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

With the i7 you will see faster rendering, photo editing, video editing, and optimal speed for quad core optimized programs.

I don't know the name of any apps off my head that utilize quad core

The i5 processor will increase battery life over the i7 by a considerable margin (30+ minutes is what I'm guessing based on the Envy 15 battery life numbers)

Memory clock speed is negligible, you will not perceive any difference

 

Would you return your ENVY if you received a G1 SSD? If what you say is accurate about SSD lacking TRIM support, does that not mean that if you received a G1 SSD, it will be guaranteed to become slower over time? Which defeats the purpose of owning a SSD?

Also, should the SSD be treated like a normal Harddrive, or should special actions be taken when installing stuff?

For example, when folks say that the OS and applications are installed on the SSD and data is stored on the regular HDD, does that mean you just store all your data like pictures, word docs, music files, or just whatever data you have on the regular HHD and install the applications purely on the SSD. But if data is stored this way, even if the applications open faster because they are stored on the SSD(Like photoshop), wont the time taken to access the picture files you have stored in the regular HDD be the bottleneck and defeat the purpose of SSDs?

In this option, will the games applications automatically store saved games in the same HD it is installed on, or do you manually configure it to store save game files on the regular HDD instead? Or do the save game files have to be saved on the SSD itself too?

Sorry if I am asking crazy questions, I just want to understand how to make use of SSDs optimally.

 

Original page updated with some stuff. It's all old of course, but for the newcomers it should help.

 

HDDs are cheap (per GB) and offer large amounts of storage at a reasonable speed. SSDs are expensive (per GB) and don't offer as much storage, but at a very high speed. If you have both a HDD and SSD, put things that can take advantage of the speed on the SSD, like your operating system and applications. Put things that don't take advantage of the speed and take up a lot of space, like movies, music, and pictures, on the HDD. Yes a movie, for example, will take longer to open on a hdd than a ssd, but you'll wait a total of what, 2 seconds more over the course of a 2 hr movie, while that 600MB of space could be put to better use. Pictures, music, and movies see only minimal advantages with an SSD.

As for special things, never defragment your SSD. That's about it.

 

Thanks L3vi! +Rep

 

Damn, the BCB 25% off has ended.

 

Ouch, they only giving 10% now. Glad I ordered this morning.

 

8% now. I'm glad I ordered this mornin too.

 

@L3vi

I love the fact that you reserved the first couple of posts. This is great for congregating information that gets lost in the almost-20-page thread.

Repped

 

Ohh hello again Koshinn! Ya I think we ordered around the same time earlier. I wish there was a way to find out how many orders for the Envy 17 were placed with BCB.

 

Me too

However, would they be able to modify the percentage for the people who already purchased at 25%? That would be devastating as I purchased with the idea that BCB @ 25% could absorb higher upgrade costs...

 

WoW~17 is using 1 fan to cool both CPU and GPU?! Is that work...? i doubt it...

 

Sigh. I was having problems ordering all day yesterday (for me) so I finally gave up after they said tomorrow their servers would reset n such n should be easier to get help to out here (afghanistan) and of course now... Missed the 25%.

Eh guess I dont really need one.

Enjoy guys

 

early bird gets the worm. congrats to all who got in on the 25% off.

that only comes along for a few days every few months.

 

About the dimensions.... from the press shots, renderings and the videos the Envy 17 doesn't look THAT fat. in the video the back end doesn't look much larger than the VGA port.

Could 1.25 be with the "standard battery" while the 1.5 be the bulky 9cell? Or maybe that's just wishful thinking on my part : P

 

Howdy Peoples,

Just pulled the trigger:

• Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-820QM Quad Core Processor (1.73GHz, 8MB L3 Cache) with Turbo Boost up to3.06GHz
• 4GB DDR3 System Memory (1 Dimm)
• 320GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
• 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 5850 Graphics
• 17.3" diagonal Full HD HP Ultra BrightView Infinity LED Display (1920x1080)
• SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support

With the 2 year warranty (I have a two year old).

I've been super excited for this, I need a awesome work machine that can drive multiple 30" monitors and finally having a laptop that can do so with the mini-dp and the hdmi 1.3c, is a breath of fresh air. I was not about to buy an Apple, so I've just been playing the waiting game. I'm also a gamer and while I'm sad there is no mobile 5870 in this, like there is in the new ASUS, I will be satisfied with the 5850.

I didn't go with 8 gig on HP because you can get another 4 gig dimm for a lot cheaper then $325 dollars and upgrade yourself, as well as get better HD's or SSD's then they are offering for cheaper.

