*HP ENVY 17 & 17 3D (1XXX series) Owners Lounge*

@Koshinn

Thanks for your insight. You put me in a serious debate mode about checking out SSD for my Envy17. I often do intensive graphic and video rendering work, and saw a lot of performance boost out of the quad-core i7 on my Envy15 recently in comparison to my aging C2D notebook (I game a lot too, so a bit more juice is always welcome). However, i should say that I never used a i5 rig for editing before, so I have no idea how much of the gap is filled between the C2D and i7 when it comes to rendering time. Considering I'll end up using my Envy17 for at least the next three years, and the fact that I can't switch processors/boards mid-way, I think I'll opt for the higher processor now, and leave a HDD bay open for future SDD upgrade plans. I would like to do some last minute research on the effects of a i5+SSD vs i7+diskHDD when it comes to rendering times, but I can't seem to find any good links from google.

Btw, I'm soo half-asleep now (3AM here), I might have made no sense on this post. I'll come back in the morning and review what I wrote, haha.

 

Didn't know there was an Envy 17 Owner's lounge so posted this in the "other" thread.
Just ordered the following config thru Bing Cashback, which is currently 25% for HP.

HP ENVY 17 customizable Notebook PC

* • Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
* • Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-720QM Quad Core processor (1.6GHz, 6MB L3 Cache) with Turbo Boost up to 2.8 GHz
* • 4GB DDR3 System Memory (1 Dimm)
* • 660GB 7200RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (SSD 160GB + 500GB 7200RPM)
* • 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 5850 Graphics
* • 17.3" diagonal Full HD HP Ultra BrightView Infinity LED Display (1920x1080)
* • Blu-ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
* • HP TrueVision HD Webcam
* • Intel Wireless-N Card with Bluetooth
* • Full-size island-style backlit keyboard
* • 50% OFF! One 6 Cell (standard) and One 9 Cell (over-sized) Lithium Ion Battery
* • 50% OFF! HP Pavilion additional 120W AC Adapter
* • No Productivity Software
* • HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

Estimated build date: June 1, 2010 This item ships free
$2,569.98

 

Ordered with 25% BCB too, we'll see if it works out. If not, I'm cancelling.

i5-540
4GB 1 Dimm
160 GB SSD + 500 GB 7.2k RPM
1920x1080
Blu-ray

no other options except 2 day shipping. If I return it within 21 day return period, I'll get refunded the shipping anyway, so it doesn't matter unless I decide to keep it.

 

For those looking to use Bing Cashback, here are some guidelines.

-You must register with Microsoft, which requires you to have a MS verified ID.

-You must go thru the Bing site to place your order for it to be eligible for CB. Go to bing.com and click on "Bing Cashback." Now sign in with your MS ID.

-There is often some secret search phrase you can enter that will give greater discount that the ones that are normally showing. For example, currently if you search for "HP laptop" you will trigger 25% CB.

-You must follow the link from Bing to the HP site. A window should pop up that indicates what CB will be for that session. It is necessary that you place the order in *that* browser window within a reasonably short time. (Don't know what the exact timeout is).

-You will be on the manufacturers regular web site and you can proceed as usual. Often there will be no indication that you are in a Bing session but proceed to place your order. There may be no indication on the actual order that you are in a Bing session either but Bing an internal record that captures the linkage to the session.

-Some time after placing the order, usually within 24-48 hrs, you will receive a confirmation of the order in your Bing account. If you do not, call Bing customer service and try to resolve it. If they cannot, cancel the order and try again. This is the flakey part of the process but it usually works OK if you follow their instructions to the letter.

-Your cashback is not credited to your Bing account until 60 days after the order (sometimes sooner but no guarantee). If you modify the order in any way, the CB will probably be canceled.

-Very Important: For Bing CB to work, you must follow instructions precisely. In particular, you cannot apply any coupon, EPP discount, student discount, etc. You may think that you have succeeded because you got a confirmation but *without fail* your CB will be canceled before it is delivered to you, often a the last moment. They are on to all the tricks we pull.

Yes, I know this sounds like being back in First Grade, but it's worth it for 25%.

 

Just got my Bing CB confirm email for $642.50., so the 25% is working! Yeehaw!!

 

Placed my order.

HP ENVY 17 customizable Notebook PC

* • Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
* • Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-820QM Quad Core Processor (1.73GHz, 8MB L3 Cache) with Turbo Boost up to3.06GHz
* • 8GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
* • 160GB (Solid State Drive Flash Module)
* • 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 5850 Graphics
* • 17.3" diagonal Full HD HP Ultra BrightView Infinity LED Display (1920x1080)
* • Blu-ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
* • HP TrueVision HD Webcam
* • Intel Wireless-N Card with Bluetooth
* • Full-size island-style backlit keyboard
* • 50% OFF! One 6 Cell (standard) and One 9 Cell (over-sized) Lithium Ion Battery
* • No Productivity Software
* • HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope



And got my Bing Cash Back e-mail for $762.50 from the computer and another $75 from the 2 year accidental damage warranty.


