*HP ENVY 17 & 17 3D (2XXX series) Owners Lounge*

I'm starting to get the sense that it truly depends on the SSD you have. An owner of the Samsung 470 model (the older line) informed me that they've never had to take their SSD out of their notebook to flash/update the firmware....

And I just realized that if I get the Samsung 830 SSD that since it will be brand new there probably won't be a new firmware on day one. SO I might as well just install it and then do the Win7 Ultimate install on it...

Lol at the DVD comment h8isgr8

 

Thanks for the response arashyyy_88
Now let me rephrase my question. Why are the people now saying you need to physically install your SSD into another machine to be able to flash it, while in page 615 in this thread they were discussing updating the SSD in the ENVY like if it is possible?

It’d be great to see Bobmitch jumps for this one, because he was there (in page 615) and now here saying you have to do the flashing in another computer.

I’m planning to buy an SSD (not sure which one at the moment), so I need to know what I’m about to face before I make my move. I have two 1tb hard drives in RAID 0, so I’m gonna be needing to use Bobmitch’s fix. I do have the document now, but is there anything else I should be aware of? Thanks.

 

@TheAtreidesHawk
yeah. your point sounds like the only explaination.

 

No worries, glad to help. In all honesty, about a week and a bit ago I had no idea what even an SSD was lol. But for the m4 crucial ssd, it says you need to put the computer into IDE mode which if you wish to update the firmware is not possible on the HP envy 17. That is why I had to install the SSD on another computer. So I think best bet is to find the instructions for the SSD you have from the manufacturer and see whether they require you to put the computer into IDE mode. If so (again, Crucial required this) then you won't be able to update it with the hp envy. Sucks I know.

But maybe some SSDs such as those samsung ones don't need to be changed. Remember if you guys get a SSD, make sure it is SATA III and not SATA II since the speed is like doubled and it works perfectly on the HP envy 17 3d. That is why I purchased the m4 SSD

 

Hi folks,

I just ordered the HP ENVY 17-2070NR and have a quick question. I have been doing a lot of reading regarding this laptop, and it seems people are having problems with this laptop after they do the Windows Updates. People report freezing issues and screen issues, all of which seem to get fixed after they do a factory restore. However, when ever I get a new system, the first two things I always do is; A) Update all of the fixes via Windows Update and B) go to the Company's (HP) Support site and download all of the pending updates for the system (Divers and BIOS, after the windows updates is completed). Also, since the graphics card is the new type (ATI/Intel), can the CCC driver from ATI's web site work, or must you use the one provided by HP?

Well I should have the Laptop by the 15th. Of course the days will just creep by at a snails pace while I'm waiting! Thanks folks...

Gunny

 

@arashyyy_88

I see, now it is clear. Thanks for the clarification, it's been helpful.


@gunny5821
Fisrt of all, welcome to the club. ENVY 17 is great machine.

As for the Win updates, just be aware not to do any graphics update from Win updates or you'll have a nice black screen. If you do install from them, you won't have to do a complete factory restore though. You'll only need to perform a microsoft system restore to an earlier point in safe mode to get rid of the update and then hide it.
As for graphics drivers, first make sure you have the latest from HP. Then you can update from AMD. Some people reported that you need to use custom install and install everything but CCC to still be able to switch between 6850 and Intel's. However, I installed everything including CCC and didn't lose switchable graphics except that when I'm on AMD's the briteness keys don't work which isn't a big deal for me.

 

Thanks "xZ71". So aside from NOT downloading any graphic updates via the MS Updates cycle, is there anything else I need to do when I first get my system? Hopefully it will be pristine out of the box..

I read here the 3D version has SATA III, but does that also apply to the model I am getting? I also read here that my system will come configured with RAID 0 from the factory. Is this the Intel Hardware RAID or a Software RAID? I checked the HP Support website and it looks like the new BIOS is F.16 (What did it address). Should I upgrade this as a priority if mine is not that version. Finally, from what I have read here, it appears that most of the bugs have all been worked out now with this model, is that true?

Any other pointers would be most welcome... Thanks!

 

The interface is SATA-III, but the HDD's are only SATA-II.

Intel HM67 chipset (hardware RAID).

Just got my 17t-2100 CTO last week and it did not come with F.16 BIOS. The F.16 BIOS update.....

"Fixes an issue where the system will not wake from sleep mode when the virtualization option is enabled in BIOS."

