HP Compaq x1000 widescreen

[nedlyj]

HP has recently released the Compaq Presario x1000 15.4" widescreen laptop (consumer version of the business Evo nx7000) and made it customizable online at the HP store.

The original pre-configured model (x1001us) was a bit pricey at $2499, but now configurable models start at $1399.

This is a Centrino based laptop with Pentium-M processor speeds of 1.3-1.7Mhz available. Battery life is estimated to be 4.5-5.5 hours. Screen resolutions of 1280x800, 16800x1050 and 1920x1200 are available.

Considering the fact that HP is currently offering free shipping, no sales tax (for most states), a $100 rebate, and 10% off using coupon code SV8248 (thru July 17th) this laptop is hundreds of dollars less expensive than other widescreens or Centrinos comparably equipped.

From its pictures it is not the leading candidate for overall aesthetic design award of the year - although it is sleeker looking than the Dell 8500. It does not have the cool slot drive we all love and it has the power connector socket on the side instead of the rear (odd placement), but placement of other ports appears to be good (example: usb ports are not located on the left side as on the Gateway 450XL, which is horrible placement to connect a righthanded mouse).

I have ordered one and expect to have it in 1-2 weeks. I will post my thoughts of it (compared to my 200A5 of course) then.

-n

[sonyman]

Sounds like a pretty nice system, but 1920x1200 resolution? Wowzas. I bet it's great for pics. I just hope you don't use your laptop for reading documents or webpages. Talk about getting the grandma glasses at an early age....

What else does it come with? For example, memory, DVD+/-R/RW, CD-RW, chipset, wireless lan, etc. Gimme some details. What was the configuration that you ordered?

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by sonyman
Sounds like a pretty nice system, but 1920x1200 resolution? Wowzas. I bet it's great for pics. I just hope you don't use your laptop for reading documents or webpages. Talk about getting the grandma glasses at an early age....

What else does it come with? For example, memory, DVD+/-R/RW, CD-RW, chipset, wireless lan, etc. Gimme some details. What was the configuration that you ordered?

Yeah - there's no way I could read 1920x1200 but I did go for the WSXGA+ (1680x1050). With large fonts that should work great I believe (we'll soon see). What I don't know is if I can set the screen res down to 1280x800 on a WSXGA screen to run at WXGA mode (and still look clean) or if I'm stuck with the full res? And hopefully DVDs will play full screen at that res and look great, not pixelized or blurred or run in only a 1280x800 window on the 1680x1050 screen (that would tick me off!).

So, to answer your question more completely, the system I ordered has the following specs:

- Centrino 1.6Ghz Pentium-M
- 15.4" WSXGA+ (1680x1050) screen
- 512 MB DDR RAM (expandable to 2GB)
- 64MB Mobilty Radeon 9200 4x AGP
- 40GB HDD (I went cheap here with a 4200 rpm drive because I know I can upgrade this later for less than hp wanted for the upgrade)
- CDRW/DVD combo drive (24x/10x/24x/8x)
- integrated Intel pro 802.11b wireless (300ft range)
- Intel 855PM Chipset
- Integrated 10/100 NIC and 56K modem
- Integrated SD/MMC digital media slot
- 3 USB 2.0 ports
- vga and parallel ports
- FIR (Infrared port)
- S-video TV-out port
- Touch pad with on/off button and dedicated scroll up/down surface
- JBL stereo speakers
- Type I/II PCMCIA slot
- 4-pin IEEE 1394 (Firewire)
- only 6.5 pounds

AND - according to HP for the nx7000 (business model of teh x1000) the battery life tested at 5hr 25m.

That's pretty much it I think. The big add ons were upgrading to the 1.6 processor, the WSXGA+screen and the memory. Everything else was standard. All told came to $1615 (delivered) after all the rebates and discounts plus I got another $90 back from my employer, so $1525 for me!

I priced a comparably equipped Dell Latitude D800 (widescreen Centrino) and it listed for $2553 with tax and shipping. To be fair, that includes a 3 year warranty which would be about $200 extra with the hp. So we'll call the Dell's price $2350. That still puts me $800 under the Dell for about the same machine.

-n

[sonyman]

This sounds like a *very nice* system for the price. You also got a very good chipset. I normally lean toward Sony, but this HP is tempting.

[clie]

I agree, this x1000 sounds like a very good deal.... but I heard lots of bad stories about Compaq, i.e. how difficult is to upgrade the system (both hardware and software), and the computer is easy to break down (usually within a year or two), bad customer services, etc. That’s why I'm still undecided if I should go with x1000.

At the same time, I'm looking at the Toshiba Satellite P25 series with the DVD burner. For a home entertainment system, this is way better then x1000 and MD2900...

Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 2.80GHz
512MB PC2100 DDR SDRAM (256MB x 2)
17" diagonal Wide-Screen XGA Display (1440 x 900)
NVIDIA® GeForce™ FX Go5200 GPU w/32MB DDR memory
60GB HDD (4200 rpm)
DVD-R/RW
Integrated Wi-Fi™ (IEEE 802.11a/b)
Panasonic MotionDV Studio™, Microsoft® Works
4-USB (2.0) ports
iLINK (IEEE 1394) port
1-FIR port
SD media slot
TV-Out port
10/100 Ethernet
V.92/56K modemº
Parallel port
(I think it also comes with a remote control, check out the "product tour" on toshiba's site.)

http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/pc/pc_cf_prodChassis.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1116547574. 1057896237@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccgadciklehedgcgfkceghdgngdgli.0&comm=ST&pfam=Satellite&pmod=P25

but it's cost much more then x1000, I'm not sure which will be a better deal...

[sonyman]

If price is not a factor, I would go with the Toshiba. If you live life on a strict budget, go with the HP.

[clie]

I'm trying to compare and see which one consider as a "better deal", somehow I feel for the same dollar amount you get more for the x1000 rather then the Toshiba.

[nedlyj]

That Toshiba looks interesting, but here's my take on it. (Trust me, I have no biases towards Toshiba - they put out some great stuff.)

The Toshiba has some nice features like the DVD burner and integrated 802.11a/b (the "a" is very nice). But for my taste this is no longer a "portable" machine - which is what I want a laptop for.

Heck, a 15.4" screen is already pushing it for me, but 17 is just too big. And the Toshiba specs show it measuring almost 2 inches thick and weighing in at over 12 pounds with battery and charger. Wow - I'm not going to take that on the road!

Looking at the tech specs themselves, the Toshiba has a 2.8GHz desktop P4 with hyper-threading and an 800Mhz front side bus - so performance-wise it will probably kick butt. But it also is listed at only 2.0 hours MAX battery life - so it won't kick butt for long. And I'm sure that desktop P4 gets mighty hot after a while.

The video card is very nice, but I'm surprised that on that whopping 17 inch screen you're only offered 1440x900 resolution. We're talking "large" pixels there. An extra 2" diagonal from the VPR 200A5 (for example) but only 46 more horizontal pixels. Seems lower quality to me.

I'm personally a bit confused by this market segment. Large, heavy, short battery life, etc. Maybe as a desktop replacement that you might have minimal need to ever make portable, then maybe... - but you could also buy a great desktop machine "and" a cheap portable for about the same as some of these prices.

Personally, my needs in a laptop are portability (less than 7 pounds for my taste), screen resolution (I need to do 2-page up layouts in a pinch), relatively good performance (for Photoshop), and good battery life (ie 3+ hours). Other than that it's all "fun stuff."

As for service and reliability, who knows anymore. As for quality, they're all made by Compal or Quanta anyway. I've had great experieces with Dell and have horrible experiences with Dell. Gateway is poopy. The Toshiba's I had, one held up great, one was crap (never dealt with service though). And the Compaq notebook I had before was great quality, but they're tech support sucked. So again, I think it's a toss-up. Over the last two years I have really liked the quality of the Presario laptops (I still think Compaq desktops are junk).

Good luck on your choice.

-n

[sonyman]

IMHO this megapixel style resolution being offered on laptops is just a fad. Sure, in theory they are nice, but after extended viewing of documents and webpages you will grow tired of the miniscule font size. This is a fact. Like I've said before, if you use your system for gaming or for porn, I'm sure it's great. But if you want an all around performer you will not choose some megapixel style resolution laptop. Personally, any screen larger than 15" is cumbersome. Add a huge screen with resolution above 1400x1050 and you are asking to go blind before you ever draw your social security check. Again, this is if you use your laptop for writing and reading. All you porn/game freaks will probably love them, you just won't know what made you go blind-the resolution or the perpetual masturbation.

And concerning battery life...How many of us are actually that far away from a power supply? I mean who here loads up their backpack with their laptop, hops on their mountain bike and rides 40 miles away from civilization to play on their computer? Again, let's be realistic here.

IMHO you won't see a nickels difference between a 2.8 and 1.6M P4. Sorry, but I've been in front of few laptops and I can't tell the difference, maybe you lifelong gamers can, I don't know. The significant difference comes from L2 cache size. Just like some Apple's and Sony's new TR1. Sure the processor is only a 900Mhz-M but the L2 cache size is 1M. Kind of blows that little 512K L2 cache out of the water on those hefty 2.8 processors and the like.

In the end, it's all personal preference.

BTW, how long do you actually keep a laptop? Or how long do you use a laptop before it crashes or tears up on you?

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by sonyman
IMHO this megapixel style resolution being offered on laptops is just a fad. Sure, in theory they are nice, but after extended viewing of documents and webpages you will grow tired of the miniscule font size.
[snip]

And concerning battery life...How many of us are actually that far away from a power supply? I mean who here loads up their backpack with their laptop, hops on their mountain bike and rides 40 miles away from civilization to play on their computer? Again, let's be realistic here.

[snip]

In the end, it's all personal preference.

BTW, how long do you actually keep a laptop? Or how long do you use a laptop before it crashes or tears up on you?

Some good questions.

As for resolution, you can always bump your font size up and then everything is just fine - you won't go blind at all. However, you still have the real estate when you need it. If I'm out of town and need to work on a spread in Illustrator that is a four-up fan fold, I want to get as much onscreen as I can when doing the layout.

What about Power? When I travel I need battery life. I would much prefer sticking my AC adapter in my checked bag and only carrying the laptop instead of looking to find that one power outlet in the airport that has no seats near it so I can sit on the floor for hours. Or what about the plane itself. Not all planes have power in them and a cross country trip is a pain with a two hour battery. Some travel/airport days are long, so a 5 hour battery life is great.

You're right that it all comes down to personal preference.

-n

[sonyman]

Originally posted by nedlyj
Some good questions.

