*HP ENVY 14 & ENVY 14 Beats (2XXX series) Owners Lounge*

I'm considering the purchase of this same unit.. I just sent you a PM as well..

 

I've been playing The Old Republic for the past few days and it runs relatively well. But I begin noticing at certain parts of the game it would slow down and I thought it was the game. Today while doing a flashpoint, I had the game run in windowed mode and I noticed that CoreTemp was showing that my CPU was throttling down to 798MHz and the game would start lagging. I noticed it starts throttling at around 70-72C. Guess I'm going to start looking around for research but if anyone can help point me in the direction for more information or a solution it would be appreciated.

 

Ugh, I have buyer's remorse now. After using it for 1 semester in college I should've gone with the Dell XPS 15z.

Nobody in my entire college (UConn) knows how to use this trackpad. All my friends are like "you're laptop is broken wahhhhh" and it pisses me off. The 1080p resolution on the XPS 15z would have been so convenient when working on Matlab. It's so frustrating trying to work with 2 windows on 1 screen at 720p resolution!!! The battery life isn't outstanding either... It's an 8 cell 59 Whr battery in comparison to the the XPS 15's 6 cell 56 Whr battery. , so much for a GOOD 8 cell battery... I get like 3.5-4 hrs on max brightness on my Envy 14.

So yea, even after using Reil's Software, the touchpad is still slightly frustrating. You can't always put 2 fingers down and navigate normally... it's hard to explain unless you experience it. My ultimate opinion on trackpads is to go either all or nothing. Either get a Macbook Pro with the best trackpad or get a laptop with a standard 2 button trackpad. Anything in-between is a constant struggle.

And, you can't install Linux on an Envy. The Envy trackpad in Linux is like trying to navigate the Space Shuttle with a toaster oven while blindfolded. As an engineering student this bums me out.

/rant

 

You may want to try Snaptics "SCRYBE" ( SYNAPTICS | Scrybe ). I use it instead of the Reil's software since it is made by Snaptics and hooks in pretty tight.

Just a thought and suggestion you may want to try (Since it is free)..

 

Your use may be tied to your POWER PLAN. Access your Power Plan and choose "Advanced Settings". Scroll down to "Processor Power Management". Under this area, you should find 3 additional settings, but the 2 you want to look at are the; "Minimum Processor State" and "Maximum Processor State" settings. Under the "Minimum Processor State" settings, I have; On Battery set to 5% and Plugged In set to 75% (You may want to bump this one up to 100% if you still see issues with the 75% setting). Under the "Maximum Processor State" settings, I have both set to 100%. Click APPLY after you change your settings and than OK to exit.

See if this helps, it has definitely helped my gaming performance!

>>>>>> <<<<<< I hope this reply was helpful.. >>>>>> <<<<<<

 

I feel your pain. I have an old eeePC netbook with an Elantech touchpad that feels a lot more comfortable than Synaptic's.
The problem with the two-fingers gesture on the Envy is that you need to touch the pad before start dragging, also, the fingers need a small separation between.
By default the pad has a "blind zone" to avoid tapping while typing and a palm detection feature. Perhaps you can play deactivating those to see if improves.
Also, I use a lot the coasting option and the chiral scrolling to feel a bit more comformtable.

 

Ok thanks! But, how do you download it? I clicked on the link but there's no option to download it. I also checked on HP's website and there's no download link. Help?

 

Hey thanks for the advice. I tried fiddling around with it more and I came across this.



What do these settings do? Are these the "blind zones" you are talking about? What settings should I use?

 

If you click on the link and look at the lower portion of the page, there is the word "DOWNLOAD" with a link to download the file right under it... You cannot miss it!

 

Yes, (in my Envy 1xxxx they look a bit different, but the controls are the same).

The top control seems to be the palm check, intended to detect if your palm is touching the pad while typing. Leave it alone for now.
The advanced filters are intended to avoid touching the pad with your fingers while typing. Any tapping or pointing action must start on the green zone of the pad, otherwise it will be ignored. That means NO two-fingers scroll gesture outside the green zone. I've found this annoying and have both disabled.

