*HP EliteBook 8740w Owners Lounge - PART 1*

Yes, there's a bump on the left side, and I'm quite positive - that's a design flaw. We need someone with a regular keyboard to confirm the issue. Anyway, examining closely the assembly, I am quite certain - it can be fixed even at home. I might order another keyboard for experiments.

Other than that no problems found. Everything seems to be fit/aligned perfectly. The minor flex on the lid is necessary IMHO.

No crashing, BSODs, only the wake-up fan issue.
Also, I had a couple of strange hangs on boot after installing the ProtectTools and initiating the preboot password protection.

That's about all.

 

Where is this bump supposed to be?

 

"Esc" to "F6" - look at the line alignment along the top of the keyboard.
Do you have a backlit kb?

 

Any picture showing what you are describing?

 

I had been meaning to check up on this sooner, I guess I do have a fingerprint reader. That HP Support Assistant is such a total wast of time. It installed the fingerprint driver, but not the HP Protect Tools to use it. If Koshin hadn't mentioned the "black thing" I would have never suspected I even had the reader. Why can't people make crap that works?

 

Here you go:

 

Sorry knight, I don't mean to pick on you in particular. It's more of a general comment from my part.

By no means do I consider myself a computer wizard.

Ask me about the codenames that companies use for their CPUs and GPUs.....and I'll admit, I don't know much about it.
Or the technical difference SSD controllers and again, I'm really don't know.
Most of that info is not really essential in order to be familiarize yourself with a computer.

But when I read comments like the one above, from people who probably have been using computers for many years, it really baffles my mind.

I mean, not knowing that the hardware in a computer is useless without the proper software and drivers....then shifting blame onto others because you don't how things work...?

I can understand comments like that coming from people who've never touched a computer in their lives or have recently been introduced to them...

But you guys have been using them for years..... Haven't you?

You and Koshinn just spent over $3K on new laptops, so you can have the latest and greatest.... and it sounds like you don't even know the basics...

Yes, yes, I know this is a place where you come and learn, but wow....

 

@ Rampage,

Let's be constructive - do you have a keyboard bump?
What keyboard do you have?

Do you have the fingerprint reader installed and configured to initiate on pre-boot? Does the system ever freezes on pre-boot, on the "Press Esc....." but before the blue HP logo appears?

 

Cheers everybody.

Just a quick question: In the 8740w pdf datasheet (posted on hp.com) note 22 (last page at the end of the document) states:

"Blu-ray Disc movies cannot be played on this Notebook PC."

This refers to the Blu-Ray R/RW drive they offer in the configuration options. Does anybody have any idea what they are talking about? Assuming all the drivers are digitally signed, why would not a PC configured with a blu-ray drive play a blu-ray disc movie?

(Apologies if it has been discussed before.)

 

Probably a joke

But let's see if anyone with a blu-ray can confirm/disprove that statement.

 

Sorry guys.... I don't mean to pass negative criticism.
I'm all for asking questions and learning.
But some of the comments I see sometimes posted in here make me scratch my head. :laugh:


Regarding the bump...

Mine doesn't have it.
Sounds like a minor flaw found only on the backlit versions.
Frankly, I don't pay much attention to minor flaws.

Regarding the fingerprint scanner....

I haven't bothered to activate it yet. I performed a clean install with my own copy of W7U and only installed the software and drivers of the things I needed.
I tried the security suite and fingerprint on my 8710w and 8730w and found that it takes much longer to logon.
I prefer to keep my system as lean as possible.

About the freeze....

As I mentioned before, my system has frozen on very few occasions. It always happens during the "windows starting" screen. Typically the 4 flying color dots freeze, and I have to perform a hard shutdown. When I restart, it works fine and it doesn't happen again for a long time, which is why I'm not too concerned with it.

 

1) I did not order mine with a fingerprint reader, and this system isn't even the one I ordered. I am well aware that hardware requires drivers. My point was that I saw HP Support Assistant download the fingerprint driver a LONG time ago. I assumed if I had a fingerprint reader in this new machine, it would have been recognized by something after the driver was installed (yes I checked under System Information for some mention of fingerprint reader). But the laptop absolutely requires HP Protect Tools to even see the reader. Since I've never had one, and I knew the driver was installed, and I knew HP Support Assistant has told me numerous times my system is completely up-to-date, I was left to assume this system did not have the hardware.

2) This is my second laptop. I had my Sony for over 5 years, so yes, I've been using them "for years", but I'm hardly in a position to be familiar with newfangled technology like multicore CPUs, touch sensitive buttons, backlit keyboards, a functioning "k" key, and yes...fingerprint readers.

