*HP EliteBook 8740w Owners Lounge - PART 1*

My laptop is acting up tonight. I've been trying to download Mass Effect from Steam (on sale for $5, today only). Not sure if that has anything to do with it or not. I'm using my first 8740w while the other one is doing a startup test.

 

Interesting news...

I'm starting to get a bit of a picture of what could have possibly caused my crash. Here's a timeline:

17th - I was looking at my memory configuration and attempting to identify the RAM slot names / numbers. During this I ended up removing all of my RAM and re-seating it (to see what was written under it).

18th - Didn't do very much with the laptop. It was storming here so I had most of my electronics turned off.

19th - Had my first crash early in the morning while browsing the web.

Which leads me to what I just found out. I was getting ready to bring up a few VM's and had Task Manager open when I noticed my memory usage was at around 50% BEFORE starting any VM's. Task Manager was only showing 4GB of physical memory! I looked at the computer properties sheet and it said "Installed memory (RAM): 8.00 GB (4 GB usable)". This struck me as very strange because I know for a fact that when I first installed my memory it did NOT have the "usable" statistic.

With that in mind I decided to look at my BIOS and see what it said. This was very strange - the BIOS was only recognizing one of the HP chips and one of the aftermarket chips I installed. I then opened up the laptop and all the RAM looked properly seated, but I decided to run only the HP RAM anyway. The BIOS then recognized both HP sticks. I then re-added my RAM ensuring it was completely seated, not just 'clicked-in'. Essentially, after I clicked the RAM in I also pushed it into the slot as far as possible. After this my BIOS again recognized all of my RAM as well as Windows.

Now, I'm not saying this is what is causing everyone's crashes or even that it is what caused MY crash. Just that it is EXTREMELY suspicious.

In the end perhaps it would be appropriate for everyone to check their OS (start > right click on computer > properties) and their BIOS to see what it is recognizing. I believe this is the route to get to the memory information in the BIOS: run System Diagnostics > System Information > Memory Information & More Memory Information.

I'm very curious how things look for everyone else. Because, let's face it, this entire thing came about from people adding or changing their RAM, right? Perhaps, just maybe, this could be something here. **Fingers crossed for everyone**

 

My first system was crashing without me ever opening it up at all. My second system began crashing before i opened it up. BUT, when I tried installing 8 GB RAM on my first machine, at one time, I had the same statistic (X GB installed, only X/2 GB usable). But I don't remember at what point I saw that. Eventually it only saw and used 2 GB.

 

Hey Aikimox,
Hopefully you get yours soon. I know you've been very patient.

BTW, once you get your DC2 panel and you get a chance to pop it open, can you please let me know the part# on the back of the panel?
I'm interested in knowing what part# they're using for DC2.
Maybe even take a pic to see if the display cable is the same for both DC2 and the others. For example, the 8730w uses a different cable for the DC panels. However, in that case it's due to the fact that one is LED backlit and the others use CCFL backlight.
On the 8740w, they all appear to be LED backlit so perhaps they all use the same display cable.

Also, do you guys think they might be using the DC1 panels for the regular WUXGA+ screen?
The documentation says they're now using an LED backlight on the regular panels, instead of the CCFL backlight found in the 8730w.
That alone should provide an improvement over the old CCFL panels. Although the brightness appears to be the same (200).

If the regular panel on the 8740w is not a DC1, I'd be curious to know if it's compatible.

 

Yes, the DC1 panels were 8-bit TN panels w/ RGBLED. HP is far from the first with IPS panels in laptops (ie. IBM T4x/5x/6x), but will definitely not be the last.

 

Here are the panel monitor models I found on Internet

LPL_LP171WP9
SEC_LTN170BT11
SEC_LTN170MT03
SEC_LTN170CT12
LPL_LP171WU7
LPL_LP171WU8

All versions are LED backlit, if my assumption is right above doubt.

 

Everyone loves T60p, its precise colour reproduction and eye strain free feature.

 

Interesting....
LG Philips panels usually start with "LP".
If WU7 and WU8 are new listings, I'd be inclined to believe that those are the ones being used in the 8740w.

We'll have to wait for confirmation from those who ordered the 8740w with DC2.
Come on guys, who's going to be first?

UPDATE: Looks like I found the website you were looking at.....
possible displays used on 8740w.....?

I can't understand what it says, but from the looks of it, he's trying to figure out the same thing as me.
He seems to acknowledge that the 8730w uses the WU3 (WUXGA) and WU5 (for DC) screens.
But then he seems to be asking whether the 8740w uses the WU7 (WUXGA) and WU8 (DC2)....

