums ( I know it is here) but can't find it. Can someone provide this? Thanks

 

Thanks for the response Caffeine&Chicory and Butanebri, one more question

You mentioned about processor price that dropped by $200, after placing my order during which period of time I can check out the price changes and get some money back?This is the case only with processors or it applies also to the other parts of the laptops?

 

Has anyone received an HDX18 recently with the correct touchpad?

 

Hey guys!

I got my second HDD caddy kit from newmodeus.com!! I ordered it only 2 days ago regular shipping and I got it just now!!! Great!!

now, I need to order a 500GB drive.....

FAST service.....

 

Mara,

There is a 21-day price guarantee. Although keep in mind that when you call for a change that occurred, they go and configure a machine online just like you ordered and see if there is a price difference and if the coupon you used is not still valid then you may have to elevate the request past the first tier call support as others have had issues if the offer is not still a valid one. I had no problems and though my support rep had to go validate my request with a superior it was taken care of within 15 minutes.

This should apply to any part of the laptop that has changed price, not just a processor, to make sure just build it online again before you call support, as they are just going to do the same thing.

 

Well I am going through the return and exchange process now since my Keyboard on my HDX18t is defective cosmetically (It is uneven).. I have been trying to get someone I can understand in "resolutions" but I keep getting people in the Philippines.

I am trying to duplicate my order with the 30% coupon that I used when I ordered but they are telling me it is expired and I is not able to be used. I can't imagine why I cant duplicate my order for the same price to exchange the one I currently have.

Any tips? I read some people talked to someone named Ryan? Do I just need to keep calling till I get someone not in the Philippines?

 

Am I missing something?

Neither Newegg.com or Tigerdirect.com sell 500GB 7200RPM laptop drives (SATA)...

I thought we were further than that in HDD technology no??

 

Ignorant question: is/are the Vista Ultimate 64 Recovery Disc(s) that you order from HP identical for both the HDX18 & DV6T?

Thanx so much in advance!

 

Can someone quickly measure their HDX18, I'm currently looking for a case for it, and don't currently have mine as it is with HP

 

Honestly, I think most 17" bags will fit it, you're talking only a difference of 1.4"....

 

If I had to guess, I'd say no. There's got to be different parts int he DV6T...

 

Have you tried to compare HP HDX18 and SONY VAIO AW, with the similar specifications they are about the same price, but there are so many complaints about HP HDX18 on defective volume buttons, touchpads, keyboards. It seems that nobady gets a HP HDX18 of good quality.I can't decide which one to buy.

 

Hi Likearocket,

Please read this post:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=4445740&postcount=3738

I hope this helps!

 

I wish that were the case, I spent a few hours trying bags on in office max, office depot, circuit city and ordered from amazon (which i returned) to try to find one. I found one at Best Buy that is a targus that fits awesome and is not a backpack!

 

Question for the Tech Savy here in the forums.

I just got my 2nd order for another HDX 18t approved for the same exact price as I paid for my first one (with 30% expired coupon). I am a bit unhappy that they did not allow me to upgrade from the T9400 to T9600 and keep my 30% coupon as it could only be used for the same order but it is what it is.

Question I have is, to avoid having to reload the new laptop with all my files and software, since I am getting the same hard drives could I take the hard drive out of the one I am returning and place it in the new one? Will it just boot up normally since the hardware is identical? I can then put the one I removed from the 2nd into the 1st and return it.

Any thoughts? Or am I stuck reinstalling and moving everything?

 

Have you tried to compare HP HDX18 and SONY VAIO AW, with the similar specifications they are about the same price, but there are so many complaints about HP HDX18 on defective volume buttons, touchpads, keyboards. It seems that HP HDX18 has a very bad hardware reliability and nobady gets a HP HDX18 of good quality.

 

I have not compared the Sony Vaio AW yet, but I should probably take a look. I decided to go with a return/exchange since the new unit would extend my return period 21days from the day I receive that, and I can return this notebook (the defective one) after I receive the new one.

What it comes down to is I have always used HP, I love HP laptops. Their look, feel and etc. I decided to give then another chance with a 2nd notebook order. If this one has issues it will go back and I will explore other avenues and the Sony may be one, I will have to review it.

The main issue I had with this notebook is the keyboard. The fact that it is uneven, almost like it was NOT installed correctly or the wrong parts were use to attach it. Since the left side bows up and the left middle bows inward and the whole right side is perfect.... The wrong touch pad, to be honest if I didn't read about that on the forums I would never have noticed. I did bring it up with the sales rep that put my order in for the 2nd one.

He said he took extensive notes about the reason for my return and they will be read when the computer is built. I don't know if this is a line or the truth I can only hope for the best.

 

Does your keyboard look a little warped?

 

Agreed it is tough. Some of those 17 in cases are too tight. I also noticed many of the nice cases fit a 15.4 in the inner pocket or you could remove the extra pocket to fit a 17 in - which isn't nearly as nice or protected.

