HP NC8430 review

http://forums1.itrc.hp.com/service/forums/bizsupport/questionanswer.do?threadId=1041766

 

Yeah mine doesn't work.

Of course there's a huge difference between watching movies on a TV and a computer. The TV is a better monitor and sound system.

On the nc8430 it depends on 2 factors:
software and hardware.

Use VLC Player or Media Player Classic to view the DVDs (they go around region encryption and are nicely optimised for performance and look)

I don't notice any resolution drop, no, infact I can see all the pixels and detail from DVDs as well as I can 480p or 720p movie High definition trailers from apple.com.

What it comes down to is if the software is decoding it right and if the monitor is able to display to your tastes? I have the 1280x800 standard matte screen. This isn't the best screen though, You can get the WXSGA glossy screens that have better contrast ratios and viewing angles and deeper blacks better for viewing movies...

 

To answer the light sensor question: Mine does work. I can have it in light then hold my finger over it and it will dim. However in bright light it still does not reach full screen brightness so I always disable mine (fn + f11 keys).

Now on to the new thoughts ; )

Has anyone replaced one of these (core duo) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819111178
with any of these (core 2 duo)? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819111300
or any of the new Core 2 Duo processors in general? Notice any performance differences? Any heat differences? Battery life differences?

 

It sounds like ATI's PowerPlay is working against you here. Go to the PowerPlay settings page in the ATI Catalyst Control Center and check your power profiles. It is very likely that you are running at a higher setting on AC (probably max) but running at medium or min when on battery.

 

It may not work if you have a Logitech keyboard/mouse that installs SetPoint.
If this latter runs on your machine, then the light sensor won't work at all.

Steve

 

That explains why it suddenly started working again when I decided I didn't need the Logitech software!

 

I've had the NC8430 for a while now and while I like it a lot there are a few things that I've noticed that could be better.

I just upgraded to the latest BIOS and now when I close my computer and take it to work and open it up again I have a blackscreen. So far the only solution I've found to this is to reboot.

Also, I've noticed that when I close it and carry it in my laptop bag while still on, when I take it out of the laptop bag it's very hot. It never gets this hot while I'm using it so I'm not sure why this is happening.

Anybody have any thoughts?

Something else that's a little dissapointing is that the graphics card (while very good) is integrated. I confirmed this with HP. Even though the ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 is usually a PCI Express card in the case of the NC8430 it's integrated. This means that the NC8430 graphics card can't be upgraded eventually to a card that will support Direct X10. Bummer.

 

@MikeDavidson
Try hitting Fn+F4 in those situations, as far as I can tell sometimes the laptop decides it should turn off it's internal display and use an external one.

You mean it gets hot when all you do is close the lid and put it in a bag? No sleep or hibernation? If so, that's completely understandable, there's nowhere for the heat to go. Normally when the laptop is on your desk the fan blows hot air out into the room where the heat disapates. In your bag it can't do that.

Now, if it's getting hot while in standby or hibernating, then you have a much bigger problem.

Regarding the x1600 being 'integrated' that's really the case for all laptops. It's a very rare laptop that can be upgraded, and usually it's just to one other model graphics card (for example I could buy a 9800 graphics card for my dell, but that's the only option and that's totally not worth the $400+ it would cost to get one).

If you want a DX10 capable laptop, you're basically going to have to wait for mobile x2_00 series from ATI or 8_00 series cards from Nvidia and then buy a new laptop. Unfortunately, that's just how it works in the laptop business.

 

The logitech software also over-writes any modifications you make to the trackpad/stick settings. So if you turn up the pointer speed, it'll get set to what Logitech wants every time your reboot... which for me is way too low.

 

I just did the swap and posted a new thread before I saw your reply in this thread. It DOES work. Just update the BIOS to the latest and then the whole swap took about 15 minutes. Performance difference is not great, but I was going from 2.0GHz to 2.33GHz, so nothing super. Memory and HDD upgrades were more noticable.

The fan seems to spin up less. But I also used Arctic Silver 5 as the thermal grease and used the right amount (HP globbed it on from the factory - and I mean a lot of grease) so that might have helped. Plus Core 2's are supposed to run cooler.

Battery life? Don't know. I hardly run on battery power, and if I do it's only for an hour or so. I'm sure it's not worst, but whether or not it's better, I won't probably find out.

 

Thanks for the response.

I'll make sure it's in hibernation when I close the lid from now on.

Mike

 

Just to explain the difference between Sleep and Hibernation:

When you press Fn+F3 your laptop will enter "sleep" (unless you've changed power settings in the control panel) which saves procesor state to RAM and then puts the system into low-power mode. This mode resumes very quickly (on the order of seconds). It's power use is much lower than while the computer is running, even when idle.

