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

I doubt that it'll go back up to 25%, but you have the end of july to wait and see!

There might be coupons in the future too if you're willing to wait.

 

I see same; mine still runs hot.

 

No, Windows Vista and 7 both cache intelligently based on your memory, to minimize HD access. The more memory you have, the more it'll use - unless you need it for something else, of course, though if you have 8GB I HIGHLY doubt you'll be seeing limits, unless you're running something like 8 virtual machines...

Also, in response to posts about heat: left palmrest DOES get quite warm under medium to heavy load (HD videos or gaming), but not hot. Noise-wise, I've never managed to hear anything more than a very faint whoosh, even in a dead silent room. I'm also easily bothered by noise - I'm a musician of 11 years who listens to Glen Gould mumbling when he plays Bach (and is somewhat annoyed/freaked out) - so if this doesn't bug me, it absolutely won't bug 99%+ of you.

I have an i5/500GB/1080P configuration, in case anyone was wondering. (and, just to brag a little, I saved around $450 between the original $300 coupon and education discount =D - $1200 shipped w/ tax!)

I've mostly got mine set up the way I like; some things I did were:
- "flip" the function keys back (so F1 is actually F1) -> in BIOS
- get rid of the ANNOYING volume notification that minimizes you out of games/videos -> use msconfig and disable "smartmenu"
- put a Catalyst profile on my desktop for "Maximum Battery" - to (hopefully?) downclock the GPU when not in use

Another useful tip:
- Fn + Esc shows you your Product Number, among other useful info

I'm really happy with it now, 1080P screen is beautiful, sound is actually livable (best speakers I've ever heard on a laptop, and surprisingly low noise through audiophile-grade headphones, though I haven't listened enough to judge quality in detail). Performance is amazing - the 7200RPM HD doesn't seem to be holding me back; system is (as far as I can ever tell) completely silent; keyboard is a pleasure to type on; backlighting is )($#@$ing sweet; touchpad takes a day to get used to but is very nice afterwards; thing looks nice and feels really solid.

Also, coming from the olden days, before HDMI and functioning ATI/Nvidia media drivers, and the confusing hell that was early Nvidia Purevideo, I'm quite startled that everything just seems to WORK on this thing. Plug in an external screen via HDMI, and video/audio just get piped through, with correct res (1080P in my case) and sound (5.1 DD). With MPC/CCCP, videos are also automatically accelerated by the GPU. I see ~7% CPU usage on 720P video.

If the specs and appearance are good for you, the only reasons why you shouldn't buy are:
(1) weight/size: the pictures always show the front/sides of the laptop, making it look <1" thin - it actually fattens up quite a bit underneath, to ~1.5" at the back. It's not BIG by any means, but I wouldn't enjoy lugging this around on a daily basis. On an occasional trip, though, I don't care.
(2) battery: I haven't run it down (I have a 9-cell), but you can bet this won't last all that long (3h, maybe?)
(3) power brick: this thing is (at least compared to my old A8Jm) almost bafflingly large. While the laptop alone actually fits in my bag, the power brick won't fit in with it.

A minor pet peeve is that the USB ports (and all the other ports) are on the sides. My A8Jm (2 back, 2 right, 1 left) really spoiled me in that regard.

 

I couldn't find this, where exactly do you disable "smartmenu"?

 

I don't have an ENVY, but it's probably in Start > Run > msconfig > Startup (or Services, but prolly not).

Or if you want to be able to manage Windows' startup/services/etc. more comfortably, try AutoRuns.

 

Question for all you Envy 17 owners, when you ordered your Envy 17 around launch, did HP hit the build date, or did it come later or earlier?

 

Don't say that, because it is bothering people.

Regarding heat and noise, it is VERY CLEARLY dependent on both build configuration and quality, but more importantly, relative to the user. So while I can't stand this kind of heat on a palm rest, there may be some of you that can. Likewise, there are plenty of people with lower/higher builds seeing different results with heat/noise, as well as using it in different environments. I tend to sit in an ambient no less than 75ish and that can get up to 85-90. I know some of you love to live in iceboxes with the AC set at 60-65; you are going to see much different results.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is, don't make silly claims like the above quote, and take in all reviews as a general spectrum guide. If you are interested in the E-17, give it a try yourself. You have 21 days to find out if it's quirks are alright for you or not.


edit:

Not even close. Both the build date and ship date were delayed by a large margin.

