Giveaway: HP Pavilion HDX “Dragon” Notebook

I’ve given away some mousepads, headwear, reading material and a couple of software licenses before but I think this might top all of that in terms of size, weight, usefulness and most importantly, value.

Some of you might remember the HP Pavilion HDX 9000 “Dragon” Entertainment Notebook (possibly inspired by War and Peace) computer I reviewed last September, well there’s no better way to put it except HP is giving 31 (thirty-one) of them away. This site will be giving away one of them.

If the sheer number of them isn’t existing enough, the upgraded model they’re giving away is actually not even fresh on the market. The specifications include:

  • Operating system: Windows Vista Ultimate (64-bit)
  • Processor: Intel Core2 Extreme Processor X9000 (2.80GHz, 6MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
  • Display: 20.1″ diagonal WUXGA High-Definition HP Ultra Brightview Widescreen (1920×1200)
  • Memory: 4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
  • Graphics Card: 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8800M GTS
  • Personalization: HP Imprint Finish (Dragon) + Fingerprint Reader + Webcam + Microphone
  • Networking: Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection and Bluetooth(TM)
  • Hard Drive: 500GB 5400RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (250GB x 2)
  • Optical: Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
  • TV & Entertainment Experience: Integrated HP HDTV Hybrid TV Tuner and 4 Altec Lansing speakers + the HP Triple Bass Reflex subwoofer
  • Primary Battery: 9 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

But the excitement (for you) doesn’t stop there. The good people at HP and BuzzCorps also thought of what the winners might want to do with their new portable powerhouse – perhaps edit some pictures and videos, play a few games or watch some movies – and that’s the reason why they’re also throwing in:

Microsoft Office 2007, Corel PaintShop Pro Photo X2, Corel Painter 4, Ulead VideoStudio 11.5 Plus

Viva Pinata, Microsoft Flight Simulator X, Microsoft Flight Simulator X Acceleration Expansion Pack, Gear of War

Pirates of the Caribbean – The Curse of the Black Pearl, Dead Man’s Chest, At World’s End (Blu Ray)

The competition works like this. The 31 machines are distributed amongst 31 technology blogs – some you probably read already and some you might not have heard of. Each blog will draw a winner on each day starting from May 9 to June 8. How each blog will pick a winner is unique but they will only accept entries starting from 7 days before the draw. Going to each blog to submit an entry is allowed and encouraged.

The schedule (iCal download) is as follows:

Remember to check out those sites at least 7 days before the giveaway draw date to find out how to enter. As for this site, how I’ll be doing the competition is still undecided. Keep a watchful eye.

89 insightful thoughts

  1. I LOVE HP now

    even I don’t win all 31 of these, I’ll probably buy a tx2000 from them

    and you the best zheng

  2. To say this machine isn’t on the market is wrong. The machine is on the market you just have to customize it to the specs you want.

    I already own one.

  3. That’s amazing! I already have a HP Pavilion dv9700t, and snagging one of these would be great πŸ˜‰

  4. i alway love beta testing so i can be at the top of newest tech, and i upgraded a sony vaio to fit my entertainment needs so this laptop would be a dream come true so please keep me updated

  5. So you can get in the drawing starting 7 days before and then up to the day of the giveaway, or do you enter it more than 7 days before?

  6. hey long, I am from thailand and i wanna join!!!! please consider me!!!! thank you very much!

  7. @Chris: You’re right, it’s actually on market, I just didn’t find a way to customize it to that configuration on the HP site but after some researching some retailers are selling it with the new specifications.

  8. I stil don’t undertand how to enter or do we simply not try and be good little commenters waiting on mightly Long Zheng hand and foot πŸ˜› ? ><

  9. So Amazing………..
    its ma dreamy computer……
    i am dreaming about this cute high tech buddy

  10. What I’m wondering is if some sites are going to be doing this based on merit or just random drawings.

    The reason why I’d love one is for my wife. We’re putting her through college for a second degree so she can become a teacher. She still has 2 more years to go and this would honestly help her since she’s going to be an art teacher.

    Through in the fact that my spine is fusing and you see the issues. Expensive chiropractic care, extremely limited job situation, etc.

