*HP HDX18 Owners Lounge*

HI to all.

I have a question. I would like to buy hp hdx18t but have first some questions cause i can not find service manual anywhere on hp site. So...:

1. Is processor upgradable? Can i buy now dual core 2,26 and later upgrade it to quad core 2.00?

2. Can i upgrade GPU (graphic card) or even replace it? I see on manual from 16t that is not replaceable and on hdx 20 it is replaceable? so what is the case with hdx 18?

3. Motherboards are different i believe? cause on hdx18t i see some of them supports 512 ddr2 and some 1 gb ddr3...So it is important to choose one with ddr3 so i can upgrade it later if possible?

4. What is the best place to buy it if i live outside USA. I work in Qatar (near Emirates, Gulf), is there anyway i can order it through some reseller or dealer but using customize options from HP USA site, also with using coupons? Is that options possible through some site or? If not then best way is ebay? to try to find something similar that i wont? Anyone has experience ?

Thank you all in advance. Please answer with lots of details. Sorry if these questions were already answered before, but my job doesnt allow me to read 500 pages.
Thank you all.

 

2 outta 4?

1. Yes.
2. No.

 

Removing the mediasmart software will not remove the bios set option that allows you to turn on the laptop from touching the M button

In my case, the remote is allways in the express car slot, so the angle wouldn't be right to set it off, and since it's in my bag, other IR devices wouldn't be able to trigger it.

 

Just curious how often HP offers the 30% coupon code?

 

About once or twice a month. In Feb they had 30% and last week they had 25% off.

 

Does anyone know the read/write speeds of the Solid State Drive on the HDX18?

 

UPDATE: March 26th 2009
I picked up my HDX 18t at Fed EX as I was in Florida when it arrived, and the box was crushed on one side, so I snaped pics and opened it in front of them. I took a quick peek in the box and everything was fine. I brought it home, took the Notebook out of the nice bag its in and saw light scratches and glue all over it. I was mad from the start. I opened it and there was more of the same on the screen, above and below the keyboard, speakers. I cleaned as much of it off as I could before I pluged it in. After, I went to plug it in and the A/C end would not go in. I didnt know this at the time, but there is a pin in the center of the A.C end, mine was bent and pushed over to one side, which is why I couldnt plug it in. So, as almost everyone here has had to do at some point I called HP. I told them I was sent a refurb, and I wanted a new one. The customer service rep I spoke with was very understanding. I actually started to think about the amount of time it was going to take to get a replacement and asked him if they would be willing to compensate me for the notebook I recieved. He told me to to hold while he spoke with a supervisor. He came back on and told me they would send me a new A/C but there was nothing else that HP could do for me, accept replace the Notebook however there would be a 5-7 day wait on the credit and then another week before they get mine back, and then another 3 week wait before I get the replacement. I dont do well without my own computer, my wife has her own HP notebook, (the hp dv5000) but I hate the way she has things arranged, and I happen to think your notebook is kinda like a hat or your own razor, I dont want to share it. I have things in a certian order and dont want it messed with. The rep then got back on a second time after I said that was not acceptable and offred me a $100.00 back to my credit card and they would send me a 180 watt power adpter. I took the offer as this would bring the notebook down to $950.00 after a coupon code for $200.00 off, antoher price match of $50.00 and HP's $200.00 instant rebate. I think I can deal with the light scratches and get most of the glue off. All in all after having it for a day to use it I'm pretty happy. The screen is the real selling point and I happen to like the design style that HP choose for this series. I didnt get the backlit keyboard, but I dont miss it because I never looked at the keyboard much while I'm typing and why do I need that while watching movies? I'm going to do an extensive video review so that new people ordering these will know what to expect and problems they might run into when it arrives.

 

Thanks Undergod!

I can't wait for the video review!

 

Dude I cant wait! Please post the video review up as soon as you can!
I hope its good quality also for my eye pleasure

*crosses my finger that its not one of those crappy phone vid reviews.

