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    *HP dv8 Owners Lounge*

    Discussion in 'HP' started by rageman, Oct 19, 2009.

  1. dwjp90

    dwjp90 Notebook Consultant

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    The dv8 uses raid?
     
    dwjp90, Nov 5, 2009
    #301
  2. dwjp90

    dwjp90 Notebook Consultant

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    Use Sun virtualbox to run an xp os (virtually)
     
    dwjp90, Nov 5, 2009
    #302
  3. saturn95

    saturn95 Newbie

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    I had a Brain Fart along with two six packs....sorry

    Me Dumb
     
    saturn95, Nov 6, 2009
    #303
  4. justace

    justace Newbie

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    I did a clean install and put on windows 7 ultimate but it is not going as smoothly as I had hoped. I downloaded all of the drivers from the HP website but I can't locate the fingerprint reader software (I have the driver for it installed though). Also, when I try and use the bass/treb controls it shows up messed up on the screen.

    I am strongly considering just putting back on my original installation, how did you guys get it to work so fluidly with a clean install?
     
    justace, Nov 6, 2009
    #304
  5. oceaneez

    oceaneez Notebook Geek

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    Ragman,

    Can we do install the backlite on the dv8? Is there a specific model number or is it generic?

    Do you know where can I get the backlite other than EBAY if it is no longer available there?

    Thanks,

    Larry (ocean
     
    oceaneez, Nov 6, 2009
    #305
  6. bww

    bww Notebook Enthusiast

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    To be honest I have been going back and forth between the DV7 and DV8 and when I read that a user with the new system cannot run WEI it concerned me and I wanted to make sure that it wasn't a problem. I am ordering this system for my wife and want it to just work.
     
    bww, Nov 6, 2009
    #306
  7. stylekyle

    stylekyle Notebook Geek

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    there is a ton of them on ebay... do a search for hdx 18t keyboard
     
    stylekyle, Nov 6, 2009
    #307
  8. oceaneez

    oceaneez Notebook Geek

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    Thank you Kyle,

    I will do that today.

    Larry (Ocean)
     
    oceaneez, Nov 6, 2009
    #308
  9. oceaneez

    oceaneez Notebook Geek

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    I am curious if free download sites like limewire (music), hulu (movies), and others are safe. Have many of you had bad experiences with them?

    Is streaming a safe thing to do?

    Larry
     
    oceaneez, Nov 6, 2009
    #309
  10. defaultname

    defaultname Notebook Consultant

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    Safe as a condom. However, when talking about IT security in general, ones safety always depends on ones knowledge and cautiousness as opposed to ignorance and lame recklessness.
     
    defaultname, Nov 6, 2009
    #310
  11. oceaneez

    oceaneez Notebook Geek

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    Thank you very much. I was curious about those sites. It would be nice to stream some movies. What do you recommend for teh best and safest site for music downloads?

    Thanks for the help,

    Larry (Ocean)
     
    oceaneez, Nov 6, 2009
    #311
  12. oceaneez

    oceaneez Notebook Geek

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    Kyle,
    I am on the site (ebay) where you recommended to get the backlit for the HDX 18T keyboard. Do we need to buy the entire keyboard or just the backlit? I see a lot of HDX 18T keyboards, but not any with backlit.

    Larry (Ocean)
     
    oceaneez, Nov 6, 2009
    #312
  13. halon

    halon Notebook Geek

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    i haven't used limewire or any program similar to limewire in years. i'm almost positive those sites ruined 2 of my computers.
     
    halon, Nov 6, 2009
    #313
  14. oceaneez

    oceaneez Notebook Geek

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    I had researched them some are said to be safe and others not so safe. Default said they were safe if you were prudent about the way you used them.
    I simply do not want anymore viruses. They are a bad experience if you have ever had them.

    Larry
     
    oceaneez, Nov 6, 2009
    #314
  15. stefanp67

    stefanp67 Notebook Consultant

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    Has anyone tried 3dmark06 on their dv8's with i7 and GT230M yet?

