HP Pavilion HDX18-1180US 18.4-Inch Laptop (2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Q9000 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 500 GB Hard Drive, Blu-ray Drive, Vista Premium)

PostDateIcon July 14th, 2009
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HP Pavilion HDX18-1180US 18.4-Inch Laptop (2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Q9000 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 500 GB Hard Drive, Blu-ray Drive, Vista Premium)
 
Manufacturer: Hewlett Packard
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List Price: $2,287.00
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Product Description
Expanding on the elegance of the HDX series, the HP HDX 18-1180us delivers in a design that balances performance and mobility. Its elegant Fluid Imprint finish encases leading-edge mobile architectures, including the latest Intel Centrino 2 dual-core processor and NVIDIA GeForce graphics processor. And it's preloaded with the Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit operating system, enabling you to fully access system memory to support 3D games and complex applications. You'll also enjoy high-definition video content on the 18.4-inch widescreen HD BrightView Infinity display--which offers true a 16:9 aspect ratio--that's matched to Altec Lansing speakers with an integrated subwoofer and Dolby Home Theater immersive surround sound.

The HDX laptop features a number of ways to protect your data. HP's ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection locks your 500 GB hard drive into place when it senses abrupt motion to help prevent data loss. The integrated fingerprint reader offers greater security and ease-of-use by associating passwords to your system and online accounts with unique fingerprints. And the built-in eSATA/USB combo port enables fast backup to an external hard drive.

It's powered by the latest Intel Core 2 Quad processor--with four processing cores and Centrino 2 technology--which boosts speed, reduces power requirements, and saves on battery life. The 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Q9000 includes a quick 1066 MHz front-side bus and 6 MB of L2 cache, providing an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved multimedia and multitasking performance.

It comes with a combo optical drive with Blu-ray Disc playback for watching your favorite films in crystal-clear resolution and SuperMulti DVD burner with LightScribe technology that lets you etch custom, silkscreen-quality labels and artwork directly onto LightScribe-enabled CDs and DVDs. Other features include a 500 GB hard drive, 4 GB of RAM (8 GB maximum), Draft-N Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n) and Gigabit Ethernet networking, Bluetooth connectivity, integrated numeric keypad, HDMI audio/video output, multi-format memory card reader, and remote control.

This HP notebook is Energy Star 4.0 certified, and has received a Silver EPEAT designation for meeting standards to help reduce its environmental impact. Additionally, HP exclusive uses of EPA SmartWay carriers for reduced transportation-related emissions. HP's innovative take-back options include trade-in, recycling and donation.

High Style
The HP HDX is defined by fluid, modern lines and metalized finishes with surprising innovations inside and out. A high-gloss HP Imprint finish in titanium and chrome now encases all surfaces visible during normal use for greater durability, and a sleeve is included for extra protection. The HDX series Fluid Imprint features a flowing linear pattern that enhances the reflective qualities of the metallic finish. The streamlined look is enhanced with a color-matched keyboard and touchpad. And touch media controls light up and become visible only when the system is powered on further enhancing the clean appearance.

Spec Check
  • 18.4-inch LCD screen (true 16:9)
  • 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 QUAD Q9000 processor
  • 500 GB hard drive
  • 4 GB RAM (8 GB maximum)
  • Combo Blu-ray Disc Read-Only and DVD±R drive
  • Draft-N Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) and Bluetooth
  • Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT graphics (up to 2302 MB total)
  • Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit)
  • Weighs 8.82 pounds

The Basics
  • Processor: With four execution cores, the 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q9000 blows through processor-intensive tasks in demanding multitasking environments and makes the most of highly threaded applications. Part of Intel's "Penryn" line of 45nm processors, it features new hafnium-infused circuitry to reduce electrical current leakage in transistors and help this laptop run cooler. It also features Intel Trusted Execution Technology, which provides hardware-based mechanisms that help protect against software-based attacks and protects the confidentiality and integrity of data stored or created on the client PC.

    Whether you're creating multimedia, annihilating your gaming enemies, or running compute-intensive applications at one time, new quad-core processing will change the way you do everything. The Q9000 has an ultra-fast 1066 MHz front-side bus (FSB) and a 6 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

    You get four dedicated, physical threads help operating systems and applications deliver additional performance that enhance multi-tasking and multi-threaded performance across many types of applications and work loads. The Smart Memory Access feature improves system performance by hiding memory latency, thus optimizing the use of available computer data bandwidth to provide data to the processor when and where it is needed. The Advanced Digital Media Boost feature effectively doubles the execution speed for instructions used widely in multimedia and graphics applications. And with the Intel 64 Architecture, the processor can access larger amounts of memory. With appropriate 64-bit hardware and software, platforms based on an Intel processor supporting Intel 64 Architecture can allow the use of extended virtual and physical memory.