As for resolution, you can always bump your font size up and then everything is just fine - you won't go blind at all. However, you still have the real estate when you need it. If I'm out of town and need to work on a spread in Illustrator that is a four-up fan fold, I want to get as much onscreen as I can when doing the layout.

What about Power? When I travel I need battery life. I would much prefer sticking my AC adapter in my checked bag and only carrying the laptop instead of looking to find that one power outlet in the airport that has no seats near it so I can sit on the floor for hours. Or what about the plane itself. Not all planes have power in them and a cross country trip is a pain with a two hour battery. Some travel/airport days are long, so a 5 hour battery life is great.

You're right that it all comes down to personal preference.

-n

Adjusting the resolutin on your screen? Yeah, good solution, and it never makes it look out of focus or blurry. No matter what brand computer you use, changing the resolution never distorts the screen.

And what about power? You stick your AC adapter in your checked bag? LOL. That's the best one I've heard in a while. Look, I've been in airports from here to Europe, and I can assure you, the majority, if not all, persons plug in for power. And this is if you have an extended layover period. I usually schedule my flights with little wasted time. But hey, if you like sitting around in an airport all day/night, that's fine with me, I guess you would need that potent battery.
Furthermore, a real world 5 hour battery life from one battery, not two batteries, just one battery? Please, who are you kidding? Are you gonna tell me you can watch 2+ full length DVD movies on your laptop with one five hour battery?

But like I said, it's all personal preference. Adjust your screen resolution, it won't hurt. Put your power cord/adapter in your checked luggage. I'm sure you don't have carry on bags with you for your flight. And hey, nothing like saving 10oz. of weight by getting rid of that cumbersome power adapter. And let me tell you, that Apple commercial with the midget and giant using Apple laptops on the plane. I see that all the time. Everybody gets on the plane and pulls out their laptop with a real world five hour battery life. So I guess you are right and I do agree with essentially everything you said.

[Ioman]

Anyone going to post some pictures of this killer new laptop? I wanna see it!

[clie]

nedlyj, thank you so much for your comments, I totally agree with you, the Toshiba P25 is definitely a “desktop replacement”, even though it has some nice features, the heaviness body and short battery life is a big turn down.

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by Ioman
Anyone going to post some pictures of this killer new laptop? I wanna see it!

The only photo I've ever seen is the one attached here. I can find no others.

The HP/Compaq site is also very vague on information on the x1000, but there is a "complete" spec sheet for the business model (nx7000) which should be almost identical (except there are only two stock models for the nx7000, no customization like with the x1000).

The spec page is at:

http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/11667_na/11667_na.HTML

-n

[clie]

Originally posted by nedlyj
The only photo I've ever seen is the one attached here. I can find no others.

The HP/Compaq site is also very vague on information on the x1000, but there is a "complete" spec sheet for the business model (nx7000) which should be almost identical (except there are only two stock models for the nx7000, no customization like with the x1000).

-n

Here is the detail spec sheet for x1001us.
http://www.shopping.hp.com/cgi-bin/hpdirect/shopping/scripts/product_detail/product_detail_view.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@186636420 1.1057939935@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccecadcikmeegddcfngcfkmdfondfgf.0&product_code=DK575A%23ABA&tab=detailed_specs&browse_link=true&#defaultAnchor

just scroll down to the bottom page and click on show me all details (pdf spec sheet).

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by clie
Here is the detail spec sheet for x1001us.
http://www.shopping.hp.com/cgi-bin/hpdirect/shopping/scripts/product_detail/product_detail_view.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@186636420 1.1057939935@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccecadcikmeegddcfngcfkmdfondfgf.0&product_code=DK575A%23ABA&tab=detailed_specs&browse_link=true&#defaultAnchor

just scroll down to the bottom page and click on show me all details (pdf spec sheet).

Thanks. Come to think of it I had seen that spec sheet before. One big difference listed (actually the ONLY difference) is that the specs for the x1001us show a 24x/8x/8x/8x cdrw/dvd drive while the specs for the nx7000 show a 24x/24x/10x/8x drive (cdrom/cd-r/cd-rw/dvd). I guess we'll see what actually comes in the customizable x1000s. Hopefully it's the better drive, but...

-n

[nedlyj]

Full review of the x1000 by Cnet was just posted. See it (and more photos) at:

http://reviews.cnet.com/4505-3122_7-30422516.html

-n

[Cloud]

oooh looks like they really like it. I didn't know you could give an editors choice award to something that scores an 8.1 thats weird.

Only problem I see with this laptop is that its a Compaq hehe.

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by Cloud
oooh looks like they really like it. I didn't know you could give an editors choice award to something that scores an 8.1 thats weird.

Only problem I see with this laptop is that its a Compaq hehe.

I've been around several Presario laptops over the past 18 months have found these newer models to be of very good quality.

I believe if you look at the actual manufacturer for the x1000 (Compal) you'll find they have been producing good laptops for Dell for a while now (they make the 8500) and they also make the 17" Powerbook and will be making the 15.4" replacement for the current 15.2" Powerbook. They also make Acer's widescreen.

PS - I've always liked Wonder bread.

-n

[sonyman]

Yes indeed, these new HP/Compaq laptops are the epitome of quality and durability. I've never seen one of poor craftsmanship. Additionally, how much does the power/AC adapter weigh? Finally, how long do you normally use your HP/Compaq notebook before you replace it with a new one?

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by sonyman
Additionally, how much does the power/AC adapter weigh? Finally, how long do you normally use your HP/Compaq notebook before you replace it with a new one?
I believe I saw the power adapter listed as weign 11 ounces - but I could be thinking of the battery as well...

Since I'm a technoholic I've only been keeping laptops about 2 years tops - but they're in perfect condition when I'm done with them so I've always had no problem recouping a decent price for them. And no, I don't just use HP/Compaq - I've had Dell and Toshiba as well.

-n

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by sonyman
Adjusting the resolutin on your screen? Yeah, good solution, and it never makes it look out of focus or blurry. No matter what brand computer you use, changing the resolution never distorts the screen.

And what about power? You stick your AC adapter in your checked bag? LOL. That's the best one I've heard in a while. Look, I've been in airports from here to Europe, and I can assure you, the majority, if not all, persons plug in for power. And this is if you have an extended layover period. I usually schedule my flights with little wasted time. But hey, if you like sitting around in an airport all day/night, that's fine with me, I guess you would need that potent battery.
Furthermore, a real world 5 hour battery life from one battery, not two batteries, just one battery? Please, who are you kidding? Are you gonna tell me you can watch 2+ full length DVD movies on your laptop with one five hour battery?

But like I said, it's all personal preference. Adjust your screen resolution, it won't hurt. Put your power cord/adapter in your checked luggage. I'm sure you don't have carry on bags with you for your flight. And hey, nothing like saving 10oz. of weight by getting rid of that cumbersome power adapter. And let me tell you, that Apple commercial with the midget and giant using Apple laptops on the plane. I see that all the time. Everybody gets on the plane and pulls out their laptop with a real world five hour battery life. So I guess you are right and I do agree with essentially everything you said.

Wow, didn't see this post before. Sounds like someone didn't have enough sleep last night...

I was obviously talking about changing font sizes not screen resolution, but that's okay, a little more coffee might have cleared that up.

Not sure why you're badgering about the battery life. It is what it is. Don't believe it if you don't want to, I could care less.

Sorry that my usage, experiences and preferences aren't the same as yours. I guess I was dreaming, none of what I said was real... Go back to your lives citizens.

-n

[sonyman]

Originally posted by nedlyj
Wow, didn't see this post before. Sounds like someone didn't have enough sleep last night...

I was obviously talking about changing font sizes not screen resolution, but that's okay, a little more coffee might have cleared that up.

Not sure why you're badgering about the battery life. It is what it is. Don't believe it if you don't want to, I could care less.

Sorry that my usage, experiences and preferences aren't the same as yours. I guess I was dreaming, none of what I said was real... Go back to your lives citizens.

-n

Thanks for the diatribe -n. Who said anything about sleep? Sounds like you may be a little unsure. Psychologically speaking that is. And you are right, I do enjoy saving those heavy 10 or 12 ounces of extra weight. Well, my goodness, someone might strain a disc in their back lugging all that excess weight around. Furthermore, all those people on planes frenziedly using their laptops. Yeah, that happens all the time. You are right again. I know the last time I was passing thru NYC the airport was full of people using their laptops. At let me tell you about Schiphol, wow, not even comparable. They were walking around with them in hand. And in Atlanta I talked to one guy using his laptop. He said he had been there for hours on end standing up because he could find no seat. Needless to say, he was tickled pink about leaving his power cord in his checked luggage. But as you stated, it's all personal preference.

And a quote in passing too..."Of late, I have lost all mirth, but your smile seems to say so."

[nedlyj]

Somehow, in a discussion about a Centrino laptop, my desire to cut weight where I can and utilize battery life where I can is somehow suddenly wrong to you.

Man, you may need to check your supplier - obviously got some bad weed this time. ;)

Maybe I can bring this thread back on topic - like talking about this machine rather than endless rants about... about... what the hell were they about? Oh yeah, that I'm a lunatic because I agree with a million other people that weight and battery life are important in a laptop. That's it, right? :D

----------------------
So, back on topic -

I'll be curious to see how the keyboard actually feels after reading the cNet review which said it was one of the best they had tested.

I have also always liked the touchpad on/off button in HP's designs (although that's one of the only things I liked in their laptop designs). It does help if you do a lot of typing and are only a "four-finger typist". Stops your palm or thumb from dragging on the touchpad and moving the cursor when you're typing.

Obviously, after owning a 200A5, I'm also curious to see how well cooling is handled. There was nothing in the cNet review about heat.

And of course the big item will be how well the screen looks in comparison to the 200A5 which is pretty much the benchmark at this point. Anyone see a Dell 8500 and a VPR 200A5 side by side to know how these screens compare in brightness and color?

-n

[sonyman]

-n as you can easily discern by my last post I agreed with everything you were saying and this somehow still elicited an ad hominem attack. What gives? First you talk about sleep and coffee, and now you have digressed to weed and a supplier. Nice logical digression I might add. However, your obtuse and overly belligerent nature does not go unnoticed. Perhaps for your next harangue you wil leave your opinions, asssumptions, and assertions about me to yourself. Perhaps not. Yes indeed, I do enjoy saving those dreaded ounces of weight in my checked baggage. Finally, I am surprised you bring up ethics at all by your position stating I find it somehow 'wrong' that you want to cut weight. Again, nice logical digression. See above statement, I am *really* very thankful for saving 10 or 12 ounces by packing that power cord in checked baggage. I can understand your need to cut all this unnecessary weight since you travel all the time. But you still haven't really told any of us how often you travel?
At any rate, keep up the good ethical quest. What would Jesus do?