I also use the middle and ring fingers to scroll. This way the gap needed between fingers feels more natural.
BTW: don't use Reil's while testing to avoid collisions. You can use those options on Linux too, editing X's configuration.

 

Does anyone know or had problems with their 3D glasses? I have had my machine only for a few weeks but the glasses have suddenly stopped working. Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

 

I'm happy to say I can finally participate in this thread. After deciding that the Spectre wasn't for me, I went ahead and purchased this:

Envy 14 Beats Ed
• Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• 2nd generation Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-2430M Processor (2.4 GHz, 3MB L3 Cache) Turbo Boost to 3.0 GHz
• 1GB DDR3 Radeon(TM) HD 6630 switchable Graphics [HDMI, Mini Display Port]
• 6GB 1333MHz DDR3 System Memory (2 DIMM)
• 750GB 7200 rpm Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
• No Additional Office Software
• 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
• 14.5" diagonal High Definition HP BrightView Infinity LED Display (1366x768)
• SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
• Skype HD-capable - HP TrueVision HD Webcam
• Intel 802.11a/b/g/n WLAN and Bluetooth(R)
• Red Backlit Keyboard
• Adobe(R) Photoshop(R) Elements 9 & Adobe Premiere(R) Elements 9

A few questions:
1) How exactly do the switchable graphics work? Where can I go to decide which programs uses the radeon card?

2) I've seen a lot of people mention the trackpad issues, are these only related to gestures/multitouch features? If I don't use those, should I bother installing custom/broken drivers like the other thread recommends?

 

768 screen.. have you considered an envy 15?

 

So, I posted in here this past summer about my Radiance screen being messed up and when you all told me that it was highly unlikely I could get a replacement one from HP, I just decided to live with the blotches on my screen rather than get a BrightView display. That's how much I hate low-res screens. Anyway, I lived with it for a long time. Then, a couple weeks ago I spilled a drink on my computer and most of the keyboard stopped working. Fortunately I have accidental damage protection so I sent it in. I figured they might replace my screen too, but had no other choice since my computer was unusable. Well, they did replace the screen and it's AWFUL. After having such a great display I really can't stand the 1366 x 768 display. I practically hate using my computer now. I paid almost $3,000 for what feels like a budget laptop now. And I was considering replacing my splotchy Radiance display with a new one from eBay, but now that insn't even an option because apparently the Radiance display won't work with the BrightView cable that's now in my computer.

I know that the new Spectre has a 14 inch radiance display, so I'm curious why HP replaced mine with the BrightView, if they have the radiance available on the Spectre. I know it could be a different screen or something, but they're both 14" and 1600x900 so it seems like they should be the same display. Does anyone have any idea whether the Spectre screen would fit in my computer? And if so, what do you recommend I tell HP to get them to give it to me? And if not, what's the best way to at least get SOMETHING out of HP. I mean, I paid $200 for something I don't have anymore. Not only that, but I have a $3,000 laptop that I don't want, and never would have bought in the first place if I'd known I couldn't keep that screen. I'm really bad at complaining because I don't like being impolite or demanding because I know the people I'm talking to are just trying to do their job, but I'm really pissed and want HP to rectify this somehow. Honestly, even if they gave me the $200 back, I still wouldn't really be satisfied because now, I'm going to have to buy a new laptop soon because I really can't stand this awful display. Anyone think there's a chance they'd give me like a wholesale deal on a new Envy 15 or Spectre? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

I don't really mind the small screen. My last computer was a 17" with 1440x900 resolution, so I can see the differences clearly. Anytime I watch videos (I don't play games) I hook the computer up to my 42" TV and watch them there. Sometimes I even browse the internet using my TV as a monitor.

 

Do you mean reinstalling these drivers after clean installing windows?
If so, just dl the synaptics driver pack from hp support website and run it after clean install.

