*HP ENVY 14 (1XXX series) Owners Lounge, Part 1*

I have legal means too but that would mean moving an activation over from the G1 (not worth it) or using my dad's copy of 7 pro (he said that he wants to put it on his lattitude e5500 one of these days).


so...*shrugs*

edit: ALSO DEUSTCHLAAAAAND!!!! (way to go germany)

 

I qualify for the HPA discount since I'm an alumnus.


I don't qualify for the microsoft discount since well...I'm an alumnus and am not taking 0.5 credits.

 

Ah, that stinks then. I plan on using it for the MSO 2010 as well.
I suppose I could have done the same thing and gotten HP to install it, but whatever..

WAHOO! GERMANY SCORES AGAIN!

edit: for anyone who wants the MS student discounts link, here it is- http://www.microsoft.com/student/office/en-us/default.aspx

 

Holy crap he almost walked that in.

Man argentina's done.

I doubt we'll see erosthanos for awhile. In fact, if we see him soon I'll be disappointed. He needs to party.

 

If you want to upgrade the CPU it is possible, upgrading the GPU is not. But you can't crossgrade the CPU from dualcore to quadcore because they load a different VBIOS onto your 5650, and HP won't supply you the rom images to re-flash it so you would have to risk downloading the roms off the net to do this which could brick the card, or get a new motherboard from HP, that is why some guy on here was saying earlier that HP told him the CPU is not soldered but you have to change out the motherboard if you want to upgrade, it was only half true, you can upgrade if you stick to the same class of CPU.

 

Wow, sorry to be off topic so much, but Germany is on fire.

I think we need to give the German owners a bit of a break.

 

OH yeah, I just remembered!

Not sure if this has been asked/confirmed yet, but since we have a few owners already... Could you please comment on the vents?

Since I know he has one, @erathostenes, the vent on the right side is an exhaust, right (it blows air OUT)? Also, what about the vent holes in the back? Does it blow air out (via a fan), or is it just a vent for air to rise out? Also, how's it affect the monitor+lid?

Thanks!

 

I've been going back n forth on the whole 370 vs 450 thing myself and i have come to agree with you. A slight turbo boost is likely never going to be felt in real world situations, and the only thing you'll likely notice between the two is less battery life on the 450. I'll save myself $50 and go with the i3 370 and spend that money on the 160gb Intel SSD.

I'm actually quite happy with the base config. I know a lot of people wanted a base i5, but i think the i3 370 is a better option because there are going to be people who want an i3 over an i5, and you couldn't possibly have an i5 base model with an "upgrade" to i3. The only thing i can see complaining about on the CPU options is possibly lack of more options, but pricing and base model seem good to me. Ram seems to be spot on for price/configurations, same for HDD. The 160gb Intel SSD is actually $85 less if you choose it as an upgrade instead of buying it afterwards from an online retailer, and with 10% discount its under $300. It's an absolute steal at that price point and should be heavily considered for everyone. Even if you need more space, get the huge discount on the SSD and buy an aftermarket HDD and stick the SSD in your desktop, or sell it for profit.

I think the only thing that is still bothering me now about the e14 is the $100 price hike for the base config, and the $50-$100 increase in price for the slice battery.

 

But would that difference be noticeable in SC2, PCSX2, or Dolphin? Yes, it would. However, if we can get some confirmation that the CPU will be upgradeable to an i5-540M or higher, then I'd be enlightened, and just buy 370M and save for the CPU upgrade.

 

people are overclocking the 450 on the acer 3820tg to 3.1Ghz. Heat seems like it's going to be alright given their similar dual fan builds.

I think this is possible with some help from the setFSB guy.

Here is what he needs to do his magic:

he information that SetFSB development needs is as follows.
a. the motherboard(/PC) name
b. the chipset name
c. the clock generator name

Let's make this happen for the common good!

 

totally agree. Even the slickest deals are at $2/GB and the Intel G2's are one of the best drives available.

 

Even within the same class of CPU, the bios may not support a more powerful core if it is not offered as an upgrade option on that model. I don't think you can assume that, because you have an I5-520M, you can just swap in an I7-620M. Now, if the I7-620M is an option offered on that model, you can be fairly confident that the bios will support it.

Bronsky

 

Can the wireless adapter be upgraded later?

 

I can see it if you want to overclock, but a lot of people were looking at the e14 for its great battery life and won't care if they can't overclock the 370.