3) I spent under $2k.

 

Probably an error.

I have a bluray drive, which I got as a replacement (free upgrade) for my old 8710w. Unfortunately, it has an IDE connector so I can't use it as an internal drive.
But I bought an external case for it and it worked fine on both the 8730w and 8740w.
Of course, you do have to have the proper software installed for it to play bluray movies.

 

Sorry, I didn't mean to pick on you in particular.
You just happened to provide me with a good example. For illustrative purposes.

 

I think you are missing my point. I used the HP Support Assistant because I thought it would install the drivers and software needed to use the included hardware with my computer (aka...do what it's supposed to do). I didn't have to install any software to use my keyboard, touchpad, hard drive, CPU, GPU, wifi, ram, fan, screen, speakers etc. Why would I assume I need to manually download and install software for a fingerprint reader when I don't have to do that for any other piece of hardware?

Also, I thought for sure the fingerprint reader was an option in CTO, but I see now that is included.

You can find the magical "k" key in between "j" and "l" on the home row (right hand). My last laptop lost its "k" key and I was just throwing in another not-so-newfangled technology example to reinforce my point that my previous laptop was really old.

Finally, you still haven't divulged what your super-greatest-deal-of-all-time is. Will you at least PM the details so I can show proper respect?

 

I think all users with the bumped backlit keyboard are american, don't you? Are there european users with this issue too?

Thanks, I will warn my rep about this issue to avoid the problem in my order (I'm very very picky, perhaps I'm pickier than Aikimox).

 

Please, anyone can test this?

On the other hand, Quick Specs Version 8 was released on july 23 and claims that this machine is certified for SUSE Linux Enterprise 11. Good news, but I wonder if the DC2 is certified for this OS too... Oddly, i7-740QM nor i7-840QM processors are not mentioned yet i7-740QM is already available in Spain (but I'm not sure about the 840QM).

@vasbinde: Eric, is there a Linux version for Mobile Display Assistant planned? The EliteBook 8730w was SUSE Enterprise 10 certified but there was no version of Display Assistant for this OS.

 

This is the place ( Portrait Displays) to ask as they are the one who developed it for HP.

 

Thanks Aikimox. I do see a similar thing on mine as well. I thought it was due to me opening the keyboard to insert the RAM caused it to not seat properly.

 

I haven't weighed in on this issue. Yes, I definitely have that. The very 1st thing I think I did was push on that area to determine if something wasn't snapped in [lol]. Maybe it factors into my feeling the HP keyboard is 'off' to me. But I'll tell you, I got used to it and don't even notice it now.

 

I think there is no European version of the backlit keyboard, it is only available CTO in the US and not pre-configured anywhere else. Or did this change?

 

The problem is fixable, I just need some time for experiments. Will keep you posted.

 

No, you're wrong. I can order the 8740w with the backlit keyboard (CTO, of course). And if you read the service manual, you'll notice there is a keyboard version for each country, backlit or not.

 

nice however, HP should offer CTO in every country

 

@Sotton:

Where are you from? Have you searched for a partner approved by HP in your country? I only can order a CTO EliteBook through a certified partner (currently I've contacted one). Only in the U.S. users can directly order customized HP laptops. But be warned: CTO EliteBook prices are VERY VERY HIGH in Europe.

 

Hi forum,
Anyone succeeded in running final fantasy xiv benchmark or beta version on 8740w w/FirePro M7820?
With my 8740w benchmark program itself crashes soon after the launch.

People say it may crash with older ATI display drivers (older than 8.71), and the newest official ATI driver for 8740w is 8.683.1.2-100422A-099018C (19 May 2010).
So this may be the case...

Are there any ways to install newer catalyst drivers onto 8740w?

 

This could easily be a driver related problem. Downloading the benchmark, will try it in a few hours and post the results.

 

Yeesh, I find 99% of dedicated laptop bags to be hideous! I use the Talon 33 and a laptop sleeve to hold my Elitebook 8740w.

Hiking backpacks are generally better built and meant to comfortably carry heavy loads throughout the entire day. The Talon 33/44 is fitted for your torso length (goto any outdoor sports store to get measured) and uses sternum straps and hip belts to take the stress off your shoulder.

I might upgrade to the Talon 44 though as I don't have much space for anything else.

 

Same thing here - crashes rightaway.

 

me too

10char

 

Could it be possible to install consumer drivers (ATI Catalyst) for the FirePro M7820 and might that mitigate problems like the ones you are having?

