*HP HDX18 Owners Lounge*

Was looking at the Sony site:
8 GB DDR2-SDRAM (DDR2-800, 4GBx2) [add $700.00]
...dang wish I could get this retail. Overpriced but the closest you can get right now that you can find is the 677 stuff on Newegg.

Blu-ray Disc™ Read and Write Drive [add $100.00]
This would have been a nice option for HP to offer.

Since Im dreaming I wish HP would have had an option for a more powerful video card....anything in Class 1, sans Quadro would have been fine.
http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-9600M-GT.9449.0.html

 

The RAM is a wash, because the DDR2-800 would be a CAS 6 (more than likely), and the DDR2-667 is CAS 5. Performance tradeoff is minimum. Sony=$700, Newegg=$329. Hmmmm, which should I buy???

Now $100 more for a Blu-ray writer is a heck of a deal. But, since Sony has a virtual monopoly on Blu-ray, they are the only ones that can afford to offer that kind of pricing...

 

Good point PA. I'm with you on the color but I've read a few reports on the Ultra and a common thread is "...bright vivid colors." However, I'm not going to order until all my options are available and I'm willing to wait until one of the other troops here has an 18 and reports on the screen quality. I'm covering all my bases.

 

Hi Lancorp,
So you're saying that the Dell displays brighter more vivid colors than the 16t? If so maybe I should hustle over to the Dell site and see what's up. Does Dell make a 17" with an LED backlight?

 

Good point NSP -

 

sorry for the debate, but my only point was that minus the quad core and T9600, they seem to be somewhat similar machines at similar price points...mostly comparable parts, at least "on paper"...with HP having the lowest price for the faster processors but Sony having the 320 GB 7200 rpm HDD plus blu-ray burner upgrade for a total add of $150.

There's a trade off there, but for some people, the gain afforded by a quad core may be overkill, offset by the ability to render video from a HD camcorder and burn to blu-ray (I'd still like to have both, including the quad core). Yes, the BR media is still $$.

Btw, the T9600 adds another $300 to the Sony and the quad isn't even in the cards. Ouch.

 

Understood, but the quad core and the T9600 were the whole point!

Might be worth buying the Sony just for the Blu-Ray burner...I wonder if I could return it, minus the burner, and just pay the $100?

 

Actually, I would almost guarantee that the reason those higher options are not currently available is because of the 20% live cashback. Surely HP is already selling the quad cheap, to discount it another 20% probably doesn't make financial sense.

 

I wonder how much of that 20% actually comes from HP? Considering it's a Microsoft promo, i'd bet a good portion of that comes from their deep pockets...

 

I'd venture to say HP spent some big money to advertise with Micro$oft Live. Everyone forgets that places still need to pay for the advertising... My guess is HP is paying Microsoft somewhere around 22%-25% for every order and Microsoft is generating interest in its live search and making a profit while doing it. Companies are probably trying to weigh the difference in advertising cost between traditional online ads and these kind of live search ads. Which one has a higher rate of revenue per click... Just my guess

 

Can somebody post the wallpapers of the hdx18 please ?

Hope some one reads this

 

I'm sure everyone would read this, but the problem is, the HDX18t isn't in the hands of anyone yet...no one has gotten one!!!

 

lol... wallpapers. Sometimes I just don't understand other people

 

I didn't have any competitor in mind. My point was that for a retailer to introduce an new item and run out of parts within one week is poor inventory management.

Someone mentioned that it could have been Intel's fault. That may well be, but I can tell you with some degree of certainty that there have been some high level meetings at HP with very pointed questions about how this happened. I was an executive with a Fortune 100 retailer and I can tell you when something like this happens, the proverbial crap hits the fan.

Even if the customer doesn't go to a competitor, delayed sales don't help the forecasts. My guess is in this stock market environment, upper management does not want to be missing sales and profit projections.

 

That may be true...but that's not the same as claiming customers are going to look elsewhere when they can't get it from HP...I doubt anyone needs a T9600 or QX9300-based notebook bad enough to spend 3x as much at Dell or Lenovo...that was my point in response to your comment.

The reverse side of your economy comment, though, is that many people are probably not shopping for PC's right now, so demand is not that high...

Now, lets all say a prayer for the stock market to recover!

 

Wow, HP is screwing up even more now. I was just going through the customize function on their site and at the top it reads - Save $40 on 4GB of memory, but when you drill down to the Memory section, they only offer 2 GB and 3 GB!

 

Lol tell me about it....

I'm hoping they have that option back up by next week.

But HP is so erratic that you never know what they will do....they went from 2, 3, and 4G for the 16t to having 2,3, and 8G's and NOW they only have 2 and 3G!