 

I been a creepy stalker on the up envy section for awhile. Xp

I recent bought hp envy, beat edition after returning Sony Vaio SA due to fan sound. Does anyone know how long until hp ships it? I read on the forum they over estimate the time, and I was wondering if anyone know by how many days. They stated at most, 12 business days, which is a long time!

 

They do overestimate the time. I received mine within two weeks of placing an order. An actual week before the time it was suppose to ship.

 

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone could help. I am planning to upgrade my hard drive to a SSD. I was wondering if the recent Envy 14 edition takes SATA III SSDs? I cannot seem to find the answer on the web. If so...What is the best way to install it? I have nothing on my computer worth saving but I don't have a clean windows install either. Please help.

 

Yes it does support sata III i just installed an ocz vertex 3 max iops 120gb and it worked. Im using a caddy to mount my original hard drive and my ssd in the harddrive slot. Wat i did was to clone my hard drive to the ssd. First i had to shrink the hard drive to a size smaller than the ssd before i start cloning. After cloning i told windows to boot form ssd. I got and error in which i need to insert a win 7 cd to repair the start up so windows can boot form the ssd in stead of lookin for a hhd. and it works flawlessly. Wat you could do if you dont have a hdd caddy is to make a recovery disk of your entire pc and then install your ssd and use the recovery disk to load back windows. and you should be good.

 

Im have an Envy 14 2020NR and im trying to run eyefinity on my computer using the hdmi port and the display port to dvi adapter and i cant get the CCC to magane the monitor displays to run eyefinity. Im using ccc 11.12 driver. The interl graphics manger control always seem to manger my multi display and not the ccc. and it only allows for two displays to run at once. could any one help me set up eyefinity on the evny 14 2nd gen, Plz?

 

Do you? Or not?
I ran a Compaq Preserio for 3 years with updates disabled without a hitch. I disabled after losing patience with updates/configurations at shutdown & boot, and a nasty experience with a service pack wrecking a DVD drive.
Currently 7 home premium sp1 on Envy.
So I'm interested in others experiences and preferences and remain on "notify but do not download/install"

 

It's a TERRIBLE idea to not install updates the minute they're available. The only exception is if you never connect your computer to the internet, and don't share files with other computers...then it doesn't matter that much.

Otherwise, any OS, any software, you need to keep up to date.

There was an issue with HP computers at one point with an XP service pack, but it was HP's fault. They were using a generic system image with drivers for both Intel and AMD hardware, and for some reason that worked prior to the service pack, but not after-but it was incorrectly configured either way (and of course wouldn't happen if you do a clean install of the OS yourself).

Either way though you HAVE to keep all your software updated, including stuff like Adobe Flash and Reader, Java if you use that (if you don't, uninstall it), etc. Anything that can face the internet, you need to keep updated, including anything that can be called from a web browser (and of course web browsers themselves).

 

I've been having major spontaneous restart problems since August of 2011 (bought 1st gen beats in December of 2010). So far I've sent my laptop in twice and the problem has only gotten worse. They finally decided to escalate the case to a case manager.

Sending the laptop in for the third time later this week... How does HP usually settle these types of situations, if it's okay to ask? I've made it clear I can't send my laptop in again (not only is this downright bs but I'm a student--I need a computer) and the case manager seemed to be hinting at a replacement (maybe?) if the laptop is faulty again. Do they actually give replacements (upgrades)? And are they crappy refurbished things?

Located in SoCal, if that matters.

Thanks!

 

Hi, from what I know about eyefinity is you can't use HDMI to do eyefinity because the video signal is different or something, just know you can't. I had a video card with VGA DVI DP and it worked great in the past.

But, what I was planning to do was buy a DVI or VGA splitter. DP -> DVI --> Splitter to 2 monitors. I was wondering if this would work since I never had a HDMI and DP in one video card before. Or have I ever split it like that. Hope this helps. If you try it let me know? Can you? Thanks.

 

The refund of my E14 now makes me no longer an owner. Sad.

