Dreamcolor 2 in an 8730w?

Hey Folks,

So looking for a solution for my laptop and its dim screen... I was wondering, since so many have been successful upgrading their screens from CCFL to Dreamcolor, if anyone had attempted to replace their old Dreamcolor (or CCFL) with the newer Dreamcolor 2 panel? I understand, besides physical differences (whether it fits in an existing cover) that cables probably need to be replaced as well.

I just wonder if anyone has considered it or done it. I have high hopes, but considering there are 7 billion humans on the planet and this site being probably the best site for such a question, I do hope I'll get some answers ;-)

Thanks in advance!

 

I seriously doubt that the DreamColor2 rig from the 8740w would work with the 8730w even if the rig fits connector-wise. The rig is not just a screen and one cable with a board that looks like an inverter, but a screen, a cable connecting to the screen and to a 10-bit color mapping board, the color mapping board, and another cable, connecting to the color mapping board, to a board that looks like an inverter, and to the mainboard.

As you can see from my sig, I have the DreamColor2 on the 8740w. To me, the 8740w is a particularly sweet spot in the EliteBook line. I actually have not only one, but three DC2 rigs, one in the 8740w I am typing on, a second for putting into my other 8740w (which now has a non-DC 1920x1200 rig), and a third as an extra spare kit.

I am about to PM you about the availability of an 8740w with DC2 and Quadro 5000M with decent pricing, no financial connection to me.

 

I could not get a text to show in the PM. I am still trying.

 

I sent the PM.

 

Thank you for everything... I'm going to look into it when I have a chance to get to my computer.

I already have my eyes on another one at about the same price in the US and since my wife's family is from there and she's presently visiting them, it is much easier for me to get something from the US than to bother with outlandish shipping rates and extortionary custom fees taxes and brokerage fees, which can easily add 50 percent to the final price.

3 weeks ago there was one just like the one that is posted in the UK, that sold for $525, so I have high hopes to find one at about the same price, have it shipped to my brother in law and driving down to the states to get it.

How much is the British pound to the Canadian dollar at this time?

Sent from my Note 2 - Text mostly by Google Voice, May Contain Weirdness ;-)

 

Well, it looks like you gave me the nudge I needed to make a move, and I got it for 500 pounds... Upon a second look it does have exceptional specs... I just hope I won't be sucked too dry with duties, fees and taxes!

 

Yay, way to go!

I will be surprised if it is over $900, all told. Let me know how much.

Edit: that would be $900 US dollars, but I expect your Canadian total to be very close to that.

 

$900 would be a little bit optimistic, considering that he told me to expect shipping to be approximately 100£ ($160) , plus duties (?), federal tax and provincial tax (totals 15%) brokerage fees (depends on carrier) and finally tax collecting fees (I'm not kidding) ... That's Canada, Eh! I'll be lucky if I manage to keep it under $1000...

But what are you going to do if you want something that is not made anymore? I could not possibly work on a document on at 1080 P screen, heck, I used to work on a 2048x1536 screen! Besides, getting a new one in Canada would set me back at least $5000, that's what it sells for now, and I would still have to add 15 percent taxes to it, it just would not be possible for me as a self employed person!

Anyway, we'll see tomorrow how it goes... I've asked for the cheapest shipping possible that still covers for damage and insurance and I'll see whether he can lower the value for Customs, although this is a double edged sword... In case of a loss, I would be out by significant amount if it was undervalued...

There's a good reason why I usually purchase my stuff in the States and pick it up myself... I usually save 30% or more just avoiding shipping and all the hassles that go with it!

In this case, however, you were right about the specifications and I am very grateful to you for finding this deal long enough in advance for me to look into it... That video card IS really top of the line! And the dreamcolor 2 is unmatched... It is definitely well worth the premium if I can make better presentations to my clients in brightly lit environments such as cafes and restaurants (I am a home inspector and I take pictures and record comments with them, which makes for a very good presentation that is easy to understand)...

Whereabouts are you located to enjoy easy and inexpensive out of country purchases?

Sent from my Note 2 - Text mostly by Google Voice, May Contain Weirdness ;-)

 

So I received the 8740w, Quad core, Nvidia 500M, 8GB, backlit keyboard, USB 3.0, etc, etc, yesterday and am still 'unpacking' so to speak. Used to belong to a guy who does internet reviews, was given to him FREE by HP for reviewing it, so they didn't skimp on the specs :-D

It goes without saying the Dreamcolor 2 screen is gorgeous, with better backlight color evenness than the DC1 ever had. I could not see any color tinging at the corners, and the angle of view is truly great.

The brightness is amazing, the DC1 was great, this seems even better, but I can't compare now as my DC1 laptop has an unresolved dim screen issue (stuck at 0% brightness).

It is in good condition, except for one dent on the lid, possibly something that fell on it, otherwise it's flawless.

The backlit keyboard is a joy in the dark, but I found the feel not as solid as that of the 8730w standard keyboard; We'll see how it goes.

The purchase price was 500 pounds (~ 775 USD) and everything considered, cost me 1130 CAD (~1070 USD), including shipping (~155USD), taxes (~131USD) and tax Collecting Fee (about $10). In other words, an extra 38%.

Told ya you were being optimistic with your "I doubt it will cost more than $900"!!! And even if it cost me $1100, it's still less than the FIVE THOUSAND they still ask for it online in Canuckistan!

OK, enough ranting, I needed to find a solution for my problem, got it, 'nough said. I just now need to install XP and get my software running on it.

Finally, to come back on topic: it is definitely different in dimensions from the 8730w. The 8740w is ever so slightly taller and wider, so yes, you are probably right, I doubt it's going to be possible to install a DC2 panel into the 8730W ;-)