HP NC8430 review

anyone else have a problem with poor reception?

I brought my laptop to the library and could barely get a wireless signal, while people around me (especially those using PCMCIA cards) had little problem.

 

What wireless card do you have? I have the Intel one and it is stronger than my girlfriends D820 notebook (we have the same Intel 3945 but my antenna must be in a better position).

 

It's Intel. I wasn't aware there were different wireless cards for the NC8430.

 

The CTO models can get a Broadcom (I think that's the name) WiFi...the Intel is better.

Try updating your drivers. I would also recommend uninstalling the HP Wireless Assistant...I've heard of too many problems with it. Use Windows Zero Configuration (should already be installed...comes with XP). Much better program...let me know if that fixes it.

 

hy! i dont have from such long time my nc8430 but i have a proble....whit my dvdrw...it take tooo long time to write a dvd. do u have same probleme or u know haw to rezolve that? i alsoo get a upgrade of the driver but nothing.
thanks and hope to have a solution! bye

 

Well, the same happened to me today...I burned about 3GB at 4x speed, but it took about one hour to burn the DVD! Even if Nero reported 4x speed! Any solution?

 

Not that this really helps but I've often had better reception than other laptops I've been around.

I also use the XP Wifi software with my work partition and use the HP software with my home/demo partition right now. I haven't really noticed a difference, sometimes the HP software will pick up a signal that the XP software won't but I'm never able to get a good enough signal to connect to any of those any way.

 

hy!! i also have a nc8430 and i same to have a probleme whit the dvdrw....i only can write any dvd in a 80-90 minute!!!! i trye to find a driver for dvdrw but..no succes!! did u have the same probleme? what can i do? i use a nero7 soft to write!! thank u!!

 

Hey, everyone. I'm very interested in purchasing the nc8430 for average computing (music player, aim, firefox etc.) and playing the latest games.

Can anyone tell me how this bad boy performs in the gaming area?

Also, can anyone direct me toward a good reseller? (I'm in the US)

 

It performs all those task very smoothly all at the same time (except gaming of course). Very little/no lag when moving from app to app. The widescreen display is a pleasure to work with-gobs of screen estate, very crisp and non-fatiguing (but can be if you get the 1680x1050 resolution, but you can up the dpi to increase font size). However if you plan playing music, then I'd suggest you get some speakers or headphones because the integrated speakers are crud.

In terms of gaming it peforms exceptionally well for a notebook that's classed as 'business' spec. The gpu is slightly undercloked but not significantly to affect gaming performance noticably. In fact, its better this way since you get much better returns on battery life. Oblivion runs very well although I reckon I'll need another 1GB of ram for a truly smooth experience.

As for resellers I can't really help there

 

Thanks alot! I found a great reseller for very cheap, so I should be "in the family" in no time

 

What about the firmware for the drive?

Example: doing that on bro's PC meant higher speeds, support for Sony 2.1 discs (curse them) and more increments for choice of burn speed

My HP doesn't have this problem. Drive on stock settings from date of purchase in August

 

Hi everyone!

I just become a somewhat unsatisfied owner of a HP NC8430.

The easiest way to show you my problem with this otherwise great machine is the pictures I attached. It seems that the lcd display is bent and the ends are not where they should be... Also the windows sticker on the bottom is scratched... (I couldn't make proper pictures of this latter one as it's 9:30 PM over here and using the flash did not produce any viewable results (too bright)) Now that I started typing on it and started using the touchpad, the buttons below and above the touchpad seem to be a bit too loose... is this normal? The keyboard seems to be okay...

I just got the unit today... Please have a look at the attached pictures and tell me what do you think? Should I get it replaced or is this normal?

Thanks,
Peter

 

Ok, this might sound a little freaky. About 2 weeks ago, I took delivery of the exact same laptop (RM801PA) and had the exact same problem. The lid wasn't shut very tightly, the spacebar key on the keyboard is a bit loose (too sensitive) and the hard disk configuration is wrong. The windows licence sticker was slapped on haphazardly (the hole, as I discovered, is a "feature" in new windows licence stickers to prevent fraud. Just Google it, it's legit). Your pictures look suspiciously identical to the one I got, right up to the gap space.
I returned it immediately because the configuration was wrong from what I ordered, and also for the faulty keyboard. Now what I think HP did is they could have shipped the unit to you, but it may have been a coincidence. There's only a handful of nc8430 in this side of the world because it sure isn't a popular model.
If you want, we can compare serial numbers as I noted it down. I am based in Australia.