And no I haven't seen the laptops side by side. Who said they ordered this laptop to begin with?

Yes, I do appreciate this 'improved' design. I am utterly thrilled, much as yourself. Being a four fingered typist, I know I always move the cursor when I type. And cursor position is critical when typing, just like now. I have moved the cursor completely across my screen while typing this. But these Sony laptops are not much on design, not like this fine machine you speak of.

[nedlyj]

Well maybe it has been the overly sarcastic, snide and off the wall remarks that gave me the wrong opinion. My mistake and most humble apologies for completely missing the facts. But you're right, I am most regrettably obtuse.

And my apologies for assuming the photo and the Holland tagline made reference to weed - my mistake again.

Sorry to hear you're unhappy with your Sony laptop. The design is usually quite nice although performance is a bit off. I'm sure with time you'll grow to love it.

-n

[sonyman]

Originally posted by nedlyj
Well maybe it has been the overly sarcastic, snide and off the wall remarks that gave me the wrong opinion. My mistake and most humble apologies for completely missing the facts. But you're right, I am most regrettably obtuse.

And my apologies for assuming the photo and the Holland tagline made reference to weed - my mistake again.

Sorry to hear you're unhappy with your Sony laptop. The design is usually quite nice although performance is a bit off. I'm sure with time you'll grow to love it.

-n

Yeah, those unreliable Sony laptops. *cough* Maybe I'll trade this piece in for a real laptop. Oh, I could only be so fortunate. And your apologies are accepted my friend. I can understand how you would construe ad hominem attacks with coffee, sleep, weed, and suppliers. And now a photo, and Holland nonetheless. Yes, a nice logical digression indeed nedlyj.

And I am still thankful for saving that cumbersome weight of 10 or 12 ounces in checked luggage. Whew! Oh, wait a minute, my cursor is moving while I am typing. Must be the poor design on my laptop, or perhaps even the performance deficiencies. Who knows? Well, what next? You've talked about coffee, sleep, weed, suppliers, a photo, and Holland. I eagerly await more of your astute observations.

*sorting and dissecting*

[clie]

Originally posted by nedlyj

I'll be curious to see how the keyboard actually feels after reading the cNet review which said it was one of the best they had tested.

I have also always liked the touchpad on/off button in HP's designs (although that's one of the only things I liked in their laptop designs). It does help if you do a lot of typing and are only a "four-finger typist". Stops your palm or thumb from dragging on the touchpad and moving the cursor when you're typing.

Obviously, after owning a 200A5, I'm also curious to see how well cooling is handled. There was nothing in the cNet review about heat.

And of course the big item will be how well the screen looks in comparison to the 200A5 which is pretty much the benchmark at this point. Anyone see a Dell 8500 and a VPR 200A5 side by side to know how these screens compare in brightness and color?

-n

my local compusa sotre just got the x1000 for display. i guess the design is ok for me, nothing fancy... but it's a little heavier than I excepted.

[Unregistered]

Thanks to whoever it was that posted the discount code.

I just ordered my new x1000 and saved nearly $300.

I was originally going to order from Costco where you get a 5% (or something like that) discount, however, they wanted to charge me sales tax, which brought the total to $2002. I used the discount code and the HP web site (no tax) and The final price was approx $1720. Plus there's a $100 rebate. So $1620 for a very very fine laptop.

1.5Ghz
1680x1050
512mb
60gb 5400 rpm
DVD+CDRW
802.11b + Bluetooth

I was originally going to go for the 1900x1200, but after reading this did a pro/con list and realized that it just wasn't a good thing. I just saw a dell 8500 1680x1050 today and it's just about right. BTW, the dell was very clunky and plasticy and way too large. I thought the blue around the keyboard would be cool, but it was just tacky.

I saw the x1000 at Costco yesterday and really liked it. It doesn't quite have the great apple design, but it's definitely at the top of the PC laptops design wise.

[nedlyj]

I was also just told by HP that the rebate for a "free" external USB floppy drive (ie $50 back on the $49.99 drive) does in fact include custom configured x1000s. Just use the rebate form which states Spring/Summer and starts 5/21/03.

I wouldn't order it until you receive the x1000 and are sure you're going to keep it (too much to return otherwise). But it's worth it to get a free floppy drive in case you ever need it.

-n

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by Unregistered
Thanks to whoever it was that posted the discount code.

BTW, the dell was very clunky and plasticy and way too large. I thought the blue around the keyboard would be cool, but it was just tacky.

I saw the x1000 at Costco yesterday and really liked it. It doesn't quite have the great apple design, but it's definitely at the top of the PC laptops design wise.

Thanks for the tip that compusa had the x1000. Today I went to our local Dell Direct store and to Compusa and looked at the 8500 and the x1000. No comparison (in my opinion).

I was struck by the build quality of the x1000. Even though I was hoping it to be high, I didn't expect it to be at this level - much better than any other HP/Compaq I've seen. Of course, I'm comparing it primarily to the Gateway M500 I recently tried, and to the 8500 I just looked at. Fit and finish appears excellent and everything all the way down to keyboard feel and touchpad button feel are very nice, where, for example, on the Gateway the touchpad buttons didn't align right and felt very cheap.

I also noticed that the 8500 was *very* hot underneath and the x1000 wasn't hot at all.

-n

[plenoach]

I stopped by Best Buy this morning after seeing an X1000 in their Sunday ad, CompUSA's and, Fry's. They all seem identically configured except the BB version had a 1.4Ghz processor instead of a 1.3.

I had to ask the salespeople to put one on display, since they didn't have one out yet. Once they got it hooked up, I was able to play with it.

The design seems nice. Much less plasticky than the Dells I've handled recently. Everything seemed solid. Screen looked good. Audio wasn't on par with the 5205 toshibas but not miserable.

Nedlyj, I have also been perusing the M500 , and you mentioned seeing it in person. What specific strengths did the X1000 have over the Gateway from a design/build standpoint?

Also, the RAM access slot on the bottom does indeed appear that it is only the size of a single SODIMM. This further bolsters the suspicion that one of the RAM slots isn't user upgradeable. I've called and online chatted with Compaq support 4 times and gotten no clairity on this issue. They don't know or are guessing in each case.

This bums me out a bit since I was really hoping to order a single 128 and do my own upgrades.

As a California resident, I will be saddled with tax on this, and I'm working hard to keep this affordable and upgradeable.

Thanks

-Peter

[nedlyj]

Hi Peter,

Yes, I believe that the x1000 truly has only one memory slot available for "user" replacement. That bummed me out too - stupid design that only makes me have to spend more up front and try to figure out what I would ever upgrade it too - like I can think that far ahead. I opted to go with 2x256 since I should at least be able to replace the one 256 with 512 or 1024 later for a total of 768 or 1276. For now, I think 512 will be fine. In reality, I would assume that I could have an HP repair center replace the internal SIMM later, but again - stupid design.

As for the M500, yes I've seen it. In fact I have two of them sitting here in my office right now waiting to go back. For the most part, the M500 seems solidly enough built and is close to being an extremely nice machine. But several things really stood out as either poor design or poor quality, and that negates the entire package for me.

My main gripes for design were: 1) the AV panel buttons are depressed by the screen/lid when it is closed making it a requirement to leave the lid open when playing CDs - even though the laptop doesn't have to be powered on, 2) the Launch buttons are depressed by the screen/lid when it is closed causing multiple sessions of programs to be opened if you close the lid and carry the laptop from place to place, 3) the fan runs constantly, which does keep the laptop cool, but adds to it's miserable battery life (less than 2 hours). That's about it for design - I thought most everything else was thoughtfully laid out.

As for quality, my first laptop had a bad AV panel, bad sound card and dead pixels on the screen. The second one fixed those problems, but had the problems "common" to both, including: 1) Windows power meter was NEVER accurate - was always off by a power of 2x, 2) touchpad buttons were poorly aligned and were hard to depress/click (just a bad feel), 3) screen back (ie. lid top) was very thin and you could distort the screen easily by pressing the top of the lid (so it doesn't offer much protection). 4) bezel around the screen was loose and could be popped in if squeezed too hard, 5) AV panel cover plate itself doesn't sit flush - looks like something is bulging it out. 6) slot drive face plate was slightly distorted.

In reality, all of these are individually pretty minor with the exception of the AV and Launch buttons hitting the screen and the terrible battery life. But after seeing the x1000 (at least the one unit I saw), it made all of these issues look glaring.

Granted the x1000 does not initially look nearly as cool as the m500. But it is still very sleek and looks "tight" - nothing cheap or loose fitting, even the touchpad buttons. But I also find simplicity that is done well, usability, and in-your-face build quality to be cool as well. I won't know definitively until I get my unit, but I know I'm now looking more forward to it after having seen one in person.

Hope this helps.

-n

[duffy]

I would be willing to bet money that the other memory slot is underneath the keyboard. I looked (have one on order) at an x1000 for quite a while last week. There are a couple of screws on the bottom with a keyboard icon and there are a few sliding fasteners at the top (by the function keys) of the keyboard which hold the top of the keyboard down. I'm sure the bottom of the keyboard just slides into a couple of notches. I've had a couple other notebooks with the same keyboard attachment method.

[sonyman]

Why don't all of you dispense with this balderdash and just buy a quality product like the Sony VAIO? After reading several of the latest posts you all agree on a few points....the Dells are cheap and plastic and so is the x1000. And the memory upgrades sound a little off. I have a four year old Sony that compares with any of the laptops you are discussing now. LOL. But hey, it's all personal preference.

Or I suppose you could discuss much more meaningful topics such as....the weight of the power cord??? LOL. Oh yeah, we could talk about coffee and sleep, etc, etc, etc, again. :argue

[chuck]

Yea I would buy a Sony but the fact they charge twice the price for stuff that is outdated is too much for me.

[duffy]

Originally posted by sonyman
Why don't all of you dispense with this balderdash and just buy a quality product like the Sony VAIO? After reading several of the latest posts you all agree on a few points....the Dells are cheap and plastic and so is the x1000. And the memory upgrades sound a little off. I have a four year old Sony that compares with any of the laptops you are discussing now. LOL. But hey, it's all personal preference.

Or I suppose you could discuss much more meaningful topics such as....the weight of the power cord??? LOL. Oh yeah, we could talk about coffee and sleep, etc, etc, etc, again. :argue

LOL! I've owned a couple of Sony's and I'm not sure quality is the first thing that comes to mind. ;) Vaios are definitly nice machines to look at, but they are never the best performers, their service sucks, and replacement parts (adapters/batteries)cost 2X-3X what everyone else charges!