Hibernating saves RAM and processor state to the hard-drive and basically shuts the computer down completely. Power use is zero (I'm not quite positive on this one) while hibernating and it resumes only slighter faster than booting up, but it does remember what your desktop was running (browser windows etc).

Windows, by default, will automatically go from sleep -> hibernate after sleeping for about 15ish minutes to save battery life and protect your data.

 

Hi EveryBody,

from last couple of months i am thinking to take laptop to replace my old broken Toshiba A75(with which I
had terrible experience for the past 2 years).

I saw this forum very help to learn good and bad about different makes and models.
The configuration I had in my view is
core 2 duo 2.0gz T7200, 1 GB RAM, atleast 100 GB, dedicated graphics card(usefull when i want to relax
playing gamin and also if i want to upgrade Vista), bluetooth(i regulary use headset for voice chat) ofcourse with adequate ports like
s-video,car reader,usb..I am not particular about 14 or 15 inches. both are fine for me becuase i mainly for
surfing and doing my job(programming Java/j2EE running weblogic servers locally). And my budget is $1500 and
at the max a $100 more.

Personally i don't like Dell(but latitudes seems good but even then cost more than $1500)
so when i narrow down I got few options

Thinkpad T60
HP nc6400/nc 8430
Asus a8j series

of all NC8430 looked interesting to me. fits all my requirements. Though I want to known about the heating
issues, battery life etc.

I saw a good price in NewEgg.com but the warranty for parts and labour shown on neweggs website is only 1 year
which differs for the HP website where it is shown as 3 years labour parts. The price difference is about $70+tax
Is it good to buy from NewEgg site. will it differs with the warranty shown at HP website.

Please suggest. I need a laptop soon. Thanks in advance

 

read **** topic

 

Hi Everyone,

Does anyone know if 1 or 2 RAM modules are used to achieve the standard 1GB RAM included on the EY689AA#ABA? I hope just 1 module so that I can easily upgrade to 2GB without having to simply throw away two 512 modules.

Thanks!


*EDIT*
Found the answer in the following PDF:
http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/12442_na/12442_na.PDF
*EDIT*

 

As far as I know, mine came with 1Gb on board and an empty memory bay for additional Ram.
I got one extra 1Gb memory to plug into this bay in order to get 2Gb total.
So you won't have (and won't be able) to trash existing memory before installing some more muscle to your laptop.
Steve

 

Hi all, just got a HP nc8430. Nice laptop, well built.

Two questions: Anyone have dead pixels? I found one on mine.

Anyone have tips for optimizing this laptop to play games? Any ATI tips?

 

Dead Pixel: I had a few show up, but HP replaced the screen. Call them...since it is a brand new laptop they should (at least I think they should) replace the screen at your request.

Optimizing...yes, install ATI's drivers and not HPs.

 

Since it's just one pixel I'll live with it.

I did install the latest ATI drivers. Are the default settings fine generally?

 

anyone knows where can I find .inf files for sata controller, so I can implement them in winxp cd and install the **** system like I want, not like HP wants...
I have nc8430 with core2duo 2.0 ghz

 

There's a thread on the HP forums how to do this, and the guy there has posted a zip file with the needed drivers.

It entails booting setting the bios to non-native sata mode.
Then updating the driver using the files in the xip-file.
Re-booting, changing the bios to sata to native, and rebooting again.

 

What version of Vista can we run on these laptops? 32-bit and 64-bit?

 

64 bit if you have the core 2 duo processor.
Otherwise it's 32 bit.

 

Desperately need help.

Had my nc8430 since November and it's a mess. I sent it in once for repairs and it was only partially fixed. Now another problem has appeared. I'm back to using my 5 year old Dell Inspiron because I'm afraid to rely on the HP.

1. I use the pointstick and it's stiff. Would appreciate knowing if this is just me and my machine, or if this is standard. Early on, it got so stiff that I had to brace my hand and push hard on the side of the eraserhead to move it. Since the repair it is better. (HP did NOT replace the keyboard.) Sometimes it's fine. But during the course of the day it gets stiffer, then better, then stiffer again. Do others have the same experience? In the past 6 years I've had a Thinkpad and a Dell Inspiron, so I know what to expect from a pointstick. The Dell had a regular problem of the pointstick getting stuck and moving the cursor across the entire screen on its own. But, if you let it alone for 30 seconds, things would go back to normal. With the HP, it becomes physically painful to use the pointstick at times. (And sometimes the cursor moves a little on its own after I take my finger off the pointstick.)

2. Before the repair, the pointstick got so bad at times I resorted to the touchpad. The left touchpad button does not work 20% of the time. I asked them to repair it when I sent it in. But, in the first 30 seconds of testing when I got it back, I found that it hadn't been fixed.