    My dv7 with P7350 and HD4650 got:

    SM2: 2346
    SM3: 2979
    CPU: 1821
    Total: 6225
     
    stefanp67, Nov 6, 2009
    #315
  16. stylekyle

    stylekyle Notebook Geek

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    http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=hp...ptops_Nov05&_odkw=hp+hdx+backlit+18&_osacat=0

    They are all in one solutions. the new key board keys are necessary for the letters to be transparent.
     
    stylekyle, Nov 6, 2009
    #316
  17. stylekyle

    stylekyle Notebook Geek

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    i agree. i had the same issue. i've since abandoned those sites.
     
    stylekyle, Nov 6, 2009
    #317
  18. oceaneez

    oceaneez Notebook Geek

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    Wow! I am shocked! I was on the ebay site and saw some good deals on HDX 18T AND 16T comuters. Just for fun I typed in dv8t, and would be you believe it, about 15 poped up. You can actually buy one cheaper on Ebay than from HP!

    I thad to go through more trouble than I wish or have time to explain here just to get this computer. I was almost tempted to retrun mine and order one form Ebay.

    I live in Puerto Rico and I had to ship to a friend in Florida and then spend an extra $100 to ship it to my address in PR.

    It really pays to search the web for deals. I found many sites where they offer coupons such as those mentioned in earlier posts.

    I am going to keep mine, but I will never buy one again from HP directly. There are too many deals out there.

    Larry (Ocean)
     
    oceaneez, Nov 6, 2009
    #318
  19. Laughing Laura

    Laughing Laura Notebook Guru

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    Hulu is a whole different thing than file sharing sites. Hulu is totally legit. They legally acquire the content and make their money through the ads you watch.

    It has accounts -- which are free -- with some cool features.

    The ads are annoying (makes me love the mute button I set up on my mouse!), but I don't worry about viruses or other security problems with hulu.
     
    Laughing Laura, Nov 6, 2009
    #319
  20. oceaneez

    oceaneez Notebook Geek

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    Thank you Laura,

    I had heard that about HULU.

    Larry (Ocean)
     
    oceaneez, Nov 6, 2009
    #320
  21. oceaneez

    oceaneez Notebook Geek

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    Laura,

    Do you use HULU very much? Can to record or copy any movies? Do they have music?

    Larry (Ocean)
     
    oceaneez, Nov 6, 2009
    #321
  22. rageman

    rageman Notebook Deity

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    Now be aware that I'm not 100% positive that they keyboard will be compatable w/ the dv8. But for $32 if you can afford it, I'd go for it.

    The dv8 and hdx18 look exactly the same. Maybe if somebody can find the maintance and service guide for the dv8 that would give us more info.

    Here is some good info. on changing out the keyboard.
     
    rageman, Nov 6, 2009
    #322
  23. Laughing Laura

    Laughing Laura Notebook Guru

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    I use Hulu to watch a few cable shows, like awesome Sons of Anarchy.

    Hulu's movie selection looks very lame. They don't have music. No downloads.

    Streaming TV looks GORGEOUS on the HDX18/dv8 screen!
     
    Laughing Laura, Nov 6, 2009
    #323
  24. oceaneez

    oceaneez Notebook Geek

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    Ragman,

    I just called HP parts department and asked if the HDX 18T backlit keyboard is interchaneable with the dv8t. They said yes it they are both interchangeable and their price is $76 plus shipping. Your idea about buying it mEbay was great. We can have the backlit key board and save a lot of money..

    Thank you for that suggestion.
    Larry (Ocean)
     
    oceaneez, Nov 6, 2009
    #324
  25. rageman

    rageman Notebook Deity

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    Good to know. I figured that much. The dv8 and HDX18 are pretty much the same except the processor and GPU. The body style, keys, mediasmart, screen, everything else seems to be the same.

