*HP EliteBook 8740w Owners Lounge - PART 1*

So, by ordering the 8740W now, I should get the "DC2", as the "DC1" was an 8730W thing?

 

Yes, you will get the DC2. Even if it's marketing term is called DC, it is the latest and greatest and different from DC of the 8730W.

 

I am not as confident as NotebookGrail that one will get the DC2 if one orders right now. Until there's a definitive answer, in the form of a press release or a physical unit in hand, there's still a chance the early units will have something other than DC2. IMHO, NotebookGrail's prediction is the most likely outcome, just not 100% certain.

 

Bump!
Any more exciting news?
What games do you intend to play on it?

 

More good News (Video from HP) of confirmation about the new DC display in 8740W, ATI M7820 Compatibility and 30-Bit LCD panel. The HP person clearly says it a new DC panel build from the ground up and is 30-bit panel and uses ATI M7820 Card.

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

I have been seeing this video being listed in google video search for long time, haven't played it up until today thinking that there wont be much info.

That's it folks..This is the end to all rumors.

 

I posted that video in the FAQ (post #2) yesterday. Only after your post above did I realize, "Hey, this is HP demonstrating the ATI GPU with DC2!". /facepalm

That video pretty much kills the rumor of the ATI M7820 being incompatible with the DC2.

Time to edit the FAQ again...

 

It was right there in front of everyone's eyes and yet we ignored it and were searching elsewhere for answers

By the way, one more info is that the new DC of 8740W will have management of display settings (presets) for each of the application we are using (thanks to Display Tune software from Portrait Display bundled with 8740W). I am not sure if this feature was there in the earlier 8730W model DC.

 

8740W ordered.

820QM, 1920x1200 Dreamcolor with webcam, 2GB RAM ordered, I have 4x2GB sticks of PC3-10667, 250GB 7200rpm (will replaced with 160GB G2 SSD), DVDDL (need the multibay hdd adapter, will put the 320GB from my x201 and place the 250GB 7200RPM in it.), FirePro 7820, Bluetooth, 6300N, backlit keyboard, 3 year accidental warranty.

l'll eventually pick up a docking station. Feels strange spending more on this LCD than I did my Dell U2410...but oh well.

Called in to a Mike, got a very acceptable discount on it. Saving about $600 off their listed price.

 

Looks like the firepro 7820 option is the king in terms of adoption, guess because it drops the price by over 400 dollars compared to the nvidias. I wonder why it lists for so much less seeing as it has several things going for it the nvidias don't (lots of extra displays - directx 11)

 

Don't know.

but, I'd have paid more for it rather than the the 3800 if I had to. I wanted the 5800 series more than the GTX280s. This is simply a nice bonus.

 

In my country (Spain), "the monkeys" (aka the HP helpdesk guys ) don't know anything about "a new model for the 8740w" (yes, as it's, they didn't say "a new model called '8740w'", as you expect). In fact, they offered me the old 8730w even when I've enclosed in my e-mail the URL to the press release!! (do they read customer e-mails?)

I've written them one more time to ask them if they can pass my question on to another department (I have not too much chances, I know...). I'd like to know when this thing will be released in my country, no more and no less.

Is there any HP representative on these forums? I know there is some guy in the Dell forums of NBR. I need a person with moderate intelligence and not simple-minded monkeys... What a shame!

 

The new ATI mobility 5000 series cost significantly lower than equally powerful Nvidia. For example 5870 is much more powerful than a 280M but costs less. So I'd assume the new FirePro should also be a king of performance in addition to being a king of lower price

 

have the NVIDIA cards any benefit at all?

HP should equip all 8740w with the ATI...

 

I would like to thank SecretAsianMan for maintaining this forum-thread - thank you.

I've been waiting patiently for 8740w since the refresh of the 8540w. After checking this thread on a daily basis, I had placed my order on 2010-04-07. ETA will be known next week.

Primarily for software development, VisualStudio, Eclipse-CDT, VMWare MacOSX(iPhone+IPad SDK)+Ubuntu. Intend to hook up 2 external 24"LCD. Will be running 3DSMax on it and games like MassEffects2, DragonAgeOrigins, SupCommander, WarHammerDoW2, Anno1404DoD, one at a time.

HP 8740w (MYR 8493, about USD 2667, about 28% discount)
+ Intel X-25M G2 160GB (MYR 1680, about USD 528)
+ 4x4GB Kingston KTH-X3B/4G 4GB 133MHz (MYR 2960, about USD 930)

My budget: MYR 14,000 (about USD 4396)
Finally purchased at MYR 13, 133 (about USD 4,124)

My local HP dealer got a "bid-price" direct from HP (I fudged about going for Lenovo-W510/Apple-MacBook17).