 

Just received my Laptop today. Coming from a Macbook Pro 15. So is the touchpad really this touchy? When scrolling its not smooth...I dont know if its really like this or is mine really messed up. I've read that its not as smooth as the Macbook Pro but if anyone has any ideas I would like to know. Thanks!

 

I've pretty much settled on the Envy 14 for my new work laptop. I run some pretty intensive programs (Revit, Photoshop, etc.) and travel quite a bit. I came from the Sony Vaio Z series, which I loved, but there is not quad core option, which is essential for Revit.

So, I have until March 31st to order (tax purposes), so I have a couple of questions:

1) Is there a chance that HP will update the Envy 14 with the newer processors coming out in April? If so, is there a possibility that I may be able to pre-order by the 31st? Since I am such a power user, I really need to max out the processor to get the lifespan from this machine.

2) What are the chances of HP getting a better screen for this machine? One of the strong suits for the Vaio Z is the screen and I would really hate to compromise on this. I often process photos on my machine and color gamut and contrast are pretty important.

Thanks for any insights!

 

Why not get the ENVY 15 instead? It is better in specs than the E14 and has similar size and weight. Screen wise miles better if you don't mind the screen red issue.

 

Thanks yknyong1, I think I could live with the slightly larger size.

Unfortunately, the Envy 15 doesn't have an option for dual drive. I really want the speed benefits of SSD, but I don't think a 300GB drive will be enough for the long haul. I loved that the Envy 14 could get a 128GB SSD and 750GB 7200RMP drive combo.

 

Swap the ODD out for a HDD/SSD.

 

I was wondering if someone could help me. I'm running a Core-i5. I have the BIOS system with fan always on. I was wondering what affect will it have on the computer if I turn it off?

 

My Envy 14, nearly of 1.5 years with Radiance display, began showing dark areas on the screen. Anyone else have this with their displays?

Here are two images from my mobile... Photo Album - Imgur

I hope the 2 year extended protection I purchased covers this, and are Radiance screens back in stock (since they are shipping the Specter with Radiance)?

 

It looks like the plastic panel got scratched from your pictures, probably abrasion with keyboard. You need a clearer picture and point to the problem area with an arrow.

 

Hi guys, ive just recently received the Envy 14 beats edition and im wondering if anyone can give me a break down of what the features mean on the Beats Audio Control Panel? Specifics im looking for are what Beats Passive and Beats Active NR mean under listening experience and the best situation to use them and also what the Power option under advanced settings does? I thought it was quite poor that HP dont provide some sort of guide for people like me who dont know audio tech but i love the laptop part from that!

Thanks in advance

 

Attention owners!

HP has released a BIOS update for the ENVY 14-2XXX. It is classified as a critical release, which fixes an issue that can cause notebooks to not boot up properly.

Version: F.0B
ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp56501-57000/sp56602.exe

You can find more information about this update in the BIOS thread.

 

This BIOS update isn't showing up on my product drivers page, so I don't think I'm going to flash it...

 

I don't think HP has updated their web pages yet to include the updated BIOS revision, but the link is here if you want to try it.

 

Hi there,

What about the gaming capabilites of 6630M? Can it play games like BF3 on the 720p resolution? I see lot of returns and refunds on the previous pages. Would you guys recommend the Envy 14 2000 or should I go with something else? I was just looking for a smallish laptop with a decent graphics card.

Thank you

 

I can pick up a brand new one for $750+tax. Is it worth it to get it at this price?

Beats Edition
14.5" BrightView 1366x768
I5-2410M 2.3GHZ
Radeon HD 6630
6GB DDR3
750GB Hard Drive

Mostly will be using it for media consumption. (music/movies)
Also will it be fine for light gaming? Diablo 3 and other Steam games
Also wil be using it for work - AutoCad

 

You won't have any problems with AutoCad/media consumption. Light gaming is perfect for this machine. Although, I even play Battlefield 3 at 50+ fps at native screen res. I can post how I do it if anyone cares to hear. If you're not too scared of eBay, I would advise you picking up one of the refurbed Envy's from HP on eBay. They go for 619.99 + tax. That's where I got mine and I've had no problems with it in the 3 months I have used it so far.