 

Update: My replacement DC2 8740W (new) is being configured and shipped from China (will take a couple of days/2 weeks).

 

Sweet, can you send your "bad" one to me?

 

Sure will , if the HP guy in Ohio allows it..Actually i might ask him , if he can do a underhand deal

 

Why underhanded? I'll send him my current unit. My problems will be solved, yours will be solved, and HP will have a unit they can refurbish. Everybody wins!

 

Actually i meant it becos i can sell it on ebay .
To ur q'n, i will ask him if he is willing to do that.

 

I'll wait a few months before I check my display, to let any more hardware fixes that may be pending get added to the production line.

 

Within 30 Days, we have the option of replacing the unit, after that its replacement parts..I might be wrong. Anyway, we have 3 years to replace all we can until things work.

 

yes backlit keyboard, but I don't see any bump.

 

For those of you trying to get 5.1/7.1 Channel Audio out of the Display Port to HDMI when connected to your hometheater equipment, here is what i did/what you should do.

You need to get a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter that is a active adapter (usually the cheap ones are passive) and supports DisplayPort version 1.1a. Note that displayport v 1.1 doesn't support audio.
I wasted 2 different adapters ($10 each) and then figured out all were passive.
A active adapter is one that converts the Displayport signal into a HDMI signal (both audio and video uncompressed). A passive adapter is one that just passes the DisplayPort signal to HDMI without conversion (in this case only video goes out).

I bought this adapter/converter made by Accell from buy.com.
If you need to pass 3D via DP to HDMI, you need look for one that supports HDMI 1.3a or HDMI 1.4

ATI Eyefinity Technology

If you need to experience ATI's eyefinity (multi-monitor), you need this adapter for DP to DP or this one for DP to DVI..Again, cheap one's dont work as they don't convert/decipher what ATI passes. There might be other vendors too, but this one is tested to work and is certified by ATI.

For list of dongles/adapters cerftified by ATI for Eyefinity - http://support.amd.com/us/eyefinity/Pages/eyefinity-dongles.aspx

Just my 2 cents to the community from what i learned after running around the web without clear answers.

Ignore the below as they are just errors to serve as keyword for google search.
=========
1. ATI DP Output Not plugged in

 

Wow, is this possible? Can you play 3D Blu-ray movies on your TV (if your TV supports it, of course) with the DisplayPort port of the 8740w?? This is better than I expected!

 

The ATI 7820/5870 doesn't support 3D directly in its driver. But it does have the functionality and is supported via 3rd party iZ3D driver. Note that you can't see it in the 8740W as it requries 120Hz refresh rate? But, if you have a TV that supports 3D , then definitely it should work.

Its sad that nVIDIA GTX 470/480 advertises it and ATI doesn't. May be because its native in nVidia and not in ATI.

 

Yah, I definitely see that bump too (US backlit keyboard). I'd noticed it before but hadn't paid any attention to it --- I thought maybe it came from removing the keyboard to add the extra RAM, which I always hate to do when there's stuff underneath sticking down the keyboard.

 

Does every 1920x1200 8740w have the 30 bit H-IPS "HP DreamColor"?

I'm currently looking at the Elitebook 8740w WH276UT

thanks

 

No. As far as i know its only an option when you configure to order

 

I think the WD943EA (European model) may have one but only because of it's price ($6000 US)

And a Quadro 5000M model it's also on the way
HP crams Fermi-based Quadro 5000M GPU inside 17-inch EliteBook -- Engadget

 

Yea. I was just looking at their other pre-configured models and i noticed the display says' for the WH279UA $3,899

"17.0" diagonal WUXGA wide viewing angle anti glare (1920 x 1200)"

as opposed to the one with identical specs but $900 less WH276UT that says

"17.0" diagonal WUXGA WVA anti-glare (1920 x 1200)"

edit: nm. WVA obviously stands for wide viewing angle. chock that up to being awakw for 20 hours

I wonder why the price diff is so much.

So on customize I can choose it but it's listing at $550 extra.

Are they both IPS displays and the DreamColor is just a better one? Or is the regular one a TN display?

 

No, only the DreamColor2 is the IPS 10-bit. The other regular/non dc panel is a TN and is 6 or 8 bit. The extra price diff is for the IPS panel and 10-bit.

 

Have you guys heard about the Fermi option that's coming soon?

HP crams Fermi-based Quadro 5000M GPU inside 17-inch EliteBook -- Engadget

 

Yes! I wonder how well will it perform compared to the M7820. We know that @stock clocks GTX480M is slightly more powerful but the new Quadro should have less pipe-lines.