If your four year old Sony compares to current models it's only in shape and the fact it has keys and a display. jk :D Just about everything is plastic these days. Even the BEST business notebooks on the planet the venerable Thinkpads are made from plastic. I think a combination of plastic and metal are a good combination. Nothing compares to the beauty of a metal notebook, but after you leave two layers of chared skin attached to the underside you'll appreciate the benefits of plastic. Before anyone says anything about the current crop of CPUs wasting power and producing all the heat, stop. The hotest part of my notebook is the metal panel covering my 5400 RPM hard drive. The CPU (Pentium M 900 MHz) fan never turns on yet the hard drives gets extremely warm. That's far an away better than my P4-M that doubled as a bed warmer.

Speaking of sleep it's that time again. :doh

[sonyman]

Well, since I've never even had to purchase replacement parts for any Sony product I wouldn't know if they are expensive. As far as Sony's service..hmmm..I wouldn't know about that either, I've never used their service line either. I hear others complain about service, but if you purchase a cheap product you may find yourself returning them and calling service all the time. P4's are the most over-rated product on the market. I wonder if it has anything to do with the perpetual advertisements. Talk about P4 brainwashing ads.

I will acquiesce with you on one point you made. Give me a 900Mhz with a 1M L2 cache anyday of the week over this P4-M junk anyday. The fan used to cool the P4's sounds like a Delta 767 taking off.

[sonyman]

LOL. The thinkpad? Oh yeah, I just love the design. Nothing like an eraser head placed strategically in the middle of the keyboard. Makes typing a breeze.

And I'm still using Sony products I bought when I was a teenager. Talk about service..........

[sonyman]

BTW. Flame me. I need the attention.

[Lord o' Chesmen]

Here are two more pictures of the X1000

http://www.techworthy.com/MagazineArticles/Hardware/CompaqX1000.htm

Now that bit about only one RAM module being replacable was news to me.

I did exactly the same thing... configured just 128 so I could buy a single module of 512 from curcial.com for 25 bucks less than what Compaq wanted me to pay for 2X256.

A possible solution could be that you get HP technicians install your upgrade (512?) in the slot that is not user replaceble and use the replacable one for the 128 MB. And do it in the first year, so you dont have to pay for it.

[Unregistered]

Originally posted by sonyman
Why don't all of you dispense with this balderdash and just buy a quality product like the Sony VAIO? After reading several of the latest posts you all agree on a few points....the Dells are cheap and plastic and so is the x1000. And the memory upgrades sound a little off. I have a four year old Sony that compares with any of the laptops you are discussing now. LOL. But hey, it's all personal preference.

Or I suppose you could discuss much more meaningful topics such as....the weight of the power cord??? LOL. Oh yeah, we could talk about coffee and sleep, etc, etc, etc, again. :argue

came here to lurk and find information, but man, i've gotta respond here.

i've seen the x1000 and it's not cheap plastic. not like many of the vaio's which you are apparently so biased towards. maybe you should actually see something before slamming it - but that would probably take the fun out of it. and a four year old sony that's as good as new ones? please!!! lol!!!

i've read this whole thread and it looks like *sonyman* has some burr going to be flaming the way he is. and what's the hang up on the persons comments about weight? saving a pound here and there in carry on baggage isn't a stupid thing. you want to carry more - that's your perogative, but why flame people who don't agree with you?

people discuss a product and get flamed for it by someone who hasn't even seen it? nice forum!

jdi

[sonyman]

Like I said earlier....

Flame me. I need the attention.

[laptopia]

LMAO!!!

Until recently Sony was in a tie with IBM for the ugliest mainstream laptops. At least the Z1 series has now shown some dramatic style. But look at those FRV and GRV series. Butt ugly.

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by Unregistered
i've read this whole thread and it looks like *sonyman* has some burr going to be flaming the way he is. and what's the hang up on the persons comments about weight? saving a pound here and there in carry on baggage isn't a stupid thing. you want to carry more - that's your perogative, but why flame people who don't agree with you?


Since I assume this was targeted at me, thanks - but I think sonyman and I just misinterpreted each others posts and then got off on a tangent. Maybe he was being honest about a few things that I thought he was being sarcastic about and maybe he forgot his avatar shows a guy smoking a joint and so misinterpreted my "weed" comment as not being a joke. Hey, these things happen...sorry.

But I agree that I'd like to get back relatively on topic as we find out more information on the x1000. Thanks to whoever sent the new link today.

As for Sony, they are to a degree similar to Apple in that they have excellent style (especially the new Z1), have a *very* loyal user base, and are unfortunately very pricey in relative terms to comparable systems. I know several people with VAIO laptops who absolutely love them, and I know several people who had VAIO desktops who absolutely hated them because they broke down often. So no brand is perfect.

I know that as far as a desktop monitor is concerned, I won't use anything but a Sony trinitron.

-n

[sonyman]

Wow, a new laptop with a CD-RW. I wished I could afford a laptop with a CD-RW. I mean really, they haven't been making those for four or five years have they? That is certainly impressive and with the times. I wish Sony would drop their DVD writers on their laptops. Those DVD writers are just sooo prehistoric. ;)

But hey, it's all personal preference.:P

[sonyman]

Oh, and the avatar. That's Sweet Tooth from Barney's Breakfast Bar on Haarlemmerstraat. It's about a five minute walk from Centraal Station. Cafe de Poort is also a nice stop in Amsterdam.

[plenoach]

Originally posted by duffy
I would be willing to bet money that the other memory slot is underneath the keyboard. I looked (have one on order) at an x1000 for quite a while last week. There are a couple of screws on the bottom with a keyboard icon and there are a few sliding fasteners at the top (by the function keys) of the keyboard which hold the top of the keyboard down. I'm sure the bottom of the keyboard just slides into a couple of notches. I've had a couple other notebooks with the same keyboard attachment method.

I suspect something like this is exactly correct and might be a reasonable way to fully control your own memory upgrades. It doesn't seem logical that they'd actually solder the memory in since this is still a configurable option when ordering.

I've actually got a transcript of my online chat sesssion with a Compaq rep where he told me they were both user upgradeable. I might just order the single 128 and if it turns out that they can't be accessed, use this as ammunition for getting the problem remedied. It's certainly a hassle risk, but for their memory prices, it seems worth it.

Is there any chance that one of you who've already ordered will have a unit by Thursday (when the coupon expires) and could check it out?

Thanks again everyone!

-Peter

[Unregistered]

I had ordered the presario x1000 last thursday from hpshopping.com and personally think it's an amazing deal. Thanks for bringing up that the laptop is on display at CompUSA. On my way home from work I stopped by to play with the laptop. The laptop is amazing! There are a few quarks that I could imagine some people complaining about such as there is no access to the volume controls when the screen is shut but that doesn't bother me at all. For the price (I payed $1250 after discounts for my 1.5 w/ the 1600 display), it can't be beat. Most laptops under $1600 include a cheesy video card such as the ATI 7500 and lower that use shared memory. Altough the ATI 9200 is itself becoming out of date, it can still play most games quite nicely and is the best ATI mobile card you can get if you wish to spend under 3 grand. The weight of the laptop is amazing. My previous laptop (toshiba) was very thick and weighed about 12lbs. This one weighs half of that! The only problem I have with this laptop is that it won't fit into some laptop cases (due to it being a widescreen) and stretches most of the rest (The ones that are made for 15" screens). No biggy though as I will just go out and pick up another. I really cant' wait to get it. Any idea how long compaq takes to build the laptops and ship em? I waited 3 days thus far and really hope I don't have the wait the full 8 days as it mentions.

[Unregistered]

I too purchased one yesterday. It just seemed like such a good deal. Anyhow, I chose the 128mb option hoping to do my own upgrading. Any suggestions as to which memory (brand) I should go for? Thanks

[ffuu]

I found that there is another 10% off coupon that will expire on 8/1 instead of 7/14. Two more weeks to think about whether you should buy Presario x1000 !!

http://www.xpbargains.com/index.php/send_deal/11492

HP Shopping has free shipping on entire order when you customize a computer. 10% off one item w/ Coupon Code: SV7095, exp 8/1. Limit 1 coupon per customer. Not valid on auction or refurbished products, instant rebates, Compaq Presario S3000V, S3000Z, S4000V, and S4000J customizable desktop pcs, or clearance sales.

Did anyone successfully use this coupon to get 10% off from HP shopping homepage? I am a little worry the validaty of this coupon ...

Thank you!

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by Unregistered
[snip]
The only problem I have with this laptop is that it won't fit into some laptop cases (due to it being a widescreen) and stretches most of the rest (The ones that are made for 15" screens). No biggy though as I will just go out and pick up another. I really cant' wait to get it. Any idea how long compaq takes to build the laptops and ship em? I waited 3 days thus far and really hope I don't have the wait the full 8 days as it mentions.

If you don't mind spending a few extra $ for a really nice laptop bag, I recently purchased a RacerX bag from Waterfield Designs (http://www.sfbags.com) for my VPR 200A5 widescreen. The bag I got is the one made for the 17" powerbook (due to differences in thickness you really need this one, not the one made for the 15" Powerbook). I highly recommend this bag (never thought I'd say that about a laptop bag). It should fit the x1000 perfectly.

With regards to the x1000 ship date - I ordered mine last wednesday and today I was told I should expect the full 8 business days. Just gives more time to anticipate the arrival ;-)

-n

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by ffuu
I found that there is another 10% off coupon that will expire on 8/1 instead of 7/14. Two more weeks to think about whether you should buy Presario x1000 !!

http://www.xpbargains.com/index.php/send_deal/11492

HP Shopping has free shipping on entire order when you customize a computer. 10% off one item w/ Coupon Code: SV7095, exp 8/1. Limit 1 coupon per customer. Not valid on auction or refurbished products, instant rebates, Compaq Presario S3000V, S3000Z, S4000V, and S4000J customizable desktop pcs, or clearance sales.

Did anyone successfully use this coupon to get 10% off from HP shopping homepage? I am a little worry the validaty of this coupon ...

Thank you!

That is the coupon code that I used when ordering - and it worked fine. The information I had at the time showed SV7095 expiring 7/14 and SV8248 expiring 7/17. So it looks like they may have extended the SV7095 date to 8/1.

Don't forget that if you are a student you can get an additional 5% off too. And you can get a free USB floppy using the floppy drive rebate.

-n

[Unregistered]

The only ram I will buy is Crucial. It's great quality and good price. You can order it from crucial.com.