 

For those of us who are getting the Envy 17 with the single 4GB chip, here is a good place to buy your second 4gb chip. This is fast Samsung memory which is reported to work fine in the Envy 15 on that owner's lounge. For bargain hounds, they run sales taking it down to $121.

SuperBiiz.com - Memory, Computer Memory, Notebook SODIMM

 

Can anyone confirm for me that RAID 1 is possible on this laptop? I looked in the manual and it mentions support for it but not how to configure it.

 

This is good information. Is there any ram I should definitely avoid brand wise? What's another good website to get it from? Newegg? If I'm getting an i5 chip I should be looking for DDR3 1066 right?

 

I'm an idiot, so I went to check my e-mail and received tracking info for an order from HP. I was like "Wow damn that was fast!" I open e-mail and it was a tracking # for my warranty LOL!

 

Similar thing happened with my original Envy 15 order. Anticipation is a reality distortion filed.

 

Hey Guys. New to notebookreview. Been reading the forums for a few weeks and decided to make a user name. Just ordered my first laptop ever, always had desktops in the past. Ordered the Envy 17 but I see I missed the 25% discount by a day Still got the 10% though. oh well.

This is my build I ordered. What do you guys think?

• 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)
• 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
Estimated build date: June 2, 2010

 

Looks like a fine system!

Planning on putting in another HDD or SSD to the spare slot after the fact?

 

Yeah, I was wanting to add a standard HDD myself. Haven't messed around with installing a HDD into a laptop before. Any tips or what HDD frame I need to buy to install it? Does installing an additional HDD against HP warranty?

 

Yes, they do sell the HDD bracket by itself:

Part number: 603772-001
Hard Drive Hardware Kit (includes primary hard drive bracket and cable and secondary hard drive
bracket and cable)
NOTE: The hard drive spare part kit includes a hard drive bracket and hard drive connector cable.

Both facts come from the Envy 17 User manual.

Upgrading a HDD is a user-friendly action. I do not think it will void warranty. HP improved on the accessibility to the HD compartments for the ENVY 17 just for these reasons.

[Updated]

You would have to call the HP parts store directly to purchase this part. The number is 1-800-227-8164 (Given by HP CS rep).

I only got my Envy 17 with the 160GB SSD as I want to install the 1.5TB HDD by Toshiba when it is released sometime soon.

 

The Envy Manual PDF link on the first post in this thread will give you all you need to know to install a 2nd drive and such.

 

Just got a message that my ENVY 17 has shipped! *does a jiggly dance*

 

Wow that's fast! When did you order and around what time?

 

Looking back at the beginning of this thread, I think you ordered a quick-ship model in Australia, correct?

 

Affirmative.
Got a tracking no. and it's not in my town yet, so won't be today, hopefully Monday/Tuesday =]

 

We'll all be waiting to hear your first impressions.

 

Nice. Please remember to come back and give us some first impressions and possibly a short review.

 

Will do, would be happy to answer any questions too.

I'm using this as a DTR, is it possible to use it without the battery plugged in to save its life?

 

You'd be the one to answer this, as you're probably the first consumer in the world to get the Envy17.

 

I just read an article on Endgadget today about the 'Blank' screen issues being suffered by many Envy 15 owners. Is anyone concerned that this issue may also affect our recently ordered 17s? There is the link to the article on Endgadget, and another link to the HP forum board where there seems to be pages of people in the related thread voicing their unhappiness.

HP Envy 15 said to be suffering from blank screen issues, lousy webcam -- Engadget

Is anyone listening? HP Envy 15 Blank Screen Issue... - The Next Bench

What do you guys think? I suffered through the GSOD issue that grieved many G73JH owners, and am wondering if these issues are related to the ATI cards in the machines. Fortunately I was able to return that machine. I am hoping this will not be the case for the Envy 17.

 

Different mobo, different chipset, different gpu, it will be different. It definitely can't be a processor or RAM issue because those are both used by so many people that Intel or Samsung would've recalled something. It's most likely a mobo issue, so Envy 17 users need not worry.

 

Well, I sincerely hope that you are right, as you could say I was once bitten and twice shy. I guess it's up to us first opportunity Envy17 buyers to test the system to verify if any blank screen issues exist. I for one will also be curious to test the webcam to see if the purple-face/image 'issue' was carried over on this webcam. I understood you comments and logic regarding the webcam functionality in another post, but I want to see if the HP team actually did any tweaking to the webcam hardware or software to help the color tone compensation adjustment of the sensors.

The webcam purple issue is not a deal-breaker for me, after all, I did not purchase my laptop for its webcam capabilities. However, the 'Blank' screen issue will be a definate deal-breaker.

