Returned my HP TX 2000z.

[lrudyk]

I spent 14 hours creating recovery, finding a vista image online, burning a vista cd, backing up sw and driver folder, clean install, reinstall my stuff and my end result was this:

Sure, the notebook is a GREAT deal at 900 before tax.

BUT:

It was hot as hell (TL-68 processor), burning hot to touch. Fan was always on, it was as loud as my desktop. Even with a clean install, graphical requirements would cause stutter and slowdown. I reviewed running tasks and CPU performance ratings. Nothing was running that would cause unexpected slowdowns... the machine was just - lacking.

I was SO excited after I purchased it... and I was SO excited to send it back.

I also didn't like the glossy screen. If there was a light source behind me, it always seemed to be reflecting into my eyes. Sadly, I paid for 2 day business shipping, so I had to eat that cost when I RMA the laptop.

When I rotated the screen into tablet mode, it caused a 5 to 10 second graphical "stutter" while the machine processed flipping the screen. This was with sidebar and defender turned off.

ONLY things I had installed: Vista premium, original drivers shipped with machine, onenote.

So: I called customer service, and requested a return. Took it to fedex today (received laptop yesterday).

I'm looking into something with more performance. Oh yeah, last thing... the 6 cell battery didn't last very long at all... and the laptop switches (power and WLAN switches) felt cheap and tacked on.

I feel like I'm doing a snipe-job on this machine, but I'm just trying to give my impression.

I'm going to go check out gateway C141XL and Toshiba M700.

Final note: Until AMD gets back into competition, I will not own any more AMD or geforce integrated chipsets. VERY disappointed in comparison to my intel laptop that I'm currently using.

Maybe it was my comp? Maybe it was me? I don't know.

It ran slow out of box (bloatware). It ran "slow" with clean install (1 minute boot or so, and there was simply nothing left on the machine to justify that time length, as shown by msconfig).

I paid 920 or so before tax and shipping - which is phenomenal. But for another 300 or 500 - I can get the "right" tablet for me (I hope).

[daver]

many of the things you've described also happen to others, such as long boot times and the "stutter" when you rotate your screen. for example, when i go into tablet mode my TC4400 takes easily 10 seconds before it actually fully changes screen orientation and displays everything. I've just gotten used to this and i don't find it a problem at all.

note that bloatware is generally worse on Toshiba's, so don't be surprised to see that it may even be slower right out of the box.

also, Vista is a slow operating system on its own: it is not as quick to respond as XP is, but it is definitely more stable. many of these "slowdowns" could easily have been due to Vista's processes running in the background. for example, when I used WinXP TE, Outlook 2007 would open up a couple of seconds after i double-clicked the desktop icon. Now with Vista, it takes a good 2-3 seconds for the "Outlook 2007" splash image to open, and then another 5-10 seconds for the program window it self to open.

keep all these in mind, as the next tablet/laptop you'll get will likely suffer from the same things. these are unavoidable especially when you've had the tablet for some time.

[DRTigerlilly]

lrudyk, what were the specs of your machine, just out of curiosity?

[quantum]

I'm particularly interested in the amount of RAM, as my 4 gig tx rotates with minimal lag (1 second if idle, around 4 if it's also working on other programs intensively).

I agree with the OPs comments on build quality though, but I have to point out that a little research would have revealed that the top end CPU option is not a good compromise between price/power/heat. The 2ghz and 2.2ghz options seem to be the sweet spot.

[cyberbiker]

Originally Posted by lrudyk

... I called customer service, and requested a return... I feel like I'm doing a snipe-job on this machine, but I'm just trying to give my impression...

Thanks for the candid comments. Whether others of us follow suit or not, a cold and rational appraisal is always of value.

[lrudyk]

My specs:
HP Pavilion tx2000z customizable Notebook PC
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (32-bit)
AMD Turion(TM) 64 X2 Dual-Core Mobile Technology Gold Edition TL-68 (2.4 GHz, 512KB+512KB L2 Cache )
12.1" WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display(1280 x 800) with Integrated Touch-screen
2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) Go 6150
FREE Upgrade to HP Imprint Finish (Echo) + Fingerprint Reader + Webcam + Microphone!!
802.11b/g WLAN and Bluetooth
160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
FREE Upgrade to LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support!!
No TV Tuner w/remote control
6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
Microsoft(R) Office OneNote 2007 + Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope
KX531AV


Maybe more memory would have helped.

My only comparison laptop was my Dell XPS 1210 with 2 gig ram and 1.86ghz intel Core 2 Duo.

I had the tablet on high performance and it lasted about 1.5 maybe 2 hours. I get at least 2 to 2.5 out of my year old XPS 1210 on high performance. And the XPS is whisper quiet.

It's a comparison of apples to oranges, I know... but just to give an idea of the expectations I had for the tablet.

TBH, I didn't expect the TL-68 to be quite as hot as it was, or the fan quite as loud.

Anyhow, I ordered a $1,500 toshiba off of Ebay with these specs:

Part Number PPM70U-0RC029
Processor Intel Core 2 Duo T8300 (2.4GHz, 3MB L2, 800MHz FSB)
Memory 2048MB = 1024MBx2 DDR2 667MHz
Hard Drive 160GB (7200 RPM) S-ATA
Optical Drives 8x DVD SuperMulti (Double Layer)
Display 12.1" WXGA (1280x800) Wide View Backlit LED Display
Graphics Controller Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
Wireless Network Intel Wireless Link 4965AGN (802.11 a/b/g/n)
Bluetooth Bluetooth Version 2.0 +EDR
Microsoft Office Software Microsoft Office 2007 Suite Ready
Battery 6-Cell Battery
Operating System Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate Edition 32-Bit
Warranty 3 Years Standard Limited Warranty (1-Year standard limited warranty on Battery and AC Adapter)
Expansion Bay Emergency Pen Bundled
Windows Logo Vista Premium Logo
TAIS_PenDevice Active Digitizer with Pen and Touch Screen Input
TAIS_WebCamera Integrated 1.3M Webcam and Microphone


$1,500 included shipping + tax, so I feel it's a great deal.
The M700 has it's own set of problems, but I am certain I can get everything running as desired.

Anyhow, this one is no-return, so I'm stuck with it.

[dpeters8445]

With those specs, and the reviews that I have seen on the M700, you should have a winner.

That's a shame on the HP. I feel a big part of your problems could have been the AMD. Only because I have the Intel core 2's on two tablet pc's running vista, and they both run great (X61 & M400).

Hope your new M700 works out for you, Doug

[lrudyk]

Small update:

I got the M700. The difference is "night and day".

Fasters, quieter, cooler. Useful (in my opinion) installed programs. Hard Drive protection (stops hard drive if motion is detected). Matte screen is much easier to read (not as much graphical "pop" but it looks pro, and no glare on screen), also no graininess. Keyboard flexes on the M700 a little more, but I prefer the key layout on the M700 (pgup/pgdown next to arrow keys).
Customizeable buttons near the LED backlit screen. One of the buttons is a 4 way joystick for scrolling while in tablet mode - VERY handy.

If you have the extra $500 to spend, I would suggest that there is NO question that you will get way more than $500 of value by going to the Toshiba.

I can't speak to how durable it is, but batteries, speed, temps, sound, ergonomics = better. That has to be worth something!

Satisfied tablet owner. I'll be around the forums... See you guys around, I'll be over in the Toshiba subforums from now on.