HP Pavilion HDX9010NR 20-inch Entertainment Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7500, 2 GB RAM, 240 GB Hard Drive, HD DVD Drive, Vista Ultimate)

When I decided 2 purchase a new laptop computer, I did a lot of research. I wanted a unit that would be fast at loading screens & downloading data, but I also wanted 2 use my unit as a TV. Well, I got what asked 4 in the HDX. Its an entertainer lovers dream computer. Incredible sound 4 a laptop...no need 4 external speakers. The 64 bit dual processors make it MUCH faster than my desktop machine. Yes, it IS heavy & I agree a handle on it would have been a nice feature, but I dont move it out of the house much. I wish the battery life was longer but I knew that drawback when I purchased it. I just leave it plugged in most of the time. But its SO cool that I can watch HDTV with the built in tuner. I do wish the antennae cord was longer though.

The only real problem I am having with the unit is when I use Windows Messinger. The built in cam is dedicated 2 2 programs on the computer...Windows Messinger & something called Quick Play (which I never use). When I try 2 make a video call on WM, I consistantly get an error that says my camera is already in use in another program, which it isnt, This is a frustrating development, as one of the reasons I wanted the laptop was so I could have mobile video communication with my brother overseas. It works about 2 times in 10, which is not acceptable. I know my problem is not unique....I have done some research online & others have had a similar problem. And the problem seems 2 be not with the computer, but with Vista. If this is true (and I am hoping it is) perhaps there will be future driver fixes 4 the cam. But at the moment, I am SOL.

However, having said the above, I LOVE my HP! It just a great machine & I dont have that many Vista compatibility issues since I use my peripherals with my desktop machine. I know none of them would work with Vista, so I do my printing & scanning & other such things on the desktop pc. Its only a minor inconvenience....I can live with it. So I wouldnt replace a desktop machine with this unit unless you have a back up computer with XP or plan on replacing your peripherals with new, Vista compatable ones. MS will get the bugs worked out, eventually, so I am not concerned. Its your call. But I recommend this machine :)

This computer is simply incredible 4 HD DVD - We watched Blade Runner on here & it was more than the 5k HD system 4 this. You felt the theatre experience.

Incredible enough 2 go purchase 13 HD DVD's -

Everything is just incredible on this machine - I really would like a standard keyboard without the smaller right shift key.

I decided 2 keep this unit as it is worth it - A powerhouse & a most incredible almost instant 64-bit Internet Explorer.

People were screaming seeing this machine show what high performance HD all in one solution should be as it is showing a stronger experience than the Blu-Ray.

Magical is all I can say. Office is lightning fast on here. I upgraded 2 4Gig of Kensington through Amazon & it is getting better & better.

I enjoy using this on my lap would like a cush - Also with a stand with a wireless mouse/keyboard. This system is that good.

Remote brings replace HD TV/DVD with all that is personal hit right on target.

This is a good example of why HD DVD could win the DVD format war & shows why it is only natural 2 have the HD in front of the DVD logo. This shows 4 quality, technology of HD DVD as being like the definition & not a purchase 2 the company 2 use a format 4 their media as HD DVD shows by being HD is what this is about.

I only can hope the HD movie theatres will be this good. We deserve this.

I would like a HD DVD/Blu-Ray combo so I can see all the media. Doing the comparison in quality the HD DVD is more - Let's hope partnerships will appear 2 the combo players will be standard. As HD should not restrict people from having one or the other-

Twister is coming as that was a MUST pre-order. HD DVD shows a greet example why purchasing a DVD is so special again & 2 not support piracy. You get so much more.



Go pick out your HD DVD, make some popcorn with a loved one 4 an magical experience you can live over & over again.

Along with a HD TV tuner / recorder - Very user friendly 4 interaction.

If Warner & the other studios would have seen this display of what innovation would bring 2 their media with HD DVD. This format would be the one with no price tag 4 the media 2 be one can compare to.


For PC production/games - Like a space shuttle of innovations lifting you 2 new places others/competitors have tried 2 take us.


Enjoy. This is worth the money & then some.

With this being said this is a H(appy) D(ay for) DVD.

