Just completed my specs for my HP HDX 16 Premuim Series..Advice Please.

Hello....

Iam looking for some opinions and possible advice on what will be my first laptop.Ive done some research on different laptops and have come up with this laptop from HP.I personally went to look at this laptop in person at bestbuy and really liked how this looked and the features it offers.

Please feel free to share any thoughts on my pending purchase.I dont play video games and my basic use is web browseing and use of java loops for work.I need something fast and reliable that works good. Thanks so much.

Here are the specs for my HP HDX16 Premium Series....

HP Pavilion HDX Laptop with Intel® Centrino® 2 Processor Technology
Lithium-ion battery
AC power cable
Mobile ScrollSmart remote, stereo ear bud headphones
Software: HP Photosmart Essentials, Mediasmart and more
Owner's manual
Product Features
Intel® Centrino® 2 processor technology with interrelated Intel® Core™2 Duo mobile processor P8400
Intel® Wi-Fi Link 5100AGN network connection (802.11a/b/g/n) and extended battery life.

The next-generation Intel® Core™2 Duo processor
Based on the innovative Intel® Core™ microarchitecture, so it runs faster and is more energy-efficient for cooler, quieter operation.

4GB DDR2 memory
For multitasking power, expandable to 8GB. 1066MHz frontside bus, 3MB L2 cache and 2.26GHz processor speed.

Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support
Records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media. Also supports LightScribe direct-disc labels using compatible LightScribe media.

16" high-definition HP Ultra Brightview Infinity widescreen display
With 1366 x 768 resolution showcases your movies and games in stunning clarity.

320GB SATA hard drive (5400 rpm)
Offers spacious storage options and fast read/write times. ProtectSmart hard drive protection technology locks the hard drive in place during abrupt motion to help prevent data loss.

Built-in fingerprint reader
For secure access to your data.

NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT graphics
With 512MB dedicated video memory and up to 2303MB total available video memory for vivid image detail. Built-in Altec Lansing speakers with Dolby Home Theater; built-in triple bass subwoofer. HDMI interface.

Built-in HP Pavilion webcam with microphone
Makes it easy to chat with and send video mail to family and friends.
5-in-1 digital media reader

Supports Secure Digital, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, MultiMediaCard and xD-Picture Card formats for quick and easy digital photo access.

IEEE 1394 (FireWire) interface and 4 high-speed USB 2.0 ports
For fast digital video, audio and data transfer. Expansion port 3 and eSATA interfaces for additional connectivity.

Built-in 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet LAN with RJ-45 connector
Along with 56 Kbps modem for flexible wired Web connectivity options.
Weighs 7.1 lbs. and measures 1.7" thin
For portable power.

HP Fluid Imprint finish with flowing linear pattern
Adds a stylish look to the laptop.

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition 64-bit operating system with Service Pack 1 (SP1) preinstalled
Software package included with HP Photosmart Essentials, Mediasmart, muvee autoProducer Premium and more.

 

If you really want to get some input, repost your question to us at the HDX Owner's Lounge. Most of us have 20.1" HDX's, but there isn't much about the HDX we don't know.

On first glance, the configuration you've got isn't bad - I'd update it to a 64bit system, and also go to Ultimate as it's proven to be the most stable of the Vista Editions. 64 bit OS will give you the option of upgrading your RAM to 8gb (we know that our HDX's will accept up to 8gb of RAM), and your system will run a lot faster too. The purchases of 64 bit systems has been rising exponentially the past year, and almost all new software version releases of popular programs are 64bit compatible. Adobe started with Acrobat 9, and their recent release of all CS4 programs are all 64 bit certified as well. That said, there haven't been that many problems anyway with 32 bit programs running on 64 bit OS's. Firefox has a 64 bit version, and any Vista 64 bit Edition included a 64 bit version of IE as well.