 

I ordered June 5...

Email: Estimated arrival date: July 19 2010 - August 02 2010
Logged into Amazon Account/Orders: July 14, 2010 - July 26, 2010

Heat issue not worrying me at all. I am using this as a Desktop Replacement anyways with 24" monitor, keyboard, mouse. Just looking for something a bit faster, a bit lighter, a bit slimmer than my Gateway FX P7805-U. Also looks a bit more professional and slick.

OT: My Uncle cancelled his Dell Adamo because I told him about the Envy's, so he is waiting for the Envy 14. I'm kind of worried that the build quality and slim/light factor won't be as good as Adamo now after reading up on these threads.

 

[/QUOTE] I have an i5/500GB/1080P configuration, in case anyone was wondering. (and, just to brag a little, I saved around $450 between the original $300 coupon and education discount =D - $1200 shipped w/ tax!) [/QUOTE]

Did you stack the student discount with the coupon? i thought they didnt allow it?

HP Student Discount | Student Buying Guide

p.s - after you switched the function keys back, would you turn on/off the backlit by pressing fn+f5?

 

Wanted to see since others have said they are returning their laptops. Do we have to call HP and let them know or get shipping labels from them? Or rather whats the best way... Other than certified so I dont get the... "Welllll we didnt get any package from you"

Regards

 

You call HP. They send you an electronic copy of a FedEx label. You print it and affix it to the original shipping box. Drop the box at FedEx. Done.

 

You sir are awesome. Thank you.

PS..... WHY HP!!!! WHY!!!!!! I WANTED TO KEEP IT SO BAD!!!!!!!!!

 

press fn+esc keys to bring up basic system info & bios info

 

I called HP to cancel my order for the 17 after reading reviews here that they would not honor any sort of price match. Although they didn't match to my liking, they were willing to knock off $425 by comparing my old system to the closest one I could get today. However, the one today would ship with 6GB of RAM (whereas I bought mine with 4GB 1 DIMM) and a Corel software bundle (although it no value to me, it is still worth something), and they could not further match the price difference there. I still ended up returning it because there are new hard drive options available and cheaper memory options, as neither of those can be changed after an order is submitted.

Point being, if you purchased a system before the new price changes occurred, and the same configuration is available, HP will grant you the price difference!

 

You are very lucky that they offered you $425 credit. They flat out refused me so I just canceled the order. I'll order again but this time from Amazon which is much cheaper.

 

I ordered just two days ago when they finally removed the "preorder" thing, and my deliver dates are only one day after yours. At least we know Amazon knows how to run a business...

 

Just returned a Sony Vaio F because of a sub par screen and decided to try the E17.

Does anybody know the reason behind the deletion of the i5 option?

These are new chips, Apple sells product utilizing the same, I don't get why they'd yank this.

I ordered a i5-540 to maximize battery life and keep the heat down.

Were there any structural changes made under the skin that successfully dealt with the heat issue?

I am trying to figure out the best way to move forward here with either a credit, I purchased with 25% BCB, or a return and reorder through Amazon.

 

Also, to those who snagged the 25% BCB

Is anybody worried that asking for a price adjustment may void the 25% BCB?

 

My best guess is that they are trying to conserve as many i5 processors for the Envy 14 (and the Pavilions). The Envy 17 is supposed to be a powerhouse laptop so maybe they figured that they should only be offering the i7's.

 

HP probably pulled the i5 options because of short supply of i5 chips. They have more demand for the Envy 14.

My 2 cents.

 

Cancelled the order on my Envy 17, Friday after getting the email delay notification. The reps drilled me hard NOT to cancel, with a $200 bribe. I have found a DV8t fully maxed out with every feature offered, as a factory refurb unit on Ebay with a full HP warranty available. I'll have it in 3 days as opposed to waiting for another CTO un it from HP. Headin over to the DV8 lounge.