I think if battery life is your primary concern, then you should grab the 370 over the 450. They both have the same base clock speed, all you lose is overclocking, either by default (8% increase with turbo boost) or manually.

8% just seems like such a low amount. Even if all 8% correlated directly to 8% more frame rates (which it won't), you're looking at a jump from 30 to 32fps, or 60 to 64fps. Anything over 60fps isn't going to do you any good.

So $50 more for 2-4 more fps in games at a cost of less battery life. Just seems like it's not worth it, even if you are a gamer.

 

Hi, I've been following this forum quite a while now, and I have finally decided to make a post. I ordered my Envy 14 on July 1, and I just called HP to tell them about the price drop of the Envy , and I got $45 credited back to my credit card =] If there are not enough pictures of the envy by the time I receive mine, I'll be more than happy to upload some!

I wanted to thank all those people who helped me figure out how to configure my laptop!

HP ENVY 14 customizable Notebook PC

* • Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
* • Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-450M Dual Core processor (2.40GHz, 3MB L3 Cache)with Turbo Boost up to 2.66 GHz
* • 4GB DDR3 System Memory (1 Dimm)
* • 500GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
* • 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 5650 switchable graphics - For Dual Core Processors
* • 14.5" diagonal HD+ HP Radiance Infinity LED Display (1600x900)
* • SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
* • HP TrueVision HD Webcam + Dual Digital Integrated Microphones
* • Intel Wireless-N Card with Bluetooth
* • Corel(R) PaintShop Photo(TM) Pro X3 + Corel(R) VideoStudio(R) Pro X3
* • Full-size island-style backlit keyboard
* • 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
* • Microsoft(R) Office Starter 2010
* • HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

 

Must. Resist. Urge. To. Buy

 

Hey folks,

I really appreciate the two Envy owners that have posted so much information and dealt with so many follow-up questions!

I have another that I'm hoping they or another Envy owner can answer. How is the keyboard? Responsive? Mushy? Hard? Soft?

I've never owned the island-style keyboard before, and the few times I've used them (wife's Mac), I'm not thrilled with them. So before buying the Envy, it'd be great to know it's keyboard isn't a distraction.

Thanks!
JGE

 

I have used both a CPU with and without the turbo boost, and it is somewhat noticable when it kicks in but it is only about a 5% improvement. Not a whole lot, but it does make things feel a little more snappy. You would not be missing much without it.

 

Woah what is this about a price drop I've heard? I just looked at the configurations and it is cheaper! Can someone tell me what happened so I can inquire HP today?

 

it was from one of the screenshots our german friend provided

 

They removed the i5 430m. and dropped the 450m and 520m by $25.

I need to call 'em soon.

edit: think they dropped all of the processors by $25ish

 

How much battery life would I save with the 370m instead of 520m?

 

unknown.

but the 370m can is rated for a lower minimum voltage than any of the i5s (by like .01357 or something)

 

Yep that is right the bios has to support it, sometimes the only way to know if it does support it though is to try it yourself, documentation for what is supported or was changed in bios revisions is always poor. If worse came to worse you might be able to use a 3rd party bios.

 

Few questions I would greatly appreciate any incite on:

1) besides saving money are there any benefits of getting the 450 over the 520?

2) how much memory should I get if I will need to dual boot windows 7 and linux / use VMWare to run them both at the same time?

3) are we still not sure that the third battery option is indeed the slice battery?

 

450 has a higher dmi system bus.


520 has the comm suite (includes improved virtual machine instructions).


not sure about the ram question and we're assuming the $200 battery is the slice but we won't know til someone gets it.

 

I'm not sure about the RAM, but I do know you'll get the most bang for your buck if you go for the 4GB 1 dimm upgrade and then buy a 4GB stick off Newegg. A 4GB stick of RAM for laptops are about $100.

 

I really hope someone comes out with a hdd caddy. I want my 750gb and ssd combo please.

 

Ok, lets solve this question once and for all, people keep doubting over and over. How do you figure that the other battery is anything other than the slice? The battery goes *INSIDE* of the envy14 and is covered by a battery hatch, any kind of oversized battery will not fit, and also the Hard disk drive is in that hatch, you cant just leave it open so a big huge battery can stick out the bottom... Also I have the entire list of accessories for the envy14, and there are only 2 options for the battery, and the slice W/hr rating matches to whats on the website. This must mean that its the slice, unquestionably.

