*HP ENVY 14 & Envy 14 Beats (1XXX series) Owners Lounge, Part Deux*

should i keep any of these programs?

HP 3D DriveGuard
HP Quick Launch
HP Software Framework

 

If you like Quick Launch keep it. It's the quick startup internet browser, chatting, etc. thingy that appeared when you first booted up. I think Software Framework is a major part of Quick Launch so the same goes for that. 3D drive guard. I have no idea. I uninstalled it and nothing happened so go figure.

 

3D drive guard might be one of the only features worth keeping. It basically stops your hard disk and docks the head safely when the computer detects certain motions (ie shocks). It's a safeguard that you'll never notice until you hit or drop your laptop, but if it avoids a head crash I'm all for it!

 

whelp.

Second time THIS weird thing has happened.

While using firefox windows hard froze. Had to hold the power button down to shut the computer down.

No real indication why it happened but it's annoying.

It happened once last night when I had several tabs open and happened once 15 minutes ago while typing some stuff and downloading a file.


Another issue I keep having is hanging while saving a file (I've cleared the download history and changed where I'm saving stuff to which are the usual fix and well that works for a little while but stops working after a few files are downloaded)

 

My room is so cold my CPU's actually running COOL. I used to get high 30s back in LA. Now I'm typically getting 32-33C!

 

I'm getting high 70's playing America's Army 3.. Should I be concerned?

 

only if those were in the 90s

 

I thought HP Quick Launch was for the HP Quick Launch buttons...

 

yeah. quickweb is the other thing

 

I have to say that with school starting, I may not have as much time to check back here. It's been great hanging out with you guys. I'm always impressed by the friendliness and helpfulness of the NBR community. The clean install process over a period of no more than a couple of days became a nearly seamless one. I'm able to change volumes without any problems and all my quick launch buttons work.


The only challenge that remains is perfecting the touchpad software. All that's needed to achieve this end is to tweak with the existing Google software and refine the gestures and make the palm strikes on the touchpad not as problematic (at least for me). Beyond that and a so-so battery life, I'm always marveling at what a beautiful machine this laptop is.

I'll be more active in the touchpad discussion thread in the coming days.

 

For those that RMA, for whine, or something minor like that do they tend to just fix it or send a new 1 out.

 

Quick Q. How exactly do I access the CPU to apply paste? Do I need to remove the keyboard first?

 

I don't know, haven't braved that avenue yet. Check the Envy 14 Service Manual though, page 70.

 

Check out ebay or monoprice. Just search for HDMI cable. Cheap ones will do the job.

 

It also happen to me once.

 

Anyone noticed they are completely pink when using the webcam to video chat? and any idea how to fix that?

 

Hm, hasn't happened to me.

Anyone know how to record in 720p? Is this webcam supposed to be able to record in the dark?

 

Anyone able to download 3rvx with the envy skin from the link in the OP? I've been trying for the past day but it keeps saying starting download on mediafire but nothing happens. 3rvx25 and envy skin.zip

 

Hey folks,

I really have a big problem.
First of all I wanted a HP TM2 for taking notes at class, unfortunately both units I was sent have different not acceptable issues.
The first one has just one working speaker and a lot of scratches on the case, the second unit I have received yesterday has scratches as well and a very clacking keyboard, which I am not to use during class. (Both suffered bad display quality) - (so far I am very disappointed of the hp quality so and I am hoping that this is just a problem with the TM2)

The good tablets costs a lot more and are not looking that nice to me that it would be worth spending more money.

So I put down the chapter of a nice and cheap tablet ...

Nonetheless I need a new notebook within two weeks:

I have checked the web and actually to be honest I am looking for a strong horse with very big breath, unfortunately there arent any notebooks that have maximum power and long battery at the same time.

Since I want to use my notebook at university it has to be well built and able to resist the mobile daily use! (do u take it to class every day, is that a problem with 2.36kg?)
Thats why ended up at the Envy 14, the Envy seems to be better quality than an Acer and Asus, is it better? (Here in Europe an comparable acer product costs around 900-1000, compared to the Envy for 1230 (with student discount)

I have had a look at the battery log thread and whats ur average battery life u could squeeze out of it?
With the TM2 it was around 4 hours and 30 minuts, and that for a 12.1 Tablet ...


From the outer look it seems to be built out of good materials, but how is the keyboard? clacking?.

So my question, to all of u, is the Envy 14 a good choice and worth its money? Is it really a Macbook Pro competitor or just a wannabe? ( Macbook Pro is no option for me, I am using Windows for ages and I am quite satisfied and Apple is just to much "I have an apple product, I am awesome" as well as nothing special anymore!)

I really hope u can give me some good advices, since I would have to order this device within the next 48 hours!

Please dont redirect me to all the threads about the Envy 14, I have read them all, with all the issues and all the advantages, but I am at a stage where I dont trust all the nice sheet facts of a machine, I want personalized opinions

Thank u very much!

Edit: Another very important question for me:
is that pattern girlish? I mean I saw the pictures, whats ur experience?

 

Looks like its down. I just uploaded it again, kudos to original poster for this though:

3rvx25_and_envy_skin.zip

 

Added to 1st page. Thanks bruddah.

 

You have 21 days to try it yourself, if not satisfactory, return it. I think there's more than enough info on these boards to make an educated decision, and if it meets your needs.

It also sounds like the initial build issues have been worked out but there are some things that still seem to be part of the machine regardless like buzz in the headphone jack, and possible CPU whine. Touchpad is a personal experience that you have to use in order to tell if you like it.