 

Yeah, Underdog!

Please play some music. I can't wait to hear what the speakers sound like w/ the sub.

 

hey guys, i think i'm gonna bite the bullet and go with the hdx 18t.

so what configuration should i get? any suggestions or recommendations by those who know are very welcome and appreciated.

 

Update: I had to call HP for an RMA as I found several other issues with my HDX 18 so the review will be delayed until the arrival of my replacement. Sorry guys.

 

Like what?

 

I'm actually going to compile a list explaining each issue I had with the notebook. When I spoke with the new HP Rep. tonight, she said I was probably accidentally sent a returned model. I guess I'm not sure how that can happen, but I'm giving HP the benefit of the doubt and a chance to "make good" on their reputation.

 

Come to find out the remote was broke. HP sent me a new one overnight and everything on the laptop is working.

 

I just finished installing a fresh Vista 64 on the laptop and noticed that HP doesnt offer the fingerprinter reader software for download. Just the driver for the device which doesnt contain program files

Anyone know where one is to get it? The Validity company only has a demo for download

 

Wait, you're saying Im able to upgrade the processor on the HDX18? That's news to me... if I'dve known that I would have bought it about a week ago! I've been waiting till I had enough for atleast a QX9100... thinking that whatever processor was there would be what I was stuck with... (this is apparently my newbism showing... I always thought you couldnt replace those in notebooks). Could someone please confirm this once more (and perhaps tell me how to do it)? I'm on HPs employee purchase site right now and i'll be buying this today if it's true

 

I have decided which configuration I would like on my new HDX18 except for the processor. Again, I'm the one who will be using it primarily with Photoshop, Lightroom, etc., and a ton of digital images. I have a quad processor on my desktop but am wondering if that is necessary for my replacement. Thanks in advance!

 

If you look back a few hundred pages... There is a link to the download. I believe it is a link to a 16" HP notebook that uses the exact same program. HP was "Supposed to" add the download to the HDX18 area a long time ago !!

 

Yeah, if you go back in this thread you'll see tons of posts about it.

 

Done and done. Customized as follows:

• Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
• Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P8700 (2.53GHz)
• 4GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm) - For 1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 130M
• 500GB 5400RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (250GB x 2) with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
• 1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 130M - For DDR3 Memory
• 18.4" diagonal High Definition HP Ultra BrightView Infinity Display (1920x1080p)
• Lightscribe Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
• Webcam + Fingerprint Reader with HP Imprint Finish (Fluid)
• Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card with Bluetooth
• 50% OFF!! HP Integrated HDTV Hybrid Tuner
• HP Color Matching Keyboard
• 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
• No Productivity Software
• HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

Grand total was... $1,554.96

Then I went and got the matching bluetooth mouse for about $44 (tax and shipping included) as well as the Targus bag with dome protection everyone was talking about for $50.97 (total) off Amazon

All in all i feel very satisfied with my purchase today

So... any comments? Verdicts? Does the (very temporary) configuration suck or was it a pretty good deal? Just wanna know what kind of machine i'm about to be dealing with from expert eyes

 

You should have gotten the 320GB 7200rpm. Sure its smaller but its much faster. But thats me.

 

So no upgrade graphic card? or replace?
Anyone else please, especially fort question. Thank you.

 

After delays in shipping because of the volcano in Alaska, I finally got it today...Time to get to work!

 

People may laugh at the Alaska remark but when I ordered mine I tracked it as it went from Shanghai, China to Anchorage, Alaska to Indianapolis to Oakland to Sacramento to Rocklin to Roseville.

I thought I was paying extra for "air" so it would be handled less - silly me

 

I know the 7200rpms are alot faster... i just went with a slow drive setup for now because I plan on replacing the drives with better ones later (definitely at least one SSD) and don't want to pay HP's ridiculous pricing (well... it's not too bad... but I could still find them cheaper). I also went for the dual drive option because I didn't want to be bothered with buying a caddy... I also read that there's a risk the HDX may not even have a second drive bay if you went for a single drive option... hope my logic makes sense...