If the performance of the 250GB HDD is acceptable, I may defer delivery of the X-25MG2, until Intel offers G3 in Q3/Q4.

8740w Config:
HP IDS QUAD 8740w Base NB PC
Win7 PRO64 OR07 8740w O/S(Asia Pacific)
DRDVD Win7 8740w Media Restore
OSDVD Win7 PRO64 8740w Media Restore(Asia Pacific)
Intel Core i7 820QM 8740w Processor
2.0MP Integrated 8740w Webcam
17.0 WUXGA WVA f/CAM 8740w DC2 Display
2GB 1333DDR3 1DM 8740w Memory
250G 7200RPM 8740w Hard Drive
ATI GL M7820 1GB 8740w Graphics
DP Backlit 8740w Keyboard(Asia Pacific)
8-Cell 68Whr Long Life 8740w Battery
8740w Finger Print Reader
500G 7200RPM UB 8740w Hard Drive
56K v.92 MDC 8740w APJ Modem
Intel 802.11a/b/g/n I2 8740w Module(Asia Pacific)
Bluetooth 2.1+ 8740w Module
AMT Enabled 8740w Module
3/3/0 8740w Warranty(Asia Pacific)
200w 8740w Hardware Kit(Asia Pacific)
MS Windows 7 Logo Label
Intel Core i7 vPro Label
3 years NBD onsite warranty
HP Executive Leather Case

... now looking for a nice desk.

--
nsiboro

 

Congrats on your purchases, NecessaryEvil and nsiboro!

More thanks should go to those who actually produced the information: HP Fansite, Engadget, Thecla, NotebookGrail, random person on YouTube, and others.

 

You are right SecretAsianMan. I can see a spike on # of people purchasing this model after the confirmation/dismissal of display and ATI rumors..

 

If we want a little more confidence in the 8740W's Dream Color being Dream Color 2, there's always HP's pricing.

8730W: WUXGA standard to WUXGA DreamColor is a $300 upgrade.

8740W: WUXGA standard to WUXGA DreamColor is a $500 upgrade.

$200 increase between the panels, if the 8740W's panel was the same as the 8730W's, it would likely have been the same price.




I'm spending more upgrading from WSXGA+ to the WUXGA Dream Color than I did on my Dell U2410, which is both sad and funny.

Are there any places I can find the advanced dock and multi-bay cheaper than HP?

 

For the multibay (upgradebay), if you plan to use the SATA HDD, then here a nice option
http://newmodeus.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_5&products_id=216.

 

Excellent. I'll buy that as soon as I get some money in my Paypal. Thanks!

 

Very good observation.

Also, something to think about is regulatory approval, certification, and supply chain logistics. If HP really were planning to build the 8740w with both DC1 and DC2 displays, HP likely would have to go through some certification processes (FCC, etc.) for both configurations. Then there is assembly line setup and replacement part inventory. That seems like a big waste of time/money for a part that you're only going to be selling for a month, and then only to a few people. From that angle, it seems more rational to move forward with a single DC part, delaying orders until the parts arrive at the factories.

(Of course, nobody ever said that businesses act 100% rationally.)

 

Hey guys that IPS panel is going to blow away that samsung and lg rgbled well i hope, in the past the dream color was a samsung right? Well my other question is how and what program tells you how many knits, blacks, and contrast on your screen is like notebookcheck does?

 

You need some specialized tools for these kinds of measurements AFAIK. You can't do it on the software level.

 

Alright and how much does that cost in total?

 

The proper hardware for measuring color, contrast, and brightness on screens? NBR uses a light meter from Gossen ( http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/171037-REG/Gossen_GO_4056_Mavolux_5032C_Meter.html) as mentioned in this thread ( http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=457302), which costs almost $800. I think a regular screen calibrator might be able to tell you as well, and those will run $100-$300.

 

I'm another very satisfied newmodeus.com customer. Got the multibay adapter from them to put an additional HDD in my 8730w when I need it more than the DVD.

Also, in terms of docking stations (for my 8730w), I've had good luck with watching eBay for the 2008 Advanced Docking Station and have bought 2 that work fine for well under the HP list price.

- J -

 

@NecessaryEvil - do you know if the Intel X25-M SSD G2 will work with this 8740W..especially TRIM. I am planning to get one. Or is it only the Samsung SSD that doesn't support TRIM in HP laptops?

