*HP ProBook 4430s & 4530s Owners Lounge!*

Just purchased one (XU018UT, i5-2410M 15.6") from TigerDirect. According to the HP product information site, it seems to record that this exact model now ships with 1 USB 3.0 & 3 USB 2.0 ports however according to TigerDirect it still records it as the old specs with 4 USB 2.0 ports. I called them in yesterday and asked about the discrepancy. They said that if I ordered one, it would be shipped with 1 USB 3.0 port. So I ordered online and after about a day of processing, it now declares that due manufacturer restrictions they cannot accept any returns; I'd have to go through HP should there be any problems with the laptop.

This got me thinking, "What if it shows up with 4 USB 2.0 ports?" That's not what I was told; that's not what I agreed to pay for. I called TigerDirect and they said that if the specs on the box state 4 USB 2.0 ports, they will take it back so long as I don't break the seal on the box.

However, by the sound of it, it doesn't tell you if it has a USB 3.0 port unless you break the seal, power on the device, & launch the device manager. Is there anyway to figure it out without powering it on?

EDIT: According to this spec sheet, unless TigerDirect shipped me old stock from pre-September, I should be okay.

 

Personally I would keep it if you got a good deal, I mean unless you are doing mass transfers via usb/external hd's then you won't notice a huge difference. Yes it is a newer technology but it is just starting to change up now (USB 2.0 will still be around for a few more years). There is no certaint way of seeing if it has USB 3.0 other then breaking the seal. But if on the box it says 4x2.0 then it is most likely right. Mine did not even have specs on the box.

Hope that helps
ps. How much did you buy it for?

 

I see. I'll call TigerDirect before I break the seal and ask for the consequences should I open it an not have find a USB 3.0 port. It should arrive on Friday.

I purchased the Probook 4530s (XU018UT) from TigerDirect for $650 + $8 UPS Ground shipping.

 

I have my rig dual booting osx SL and win 7 ultimate 64 on sepperate drives, In my opinion It's better with seperate hdd's rather than 1 and partioned, I did consider osx on my probook and dual booting too but after I found the expresscard is not bootable I just quitted the idea..... Visit this link for osx on probook >>>

tonymacx86 Forum • View topic - Install Guide/Discussion Thread for HP Probook 4530s V2!

 

Thanks for the link! Appreciate it.

I only have the 1 HDD in my pbook (that's right, pbook... I'm starting a thing) as I'm sticking with the DVD. I carry by laptop to work every day and don't want to have to carry an external drive with me... would rather have everything internal. What's the easiest way to do this with either SL or Lion? (preferably Lion as it's "newer", however if SL is easier, that's cool too)

Oh, and for what it's worth (since I've seen guides that say a OSX is required) I have a iMac as well...

newfiesig

 

Refer to the site suggested for dual booting , everthing is listed there and yes you can dual-boot with your internal HDD !!!!

 

OK, I'm probably missing something... but which site should I refer to? The tonymacx86 link doesn't give those directions...

newfiesig

 

There's a new BIOS posted today ... but I cannot get it to update my 4430S. I have tried both methods.

The system won't allow me to boot from the bootable flash drive it created using that option. And the Windows option doesn't appear to work either.

Any thoughts? Thanks.

 

I don't see a new BIOS posted to the 4430s update page as of a minute ago, so maybe it isn't ready for prime-time yet?

Do you know what are the new upgrades incorporated in this BIOS?

 

If you have disabled things like the HP Software framework, that might explain why you can't do the simple update via the Windows software. Just a thought.

 

if you have bios boot issues, you may need to use an alternate method.

On the bios thread front page there is a link to a thread on the '8740W Use this for vbios updates' In that tutorial there is a method to bios flash using the old windows 98 boot disk setup on usb. look for the 'benching/specs thread' link on the bios thread, obviously use your machines bios, not the one for the 8740W!

 

Use your HP SoftPaq Download Manager.

 

Any idea how that is enabled or disabled? I know the SoftPaq Update Manager just performed an update of it prior to my downloading the new bios.

 

I suspect that the problem is related to TruCrypt which is installed on the laptop. I recall the last BIOS update I did was when the laptop was right out of the box, before TruCrypt was installed.

 

FWIW, I have not had any update problems due to Truecrypt for previous BIOS updates.

 

The particular link does not give info for dual booting, but registering to that site and searchin a little bit will do the trick, if you can boot it in mac you can dual boot , trust me bro. Just do the little research thing around there. And People are always willing to help as much as here !!!