    Good news for everybody!! So anybody wanting the backlit keyboard can go w/ the HDX18's backlit keyboard off eBay!
     
    rageman, Nov 6, 2009
    #325
  26. srothroc

    srothroc Notebook Enthusiast

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    Why is everyone so eager to get the backlit keyboard? It seems like it would be more of a nuisance than anything with the glass screen.
     
    srothroc, Nov 6, 2009
    #326
  27. oceaneez

    oceaneez Notebook Geek

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    That is a good question. When you are working at night and someone in the room does not want the light on, you can work without disturbing anyone and see very well.
     
    oceaneez, Nov 6, 2009
    #327
  28. oceaneez

    oceaneez Notebook Geek

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    The person I spoke with at HP (the parts person) said that the chassis is the same for both computers. They are the same unit just changed the name and appearance of the case slightly.
     
    oceaneez, Nov 6, 2009
    #328
  29. srothroc

    srothroc Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yes, except the screen will be covered in the light from your keyboard...

    I just touch-type, myself... or if I need to a key for some reason, the screen provides more than enough light.

    To each his own, though.
     
    srothroc, Nov 6, 2009
    #329
  30. rageman

    rageman Notebook Deity

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    No it won't. I have one. It's not as bright as you might think.

    For sure not bright enough to bounce light off the screen.

    ----------------
    Now playing: Orgy - Blue Monday
    via FoxyTunes
     
    rageman, Nov 6, 2009
    #330
  31. srothroc

    srothroc Notebook Enthusiast

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    Does anyone know if they released the HDX18 or a model with a compatible keyboard in Japan? I'd like to, if possible, get a Japanese keyboard and switch it in on my DV8T...
     
    srothroc, Nov 6, 2009
    #331
  32. oceaneez

    oceaneez Notebook Geek

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    Read the previous messages about the keyboard. You can buy a nice one on EBay. Ragman bought one there says it works nicely. They are (the dv8t and the HDX 18T) compatible according to the parts person at HP.

    Larry (Ocean)
     
    oceaneez, Nov 6, 2009
    #332
  33. srothroc

    srothroc Notebook Enthusiast

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    There are no previous messages about a Japanese keyboard.

    That's why I'm asking if the HDX18T or another model with a compatible keyboard was released in Japan. I want to get a Japanese keyboard to replace the standard American one that comes with the laptop. The ones on eBay would be, of course, American.
     
    srothroc, Nov 7, 2009
    #333
  34. defaultname

    defaultname Notebook Consultant

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    Ok I have a very serious question here. Why there is no 2nd HDD in the boot options? I'm starting to get a very bad feeling here.
     
    defaultname, Nov 7, 2009
    #334
  35. rageman

    rageman Notebook Deity

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    Well according to the maintaince and service guide, the HDX18 does have a Japanese keyboard option. Where you would buy that, I'm not sure. Maybe call HP on it.
     
    rageman, Nov 7, 2009
    #335
  36. rageman

    rageman Notebook Deity

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    You sure you have 2 HDD's? People were saying earlier that even though they ordered their dv8 w/ 2 HDD's it really cam w/ one. So instead of 2 250's for example they got one 500.
     
    rageman, Nov 7, 2009
    #336
  37. defaultname

    defaultname Notebook Consultant

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    Well, unless Device Manager is lying I'm pretty damn sure there is a second HDD. Can it be possible that BIOS doesn't support second HDD booting? How come it supports USB booting then?
     
    defaultname, Nov 7, 2009
    #337
  38. dwjp90

    dwjp90 Notebook Consultant

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    It supports it, what are you trying to boot?
     
    dwjp90, Nov 8, 2009
    #338
  39. dwjp90

    dwjp90 Notebook Consultant

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    oh oh oh, laptops are getting some new options (idk what laptops though)
    i cant access the laptops pages
     
    dwjp90, Nov 8, 2009
    #339
  40. defaultname

    defaultname Notebook Consultant

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    It doesn't matter what I'm trying to boot, the HDD can be blank by default. What matters is that it doesn't show in boot list in BIOS. And that is a HUGE problem.
     
    defaultname, Nov 8, 2009
    #340
  41. dwjp90

    dwjp90 Notebook Consultant

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    Lol, it wont boot to the HDD unless theres something to boot on there. The Hdd booting depends on the Windows Boot manager (or grub ect). If you install linux to the 2nd hdd you need to add a boot entry to boot from it. My dv9000 is the same way, if i want to boot just from the 2nd hdd, i need to add a boot option or remove the 1st hdd.

