HP NC8430 review

I see, so the X1600 alone set to max power makes the nc8430 so noisy, that it is noisier when docked compared to when alone, but on A/C?

In Windows, is there any possibility to turn ATI power down, while still using the external monitor?

 

I still wouldn't consider it noisy, but it does add heat, which would presumably trigger the higher RPM settings on the fan more often than needed.

Presumably, ATItool could set the clock lower on a Windows system.

 

Thanks, the ATItool is included in standard windows driver or is it some additional/3rd party tool?

 

Haven't tried it, so YMMV:

http://www.techpowerup.com/atitool/

 

Does anyone have a faint noise coming from the matte screen when scrolling a web page?

 

tomwu thats odd, I can get my audio to work fine. I'm primarily having problems with my SD, SC, Finger Print, and I don't think its picking up my PCIMCIA either.
Looks like I have Version 6.0 (Build 5384.winmain_beta2.060518-1455)

Sorry can't give the exact error off the top of my head and I'm using my secondary system partition right now to fight with vista ;[

celondil as far as giving the option for additional drivers, yes. But it requires they be on a floppy drive in A:\ I do think it is a SATA driver problem.

Biznatch I'd hadn't thought to check and see if I could disable my SATA in bios, I'll have to look into that. As far as slipstreaming the drivers onto the install CD, do you just make a copy of the install CD with the drivers on it as well?

Thanks
Brian

 

No search google about it and "nlite".

And I know for a fact you can disable native sata suport and install windows without drivers since I have already done it.

The slipstream option was more for my desktop since windows did not like my nvidia raid controller. It also allows you to only install windows stuff you need. Nlite is very usefull.

 

I have just received my nc8430 and I have a question: should be the long connector for docking station located on the bottom covered or not? My old HP nx9005 had some rubber cover on the connector. The connector on this nc8430 is not covered, so I am worried that some dust can get there.

 

petrv: i know with the official drivers, driving an external monitors forces the x1600 to full clock speeds..yes with ati tool you could probably turn it down but there's probably a good reason you can't use it on low power status as it likely requires more power to drive the external than the laptop's lcd

 

Can anyone tell me where could I buy the EY688AA#ABA or EY689AA#ABA version of this notebook in Europe? Can't seem to find it anywhere, only US shops. I would really appreciate the help here!

 

I believe the European specs would not be the same as in North America and thus have different model numbers. For example, I heard they don't have the fingerprint scanner.

 

That's true, thats why I would like to buy it from somewhere where the fingerprint scanner is included. But how is the localication done? Am I able to use the laptop on my region (that is in Europe) or is there some workaround for this thing?

 

I have no idea but I will tell you that I am not too thrill with it mostly because I have no need for it. I am having trouble understanding how it works. I had it working once and for some reason it stopped. To be fair, I have little patience for this type of thing and since I am not connecting to any secure Windows domains, I really don't use it. I suppose this weekend I'll read the online help and give it another go.

Out of curiosity, do I need to use the HP software for this?

 

Where are you from? Isn't HP TopConfig available in your country? I've just received my nc8430 configured through the TopConfig and I could configure every part, just like Dell is offering. The price was also lower that fixed configurations, but it takes 3 weeks to produce and deliver.

 

Finland to be exact, and the top config is way more pricey even if you would just compile the same kind of notebook that doesn't have the fingerprint scanner. The price was about 500e more just for the custom built!

The build with T2500 without the scanner and 1GB mem and DVD multi is 2095e and with custom built it goes way over 2500e. So if I would be able to order it abroad and localice it properly it would be a great money saver.

 

hey guys I had my few weeks of fun (2 to be exact) with this laptop and now it's going on ebay (I really miss having a camera built in - love video chatting with the family). I am also selling the advanced docking station. Check the buy/sell/trade area.

 

They did not include a cover.

Considering a lot of laptop past and present just put the exposed connector on the back, I doubt this is a problem.

Does seem kind of 'wrong' though, doesn't it?

 

There you go existenz What model does he have?

 

Ok, I have one good picture. Sorry its big (1.3mb), and sorry its with a T30 not a T42, I didn't have any of those available in the office at the time. But the keys are the same size.
NC8430 keys vs T30 keys
After using both the T30/T42s and the NC8430 I will agree that the IBM keys are slightly smoother but the adjustment for me is easy. Also if you look at the picture you will see that the T's keys are actually a little taller and the NC's keys sit flatter to go with the inset of the keyboard.

Brian

Vista update - I think I'm going to format my play partition and try the XP Pro install again with the SATA bios drivers turned off. I'm sure I will attempt again as this was my second attempt with Vista.

 

Ah, my pet issue resurfaces. Nice pic, darkrealms. This gets a little anal, but some responders were talking about the size of individual keys (3/4", e.g.), when what really seems to matter is the distance across the whole KB. It does indeed look full-size. Thanks. I'm still interested in this model.........

 

Could someone tell me if the basic docking station is the SAME color as the NC8430? Also is it wide enough to fit a LCD screen on top of?