I'm happy that HP is finally blazing the trail--and beating Apple 2 the punch--by offering a 20" laptop, but there is a major cosmetic issue with this unit: The thick bezel that goes all around the screen is warped right out of the box! I mean it is warped every inch or two. This is not a defective unit I have; I even went 2 Office Depot & saw one in the store & the same thing. It is a design flaw. They used a really thin and/or flexible plastic 4 the frame, & it has a softness almost like patent leather shoes. It looks nice & feels nice but unfortunately it flexes liker patent leather shoes, too. It being shiny black all of the ripples & warps reflect light in a wavy pattern so you can see this defect from 20 feet away. It's really a glaring defect on their part. I paid $3K 4 laptop with a warped bezel right out of the box? I am also not a huge fan of the screen arm. I think they could have gotten away with 2 really strong hinges or 3 or 4 hinges. There is no need 4 the arm. The arm looks OK when the screen is up but when it is down it looks horrid. So really mechanically this is a great unit it's the cosmetics I don't like. Hopefully they will come out with a better revision or hopefully Apple will follow suit with a 20" laptop. There is a market 4 20" laptops in my opinion.

I've had the "laptop" 4 about 3 weeks & am very pleased with it. I've had none of the problems a couple other reviewers have reported. I also haven't done any real intensive stuff with it. I've been able 2 remote into some other PCs, XP Pro OS, I have at home & move files back 2 the Vista box. My company lets us remote in from home 2 fix network issues & I can get in with the Vista box no problem. I was able 2 associate it with my Linksys Wireless G router in minutes. Evertyhing I've plugged in thus far, via USB or Bluetooth, has installed with no worries. The fingerprint reader is nice but I'm not so sure it's essential. If you work around users in a company network you'd probably find 80% of the people would forget their passwords if they don't type them everyday.

Someone pointed out the size of this dude--it is big! To get a visual of that go 2 any LCD store & look 4 a 20.1" LCD. That should give you an idea. I'm in a small town area & couldn't find one around here 2 look at or play touchy-feely with. It is borderline too heavy 2 hold on your lap without some kind of small lap table or other support. I think heat build up may be an issue without a table also. This really isn't a traveling laptop. I think some of the magazine reviewers speak 2 that issue.

We've watched some non-HD DVDs & believe they look much better on the laptop. The sound of music files is awesome due 2 the speaker arrangement & woofer. The full size keyboard with 10-key pad is great 4 either Word documents or Excel spreadsheets. It comes with lots of software, some of which I haven't had time 2 get into yet.

If you've read this far you've probably figured out I like the PC. Three years ago I paid half what I paid 4 this one & got a 15.4" laptop. It is slower, about a quarter of the HDD space, is having maintenence issues, definitely smaller, doesn't sound so nice, & a myriad of other differences. Only you can decide if it is worth it 2 you. I decided it was 4 me! If you only do a few emails/letters a week or want 2 surf the Net, you probably don't need this PC.

I received one from HP as an upgrade unit as they did not have my custom laptop configuration. I received the max configuration with True HD screen, 4 Gig RAM, 64 bit Windows & Extreme 7900 Processor. I've only had the unit a day, & I've observed the following:

-HD DVD got stock in opened position upon ejecting a CD, was able 2 position it back into unit.


-Vibration from somewhere in unit when base is turned up.


-No latch on front of unit (the one that clicks when you close the screen on your laptop), I suspect the giant hinge creates enough force 2 keep it closed, but I'd prefer a latch.


The unit is very heavy. So heavy in fact, I thought it was stuck on something when I went 2 pick it up. Could really use a handle like the Dell, but would probably take away from the fact that is actually looks like my HP 9000 series laptop albeit somewhat bigger.


As of 12/08/2007 there are no 20 inch laptop cases available in the United States as far as I know. I did see the neoprene case & the Dell case made 4 there 20 incher, but I'm looking 4 the real thing. I had a friend in London buy & ship me a Dicota MultiGiant case made 4 these giant laptops & Ebags has stated they will stock them in 5 weeks. The case was really expensive esp. Int. shipping, here is the site (they sell it on the British version of Amazon, but I couldn't apparently order on that).