 

Any 2.5" SATA SSD, including the Intel X25-M G2 will work in the 8740w, no problems, TRIM and all.

 

Yes, all 2.5" SATA SSD should work but TRIM must be supported by the drive. Some older/value-range SSD do-not/cannot have TRIM.

For example the G1 do not support TRIM (and will not), don't expect a "hand-me-down" G1 to work with Win7 TRIM. Another, the Kingston SSDNow 40GB (re-branded Intel, 5-channels) won't get official TRIM firmware from Intel.

Advice: Remember to perform firmware upgrade BEFORE setting up your OS+apps+tools. Upgrading SSD firmware (to support TRIM, etc.) will wipe out its data.

NotebookGrail, the G2 is a good buy - the newer Vertex2 and Agility2 with SandForce have got impressive numbers. I'm waiting for price info...

--
nsiboro

 

Tipically, HP ships Samsung SSD's (exception is the 160G SSD, it should be Intel). It seems HP (Dell & others) ships drives from this manufacturer due to durability (Samsungs are the most reliable in the Business) and, of course, its reasonable price.

Previously, these SSD's didn't support TRIM, but HP is currently testing the new firmware with TRIM support.

Keep in mind that in order to use TRIM, you need an operating system supporting this: Windows 7 or Server 2008 R2. On the Linux side, TRIM support is fully implemented in Kernel version 2.6.33.

I hope this helps.

 

Guys, if I'm not mistaken HP is currently offering 18% discount Coupon with this model! Use CTO8740w during checkout and it should work!

 

Ya, i did see that HP Trim testing with Samsung SSD.
sgogeta4, nsiboro, HiddenUser - Thanks for all your suggestions.
I did end-up buying the Intel X25-M 160GB Gen 2 from TigerDirect for $384 (After 12.3% BCB)..
I did realize i made a mistake while ordering - since i got 28% discount off the order, i could have got the Samsung 256GB SSD for about $450 from HP.

 

I just finished talking to an HP sales rep. And she too confirmed the new Dream Color using the IPS panels.

I am now very tempted to get this laptop. However, I do have some questions for you more experienced folks.

1) While this is supposed to be a "for work" laptop, I do plan on playing some games on it. How are the professional GPUs, compared to the consumer equivalent, in gaming? I know we don't know much about the new ATI GPU, but in the past, how much performance degradation is there?
(I understand that the pro-grade GPUs are more focused on OpenGL and accuracy. But with today's GPUs is there still that much of a performance difference? The only difference that I can think of is the lack of driver updates for optimizations in various games.)
Also, how often are the drivers for professional grade GPUs updated? Can the consumer-grade drivers be used on them?

2) How are the Elitebooks in term of reliability? (From previous gen Elitebooks). What about HP support? (I have not bought a pre-built system in ages... I only decided to get a laptop because I keep on "planning on" building a PC for work, but end up building them with all the gaming hardware... )

thanks much

 

You got 28% off your HP 8740w order?
May I ask how you got the 28% discount?

Thanks.

 

Sometimes, the best confirmation that the listed DreamColor is DreamColor 2 is actual confirmation.

Order confirmation came in an hour ago, and states:

"1232570 VG322AV 1 .00 .00
LCD 17.0 WUXGA+WVA DC2 f/CAM 8740w"


And as far as quality goes, all I can say is that my 8710W (which would these days be considered an EliteBook) is of comparable quality to my Thinkpad T series. I was very impressed with it, other than my not caring for the raised touchpad/trackpoint keys.

 

Did you by any chance try any games on your 8710w?

It is good to hear that the Elitebooks have thinkpad-like (lite) quality. I am really kinda sick of all the "feature rich, but breaks in few month" things being sold now-a-days...

How serviceable is the 8710w?

 

I was one of the early ones to Order a 8740W and i just called in and said this is first time to HP and he gave me a 28% discount.. But unfortunately that quote wasn't emailed to me (got the email id wrong), so had to call in again and next time too (different rep this time) got a 28% discount. They said that was the max. I didn't have to hassle them to get that as i wasn't even expecting that kind of a discount in mind.

 

I have an 8710w. It's definitely a great quality laptop. Currently has FX1600M, C2D T9500, Bluray burner.
I bought it brand new less than a year ago for about $550.
I recently bought an FX3700M for $200 so I'll be upgrading the original FX1600M soon.

 

wow that is some nice price! So I take it that the elitebooks are okay in term of user upgrades.

How was that FX1600M for games? Or DirectX applications? Just trying to get a gauge here for how bad the "pro" cards are for games. I know I know, I am NOT getting the system for games, I swear!