Virtualization is disabled by default and not used in most cases anyway.

My machine has been running like a dream; no issues here at all. Some people still complain about the left palm rest getting warm during gaming, but I haven't experienced this.

 

Thanks "h8isgr8" for the prompt response! I have never had a Laptop with this performance. I have had high performance desktops, like forever. My last one was an HP, which I bought back in 2005. However, the motherboard was fried in a storm (along with the surge protector/UPS). So I have been without for 4-5 months now. I have really been beating myself up on which Laptop to go with and after that long search, I finally opted for this baby. What enabled me to finally pull the pin and purchase this was this web site (Thanks Folks). So, yeah, I am very excited, but I know that time will almost come to a daily stand still until it arrives.

Is it true that HP Envy owners actually have their own concierge style support, which is separate from the normal HP support lines??? When I read that we have that kinda of support, it quelled the issues I had read about with HP CS issues...

Again, Thanks and I'm looking forward to being a contributing member!

 

Yeah, I went back and forth on models and options for quite some time, then ended up ordering a DV7t. When I got it I was like "meh". It was nice, but not ENVY nice. Sent it back and got the 17t-2100 3D and I'm loving it! Well worth the hassle and wait.

 

I'm really starting to get frustrated. I downgraded my wireless drivers to the 13.5.0.6 version, and still, every few minutes while streaming video I get the freezing issues. I still cant stay connected to any networks for very long either.

wireless display is a joke due to the terrible wireless issues this thing has.

 

The Envy 17 is now available with the Intel 2670QM processor which replaces the 2630QM, though both are currently available. The 2670QM is $100 over the 2630QM though Intel prices them the same in quantities of 1,000, so it seems HP is taking in some extra margins for right now.

Here is some performance info and it seems like a decent upgrade--

PassMark - Intel Core i7-2670QM @ 2.20GHz - Price performance comparison

I'm more curious if they will option the 2860QM to replace or compliment the 2820QM.

 

Hmmm if it happens soon I may return this one...damn it. Especially if there's a bog difference in performance or less heat....

Okay so I've decided finally to just go with a 7200 RPM drive. I've been debating like crazy over what specific drive I wanted. Now I'm going back and forth in my head over these two drives. I just wanted to see if anyone had had any personal experience with either company or the particular drives themselves and what their experience was....

Hitachi Travelstar
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Western Digital Scorpio Black
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Finally this is probably gonna be a dumb question but the price difference between the 500GB and the 750GB is like $30 for the WD brand. Do you think I should just close my eyes and spring for the 750?

Uhhh I'm disgusted by this new processor news...

 

I'm as shocked as you guys that updating the SSD firmware requires surgery.The intel SSDs update their firmware by creating a Free-DOS environment on a bootable optical disk. you just download the iso, burn the disk, and then boot from it. painless as peach pie, with SSD in the primary/bootable position.

I suspect the reason you guys have to use the secondary bay is because you want to update the firmware BEFORE installing Windows. after the SSD becomes the primary bootable drive, the firmware flashes should be as painless as mine are.

Moreover, there is good reason to test the SSD in the secondary drive, under the installed OS, and flash from there, but that should only be a one time deal.

 

Yeah dlleno I think its reasonable to assume that its based on the specific company who's SSD you're using as to how smooth it will be to update the firmware.

So this may be a breaking point for me. My battery is at 89% and yet it says I've got only 1 hour and 5 minutes left before I have to plug in. I was expecting at least 2 hours like on my HDX 18t which was also 1080p and had an even larger screen?

Is it just a horrible battery that I happened to get with this Envy 17 3D? Or is that just the normal battery life given the specs I have and the brightness being turned up to 100%?

Very concerned....and I'm also looking at the differences between the 2820QM and the 2860QM

 

yea I think the battery life you're seeing is normal, at least from what I've picked up here. that display eats up a lot (after all, it is brighter than anything else and has to power the IR emitters too) and the Envy does not have quite as efficient of switchable graphics as does the DV7 61xxx, which can completedly turn off the 6770. And of course the 6770 itself isn't quite as power hungry as the 6850, although these two GPUs are not that many worlds apart from each other...

processor speeds are what they are, and they keep increasing, lol yea the 2820 probably grabs a little more power than the 2630, even though both are max 45 watts (I think..)

 

1 hour seems extremely low tho....even on HP's website it says an estimate of 2.25 hours.....with the 6 cell battery...