[ffuu]

Originally posted by nedlyj
That is the coupon code that I used when ordering - and it worked fine. The information I had at the time showed SV7095 expiring 7/14 and SV8248 expiring 7/17. So it looks like they may have extended the SV7095 date to 8/1.


Hopefully, more people can confirm this.

Don't forget that if you are a student you can get an additional 5% off too. And you can get a free USB floppy using the floppy drive rebate.


Oh.. thank you for your information! I am a student. How can I get the additional 5% off ? I cannot find any opinion about this when I pretend to check out in the HP shopping homepage. When will it expire? How can they verify my student status?
I will appreciate if you can tell me the homepage about this student discount and USB loppy drive disccount.

It seems it is really a great deal. 10% off coupon + 5% student discount + $100 rebate + free USB floppy disk drive + free shopping. I can buy a very good laptop in $1300!!

[duffy]

Originally posted by ffuu
Hopefully, more people can confirm this.



Oh.. thank you for your information! I am a student. How can I get the additional 5% off ? I cannot find any opinion about this when I pretend to check out in the HP shopping homepage. When will it expire? How can they verify my student status?
I will appreciate if you can tell me the homepage about this student discount and USB loppy drive disccount.

It seems it is really a great deal. 10% off coupon + 5% student discount + $100 rebate + free USB floppy disk drive + free shopping. I can buy a very good laptop in $1300!!

Here is the link to the HP Education website:

https://eclipse.ebus.hp.com/dn/jsp/products_you.jsp

[ffuu]

Originally posted by duffy
Here is the link to the HP Education website:

https://eclipse.ebus.hp.com/dn/jsp/products_you.jsp

Unfortunately, I am still unable to find the discount. Actually, I am a college student. Btw, it seems that the $100 rebate is applicable to preconfigured Presario X1001us only, not X10000.. Can anyone tell me more about this?

[Lord o' Chesmen]

follows a list of models that are eligible for the mail-in-rebate. Note that the last one says "Built for you models"

- Eligible Notebook PC—Any Compaq Presario™ 2161US, 2162US, 2170US, 2172US, 2174US, 2175US, 2177US, 2179US, 2180US, 2182US,
2184US, 2185US, 2189US, 2561US, 2562US, 2570US, 2572US, 2574US, 2575US, 2579US, 2580US, 2582US, 2584US, 2589US, 3045US,
3070US, 3072US, 3074US, 3075US, 3079US, 3080US, 3085US, X1001US, X1002US, X1005US, X1010US, X1015US, X1020US, 2176RS,
2186RS, 2576RS, 2586RS, 3076RS, including Built For You models.*

from here....... http://shopping.hp.com/shopping/pdf/rebate_cpq_nb_summer2003.pdf

Anyway, if you really want to find out more about the coupons or discounts, the best way is to call them and you will get your answer right away. No need to wait for someone to reply. I had actually purchased the notebook before i found out about the coupon. But then I will return the first one and keep the second one that I ordered with the coupon. They do not apply coupons to an order already placed.

[Unregistered]

Damn...when I ordered last week I didn't know anything about the free USB Floppy drive. I did however get the 10% off coupon as well as the education student discount. To get the student discount you will need to go to the link previously mentioned and click on the link that says "College Student Registration" which will ask you alot of crap about which college you go to. Is there any way to still get that free floppy drive?

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by Unregistered
Damn...when I ordered last week I didn't know anything about the free USB Floppy drive. I did however get the 10% off coupon as well as the education student discount. To get the student discount you will need to go to the link previously mentioned and click on the link that says "College Student Registration" which will ask you alot of crap about which college you go to. Is there any way to still get that free floppy drive?

For the student discount, when on the ordering page pick the Academic Program link on the left side of the page. That will take you there.

As for the floppy drive - I saw that note too and called hpshopping.com directly and talked to a salesguy named Troy. He assured me that the rebate was valid for systems customized through hpshopping as well. This is a mail in rebate valid through 12/31/03 so you can purchase the floppy any time after you've already received the x1000. Just note that the rebate MUST be sent in within 45 after receiving the floppy (same goes for the system rebate as well - 45 days after you receive the x1000).

-n

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by Unregistered
I had ordered the presario x1000 last thursday from hpshopping.com and personally think it's an amazing deal.
[snip]
I waited 3 days thus far and really hope I don't have the wait the full 8 days as it mentions.

I have a question for anyone who has also already ordered one of these from hpshopping.com. After ordering, I received an initial email that said I would receive a later "order confirmation" email. I never did. My order status shows as "Item being processed" and when I've called I was told that means it's being built, but... I'm curious if anyone else received both emails or show a different status like "Item being built", etc.

Thanks,

-n

[clie]

Originally posted by nedlyj
I have a question for anyone who has also already ordered one of these from hpshopping.com. After ordering, I received an initial email that said I would receive a later "order confirmation" email. I never did. My order status shows as "Item being processed" and when I've called I was told that means it's being built, but... I'm curious if anyone else received both emails or show a different status like "Item being built", etc.

Thanks,

-n

I ordered mine last Friday by phone. the person on the phone told me I would receive a confirmation email within 24 hours, but until today, I still haven't receive any confirmation email.... and when I check the order status online, it shows "item being processed". When I contact them again, they said they don't know why I didn't receive the confirmation email, but once they're done with the computer, I should receive the tracking information.

[Unregistered]

When checking my order it says Item being processed as well (I'm the one that ordered on thursday btw). When I ordered, I went through online financing and didn't even get the order # afterwards. I had to call a tech support guy to get it. I haven't seen ANY e-mails pertaining to my order or the hpfinancing. I hope they are building and not just taking half a week to process. After toying with the laptop at CompUSA i'm already impatient to get it. Also, thanks to whomever brought up that laptop case. I'll definatly look into it. I had figured I would need a 17"case due to the widescreen.

As for the floppy rebate: Where is this? I had made my order and put in the coupon code but did nothing about a floppy drive? Do I just get the coupon with the laptop and then order later? Could someone fill me in on the details as this is a pretty sweet freebie.

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by Unregistered
As for the floppy rebate: Where is this? I had made my order and put in the coupon code but did nothing about a floppy drive? Do I just get the coupon with the laptop and then order later? Could someone fill me in on the details as this is a pretty sweet freebie.

The floppy drive itself can be found at:
http://www.shopping.hp.com/cgi-bin/hpdirect/shopping/scripts/product_detail/product_detail_view.jsp?product_code=F5101A&cat_level=3&browse_link=true

Open the Rebates tab on that page and scroll down to the Summer/Fall Presario floppy rebate.

-n

[Unregistered]

Sweeeeet...I would have never found that rebate without the help of this forum :)

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by Unregistered
Sweeeeet...I would have never found that rebate without the help of this forum :)

Even though I've heard verbally from an hpshopping.com person that this rebate is applicable to custom configured x1000s, I've noticed this rebate form does NOT have the "including Built For You models" statement in it like the $100 nb rebate form does.

I've sent a message to hpshopping.com to get it in writing (ie. their email response) that this rebate is in fact valid for custom configured models. We'll see what they say.

-n

[Unregistered]

Just noticed you can also get $50 off the purchase of a printer as well. I think that may be enough kick to get me to buy a photosmart

[Unregistered]

Yeh, I have the same problems as you guys. I placed my order on sunday and at the end of the process, they stated that I would recieve an email shortly. However, I have not recieved that confirmation yet. Luckily, I printed the reciept. Now, I'm atleast able to go check on the order status, which in turn says item in progress. Oh well, I'll just wait untill one of you guys get a a cornfirmation number, then go from there.

[nedlyj]

Okay - so don't go buying those floppy drives just yet...

While hpshopping.com did originally say "yes" the custom built x1000s qualify for the floppy rebate, they now said (when they had to put it in writing) "well, we're not sure". So I called the rebate center directly.

They said that without having an exact part number and serial number off the laptop in question they couldn't tell me for sure - but they believe custom configured x1000s are NOT eligible specifically because the rebate form does NOT say it includes "Built for You" systems.

The only way to really know is to check the part# and serial# after receiving the x1000. You can then either call them directly at 888-385-5410 or check online at:
http://www.hp.com/go/presarionotebooks/usb3
and then pick the "submit your rebate info" link which brings up an online form taht checks your part# and serial# for eligibility.

The rebate itself is valid until 12/31/03, so timing isn't an issue. Just the $4.95 you'll end up paying in shipping to order it later when it would have been free shipping if ordered with the notebook.

-n.

[Unregistered]

for an additional 1% savings, consider signing up for sites such as ebates:
http://www.ebates.com/affiliate_landing.jsp?promotion_code=REF1&eeid=13840&banner=9710&referrer=calu@calu.us&refpageid=1

Interestingly, i've noticed that my 1% cash back is for the pre-discounted price. My final cost was $1550, but the pre-discounted price was $1900, and my cash back was $19... not much, but better than nothing


-calu

[IonicPCs]

I too have just ordered the X1000 notebook and would like to comment on several of the topics previously discussed. The first topic would be the price of the laptop. It's an incredible price, which is quite unbelievable considering the price of the laptop, however, I would like to know if anybody knows of a way to get the 10% discount now that I have already purchased the laptop without knowledge of the coupon offer. Any help would be greatly appreciated, as I have spent a little bit upwards of 2 grand on my purchase.
Second, I would like to comment on the topic of screen resolution. Although 1920 x 1200 is unbelievable hard on the eyes, there is no resolution better for watching a DVD or creating complex presentations. Although I do not plan to use the highest resolution constantly, as I do not use the 1600 x 1200 resolution on my computer every time I use it, the display is of a much higher quality with this added option.
My third topic to any who have not seen this laptop in person is that it is nothing like we have all probably seen on the CNET review, or the Compaq home page. The laptop's design is flawless, the Compaq logos are not absurdly embarrassing, and the color scheme is much darker than it has appeared to be in any of the pictures that I have seen. I just viewed the machine today at CompUSA and compared it side by side with Sonys and Toshibas and Macs (just a glance at that terrible machine) and also with other Compaqs and I can confidently say that the 16" sony is the only notebook that compares, and mostly because of it's screen size as its color scheme is way too dark. Also, unlike other notebooks, it appears that when closed, the x1000 will be a very solid machine, rather than a rectangular box with large gaps and voids signifying bad design.
Finally I would like to point out that when watching a DVD in full screen, the dimensions are larger than that of a 16" monitor watching the same DVD in wide screen format. I only wish that I could see more of this laptop in action, I ordered it last Friday and so far only the floppy drive and Free USB travel mouse have been shipped. Unfortunately.