 

Hey can you guys tell me if my probook 4530s has USB 3.0
I was sure it did but there are no markings on the side.
This was device manager out of the box:


https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UTfMRQP5wnOayDodzKd9aA?feat=directlink

Any help is appreciated....thanks

 

Which laptop? The manual will tell you what the specs are and if it has a USB 3.0 port. The USB 3.0 ports have an "SS" in front of the USB symbol.

 

It's a probook 4530s, the device manager appears to have 3.0 but both usb ports on the left hand side look virtually the same to me. Hp does not give you the user manual...you have to go online for it. Yet another way to cut down costs XD

 

For those of you unable to access the BIOS update that was being referred to, here is the direct link from HP's FTP:

Version: F.20
ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp54501-55000/sp54862.exe

I updated the BIOS thread as well; more info is available there - http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-...601489-updated-hp-business-bios-releases.html

 

Good to have a link for those who feel the need to update. FWIW, I ran the support assistant last night and it doesn't suggest a BIOS update yet and it is still not shown on the download page for the 4430s yet.

For those who have actually managed to install the update, please let us know what real-world daily use improvement(s) it has provided, if any. The notes state "Provides improved security for the BIOS flashing process."

 

Update: So if you read my previous posts, I have the 4530s and today I decided to add RAM. So I bought 4GB from canadacomputers and did the upgrade. Sadly I am not seeing improvement in speed. Its still running the same as before. The system has recognized the RAM though and under computer specs its showing I have 8GB. Am I missing something?

 

Did you pair them the same ?

 

@VA1: If it stated the USB 3.0 controller in the device manager, it has a 3.0 port. Most likely the one closest to the HDMI port.

I have my own problem:

If you all remember back to when you first turned on your Probook, Windows began to setup and then you prompted with an HP Software Installation screen with two progress bars. How long was the HP screen supposed to go for? Mine has been going for an hour now; the top bar (current process) is just looping while the bottom bar (total progress) isn't moving and is stuck at about 75%.

 

Thanks. It is just hard to tell a physical difference of the two.

As for my probook, the tota lsetup time of mine only took about 20 mins. Seeing as how it keeps looping and it has been on for an hour, that is not a good sign. Mmhmmm that's a tough one.

 

I thought Windows hadn't booted up yet but when I hit CRTL+ALT+DEL I was given the normal options. I just chose to log off and back on again and everything was fine.

Definitely need to run some battery calibration as this notebook is only lasting me 4.5 hours.

 

Yes seems strange. As per the battery it depends on what you are using it for. Light usage composing of mainly word documents seems to last me around 6 hours max. I generally keep screen relatively dim, and always take the battery out if I know it will be plugged into the wall for an extended period of time.

 

What do you mean by that? same brand?

 

After updating to the most recent BIOS, I can no longer enroll fingerprints. I've tried both the version of ProtectTools that it came with, and the newest posted on HP's web site. All my drivers are up to date. =(

 

Some things are better being left alone...

 

This was just emailed to me from HP and seemed pretty interesting so I thought I would post it in case others are not getting the HP emails directly.
-----

HP EliteBook/ProBook Notebooks - How to Test Battery and Best Practices to Get Maximum Performance of Battery
Information

This document provides the information how to test Notebooks battery and best practices how to get maximum performance of battery.

Details
To check the battery details and number of cycles battery already gone through, first install the latest HP support Assistant. One may need the screen shots to determine how many cycles user battery has gone through.
Install the HP support Assistance SP 50843.
Battery Check is part of the HP Support Assistant that is installed on HP computers shipped with Vista and Windows 7.
Follow the steps given below to use the HP Battery Check:

Click Start > Select HP Support Assistant .
On the HP Support Assistant window > Select Troubleshoot > Select Power , Thermal , and Mechanical .
Click Battery Check to examine the battery and display the results of the battery status check.
Click on Setting button on lower left corner then click on Advance then Apply and OK .

This is the link about batteries FAQ's which will help answering some questions. This can be shared with the user.
Click here to access the document " HP Notebook PCs - HP Battery Check Frequently Asked Questions for Notebooks Running Vista or Windows 7"

 

Yeah same brand and model too,

ex: 2 pairs 4gb Kingston 1333 paired = Best match
ex: 1 4gb Kinston 1666 and 1 4gb Kingston 1333 = Fair Upgrade,
cause the system will work @ 1333 ignoring the other 1666 stick...

These are examples does not mean kingston or mhz are suited for the probook... Hope it helps.

 

Can someone please share their power settings for optimum battery life? My indicator says 1 hour & 45 min at 60%. 0% backlight, no bluetooth, no wifi. I've calibrated the battery (charge 100%, kill down to 0%) twice. The system is running nothing but Microsoft Word at the moment and is on the "Power Saver" power plan.