 

no its already at my local smith store and they've sold 2 so no.

edit: apart from the fact its a rip off. I'm still undecided if I should get it. or the sager. w860cu

 

there is no "tweaking" to be done, its a completely different laptop, the only thing same is the name. provided, all laptops have issues, so dont get too worried if something goes wrong..

 

Im dying to know how the 5850 performs with eyefinity..

 

There's a youtube of HP demo'ing this with a racing car game, Dirt 2 I think. Looks pretty good to me.

 

so?

laptops share components all the time. especially within the same family.

I think the chances of both the Envy 14 and Envy 17 having the same webcam as the Envy 15 are about 85%.

I know all the Apple and Sony laptops I've looked at shared the same webcam along with many other common components. it's cheaper and easier that way for the manufacturers. well...cheaper unless you have a massive recall and have to repair thousands of sold laptops. obviously this isn't the kind of problem HP has here...but they're going to have a lot of irritated consumers. and people should never be irritated on day 1. you rarely get a second chance to make a first impression. customers have a right to be upset about this. these are not inexpensive laptops, you know?

anyway...good luck to all of you. hopefully the Envy 17 will have a better and safer track record than the Envy 15 has had over its lifespan.

 

They shouldn't be the same as the one on the 15, because 15 had a VGA webcam while the new 14 and 17 are HD webcam. All three could likely be manufactured by the same company though, and the HD webcam could come with its own set of problems..

And seriously, I hope the 17 is solid and has a longer shelf life than did its predecessors.

 

Where did you get that from? It's retailing for AUD$3440 in australia. You cant even get a cheap C2D notebook for that price in australia.

 

since Ive seen you post your interest here before, you should know theyve updated their webcam, check the differences; dont know where you get 85% from. It wouldnt suprise me if Apple did that, they have great quality, but that probably comes from the military-style work enforcement they have over at Foxconn.

HP was obviously aware of their defective ENVY 15, if they know users wanted backlit keyboards, they were also aware of the overheating issues. I know HP has had issues before, but they are producing a powerful laptop in a great package. The dimensions, features, and style cant be beat for the money. From my experience, if something is up with the laptop I would know before the return period is over.

 

I'm like 99% sure it's not the same webcam.

 

Yeah, I'm 100% sure its not. Really the HD webcam and the 5850 are the only things I like about the 17 over my Envy 15 Gen 2.

 

- for the above quote. I'd disagree. Even if it was the same webcam (which I highly doubt as the dv6-3032TX pavilion had the exact same hd lowlight webcam badge under the webcam.) it was more or less exactly the same quality. Which was better then some cheaper laptops with the same 2mp. However still not fantastic.

Recently I wasn't sure about the envy 17 vs sager np8690(w860cu) but I've made up my mind for the w860cu. As for the following--

I went to my local store and played with the Hp envy 17 for about half a day and I have the following things to say. Less then professional Semi-Review.

The Laptop although full lit keyboard isn't very bright. Maybe at midnight when the only light source is the moon is the light visible. In the staff kitchen and turned off all the lights. It was very dull L.E.D's. Which barely Lit the keyboard up.

Next is there is a strong heat source on the left hand palm rest. Very hot! (the laptop had been running on display the whole day). The base in the same area was possibly enough to burn your lap too.

The screen demo'd was 1600 x 900. It seemed okay. Nothing really to say there - like a normal laptop.

The webcam was more or less exactly the same as the dv6-3032TX pavilion. Took multiple photos and well the quality not that flash to brag about was almost exactly the same.

The weight - not that heavy.

The sound system above average When compared to the hp dv6-3032TX and acer 5820tx, very loud clear crisp sound. Enough to enjoy a light movie with small bass. Though for full sound you will still need speakers as although the laptop provides large amount of sound. It wasn't that impressive as hyped up as it is.

Style - more or less the same as last years hp envy 15.

GAMING - okay being in store I obviously did not benchmark this laptop. However if you game with the arrow keys, you'll be utterly disappointed. I don't know who looks after the design for the keys, the the up/down, keys have been merged into one key. there like two half keys which is just ridiculous. Find some pictures on the net of the keypad before you purchase this. It's not all that crash hot.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask.

But in summary - sure it has multi-screen capability, and usb 3.0. The keyboard, lighting, heat!!!, sound (great but not loud - like normal just with micro bass player), and the webcam where not what I really expected from the hype about this laptop. Although the quality maybe improved over some of the more basic laptops, with paying such a high premium for this laptop I would not recommend the small benefits of this laptop to someone deciding between this laptop and another.

on a side note. the msi gx640 runs hot, I suspect this will as well. As this laptop was hot at idle.

 

Who games with the arrow keys? o.o

Disappointed about the heat though. Was it an i7 or i5 model?

 

uh at your local store??? what store was this? gaming with arrow keys??