Forgot to say thank you to Koshinn, PhatCat and L3vi for all the help with my questions, I appreciate it!

 

Tried customizing, but where is the 'slim fit' battery ? Instead, it only shows an extra 9 cell one.

 

The slice battery is only for Envy 14.
There are only the normal "slim" 6 cell and the "bulky" 9 cell for Envy 17.

 

Ok. Anyway, I wouldn't want to carry around a 17" so no problem. Now pray to lord that HP brings this in my country ASAP. :x

Btw, to the ENVY 17 owners ( would be ), please check whether there are two slots for HDDs even if you've chosen for a single HDD while customizing.

 

I just ordered with just the regular HDD for now. Just 1 HDD at the moment. I plan to upgrade later and add SSD. There should be a second slot for HD even if you only purchase it with 1 HDD. There is NO possibility for HP to manufacture two types of Envy 17 Bodies; One with 1 slot and one with 2 slot. That's why it's considered 'upgradable'. SO even if you purchase it with 1 HDD for now, you can always add a second one later down the road.

 

FROM WHERE? $1400 OMG!!!!

 

the hm55 is the newer technology. it supports integrated graphics (switchable graphics) and has greater 'official' processor compatibility. there are probably more differences, but i don't feel like reading the datasheets.

further reading for your enrichment:
Mobile Intel® PM55 Express Chipset
Mobile Intel® HM55 Express Chipset

 

I know someone who works for them
But I've heard that it may actually be a misprice and they've changed it to $2800. But my CC has been charged and I have an invoice so I'm locked it (I hope!).

 

if you only order 1 hdd, i'm guessing they won't give you a spare hdd bracket or connectors.

 

If you've paid and it's a misprice, at least in the USA, you're entitled to what you bought, unless there's some fine print that you didn't read that says otherwise.

 

My Bing Cashback says 10% -- how do you get 25%?

 

I think you are correct. When I intend to add a second HDD, i will have to ask for the Hard Drive Hardware Kit, spare part number 603772-001. This will contain the secondary hard drive bracket and secondary hard drive connector cable.

 

You will have to do a seperate search on Bing and not go through the Bing regular store cashback listings page.

 

You will have to do a seperate search on Bing, and not go through the Bing regular store cashback listings page that only shows 10%.

[Edit]
Haha, guess being sleep deprived makes you click the submit button twice. Sorry for the double post.

 

Oh that's right, you can get just the kit with an Envy. I was doing research on the 8740w, and you cannot buy just a hard drive kit, you have to buy kit + hard drive.

 

Rah I hate you all haha. I'm a hater because the Australian Site doesnt have a choice. Its just two fixed non - HIGH DEF screens on that note....

Does anyone have any links for me for the difference between Core I5 & Core I7. Whats better - for gaming specifically. (ooOoOo)

And whats the battery life. I can't see that anywhere.

And why can't hp-usa ship to australia.

AND. . . -_-

http://www.garskin.com/PAmart/skin/big/GS-21-FA0304A Tribal Underworld.JPG is just awesome.

 

As mentioned above, do a search for "HP laptop" once in Bing and follow the Bing Cashback link on the first result. A window will pop up...

 

Yeah, the reason why I went this route is because I want to put in the 1Tb or 1.5TB single HDD which is not available as an option. After that(When I feel I need an SSD), I will replace the 320GB HDD which came with the system with an Intel SSD. So, at the end of the day, since I did not see any of these options, and will replace this default HDD anyways, I chose the smallest regualr 320 HDD which was included in the basic price.

My ultimate goal for storage is to have an SSD to run my OS and Programs and a 1.5/1 TB HDD for storage.

 

There was a single 160GB SSD option without a second HDD.

 

I hope so. I'm thinking too about putting an SSD later or 2xVelociraptor in raid 0 to increase storage and save money. :lol:

 

For anyone who is a costco member, they currently have a screaming deal on a 2 yr HP laptop accidental protection warranty w/ Lojack for $99. Yes, it's real HP service and no that's not a misprint. It is send-in service rather than in-home, but users on the Envy 15 forum report that any non-trivial service on the Envy 15 requires shipping it back to HP anyway.

I got this recently for an HP dv8t I purcahsed for someone else. I have read all the fine print three times and can find nothing that excludes the Envy line. I am buying it for my Envy 17 and will report on the experience once I receive the machine.