Unless it comes with it, lose the earbuds and any software you don't specifically need. Also, don't get any other accessories with your initial purchase - HP usually sends you several discount coupons for use at the HP store that you can use to get any accessories or software from them after you get your system.

2 other things to add now or to get when you get your coupons/system is at least 1 extra battery and AC Adapter. Anyone who owns a notebook will tell you how they wished they had 2 adapters, one to leave plugged in where you use it the most, and one to keep in your bag as the portable one.

Something else to consider that I use myself is HP's Bluetooth mini-mouse (if they still call it that). Using the Touchpad on any notebook is a real pain because the cursor always moves when you're typing - it doesn't take much movement over the pad to move the cursor across the screen. I always have mine off and use the BT mouse. The reason I mention this one is that there have been problems with Microsoft BT mice on many notebooks. I can't say anything about Logitech, but I've yet to run into anything they make that's bad.

Again, for accessories, wait until you get your system as you'll likely have lots of coupons from HP to spend on their online store when you get your system. Just make sure you use them ASAP - they're only good for 30 days. That goes for checking all processes and components on your system as well when you get it - you have up to 28? or 30 days to return it for a refund. After that you're stuck with it.

Warranties - If you're good fixing your own systems you might not worry about it, but you should know that the current state of HP's online and phone support for Basic Warranties isn't good at all. Being a former HP OEM Support Center Manager, trust me when I say that it's worse than "isn't good at all". Extended Warranty customers usually get top priority, and Business customers even more so. If you can buy your system as a business unit with a business extended warranty, do it, and make sure you get the warranty with Accidental Damage. It's worth it - drop it and break it, they send you a new one. Or if you smash it against the wall because something won't work that you need to work....

Of course it depends on what you're going to use yours for - most of us that have the larger HDX's are either designers, engineers, consultants, etc., and got ours as desktop replacements rather than true notebooks, although it's nice to be able to watch a BD movie on a 1080p 20" widescreen display if you're traveling or camping. I just can't see a full HD display that's only 16" though - that's the biggest problem the rest of us had when HP announced they were going to an 18 and 16" configuration. People have been snapping up the remaining 20" systems like you wouldn't believe - They disappear as soon as they're put on a site for sale.

Still, if you haven't designed or worked on a full HD display, it's worth the extra scratch.

A lot of people will get their HDX with a minimum RAM configuration, then buy the extra RAM at an aftermarket site like 4allmemory or other place for a lower cost. Same with the processor, but you might want to download the manual for the HDX 16 to see how hard it is to change out - ours isn't hard, but it takes about 4 hours to do since you have to disassemble most of the unit to do so. So if you're planning on doing something like that, you might want to just get a better processor now.

Again, it depends on what you're ultimately going to do with it. If you're going to design or game with it, then you definitely want the added RAM capability that 64 bit systems give you, and as good a processor as you can afford.

The only other things I can think of off the top of my head right now are Computrace (LoJack for notebooks), and ordering a Recovery disk set.

HP usually offers Computrace as part of the sale, but you can get it at Best Buy for $99/3 years. The only thing you can't get with the street version is a version that they install as part of the initial boot process - that can't be done by the user. It costs a bit more, and it's really a toss up as to whether it's worth it or not anyway. Regardless of where you get it, just get it. They have a 90%+ recovery rate, and the program allows you to remotely wipe any sensitive personal data you might have stored on your drive.

As far as the Recovery disk set - it's true that with having 2 drives HP uses a partition on the secondary drive for backup and Recovery to original install configuration. That said, what do you do if the reason you need to recover is that the drive with the recovery data on it is what's causing your problem? They don't cost that much, and although you can order a set later, get it when you buy your system and tuck it away as an insurance policy. I've spent a lot of hours helping people on the HP Forums, and many of them either have problems creating a recovery disk set, or have problems recovering from the partition drive. It's usually operator error, but you get the picture.

Like I said at the beginning, come join us at the HDX Owner's Lounge and search through the posts - you'll find some good info on the HDX.