 

Are both screen options matte?

 

Bupe: it would appear that quality control had a momentary lapse when that machine was built and you just so happened to have got that particular machine. I'd get it replaced, stating that a business quality notebook should not have any imperfections like these.

On another matter: can you folks out there play a DVD on your nc8430's and report back to me? I've been experiencing some rather unsatisfactory playback results. With my Planet Earth DVD's, I can see straight away that video quality is inferior to playback on a regular DVD player. In fact, it almost resembles video cassette quality. When I try my Oldboy DVD out it doesn't seem as sharp as it I think it ought to be, but the difference between playback on my notebook versus a DVD player is not enough to annoy me.

So just try out your DVD's, compare them to a standalone DVD player and tell me what you think.

 

Second that. Get it replaced immediately because it might take quite some time for HP to arrange that. Just that they don't send you the same unit back, you may try asking them if they could send you a new unit before they arrange to pick up your current one. This also ensures you're not out of a laptop. All the best!

About the hole in the Windows sticker, here's what I found from Toshiba's support page:
http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/...ineID=cccjaddjhekkjdfcgfkceghdgngdgmn.0&ct=SB

 

That's ... seems to me the CTO orders would get the better card... CTO owners being a more "picky" bunch...

Seems to me they'd put either the Intel, or Broadcom in based on inventory.... You know if they "had it"... and if a card was not as good, put that in the prebuilt machines,

Not saying the about isn't true.. just weird...


Hey I do have an idea... Hwo about people post the factory their unit was mfg'd at, and note the time frame (Date of purchase /order)

I'll start it off:

HP / Compaq Business Class
nx6325
RB526UT#ABA

Box says:
INVENTEC

Pur date:
2006-10

.

.

 

I called HP this morning and tried to explain them the situation. I had to fax them the proof of purchase and I also forwarded them the pictures I made. After 3 hours I called them again, had to wait for 15 minutes before talking to someone. I was told that they received the POP and the images and they will call me back today or latest on Monday. Well they haven't called me today... I'm getting less and less satisfied... I registered my unit online and it turns out that the warranty period started on the 27th of November and there seems to be a mixup of product numbers as well... mine is a RM762PA but the system registered the serial number I provided as an ES590ET... I googled for this and this seems to be a UK product number... and it has a totally different hardware configuration as well... I'm getting more and more confused.

Anyway I haven't given up yet. I hope to get a replacement unit next week. I'll keep you updated and we'll see how good is HP support in New Zealand.

 

HP/Compaq business class
NC8430
Part Number: RM762PA#ABG
Purchase date: 2006-12

My box states the following:
C/O Inventec Pudong (Shanghai)

But shouldn't we create a new thread for this?

 

You had the exact same problem I ran into. When HP delivered mine, the configuration was wrong, the model numbers were inconsistent, specs were inconsistent, etc..... HP warranty support couldn't even ascertain my unit was Australian. Nevertheless, I still love this model, so I'm considering getting a nx8420 offered by a local reseller instead (with better specs).
HP's sales is located overseas, there's no local office/physical entity. They will never call you back even when they promised (at least not in my case). I had to demand and hold a person accountable. Now that they've taken my laptop back, I'm still waiting for my money to be refunded fully. HP says 14 days.
HP in Aust/NZ reminds me of those eerie future-esque movies where the company is controlled and run by robots and computers. An organisation so large, yet so distant from its customers because there's no local presence. It's only a phone service line and a delivery warehouse maintained by DHL. Lame.

 

Please people, try out your DVD's on your nc8430 and then compare with a normal DVD player.