    I use this for adding entries to the windows bootloader.
    http://neosmart.net/dl.php?id=1
     
    dwjp90, Nov 8, 2009
    #341
  42. defaultname

    defaultname Notebook Consultant

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    You're still missing my point. DVD-ROM is in boot options no matter if there's even a disk in the tray, isn't it?. BIOS does not check if there actually is MBR in HDD, it only enables you to change the boot sequence. That is, normally it should look something like this:

    1. Primary HDD
    2. Secondary HDD
    3. DVD-ROM
    4. USB HDD (if present)
    5. Network drive (or something)

    However, in dv8's BIOS boot list second HDD is painfully missing. I need it, because I don't like to put more than one OS in one MBR. To me it's one OS - one MBR - one HDD.
     
    defaultname, Nov 8, 2009
    #342
  43. asuhoru

    asuhoru Notebook Consultant

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    I've been eyeballing this thread for awhile now and have interest in the dv8t. I own a HDX Dragon and love the quality of my beast.

    Anyway, any of you have an opinion on the Bluray burner if you did select it in your purchase?

    Aloha
     
    asuhoru, Nov 9, 2009
    #343
  44. wolfskinbjc

    wolfskinbjc Notebook Geek

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    asuhoru,
    I too had a dragon before and sold it for the dv8. It was worth it. I have the bluray burner, but yet to burn a bluray.
     
    wolfskinbjc, Nov 9, 2009
    #344
  45. dwjp90

    dwjp90 Notebook Consultant

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    What computers have you owned that did that?

    Ive never had a computer that had the HDDs in the boot to menu. I did a quick google search and cant find any that do.
     
    dwjp90, Nov 9, 2009
    #345
  46. GuyScharf

    GuyScharf Notebook Geek

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    That's typical for a boot selection menu. For example, on my desktop with Asus P5W DH Deluxe motherboard and AMI BIOS, the popup boot select menu shows four hard drives in addition to USB and CD/DVD drives.

    I don't (yet) have a dv8t so don't know what it's boot select menu looks like.
     
    GuyScharf, Nov 9, 2009
    #346
  47. dwjp90

    dwjp90 Notebook Consultant

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    Interesting, ive played with dells, alienwares, hp, compaq, acer, asus, gateway, ect and haven't ever seen them list multiple HDDS in a boot menu
     
    dwjp90, Nov 9, 2009
    #347
  48. defaultname

    defaultname Notebook Consultant

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    Man, 15 years old desktop shows all HDD's in BOOT menu, I never had a laptop with 2 HDD's, but I didn't think it would be any different. So I'm still waiting for other dv8 owners to comment on this issue.
     
    defaultname, Nov 9, 2009
    #348
  49. LateralusRok

    LateralusRok Notebook Enthusiast

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    Ive been in the market for a new laptop for a while i currently have a dv6000 from about 3-4 years ago. I have been leaning twords a dell xps 1645 but it looks like they got some shipping/customer service problems and the price is a little high. I saw that HP was offering quite a deal here but i have some questions before i decide to go with HP. Any help would be great thanks!


    How do the harddrives performance differ. (dells 128 ssd and hps 320GB 7200RPM SATA Hard)

    what speed is the ddr3 memory? (i think dells is 1333 what is hps and will i see a diff?)

    how do the video cards compare? dells ATI Mobility RADEON® HD 4670 – 1GB to hps 1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 230M

    is this display led lit? and hows it compare to dells rgb led?

    Are the internal tv tuner and finger print scanner worth the extra? do they work well? and is the tv tuner really internal or just a card insert?



    Thanks again for any information.
     
    LateralusRok, Nov 9, 2009
    #349
  50. Krazy-E

    Krazy-E Notebook Enthusiast

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    The fingerprint reader works better than most I've tried so far and the included Digital Persona software is very nice too. Very nice addition, I am glad I have it.
     
    Krazy-E, Nov 9, 2009
    #350
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