I'll post more as I review the unit.

****************ADDED 12/18/2007*****************
After using this unit 4 a few days, I discovered that the speakers mounted in the LCD were not working & that only the subwoofer was producing sound. I found six others online having the identical or similar problem. I called HP support 3X in an attempt 2 resolve the problem hoping it was a driver issue, however, after escalating the case 2 an HP engineer the recommendation was 2 send the laptop in 4 repair which I am reluctant 2 do due 2 past history of aesthetic damage 2 my laptop.

The first attempt 2 send the laptop in 4 repair resulted in HP sending me a box too small 2 fit the laptop. I had re-iterated 2 the support person that the laptop was very large & that it might be a good idea 2 verify the box size as I would not want 2 receive the incorrect packaging. Very Frustrating...

The second & now third attempt 2 receive a box 4 shipment 2 repair has resulted in no box at all. At this point, I plan 2 request a new unit be built & shipped in place of this defective unit. I am also lowering my rating of this laptop in lieu of the problems with both the hardware & HP support. Considering the price of this unit, I would have expected more from HP.

At just over 15 pounds, the HP Pavilion HDX9010NR 20.1" (diagonal) Notebook PC is hardly light enough 2 be carried around 4 day-to-day use, unless you work out regulaly at your gym. It's more of a desktop replacement. It has a built-in NTSC analog & ATSC Digital TV tuner that's HDTV ready 4 viewing on the large, widescreen monitor. It even has an HD-DVD player 4 HD video play. So it's definitely a portable powerhouse 4 a multimedia professional. It features the latest 802.11n WiFi technology & has Bluetooth built-in. You've the choice 2 take it with you where you go 4 business & pleasure. Display - 20.1 WSXGA+ High-Definition HP Ultra Brightview Widescreen (1680 x 1050) Fax/Modem - High speed 56k modem Network Card - Integrated 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN Wireless Connectivity - Intel PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection & Bluetooth Multimedia Features - HP Imprint Finish, Integrated Webcam & Integrated Fingerprint Reader Sound - Altec Lansing Keyboard - 101 key compatible keyboard with scroll bar & integrated numeric keypad - 3 quick launch buttons Pointing Device - Touch Pad with On/Off button & dedicated vertical scroll Up/Down pad PC Card Slots - 1 ExpressCard/54 Slot (also supports ExpressCard/34) External Ports - 5-in-1 integrated Digital Media Reader 4 Secure Digital cards, MultiMedia cards, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, or xD Picture cards; 4 Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0; 2 Headphone out; 1 microphone-in; 1 HDMI ; 1 VGA (15-pin); eSata ; 1 TV-Out (S-video); 1 RJ-11 (modem); 1 RJ-45 (LAN); 1 Expansion Port 4 optional port replicator; 1 IEEE 1394 Firewire (4-pin); Consumer IR (Remote Receiver) Windows VISTA Ultimate Unit Dimensions - 18.7 (L) x 13.4 (W) x 2.3 (min H / max H); Weight - 15.5 lbs HP 1-Year Warranty with 24/7 Support

Take your living room on the go with the HP Pavilion HDX9010NR entertainment notebook PC, which offers an innovative folding, high-definition 20.1-inch screen, an HDTV hybrid TV tuner (with HDMI port 4 connecting 2 an external HDTV), & quad speakers with built-in subwoofer 4 amazing cinema-like sound. Further converging home cinema with portable computing, this HDX also includes an HD DVD drive that's compatible with the new high-definition DVD disc format, enabling you 2 enjoy amazingly crisp & vibrantly colorful imagery as well as immersive surround sound. Control media playback with the remote control, which fits into its own dock 2 the left of the notebook's keyboard.

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Control media playback--whether it be HDTV, a movie HD DVD disc, or your music library--using the dockable remote control (which sits just 2 the left of the keyboard).