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by IonicPCs
I too have just ordered the X1000 notebook and would like to comment on several of the topics previously discussed. The first topic would be the price of the laptop. It's an incredible price, which is quite unbelievable considering the price of the laptop, however, I would like to know if anybody knows of a way to get the 10% discount now that I have already purchased the laptop without knowledge of the coupon offer. Any help would be greatly appreciated, as I have spent a little bit upwards of 2 grand on my purchase.
Unfortunately I believe you'll need to order a second unit with the coupon code and either return the first unit once you receive it, or try to cancel it now (if you can). As far as I've heard, they will not apply coupon codes or discounts after the sale has already been completed. You should call hpshopping.com asap and discuss it with them since it will obviously save you a bunch.

-n

[Lord o' Chesmen]

i did exactly the same thing... ordered without the coupon and returned it and ordered another with the coupon. I did so after being advised by the HP agent over the phone.

so that is the only way, i figure.

you can save time if you turn the laptop back when it arrives at your home. NO need to go thru the hassle of getting a return authorization no. etc. call them and ask them how to exactly do it.

[clie]

Originally posted by nedlyj
Okay - so don't go buying those floppy drives just yet...

While hpshopping.com did originally say "yes" the custom built x1000s qualify for the floppy rebate, they now said (when they had to put it in writing) "well, we're not sure". So I called the rebate center directly.

....
-n.

We all know that x1000 is a centrino notebook because it has ALL of the following:
1. Pentium-M CPU
2. Intel 855 chipset
3. Intel's PRO/Wireless 2100 card

but did any of you notice when you customize your notebook, under the communication option, you can actually take off the WiFi and have $50 back! but how can compaq call this a centrino when there is no integrated wireless? besides, when the motherboard from Intel comes with integrated WiFi, how can they simply "take it off"??

I notice this notebook when they first went on sale at the last week of June, the reason I didn't order it right away because I found so many "mistakes"... during the first week, they even mark it as "P4-M" not "Pentium-M" and the guy on the phone is trying to argue that Pentium 4-M and Pentium-M is the same.. Later they post the "DVD+RW" as an option, then when I call to confirm, they told me it is just a typo.... all that really worries me when they're so careless... and the fact it took me over 2 hours ordering my notebook with them over the phone, because for some reason the order couldn't go through for the first couple times. I never brought a Compaq computer before because people always told me what a bad experience they had with Compaq. I hope after the company merged with Hp, they¡¦re more reliable now, and since this product seems like a good deal, I¡¦m willing to give it a try. So thanks nedlyj for double check the rebates for us, I would try to get something in writing to in case if they go back on their words again.

BTW, Bestbuy.com had the Kingston Technology-512MB DDR SoDIMM notebook memory on sale for only $69.99, after $30 MIB, will cost $29.99!! but I believe they took it off just today after they realize that was a price mistake (it should have be the price for desktop ram), but some people said they ordered memory 2 days ago and actually got the ram too¡K. If anyone here also knew this deal and have already received the memory, please let me know. Because my order is still on hold (it¡¦s on backordered). Thanks.

[Unregistered]

clie
I saw the memory deal too. However, it states that the memory is a 144 pin sodimm, not the 200 pin sodimm that the x1000 uses(I checked the exact pin count for the x1000 at crucial.com). That was the only reason why I did not purchased it. Nevertheless, that's still a great deal. By the way, after the $30 rebate, it comes out to be $39.99 instead of $29.99 .

[Unregistered]

Quick question..

when i called hp shopping, i was told that the SV7095 coupon does not work with the academic purchase program.

any idea what coupon code works??

[clie]

my bad, the final price for the memory should be $39.99 after $30 MIB, and here is the url:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1051826244183&skuId=5489394&type=product

but like I said, you might not be able to order this anymore..

[clie]

Originally posted by Unregistered
clie
I saw the memory deal too. However, it states that the memory is a 144 pin sodimm, not the 200 pin sodimm that the x1000 uses(I checked the exact pin count for the x1000 at crucial.com). That was the only reason why I did not purchased it. Nevertheless, that's still a great deal. By the way, after the $30 rebate, it comes out to be $39.99 instead of $29.99 .

if you check out Kingston's website, it should be 200 pin, not 144, I guess is their "typo" again. but tell you what.... I went to the local BB store today and try to pickup this memory, it turn out none of the BB stores have them... they said they never carry this product, that's why I came back and order directly from the website.

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by clie
We all know that x1000 is a centrino notebook because it has ALL of the following:
1. Pentium-M CPU
2. Intel 855 chipset
3. Intel's PRO/Wireless 2100 card

but did any of you notice when you customize your notebook, under the communication option, you can actually take off the WiFi and have $50 back! but how can compaq call this a centrino when there is no integrated wireless? besides, when the motherboard from Intel comes with integrated WiFi, how can they simply "take it off"??

I notice this notebook when they first went on sale at the last week of June, the reason I didn't order it right away because I found so many "mistakes"... during the first week, they even mark it as "P4-M" not "Pentium-M" and the guy on the phone is trying to argue that Pentium 4-M and Pentium-M is the same.. Later they post the "DVD+RW" as an option, then when I call to confirm, they told me it is just a typo.... all that really worries me when they're so careless... and the fact it took me over 2 hours ordering my notebook with them over the phone, because for some reason the order couldn't go through for the first couple times. I never brought a Compaq computer before because people always told me what a bad experience they had with Compaq. I hope after the company merged with Hp, they¡¦re more reliable now, and since this product seems like a good deal, I¡¦m willing to give it a try. So thanks nedlyj for double check the rebates for us, I would try to get something in writing to in case if they go back on their words again.


A couple of notes...

I believe the "Centrino" name is for marketing only. Intel allows you to "market/advertise" the Centrino name only if the Intel wireless is included by default. Which the x1000, and all the preconfigured models do have - so HP can advertise it that way. But they also allow you, the customer, to remove it if you want. I would assume that in that case, the laptop could NOT have the little Centrino sticker on it. Dell basically does the same thing by allowing you to "upgrade" to a built-in 802.11g card.

As for the initial rollout problems, I've seen the same thing at Dell and Gateway where the website ordering seemed to be in a state of constant change for the first day or two. You'd think these places would have weeks to get it together before the rollout, but.. duhhh...

I've had mixed experiences with both HP and Compaq, and there's definitely no love lost between us. But this laptop just appears so "un-Compaq"-like that it seems worth it.

And... the laptop memory from BestBuy is not the memory Kingston has specified for the x1000. That is Kingston part number KTC-P2800/512 which is a different module.

-n

[IonicPCs]

Has anybody else ordered the 1920 x 1200 res?
and
Has anybody even gotten their model in yet?

[IonicPCs]

what????? wannabe techie??? lol, glad I changed that

[IonicPCs]

wtf? maybe this has fixed it

[clie]

Originally posted by nedlyj
A couple of notes...

.....

And... the laptop memory from BestBuy is not the memory Kingston has specified for the x1000. That is Kingston part number KTC-P2800/512 which is a different module.

-n

as long as it is a 200 pin sodimm, then it will work for x1000, and the one from bestbuy appear to be even better ram, and i'm sure it's also backwards compatible. if in fact they send me this ram, I'll test it out...

[IonicPCs]

maybe that has done it? perhaps.....

[IonicPCs]

that's the ticket... wannabe techie.... hah!

[IonicPCs]

so... how 'bout that 1920 x 1200?

[IonicPCs]

does anybody have any desire to see a DVD in such high RES?

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by clie
as long as it is a 200 pin sodimm, then it will work for x1000, and the one from bestbuy appear to be even better ram, and i'm sure it's also backwards compatible. if in fact they send me this ram, I'll test it out...
I guess I'm just hesitant anymore because I have gotten so much incompatible RAM over the past year it's crazy. No reason any of it shouldn't have worked in the systems, but it didn't.

If this is better ram why would Kingston themselves be selling it for $50 cheaper than the ram specified for the x1000? While it could just be ungodly markup, maybe there's something to it. Obviously I don't know because I don't have it here to test - I'm just in one of those questioning moods.

-n

[Unregistered]

Just some quick notes on what's been discussed recently.
A laptop cannot place the Centrino Logo on it unless it has all 3 parts (The wlan, intel board and pentium M). I believe they can still advertise this however if you removed the wlan option then they must change the logo placed on it. However, If I remember correctly. I don't believe I was allowed to take it out (not that I wanted to anyways).

As for whoever was questioning the coupon code and academic discount, I was able to use both. If the techy says no, go ahead and still do it :)

Someone mentioned a free USB travel mouse earlier. How did you get that?? Another rebate?

[Unregistered]

Hmm I just noticed that when I click on the details pertaining to my order I have a part number. Could that part number be used to check whether or not the rebate on the floppy drive will work?

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by Unregistered
Hmm I just noticed that when I click on the details pertaining to my order I have a part number. Could that part number be used to check whether or not the rebate on the floppy drive will work?

No, it's not the "correct" part number (which is only 6-9 characters long), and you also need the serial number and the UPC 12-digit code from the floppy drive to be able to check online - which is a stupid requirement because if you want to check "before" buying the floppy, you can't.

So, to that end, since IonicPCs already received his floppy drive, maybe he'd be so kind as to post the 12-digit UPC code for the floppy here for the rest of us. Thanks!

-n

[Unregistered]

I'm ready to order the x1000 - I saw one yesterday at Circuit City and thought it looked and felt great! Then I came online and found this thread - thank you so much to everyone for sharing all this great info. I've learned a lot!

Do you have any opinion on whether it makes sense to upgrade the processor from 1.3 to higher, or will I be happy with the standard config? (this will be my first notebook - currently have Dell Dimension 4100, Pentium III 866 mhz; 100 GBHD. Mostly use it for Photoshop and Sound Forge music editing.)

thank you

dh

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by Unregistered
I'm ready to order the x1000 - I saw one yesterday at Circuit City and thought it looked and felt great! Then I came online and found this thread - thank you so much to everyone for sharing all this great info. I've learned a lot!

Do you have any opinion on whether it makes sense to upgrade the processor from 1.3 to higher, or will I be happy with the standard config? (this will be my first notebook - currently have Dell Dimension 4100, Pentium III 866 mhz; 100 GBHD. Mostly use it for Photoshop and Sound Forge music editing.)

thank you

dh
Personally, I went with the 1.6GHz chip. There are plenty of places I cut costs initially because they can be upgraded easily (and usually cheaper) later, such as RAM and hard drive size. But CPU is generally not one of them.