 

I get around ~2 hours on battery with the ATI graphics on. That's with just web browsing though. I'm sure if I tried playing games or blu-ray it would be pretty pathetic.

I don't use mine on battery power very often though. If I did, I would have sprung for the 9-cell.

 

Hi everyone. So, I just ordered an Intel Ultimate-N 6300 to replace the 6200 that came with the Envy 17 3D after doing everything possible to fix the wifi freezes. My question is do I need to know anything about installing the drivers? I'm planning on uninstalling the 6200 drivers and then install the 6300 drivers after replacing the card.

 

Sounds about right to me....

Just got off the phone with HP....they are sending me a 6 Cell Extended Life Battery for FREE. Next day delivery! By extended it should last 3 hours according to them but given my experience with the current battery I'm hoping for at least 2. If anything more than that I'll consider it a blessing.

 

I have the 2630M and keep brightness on 60% on battery. I only run the Intel GPU on battery as well. I get 3 hours and 25 minutes with those settings. Depends...but it looks like you are running, as you said...100% brightness and probably the AMD GPU to get that kind of battery time...even with that said...you should get around two hours + even that way. I would boot into safe mode and let the battery run all the way out. By doing this, you reset the battery meter. Then re-charge and try again...if you get no improvement, I might reach out to HP about the battery not holding a proper charge...

 

I found it easier to remove just the SSD and flash in my desktop. I have a 640 GB Toshiba HDD in SATA 1 bay and it entails removing screws and more bay doors to get to the port to remove the second drive. My SSD is not screwed in, but has holders that keep it in place, nice and snug. Easy enough to remove. I didn't find it a big deal...

 

I called em this morning like I said in my last post. They're sending me the extended life 6 cell battery. We'll see how that works out....but I'll def try your suggestion as well.

Worse case scenario I have 2 batteries to use on the go!

 

Hey guys, since this is my First High End laptop, will a cooling fan type device provide any heat relief? Should I even be concerned about heat issues with my new Envy? I bought an Allsop Monitor Stand ( Amazon.com: Allsop 27021 Metal Art Jr Monitor Stand (Pewter): Electronics), awhile back that I am planning on using for my incoming Envy 17. But I was wondering if a Laptop cool pad may be a better option ( Amazon.com: Cooler Master NotePal Ergostand Notebook Cooler R9-NBS-4UAK: Electronics)?

By the way, are the current wireless cards still problematic? I thought they figured out the problem and that the new units are fixed. I actually never use the wireless option when at home, I direct connect my Ethernet cable into my HP, so I get the fastest connection. So I am guessing that would eliminate any wireless card issues right off the bat, BUT I will be using this to go to my local Starbucks on occasion, which would require the wireless function. So, is it fixed, or not? Has the issue been identified and the fix is well documented?

By the way, have I mentioned how time has essentially stopped, while I am waiting for delivery? The day is crawling by at a snails pace, grrrr!

What carrier is HP using for their Envy shipments? I am getting both the 6 cell & 9 cell batteries with my Envy. Does the 9 cell elevate the bottom of the laptop, or is it flush like the 6 cell?

Thanks folks!

 

I've been using mine on my lap (couch potato style) for the past week without any heat issues. It does get pretty toasty if you're really loading the system, but as long as the fan intake isn't blocked it seems to do a decent job on it's own.

No WiFi issues here at all. As a matter of fact, I've never had a laptop reconnect so fast after coming out of standby.

The package should be arriving Fedex. Both of mine arrived well before the stated delivery dates, so check the tracking online to see where it's at.

Yes, the 9-cell elevates the back of the laptop quite a bit.

 

Thanks h8isgr8!
Ordered: 0004 hours - 10/03/11
ESD: 10/14/2011

Hoping for an early delivery, especially since they gave me Free 2 day shipping! The only bad thing is I feel like a kid at Christmas (actually my Birthday and Christmas present to me). Time is virtually standing still, grrrrr.......

A couple months ago I purchased the HP Essential USB Port Replicator
(HP part: NK398AA#ABA / UPC: 8 84420 68182 3), which increased expansion via an available USB 2.0 port with the Essential USB Port Replicator. It lets you expand up to 5 USB ports, one Ethernet 10/100, one headphone, and one mic. It has worked flawlessly for me. When I use it on my new Envy, it will allow me to connect the following devices; 1) Razer Lycosa Keyboard, 2) Razer mamba Mouse, 3) CyberPower UPS/Surge Suppressor with Power Panel Software and 4) HP LaserJet 6P and my Logitech Zcinema Surround Sound Speaker Set.