  • Hard Drive: The extra-large 500 GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive (5400 RPM) offers a wealth of storage space, perfect for storing a vast multimedia collection or for editing digital video. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.

    You'll enjoy enhanced hard drive protection with HP's Protectsmart, which includes a 3D accelerometer that safeguards your data by parking your hard drive if your notebook detects any range of motion, such as being knocked off your desk, falling or taking abuse.

  • Memory: The 4 GB of installed RAM helps boost the amount of available video RAM that's shared with this notebook's video card. This notebook has an amazing 8 GB maximum RAM capacity (4 x 2 GB). To receive the faster data transfer benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.

  • DVD/CD Drive: This HP notebook offers the next generation of DVD entertainment with the Blu-ray ROM optical drive, which provides the superior image and sound quality of high-definition images and multichannel surround sound as well as backward compatibility with standard DVD movie discs as well as content burned onto DVD±RW. It also incorporates a DVD±RW writer that can also burn CDs, which is compatible with dual-layer (DL) discs that can hold up to 8.5 GB of data.

  • Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a 101-key keyboard (with integrated numeric keypad) and a touchpad with on/off button and dedicated vertical/horizontal Scroll Up/Down pad. It also includes two quick-launch buttons (HP QuickPlay Music and DVD).
Screen, Video & Audio
You'll enjoy razor-sharp graphics and widescreen movies with the 16-inch WXGA high-definition screen, which has a widescreen resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels--a perfect 16:9 aspect ratio for watching DVD movies the way they were meant to be seen. Video is powered by the Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT graphics/video card, which provides 512 MB of dedicated video RAM and offers up to 2302 MB of total available graphics memory as allocated by Windows Vista. Enabled by PureVideo HD, movies come to life with outstanding picture clarity, ultra-smooth video and vivid color. The lifelike images have up to six times the detail of standard DVD movies. Delivering state-of-the-art graphics performance, The GeForce 9600M GT graphics card is sure to give you the power and performance you crave to play the hottest DirectX 9 and DirectX 10 titles. Its 16x full-screen antialiasing technology delivers superior quality along with astounding performance and since it's optimized for Windows Vista.

The Altec Lansing speakers provide exceptional sound, and it also includes SRS Premium Sound. You'll be able to privately share enjoyment of multimedia with a friend via the dual headphone jacks.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Wi-Fi chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and Wi-Fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments). With the integrated Bluetooth connectivity, you can communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones.

It also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 34 card slot (replacing the PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. It comes with the following external connectors:

  • 4 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players (with 1 eSATA + USB 2.0 combo port)
  • 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
  • 1 HDMI output (for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable)
  • Analog video output: 1 VGA
  • 1 ExpressCard/54 slot (also supports ExpressCard/34)
  • 2 headphone jacks
  • 1 microphone jack
  • 1 Expansion Port 3 connector (for use with the HP xb3000 Expansion Base or the HP Notebook QuickDock)
  • 1 IR receiver
  • 5-in-1 memory card reader (Secure Digital, MultiMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD Picture Card)
  • 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet networking
  • 56K modem (V.90)

Operating System
The 64-bit version of Windows Vista Home Premium (with SP1) is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to 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 to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software

  • HP MediaSmart Software Suite: Your one-stop multimedia and entertainment center to create photo slideshows, share personal videos, listen to your favorite music playlists and watch DVD movies.
  • muvee autoProducer Basic: Automatically create professional looking home videos and burn to DVD.
  • Cyberlink DVD Suite Premium: Automatically fix and edit videos and create CDs and DVDs. Edit, burn and archive data to discs.
  • Microsoft Works 9: Includes a word processor, spreadsheet, database and calendar.
  • Microsoft Office Home and Student Edition 2007 (60-day trial version).
  • Adobe Reader 8: Read and print PDF files.
  • Norton Internet Security 2009 protects your PC and your identity when you email, bank and shop online; 60 days of protection updates included.

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook PC measures 17.7 x 11.26 x 1.72 inches and weighs 8.82 pounds.

Power
It's powered by an 8-cell rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of up to 2.0 hours (depending on usage).

What's in the Box
This package contains the HP Pavilion HDX18-1180US notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, protective sleeve, HP Mobile ScrollSmart remote control, earbud headphones, and operating instructions. It is backed by a limited warranty for parts and labor for one year from date of purchase as well as technical telephone assistance for one year. Software is also covered for 30 days from date of purchase.

Reduce your impact on the environment with this Energy Star-certified system and HP's innovative take-back options, including trade-in, recycling and donation.

