*HP EliteBook 8740w Owners Lounge - PART 1*

You mean the warehouse in China? If it is , i would like to have their number..PM me..I am sick of talking to Order status folks via the standard HP SMB phone #. They have no clue whatsoever. Different answer each time.

Y'day, one guy gave me a shocker. I was asking him about about the status and the disappearance of the EnergyStar logo, he says the order is currently under production. When i said i don't see it in the online inquiry, he says "It takes a while to get updated, his system says In production". Then i asked if he can find out the day it went to production - he said Apr 1..Nice date to fool me

 

Take a look at page 1 of this thread.

 

@SecretAsianMan - Any news on your order? Did the ship date push further into May?

 

@NotebookGrail: The order status was updated today with an EDD of today. Order still in "wave" status, no tracking number.

There also is no charge on the credit card for the notebook yet. Probably safe to say the 8740w isn't coming until that happens!

 

ugh!

10char

 

Uh, no. Called the same number: 800 888 5858 option 5 and the woman in charge was typing them messages online as we spoke. She assured me that the error would be fixed. It should be by now, still not updated on the website.

 

Just curious but...

Is it some sort of record for the various 'Owner's Lounges' that we're on page 46 of comments and no one actually has one yet?

Not a problem, just trying to enjoy the irony.

- J -

 

Lol, you wish! Have a look at the Alienware lounges. Some threads went over a 100 pages before the first machine was received.
But yeah, that's the fun. I enjoy the anticipation more than the system itself usually.

 

Yeah :yes:
You guys need to find something better to do other than to spend countless hours speculating unnecessarily. LOL:laugh:

 

What's the point of buying the system then? Using it? Heck, no!
You'll stop thinking about it one week ofter receiving



My EDD appeared on the website : 18/05/2010
But shortly after that got an email from them .... material shortages.. Looks like the backlit keyboard may push the EDD to the end of May if not more...
Will consider getting the laptop with a regular one and replacing here in Canada in a few months when it becomes order-able.
Dunno...

 

If you could get the comp sooner but without a backlit keyboard I'd just stay with it and you could always get a backlit one once supply is fresher.

 

Well then that would negate the whole reason for forum.Lostpedia.com to exist!

 

wow.

might have to cross this laptop off of my list entirely if it's going to be June before they can be had.

 

I have a feeling that the DC2 panel is the one that is holding up the orders. To me, this is a good and a bad thing. It is bad, because it delays our orders, it is good, since it may imply that these panels are not just some crappy generic mass produced panels that is used on other laptops too.

Also, the shortage of the mobile CPU doesn't help either.

 

I have a line item in my config that has MFG Part # VG305AV. It has a listed Est Ship Date of 4/21/2010 and an Est Delivery Date of 4/26/2010. The quantity columns list all of my line items as Qty Ordered: 1 as well as Qty Allocated: 1. Nothing in my order is Back-ordered. Additionally, clicking the 'More Info' button gives me an estimated ship date of 5/3/2010 and a status of 'Scheduled'. Does everyone else have an order status page showing all parts as Allocated? Has anyone's estimated ship date as shown on the more info page slipped by? I'm wondering if that is the more truthful date to go by.

 

Oh and here's my config, which I'll now put in my sig (I'm a poet and didn't know it):

BU IDS QUAD 8740w
Win7 PRO64 8740w US
LBL MS Win7 Logo
CPU i7-820QM 8740w
LBL Core i7 vPro
LBL eSTAR
Misc AMT Enabled 8740w
LCD 17.0 WUXGA+WVA DC2 f/CAM 8740w
WEBCAM Integrated 2.0MP 8740w
GFX ATI GL M7820 1GB 8740w
RAM 16G 1333DDR3 4DM 8740w
HDD 250G 7200RPM 8740w
DVDRW LS UB 8740w
KB DP Backlit 8740w US
WPAN BT 2.1+ 8740w
WLAN 802.11 a/b/g/n I3 8740w US
MODEM 56K v.92 MDC 8740w
SEC FPR 8740w
HWKIT 200w 8740w US
BATT 8C 73Whr 8740w
WARR 3/3/3 8740w US
DIB HP PR Dock Station 230w Pe US
HP Sport Backpack - Black

 

I surmise the date given in the print preview is the 'realest' one; actually it's the only realistic date I see. Another date that used to be 4/28 has just been changed to my order date, 4/20. So basically every date on the header and line item page is useless. Everything shows as 'allocated' except for the machine itself on line 1, and nothing shows as back-ordered; even tho we know for sure the DC2 and back-lit keyboards are. I imagine things will work smoother later in the year once the new parts inventory unique to 8740w [apposed to shared w/the 8730w] is built-up.

edit: I see you ordered DC2 and BL KB too. What order date?

 

@resillusion: Here's my config. All line items are "Qty Allocated = 1", except for the top line, which is "Qty Invoiced = 1". All other numbers are zero - none backordered or shippable. Also, all lines are "Stk Cd = H", whatever that means.

