*HP EliteBook 8540w Owners Lounge!*

business notebooks will NEVER have media keys. thats why theres a home range that do.
you can do shortcuts next to the sensitive wireless button. but i use them them more as an short cut to programs.
the "i" as he internet and the presentation button as acess to my installed games shortcuts. but on windows 7 in can put them on tool bars so ill think of something that i cant be bothered to go deep into often.

 

Just an FYI, the HP support assistant can also be found on your driver CD that comes with the laptop. It contains drivers for xp, windows 7 32 bit, windows 7 64 bit. It is very useful.....actually extremely useful.

 

I bought my 8540w without Windows (I allready got a copy), I only got a useless CD with regulatory infos and the user manual.

I will ask a friend of mine for the DVD, it is indeed easier to start with the support assistent from DVD instead of installing WLAN driver before and download all the stuff.

 

Semicolin, I see you've got both an elitebook and a MBP. Which MBP do you have? How would you compare both notebooks in terms of reliability, responsiveness, display quality and cooling management?

 

He has an SR (Santa Rosa) MBP (MacBook Pro 3,1) which was pre Unibody. It's a good solid notebook but not at the same level chassis rigidity of the Unibody. One drawback with the SR MBPs were cooling, the C2D along with the 8600GT can get the MBP quite hot. I'm pretty certain the 8540w will have better cooling management in that respect compared to the SR MBP. The newer Unibodies had significantly better thermal management (plus it has switchable graphics which definitely helps).

I can give you my opinion on the SR, and unibody MBPs (which are both absolutely excellent notebooks), but I'm still waiting for my 8540w, so for me, a comparison will have to wait probably a week or so.

 

Ah! I didn't know what the SR referred to. I'm probably more interested in a comparison with the new MBPs (2010 if possible). I played with a few in various stores but that wasn't enough to get a good feel for them. On the other hand i've not got access to an 8540w. I have my doubts about getting a mac for various reasons but i'm keeping them as an option since most reports are favourable. Do you still own the MBPs? What, if may ask, is causing you to get an 8540w?

 

I can't really help you with the current mid-2010 MBPs as I don't have one.

I'm still using the MBPs, in fact the oldest one, a mid-2007 17 inch SR/Merom MBP is till my main desktop replacement. I also have two 15 inch (early 2008 Penryn and a Late 2008 Unibody Penryn) which are currently being used by other family members.

Overall I've been extremely satisfied with them, build quality is far superior to the Toshiba, Dell, and NEC notebooks I've used in in the past. The only other notebook that I've used that approached the MBP's build quality is an old Sony VAIO R505 which is due in part to it's magnesium alloy chassis.

As for why I'm getting a 8540w. I have to take a series of professional exams over the next two years or so and their computer requirement is explicit exclude all Apple computers even if they run Windows, so even running Windows natively via Boot Camp is not an option (it's discrimination ).

 

I see. I'm not sure if the display quality has improved markedly between your MBP and the newest ones. I'd be very interested in some comparisons between the the MBP display and the 8540 FHD(or FHD with DC2) one. I also found the large touchpad to be interesting though i'm not sure that I'd use a touchpad more if I had one like the MBP. Any comments on these points?

 

Can't really help you with the screen comparison as the 15 inchers don't have FHD screens (and they're at home and I'm not at the moment) and the 17 inch has a CCFL backlit screen which isn't comparable to the new LED models. But you can always go to your local Apple Store to see if you like the screen in person, which is always better than some else's opinion . However, if the screen you're looking at for the HP is the DC2, then my guess would be the DC2 would trump the MBP's screen. For the other screens it's probably a toss up.

As for the MBP's touchpad, it's nice and huge. Multitouch gestures works exactly as expected. The only can in my experience is that the trackpad clicker is a single clicker button under the middle of the trackpad. The problem with this is if you click on the trackpad near the edges, the clicker doesn't register the click. Personally it doesn't bother me as I usually use a mouse or tap to click if I'm using the touchpad.

 

Hey all,

I've got an EliteBook 8540p... they're similar enough that I'd assume this question would be relevant here.

My laptop is configured with the i7 620M and the NVS 5100. I believe both the p and w are equipped with the QM57 chipset which supposedly supports switchable graphics.

As I understand it, these laptops are configured to run on discreet only since they can be configured with an i7 QM processor without an IGP. Does anyone know of any driver/bios hacks or if there are plans to enable switchable graphics in the future?

I hear the NVS 5100 is pretty good on efficiency. I do notice it down clock to 135mhz when not doing anything requiring a lot of power but am curious if the IGP on my i7 620M could stretch my battery further when programming etc.