  11. @Shane Nokes: Sorry to hear about your spine, but in all honestly I don’t think laptop will suit your wife very well. What she needs is probably something more portable and work-tailored. This is pretty much a Media Center with a fold-screen.

  12. So how do i enter? Btw: Nice blog you have here, first time on this site thanks to ultimate extras πŸ˜›

  13. I’m shocked that some of you people are so greedy. I can’t believe that you guys want to participate inspite of having no real need to do so, and in the process perhaps knocking out the persons might *really* need it.

    I for instance, am using a ~10yr old AMD K6-2 550Mhz (with ZERO L2 cache and an unstable VIA chipset with onboard SiS gfx and 14″ CRT; my PC crashes atleast 5 times a day. I’ve got tons of crash dump files, if you want proof) and I can’t upgrade because I’m a (comp. sci.) student and I can’t afford it. I get little time to work part time, and when I do work and get paid, it isn’t a lot so I just end up using it to by blank disks and stuff.
    I used to have a ThinkPad but it was stolen last year along with my cell. Now I’m stuck with this K6-2 till a few months, after which I can afford to buy a 1ghz celeron (yay!)

    I’m sure there are others in worser situations than me. All I’m requesting of the guys who are well off is: please think twice before you participate in this contest. Ask your conscience whether you’re taking the right step or not.

  14. Hey, Xed, that’s a bunch of b.s. You can get new computer for abaut 250$ and it will even run Vista.

    1GHz celeron is like 20$ so wtf?!

  15. you never need a computer but i just like using them, and xed if you really need one, winning isn’t the way to go plus if you let someone walk away with yours why do you want one that would be a nicer target for them want to take it more,

  16. I’m totally amazed by the specs on such a pretty package. I keep looking at the pic and wondering how all of that power fits in there.

    It’ll be interesting to see just how much new traffic comes here as a result of this contest.

    I never thought of Ars as a blog though… πŸ˜›

  17. This is actually a nice HP laptop. The design is quite amazing, and the form factor is something really different.

    Not entering, but wouldn’t mind having this either.

  18. Erm… I think you’ve got the wrong Nico (Nicko) Sala, unless I am missing something.
    What game???

  19. This Mighty PC should be given to those who require it the most but can’t afford to have it..
    For example a university student either studying CS or IT or IS or Arts who cant afford a laptop, technology freaks those who cant afford a good laptop or PC. That will be the best way to give this Mighty beast for the best use and also for a good cause. This 31 Mighty PCs should not go to those who just wana get it for show off, or will use this machine for just playing games or watching movies that will be a very sad and depresing scene to see or hear ro those how wants it the most for some productive use.

    Well this is just my thought. No offence taken or given.

    I believe Long will come out with a very good idea how he will give his Mighty PC.

    Counting on you Long.

    May the deserving one wins. All the best to the going to be contestants.

  20. I really doubt it’s just for people who ‘can’t afford to have it.’ How exactly would they ascertain that information, create a contest where we all submit our tax returns? Besides, everyone knows that it will go to the hottest girl geek.

    Contests aren’t about deserving, but this one is worth looking into…

  21. ummm mr. Sheikh why would you need an”Entertainment Notebook ” if not for entertainment (movies, tv and gaming) i didn’t pay $3000 for my sony vaio to just do my taxes, it is made to to do just that, sure i also do 3d developing on mine but for a 3d chat program, i am not meaning to be rude if i am coming across that way but it is a high priced computer for a reason, like alienware it isn’t for a use in teaching kids how to read it is for big programs and good movies to look great and run fast if you want just a good computer that runs ok it for someone who needs one the company wouldn’t be giving them away, they want you to show it off and make your friends jealous so they buy it, heck i am already thinking of buying one myself now

  22. It’s interesting that all the sites don’t all have the same type of contest. I like how it seems to be up to each site to choose.

  23. Hai Admin,
    Thank you for the contest
    I especially thank Hp and all the 31blogs and Buzz Corps for conducting this contest,

    This contest will be especially useful for a student like me who cannot afford to buy a laptop and in a need for a laptop.

    I wish I will win the laptop.

