The HP ProBook 5310m Owners' Club

Got mine from PCSuperStore too. Based on the service I received I wouldn't have any problem recommending them, and if you're on the east coast you're likely to receive it within a day or two.

 

Hi,
i read in Laptopmag's review, that the touchpad supports multi touch gestures. They say that you just have to enable it. Is that true?

 

I think the $391 savings includes the savings that come from buying the preconfigured model for $899, plus the DVD drive. I really wish this deal was available when I bought mine...

As far as warranties go, I have a few friends who got HP consumer laptops, and they all broke/are breaking after just over 2 years. I hope this laptop doesn't do the same, but for them it meant that the laptop crapped out just after all the warranties expired, leaving them no choice but to replace the laptop.

This is true. I think you have to install the Synaptics drivers first (I assume you do, I can't remember if I did or not), and then it's just an option after you open it up. To be honest though, I haven't had much success with two finger scrolling (it seems really jumpy, less so in Linux than Win7, but I would still say it was unusable), so I just turned it off and use the side "area" designated for scrolling.

 

Hey guys, I've got a weird problem w/ my "fn" function key combos. You know how "fn+F7" and "fn+F8" are to lower and raise brightness, respectively? Well, those key combos dont work on my 5310m running Win7. In fact, "fn+F7" activates the calculator while "fn+F8" does absolutely nothing (the other fn+combos work tho). Is there anyway I can correct them?

 

Have you installed the "HP Quick Launch Buttons" driver?

 

Hmmm, I'm pretty sure I did, but then again, there were so many things to install that I don't remember. Was that on one of those Drivers CDs? Unfortunately, I don't have those CDs or my external optical drive with me, but I guess when I get back later today I'll try reinstalling it. Is that "HP Quick Launch Buttons" a full program, or is it just like the drivers? I want to minimize any bloatware or extraneous HP software if possible.

 

I think it was under "hardware-enabling drivers" or something like that on the driver cd. You can also download it from hp's support site.

 

i'm surprised no one is modifying this sucker and putting in a SSD. i want to know the performance specs with 4gb and an SSD

 

I think that's your problem. I was getting these issues until I installed the Quick Launch Buttons as well. For some reason, it popped up in Ubuntu also, so apparently fn-F7 is somehow defaulted to the calculator on this computer. I think the Quick Launch Buttons is a full program, which is slightly annoying, but so far I haven't found it to be intrusive at all.

 

:confused2: Itchy finger!!!

 

I know this is not the place to ask my question but whats really the difference between 4310s and 5310m. Why would someone buy the 5310m or the other way around? For me I just can't decide which one to get. I'm from the netherlands so I can't get a custom model.

 

Someone else can chime in with any differences I miss, but here's what I considered when I was buying:

Weight: the 5310m is significantly lighter than the 4310s.
Thickness: the 5310m is significantly thinner than the 4310s.
Design: I much prefer the aluminum lid and accents to the 4310s. I've also read that the 4310s has build quality that leaves something to be desired (though I must say the merlot version of the 4310s looks fantastic).
Battery Life: I think the 5310m gets slightly better battery life from what I've read online.

Other than that, they're pretty similar in all other respects, save one: the 4310s has an optical drive while the 5310m omits that. This allows the 5310m to save the weight, thickness, and battery life that it does (for the most part). If you need an optical drive and don't mind the slight added bulk, then the 4310s can be had for a bit cheaper as well.

 

Thanks for the help guys! Also, I just noticed another quirk. Just randomly, in Win7, my taskbar suddenly starts blinking rapidly like it's having a seizure, but once I click it, everything goes back to normal. This has happened 3-4 times since I got it. Anyone else notice this too, and are any fixes for it, or will I most likely have to wait for a Service Pack or Windows Update?

 

I posted some benchmarks in my review - see the 5310m link in my signature. It hasn't hampered performance on my end; it is every bit as snappy with 2GB as my desktop is with W7 and 4GB. W7 scales memory usage based on the amount available; I have not exceeded 1GB usage on the 5310m using OpenOffice, Foxit reader, and iTunes.

Very interesting - I missed that part of the review. I'll have to look into that - thanks for the tip.

Haven't had any software-related problems with my unit. Maybe try updating the video drivers?

 

Thanks that makes my choice a little bit easier.
Btw is the only difference between VQ469EA and VQ470EA the HP un2450 EV-DO/HSPA mobile broadbandmodule? I couldn't notice any other difference. It seems to be 100 euro more expensive then the one without the module.

 

Those are different model numbers that I saw in the US, but for us there was the $899US model (FM997UT) which is what I got, and a $999US model (FM998UT) that was exactly the same, except that it's Gobi mobile broadband enabled. I would assume it's similar for you.