Anyone here understand what's being discussed in that forum?

 

SINCE, being the operative word..., since the ThinkPad T60/p series (2006)...And there was no T5x series, btw...

 

Haha...yea, I'd love for some to translate that thread. At least the emoticons are all happy go lucky excited, so let's remain positive.

 

The Problem is that--> we don't have any 8740W DC2 review as well as first hand experience on concrete matter.

 

Just to let you folks know, the DC2 panel in 8740W is an IPS Panel with RGB EDGE Light (not the direct light). I remember this is to keep the display size thin.

 

Many of us have not seen the 8740W DC2 in action. I want to know the actual details of these laptop IPS panels.

 

None of us have seen the 8740w DC2 in action.
I guess, we'll get some info in the upcoming days, since the panel should finally reappear on the website tomorrow.

 

I assume that some of us have attended the following event.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2ZnxxKE6pc

30 bit Panel ( from audio transcripts)???

But will it be advertised as the IPS panel or just another minor improvement on current RGB LED/8 bit TN LCD ?

 

Yes, a 10-bit per primary color IPS panel. But that's about all we know thus far.

 

Aikimox, you turned into a mutant eagle!!!
I almost didn't recognize you.
What happened? Did you rank up in WoW or something? :laugh:

We're counting on you with the DC2 specs.

 

Sorry Tyraxus -- I haven't touched the factory-installed 16GB of RAM and it is all fully recognized and available in both the BIOS and Windows.

But at least this might reinforce the observation that the crashes are fan-correlated. Since the only crash that you experienced without the fan symptom was RAM-related, right?

 

Google "tengu" and "kensei"

I'm not gonna be the first to get the system, since it was ordered from Canada and HP(US) only delivers within the US. So it'll be rerouted through my relatives (about 1-2 weeks delay). In addition, my order might get rebooked, especially if I insist on getting the backlit keyboard and some free upgrades due to the long waitng time.

 

Cool.
I like japanimation and folklore art styles.
Those are some big-nosed mofos. LOL... What's with the big noses?
Reminds me of an SNK character. That's probably where they got the inspiration from.
I remember watching "Ninja Scroll" back in high school. I thought it was really cool.
I liked so much I even went to the local video stores to look for more of the same. But I couldn't find anything that was as cool as Ninja Scroll.
All I could find were those cheesy-looking Dragonball anime.

It sucks that you have to wait even longer.
Mine should be here tomorrow. Hopefully it's not plagued with the same problems.
I'm just going to setup my RAID0 setup on it and use my W7U disc to install OS.

Just out of curiosity, has anyone tried just loading XP, instead of jumping into W7, to see if the problems are the same?

 

That's why you guys need to use Google Chrome... automatically pops-up a toolbar asking you if you want it translated.

Seem all that's said there is mis-information. 6-bit is on the same line as IPS. Lol, they don't even know it's 10-bit, not 6-bit...

Greg Stanton's knows, but he's never come here to let us know.

 

Yeah, I noticed he made a mistake regarding bits.
Seems I was right on point, without needing translation then. :yes:
Basically they have the info for the 8730w AND now they're trying to figure out the specs for the 8740w panels.

 

For those who are wondering how the DreamColor 2 panel will be, take as point of reference the HP LP2480zx DreamColor desktop monitor. Greg stated they are working to match its features, but not just that, even they could surpass them. So you get the picture: 10-bit per color component, IPS (possibly H-IPS or eH-IPS variants) panel, typical contrast: 1000:1 (not dynamic), brightness: 300 nits or more.

One more time, I recommend you all read this review.

PS: The statement "1 billion of active colors" is explained by this: With 10 bits per color component, you have 2^10 variations per component (red, green and blue), if you combine them, you'll have 2^10*2^10*2^10 = 2^30 = 1,073,741,824 colors

 

I'm not sure that is the real dreamcolor display on youtube video because it is possible to see the ENERGY STAR® label on a dreamcolor laptop. So for I the mystery remains unsolved for the dreamcolor. I hope like you that tomorrow is the D-day.

 

Seems odd that he'd claim it was at a product demo if it wasn't -- would be rather crappy advertising to show something inferior . . .

 

Hey, I have a question. In the past, when ever nvidia or ati announce a new quadro card, how long does it take for HP to offer that card on their Elitebook lineup? A couple of months?

 

Gentlemen, as we hopefully come to the close of the "when will the Dreamcolor screen be available" question, maybe some of you can speculate as to when HP will offer the 8740 with the 920XM processors, as it has been part of the spec. for months.