 

Hi everyone, I'm seriously considering the HP nc8430 in this configuration for a four year bachelor's degree I'll be starting in February next year. My biggest question (which will probably be answered best by someone who has has this notebook for ~1 year) is, do you think that this notebook will last four years without giving any problems? I know this is a business class computer and I really want it to last for the long haul.
Judging by the sheer volume of users posting to this thread, and the length of this thread (68 pages!) this is a very popular notebook that's earned the popularity it has.
I'm asking about the longevity of the nc8430 mainly because I've had a bad experience with the only other notebook I've ever owned (an ASUS L3500D); although the machine is very reliable, the left hinge broke along with the bezel around it after 18 relatively gentle months of use, and I now get small pieces of plastic ejected from the hinge every time I (not very frequently now) close the lid on it. I contacted ASUS support in NZ, and they quoted about two or three months to fix it! I don't want to repeat the experience, especailly during a time when I can't afford to get a major problem like that fixed.
My second question is, what are the exact specifications (model number or manufacturer, latency, etc) of the RAM that comes with the notebook? I want 2GB running in dual channel mode, so I want to match the two SODIMMs as closely as possible, but I don't want to buy RAM from HP (price).

@ Best Foot Forward, try enabling hardware accelerated video output in the options menu of the software DVD player you are using, if it isn't enabled already. What are the specifics of the differences in video quality between the notebook and the DVD player? Colour, contrast, sharpness, etc?

 

Hi Matt,

This notebook is a well built machine. I decided to purchase it primarily for that reason. It replaces a Dell Latitude D600 that I wanted more performance from in the graphics department (for games), but apart from that the 2.5 year old Dell is still a fine machine and still going strong (and will probably do another 2.5 years quite happily).
I just finished a masters degree so my reasons are opposite to yours! I suppose from your perspective reliability is key - you dont want it breaking down when you have an assignment due.

Having said that, from someone who has studied a fair bit (7 years), unless you need a portable machine to take with you to uni (? what for lectures? -I've never needed one for lectures or seen anyone ever use one to type notes in during a lecture), I dont see the need to sink money into a flash new notebook. But if you need portability go with something smaller than this model -say 14", and aim for 2.2kg or less in weight. You will regret going with a 15.4" machine if you end up carrying it everywhere with you, even if this is one of the lighter 15.4" machines around (next to the Macbook Pro).

If you just want a laptop for the space saving-ness and you will use it mostly from home with occasional portable use (and to hell with the expense), then fine this will be a good machine (this is my reason for purchase too). IMHO I dont think you will really *need* a notebook (over a desktop PC) for uni until postgrad research (if ever).

If you value longevity of performance, consider building a desktop PC that can be more readily upgraded by yourself over time for less money, and use your existing notebook when you need portability, or look for an IBM or Dell Latitude 14" or 12" notebook second hand for the occasional portable duties, where performance isnt such an issue - as you have a desktop PC to play games on etc.

Because you havent started the degree yet, I'd hold off purchase if I were you untill you see what your day to day needs are when you are studying full time. You may find you dont need a portable machine at all, or very infrequently - that is what I suspect you will find if it is anything like my experience.

 

I'm not at uni yet, but I'll tell you in about 2 years whether or not it can stand up to the rigours of uni life

As for my DVD woes: yes I've enabled hardware accelerated video in my player (InterVideo WinDVD) and still I have the rubbish picture quality and playback. OK, the differences are very clear to me: Picture quality is washed out, lacking in sharpness and colours are far from vivid. Think of it as watching a DVD through an thin old, murky window, you should get the picture . Whats more is motion isn't perfectly fluid. This is most noticable during long panning shots (e.g like a helicopter flying over a mountain type shot); the video is stuttering every few seconds but is very minimal, but definitely noticable. It really does feel like I'm watching a badly filmed video cassette

 

I have played several DVDs in the NC8430 and they all play very well. The jerky and stuttering condition you describe are usually due to either an antivirus program running in the background, or other system optimizer doing the same (or even heavy internet downloads). As for the murky window, that is another matter altogether. Which LCD do you have? Mine is the WSXGA+ (wide viewing angle) and it is fine. If you have the standard panel, you will find that you have to be at the right angle to the screen (head on) and may have to adjust the brightness and contrast in the player. This is a common problem with the 14 and 15 inch displays (except for Sony and Toshiba) and a few 15.4 wide screens.

Wayne

 

Could you post some screenshots of the DVDs on your NC8430?

 

Perhaps 'murky' was a slightly strong description. The best way I can describe it is that it feels like watching a VHS cassette. My screen is also the WSXGA+ one (1680x1050)-I'm almost sure that its not the problem. I've tried turning off my anti-virus and still the poor picture quality and playback remains. Besides shouldn't that pose minimal stress on a dual core processor?

johannes: how do you do that? I've tried using the 'prt sc' button method but when pasted into Paint, it doesn't show the DVD image.