Product Details
  • 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Q9000 Processor
  • 4 GB RAM (8 GB max)
  • 500 GB hard drive, Blu-ray Disc playback and DVD-RW/CD burning
  • Windows Vista Home Premium with SP1 (64-bit version)
  • Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT graphics (up to 2302 MB total), 18.4-inch screen (true 16:9 aspect ratio)

Video Reviews
No video reviews found for this product.

Customer Reviews
Detailed problem description. BUYERS BEWARE!
 
Review Date: July 20, 2010
Reviewer: Jeremy R. Higashiyama, Rancho Cucamunga, California
I would first like to start out by saying that I take very good care of my computers and I do everything in my power to keep them dust free, dirt free, kept up to maximum performance. Now, I barely got this computer about a year ago, I bought it brand new from HP. When I first received it in the mail, it looked amazing and had an awesome design. Right out of the box, I turned it on and when Windows Vista was finished doing the setup for the first start, my volume kept going up and down, my wifi kept turning on and of, and bass and treble kept going up and down. First thing I though was that there are updates. I updated all my drivers and the problem still kept continuing. First thing I did was call HP and it took me an hour to even get to tech-support. They told me that I needed to send in my laptop under warranty, that right there should of been a sign to return it and I still regret not doing it.

So within 3 days I received a box in the mail to send in my laptop, I sent it in, I got a call a couple days later and received it before the week was through. By the way, I will give it to HP on being fast as all the other computer companies usually take at least 2 weeks, at least the companies I dealt with. So I get it back, and the problem stopped happening for a little over a month, but in just 2 months alone, I started seeing problems that put this notebook to shame. On the top of the list,

1. OVERHEATING!!! Even saying that is an understatement. When people talk about the notebook being hot and overheating, they aren't kidding. It has 2 fans, a big one and a little tiny one. The small one is on the bottom right next to the hard drive. You can't access it easily to make sure its working or clean it at all. Then the vent where its sucking air in, is only half its size. With that being said, the fan works half as effective as a full vent opening would be for it. Note: YES, I get this is a more powerful computer, but if it gets so hot at the bottom that your legs are burning, don't you see that as being a problem? This overheating is just plain ridiculous because, A. Its not cooling anything off inside if there isn't enough cool air in it, and B, its also causing heat damage to other things, as the air isn't circulating enough in there. Most people think a lot of us HDX 16 1140US users are over exaggerating this issue, but really, were not. Right now the current temperatures are
GPU: 60C
HD: 41C
Temp 1: 52C
Core 0: 68C
Core 1: 67C
I also have a notebook cooler under it, and I used speedfan to find my temps out. Also it is about 72F in my room right now.

Other problems that arise are :

2. Battery wouldn't charge

3. Screen starts flashing for no reason.

4. Touch pad and click buttons started chipping, and the left and right click buttons stopped working and the buttons ended up popping off within a week of each other. Including the double tap.

5. HP forgot a bunch of screws when they sent it back to me and the speaker grill keeps popping off.

6. They changed the original webcam out with some cheaper cam and when your in a lighter room, the screen for the person seeing you on cam, just turns white.

7. The screen gets a whole bunch of dents and scratches because the keyboard keys rub on it. After HP fixes it, they send you a little note stating that you need to use a little cloth they is sent with your notebook when you first received it to protect it from scratches like that.

8. The keyboard keys paint started chipping off too.

9. My hard drive took a dump on me while I was in the middle of transfering my stuff to an external drive. It started making this clicking sound and then a weird beeping sound and then while transferring my stuff over to my external, my computer froze and shut down.

10. Windows Vista. Vista is a great idea, for a more powerful computer. If you have Vista loaded on it, then there is no way your going to get any good battery life and performance at the same time. You have to have it set in high performance if you want to do the simplest of tasks otherwise, its going to be extremely slow.

11. HP's customer service, tech-support, and Case Managers. This is an interesting one for me as I had not spoken to anyone but customer service and a supervisor(Who was the most rude person I have ever dealt with for a computer company) When I called to ask to speak to someone higher, they opened a case and I had to wait 3 days for a case manager to call me back to explain the problems that have risen since I first received. He seemed to help me alot and try to get it resolved but, when it came down to finding him to tell him there was a delay with my local FedEx, it was impossible, and they rejected my notebook for warranty repairs when it got there. As of now, its been just about a year and I have had to many problems that one should deal with in a company as big as HP. They do not treat their customers well, tech-support is VERY rude because they believe that you don't know anything and thats the reason why your sending your notebook in.

In all honesty, yes, when in high performance , it does work fairly well, but if your not into the idea of having a hot laptop, bad battery life, or no durability, then I suggest looking into another company such as Toshiba or Sony's Vaio notebooks.

All the problems could have been easily fixed if HP wouldn't have put the fan intake in such a horrible spot. its in the top left hand side and if you have it in your lap, you for sure are going to be blocking it. The problems that I posted are all mainly heat issues and when my hard drive died, that really set me off with HP. My last year of work which took hours upon hours to work on, are now gone because the hard drive pooped out on me. Right now, I am furious with HP, and will NEVER buy a laptop from them again.