Costco - HP 2-Year Accidental Damage Protection and Computrace LoJack for Laptops

 

I know...though I realize the speed benefits of SSDs, I cannot justify to myself the additional premium $$ at this time. I am just happy to be able to get the Envy 17 and have the option to upgrade it myself in future.

 

Me too. I figured the 500GB was cheap in the SSD combo so I ordered it and will replace it when the 1.5GB 12.5mm drives become available in the fall. Don't know if I'll have the stomach to put the 500GB in my aging MBP 17 when the time comes tho.

 

The problem is you're paying extra for a 320GB HD that you'll essentially discard once you upgrade to an SSD and you won't get a 25% discount on the SSD most likely, which means you'll be paying a lot more to upgrade it later.

 

Can that be purchased separately from the laptop? If I forgo it at purchase time from HP, can I then go to Costco and buy their coverage?

 

Yes, that's exactly what I did. The one restriction is that you must buy the coverage within 30 days of your laptop purchase (probably counted from delivery date but not sure). I'm buying mine now and will activate it once I receive the laptop and decide to keep it. The good thing about costco is that all computer-related things have a 90-day return policy so there is no real risk.

 

Cool. Sounds too good to be true. (wondering what the catch is?). Do you have to take it to Costco for the Lojack?

 

Does anyone have any info on the screen quality (the 1080 one)?

 

You are right again. But unfortunately, I cannot spend the extra $$ for an SSD right now, and I know that SSD prices with drop by the time I decide to put one in. It's something I will have to live with for now. I know that I am paying 'extra' for the 320 GB HDD now, but it does not give me an option not to purchase any HDDs as the 320HDD comes in with the default config. I will not discard the 320GB HDD as I will just place it into an external case I have for it to be used as an external backup for my computers at home the day I decide to get the SSD.

I am already thanking my lucky stars that I am able to save quite abit of money from BCB!

 

Ordered mine with $500 bing cash back! I can hardly believe it! Thanks SOOOOOOOO much to everyone here who mentioned that!

Cheers,

Mark

PS. going to add another 4GB module later, $400 was crazy expensive to start with 8GB!

Specs---
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-540M Dual Core processor (2.53GHz, 3MB L2 Cache) with Turbo Boost up to 3.06GHz
4GB DDR3 System Memory (1 Dimm)
160GB (Solid State Drive Flash Module)
1GB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 5850 Graphics
17.3" diagonal HD+ HP BrightView Infinity LED Display (1600 x 900)
SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
HP TrueVision HD Webcam
Intel Wireless-N Card with Bluetooth
Full-size island-style backlit keyboard
6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (standard)
50% OFF! HP Pavilion additional 120W AC Adapter
No Productivity Software
HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope
Estimated build date: June 1, 2010

 

Does anyone have any idea when this will come to Canada?

 

Does HP offer free Next Day Business shipping? I know with Dell if you call customer service a couple days after you placed your order and explain to them you need your computer for work or school, they'll upgrade your shipping to Next Day Business for free.

 

i wonder how long this 25% bcb is going to be...

 

As a January 2010 Envy 15 owner I have a couple questions for the first receivers of their new Envy 17 when they get it.

Are the Envy 17 and 14 REPLACING the 15 and 13 or will we see an update to those models as well?

Will a matte or anti-glare screen be an option on the 17? I’m guessing not with the E2E glass.

On my Envy 15 the front edge of the case is a little sharp on the wrists after using the machine for a while on a flat surface. If I incline the notebook slightly it is drastically improved. I am wondering if HP beveled the front edge of the new Envys to alleviate this problem?

Another annoyance I have with my 15 is that the screen leans an embarrassingly little amount back past 45 degrees. With the new hinge design is this better? How about a picture with the screen leaned back as far as it will go?

Is cooling performance sacrificed due to the addition of the internal DVD drive? I actually like the external one better.

Do the palmrests get as hot as the ones on the Envy 15? it’s not an issue at idle but when I’m playing a intensive game like Borderlands they get quite toasty.

Switchable graphics is awesome.

I also thank them for getting rid of that annoying row of shortcut keyboard keys on the left side of the keyboard. It’s more annoying than helpful.

I would be carrying this notebook around campus with me to and from classes and whatnot. Is the Envy 17 to big and or heavy to comfortably fit in a backpack?

Is there a slice battery available for the Envy 17?

 

Thanks for rubbing it in No switchable graphics.

I can see this being annoying.

I have a 17" DV7. Yes it is heavier, but in a back back? Think of it like a big book I carried my around in a laptop bag. yes by the end of the day my shoulder hurts, but I could play better games then my classmates.

No, apparently not.