KMAT Armani WKS 1.x CTO
BU IDS QUAD 8740w
LOC FreeDOS 8740w US
CPU i7-820QM 8740w
LBL Core i7
Misc NO vPro AMT supported
LCD 17.0 WUXGA+WVA DC2 f/CAM 8740w
WEBCAM Integrated 2.0MP 8740w
GFX ATI GL M7820 1GB 8740w
RAM 2G 1333DDR3 1DM 8740w
HDD 250G 7200RPM 8740w
HDD 500G 7200RPM UB 8740w
KB DP 8740w US
WPAN BT 2.1+ 8740w
WLAN 802.11 a/b/g/n I3 8740w US
MODEM 56K v.92 MDC 8740w
SEC FPR 8740w
HWKIT 200w 8740w US
BATT 8C 73Whr 8740w
WARR 3/3/3 8740w US
DIB HP PR Dock Station 230w Pe US

 

Nah, I don't mind the wait, as long as I get the advertised system eventually.

 

@m8o: I ordered 4/15, got the 28% deal. I originally contacted them early April and when I asked about the backlit keyboard, it wasn't available until May. The rep told me that they had quality issues with the backlits because they have to make them so thin to get the light through. Apparently this prevents the system from meeting the quality standards of SMB/Elitebooks. Anyways, I told them I'd wait for availability of the option. I just happened to look the following week and saw the option available on hp.com, so I called the rep and he quickly configured my system and finalized the order. I think I got really lucky with the timing. I also think these backlits could be another reason for the delays.

 

I have been monitoring those tracking sites too much... But I think I have made sense of them now.

The Est. Delivery date under More Information Button of the Line Item Tracking sheet is not the actual shipping date of the laptop. It seem to be the date that the part is delivered to HP US so they can assemble the laptop together.

To corroborate with that, you can look at the Order Status page (the one you get from inputting your order #) and you will (should) see a shipping date of the laptop that is about a week after the "Est. Delivery Date" that you see above.
Which seems about right to me, since to assemble and test everything a week sounds good.
(It is possible that the assembly is also done overseas, but I HIGHLY doubt it, esp. considering the target audience of the Elitebooks.)

Though the big caveat of what I just said is that these dates are not set in stone they may change.

Edit: Another topic: Energy Star Certification
The more I play around with configuring various models of Elitebooks and referencing items that you guys already have ordered, the more I believe that the the certification is given to configurations that uses Windows 7.

The amount of extra power that a backlit keyboard and DC2 is trivial, compared to the "power saving" features that Windows 7 could provide (vs. FreeDOS).

The TDP of i7-720 and 820 are the same. And I have seen Energy star Certified configurations with 820.

First thing I am going to do, when I get my laptop, is to just install Win 7 on it. Actually, I already have a SSD set aside for Win 7, so that the 250GB HDD that comes with the system will be left alone for when repairs are needed on the system.

 

@resillusion , Oh, so that's where "28%" came from. Some one IM'ed me mentioning 28%, but I didn't want him to think I said that that's what I got (because I didn't get quite that). I must have missed there was an offer at that amount.

@lethial, if I didn't hear my salesman incorrectly, I believe they are assembled in China. I was about to say something to the effect of "really, I can't believe that?". But being the proud owner of several head amps and a mini SET tube amps directly from manufacturers in China, let alone I own a Lenovo, I realized I should immediately drop my preconceived notions and bit my tongue.

 

My company has historically used Dell solely for its purchases. I played that angle when talking to the rep - somewhere along the lines of "we've always had Dell but I don't like their prices right now. what can you do?". As everyone knows, HP and Dell are like sister and brother when it comes to competing for business. Use that to your advantage and you'll typically get a better deal. Now let the debate begin on which one is the sister and which one is the brother...

 

@Lethial The more you try to figure the dates, the more it gets confused. Actually, you need to wait past the Est Delivery Date in the More Info page of the line Item to realize it. I am one of them and so is SecretAsianMan. My Est Delivery Date of the Part was 22-Apr and my EST Delivery Date of the Laptop is Apr-30. I don't see that happening...So another round of waiting game begins.

By the way, all the 8740W are assembled in China.

 

Oh I have no problem with things made in China. But I just think it may be less problematic for them, if they controlled the assembly closer. Esp. considering that the laptops need to meet certain MIL specs.

@NotebookGrail: if your laptop comes on Apr 30th, you better be providing us with hourly reports!

 

Well my HP Sport Backpack just arrived. Unfortunately, there was no kick-arse laptop inside of it.

 

On a happier note, more tasty treats for you guys: 8740w repair videos

It is a happier note, because we get to see just how massive the HSF assembly really is... Look at the keyboard replacement or Primary memory replacement videos...

Oh and the 8740w are so DIYer friendly!

Edit: Interesting bit 2: UEFI support! Now we just need 2TB notebook HDDs to justify activating it...

 

Yep, that's pretty massive.


Incidentally, chalk me up as one of those that has the May 3rd shipping date. Order 4/12/10, still in Admin status.