Because the 1.7GHz chip just came out, the 1.6 is at a better price point. Is it worth the $300 add on? That probably depends on what you do. Notice that all benchmarks you see out there are comparing the 1.6GHz P-M chip with other chips like the 2.4GHz P4-M. You never see the performance of the lower end Centrino chips listed. Outside of the DesignTechnica reviews, I've only seen one benchmark result that shows a 1.4GHz Centrino in tests that include 1.6Ghz Centrino's and the 1.4 was about 25-30% lower in the Winstone 2003 Content Creation benchmark and about 5% slower in the Business Winstone benchmark. I can only assume that a 1.3 cpu would perform a bit lower than the 1.4.

If you're still not sold on going all the way to 1.6, you might want to seriously consider the 1.5. At only $135 extra ($150 - 10%) it is the best upgrade value.

-n

[jsneetch]

nedlyj,

who makes the x1000, do you know?

if i've read your comments correctly, you have alluded to the manufacturer, but haven't said directly (or perhaps I missed it).

[geez]

The X1000 was designed by Compal (the same Taiwanese company that made the Dell Inspiron 8500). As for who actually assembles the units... I got no idea. Probably some HP plant in Malaysia or something.

By the way, there is a dedicated X1000 forum now online at www.x1000forums.com.
-G

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by jsneetch
nedlyj,

who makes the x1000, do you know?

if i've read your comments correctly, you have alluded to the manufacturer, but haven't said directly (or perhaps I missed it).

It's a new HP/Compaq widescreen. Made by Compal (as geez stated).

Thanks for the info geez.

-n

[catbird]

Good points. BTW the x1000 comes with 1m cache -- cool!

[clie]

Originally posted by nedlyj
I guess I'm just hesitant anymore because I have gotten so much incompatible RAM over the past year it's crazy. No reason any of it shouldn't have worked in the systems, but it didn't.

If this is better ram why would Kingston themselves be selling it for $50 cheaper than the ram specified for the x1000? While it could just be ungodly markup, maybe there's something to it. Obviously I don't know because I don't have it here to test - I'm just in one of those questioning moods.

-n

To answer your question about why is cheaper, here are the reasons...
http://www.kingston.com/products/memory/default.asp

Like you said it is a system specific ram, meaning it is tested with a specific system, and that is why it cost much more, but the one sell at bestbuy, it's even a faster speed. I guess you're right about you can't be 100% sure if it will work with x1000, but even the one you said it will, x1000 is not listed as one of the model Kingston will guaranteed to work, the only one is listed is the Crucial ram. So I guess I'll let you know if it works or not, if not, I'll just return it, but if it works, then $39.99 for 512MB will be the best deal :D

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by clie
To answer your question about why is cheaper, here are the reasons...
http://www.kingston.com/products/memory/default.asp

Like you said it is a system specific ram, meaning it is tested with a specific system, and that is why it cost much more, but the one sell at bestbuy, it's even a faster speed. I guess you're right about you can't be 100% sure if it will work with x1000, but even the one you said it will, x1000 is not listed as one of the model Kingston will guaranteed to work, the only one is listed is the Crucial ram. So I guess I'll let you know if it works or not, if not, I'll just return it, but if it works, then $39.99 for 512MB will be the best deal :D

I just read on another forum that the BestBuy ram was a "complete" misprint and that the real part number actually referred to desktop memory, not notebook memory. Supposedly several people went to BestBuy and conformed this. This information is second-hand, and I don't know how reliable the source is, but it's worth noting - and would make sense why it was so listed cheap.

Here is the post:
"I went to Best Buy tonight to get that Kingston RAM, and it wasn't good. Apparently the web site mislabeled something. I had them check the sku number after they told me they didn't have any on the racks. They checked and found that the computer said they had lots of it. So they checked again and still didn't find any. Final verdict was that the web site is actually referring to Kingston's 512MB PC2700 DESKTOP RAM."

-n

[clie]

I knew that too, because I also went to bestbuy and got nothing, I tried to do a price match with CompUSA, but they don't have this ram too....

that's why I was asking people if anyone ordered online and received one.... because on another forums someone actually got one but when people ask him if is the "notebook" ram or "desktop" ram, he didn't answer yet... so I'm hoping when I receive my from the their warehouse, it will be the correct one.

thanks for the info anyway.

[IonicPCs]

"So, to that end, since IonicPCs already received his floppy drive, maybe he'd be so kind as to post the 12-digit UPC code for the floppy here for the rest of us. Thanks! "
I suppose that you would definitely appreciate my UPC code.

However, all I will tell you is that it is an excellent drive, and because I have been told that the rebate applies, HP is obligated to give me the money.

And even if you cannot get the travel mouse for free when you order, as I did, you oughta buy it because it is a pretty sweet piece of equipment with it's blue LED, and exchangable sleeves.

[Unregistered]

Why can't we get the USB mouse for free? Was it a deal that's recently expired or do you just want to keep it secret for some reason....

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by IonicPCs
I suppose that you would definitely appreciate my UPC code.

However, all I will tell you is that it is an excellent drive, and because I have been told that the rebate applies, HP is obligated to give me the money.

Okay, I don't understand why you won't post the UPC code. It's not a serial number that's unique to your floppy - its simply the 12 digit part number. What's the big deal?

-n

[sonyman]

Flame me. I need the attention.

[IonicPCs]

Well, you're wrong to believe that it is a 12 digit part number. There are several numbers that come with the drive, none of them are 12 digits, besides the tracking number (fedex).

The reason I got the mouse for free is because Compaq screwed up my order the first time, making me lose 2 days of build time. So I demanded compensation. They delivered, I have a good feeling about buying with compaq, now that they have merged with HP.

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by IonicPCs
Well, you're wrong to believe that it is a 12 digit part number. There are several numbers that come with the drive, none of them are 12 digits, besides the tracking number (fedex).

The reason I got the mouse for free is because Compaq screwed up my order the first time, making me lose 2 days of build time. So I demanded compensation. They delivered, I have a good feeling about buying with compaq, now that they have merged with HP.

Sorry - that's the information that is on the rebate site it states "12-digit UPC code"

Take a look at the following URL (the Compaq online rebate rebate verification):

http://www.web-rebates.com/hpcompaq/USB3C03/

-n

[Unregistered]

Sonyman..i hate you..i really really hate you. :)

Has anyone had their order get changed from "Item being processed"?? It's been a week thus far and mine still says that! I talked to a tech support guy 2 days ago and he said that it should be ready to ship. If it is ready then where is my dayum tracking # >=( Anyone else having this problem?

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by Unregistered
Sonyman..i hate you..i really really hate you. :)

Has anyone had their order get changed from "Item being processed"?? It's been a week thus far and mine still says that! I talked to a tech support guy 2 days ago and he said that it should be ready to ship. If it is ready then where is my dayum tracking # >=( Anyone else having this problem?
I'm hearing stories that apparently they shipped a lot of them yesterday. My status changed today to "shipped" (it actually shipped yesterday) - and it's already at my house! Unfortunately I'm at work and won't see it for a few hours :mad:

-n

[Unregistered]

oh oh oh that could mean mine shipped yestarday!! But but..i'm at work and I have no tracking # :( When did you order yours?

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by Unregistered
oh oh oh that could mean mine shipped yestarday!! But but..i'm at work and I have no tracking # :( When did you order yours?
I ordered mine July 9th.

[Unregistered]

damn..i got mine the 11th

[jsneetch]

nedlyj & geez, thanks for responding to my Q from yesterday.

[nedlyj]

Apparently almost everyone who ordered the x1000 between July 1 and July 12th all received thiers today. I've started testing it out. it is definitely a very nice machine. I'd still say the VPR 200A5's screen is a bit brighter with more color saturation - but not by too much. And the extra screen real estate (I got the 1680x1050) is very nice. Battery may have to be conditioned, but it's initial charge lasted for about 4 hours. So far it looks like this one may be a keeper.

-n

[sonyman]

I think I will order one of these jewels tomorrow morning. I can't wait. I am so excited. Thanks for posting all the rebate offers guys or gals. I must say, at first I was a bit skeptical, but now, I know I will have one of these fine machines in a week or so. Thanks again nedlyj and clie and all the unregistered posters, I owe you much thanks. Hats off to all of you.

[Unregistered]

Originally posted by jsneetch
nedlyj & geez, thanks for responding to my Q from yesterday.

I ordered on the 11th and I still have "Item being processed" in my order status :(

[Unregistered]

Yeh, I ordered mine, but it's sitll in progress. By the way nedlyj, did you choose a quicker shipping option?

[Unregistered]

sorry, forgot to add july 12th.

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by Unregistered
Yeh, I ordered mine, but it's sitll in progress. By the way nedlyj, did you choose a quicker shipping option?
No, I took the free shipping. But what I've heard from everyone is that HP sent all of them FedEx overnight anyway. Mine was shipped on the 16th and received on the 17th - for free. Don't know why, but it was a nice bonus.

-n

[clie]

Originally posted by nedlyj
No, I took the free shipping. But what I've heard from everyone is that HP sent all of them FedEx overnight anyway. Mine was shipped on the 16th and received on the 17th - for free. Don't know why, but it was a nice bonus.

-n

maybe hp didn't do the free 2 days for ppl ordered after 10th, because I ordered mine on 11th, and I haven't got mine yet....

[luvlaptops]

For those who are interested, here is a link showing how to replace the RAM under the keyboard.

http://www.x1000forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=101

Apparently lots of you are getting a 128M configuraton and opting to buy Crucial upgrades cheaper than HP's price :)

[clie]

i just got my traking number today, hopefully I'll get it next Tuesday, and it's also a 2 days shipping... but I think the reason why is because it's coming from China! and they have to do the 2 days for international delivery.

[Unregistered]

Yup got my tracking # as well..shanghigh china..gonna get it tuesday...grrrr

[WarHoover]

Originally posted by nedlyj
Unfortunately I believe you'll need to order a second unit with the coupon code and either return the first unit once you receive it, or try to cancel it now (if you can). As far as I've heard, they will not apply coupon codes or discounts after the sale has already been completed. You should call hpshopping.com asap and discuss it with them since it will obviously save you a bunch.

-n

I ordered my X1000 5 days ago - and I just read about the coupon code today! I called HP and - after checking with a manager - the HP rep told me I would get the rebate credited back to my account within 5-7 days. It wouldn't, however, show up on my receipt since this all happened after my order was placed.

So it's worth a try to attempt to get the rebate, even if you've already ordered. Hopefully I'll save $150 bucks this way (I wish I would have known about this to start with . . . I could have added even more to my order!)

By the way, I ordered through HPShopping . . .