The 2.2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 processor (from the newest "Santa Rosa" chips) combines with the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 2600 XT video card (with 256 MB of dedicated GDDR3 video RAM) 2 provide exceptional visual scene rendering 4 3-D gaming, content creation, & HD playback. It's supplemented by dual 120 GB hard drives 4 additional storage & back-up space, 2 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum), integrated pre-N Wi-Fi 4 the highest-speed wireless connections currently available, Gigabit Ethernet networking, & an eSATA port 4 high-speed data transfer 2 external storage devices--up 2 6 times faster than existing solutions. Other features include a fingerprint reader 4 easy & secure access 2 the PC & online accounts, integrated Webcam with dual array microphones, & a stylishly dramatic high-gloss Dragon HP Imprint finish.

This PC also comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate, which combines all the features of Windows Vista Premium & Vista Business as well as adds extras such as multi-language packs & Secure Online Key Backup. It offers all of the features found in Windows Vista Home Premium, including Windows Media Center, Windows Movie Maker with high-definition support, & Windows DVD Maker. It also provides all of the features found in Windows Vista Business, including business networking, centralized management tools, & advanced system backup features. Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, & offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.

The Basics

• Processor: The Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 processor has a 2.2 GHz processor speed, super-fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB), & an extra-large 4 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; & a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU & RAM, & a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

  The Intel Core 2 Duo processor has two computational execution cores in a single processor, providing greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It's optimized 4 multitasking & is ready 2 support the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. It can simultaneously run multiple demanding applications--such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching business productivity applications--while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background. Some of the advanced Intel innovations of the Core 2 Duo processor include:

  • Smart Memory Access: Improves system performance by hiding memory latency, thus optimizing the use of available computer data bandwidth 2 provide data 2 the processor when & where it is needed.
  • Advanced Digital Media Boost: Effectively doubles the execution speed 4 instructions used widely in multimedia & graphics applications.
  • Dynamic Power Coordination: Coordinates Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology & idle power-management state (C-states) transitions independently per core 2 help save power.
  • Deeper Sleep with Dynamic Cache Sizing: Saves power by flushing cache data 2 system memory during periods of inactivity 2 lower CPU voltage.

• Hard Drive: This system offers a total of 240 GB of hard disk drive space from two 120 GB drives (5400 RPM). These Serial ATA (SATA) hard drives also quicken the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin 2 FireWire & USB 2.0.

• Memory: The 2 GB of installed RAM (2 x 1024 MB) is an excellent start, but you'll want 2 add more RAM 2 maximize the multimedia of this notebook (which has a 4 GB capacity).

• DVD/CD Drive: This HP notebook offers the next generation of DVD entertainment with the HD DVD ROM optical drive, which provides the superior image & sound quality of high-definition images & multichannel surround sound as well as backward compatibility with standard DVD movie discs as well as content burned onto DVD-R/RW, DVD-RAM. It also incorporates a multi-format DVD/CD burner, which is compatible with dual-layer (DL) discs that can hold up 2 8.5 GB of data.

• Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a 101-key keyboard & a touchpad with on/off button & dedicated vertical/horizontal Scroll Up/Down pad. It also includes two quick-launch buttons (HP QuickPlay Music & DVD).

Screen, Video & Audio

The 20.1-inch high-definition screen on this HP HDX notebook offers easy adjustment via the innovative hinged back.

The dual lamps of the spacious 20.1-inch WSXGA+ High-Definition HP Ultra Brightview widescreen help 2 deliver the same color depth as a plasma HDTV display with dual lamps delivers. It features a 1680 x 1050-pixel resolution (for native 720p high-definition resolution), as well as an innovative adjustable screen that folds open from a hinged back. The ATI Mobility Radeon HD2600 XT graphics processor delivers exceptional performance thanks 2 its use of ATI's HyperMemory memory management technology that expands the 256 MB of dedicated GDDR3 graphics memory with system memory on demand 2 provide more power when needed. (GDDR3--or Graphics Double Data Rate, version 3--is a graphics card-specific memory technology that's better able 2 deliver fluid frame rates 4 even the most advanced games & applications.) It delivers remarkable combination DirectX 10 gaming performance, & plug-n-play CrossFire upgradeability makes it easy 2 scale up graphics performance 2 boost the most demanding games. Connect 2 big-screen TVs with HDMI including built-in 5.1 surround audio 2 enjoy HD DVD movies.