 

I just called and got mine adjusted; the price difference was $450. I ordered at 5:30 am on introduction day and got the original 25% BCB.

One of the reasons for the 60 day delay in paying out the BCB is for such adjustments. The way it has worked for me in the past (not an HP order) is that the BCB % was computed on the adjusted amount. I presume that will be the case here, but time will tell.

With taxes factored in, the original order w/ 25% BCB was just a little cheaper than the adjusted price with 10% BCB. I figure the expected value of applying the credit is much better than not, so I took rthe risk. YMMV.

 

Microsoft will cease BCB on July 30th at 9pm PST,

 

If anyone is still looking for an i5 model, Amazon has an i5 build with pretty good specs at Amazon.com: HP ENVY 17-1010NR 17.3-Inch Laptop: Computer & Accessories.

 

Meaning you can only buy stuff on BCB until then. They say they'll support paying out previous BCB for another year.

Also for the theory that they pulled them because of demand for the E14 seems unlikely. They have like 15 other i5 laptops and the E14 doesn't use the 540m which the E17 did use. I'm 90% sure it's because the 4th of July sale is having a sale on all i5 laptops which would have included the envys.

 

I got my i5-540/6gb/500/blueray/1080p E17 for $1424 after BCB. If I can wring another $200 out of HP, that will bring my cost down to $1,224. Not bad, even for the i5 chip!

 

Mine was supposed to be built 6/24, shipped on 6/25, arrived today. Initial impression is "hot". Will post more later. Also ordered before the price decrease and am worried that BCB will cancel if my price gets adjusted...

 

I think my angle on the price adjustment is a little different from the folks here that ordered the i7 build. I know I have a solid case for the 4GB to 6GB upgrade that is now free but the processor adjustment won't be as easy as taking old i7 price / new i7 -1.

From an earlier posting it looks like they are offering a generic $200 to keep your current order without being pushed hard.

Dvegas:

You can always call a live person at Bing cash back or open a chat and ask about this. I know BCB has 60 days to prevent users from purchasing an item to harvest the BCB and then returning it.

 

I have an i5/500GB/1080P configuration, in case anyone was wondering. (and, just to brag a little, I saved around $450 between the original $300 coupon and education discount =D - $1200 shipped w/ tax!) [/QUOTE]

Did you stack the student discount with the coupon? i thought they didnt allow it?

HP Student Discount | Student Buying Guide

p.s - after you switched the function keys back, would you turn on/off the backlit by pressing fn+f5?[/QUOTE]

I called in after the order to request the discount (didn't think of it at the time), the rep was happy to oblige.

And yes, backlit would be fn+f5 after switching function.

 

So do you think they'll bring back the i5 option after the 4th of July sale is over? Anybody think i5s will be back?

 

I would be very surprised if it didn't come back. Especially since they just added the new i5 a few days ago...

 

what are the new core i5's? are they supposed to use less energy? i ordered mine with the 15-450m...is that good??

 

I'm hoping to get my third replacement sent out by July 19. But it will be the updated G2. HP also have given me a 160GB SSD and hard drive kit as part of compensation.

 

How do you know if it is the gen2, is the amazon deal a gen2 and thats why it was on preorder for so long?

 

predictions please: when do you guys think the i5 will come back as an option? I know this is just speculation, but i'm curious what people out there think. I wonder if I should wait to see if it appears again...

 

Well I know it is now G2 in New Zealand because the first model was 1006tx and that is about to be superseeded by 1019tx, the next model ie G2.

 

Again this is complete guessing but look:

| HP® Official Store

At the middle bottom of the page it has a picture link showing a sale on all i5 laptops.

So I'd assume the i5's will magically reappear after the sale, which I'd assume shouldn't last more than a week after the 4th of July.

 

Are you talking about the Envy 15 or Envy 17?

I looked online and could only find reference to Envy 15 1019tx.

 

17. You won't find reference to the 1019tx yet as it hasn't come out. It's for Asia-Pacific.

 

I am keeping my fingers crossed that Amazon will ship the Gen2 model.
And hopefully the Gen2 will have better heat dispersion.