[Unregistered]

hey there guys, great forum and lots of great info about the x1000. i'm definitly going to get one in the next week or two.

about the display:
i'm torned between deciding on the display wxga or wsxga+. i think the wuxga is way too much for me. i only want the wsxga just so that i have the "option" of the higher resolution. i really only need it for text and webpages, running dvds as well.
so would it be safe to get the wsxga and set the resolution to run at the wxga settings? i've heard that when you lower the res, text and display quaility will be fuzzy and not as crisp. i called both compaq and dell and asked both of them about their widescreens. they both said that if you buy a wsxga and lower the resolution to run at the wxga resolution, it will be just as good if i only had a wxga. is that true?

have the guys that got the wsxga already tried lowering the resolution? any comments about bad display? again i only want to get a wsxga for the option of having it, but would really run it almost always at the xga resolution setting.

as for warranty, has anyone bought the 3 year warranty upgrade for 179.99? it says it's a 3-day pick up and dropoff service, all shipping costs payed by them. i called compaq and it turns out they only cover the battery for one year even if you get a 3 year warranty. sucks, doesn't it?

is it true that the battery only lasts about a year? (so that's why they only cover it for one year)

i may actually get the bestbuy 3 year warranty for $250 (you can customize the x1000 at their store then add bestbuy warrenty). they DO cover the battery all three years, and if i change the battery in those three years 3 times (for a value of ~$100 per battery) then i really can't loose. also bestbuy's warranty comes with a no lemon policy, when they change three parts and problem persists, then they give you a brand new laptop, almost always with an upgraded configeration because your laptop's old config may not be available anymore.

i actually have had bestbuys 3 year warranty for a desktop and they did give me a brand new computer two years after bacause they couldn't fix the original one.

for laptops, their service is not in-home, rather drop off and pickup, they said it usally takes about 3-7days.

i think the 3 year warranty is crucial for the laptop, and bestbuy's warranty is appealing to me. what do yo guys think?

sorry for the long post, and would appreciate any input

thanks!

[luvlaptops]

LCD resolution: The main thing about LCD's vs. CRT's is that CRT's have a Variable dot density so that they can display different resolutions without pixelation (jaggies). LCD's on the other hand have a Fixed dot density which means ANY resoltuion below the higest that the panel can display will show pixelation. The lower the maximum resolution of the panel, the more noticable the pixelation at lower resolutions. Anti-aliasing functions programmed in to the video system can sometimes compensate for this with varying degress of sucess.

Another issue with LCD's is that when resolution is lowered, all that really happens is that pixels are "turned off", giving rise to the "black border" effect, i.e. small images in the center of the panel. This is sometimes compensated for by means of "panel fitting" or "screen stretch" functions, but these tend to merely aggravate the pixelation problem.

The upshot of all this is, as a rule of thumb, is to plan to use the LCD at it's higest or "native" resolution for best image quality, chosing a panel at a resolution appropriate for your comfot level.

[scuneo]

I was wondering what the verdict was on the ability to "downshift" (without problems) from WSXGA+ (1680 x 1050) to WXGA (1200 x 800) on the Compaq X1000.

I have heard that dropping to lower resolutions (or increasing font sizes) on other machines (e.g. Dell D800) was a major problem (bluring, etc.).

Nedlyj discussed this a while back, but I didn't see what the result was. I'd love to know before I order.

Like others, I have concerns about readability @ 1680 x1050, as well as how DVD's deal with this higher resolution.

Also, has anyone encountered any programs that have an issue with these widescreen displays. Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[monty]

i have some questions to ask you guys.
i have ordered x1000 on 17 july.
this is my spec ..

- p-m 1.5ghz
- ram 256*1 slot - (the reason i want only 1 slot 256 instead of 512*2 slots is that i think i can buy another 256*1 slot from another shop to upgrade it by myself. i can save money around 40 bucks.)
- hdd 40 g
- radeon 9200 64 mb
- 15.4" wsxga
- modem 56k + lan card ****** this is related to my question. i didn't order 802.11b wireless lan coz i need 802.11g instead (may be i will buy it from dell.com) but i cannot buy it from hp. then, i decide to buy 802.11g from another shop and put it into my labtop by myself later.
anyhow, i just wondering that if i didn't order wireless lan with hp, then my labtop will have internal slot for wireless lan or not? i don't want to use external pci wireless lan that i have to carry it and plug it when i want to use. it is not cool.
i hope i am gonna have the same labtop model as the others who order build in wireless lan from the begining.

then, my question is that if i didn't order wireless lan with hp in the first time, can i buy another wireless lan and put it in x1000 as a BUILD IN wireless lan later?

i also got 10% off + 5% off + 100 mir + 50 mir for 3.5" drive
then i totally pay for it after rebate only 1281 bucks... so cool !!!

[luvlaptops]

My guess is the mini PCI slot for the wireless card will be empty since most modem/LAN chips are integrated on the motherboard in a laptop nowadays. But you might have difficulty obtaining a "g" card for it, as these miniPCI cards don't appar to be retail products. I would be surprised if dell would sell you one to put in a competitor's product, and even if they did, there might be driver issues, antennae connectivity issues and so forth. Good luck!!

[troymurray]

Monty,

How did you do this?

"got 10% off + 5% off "?

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by luvlaptops
My guess is the mini PCI slot for the wireless card will be empty since most modem/LAN chips are integrated on the motherboard in a laptop nowadays. But you might have difficulty obtaining a "g" card for it, as these miniPCI cards don't appar to be retail products. I would be surprised if dell would sell you one to put in a competitor's product, and even if they did, there might be driver issues, antennae connectivity issues and so forth. Good luck!!
There have been conflicting reports out there about what hp/compaq does when you don't get the ubilt-in wireless. There have been reports that said neither the antenna nor the on/off switch connector was installed. And other reports that the connectors were indeed in there. I have heard nothing on the x1000 yet with regards to this, but it may be smarter to get the card that comes with it and upgrade later to a "g" card if you want. At least then you're assured you have an antenna and a switch.

-n

[troymurray]

Ahhhhh, I think I figured it out Monty, it's the edu discount.

I read that if you link "through" the FatWallet.com site then you get 2% back from FatWallet somehow. Haven't tried it though, has anyone used this with FatWallet before?

[Unregistered]

I got it! I got it! Fed Ex just brought it to me. Oh this laptop is sweet :) This laptop has seriously changed my opinion on the quality of compaq notebooks.

[clie]

Did anyone add the bluetooth option? I just received my x1000 and I can't find the bluetooth indicator.

[luvlaptops]

Originally posted by nedlyj
There have been conflicting reports out there about what hp/compaq does when you don't get the ubilt-in wireless. There have been reports that said neither the antenna nor the on/off switch connector was installed. And other reports that the connectors were indeed in there. I have heard nothing on the x1000 yet with regards to this, but it may be smarter to get the card that comes with it and upgrade later to a "g" card if you want. At least then you're assured you have an antenna and a switch.

-n

It is true that in the older series, HP DID omit the on/off switch but I don't know about the antennae. I think they were part of the chassis as opposed to screen-mounting, though I have read screen-mounting gives better reception. It's just a puzzle to me though, why they don't offer a "g" card or a dvd writer in the X yet... those options are offered (even retail now) on the earlier models.

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by clie
Did anyone add the bluetooth option? I just received my x1000 and I can't find the bluetooth indicator.
Clie - the first thing you want to check is the keyboard. There is a known hardware problem taht is supposed to be fixed on all x1000s currently shipping, but since yours came today it may have crossed before the fix.

Here is the deal. There's a problem with the left SHIFT and CTRL keys and their presses being registered correctly. To test if you have a "bad" keyboard or one of the "good" ones, do this simply test:

1. Hold your "3" key until it starts typing multpile 3s, and keep holding it
2. Press your SHIFT key while still holding the "3" key
3. While still holding both keys down, press the "4" key

If your keyboard is working properly, it should have stopped when you pressed SHIFT and then resumed when you pressed the "4" key and typed "$". You should see something like this:

333333333333333333$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

If it is not, you will see this:

333333333333333333444444444444444444

The issue is multifaceted and requires both bios and hardware correction, so if you have the problem the only current "fix" is to return the laptop and order another one.

Why is this important? If you use CTRL-c and CTRL-v at all for copy and paste you will end up typing a lot of "v"s instead of pasting anything unless you press CTRL-v VERY slowly with CTRL being pressed well in advance of "v". Same for the SHIFT key. You'll wind up correcting a lot of words that were supposed to be capitalized and weren't. Very annoying.

PS - the Bluetooth and Wireless are turned on with the same switch, and are identified as being on by the same blue light.

-n

[clie]

I left my laptop at home, so I'll do the keyboard test as soon as I get home. Thanks.

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by clie
I left my laptop at home, so I'll do the keyboard test as soon as I get home. Thanks. Please let me know what you find. It would be great knowing that good ones are actually being shipped now (great for you too of course).

-n

[monty]

i just called compaq customer service and she told me that although i don't order minipci wireless lan, they still install both antenna and on/off switch that can allaw me to upgrade it by my own in the future
but i am still not sure that they will install those two things in my notebook or not :(

anyhow, i think that this model, x1000, use pentium-m technology. then, they should install antenna in this model no matter you order the minipci wireless lan from them at the first time or not.
if they don't install, it must be the most stupid thing in the world, i think.

[Unregistered]

NOooooo!!! My laptop has that problem :(
It doesn't seem like a major one though..i mean ctrl v and the such still work

[clie]

Originally posted by Unregistered
NOooooo!!! My laptop has that problem :(
It doesn't seem like a major one though..i mean ctrl v and the such still work

i just tested on my keyboard, and I'm having the same problem too, but my ctrl c and ctrl v are fine as the way it is.

[ECA]

Lets see.
1900x1200 would be nice with a projection screen. 6' at least.
As for expencive, I saw a ruggized laptop, that could use Standard PC cards(REALLY), that was around $15,000.
It has extra HD bay in the back and held upto 4 extra PCI cards.
That was neet.

[Unregistered]

what? a keyboard problem on the x1000...

when do you think it will be fixed?

i was planning on ordering mine in the next couple of weeks (customized thru bestbuy), should i wait longer than that to order it then?

any info about when this problem will be fixed would be great, thanks!

[MONTY]

i just called hp again and they tell me different. one, sale representative, told me that they will install antenna and on/off switch in the notebook but the other one, the technician, told they will not. then, i am not sure that what is the truth.

so, i want to know that if i order x1000 without minipci wireless lan and the hp doesn't install on/off switch and antenna in the notebook, then, can i still use minipci wireless lan?

and what should i do. can i buy the antenna and on/off switch and install it by myself, do you guys have any suggestions.
tomorrow, i wi