Currently I have the standard battery + the expansion battery and on a full charge while doing light web browsing or programming I get between 6 and 7 hours.. would be great if I could stretch that to 8-10 hours.

 

The new DC2 display haven't shipped yet, but I can show you some pics of a 8540w with HD+ compared to a MacBook Pro Unibody and the FHD screen of a 8540w (on the right). First thing I noticed, the MacBook Pro has the same size as the 8540w being 16:10 instead of 16:9 in addition the 8540w's baseunit is as thick as the whole MBP. The FHD screen is great and matte finish isn't as matte as the HD+ screen, so you get better colors in normal settings. The HD+ screen reduces glare better anyway. I don't like the high resolution of the FHD on 15" but I'd live with it if I'd could have a IPS (DC2) screen. Comparing the normal LED TN panels I have to say I'd go with the HD+ screen.

Both 8540w have the FX 1800, one with a i7-620m and the other with the i7-720qm. Both have 8GB of ram (the dualcore of course 2x 4GB, the quadcore with 4x 2GB). Batterylife is 3-4 hours on the dualcore machine and 2-3 hours on the quadcore.

 

Thanks for a great comparison Intoxicate!

1. In the MBP vs HD+ comparison, the MBP is obviously much brighter but also appears to be severely washed out. I wonder which is more faithful to the original image.
2. The FHD is brighter and has better contrast to my eye and i'm already sure I prefer the higher resolution.
3. I would love a MBP vs FHD comparison if you can manage one.
4. Now thats a huge touchpad on the MBP!
5. I understand that the MBP is a more portable and stylish notebook but the HP has durability, power, upgradeability and value for money going for it. I'm an engineer so I'm tending to the HP.

 

engineer? I'd stick with a PC. everything runs on it, so you don't have to worry... not to mention the 3 year warranty is a big bonus. also, when you get a job, you will enjoy a sturdy computer that you don't have to worry about if it gets dropped etc.

 

LOL. I've been out of school for years. I'm referring to the mindset. Function over beauty Even if I got a MBP it would be a Win 7 machine

 

Nice comparison! The FHD screen according to HP's spec is 20 nits brighter than the HD+ model. Now we can tell what a 20 nit difference looks like. Seriously, it looks like the HD+ model needs some calibration. The overall screen hue looks a bit blue against both the MBP and the FHD.

As for the MBP vs 8540w comparison, it's kind of like comparing apples to oranges. The MBP is very solid (still one of the best on the market), but not definitely not going to be as rugged as the 8540w which can be considered semi-ruggedized. Conversely, according to the specs the HP is thicker and heavier than the MBP. It really depends on what you need.

 

1) I already adjusted both panels. The HD+ screen needed a reduction of blue to 32%, red to 47% and green to 45% (standard value is 50%). I slightly reduced gamma and pushed the digital vibrance. The FHD screen needed less blue reduction so it looks a bit brighter.
Side by side they look as I described. The FHD looks crisper (no wonder) and less grainy.

The main difference is the matte coating. The FHD has only a slight matte coating so colors look brighter and sharper. The pics were taking in a bright room so the matte coating definately washes the HD+ more out than the FHD screen (best to see on the 4th pic).

Due to the less matte coating the higher DPI isn't that straining. I worked some days on both machines and I was suprized I hat no problems with the FHD, but I needed to sit very near the panel So HD+ is more comfortable but I'd sacrifice that comfort in a heartbeat for the DC2 panel. So here's my ranking:

2) The MacBook Pro feels solid, but it's neither as scratch resistent nor as ruggedized. I had a MacBook Pro 15" and 13" both were very scratch sensitive. I removed a screw on the back to change the hdd and slipped slightly from the screw over the back, this caused a scratch! I tried to scratch my 8540w top (saw that amazing youtube steel wool video) and didn't get a scratch even with pressure). HPs aluminium coating is definately more durable. What is more stable a thin sheet of aluminium or a big block size mathers. My brother had his MBP in a second skin neoprene coat and his backpack. But that didn't prevent it to deform when the backpack once fell of a chair.





What I wanted to say about the MBP:
Is it the most beautiful notebook I had? Definately!
Had it the most valuable touch I ever experienced in a notebook? Definately!
Is it the most durable design and the answer to all that problems windows guys are getting sick off? Definately not!

 

Ouch! It looked like it fell off rather tall chair. Well, it still fared rather well considering that it isn't a ruggedized notebook.

The scratch factor is expect. The MBP is raw aluminum which is fairly soft. The aluminum parts of the 8540w/p is anodized (looks like type II anodize) which is a far harder and durable finish. As for the bottom of the case, I wonder how well the painted magnesium allow will fair. The paint on my VAIO R505's magnesium alloy chassis is fairly susceptible to scratching given how well it's been treated over the years.