 

I just noticed, I still have the quad core HDX18 in my cart! Decisions......

 

Good luck! I noticed a similar thing back when I was ordering the Dragon.. the days I was thinking it over and had it in my cart is when they were stopping production.. i went to check out and POOF it went away!

 

Has anyone got theirs yet, I'm thinking about buying this as a desktop replacement for my mom and dad as an anniversary gift. It's just over a month away and they really need a new comp, so I thought I'd get this for them.

 

What coupons WILL work with the 20% cash back from the live search again?

 

The 2.8 is back on options

 

Any valid coupon will work, you just won't get your 20% cashback (per the terms of the live.com promotion, which you should read before using).

 

Yes, and I see they have a FREE upgrade to 3GB now, AND DROPPED THE PRICE $200!!!! $1399 for the base configuration!!! ( CassilineKnight...now is the time to buy with the 20% off coupon)...

How much was that upgrade previously? Anyone know?

Time to call HP and request a credit for the $200 plus the RAM, since mine hasn't even shipped and now 3GB is the same price as 2GB. (Hey, it worked when HP had a free blu-ray promo on the HDX20 during it's last days...they gave me a credit for the value of the promo)...

UPDATE: Has anyone seen the price of the CPU upgrades? They RAISED the price!! The T9600 is +$400 now!!! The QX9300 was only a $225 upgrade when I ordered it, and it was the highest priced upgrade!
Looks like HP is playing the "hide the savings" shell game...lower the base price, raise the options price (which is good if you don't want the T9600)!

 

Dude then that means it DOES NOT WORK. To someone who's used the 20% deal. Did you use any type of coupon discount? Like I heard someone mention a 5% discount they used when buying the HDX 18t. And I think another member used the Student Discount. Do either of those void the 20% thing?


And I wish they'd bring back the Quad option as well as the 4G option. I'd jump on it right away no matter the price and take advantage of the 20% cash back deal.

EDIT: What about the "instant rebate" of $200 that HP is giving while you customize the laptop. Does that affect the cashback deal?

 

Does this have RGB LED Backlights?

 

Dude, the coupons DO work with 20% cashback, but it MAY void your cashback, as stated in the terms and conditions of the live.com cashback. You can checkout with coupons applied, and you'll still get an email confirming your 20% cashback, as someone here has attested. The problem is, you don't actually get your cashback for 60 days...so that gives MS 60 days to review your purchase and cancel the cashback if they see you used another discount. Again, read the terms of the live.com cashback and you can probably answer your own questions. No one here has actually gotten their cashback yet, as the promo hasn't been out for 60 days, so your cries for help from someone who's done it won't be answered!

I agree. I'd be interested to see what price they bring the QX9300 back at, since the T9600 is now $400 more! Even if they had brought it back at the original price, I'd probably cancel (again) my existing order and reorder and save another $200.

No. I called them (MS) and asked. They confirmed that instant rebates (no code needed) don't affect the cashback.

 

I wish. I love those displays (like in my Dell Studio 15). After using that, my HDX16t looks dim and colorless. The LED backlit displays should be standard equipment in all new notebooks. They seem PERFECT!

 

1) That being the WHOLE POINT of using the stupid coupon and deal...and I know no one has gotten their cashback yet. I was just hoping that someone had called MS and asked about it.

2) Well that's a straight answer I can live with. Thanks.

I'm wondering if the 8 cell battery will stick out the back like the 12 cell they show on the website. I like how the 6 cell battery my mom has for her dv5t fits in underneath the laptop without any hassle.

And last but not least I asked this before but I don't think anyone was clearly able to answer it. When it comes to the memory does this laptop support DDR3?

They have 2 and 3G DDR2. But since I'm getting a 64 bit system I'd like to have 4G. So I was wondering would it be possible to replace the 2G DDR2 with a 4G DDR3 and if so would that lead to a significant improvement in terms of performance?

 

I go with what is in writing. The terms state the offer is VOID if you use a coupon or discount. I would not trust the fact that some yahoo I called at live.com said it was OK (even if they would say that), would hold up when MS cancels my cashback before the 60 days. Why take the risk for an extra 5%???

That was my one straight answer per day, and you were the lucky recipient.

 

Since they only offer an 8 cell battery and the pictures of the HDX18 on their website don't show anything sticking out the back, logic would say that the 8 cell would not stick out the back.

There is no 12-cell option, even though the configuration page shows a picture of a 12-cell battery. Maybe in the future? (It would be nice, as the battery in my HDX16t doesn't last very long...I'm thinking the HDX18 will be similar).

 

Well the 16t is a 6 cell battery.