  24. Aren’t we all poor students who desperately need Entertainment Notebooks? πŸ˜›

  25. Look, if we want to enter, we may, at the end of the day, there are millinos of people who don’t donate to charity, and to be fair, it’s not like they NEED to, it’s their decision, so it’s their decision upon entering this, great blog Long, adore it!

  26. That laptop is one baaad… Damn i want it πŸ˜€ Btw: How come 20″ thing is ultraportable what students need πŸ˜€ Hehe πŸ˜€

  27. I am sure something interesting never the less, good luck everyone πŸ™‚
    I hope this is a pretty easy contest, I could sure use this notebook … that would help greatly.

  28. To everyone saying they want this because they are college students and need a laptop, please look up images of this machine. This is NOT a portable machine. It has a 20″ monitor which is pretty freaking big. There is an image of an girl holding the machine and it dwarfs her. This is more of an all in one desktop machine with a fold down screen as Long said. You will not be carrying this in a laptop case, using it on the bus or in the cafΓ©.

  29. @Sala
    I said that I’m a student and I can’t afford to spend $250, or even $50 for that matter.

    @daddy dobby
    I didn’t let someone “walk away” with mine, someone broke into my home and took it, along with other stuff.

  30. @Xed
    Heh you cant spend so much huh? Whel $60 is one game and $20 is one movie. Comoon do you realy beleve what are you saing? Save up a little bit (drink less) and there you have it. Dont come here and talk abaut bs.

  31. Just another one who would love to win this machine. Anyway – great blog for a Microsoft-Enthusiast like me – and a great way to point me to 30 other sources of interessting stuff. Good luck to anyone.

  32. @Sala,
    I don’t buy games any more, let alone play them (no time, see). And movies, well a movie ticket here costs like $1.2, which I go for, once in a month or so.

  33. Hello!
    What should I do to win and how to enter and I wanna know that why they are giving this laptop.But are you sure that they will give you that laptop and how they will give you this laptop.Is this offer valid everywhere or only USA or Canada or Europe.

  34. I look forward to participating in this. Good luck to all the contestants! πŸ™‚

  35. sounds great ive seen one of these bad boy dragons in action how do enter ? what do i need to do ?

  36. I really don’t think people who are giving their reasons for why they deserve the notebook are genuine.

    Anyway, I’ll give you my reason, although you never said you wanted or required one.

    I’ve had a PC for about two years now, but it’s not a very good one. It was manufactured in 2001, and back then it was worth over $1,000. However, PCs nowadays dwarf my PC in every way. It would be nice to have a PC that didn’t freeze up from opening the simplest Programs. I’d also like to try PC gaming.

  37. When you’ll reveal that how you’ll accept entries ? It should have been started today. πŸ™‚

  38. What should i do to enter this competition
    I love this piece of equiptment i was planing to buy a sony vaio but if i win this i wont be needing one

  39. Man, this thing makes me drool…
    Whoever wins this beauty will be one extremely fortunate person.

  40. The Dragon laptop it self is totally awesome in specs, I can’t believe that this would be a prize πŸ™‚ !!!!!! It’s like over than $5500, that’s totally amazing.

    Good luck to every body.

  41. @ Joe :- Not couple of days.I think, it should be couple of hours.As it will be a random draw so there shouldn’t be much delay.

  42. Yeah, I guess…It just depends; not sure where everybody lives, but it was Midday Saturday when I made that post and I figured if he ran whatever randomizing program late on sunday, it would be a couple days…anyway, have you been able to access the HWG site? I haven’t for about 14 hours now…I don’t know if it’s my internet or it’s actually their site.

  43. No HWG is down Joe.Donno when that’ll be back on line & i’m waiting very eagerly to hear something from Long about the draw & when he’s thinking to draw the winner.

  44. Me too, I’m very excited and eager. I haven’t turned in my HWG entry yet so now I’m anxious that that gets back up. Long makes me curious about this one though. He says the winner will receive it before infinity. lol, that might give him plenty of time for him to use it and play with it more himself before actually sending it to the winner.

  45. its my moms birthday in 4 days, she has a brocken leg. ind she just came out of the hospital a fiew days aggo. she would be soooooooo happy ih i won this i would give it to here.

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