 

Hey guys! first post. After reading through the forums I bought my 5310 from ebay via buy.com. It cost 899 shipped but i received 8% Bing cashback which should amount to around 70 dollars plus 17 dollars eBay bucks(for those that have it). So all in all, it end up costing around 810. I chose free shipping so they have been a little slow- I ordered mine on sunday but still hasn't been shipped. Usually buy.com ships my stuff the next day, don't know why they would hold up on a pretty expensive laptop.

Anyways, ebay is a good option for anyone not wanting to pay taxes/shipping and to save a few bucks but doesn't mind waiting. Either way it seems to be a lot cheaper and faster than ordering directly from hp.

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-5310M-C2D-2...iewItemQQptZLaptops_Nov05?hash=item5d26b8a1e0

Hopefully it will be here by the weekend.

 

I am running a hp FM997UT with windows 7, I am just wondering what type of battery you guys are running. it seems very poor to me like under 3 hours in balance mode i was expecting 4 plus thats why i bought this unit

 

Haven't done any formal tests, but I seem to be getting a good 4+ while internet surfing, wifi on, bluetooth off, screen at about half brightness. What are you doing when you get under 3?

 

I'm getting about the same, though reports this morning have been claiming that WinXP gets much better battery life than Win7 (47 minutes AVERAGE for a netbook, up to 57 minutes for an Asus; that's 16.7% of the total battery life!). With that in mind, if you're trying to squeeze everything out of your battery, you might try sticking XP back on there.

 

I simply can't go back to XP after experiencing the thrill-infested world of 7

 

How's Ubuntu on the 5310m? The battery life should be the same as XP wouldn't it?

 

are you running windows 7

 

I'm pretty sure those results were specifically with the Atom processor. I saw a test awhile ago comparing XP, Vista, and 7 battery life, and 7 actually came out ahead in many cases, behind in a couple. I can't seem to find that page now, with all the netbook articles cluttering the Google search results.

I think the Atom is a special case in that it is so underpowered (architecture-wise) that it suffers running the more advanced code of Windows 7, compared to XP.

 

Ah, I see that you're correct. I went through my Google Reader quickly this morning before running off to class and never bothered to go back and read the articles (I also have a nasty habit of not really reading things). It does look as though it's limited to netbooks, thanks for the clarification.

Ubuntu runs great. I had some speaker problems, but got those sorted out with a like in alsa-base.config. I actually left my charger in my room for the afternoon one day while studying, so I just worked until my computer died that day. It went for about 4:00 at 40% screen brightness and internet/document editing/IM usage. By the end, I actually still had an estimated half hour or so left, but I went to get dinner instead.

 

yes

10 char

 

Btw is there a precise date on the 6 cell battery?

 

I've been plugged in mostly so I haven't drained the battery all the way yet, but the Win7 battery status meter estimates about 4hour 20min when I'm using wifi and have productivity software open. I've been very happy with my 5310m thus far, but now comes the task of transferring over all of my files and tweaking some features.

 

Just got it very nice. Need help with one thing. I want to disable "pinch zoom" from the mousepad. I went to the synaptics touchpad settings. And the checkbox to disable the pinchzoom is greyed out.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fixed - uninstalled and downloaded latest version from synaptics website

 

Well ... my Asus UL30A-A2 was swept off to the accounting department so I got as a replacement the 5310m. Got it from buy.com through amazon.com.

Should arrive by the beginning of next week I would guess.

I am heartened by the reviews and info I have read thus far, but am also curious in particular about the possibilities (and even time frame?) of a 6 or even 8 cell battery for this thing.

Anyone heard anything on this front?

 

I'm running windows 7 ultimate w/ p128 ssd.

HP 5310m vs ASUS ul30a

Screen: I like matte way better so matte wins. Viewing angles are similar on both. I prefer matte for programming. HP comes in glossy to if you like that.

Keyboard: HP wins. Very easy to type on. Non glossy keys.

CPU: HP wins by a landslide. P9300 > ul7300 (5.9 vs 4.1 in win index). Speed def. helps when playing hd flash vids, hulu etc.

Mousepad: Tie. The ASUS is non glossy so it's a bit easier. But the HP you get used to fast and it requires a lighter touch.

Mouse pad buttons: HP - excellent silent buttons. Very easy to use.

Design: HP by a landslide. WOW this is sexy.

Build Quality: HP wins again. very sturdy.

Cons for HP:

Fingerprint super magnet. No wonder they included a cloth.