And I know that they don't currently offer a 12 cell battery for the 18t. I just noticed the picture and I was wondering if anyone had had experience with HP's 8 cell batteries.

I think I'd still stick with the 8 cell battery even if they offered a 12 cell one. It just makes things a lot simpler. I hated the battery for my sony vaio. It stuck out way too much.

 

6 cell battery on a 16" LCD with one hard drive and an 8 cell on an 18" LCD with 2 hard drives will be equal. My comment was more about how dismal my battery life in my HDX16t was, and that I believed the HDX18t would be equal.

Actually, you specifically asked " I'm wondering if the 8 cell battery will stick out the back like the 12 cell they show on the website.". It doesn't have to do with anyone's experience with an HP 8 cell battery on another model...according to the pictures available of the HDX18t, the 8 cell battery on the HDX18t does not stick out the back. Plain and simple.

 

Uh no it's not plain and simple. Your condescending attitude is really ridiculous. I'm looking at the website now and it shows

1) 6 cell: Not sticking out
2) 12 cell: Sticking out the backside

NO WHERE does it show what 8 cell would look like so how exactly am I supposed to know what it looks like.

Yes it does have to do with experience. Someone who may have had a laptop with an 8 cell battery from HP just MIGHT on this forum and be willing to comment on how it looks like and how it performs. Just because you think you know everything doesn't mean you actually do.

Not to menion how do you know I'll be having 2 hard drives on my system?

 

The pictures in the NBR review are with the 8-cell battery and it's not sticking out. In fact, I think every picture I've seen of the HDX18 has been with the 8-cell and no other battery.

 

You're looking in the wrong place. The little generic graphics on the config page are not pictures of the HDX18t. If you look at the ACTUAL PICTURES AND THE DEMO of the HDX18t on the MAIN DETAILS PAGE of the HDX18t (NOT THE CONFIGURATION PAGE), YOU WILL SEE THE BACK SIDE OF THE HDX18T AND SEE THAT IT DOES NOT STICK OUT THE BACK OR RAISE IT UP. THE DEMO MOVIE OF THE HDX18T CLEARLY SHOWS THE BACK ALSO, AND IT IS NOT RAISED.

My "condescending attitude" is mostly the result of you posting questions here that, with a minute of effort on your part, could be answered by yourself!

It's funny how you ask a specific question, and somebody answers it, and you take objection to their tone or read something else into it, and then continue in a whole different direction by saying you asked about something else, like somehow we're the idiot.

The HDX18t isn't even out. I cannot fathom, nor do I care, how you can convolute how someone else's 8 cell battery on another model HP notebook has anything to do with the HDX18t. PLUS, you didn't even ASK THAT!!! Now you say you did, but you specifically asked if it stuck out. You didn't ask how others felt about their experience with their 8 cell batteries.

Either I can't read, or you can't write.

Not to worry, though, as I won't be "helping" you with anymore questions.

 

Hey, watch that condescending attitude of yours!

And, yes, as I've stated here, the 8 cell is the only option, so there shouldn't be any confusion...

 

As if you helped me previously? Thank You...

And you never mentioned the demo video in your first response. Nor do I watch demo videos. Especially when you can see all the same information right there on the page.

@ Bleu

Thank you.

 

I'm sorry I didn't hold your hand and tell you to look at the demo movie. The pictures, which I did mention, on the main page are there also, as Bleu stated, but you didn't see those also, which is my fault, too, I suppose.

Maybe if you spent a minute and watched the demo videos you'd save us all a bunch of time!

Good grief!! (and good riddance)

 

You act like I was specifically asking YOU for any help at all when it comes to this laptop. That's as far from the truth as you can get.

From day one you've offered nothing but snotty attitude and non help as well trying to twist my words.

So you're the last person on this forum who should be complaining. It would be one thing if I were specifically bothering you day after day begging lancorp to help me with one thing or another. My questions were directed to the community as a whole.

So really back off. And I have no idea why you're saying "good riddiance". Where exactly am I going?

NO WHERE. I still plan on buying this laptop and I will buy it on my own schedule.

And don't you own a HDX 16t? IF so why exactly are you in the 18t? I post in both forums cuz I'm interested in both and until I see both before my eyes I really don't know which one I'll prefer.

However you clearly only own a 16t. So why you're in here attacking me is beyond reality. If you find my questions annoying then ignore them. It's your right to do so. I frankly don't care. So please don't act like you did me any favors. Because you didn't. So again leave me alone and I'll do the same for you.

 

Perfect example of your inability to think before you speak (or write, as it were). I don't "only own a 16t". I have clearly purchased, unlike you, an HDX18t. It is scheduled to ship on the 17th of this month. That has been posted here, so it is no secret.