3. Since I got it back, I noticed that the plastic just below the screen has bowed out on the left side.

Obviously I need to send it back in for the second time in a month to fix the touchpad button and the bowing plastic. Before I send it in, it would be great to know what "normal" is for the pointstick so I can determine if I have defective hardware and should demand a new keyboard. I haven't found any postings in this forum about this problem, so I'm guessing it's just my computer. (My wife got a new Dell Latitude at work and the slightest movement of the pointstick sends the cursor racing across the screen. It's almost too loose. Also, before purchasing the nc8430, I tried a different HP model at MicroCenter and the pointstick was very responsive.)

For pointstick users, please let me know what your experience is.

Thanks.

 

I received my NC8430 RH471EA yesterday (with the basic docking station). It is a nice machine, but I have some remarks.

Quick specs:
- T7200
- 1GB ram (will upgrade later to 2 GB)
- X1600
- 1680 x 1050 WSXGA+ WVA
- Fingerprint reader (unexpected welcome surprise, because it was marked optional on the website)

Things I noticed and surprised me negatively (al lot of things surprised me positively to, so don't think I don't like what I have):
- Screen (frame) is much more flexible than I thought it would be. I always thought this was a sturdy screenframe, but it is less sturdy than I thought it would be! You can flex it on top and see ripples on the screen... a bit of a disappointment for 2200 euro's of premium hardware.
- one dead pixel (not that bad, I just hope it stays that way)
- DVD/CD reader/writer vibrates a lot.. my hole normally very firm desk becomes a massage bench of some sort! Is this normal (I have this with al types of media)? I'm afraid all that shaking may hurt the internal harddrive...
- I found a piece of plastic sticking out of the keyboard (probably a small protection plastic piece from the finger print reader that got lost)
- My right upper corner (laptop open) is 'flappy', it can be pressed because there is a very small gap (<1mm). But that does not worry me.

Now I have to go, later I will recheck my spelling and maybe at some pictures.

 

I have just bought a NC8430 and im just wondering over a few things.. Isent there any software included to control power management?

Another thing is my cpu and ram speed... I have downloaded CPU-Z to see these states and my CPU speed says only 997,5Mhz (I have 2,00ghz processer) and my ram says PC2-5300 (333 Mhz), wasent this supposed to be 667 Mhz??

I hope you can answer my questions..

Best regards

 

There's no power management software from HP. You can use 3rd party apps such as NHC for power management.

The CPU has a SpeedStep mode, so it clocks dynamically to its demands.
DDR RAM means double data rate, so 667 means 2 x 333 MHz, hence it'll show 333MHz under CPU-Z.

 

Ok thanks for the fast reply, i have tried NHC but when i set it to maximun performance it still shows only 997,5 Mhz i CPU-Z?? NHC is also dynamically showing 997,5 and 2,00Ghz, isent it possible to have it at 2,00Ghz all the time??

 

The only time you want it at 2 ghz all the time is when you are encoding video or playing video games. You don't need it at 2 ghz just for surfing the web.

 

i know but isent it possible to set it at 2,0 ghz??

 

You can try using RMClock to throttle the CPU at its max. Kinda defeats the purpose because making a mobile processor run at that speed all the time will result in extremely high temperatures which may cause premature component failure because the space is very confined in a notebook.

 

nc8430 user there...
i have some question b4 ordering this lappy.

-are u guys satisfied with this one...other than heating n noise?

-i am planning to run it with Vista, are those software or driver included in the laptop will work fine with it?

-any model of laptop with similar spec to suggest?

-will this laptop last me for at least 3 year...it is important to me.

Help is greatly appreciated. Thanks all.

 

I've had this laptop for a little over 3 weeks now and I can hardly hear the fan, it doesn't get hot, even when I'm playing Half Life 2. This laptop should last for 3 years or more, it all depends on how you look after it.

 

The only other complaints I have about this laptop (nc8430 RB554ut) is that

- The screen cover surface can be scratched easily (make sure to use a carrying case or sleeve)
- The screen viewing angle aern't the best (but still not bad for a non-glossy screen) (I've got the WSXGA+)
- The kensington lock slot is wayyy too near to the ethernet cable port

In terms of heat and noise, I've been able to bring it down to a very reasonable level by using NHC to change the fan setpoints and dial down the GPU frequencies. Only while playing games or doing other graphics/cpu intensive tasks does the sound really get noticed.

I was also considering
- IBM T60 (both widescreen and non widescreen)
- Dell lattitude D820 or D620, Precision M65

I'm not sure how pricing is where you are (I'm in Canada), but for me, the nc8430 was by far the cheapest for the specifications I wanted.