1 Ram slot. I need to buy a 4gb module from newegg.

Anybody running 4gb ram w/ the HP?

Batter life was better on ASUS. But haven't fully charged this yet to run a true test.

It runs a little hotter than the ASUS. But it's just warm - never hot. I'll take the speed over a little more heat anyday of the week.

 

If they added a backlit keyboard to this it would be perfect.

 

Agreed! I'd love a backlit keyboard; I always thought my ThinkLight didn't do much (even though I'd turn it on in the dark), but now that I don't have it I really notice the difference.

 

Ugh, yeah I still haven't gotten around to that either.

 

Nice write-up! I agree with all the points you listed (though compared to other notebooks, I don't have any experience with the UL30). I was considering the UL30 for a time but the 5310m was worth the wait.

I played the '16GB shuffle' to transfer files over to mine - aka, ran back and forth between the 5310m and my desktop with a 16GB memory key to transfer over 80GB of data.

 

I need a bigger flash drive...

 

Which ram should I get? The 1333 has slower timings but is faster speed.

G.SKILL 4GB 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500) Laptop Memory Model F3-8500CL7S-4GBSQ - Retail

* Cas Latency: 7
* Timing: 7-7-7-20
* Voltage: 1.5V

or

G.SKILL 4GB 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Laptop Memory Model F3-10666CL9S-4GBSQ - Retail

* Cas Latency: 9
* Timing: 9-9-9-24
* Voltage: 1.5V

 

The latency doesn't matter. When buying RAM, base it on the brand and warranty.

Those 4GB DDR3 So-DIMMs sure are expensive.

 

Hi guys, got the hp today! really nice and thin. Just one thing - is the bottom edge of the lcd a little loose (does not stay flat with the lcd panel) for you guy?

 

Mine stays flat with the lcd. My battery is a little loose though. It's not perfectly snug. But it's working fine.

 

Hi guys, I'm practically a ProBook 5310m owner, though I haven't actually ordered it yet!
This has been a very convincing thread to that part, the only thing holding me back a bit is the question this guy was asking, but which it seems he never got an answer to?
I'm hoping some of you have gotten the chance to try out some adapter, cable or converter for this, as I'd like to hook this pc up to my tv.

 

Mine's not like this. The battery does have just a tiny bit of wiggle room like purell said, but it's not enough to be a problem.

 

Right above the HP logo on my screen bezel has a tiny big of give, but no more than a millimeter or so, if that's what you mean. I don't really touch my screen bezel often, so it doesn't bother me. Oddly enough, my battery is quite snug, with no wiggle at all.

I haven't had a chance to do this yet, but I'll see if I can borrow my roommate's adapter this afternoon and get this info to you.

 

Does anyone know a (European)website which sells 4-cell batteries of the 5310m? They don't seem to sell them in the netherlands.

 

Same here, no wobble. My battery has a small amount of play but it's not noticeable; I think any movement could be eliminated by putting a piece of two-sided tape behind it.

 

Thanks guys. Ya i guess the spacing between the bezel and lcd is normal, i didnt notice it until closer inspection. The plastics on the side does seem to get scratched a little easily though- mine was scratched just from the packaging out of the box. Battery is snug for me- a tiny amount of play but not noticeable.

I'm trying to install windows 7 on it now through a flash drive. It is a bit difficult without an optical drive.

 

Has anyone tried to undervolt their 5310m yet? I haven't yet, but just doing some preliminary temperature checking, I'm getting an average idle temp of ~40C between my 2 Cores for my Intel processor. But under load*, it hits like ~99C! What kind of temps are you all getting?

*NOTE: I was using the Orthos program from the Undervolting guide here on NBR to stress my laptop. Yet strangely enough, my fan only just barely kicked on. The fan is louder during your regular bootup than it was when it was being stressed by the software. Don't know if that's normal or if my fan's not activated correctly [in BIOS, I have the fan set to "off" on the "FAN ALWAYS ON WHEN PLUGGED IN" option], though it has turned on while I've been using other regular programs before.

 

I'm getting the same sort of temperatures, however I don't run this laptop under load so it's not an issue. I agree - the fan seems like it should be running faster; I ran wPrime and it maxed out the CPU for 20 minutes, the fan never seemed to kick into a higher gear than idle. Maybe a BIOS update would fix that . . .

 

Does anyone know the best place to get the 4gb ram? I am having a hard time finding a single ram its always 2 2gb of ram...

 

If you live in the United States, you can use Newegg:
http://tinyurl.com/ylj3slf
4GB DDR3 So-DIMMs are $200+ right now . . .

Something to consider - get a fast 2GB SD card and use ReadyBoost.