 

It's not a card, it's a chip on the motherboard and I don;t see anything anywhere that says they are swappable. You might find otherwise.

As for trying to order one, the configuration and discounts are going to be specific to the website used to order the notebook and not all retailers will have the same options or prices. If the HP site in your country doesn't offer the same configuration, I am sure there is a reason. However, try calling your local HP number and see what they advise you to do.

 

You could upgrade the CPU on most notebooks, but you must make sure the Socket and Chipset support the upgraded CPU.

All CPU configurations offered by HP is Socket P. You should contact HP technical support to make sure the upgraded CPU will be supported.

 

UPDATE:
I went ahead and did the video review anyway with the damaged one I received March 25th 09. This was my first review on this notebook and I was in a hurry to get it done as I had to get it to fed ex for the drop off return. I also only had one video saved so its a bit crude as I had to edit some of it before uploading it to utube. I'm going to do a follow-up video review when I get the new replacement in a few weeks. I was so mad HP sent me this HDX, I'm almost positive this was someones returned HDX as it had a diffrent shipping label under mine with someone elses name, address and phone number. Here is the link for the video review of the damaged HP HDX 18T I was sent:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXEiJMU9xmg

 

Thanks. I just plan on upgrading from the P8700 to the QX9300...which HP had offered but in my opinion was way too expensive. How simple is it to change processors, though? Is it as easy as upgrading ram? is soldering involved, etc.... and is there a really good site to buy them from? like i said this is all news to me so im at a complete loss...

 

Your lucky it was still in the box after all that

 

I just joined so pardon me if this question has already been discussed: I would like to add a 2nd hdd. What parts do I need and where do I get them? Thanks to anybody that can answer.

 

To upgrade the processor you basically have to take the whole thing apart. You have to remove the Remove the following components:
a. Optical drive (see “Optical drive” on page 4-9)
b. Hard drive (see “Hard drive” on page 4-11)
c. TV tuner module (see “TV tuner module” on page 4-13)
d. Memory module (see “Memory module” on page 4-15)
e. WLAN module (see “WLAN module” on page 4-16)
f. Switch cover (see “Switch cover” on page 4-18)
g. Keyboard cover (see “Keyboard cover” on page 4-20)
h. Keyboard (see “Keyboard” on page 4-24)
i. Speaker assembly (see “Speaker assembly” on page 4-30)
j. Display assembly (see “Display assembly” on page 4-31)
k. Top cover (see “Top cover” on page 4-38)

All from the tech manual you download at HP.com. I'm about to embark on my HDX Dragon and I've heard its about a 4 hour job. There is no soldering, Socket P is just a screw turn and it pops out. But it is a PITA to get to. Good luck!

 

Let me first say welcome to the forum. You can search for topics within the thread by clicking on the search button. To answer your question you can go to this website: http://newmodeus.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=213

 

Thanks much! I just ordered it.

 

Sorry, but where did you find the tech (service) manual?
I've done a number of searches and it does not come up for me. I found the HDX 16 but not HDX 18.

 

The Maintenance and Service Guide.

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01705400.pdf

 

Upgrading from a dual core processor to a quad core processor may not be as easy as going from one dual to another dual or one quad to another quad. The QX9300 is expensive and you may not find it cheaper anywhere else, so make sure you could upgrade from dual to quad. I really don't know the HDX18, so you're going to have to do some more research. If I were you I would just upgrade to the QX9300 on the HP configuration page. $1000 is not that bad (though it used to be around $850). Given the QX9300 is offered I suppose it may not be a problem, but make sure.

---

Looking at the manual, it looks like you will be able to upgrade from the dual to the quad. You may want to do some independent research still.