And wow, the HP really does look massive beside the MBP at twice the thickness.

 

Wow, what a difference. Looks bigger than the specs say. That deformation sucks. I can imagine losing ports due to that. I take care of my stuff but lets face it, they will get bumped. Its June now and I'm wondering if there are any updates on when the DC2 displays and backlit keyboard will start shipping for the 8540w.

 

Yes it definitely looks thicker than I had imagined from the specs. It almost looks like the brick that is the Thinkpad.

There doesn't seem to be any news on a backlit keyboard for the 8540w. There was a post awhile back quoting a source that only the 8740 will get the backlight and the 8540 won't.

 

I always remember those Apple guys who carefully took their MBP out of their backpack and then slightly hit the table with a corner and suddenly almost starting to cry

I think business notebooks are made for those guys who don't care for their notebooks, they just have to work, so the companies buy ready to wear down notebooks.

The size comparison isn't fair, it's a point of view thing. The one on Top always looks hugher. Here you see a side by side pic, well the glossy ain't that bad isn't it?



But as long as Apple won't offer USB 3.0 or at least a expresscard slot again to mount anything else but firewire hdds I won't be back to Macs that soon.

 

Yup, perspective distorts apparent size.

Guess I'll have to keep waiting for the DC2 since there is no guarantee that I can get the screens from HP later and install myself.

 

Well the lack of USB 3.0 isn't entirely Apple's fault. The issue right now lies with Intel. Currently no Intel chipset support USB 3.0. Any USB 3.0 Intel notebook out right now, including the 8540 actually uses a separate USB controller to power USB 3.0 ports.

Hmm, even though I don't really like glossy screens, from that angle that actually looks good.

TechAnimal: If you're set on the DC2, then definitely wait. Even if you could, there's absolutely no point in paying the extra cost and going through the hassle of a screen transplant for a screen you wanted from the start.

 

HP's business laptops have always been durable. I still have an old nc8430 that withstood some serious abuse and daily traveling. Still going strong despite a few missing bits of plastic on the vent.

 

That was from my rep. But others heard backlighting is coming to the 8540w from sources higher up than a rep. Reps tend to only know things that have been officially announced (and even then, not always). Also, two fundamentals of sales are to sell what's on-hand, and close the deal asap. So I didn't put much stock in what my rep said, although it did hint that backlighting is still a ways off so I bailed on the 8540w for the 8740w.

 

I can't understand why its not already an option given that its available on the Envy 17.

 

Does anyone have the FirePro M5800? Could they please post a screenshot? Thanks!

 

Look a view pages behind. Some guys allready posted their FirePro M5800 results!

 

The backlit keyboard would be nice, anyone know if it can be retrofitted into an existing laptop (does it work on the 8740w)?.

No point in me waiting for it or getting a 8740w just for that since here in Canada we don't HP for some reason doesn't sell CTO and the pre-configs (8740w for example) don't get the backlit option).

 

You can always retro-fit it later on. It's gonna be available quite soon. HP even placed another order for me (for free) - just the backlit keyboard, to follow the current order. So, yeah, there should be no problem replacing it.

 

Yeah, i'm not too worried about the keyboard. I'm sure those can be retrofitted. A DC2 display is another story. HP needs to get their act together as i'm not sure how much longer I can keep using this X50!

 

There seems to be quite an issue with FHD 15.6 inch LCD panels for the last several months. Lenovo has basically dropped the FHD on the CTO W510 and T510 models. Dell have had some delays with the FHD and Dell Canada has now dropped the FHD as a configuration option on all but the highest starting config of the Studio XPS 16. This FHD shortage is kind of why I want for the HD+ 8540w, because if the W510 had an FHD I would seriously consider custom ordering one of those.

For, me I needed this notebook ASAP so I don't really have a choice. So, it's nice if you have the freedom to wait for the DC2, but given the current situation it might be a month or more out.

 

Funny that HP seems to have the regular FHD panels readily available but the DC2 ones..... I'm willing to wait till after the world cup to make a decision to stay the course or settle.

 

Sorry, flipped back to page 100, but still didn't see any screenshot from GPU-Z and searched the thread for "M5800", which didn't yield anything... Do you know the name of the user or approximately where this was posted? Thanks for any help!

 

7k posts and still not able to use the search function
The discussion around the M5800 starts here: Got my 8540w with M5800 today

The M5800 is bades on a Radeon 5730, 400 shaders. Unfortunately it's not based an a Radeon 5850/5830 and only has GDDR 3 and not GDDR5. Hopefully there will be a upgrade with the new Intel core i7 or in autum.