But thanks for repsonding anyway, keep it up

 

That's a common problem, i think it has something to do with video overlay but i'm not sure. The easiest way to get some screenshots is to watch the DVD with for example Media Player Classic or BSPlayer and then use their snapshot-ability to generate some jpegs. You can download both players here: http://www.filehippo.com/software/multimedia/

Looking forward to your screenshots! ;-)

 

You can't use Prt Sc because of CSS copy protection embedded into the DVD that's supposed to stop piracy (Bloody DRM!) (Same reason you can't display on two screens at once sometimes.). Try the listed programs or right click the playing video window in WinDVD and look for a screen capture option or similar. Sometimes the program you're using can also play a role (PowerDVD does a better job on my system). IMHO video on matte LCD screens tends to look cruddy at times, so try connecting an external CRT and comparing to the LCD to see if it's the screen or not. Also, what AV setup are you comparing the nc8430 to (You can't expect it to outperform a dedicated home theater system)?

@MavXP, Thanks for the advice, I think the nc8430 will probably last the four year distance based upon the opinions I've read so far.
I may use a notebook for taking notes in lectures, but I don't want to look like the only egg doing it so thanks for that advice.
I'm doing a Computer Science/Software Development degree, so the nc8430 will most likely be used for assignments aswell as my own pursuits.
Portability isn't really a problem for me, as I carried the aforementioned ASUS L3500D around school and 2km to the bus every morning for about a year. It's a 15" model and is actually about 0.5kg heavier than the nc8430.
Space saving and also power saving are important for me, given the shoebox-sized room I'll likely be living in during the duration of the course, and the fact I'll also have to pay my own bills .
Smaller notebooks don't really have the same appeal due to them not having anywhere near the same performance.
Performance isn't a huge issue for me in the long term, but I do want the best I can get at the moment for an added element of future-proofing. I don't really know how many versions of Windows M$ is planning to release between now and the next four years, it could be anywhere from none to two or three; they've got me confused after the huge gap between XP and Vista .
This nc8430 really appeals to me, as it seems to be a very nice notebook .
I would hold-off on the purchase if I was able to, but I need a good computer while I'm there.

 

Hi Matt,

I just got my nc8430 a few days ago so I can't really comment on the longevity... however HP support in NZ is getting more and more familiar... so let me share with you what I've learned so far.

You have to push them. Even if they tell you that they will call you back the same day or the next business day they probably won't (I haven't waited the whole NBD so this may not be 100% true). Anyway if you want something to be done first you have to call them (otherwise they wouldn't know you have a problem, right? ;-) Well you can start an online case too, but I find that at least some minimal personal contact (even over the phone) can be good for my feelings... ). Initially they create a case with a case number - this you can follow online which I found so far very useful! Then after waiting for a few hours if nothing happens you call them again. And the next day again (This is where I realized that you have to push them...).

Meanwhile I made some pictures regarding my problem and attached these to my case online. They confirmed that they got it. After my last call finally they offered me either a refund or a replacement. I chose the replacement as I really like the unit except the few manufacturing errors. I was told that I would get an email and they are going to deliver the replacement unit in 8-10 business days. So I would say so far so good but I'm not totally calm yet. I will be after I got my replacement and everything is all right with it. Anyway the 8-10 BD sounds much better than the 2-3 months Asus quoted for your hinge replacement.

That's all for now, I'll let you know if and when I got the replacement.

BR,
Peter

 

bupe,
Out of curiosity, may I know what's the price like for the nc8430 in NZ and how much did you get it for. Thanks.

 

Have a look here (HP.co.nz) and here (PriceSpy.co.nz).

Thanks for the info bupe. If I decide to get the nc8430 I hope I won't have to contact customer support as often as you have. Good luck, I'm sure it will go well for you.

 

Thanks for helping out. Hmm I didn't know Media Player Classic could do that, but when I try to grab the screenshot it comes with the error 'GetCurrentImage failed, hr = 8000ffff'. This is during playback and when paused. I am comparing this to a crappy DVD recorder (that was free actually lol, its a Bush, for those of you who don't know then thats a really cheap make in the UK) and Samsung CRT 27' tv.