I also have the HP W2207H 22" Widescreen LCD Monitor (the one that the screen rotates into legal size), which connects via an HDMI cable. Used it for the past 2 years with my HP Desktop and has worked flawlessly. So how well will this work with the Envy? I don't plan on using both the Envy display and the W2207H at the same time, but if I did, how well would it work since they are different sizes?

As always, Thanks!

 

Big update, I just received my confirmation email from HP, with tracking number included, so my Envy 17 is EN-ROUTE! I cannot access the tracking number on the UPS website yet, probably after midnight, it will show up. I have an EDD of 10/14/11, but once I can access the tracking info on the UPS website, I will get a better understanding of a true date. So the question is, where have these been shipping from; china or states side?

 

Hey guys, regarding the 6GB of DDR3 Ram, my unit is shipping with, will I get much of an improvement by boosting the RAM up to 8GB, or will 6GB be more than enough. Using it for general home use and high end gaming (Dragon Age 1, 2 & 3, Mass Effect 2 & 3, Elder Scrolls IV, COD, etc.....

Thanks!

 

Just checked UPS's website and the Envy is departing Edison, NJ as of the 4th. So I would imagine it should be able to arrive in Richmond, VA rather quickly, maybe a couple of days the latest!

 

They usually use FedEx to ship the Envys...and all the ones I've seen came from China....

Hopefully others will chime in on your other questions. Bout to sleep over here....congrats tho on the laptop!

 

@gunny5821

You can upgrade to 8GB since 8GB RAM kits (2 x 4GB sticks) are very cheap. You may or may not see a performance improvement based on what you use your Envy for.

As for your purchase of the port replicator, I bash my head in the wall for you. You could have gotten a USB 2.0 hub for a lot less and solved all your needs. Your Envy 17 has a gigabit ethernet port. The replicator you bought only has 10/100. The 5 usb ports, really bad external sound card, and 10/100 ethernet port will have to share the theoretical 480 Mbps of USB 2.0. Punch in overhead for the USB chip in the replicator that has to do all the talking for all the devices, and you're looking at less than half the theoretical speed. Don't forget that there are 2 USB 2.0 hubs built into the Envy 17 since the motherboard only has 2 USB 2.0 controllers and you need the hubs to give you enough ports to not only connect the webcam, webcam microphone, touchpad, realtek card reader, and the built in USB 2.0 ports. Again, available USB bandwidth drops due to overhead. Also, the sound chipset in the Envy 17 beats the pants and shirt off of the one in the port replicator. If you just bought the replicator, return it and save yourself some money. If it's too late, lesson learned.

 

It looks like I made a huge mistake in buying my Envy. I figured it had a TPM so I could use bitlocker. Not having it is a dealbreaker.

My Envy 2090-NR looks really cool but these cons are going to make me find a way to get my money back:
1. no TPM
2. Constant and continuous wireless issues, BSOD, freezes,
3. Wi-Di will not work to save my life.
4. Doesn't run as cool as I thought it would.


Just FYI the support rep I just chatted with told me no HP laptops come with TPM.

 

To each his own I guess.

1. Drive encryption isn't important to me.
2. Wireless is working perfectly here and my machine is running like a dream. No problems of any kind.
3. Wi-Di? Ah, not going to pay >$100 for something a $10 HDMI cable can do for me.
4. It runs a lot cooler than my old D620, even with it's 4 cores and dedicated GPU. I find with the intel graphics on for web browsing and such, the laptop stays ice cold.

Well I hope you can get a refund then and find something else that suits you.

 

FYI, almost all HP Business notebooks have TPM so your rep is wrong. However, their consumer lines probably don't have it to reduce costs.

The wireless issue is a well documented issue. There are specific older drivers that fix the issue; however, people who chose to invest $30 in a 6300 replacement have posted remarkably consistent and happy results. A pity to have to make the investment, but what is $30 compared to being ultimately happy with your purchase? (however, I understand the envy does not meet your perceived needs thus negating my argument in your specific case)

I don't have a widi capable device so I don't use mine; and they cost too much to retrofit onto my current tv's. Go HDMI cable!