 

According to several videos on Slashgear the new Envys do have switchable graphics.

I love my Envy 15 BTW

if HP added:
switchable graphics,
backlit keyboard,
better palm wrest heat insulation
Mini DP AND VGA out
split USB ports between 2 sides of the computer
make screen lean back farther
Use GDDR5 on the 5830 )
Non-glossy LCD bezel
get rid of column of shortcut keys on keyboard
slightly bevel the front edge to eliminate sharpness

This would be a PERFECT notebook

 

I called and asked, said would be *approx* 6-8 weeks to show up in canada (ie. July).

It will almost certainly cost more as well, so I had my brother buy it for me and he is going to ship it up to me, and I'm going to give him $50 for his troubles. Even with the extra expense, I'm sure its going to be cheaper! As well, I don't know if the bing cashback will apply at that point - I saved $500 this morning through that!

Shout out to any other Canadians!

 

This looks like a trip to the US for me then.

 

One question - why is 8GB of RAM and extra $400! Thats crazy. I bought the $25 upgrade to a single stick of 4GB ram and going to add another stick for less than $200.

Anyone else with experience with the original envys? I guess I'll wait until I get it and then try and get a matching stick of the same kind...

I called to try and find out the model of the SSD, but they won't release that info as it might change. I hope we're not getting some lower quality ssd!

 

The only concern I have about this system is the angle screen opens up. Hopefully it is a little better than the 15.

 

just the 14.

giving myself 1 more hour. then a trigger will be pulled!

 

@Koshinn

I'm back. Hey, you made a good point about purchasing the SSD now vs paying more for it later in the expansion process. I'm in line with mobilzila's thinking where I'm not sure how much cheaper SSD will become relative to how cheap it is now if I buy it through configuration. I don't know how much cheaper they have become compared to last year, but I heard their prices haven't dropped nearly as much as disk HDDs have. Any comments on this?

@PhatCat

Hey, good find on the separate LoJack purchasing option! I was contemplating whether or not to purchase the 17 via the BCB+HP direct method, or through Costco. I was leaning towards the Costco purchase; even though there's no cashback and the price is around $50 higher than regular msrp, Costco offers a 2yr warranty AFTER the regular 1yr warranty from HP (which totals to 3yrs warranty). Plus, they have a 90 day return policy which trumps HP's policy. However, their free 2yr warranty doesn't come with LoJack unless I add it in during the config process..

Now with the LoJack+2yr protection plan coming into the picture, the Envy17 purchase through Costco kinda loses it's appeal. But for the case in buying the LoJack plan, do you know if the 2yr protection plan that comes w/ it becomes activated upon the activation of the LoJack (meaning, it overlaps with the existing 1yr HP warranty), or would it extend AFTER the regular HP warranty?

-edit-
Ok, I noticed that both HP direct and Costco is offering a LoJack plan during configuration, but 'm confused now. Does the LoJack plan via config ALSO come with the accidental damage protection plan (like the separate $100 purchase does)?

HP Direct:
-$500 via BCB (60+ days later)
+$100 LoJack + Accidental
2 year warranty (from the LoJack plan; not sure if it overlaps the 1yr HP warranty)
less than 30 days return policy

vs

Costco:
+$50 (premium for configuration via Costco)
+$80 LoJack purchase (via config option) <<<Pending
3 year warranty (HP 1yr + Costco 2yr thereafter)
90 days return policy

Did I miss out on any other factors? What do you guys think?

 

There's two problems with that though. With the emergence of Sandforce and much better Indilnix drives, the price for a decent SSD is very likely to go down. Second, you don't know what SSD they're sticking in it. If it's a G2, then it makes more sense. If it's a G1, even if the price of SSDs doesn't go down, you're getting screwed like the Envy 15 owners are.

Has the Envy 15 refresh been confirmed anywhere or is it just rumors still?

 

so the Envy 15 owners were getting G1 ssd? That sucks !!!
Hopefully the Envy 17 owners will get the G2 ssd.

 

Well I really was going to wait a while before I made my envy purchase and check out reviews etc but after seeing the bing deal I just pulled the trigger. Saved $586 which is amazing and allowed me to upgrade to SSD. Thanks to Koshinn for showing me the light of SSD awesomeness.

Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-540M Dual Core processor
• 4GB DDR3 System Memory (1 Dimm)
• 660GB 7200RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (SSD 160GB + 500GB 7200RPM)
• 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 5850 Graphics
• 17.3" diagonal Full HD HP Ultra BrightView Infinity LED Display (1920x1080)
• Blu-ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support

Definitely going to go online and get another 4gb of ram, probably save over $200 going thru newegg or something rather than hp direct.

Can't wait for this sucker to arrive!!