 

Hi I know nobody is speaking on this subject in this thread and I apologize for interrupting, but I need some help.

My brother thought he would be helping by deleting certain things from my HP Envy 14t-2000 CTO to try and make unnecessary room, and while he was doing this he deleted my beats volume indicator that normally pops up in the middle of the screen (I know it really isn't important, I just liked it there). Does anybody know if there is a software or driver I can download and install to get it back?

Any sort of help would be greatly appreciated, thankyou all

 

I just recently purchased the beats edition envy 14 2012tx i7-2630qm and it's all black with some red accents... I noticed in many pictures online that the headphone/microphone audio jack is red in color and the headphone only jack is black in color, for the beats edition, however both my ports are black in color..

Anyone else have both black audio ports on their Beats edition envy14??

 

Hi all

I have just bought an OCZ Agility 3 240gb SSD for my HP Envy 14 2002ea laptop.

I think I am correct in saying that it is able to run at Sata 600 speeds however, when I check it in apps it's only running at Sata 300. A little annoying when I know it should be able to run at Sata3 speeds.

I can't get into the Advanced Bios either...

Does anyone have any idea what to do/what the problem is?

Thanks in advance. I am a little stumped so any help is appreciated!

Mark

 

This thread ranks relatively high for “Your computer does not have a recovery partition” - this is an error message given by recovery tools like Cyberlink Recovery Manager, even in cases where the user HAS an intact Recovery Partition. This is usually for HP's with Windows 7 but can be for other Windows version too that come with Recovery partitions.

I hope this helps someone out there. Before buying Recovery CD's or buying a new copy of Windows (because the Recovery CD's are not guaranteed to exist or to work correctly), please try the following solution that I came up with and successfully used to recover my Windows PC:

The recovery partition was not found. Please exit Recovery Disc Creation and then try contacting HP Support - Solution

I hope this helps someone out there!

 

In case you haven't figured it out by now, the software you need is the HP On-Screen Display Utility.

 

Could you tell me how you do this?!?! The only game my computer can handle is damn minecraft... Other games, i get either a really awful 3d rendering glitch, or a TERRIBLE framerate.. I would love to learn how to do this. Which GPU are you running off, and what do you do?

I am new here as a member, but i also have a few questions if anyone could answer...
>What is the max amount of ram i could upgrade to, in my 2160se. I have an i5, and 6gb installed... Could I upgrade to 16 gigs, or if i footed the $800, could my computer handle 2 16gb sticks?

Also
>Is it possible for me to overclock this? I have heard of other people oc'ing it, and i know the risks... but is it even possible? I have no way of getting to the advanced BIOS to do it..

 

Extremely interested in how you managed to get Battlefield 3 running at 50+ fps?????

Thanks in advance...

 

Not sure if this is a good place to post a question since I see alot of unanswered already. But I'll give it a shot.

I have Envy 14 2020nr. I was going to up the RAM to 8 gigs, but I just noticed crucial lists the 2020nr as capable of max 16 gigs! Which is different then earlier Envy models. So now I'm in the market to max this sucker out.

Looking at 2x8gig kits, here is the one Crucial recommends XXLINKXX
and this one at MircoCenter for 70 bucks less XXLINKXX

They are both 16 gig kits, but the Crucial one is CL11 while the MicroCenter one is CL9, and the timings are slightly different.
Do any of you have any ideas on which is the better kit? I'm not a RAM pro, so is anyone able to tell me if the Crucial is worth the extra 70 bucks? And why?

THANKS!

 

The ram you have listed from crucial is faster than the memory from micro center. As to whether it is 70 dollars faster that I do not know.

I just got an envy 14-2166se last week and I'm very pleased with it. It came with 8 gigs of ram when I got it so I'll probably just leave it that way for awhile. The i5 with the 8 gigs of ram, and they 6630m video card is such a step up from my old amd turion with 2 gigs of ram that I'm not all that worried about making the jump to 16 gigs yet.