Available Accessories:
HP HDMI to VGA Adapter
6-cell Slim Fit Extended-Life Battery (62Whr)
8-Cell Lithium-Ion main battery (59Whr)
Notebook sleeves, which include an exterior pocket
2.4 GHz wireless notebook mice, start at $29.99.
HP USB Media Docking Station - VY847AA#ABA ... HP USB Media Docking Station | HP® Official Store
HP USB Media Port Replicator - VY843AA#ABA ... HP USB Media Port Replicator | HP® Official Store
HP USB Essentials Port Replicator - NK398AA#ABA ... HP Essential USB Port Replicator | HP® Official Store
HP 16 Black/Blue Notebook Sleeve - VZ345AA#ABA
HP 2.4GHz Wireless Optical Mobile Mouse - VK481AA#ABA

 

Will a laptop with SSD (os/apps) and hdd (storage) slow down your system? Cause I read a guy said by adding a hdd it slowed down his ssd. ;(

In other words, does running both together slow your entire notebook down a little?

 

yeah but why dont they take the 5 minutes to correctly title the battery option is my question

 

where does it say the 8 cell battery is 59 whr? The high capacity 6 cell in the dv6tse is 62.so you're saying that 6 cell is more whr than the envy's 8 cell?

 

I actually took a trip over to MicroCenter today to check out the 4820TG that they have in stock. It's a nice looking computer- solid keyboard, not too heavy, and the build quality seemed pretty good overall except for the screen. It was very, very flexible and I was worried I would bend or break it while carrying it around in my bag. Also played around with the Sony Z12- can't believe they packed so much stuff into such a small computer, but the graphics card is slower than what I would like.

Just got off the phone with HP. If you ordered an i520m, you can get $45 back due to HP's price changes for CPUs. They have a 21-day price match guarantee, call them at 1 (866) 433-2018. The service person I spoke with hilariously told me that she expected I would be very happy with the computer, since it was so expensive. Haha!

 

Anyone know if the Envy 14 has a real docking port for connecting monitors, network etc, or are the docking stations advertised as accessories just those USB generic universal hubs?

 

I get $45 back?


cool.

 

Yes, the main battery spec is in the envy brochure.

 

Yup got my 45 bucks back (it won't show up until like 4-5 days after they sent out the laptop she said). I will have to keep a close eye on that. Now if they just send out the laptops one day late so I can call and complain and get some more money back, that would be awesome.

 

I found this Mobile Intel® HM55 Express Chipset
on Intel's website. I believe the e14 is using the hm55 chipset. This is the full CPU compatibility matrix.

You need to click on compatible products on the left to see the CPU list.

 

Thats what the customer service rep told me. You also have 21 days after the day you RECEIVE your laptop (not just the day you order it) to do price-adjustments.

 

OH SWEET!!! Thank you so much for the info! That'll cover a nice bottle of wine to celebrate with, once my new love arrives.

 

I'm going to wait a few weeks and call after all the prices have settled... really want to spend as little time on the phone with HP as little as possible

 

Why do you get $45 back, I thought it only was a $25 difference?

P.S. it does use HM55 but chipset compatible doesn't mean the bios will support the chip, don't worry too much about that though.

 

yes. cells mean squat

 

I got $22 back since I used the student discount..took like 3 minutes

 

When I placed the order, I didn't realize alumni were able to get the academic discount, so I just went with 5% Bing cash back. I just called and spoke with a rep for a while, and they're crediting $115.99 back to my account - woot!

$1260.33 - $57.50 (BCB) - $115.99 (academic discount) = $1086.84. Of course, that depends on whether or not Bing gets voided due to the after-the-fact academic discount.

Now my only regret is the fact that I chose the i5-430M. Oh well, that's what I get for not doing research first.

 

Ya know, i'm not sure why this is, but.... i'm actually starting to feel a lot of animosity, bordering on anger at HP for them taking sooooo long to build these machines. I know this is strange for me to be experiencing these particular emotions, over an issue such as this. But, I can't help it. Im honestly starting to feel a little more angry/annoyed each day.

Think they have a policy of giving money back to spoiled complaining brats, to get them to calm down and shut up?! LOL

 

only if it goes beyond the deadline

like long past it (like the 17s)

 

same, i'm not sure that was worth the 3 minutes and the rep talking to me like i was an idiot for wanting $22 back.

 

I got a question for one of the Envy owners..If one of you guys could get the brand/model number of the RAM inside the machine that would be fantastic. I would rather look at the same RAM to avoid potential problems. Thanks in advance!

 

Hell I will take $22 almost pays for the sleeve i got haha