 

I understand... I did find a few on ebay for half that price though

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=180338253135

even if i have to pay more than 1,000 id be willing to spend the money soon enough... just didnt wanna blow so much in one go

and as far as upgrading goes... that sure is alot of stuff i gotta do... im pretty sure i can find the tools somewhere around the house but i dont feel like looking so would this kit be good enough for 5 bucks?

http://www.amazon.com/Eforcity-Magn...puters/dp/B000EE44OK/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

(i think all its missing is the magnetic screw the service manual called for)

 

Looking at the cipset support on Intel's page, it looks like you will be able to upgrade from the dual to the quad.

http://ark.intel.com/chipset.aspx?familyID=35515

I've never seen the inside the HDX, so if it is like any other laptop, you just need your CPU, a screwdriver, thermal grease and a place to work. There are some guides on YouTube you can refer to if you've never done this before.

 

I could have done a better job shooting the video if I hadent been so pissed about all the issues I had with the HDX they sent me. I hope the next one HP sends is NEW, not USED! Can anyone Please tell me if any issues mentioned in the video review was also a problem with your HDX? Thanks

 

will definitely do that... thanks alot. No i've never done this before... ive taken apart a fair amount of computers but as far as notebooks go ive only replaced the ram on the dv5220us ive had since '06. that died out on me about a month or two ago so i got this touchsmart tx2 im typing on right now... its a bit too small for my liking plus its not really that good for hardcore gaming so im getting this now... and looking at this thread ive seen some pretty insane specs (looks at lancorp ) that hopefully ill be somewhat close to in the near future

ill letyou guys know if i have any other questions... long as you're all willing to answer... but for now im open to any suggestions on anything seeing that itll be shipping out by april 6th

 

Again, you should do some of your own research. I'm not expert here and I don't have an HDX18t, I'm only telling what I read.

 

UNDERD0G, just so you know, your mouse pad design on your hdx18 DOES NOT MATCH the rest of notebook. the design on your hdx18's mouse pad is for the hdx16t. hp screwed up your design.
the design is supposed to be fluid with the rest of the notebook.

Another flaw in hp's part!

 

I'm actually getting one of these for the wife. I have an HDX Dragon and the layout inside is basically the same. I'm going with one 320GB HD (it's a free upgrade, otherwise I would have went 250gb). As soon as it gets in, I'll copy it to a 500 GB Seagate Momentus 7200rpm. Those you can get on newegg for $139, when they are in stock. Buy two and you now have 1TB for $280 at 7200 rpm. That'll do you until SSD's come down in price and up in storage. Also it'll come with the second hard drive bay empty. That's how my Dragon came. You just have to order the bracket...either from HP for like $20 or on ebay for $4...guess which one I chose. As soon as I do the processor on the Dragon I'll let you know how much of a pain it was. I've switched processors on two laptops before. I'm already planning on doing it to this one too. Other than that, my build is the same as yours.

 

Stay away from those ebay cpu's. Those are engineering samples not production chips. You can tell by the pic, the ES designation on the chip.
The seller gives a CPU-Z report on the chip also. Look at the specification. At the end there is (ES) which stands for engineering sample. Also these chips are from China. Good luck getting your money back if it doesn't work.

 

Thanks alot. hope everything works out alright for it too... im kinda hoping i don't end up with underdog's issues.......

 

wow, seriously?? thanks alot! id've went ahead and bought it so blindly... any specific place you think i should get it from?

 

The places that I shop aren't stocking it yet. I intend to wait till the prices come down. There's no hurry for me as all the software that I use isn't optimized for the quad core yet. Time is on my side here. In the mean time I upgraded to the SSD and 8GB's of RAM. Even with the 2.26 GHz Core 2 Duo this machine flys.

 

He knows that but said he doesn't care so much about that in the video. Underdog, did you order a pre-configured one or just a custom one? That laptop is royally screwed up.