Jeff

 

I'd appreciate any quick comments about the performance of the pointstick.

1. Does the pointstick move pretty easily, or is it stiff and hard to move some or all of the time.

2. Does the sensitivity keep changing as you use it, or is the sensitivity pretty consistent.

3. Does the cursor sometimes keep moving after you remove your finger from the pointstick?

Thanks.

 

Which is a good DVD burner upgrade for this notebook.

 

1) I'd call it fairly stiff, compared to Dell Lattitude C610 (the only other system I'ver used with a stick).

2) Seems pretty consistent to me. Only problem I've had there was a conflict with Logitech's mouse drivers (it would reset acceleration on each reboot).

3) Never.

 

Very satisfied -- I would have prefered a NVidia video card over ATI (better Linux support) but beyond that I'd grab this one again in a heartbeat.

The system comes with a 3 year warranty standard (at least in the US). So you should be covered even if there is a problem.

 

celondil -

Thanks for the pointstick info. That's a big help. Anyone else?

 

is this laptop reliable for college student usage?
is the look too old?
when did this notebook first announced?

 

After some weeks, I think I'll have to return this laptop for support. The CD/DVD drive won't work anymore.
An other (not that important) problem is the imprint from the two rubbers on the bottom of the keyboard in the screen (it can be wiped off, but I don't think at long term this is healthy for the screen).

 

Its a business class laptops, so looking stylish is ussually not a priority. For example, a thinkpad from the late '90s is still recognizable as such at a glance. Business classes tend to be about function over form (although that is a bit subjective -- some people thing Window Mods on desktop are cool...).

As for reliability, definitely not an issue.

Performance is about as good as you can ask for without going up to a larger 17" LCD model.

 

Hi everyone!

Does anybody know if nc8430's 3/3/0 warranty is international or not?

 

It depends where you bought it from. Check it out at:
http://www2.itrc.hp.com/service/ewarranty/warrantyInput.do

Some 3/3/0 warranty for business notebooks have regional warranty only, which is still "international" by HP's definition, unless it states explicitly "Global Coverage".

 

I live in California and will be purchasing a nc8430 before I get deployed to iraq. Where is the best place to purchase the nc8430 online? I am looking for the best deal and hoping to avoid the California tax if at all possible. (I am in the US Air Force and already pay state taxes to another state)

Thanks

 

Oh the other question I have is ...what the is the memory configuration for the 1 GB of ram that comes with the RB554UT#ABA model? I hear that its 2x 512mb modules but I would like to confirm this. I have not gotten an answer back from HP regarding this issue.

Thanks

 

$1458.99 after $100 mail in rebate, no tax, free shipping.

http://www.costcentral.com/proddetail/HP_Compaq_Business_Notebook_nc8430/RB554UTABA/K76829/

The specs:

Smart Buy Promotion Model**
nc8430
RB554UT#ABA (English)
RB554UT#ABC (Fr CAN)
Processor Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7200 (2.0-GHz, 667-MHz FSB, 4-MB L2
cache)*
Operating System Genuine Windows XP Professional
System Memory 1024 MB 667-MHz DDR2 (2 DIMMs)
Hard Drive 100-GB 5400 rpm SATA
Display 15.4-inch WSXGA+ wide viewing angle display
Graphics ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 graphics controller with 256 MB of discrete
video memory
Audio ADI High Definition CODEC
line out/headphone and microphone jacks
integrated microphone
Communications 56K V.92 modem
Integrated Broadcom NetXtreme Gigabit Ethernet PCI Express Controller
(10/100/1000 NIC)
Integrated Wireless Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection
Bluetooth 2.0
Integrated Security TPM 1.2 Embedded Security Chip
HP Biometric Fingerprint Sensor
Smart Card Reader
Pointing Device Dual pointing devices (both Pointstick and Touchpad)
Optical Drive DVD+/-RW SuperMulti with Double Layer
Battery 8-cell (69 WHr) Lithium-Ion
Power External 90W AC adapter
Warranty 3/3/0

HTH, Regards, don

 

Thank you very much for the info. I ordered and it arrives in two days.

Now I just have to wait. And I hate waiting.

 

I just wanted to say thank you for the excellent review. It definately was the deciding factor in my purchase.

I just received my nc8430 a few hours ago and absolutely love it!! It meets or exceeds all my expectations. I can't believe how nice the screen is or how well made the laptop appears to be. Quality is top notch.

The only thing I have noticed at all is a bit of flexing at the top right part of the keyboard. And that doesn't concern me at all, because I had the same thing happen on my Dell 9300 and it has lasted for quite a long time.

Well back to playing with my new toy.

 

Yes it comes with 2x512