I know HP probably exaggerated the 6 hours and 15 min it gets on these Probooks but the battery life stated above is pretty terrible. I have the 4530s XU018UT; i5-2410M, 15.6", no Radeon graphics.

Thanks in advanced.

EDIT: After about 10 minutes, the indicator has now updated itself to 3 hours 50 min but posted settings would still be nice for future reference.

 

Yes the battery life time goes up and down for me, but it has lasted me around 6 hours on word with wifi on and brightness on 1/6 . It does fluctuate a lot though for me. I have mine on HP optimized, never going over half brightness; bluetooth always off, wifi always on.
I have also never drained the battery 100% as it is pretty bad for it. Like previous stated, I always take out the battery if I know it will be plugged in for more then 6 hours.

Hope that helped

 

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to buy this: Newegg.com - HP ProBook 4530s Notebook Intel Core i7 2630QM(2.00GHz) 15.6" 4GB Memory DDR3 1333 500GB HDD 7200rpm DVD+/-RW SuperMulti DL AMD Radeon HD 6490M

However, I would like 8gb of ram, and a strange thing i noticed in its tech specs is that this only has 1 ram slot, which is taken up by 1 4gb stick. That means I would have to buy an 8gb ram stick which is going for 200 bucks on newegg!!

Can anyone confirm whether this model really does come with only 1 ram slot or if it is the case, what is the cheapest 8gb ram that can be bought?

Thanks in advance.

 

I basically changed the settings for the default "balanced" profile. In a nutshell, on battery I have the brightness set for 35% and everything else set for "maximum battery life"/"maximum power savings" (or whatever the comparable option is). I also have usb suspend, pcie power management, etc all set to enabled/maximum battery. On AC, everything is set for full blast, so to speak. With BT off and wifi on, the battery monitor shows 6+hrs of battery life. I've never actually tried to run that down, so I don't know the real-world performance.

It has two slots.

 

Ohh, I didnt know that that both sticks had to be the same brand. I bought a Gskill 4GB 1333 mhz. Canada Computers | Memory | G.SKILL SQ Series DDR3 1333MHz (PC3-10666) 4GB (1x4GB) SODIMM Memory (F3-10666CL9S-4GBSQ)
The laptop recognizes that I have 8GB now but im just not seeing any performance differences.

 

Check with the little built in widget for CPU and RAM percent on the desktop (right click and select gadget). Take out the one you bought and see what percent the RAM is. Then put in the other 4gb and re-test. If it doesn't move then RAM isn't doing anything.
So in that case return it and by an appropriate one

 

>>but im just not seeing any performance differences.<<

Please let us know what specific controlled performance comparison tests you ran and the associated performance result numbers to establish there aren't any performance differences so that people can help you figure out why you are not seeing improvement in tasks related to memory.

 

I did a fresh install so I dont have any HP applications installed. I found that it slowed down the system. But I did do some research into my small issue and I found out that upgrading the RAM from 4GB to 8GB will not make any difference at all in performance unless I am doing hardcore things on the laptop. Hardcore things as in hardcore gaming or graphics designing and all that stuff, which i dont do. The highest amount of memory I used according to task manager is around 2.5 GB and thats because I have multiple tabs open on firefox and im running other applications. So i guess in my case, the upgrade was kind of useless. But I just feel proud that I have 8GB And who knows, maybe in the future I might need the extra GB

 

Charged at 97%, brightness at 0%, WiFi on, BT off, HP Optimized power plan = 6 hr 24 min on battery meter. Thank you!

Will also try the modified "Balanced" plan by Shemmy if this turns out bad.

 

Agree with that but IMO , I would sell the stock one and buy another gskill to have both perfectly matched seeing that gskill are quite to give that edge over stock ones ( Always like you said that difference is noted when the machine is loaded )

 

Hi everyone,

I think i need your help/opinion.

I'm from France, and i can't find any dedicatred thread about this HP orobook, so i post here my request.

I really need a new notebook, to use in my practice. No need to play, i've got a gamer desktop at home.I'm looking for something strong, sturdy, solid, that i can carry everyday, or for conference. I will probably update my unit with a SSD after a couple of week too.


-I'm focus ATM on a macbook pro 15: 1749€/$ for 1440x900 display, is a bit expensive. But i like the unibody frame. Same thing with the 13": i love the unibody frame, not the display (1280x800 only for 1149 bucks).

-Love the HP envy too(14.54") A bit exepensive as well, but looks great.

-And, of course, the cheapest one, the 4530s. I really love the design, the metallic case, but i hate the 1366x768 display. I'm used to work with a 1680x1050 display. But the 4530s is cheap, and with a SSD it can become a really great notebook.