For the people that say,"Backup your work!" It's a laptop, not a desktop, its harder for the people that don't stay at a desk all day too do this. For me alone, I am never using this at a desk when I am at home and rarely use it at home as its my music computer for writing music.

Overall that, I will admit there are some pro's.
The screen is amazing as its VERY soft on the eyes so it makes it easy to spend an extended amount of time on it without your eyes bugging out and turning all red. The touch bar works great when its finally working right, the fingerprint reader is GREAT for the ones that try getting into your computer, the keyboard is perfect with the whole number pad on the side making it almost a full sized keyboard, the sound is almost as good as toshiba's notebooks but thats only because they have Harmon/Kardon speakers, also the bass sounds really good compared to the full treble most laptops have, and it runs great with games. But from now on I will only be buying Toshiba computers as I still to this day have never had a problem like this with them. Take my advice, spend the extra money to get something that will last longer and run better, these problems are not worth it in the end, and you end up paying over $100.00 for the hard drive when it dies, and I still have to find a touch pad that can replace my current, buttonless one. Trust me, you'll regret it within a year if you do buy it. Also, look into HP's notebooks having overheating issues. They have been known to have the issues for a while now.
Frequent Non Fixable Problems with Windows 7
 
Review Date: June 26, 2010
Reviewer: jerryluiz,
I had purchase this laptop with great expectations but everything went down the drain a few months later. The HDX 16 model has an hardware problem with its touchbar control strip ( Those lit up buttons for PLAY FORWARD STOP VOLUME CTRL et al ). This thing automatically starts flashing VOLUME BASS TREBLE on your screen no matter what you are doing, be it typing or web surfing or watching a movie on a DVD. If you are on the web it delays all keyboard inputs, same for MS word, making you miss some letters when you type. Its common problem reported by so many people all over the internet. Just type "HDx 16 volume bass treble" in google search and you will know what I am talking about. There no decent solution to this problem (HP support have ultimately asked people to format their hard drive (an insane soln) and still it doesn't solve the problem . The only way it stops is if you open the laptop and remove the ribbon connector to the media control strip , but this also means you will no longer be able to use your built in wireless card (because wireless ON/OFF button is in that touch strip). Its an hardware related issue , no software update helps.
Beware! HDX16 1140US
 
Review Date: May 10, 2010
Reviewer: R Berry,
First of all, I am not one of those people who would complain that the screen is too glossy or that the laptop is too heavy. A. You can get used to the glossy screen and it no longer bothers me and B. It's an 16" laptop... what did you expect!

What I do mind, however, is being taken advantage of. It has been less than a year and so far I've had the motherboard replaced and now the HDD died. In both cases the problem was a defect that HP were apparently aware this model has. However, they didn't bother to notify anyone. Instead they quietly stopped selling them (if you check, you'll see that HDX18-1180US, HDX16-1140US and HDX X16-1160US are all unavailable). As a result I've lost documents and personal files that cannot be restored. I know, I know, I should have backed everything up, but a notification that something like this could happen to my brand new laptop would have been useful.

I live overseas so the support guys here have been great. I can't really complain. And it's true that this laptop's product description is quite impressive. While it worked, it worked perfectly. However, if you're thinking about buying HP, always have this in mind. I would personally go for Dell or Mac next time.
HP HDX 16 1140US
 
Review Date: March 27, 2010
Reviewer: radwan,
Hi , i bought this laptop and it's very good .. every thing is fine ,, i run on it gta iv and need for speed shift and he run it soo nice ,, i don't have any thing to complain about and thakns for quick shipping , and i love the style of it the sound very good also whice the best for you thank you agian
Computer Quick Launch buttons wont work on 32 bit windows systems
 
Review Date: December 21, 2009
Reviewer: Gilberto Estrada, USA
I have been using this computer for about 1 year and below are my consideratiosn:

Pros:
The PC has a very nice look, the extended keyboard makes your life easier(when you use the integrated numeric keys), it has 4 USB ports, 1 Ethernet, Wireless AGN and BT, firewire port, SD card Reader 5 in 1, 1 PCI expansion port, and in the internal it has a 500 GB HDD, 4 GB of RAM memory, up to 512 graphics card, integrated microphone and webcam.

Cons:
If you plan to work in low light conditions the blue lights are a problem and the ventilation system does not works great, your laptop will sound like a running car, I recommend a base ventilation extra.

When working with windows 32 bit systems, the quick launch buttons does not work, neither the HP Tone Control Utility for the treble bass, I asked HP Support and they told me that the QLB only works in 64 bit edittions.
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