More help for a noob would be greatly appreciated

 

Download & install BSPlayer from the given link. If it doesn't work, grab a camera and shoot some pictures

 

Hi guys,

HP support sucks! Big time! I haven't received the e-mail they promised to send me yesterday so I called them again to see when to expect it - also there was no record of my phone conversation in the online support case info. So I called them again this morning and guess what - there is no record of my call from yesterday!!! I was told that whoever I spoke to left no trace of what we talked about (the replacement) and I was STUPID enough not to write down the reps name so they will try to find out what happened yesterday (sure...) but currently they cannot send me a replacement as according to their case tracking system they never even closed the case!!! STUPID ME! WHY ON EARTH HAVEN'T I WRITTEN DOWN THE NAME OF THE REP?!? ... anyway I was promised to be called back TODAY (yeah, sure...) about if a replacement is even an option at this stage... This time I did it by the book, I got the reps name and checked the online log - they logged this call (I had to do some corrections but I didn't call them again just submitted them online, at least that way there's a written evidence...). I am going to wait this time though I'm pretty sure they won't call me back... (they never called me back so far...) If that happens I'll call them tomorrow and demand the replacement. I really like this notebook so far (except of course the lid problem) I hope they won't make me too angry and I won't have to swap it for a Dell or a Thinkpad...

Conclusion: when you talk to HP on the phone ALWAYS WRITE DOWN THE REPS NAME!!!

BR,
Peter

 

Best Foot Foward, we are still waiting for your screenshots ;-)

Come on!

 

Well I hate to disappoint you johannes but nothing seems to be working at the moment. That BS (lol) player doesn't grab the screenshots and my digital camera is so crap its probably not worth it.

Edit: well here are some pretty poor quality pics. I've included a picture of my desktop so you have some kind basis to compare with.



Imageshack isn't working properly, I'll post the rest later

 

Gharr. You are right, those pictures are bad ;-)
I don't quite understand why BSPlayer and MPC both are not working, but here's another way: Download the PowerDVD Trial here , install it, play your favourite DVD and then click on the small camera to copy a desired frame to the clipboard. Good luck!

 

Hi everyone,

Yesterday I called HP again and finally got confirmation that I will get a replacement. I checked online and my case seems to be closed so I'm feeling somewhat better.

Meanwhile I got my 12-cell ultra capacity battery (model EJ092AA, HP NZ site). I made some comparison pictures with my digital camera, I'll post them later.

BR,
Peter

 

johannes: finally! Proper screenshots all thanks to you



Notice how everything seems quite fuzzy? Like I said earlier its comparable to watching a VHS cassette

 

Hmm, those pictures don't look good, especially the last one. It could be because of the mixed-up ratio, but i'm not sure. I made some screens myself (on my girlfriends notebook, which is a no-name european model [my NC8430 has been ordered, i will get it soon :-D ]). You will notice the big difference between the screenshots, which is solely a difference between DVD software used (Media Player Classic / PowerDVD / WinDVD). I just wanted to point out that you could experience "bad video" because of a "bad player". All three players were used at stock settings, decide for yourself which is the best.

Media Player Classic:

PowerDVD:

WinDVD:

 

Why is this post so long??? The HP NC8430 is just another HP notebook of many...

 

Because it's popular? It's like everyone in the US having one of it. Unfortunately, it's too expensive outside the states.

 

Yea, but you don't find too many business notebooks with near-ThinkPad keyboard quality, a decent GPU for a 15.4", business support, and a really thin-n-light chassis too often .

 

Not me! I like what I have just fine.

 

Hi everyone,

I attached the pictures I promised earlier (12 cell ultra capacity battery for HP NC series). So far I'm very happy that I got one. Of course it adds some extra weight and I'm a bit disappointed that it sticks out a bit (judging from the dimensions of the battery pack they could've made it sit under the notebook but then it would probably lift it too high). Otherwise the extra long battery life is great, I haven't done any measurements yet but it lasts much longer than with just the 8-cell.

If you need higher resolution or different angle pictures just let me know.

BR,
Peter

ps: thanks night_2004

 

Please let us know how long that battery lasts...if you ever manage to drain it all .

 

bupe,
Did you actually spend $3000+ on this laptop, plus all the add-ons (assuming you purchase everything from HP)? You have my respect (and envy too)

 

So does anyone have any suggestions as to why my DVD playback is so rubbish and how to fix it?