 

I'm officially a recipient of HP's version of a "Dear John (for now)" letter...

"We regret to inform you that your order # has encountered a delay due to a temporary material shortage. We are working to fulfill your order as soon as possible and we will contact you again within 10 days if your order has not shipped."

Planned ship date is presently 12-May-2010. Following a link in the email is also the 1st time I've seen the HP OSS page. I'd previously only been using the www.custom-access.com/ordstatus/... link I got from order confirmation.

 

Welcome to Patience 2 Patient Club

 

Added to page 1. Thanks!

 

Got the same message, lol.
Asked them what parts are delaying the order, will see what they say.

 

Make sure you ask them $$$ credit for the delay. I got nice $$$ that will pay for my SSD.

 

Did you get it from your sales rep?
How big is your delay?
Will definitely try to get some free upgrades.

My EDD is pushed from 18th to 28th of May. So, realistically I'm looking at mid June...

 

Sent you PM

 

Does anyone know what was the extra cost when choosing the backlit keyboard option?

 

Hi All,

I currently own a Elitebook 8730w (FX2700M, DreamColor). Overall, I'm happy with this laptop except for the weight.

I'm considering running multiple external monitors (2 external monitors with laptop panel active all at the same time). Not too sure if my 8730w setup is able to support it, or if I need the advance docking station.

Just like to check if any owners of the 8740w has got any multi-monitor setup to share.

 

They had a video demo of it driving multiple external monitors and the built-in display here: YouTube - HP 8740w Mobile Workstation

Pretty sure it requires the ATI card as that is part of the Eyefinity support in the newer cards.

 

Thx! I saw the video too. Pretty cool stuff. I do believe that driving multiple monitors with the ATI card requires the use of a new model of the docking station. Also, I read that the ATI card doesn't support DreamColor which isn't really a deal breaker, but I've just gotten so used to the vivid colors on my 8730w.

 

My order contains both the ATI card and the DreamColor, so worry not.

 

Plus, I believe that Youtube video was showing ATI with DreamColor 2.

 

If you saw the video, then what makes you think the ATI doesn't support Dreamcolor? The Video is specifically about ATI and new Dreamcolor and Multi-monitor support.

 

Finaly my 8740w is in UK! Just been released from customs.. so I should get it today or tomorrow morning! Im so excited...

My spec is i7-720, 4gb 1333 (I'll buy another 8gb), 320gb 7200rpm, full HD (NOT DM) LCD, FX 3800M (because is supported by ADOBE and I have hope it will be suported by Mercury Playback in near future as well) + etc etc.
Model name WH276UT#ABA

I'll test that memory issue..

Can anybody tell me what HDD they put in the 8740w ? is the memory CL7 or CL9 ? Dual Channel ?

 

For the fourth consecutive day, my EDD has been reset to match today's date. Still no change in config status, still no tracking number. Hopefully this is HP's way of saying "any day now". I fully expected these delays when I ordered, so I'm only mildly disappointed.

I think I will call today to make sure it's HP's delay, and not some problem that I need to resolve with my order.

 

Probably CL9. A search on NewEgg a few days back showed all of their available DDR3 1333 products being CL9, except for one Kingston HyperX offering at CL7. That's the memory that I ordered.

 

That is awesome! Please keep us informed once you get the laptop!

As for system memory. I am actually going to get PC1066 if we can play with the FSB. Since having a high CPU:mem multiplier to make the memory run at the 1333 spec, doesn't really give you any performance boost.
In fact, it may hurt the performance due to the faster DDR3s having higher sub-timings.


@Anyone that had Elitebook (or the likes) before from HP:
Would the tech still service your laptop if you completely wiped the HDD and installed it with your own OS? (one w/o the special HP partitions)
More importantly, would wiping out that special partition be bad for the system? (My experience with other OEM laptops with these "special partition" is that they are there mostly for poorly implemented "repair and diagnose" features, that I have 3rd party replacement for. I am not sure about these "professional grade" laptops though. )

thanks

 

I think it was somewhere between $50-$60.

 

I like that the 8740w is DIY friendly

I just wondering ... is it possible to upgrade the cpu to i7-920 without changing the heat-pipe ?

 

If you choose the platform for quads (720QM/820QM) the heatsink will have 2 pipes instead of one (for dual cores) and you can definitely upgrade the CPU to the extreme version.
Be careful however, it runs hot (55-60W TDP) and might also make your PSU struggle if paired with the FX3800M (100W). Also, considering that you won't be able to OC it, there's a lot of risk and a huge difference in $$$ for a minor gain in performance. With the lowest quad - 720QM you're set to have no bottlenecks in both gaming and professional apps. If you intend to run VMWare with multiple OS in parallel mode, - even the 920XM will fail

 

Computers with i-core series CPUs don't have an external FSB, since the memory controller resides on-die with the CPU. Now, they've been able to overclock the desktop i-cores, but apart from manufacturer implementations, there hasn't been much in the way of notebook overclocking of an i-core yet.