 

You'll always have some minor glitches in games as the drivers are optimized for pro work. But the performance should be very good, My W510 has a mid-range FX880M and with the latest drivers handles all current games at medium-max rez, so the 5870-based FirePro should run any game (including Crysis) at high-max. You can't compare, however, the "smoothness" of the image during gaming to one of the high-end-gaming GPU's.

 

The FX1600M could run UT3 at WUXGA on highest settings, same for Orange Box games. That's all I played....



And I am getting the 8740W for games. (Plus VMware, and some light photo-editing. Mostly VMware)

 

Don't worry about it, specially if you are going to buy the ATi solution. The FirePro M7820 will have full DirectX 11 (libraries installed on Windows 7) support and it's expected that it will have a performance similar to the Mobility Radeon 5870. It has 1G GDDR5 RAM, so this compensates the 128-bit memory bus of the Mobility Radeon 5870 instead of a 256-bit bus found in Quadro cards (FX 3800M).

If you want real numbers in gaming benchmarks about this beast, read 14th post on this page. You'll be very pleased.

Very good, they are in the best of professional notebooks. They are bussiness-rudged machines. These machines are tested following military standards of the U.S. Government (MIL-STD810G).

The lid is scratch-resistant, the keyboard has no flex at all (8730w) and it's spill-resistant (drain built-in). Also there is a hard disk fall sensor called HP 3D DriveGuard: it parks the hard disk heads and turns off the drive in case of impact.

 

Talking about ATI Firepro M7820 graphic card, here is some latest news.

According to one of the HP Reseller, the ATI card costs $372 .

On a side note, the FX2800 costs $824 and the FX3800 costs $1063 (Insane pricing from nVidia)

 

I guess the question needs to be asked: Why would anyone choose one of these Quadros over the FirePro?

Lets assume the Quadros aren't grossly overpriced.

I'm not familiar enough with the professional differences between FireGL/FirePro & Quadro, is there any particular reason one would command a premium, other than nVidia being nVidia?

 

Could you provide a link where one could order those cards? Sounds too good an opportunity to miss.

 

I don't have a link from that particular reseller..But Costcentral has it listed for even less ($352). Unfortunately not in stock.

http://www.costcentral.com/product-list/Video_Cards/118/Hewlett_Packard/Z00023/

 

That's almost for free, heh.
Nvidia's got to answer to this and lower their prices.

 

Do check back with Page 1 of this thread. I compiled the available GPU benchmarks into the FAQ section, substituting 5870 for M7820. Basically, the only reason you would want one of the nVidias is if they were certified for your specific pro apps. Otherwise, the M7820 is a tremendous bang/buck value.

I think the main difference is the certifications for specific professional apps.

 

One of the problems with a mobile 5870 is its temperatures.
It tends to run rather hot and even the beefy gaming notebooks with extra cooling power usually let it hit 90c+.
If the cooling on this system isn't adequate, gaming could be a huge question. I really hope HP did a good job with supplying big heatsinks and powerful fans.

 

Thanks for all the information! I should contribute too. I just got down grilling a sales rep on the phone. Here are some specifics that I was told:

1) I nagged on and on about concerns for reliability and build quality. He assured me that the laptop is quiet most of the time and very durable (metallic frame through and through).
He made a comment about how most of them are using the notebook at their department and that it isn't noisy at all. (this is from the sales rep, so he may have exaggerated but I am willing to give him the benefit of doubt. )

2) I asked about fans, and there is at least 2 one for the cpu the other for the gpu. He also mentioned a 3rd for the PSU. Though he said something after mentioning the PSU fan, so it may not be on all units?

3) I asked him about the i7-920XM. He told me why they don't have that as an option yet: the processor is relatively new and usually they do extensive compatibility testing on all the components used for the Elitebooks. So there is usually a lag of few month for the appearance of the latest and greatest on the Elitebook. (Again, he could be exaggerating, but it sounded reasonable, and actually pretty responsible, esp. for business class products.)

4) 2 slots for the RAM are under the keyboard, the other on the back. Both should be accessible by the user.

5) Something completely new to me, the HP Extend life battery is actually an addon to the main battery. It increases the capacity of the battery. (I thought this was nice, since this is better than manually swapping in another battery)

This laptop really is looking like a great product.

 

Screw the PSU fan (very funny idea BTW ), but 2 fans for the CPU and GPU - sounds promising to me. This means two separate heatsinks (99%) and as a result - better cooling potential. Now, if only we could see a picture of those heatsinks and fans, then all the doubts (at least mine) would be over.