 

Anyone knows the advantage of Gen2 over earlier version of Envy 17??

mine shipping date from Amazon now slipped from June 21 - June 28th to July 8th - July 16th. I got a mail from today.

I ordered it on May29th.

 

Round 2: Ordered again in hopes of an on time delivery, but doubtful. I'll just have to wait this one out! new specs:
Core i7-840QM processor
8GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
800GB 7200RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (SSD 160GB + 640GB 7200RPM)
5850 Graphics
Full HD (1920x1080)
Blu-ray ROM
This darn thing better be the best thing EVER for the waiting I've done! Ive had too many problems and paid too much for this to be anything less than perfect.

 

Hello all. I'm registering here to first say thank you to the people who posted about this laptop while I was waiting for mine. I just received mine yesterday, and I thought I'd share some quick thoughts/opinions.

First of all my build was the i7-720 processor, 6GB of RAM, dual 320 GB HDDs, upgraded screen and blu-ray drive.

Contrary to what many on the forum lead me to believe, I've found that heat is not a significant issue. Perhaps when I push it more gaming it could become an annoyance, but I barely register it past warm in my use thus far. This leads me to believe that heat is a device to device problem, and not something endemic to the Envy 17. I don't mean to contradict the negative experiences that others on this forum have had with their laptops, but I wonder if shoddy manufacturing is causing the laptop to be hit or miss (something that SHOULD be considered by those buying this laptop).

I have noticed a high-pitched whine (perhaps the mic problem?) similar to what others were talking about... I haven't tried the fix yet, because I want to understand the noise a bit more before fixing it. (In my experience, changing the volume on the laptop eliminates it temporarily. Just interesting, IMO....)

In terms of performance, I'm very pleased. The i7 is honestly overkill for my needs (I hope to get into video editing, but I'm not using it for that yet...), so I was worried that I should have gone with the i5. As heat hasn't been an issue, I endorse the i7 with the warning above.

The trackpad is a little strange. After toying with the options, it has improved, but I'm not a huge fan. Maybe I'll get used to it.

The screen is gorgeous, and I can only echo others who have already claimed that it is the best upgrade available on the machine. Get it. It is awesome.

My only final caveat is that I use the laptop with a passive cooler. (Just a stand that keeps the back end up in the air) I remember in CNET reviews from way back that passive options can help cooling more than active coolers, so that might have impacted the heat on my machine. I might use it flat on a desk and report back if there are issues.

Thanks again,

C-BASS

 

That is a really expensive configuration close to $2600 USD if I am not mistaken.

 

Yea, but i got a 10% employee discount with the Employee Purchase Program and was told by a manager in the Resolutions department that if I was ever to consider HP again to give him a call and he'd give me an additional 10% off. Really sweet deal!!! Now I just have to find someone to buy my 80GB SSD that I got off of Newegg. Thats another $230 coming back to me(hopefully!) In all I think I saved over $500...so far! Hope this turn out to be a winner. And DEFINENTLY hope it arrives on time.

 

Is the "Ultra BrightView Infinity" display glossy or matte?

Here are the 2 choices for the Envy 17:

17.3" diagonal HD+ HP BrightView Infinity LED Display (1600 x 900)
17.3" diagonal Full HD HP Ultra BrightView Infinity LED Display (1920x1080)

 

It's curious to note that the max RAM in the Envy 17 is 8GB, whereas it's 16GB in the Envy 15. I would have thought they'd be pretty much the same motherboards.

 

Glossy, but that screen (I have the 1080p) is so bright that the only time I notice a reflection is when the screen is off. I have the brightness set to 2 notches below max brightness. I don't know about the other screen but I'm getting good use out of the extra 180 lines (633,600 more pixels of screen real estate).

 

Does anyone find it to be a problem that the A-Z section of the keyboard is off-center with respect to the screen? I'll never use the numeric keypad and would prefer the keyboard to just be centered, as on the Macbook Pro 17.

 

If there was still a 25% bing cash back you would have gotten more than $600.00 off.