 

I ordered it on 21st August, Still waiting for it though as they keep revising the date.
Anyone else who has ordered and recieved from them let me know.

 

i was gna order one today :S. i need it before 16th sept, i rang them and they said they had plenty in stock. u shud give them a call.

 

Really? So they're not great believers in updating their website

 

Don't know about the color. They have a seperate stand for CRT to go above the monitor. Go the HP's site, find the product page for the nc8430 and click on the options/accessories link.

As for putting the LCD on top of the docking station, I'd say definitely no on the standard dock. The advanced one maybe because its deeper, but there is a large power button and dock release button on the top that eats up some of the space. I'd be too worried about tipping to attempt it. IMHO a better option would be to mount the LCD on an adjustable arm (if it has a VESA mount).

 

I think they say that when you order but when It comes to delivering the goods, They keep delaying.
Let me know if anyone actually gets one shipped from them as I would like to kick their A** if thats the case.

 

the latest url is http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/HP_Student_Bundle_3_Enhanced_BUN-STUDENT-HP3E/version.asp

they have uped the cpu to 1.83 Gig n downgraded the HDD to 80 gigs!

 

how do you find out they are delaying?

 

thats what they told me on phone, anyhow there phone support is really pathetic, so wont recommend anyone to order from them.

 

have you cancelled? why the **** are tehy shut today? the website says thier open 24/7 :S should i withdraw my order or what?

 

I think they only take orders 24X7 but their customer service is 10-5 mon-fri only!! I haven't cancelled as yet as the laptop with all the goodies is pretty cheap, so I wanna take a chance till next week.
Wiggi : When did you order? and have they taken the payement out from your accounts n whats the status of the order on thier webiste ? (Mine is waiting for stock to arrive)!!

 

i ordered it yesterday before 4pm, my status says waiting to process payment. :S im quite worried already, it shoudlnt be a problem because the guy told me they had a small nummber left but if i ordered yesterday i would be fine.

 

I think they dont have the stock as of now, hopefully they get it next week, Also I had to call them up last week as my status said waiting to process payement for 2-3 days, Then they told me they had problem with payement and needed me to call up my bank to authorize payement, anyhow I have seen the payement gone frm my account.
But then they said It would be delivered next week only instead of friday(1 sept). When have they promised to deliver to you?

 

no promise yet, they havnt taken the payment and i cant reach anyone on the phone because of office hours. what should i do? retrach my order? i cant afford to be messed around as i am moving away to university on the 16th september and need it before then.

 

I think best would to wait till next week, Hopefully they would deliver then.
Anyhow keep bugging them next week n keep posting abt the status here, I would do the same.
Hopefully once they are delivered we wont have to deal with them!!

 

times running out lol. when you say next week do you mean this monday coming?

 

wait till 5th/6th I would say!! Mine is not that time critical but point is money is gone from my account, so I want it asap.

 

yeah i know, i think i may have to cancell and go somewere else. this is not good, why cant things just be simple eh? ill wait until monday and phone them to see what they say. but if i wait until monday and then theyv taken the money from my card. how hard is it to gt back? and how long?

 

the main thing is the deal is too good to miss, its difficult to get something ard this price range with x1600 card.Let me know what they say to you on monday.
Anyhow u can call there sales line to find if stock is in or not and if they have lied or not.

 

is it not closed today? how hard is it to get your money back? i mean you cant even cancell your order online

 

I think getting money back should not be difficult as long as its not dispatched!!

 

if its dispatched id be happy to wait for it, its just if its not actually been sent and im still waiting in 2 weeks time ill be very unhappy. i want to take the lappy to uni with me on the 16th of sept but i dont want to be moving and leaving 800 quid behind going where the hells my laptop..AND MY MONEY llol

 

FAQ link has the timing n cancellation stuff:

http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/asp/faq.asp#opening

 

i thought laptopsdirect where like 'the' bets place to order from, im not making a deal of it as of yet because their services are closed today but i wonder why my order hasnt been processed, mayb the only send internet orders mon-friday too. i really want no hassle at all and a lappy as soon as possible, should i just hang in there till monday and see what they say?

 

I thought the same as well, My only problem is that they promise n then dont deliver , they should give a clear date.
Anyhow hopefully they deliver next week.

 

yeah lets see how it is by monday, ill ring them first thing then post what theyv told me, all being well itll be good news...i hope. its a great bundle and as far as i know their a great company so we should be ok. lets just rideo ut the weekend by getting drunk XD.

 

Lol , i 'll update on monday!!

 

awesome, cross ever part of yer freakin body dude! XD im like human origami at the minute lol

 

hiya ok after posting my question on here i decided to call them up and also had problems getting through, so i then emailed them and recieved a reply instantly telling me tht it would not be in stock until the 4th of september, but i could switched my order to the other model(80GB hard drive and 1.86ghz processor) and that would be dispatched next day. So i switched my order has the hard drive wasn't a big issue for me and recieved my laptop on thursday

 

how much more money did that cost? how much ram was in it?