 

for the processor I found today the 740QM and the 840QM on the HP Parts Store ( HP Parts Store - HP Computer Parts - HP Printer Parts - Compaq Parts ) and these processors are already available and it seem at a low price compared to the older 720QM and 820QM. The referances are 612259-001 and 612260-001 but not yet the 940XM at the 612261-001 (nothing) .
For the GPU it is only Nvidia who has a new fermi card (I belive the FX 5900M you can check at 596064-001 and I found at this reseller: http://kszfweb.econet.hu/portal/Def...ts\CAProductInformation.ascx&TermekID=5122659 ) but I send a mail to Nvidia and they said that the mobile GPU will don't be available before the desktop sulution and this one will be released on september.
For the dreamcolor it is just to maintain the mystery . More seriously I thought that it has a delayd because HP has upgraded the dreamcolor. It was not good enough.

 

Oh well, if the FX5900M is true, then it'll be only for 8740w. I want one for 8540w.

 

They've kept his promise again HP have modified the configuration page of the USA website to include the option for the DreamColor display (again). The price is the same before they removed the option: $570 with webcam incorporated (about 460€ . I think it's reasonable considering the known features of the DreamColor display. Just a note: they are not calling DC2, only "DreamColor", but it's a new iteration though.

And a last note for all future DC users : In the Quick Specs is stated that you cannot order the HP Mobile Broadband adapter (provided by Gobi) with the DreamColor display at the same time (in the same configuration). It may be there is a known incompatibility between the 2 devices.

 

840s are listed too

Configuration made, now I just have to call in and get discounted.


it just said dreamcolor before as welll

 

Folks, If you had noticed the 8540W is also available with the DreamColor 2 display and i7-840 processor.
Interestingly, it clearly says, DreamColor 2.

Edit: DC and DC2 means the same to avoid confusion.

 

But in the 8740w CTO page, it says 'DreamColor' only.

@NecessaryEvil: Thanks for let us know the 840QM availability. I've contacted again my rep to see if both 840QM and DreamColor display are already orderable in my country (Spain).

About the DC<->Mobile Broadband incompatibility, you can see it in the Quick Specs as I said, on page 6:

However, they are selectable both the DC panel and the adapter in the same configuration, so if you're going to order a CTO 8740w with these devices, I recommend you first contact your rep if you don't want to delay your order.

 

maybe the 8740w gets ONLY DreamColor 1, and the 8540w get the DreamColor 2

 

Hi, I am in Italy, a little question... you are waiting the 8740w configuration that you like to be orderable from a local (in Spain) reseller or you are trying to buy from web with shipment to europe (btw, does HP USA or amazon.com shipment/order the 8740w to europe ?) ?

Thanks.

 

The DC vs DC2 issue (in 8740W) has been beaten to death by various sources of confirmation (dig thru the inital pages of this post). So, DC and DC2 means the same - the latest and greatest - 10bit, IPS, RGB Edge LED backlight.

 

I'm waiting confirmation from my local reseller. In Spain, you can order a CTO product (at least from the EliteBook line) through a partner approved by HP. But as far I know, not all countries in Europe can order a CTO product. See this page in order to search for a local partner in your country. Perhaps in Italy you can order a CTO product too.

 

Free upgrades vs fast delivery....decisions...

 

I would choose free upgrades or $$$ off. . The fast delivery happiness will only last 1 day.

 

I love how Aikimox's CPU has become obsolete before he even finished ordering his laptop.

 

Nice one, Knight
On the phone with HP right now....

 

NotebookGrail: your rep won the "respond to me first" race. Thanks, saved about $300 even after the upgrades(840QM) vs. my previous order. I'll take it!

Another 8740W ordered.

Now I just have to decided if I want to do the HDD swap and put my X201's G2 in the 8740W, or if I want to just use that $300 I saved to go out and buy another SSD.

 

What's that? Am I missing out on something 'cuz I'm not being a squeeky wheel?

the i7-840 is available to us now? [!] Son-of-a... (it wasn't there yesterday, as I went to look specifically for that) ok, I'm breaking down and going to call.

 

Ok, the order is fixed! 840QM and backlit keyboard added

 

Lol... don't be so sure about that keyboard until you see the lit-back-lit.

So how does ordering the 840 affect delivery?

 

Just ordered 8540W with optional Dreamcolor 2.

 

Since the DC was unavailable till today, there's no difference.
The only thing I forgot to upgrade is the warranty.

 

Hi,

can you send me the link to the page where is possible to do all these customizations/orders please ?

Thanks a lot !

 

3 year warranty is enough for the customized workstation.

 

Maybe he wanted to upgrade to the accidental upgrade. (I did.)