 

That is probably a good way to explain it. I attempted to take a picture but it is very hard to get it to show what I am seeing and feeling.

The CTRL button and the shift/caps/tab is alot higher than the rest of the keyboard, almost as if its popping out. Then by the qwer, asdf, zxcv buttons it starts to drop down, inward towards the computer, then from the G button all the way to the numeric pad is perfectly even.

I doubt you will see it from the picture, but maybe you will. I can see it cause I have been staring at it for days and feeling it so I am very aware of the issue.

 

The problem is that living in the UK, most of the cases I've read about on the forums like the Mobile Edge MEV17S or Targus Shield aren't available here

 

Yes that is the truth. I thought I was going to be stuck with some sort of backpack case till I found this. There is ALOT more room when I put this case in the bag. I always have the black sleeve/sack the computer came with to protect the top of the notebook from the pockets in the bag, but I took the picture without it on so you can easily the laptop sit in the case.

See attached picture of the laptop in the case:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...01DUS&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1186003681747

Picture:

 

You need a friend in the US who can pick one up and ship it! Its $50 US at bestbuy, and shipping cant be that much to get there. If that is even possible! What about EBAY? Is that a option?

 

Well Mara, my .02:

I had reservations after reading all the posts with quality issues but other than my touchpad being the touchpad from the HDX16 (which means that the thin graphic lines that cross the touchpad are not lined up, I don't think it detracts at all from the appearance) which works perfectly I have had no real issues, no flexing keyboard, no misaligned frame pieces, my volume/media buttons work fine.

It does seem that the quality control is highly questionable from all the similar posts, but I am extremely pleased with my HDX18.

 

Hello all!

First time poster but trust me a very long time reader! I realise this is the "owners" lounge so please dont grouch but with folk talking of $3,000 power houses and the likes I didnt think there would be an issue.

Im based in Scotland and I've been looking for a new laptop for an age now and stumbled upon the HDX 18. I was basically wondering if A: You reckon this is a killer deal (I do!) and B: if anyone can suggest an alternative at a similar price (I always like to keep options open).

Luckily I am able to pick up the HDX 18 model with the Q9000 processor for a little over £1,000. The best dual core offered by HP in the UK is "only" the 2.4ghz chip (probably available at about £800-£900). This is also HP UKs "top of the range" HDX and a price thats pretty amazing if you ask me considering the comparable Vaio AW is available at £1350 at best.

Here's the link:

It says it costs £1500 but I am able to get it at a significant discount (legally!!!) at approximately £1050.

Now I know that those in North America are lucky enough to not only get their machines cheaper but to also often get better available specs but your thoughts would be most helpful. What are the alternatives? In truth, Ive pretty much made my mind up but the likes of the MSI GT725 would be something Id consider.

Ive got a PS3 and xBox so I dont "need" a powerhouse for gaming but its always nice to be able to at least have a go at the new games on the market so I do think the 9600gt would suffice. Would Crysis at its lowest settings run at all on the HP? To be fair I'll probably end up wasting my life playing Football Manager 2009 like most of us brits!!! (Soccer fans in America, try this and see your life ruined)

 

Sir J,

I run Crysis at High settings with no issues (although I suppose this needs a comment from someone who has played it with a Q9000), granted it is no where near the overall experience on my gaming desktop, but it is very playable and does not detract from the game imho. Hehe great comment about Football Manager 09 .

 

Well I've purchased this, http://www.targus.com/UK/product_details.asp?sku=TCB001EU so here's hoping it fits...

 

Good Luck! I really do hope it fits for you!

 

Maximum Notebook Compartment Dimensions44 x 30 x 6 cm

The HDX18 comes to 43.7cm in length so everything should be fine.

 

Cheers for the quick reply C&C much appreciated. Its a shame HP in the UK dont offer the higher spec Dual Cores though Im guessing that if I was to ever get the finger out and get back into writing music then the quad core should run programs like Sonar and its numerous plug ins with reasonable performance benefits.

Just really looking forward to getting my 4 year old brick replaced. The thing packed in about a month ago and I really cant handle any more of the girlfriends shabby Advent laptop. Plus there is the obious issue that she doesnt want Footy Manager on her "girly" machine

 

Technofile,
Thanks very much for your responses. Yes, that's helps tremendously. I didn't know what to expect from the fp reader since I've never had one. Sounds like it works for the most part. Reading the keys in the dark is important to me. That sounds workable!

Aha! Thanks SMAN. I think that is where I've been going wrong on the HDMI thing. It's great to know that it works. That is a wonderful feature when using an external TV/Monitor. It's what I bought the DV9207 for in the first place. It was one of the first to use an HDMI port at the time (and be affordable).

 

I have the same problem, but mine is flat except for the 890 area it bows out around!