The integrated HP HDTV Hybrid TV Tuner lets you watch, record, & pause live TV using Windows Vista or the notebook's HP QuickPlay TV feature. Use ATSC 2 receive broadcast HDTV transmissions or switch 2 analog 4 access 2 cable or satellite TV programming.

You'll enjoy amazing aural performance with the four discrete Altec Lansing speakers & HP Triple Bass Reflex subwoofer. The integrated amplifiers provide approximately 20W total output while supporting a full range of treble & bass frequencies 4 outstanding stereo. The HDX integrated audio processor supports the latest external PC audio speaker solutions without the expense of an external sound processor 2 enable immersion in true HD audio with a full-surround sound experience (up 2 7.1 analog audio).

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion

You'll enjoy amazing 3-D gaming graphics thanks 2 the ATI Mobility Radeon HD2600 XT graphics processor, which provides support 4 the improved rendering of DirectX 10.

Be ready 4 the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Intel Wireless 4965AGN Wi-Fi chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up 2 five times the performance & twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers & Wi-Fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great 4 closed office environments).

This notebook also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 54 card slot (as well as a PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, & lighter expansion cards 4 even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, & security features. Here's the full list of connectivity options:

• 4 USB 2.0 ports 4 connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras 2 MP3 players
• 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port 4 connecting digital video camcorders & other peripherals
• 1 HDMI output (for connecting 2 a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver 4 uncompressed digital audio & video via a single cable)
• Video output: 1 VGA, 1 S-Video
• 1 ExpressCard/54 slot (also supports ExpressCard/34)
• Integrated HDTV Hybrid TV Tuner (with F-Jack adaptor) input, S-Video input, Blaster (IR emitter), stereo audio input
• Native external speaker configuration ports: Side, rear, center/sub, front
• 2 headphone out, 1 microphone in
• 5-in-1 memory card reader (compatible with Secure Digital, MMC, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, & xD Picture Cards)
• 1 expansion port 3

It also has an integrated 56K modem (V.90) & an RJ-45 LAN network port (for a 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet connection 2 networks & DSL/cable modems).

Operating System
The Windows Vista Ultimate operating system has it all--an advanced, business-focused infrastructure, mobile productivity, & premium home digital entertainment features. It offers all of the features found in Windows Vista Home Premium, including Windows Media Center, Windows Movie Maker with high-definition support, & Windows DVD Maker. It also provides all of the features found in Windows Vista Business, including business networking, centralized management tools, & advanced system backup features. In addition, Windows Vista Ultimate includes Extras such as:

• Windows Hold'em, a poker game 4 players of all skill levels
• Language packs 4 Windows multi-language interface, where users can install & use multiple languages on a single PC. Great 4 multi-lingual households or if you are learning a new language.
• Secure Online Key Backup, where Ultimate users can store their BitLocker recovery password & Encrypting File System certificate on Windows Marketplace's Digital Locker website 4 access 2 the key anytime, anyplace, & from any computer that has an Internet connection
• BitLocker Drive Preparation Tool, an automated tool which removes the complexity of setting up your PC 2 use this exclusive data security feature.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools & technologies 2 help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting 2 a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you 2 manage & monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, & other activities.

Preloaded Software
Roxio Backup MyPC, Symantec Norton Internet Security 2007 (with 60 days of complimentary live update), PC Recovery, Microsoft Works, Microsoft Office 2007 Student & Teacher Edition (60-day trial), HP PhotoSmart Premier, Muvee AutoProducer, Roxio Creator Premier, Serif WebPlus 10, Vongo, AOL Music

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 18.7 x 13.4 x 2.3 inches (LxWxH) & weighs 15.5 pounds.

Power
It's powered by a 9-cell lithium-ion rechargeable battery.

What's in the Box
This package contains the HP Pavilion HDX9010NR notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, IR remote control, earphones, & operating instructions. It is backed by a limited warranty 4 parts & labor 4 one year from date of purchase as well as technical telephone assistance 4 one year. Software is also covered 4 30 days from date of purchase.