I'm considering buying a HDX18t...

I am going to be a college student in a year, but I am getting my laptop now. I will be using whatever laptop I get for at least the next 5 years. I really like the HDX18t, but will it be too big for a college student? I like the 18.4 inch hd screen and all of the other features.

Also, some other questions for if I get the computer:

Should I get the Q9000 processor? Will the batter life be significantly longer and the computer much faster?

Should I get DDR3 RAM and the 1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 130M graphics card? I will probably not use it for gaming that much, but will the screen look better otherwise with the better graphics card?

How well does the HD TV tuner work, and is it worth getting?

Thanks for any answers

 

I have one, and I don't mind lugging it around. I love the screen, and I find the extra screen real estate to be useful. If I were in college, I would love to have an HDX18.

You probably wouldn't notice a speed difference with the Quad over the Duo. I got the fastest Quad in the hopes to "future proof" myself because I intend to keep this, like you, for 5 years.

The screen won't look any better with DDR3 RAM or the 1gb graphics card: it will look exactly the same. Many people don't feel that the performance increase is worth the extra cost. However, if you get DDR2, you can't get DDR3 later because the internals are different. I think you'd have to change the motherboard to use DDR3 (in fact, if I remember right, it might not be possible to make the necessary changes later).

For $37, I think that the TV tuner is worth it, and it works reasonably well. HD programs look great, and Windows Media Center gives you DVR functionality.

HP gives you 21 days to return the laptop if you don't like it, and Costco gives you 90 days. This would give you some time to determine if it's too big and heavy for your daily use.

If you'll be waiting a year to buy, though, things will have changed considerably by then with Windows 7, new processors, new products, etc.

 

Thanks for the reply. I am getting the laptop now, and I edited my first post to make this clear.

How long is the battery life with your quad core processor?

What would be the benefits of the better graphics card if it would not look better? Is this only for gaming?

 

Better GPU is only for gaming.

 

The HDX 18t is a desktop replacement, is big (huge) and heavy, if you plan to move a lot don't take this notebook, if you have to just move it once a week or so it's not really a problem.

The T9400 has more ghz is better for gaming, there isn't any game that use 4 cores atm so its better a cpu with more ghz. If you don't plan doning soem heavy game take the Q9000.

I'd say take the 130M anyway, it's still an entry level card, but should be better overall as performance, power req, heat, etc... The screen won't look better with a better videocard, just the games will look better cause you will be able to put higher settings.

The tuner is just average, but the quality/quantity of channels will mostly depend from your location.

 

Not only for gaming but also for Adobe Photoshop CS4.

 

I had to undergo the same questions as which you underwent in order to make my choice. My choice on it being the Q9000 was due to budgetary limitations plus it seemed that I got the laptop for a steal. Not really sure about it though but not regretting the investment either.

The Q9000 is quite fast nevertheless the only downfall being that it is 2.00ghz per core meaning that single core threaded application performance would not be on par lets say when it comes to a core having 2.53 or 2.66ghz. The Q9300 would seem like the performance choice but it is comparatively costly mind you.

The question of as to whether DDR2 or DDR3 should be used is quite a bit confusing too. But for future upgradeability and value sticking to the faster model would always seem like the best choice. Choosing DDR3 would also means that you would have to opt for the GT130 as the Graphx.

The GPU does not have a very direct impact on whether the screen looks better or not. Most people argue that both the 9600M and the GT130 are similiar spec wise but the GT130 being newer, i feel would carry a small added performance gain.

Not sure about the HD Tuner though as there are no HD channels here. It seems to catch Analogue TV signals though and that was a real plus point cuz I thought otherwise.

Zz

 

A GPU running more math, with twice the ram, that is going to not run hotter and draw more battery power, well that idea has me feeling like a large rooster saying, "son, i say... son... that just dudn't add up."
WHY CAN'T I PUT PICTURES UP HERE ANYMORE.... GRRRRR

But lets go back. For college I would absolutely not get an HDX18. i love mine but for college, No way. Part of your day is in classroom yes? May or may not be plugins all the time, yes? Hefting around a 19" screen, not ideal. I learned the hard way that chrome trim all around the thing is not metal, but very thin plastic.

I would get a 22 or 24 inch lcd for the dorm, and a 14" laptop with all the options and a oversize battery. It will destroy the HDX brainwise at a much lower pricepoint, it will be small enough to be convenient in class, and when you get to the dorm, you just connect the larger monitor and you have the best of both worlds.

If you do get the hdx, don't worry about the cpu, ram, gpu. To tell the difference between that and something that could cost you hundreds more, you would have to have 2 machines side by side. You won't notice. HP has made a beautiful, quiet, laptop that doesn't get to hot, and value wise trounces any 17" predecessor in features for the dollar. That said, in a year it will be trounced by the next "top" machine. Nature of things. Get in while the gettin's good, use whatever rebates you can, and don't spend to much. Don't worry about 5 years from now.

 

I disagree.

This notebook is noisy, and gets hot. (Bear in mind that you can read about these 2 things in every review on teh net too).
The position of the videocard is the biggest design mistake they made. If you play more than 45 mins any game the left side of the notebook will become really hot, and you really feel it under your left wrist and touching the WASD keys.

As normal use it is quite, but just try to see a full scrub episode (^^) on a flash player and you will begin to hear the noise of this notebook.

Understand, this notebook isnt supposed to be a notebook, its a desktop replacement, a high end media machine with mobile capability.

I'm used to dektop replacement and its what i wanted when i bought this notebook, if you cant understand this you will fell uncomfortable with it.

My univesity mates dont like the BIG notebook concept and they have 14"/15" notebooks, you almost cant hear the difference between them turned on or off, noise wise.

Im not saying that i dont like the notebook, Im just trying to say that you have to think what do you need.
I wanted a machine able to play some games and let me watch some movie in my uni flat, at max i move the notebook 1-2 time each week.
So this machine is perfect, the monitor is good, the audio too, the gaming performace could be better but you can play some games.

But if i needed a notebook to bring to the uni each day, then i would have returned this notebook back.

 

Consider the hdx16 if size is an issue.

 

Well I ordered the computer last night, before some of these comments were posted. I got:

- tHP HDX18t Premium Series Notebook PC
- Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
- Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad Processor Q9000 (2.00Ghz)
- 4GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm) - For 1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 130M
- 320GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive 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)
- 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
- No TV Tuner w/remote control
- Full Size Backlit Keyboard
- 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
- No Productivity Software
- HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

But now I am reading that the Q9000 might not be the best choice for the processor. What type of programs will actually utilize more than 2 cores?

 

I respect .breath's contributions around here, but apparently our different configs have yielded different machines entirely. I would suggest my HDX is damn near silent. I can hear the fan very faintly if at all, unless I put my ear within 6 inches, and then I can clearly hear a small fan sound.

Previous to the HDX purchase, I bought a Dell Vostro 17" for over 2k, pretty much maxed out, and whilst playing half-life2 for 15 minutes the left hand area got so hot, I mean really so hot I began to sweat, and I actually had to stop playing, as it was a near burning sensation. WOW. Right back to dell it went.

Not so with my HDX. Warm yes. Hot. No.

And I watch Hidef hulu often, and don't ever hear a loud fan noise. Honestly. Perhaps it's my base level config, but their not that different, really.