-Found the Asus N55 really attractive too (full HD for 800€), but the keyboard is like our president, rubbish.

So, i'm a bit lost, and need some good advice.


BTW,


I can't find many hi res picture apart the press one. Anybody here have some hires pics or vids from this notebook? I mean, personal picture, not press picture.

 

If you are looking for something aesthetically pleasing you might want to check out the new ultrabooks coming out (windows competitor to macbooks). These won't be as expensive but will boast similar specs. Check out the lenovo u300, asus ux31 (1600x900 display) or the ux21, or the acer s3. Any of these can come with an SSD. Also depends what stuff you want inside; usb3.0, cd/dvd, what size screen, , ram etc. But yea intel is hyping up the new generation expected to come out in March or so, along with the ultrabooks. Stay posted

 

where did you get that info ? , that info is only correct for the very old nimh batteries and not for lithium ones.

for the current lithium:

1. you must fully drain the battery at least once every 3~6 months to get its maximum capacity, and to keep its health.

2. its not a good idea to leave the battery for long periods unpluged or unused.

3. if you leave the battery connected to the laptop for long times is not a problem like it was in the past, because the laptop never charges the battery until its at 95% charge capacity.

 

See temperature has a direct relationship with battery lifespan/capacity. So if the laptop has a battery in it AND plugged in and you are gaming continuously then the machine will heat up with the battery which will affect the capacity which is probably the worst thing you could do.

Yes I agree with #1) as long as you aren't fully discharging it frequently, then you should be okay. I personally would only ever fully discharge it to re-calibrate the battery.
#2)It is recommended that if you store the battery, you store it at around 40% in a cooler place with no moisture. Storing it like this is better then running CPU intensive games on the battery for an extended time.
#3) Yes I am aware of that, as they utilize a newer chip that protects it, but like previously stated, it is the heat that is the issue.

Hope that helped clear things up.

 

Try loading the Mar 2011 Atheros driver. I just got a new 4430s and it would pause several times per minute. I reloaded the whole thing from a Win7 SP1 ISO and used all the latest drivers - same pause. I updated the EFI/BIOS which came out the other day (Oct version) and that didn't help. Basically the exclamation point would appear on the wifi icon for no reason. I've got several other devices on the wifi network at the same time with no problems. I ran across this link that mentions loading the old driver. I did that and it appears to have fixed the problem. The only downside is that the Mar 2011 driver will only pull down ~16 Mbs while my older DV3T-2000 will pull down ~25Mbs using the same wifi sitting right next to the 4430s. It does appear to fix the pausing and disconnecting though. We need to all call HP to find out what the code differences were between Mar 2011 and the Sep 2011 driver. I can't believe that others aren't having this problem. It was this way out of the box for me and still existed after a clean reload.


cannot connect win7, hp 4430s to wrt160n router in wireless.... - HP Support Forum

 

I thought I was the only one having the problem.
When I sit next to my friend with a Dell laptop, the dell always has a stronger wifi signal than my 4430s. It bothers me, but I've read that HP has poor wifi cards, so I was planning to replace it or add one to the expresscard slot.

 

Hello everyone!

I'm using Ubuntu 11.10 with gnome-shell on probook 4530s and having an issue with the touchpad 'lock' function. Doesn't work. Anyone found a solution yet?

 

Has anyone else with a 4530s noticed problems where windows can't recognize a USB 3.0 (super-speed) device properly and downgrading the performance to USB 2.0 (high-speed) connectivity?

I am using the latest HP-approved Nec/Renesas driver 2.1.19 and a WD Elements SE USB 3.0 external harddisk connected to the USB 3.0 port on the 4530s which is marked "SS" (super-speed).

Sometimes you get this message in windows: "This device can perform faster if you connect it to a Super-Speed USB 3.0 Port", even if the device is already properly connected to the USB 3.0 port.

It seems to be an issue when using USB 2.0 devices in any other USB port and then try attatching a USB 3.0 device.
What I have noticed is that if you restart windows and avoid connecting any USB 2.0 devices and only then you will get full USB 3.0 super-speed without downgraded performance.
Note: once the USB 3.0 device has been recognized you can attach other USB 2.0 devices to the other USB-ports and all will operate in their designed speeds.

When windows fails to recognize the USB 3.0 device and operates in downgraded USB 2.0 mode the speed is about 35MB/s. Comparing with 90MB/s when it operates properly in USB 3.0 mode according to CrystalDiskMark software. Same harddrive connected to the same port, the only difference is if windows did recognize the device as USB 3.0 or USB 2.0

It is a little bit annoying to restart the computer if not making sure that the USB 3.0 device was the first USB-unit that was connected to the computer.