I have only ever answered your initial posts honestly. You, my friend, have done all the name calling, calling me "rude" and "condescending". You constantly take things I've said and turn them around. On purpose just to rile me? Who knows. I've got over 600 posts on these forums and you're the only complainer. If anyone should complain about being attacked, it's me, about you.

So, continue making yourself out as some sort of victim here...and, hey, keep those questions coming!

ps. I'm sure the "community as a whole", as you called it, really isn't interested in our little spat, so let move this to PM's if you still have something to say...

 

Don't call me "friend" John McCain.

And I'm sorry I must have missed you purchasing an 18t amidst all that crap you were spewing.

And I have nothing further to say to you. I'm not trying to make myself out to be a "victim" here (another example of you trying to twist what I've said). I'm simply pointing out that you have done nothing at all to help me and your claims of doing some are completely false.

 

you two sound like an old married couple. i think i kinda have to agree with lancorp, though.

anyways, i just ordered my '18 today and look forward to being a part of this forum. hopefully, things will be calmer by then!

 

Hey, I just skipped past the flames in order to point something out Cass that was mentioned earlier- if you want 4GB of RAM (since you'll have a 64-bit system), I'd suggest getting the G.SKILL sticks from newegg. You'd get the 200-pin DDR2 PC2-6400, and it only costs $60.

I just got mine and tested it in my dv8000t, and it worked flawlessly. Much better deal than paying HP more for slower memory. (Their shipped memory has a reputation for always being a more "conservative" speed).

Anyway, sorry if it was already addressed. I'm looking forward to my new HDX! Got my 7200RPM 320GB hard drives too ($220). Woo!

 

Interesting observation. I may try that tommorrow.

I went to check the HP portal right now and the notebook section is down (8:33 PM EST, 12 Oct).

 

I have a question. I saw the option of 64bit Windows Vista. I was wondering if there would be any negative affects to me choosing the 64bit instead of staying with the 32bit for HDX18 since its +$0.00 to upgrade to the 64bit option? I'm computer technologically handicapped....Someone please explain to me the pros and cons to upgrading to 64bit vista option. Thanks in advance!

 

jtmarlins, just go with the 64bit option. It is the future. The only drawback is that it cannot run old 16bit operations, which is hardly anything. Technology is improving, and some things are becoming outdated.

 

crap...i better phone HP tomorrow then... :x

 

The biggest benefit by going x64 is the memory benefits.

Currently 32-bit processors and operating system (OS) can support a total of 4 gigabytes (GB) of memory in the computer. But when you install those 4 GB your 32-bit OS is only going to see 3.2(-ish) of those 4 GB of memory. Also the operating systems can only allocate 2 GB of memory to a given application.

The rest goes toward address space allocation for other critical functions, such as:

- System BIOS (including motherboard, add-on cards, etc..)
- Motherboards resources
- Memory mapped I/O
- configuration for AGP/PCI-Ex/PCI
- Other memory allocations for PCI devices

A 64-bit OS can utilize 136GB of RAM. This is well beyond what the memory market can even supply to computers currently. In addition to this, a 64-bit operating system can also allocate an individual 4GB block of memory for each application. So in this case the amount of RAM this laptop can handle is limited to its hardware.

The drawback with a 64 bit OS may be driver support for some hardware and some software incompatibilities.

If a 64-bit OS option is offered for your laptop then you have no need of worry of compatibility for your system. This issue comes into play with home builds mostly when you're trying to find drivers for your system.

64-bit drivers for older printers and scanners can be an issue. Go to your hardware manufacture page and see if your stuff is supported for 64 bit. If you find no love Google your hardware to see if there is a work around. I had to find a copy of the x64 XP CD to get my printer drivers for an older NEC laser printer.

Makers of hardware have a dirty little secret that everyone knows about but no one talks about and that is hardware vendors tend to use the release of an new OS as an opportunity to sell you brand new hardware by dumping driver support for your "old" stuff. Even if it works fine.

Software compatibility used to be a bigger issue than it is now. In the past there used to be issues with x64 and iTunes, Adobe Acrobat and other software. Those issues have been fixed and I haven't had a software compatibility issue in a while. This issue has worked itself out for the most part.

 

Get the 64bit from the factory, then while you are waiting for it's delivery, go here and buy the 32bit recovery DVD set:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareList?os=2093&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&product=3769214&lang=en

Then, should you not like the 64bit stuff (unlikely, though), you can pop in the DVD and do a full 32-bit Vista recovery!! Seems pretty easy! I think HP charges a bit for shipping on the recovery DVD set.