In this class of notebook, primarily with 1600x900 screen you have the Envy 14, MBP, and Sony Vaio Z. That's about it. If you're ok with smaller resolution screen then you can look at the Acer 3820TG or 4820TG.

I advise that unless you have a specific question, refer to user posts here, because it's hard to generalize overall. Regarding the keyboard, it's probably one of the best I've used, and no "clack" as you put it. But again, it's personal preference on the feel.

MBP's have great build quality, but not worth the expense IMHO. This Envy is probably one of the best quality feels to it that I've experienced.

 

If you read all the Envy 14 threads then only two personalized questions remain to be answered:

1. Is paisley the pattern girlish? Answer, no.

2. Does the keyboard go clackety - clack? No, but if you type hard any keyboard can be noisy.

 

And any keyboard can flex if you push hard enough.

And any man can fall down if he doesn't tie his shoes.

 

Anyone know?

 

So thank u for ur input, I know that the sound of the keyboard depends on the pressure but for example the TM2 I have got is loud independent from the pressure and its no a loud sound its just a really annoying sound ...

 

with firefox? Hell. Wish I knew what was causing it?


Were you downloading something 'cause I was doing that the second time.

 

you need to use some sort of 3rd party webcam software.

I know yawcam gave me 1280x720 but...I was just seeing if I could get 1280x720 for my webcam. I don't know how to use yawcam to record or stream or anything like that.

 

OK figured out the HP Webcam HD stuff.

You can use VLC to record.

Configure it by pressing Ctrl+C to bring up Capture Device.

Your video device is HP Webcam
and Audio Device is Integrated Microphone.

Just like that your recordings should be by straight numbers, HD. It's still a webcam and it's a little noisy. Maybe there's a filter for it.

It'll be in 1280 by 800 by default. But in the same menu you can change it to 1280x720 under Video Size to make it 720p.

I'll keep playing around.

 

And any kid who wears his pants low with his boxers showing can't outrun police.

 

That depends on the police to donut shop ratio of the area.

 

that's where it starts. it depends on when flights leave and custom delays.

 

I think about a week for mine to arrive after it was shipped from Shanghai. But another week before that for HP to build it.

 

Correct, with Firefox. I dont recall if I were downloading something...but I might. However, I havent have that happen to me again...yet, even though I'm constantly downloading using Firefox.

PS:I have to restore my Win 7 twice since something messed up.

 

LOL, well there is that.

 

I'm on a clean install but haven't really done much system restore (..ok I might have done it once while video card drivers were screwing with me)

 

guys, i am getting an envy soon from someone i know in the US, just wanted to know what things he should check for out of the box? just so he can return and get a decent one... don't want to have to return a lemon from the UK.
Any advice would be appreciated =)

 

Depends on the color of the boxers, I hear red is fast.

 

Is the rainbow issue really a trapped moisture problem (as someone stated)? I just noticed something interesting. The spot on my screen lines up almost perfectly with the metal ridge above the trackpad & the shape is the same (but inverted as it would be). I wonder if that ridge could be putting pressure on the screen when closed & causing the issue? Has anyone called technical support over this issue? Sorry to keep bringing this up, but everything else is working perfectly on mine & I hate to send it back if unnecessary.

 

So has anyone officially found an ODD replacement HDD/SSD caddy that works in the Envy 14. This one was mentioned in the original thread, but haven't been able to find if anyone got this one or another one to work.

Optical Bay HDD Caddy to replace Slot-Loading Optical,9.5,SATA [OBHD9-SATA-SATA-NF] - $42.00 : NewmodeUS, Hard Drive Caddys for Notebooks

 

my webcam appears to have a slight but noticeable large pink circle in the center. it's especially apparent went pointed to a white background. anyone else has this?

 

where did you get your config?? looks like the canadian one but with an i5-450m instead of i5-430m

 

us online store - they used to offer the 640gb drive = $1,025.00 including taxes with Bing Cashback.

 

Yes. I was wondering why my face looked more red than it actually is...

 

New review from PCmag:

HP Envy 14 Review & Rating | PCMag.com

 

Hey! I just got my envy today. I searched around for the "minimal" clean install but all I get are parts of how to do it and so I cant get the full explanation on how to do it. Can someone please give me the quick and dirty explanation on how to do the minimal install? I am currently burning my recovery discs. I read that when you start recovering you press esc?

edit: I'm installing my SSD i already have. So when i install the SSD, the recovery discs will install windows correct? I dont have a real windows 7 cd.

 

HP is a walking disaster with the Envy launch. I didn't want to launch into a raging rant, but I can't understand how stupid corporate execs can't figure out how to release a laptop that works or run a company worth a damn. I sent my Envy in for repair on July 28th(whine) and the support tech told me it would be back on Aug. 4th. This is important because I leave for college early on the 18th. So I look at my service order and what is the expected arrival date. The 18th. I have to ship it to my school and hopefully it reaches there. If not I'm raising hell with HP. Now I have to bother with 4 days of orientation, reinstall on my envy and optimize it. I really thought I would love this laptop. I probably will but this is absolutely the last time I'll deal with them in the next 5 to 10 years.

 

The expected arrival date takes into account the amount of days it might take you to get the computer to a FedEx drop-off location. It is more of a worst case scenario date. My 2nd Envy 14 had an estimated build date of August 26th. They shipped it on the 5th.

 

I called HP already to change it to my school. Should I call them back with special instructions.

 

Notebookcheck review posted for envy 14. get your favorite translator up!
Notebookcheck: Test HP Envy 14-1010eg Notebook