 

At least the M5800 is a DirectX 11 GPU unlike the FX880 and FX1800.

Strange, both ATI and Nvidia don't seem to like publicising their mobile workstation GPUs. The FX880 and FX1800 are nicely hidden on Nvidia's site, while the M5800 simply doesn't exists on AMD's.

 

Intoxicate, could you please tell me how to remove the bezel?
I've just received 8540w and the matrix is a little curved (2-3mm) one side. Want to fix it, but don't know how to remove this bezel. Thanks

 

1) For what? These are cards for professional apps like auto cad which use Open GL and CUDA not direct x at all. Those cards aren't fast enough to show high details in most games so even if the M5800 can use direct x11 effects, it won't cause they'd make the games to slow to play.

2) For what? They're pro cards, built in business notebook which will be bought by companies. So it's a different marketing than with the consumer notebooks.

Built quality ok, but serious if you want to game, get a desktop or a gaming card for it.

User Manual Page 79:

First remove the display screws...

 

Was skimming for a GPU-Z shot. Too bad it's only GDDR3 and weaker than the FX 1800M GDDR5. And just skimmed your review, I thought the M4500 GPU isn't soldered (but then again I only know the M6400 isn't, don't remember if M4400 was too).

 

I had both M6400 and M4400. The M6400 used a Dell designed MXM-kind socket for the graficcard. The M4400's graficcard was soldered as is with the M4500 ( Source, german unfortunately)

But you can check this pic, the M4500 has no space for a MXM-board:



Here you see the size of the MXM board in the 8540w:

 

Hi

i ve a question :

Does someone know the usual frequency of the refresh ? Are they usually accompanied by prices drop (or the contrary) ? I plan to buy a 8540w in Q3 or Q4 and i don t want to do it just before a potential refresh.

Thanks in advance.

 

Ask that, when you're actually want to buy it. But a refresh is always behind the corner. The next big step will be the sandy bridge update from intel.

Best rule in electronics is, buy when you need to, wait if you don't need to!

 

for sure

Based on your observation, can you evaluate an average refresh period in months (for the knowledge) ?

Agree. The only exception for me in the personnal use case is a 1-2 month(s) wait.

Thanks

 

The business models get a mayor refresh after 1-2 years and minor refreshs (like Menron to Penryn) after about 6 Month. So you could wait for the next minor refresh.

 

Hi all,

after waiting for nearly 3 months, my 8540w arrived two weeks ago. So far I am really satisfied with this machine - great display, lots of power for many VMs etc. and no issues with the fan...

The only thing is a problem with the integrated HP n2420 Gobi WWAN. Wen I use LAN/WLAN the Cisco VPN-Client is able to connect to our ComputingCentre via tcp/10000. When I am connected via UMTS it's possible to connect to Websites etc. but the VPN-Client does not get the connection to the same Server via tcp/10000 (no active local Firewall). On other Computers it is possible to connect via VPN via the same SIM-Card/Provider.

It seems that other users have the same trouble with Gobi / VPN, for example
with HP 5310m

Does anybody have the same problems with Gobi-WWAN and (CISCO-)VPN?

Holmi

 

It's probably not a problem with the Gobi card itself but rather your cell phone company. Most data services on cell networks are provided through a proxy and doesn't allow through VPN connections. Some cell providers (I know mine does) will charge you extra if you want support for VPN and a separate routable IP.

Btw have you had a chance to try out the GPS? I'd be interest to hear how well that works.

 

VPN: The cell network (T-Mobile Germany) provides VPN connections. I have used it with my old Lifebook S6420 for years and it still works. So the problem can't be the CISCO VPN-Client (works with LAN and WLAN) nor it cant be the cell network (still working with S6420).

I am using VPN Client Version 5.0.07.0290 on Win7 Pro 64bit. It would be nice if someone could verify, if it is possible for him to reach141.91.240.188 via UMTS over internal Gobi with CISCO VPN-Client.

GPS: Since I don't have any use for GPS on the Laptop, I didn't test the GPS yet. But if there is a simple Application around for some testing I can manage to do so...

 

for those who are interested:
i've received two BIOS versions (F.09 and F.0A) for the 8440p
both versions solved the problem with the loud fan after Suspend to RAM / "Sleep" mode

so it should not take too long until this versions are officially released

 

Wrong thread
... on the other hand this issue is allready fixed for the 8540w in Bios F.08!

 

i thought this issue was already fixed in F.07 for you on the 8540w
but fyi: i do know that this thread is about 8540, but as many people do read this thread to gather some information about the 14 inch versions too, i decided to post it here as well

 

Yes, Bios F.07 fixed it too but wasn't available as an upgrade from HP