Under heavy load, the Envy does get "warm". Then again, I've yet to find a laptop that doesn't. However under normal use, even with the Radeon running it should stay relatively cool... (assuming you don't have a flash app stupidly running your cpu to max).

 

Hey Metrill,

Thanks for the input. Yeah, I bought the HP Essential Hub about a year ago, when they were on half price at a local Best Buy. Here is what I plug into it:
1) Razer Lycosa Keyboard, 2) Razer Mamba Wireless Mouse, 3) Logitech Zcinema Speaker Set, 4) HP LaserJet 6P Printer and 5) CyberPower UPS/Surge Suppressor Software Panel. I will be plugging in my routers Ethernet cable directly to the Envy. Obviously, one of the two USB ports on the ENVY will run the HP Hub and I will be using the other for my Razer Megalodon Headset. The USB 3.0 port I will be using for my Thumb Drives on an as needed basis. So that pretty much takes care of those house keeping items, LOL....

On page #643, I posted some questions regarding my current Allsop stand and a possible Cooling Pad. If someone could take a look at that and provide some helpful advice, it would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

Well folks, I just got my UPS update and my HP Envy will be delivered tomorrow!!! They did in fact ship it via 2 day air service and used UPS to do so, so I am one HAPPY Camper! I will of course be keeping all advised on how things progress tomorrow, but I'm hoping that everything is working peachy keen right out of the box!

Quick question: for those who got two batteries (6 & 9 cells), did they ship in the same box, or were there two separate boxes?

Thanks!

**PS: My Envy shipped out of Edison, NJ - Is this strange, since it seems so many ship from China??

 

Gunny, yours might have shipped from NJ because it was a "ready to ship" model. The ones that ship from China are the CTO (Configure to Order) models.

 

My CTO Envy shipped with the 6-cell installed in the laptop and my 9-cell inside a protective plastic sleeve inside the same box with my Envy.

 

Thanks, That's why exactly, didn't even think of that. Hey I have been reading this forum, while waiting for the clock to move, LOL and saw a mention that you can load up to 16GB of RAM on the Envy. Now I thought the most was 8GB. Which one is correct?

By the way, shipping update, UPS now has my Envy sitting in the Richmond Terminal, waiting to go out for delivery in the morning. Should be here around 10:00 - 11:00 tomorrow! Love that 2 day shipping. Big change from earlier this year when people were waiting months.....

 

The kicker, I almost went with the Dell XPS 17, but I found this web site and discovered all of the positives and negatives of everything I was considering. This is one GREAT site! A gold mine for anyone considering purchasing a laptop..

 

You can still wait a couple weeks on a CTO laptop vs quick-ship/pre-built.

You can load 16GB of RAM in the Envy 17 Gen2, but you only have 2 dimm slots so you need 2x 8GB SODIMMs. Similar competing products usually have 4 dimm slots available as 4GB dimms are cheaper.

 

Is this something I need to be concerned with:

Intel® Chipset Design Issue May Affect Certain HP Desktop and Notebook PCs

I ran across it back on page 259, and just figured I would ask.. Thanks!

 

Thanks... Is anyone even making the 8GB SODIMMs yet? I went to crucial and Kingston and they only show 4GB.. I think bumping the RAM up to 8GB may be one of the first things I change, providing the 16GB option is not or won't be available for awhile..

 

Is the RAID that comes with the ENVY run via the " Intel Rapid Storage Driver" or something else??

 

Thanks, but the $10 HDMI cable cant do what wireless display does (if it was working correctly) The box was less than $100 anyways. I'm not going to spend time tidying the wires of my home TV setup just to have another cable sticking out. To each his own I guess

On that note, I've successfully streamed 3D content on WiDi every time as long as it was previously downloaded or on a Blu-Ray, but a cheap HDMI cable will not do 3D all of the time.

This does run a lot cooler than my previous generation Envy 15 for sure

I've talked to multiple people via PM that have not solved the wireless issues by investing in a 6300, which is disappointing. Downgrading the wireless to 13.5.0.6 did not fix them for me either. Did I use the wrong driver? My 6300 card hasnt even been ordered yet because I havent gotten a definitive answer about which 6300 cards have worked best. There are several different model numbers on amazon.

Thanks for the info about TPM though. I just ended up going with TrueCrypt AES and a password. I dont think I could keep from losing a USB drive if I used bitlocker.

WiDi has worked almost flawlessly for me in 2 specific situations (which served to defeat the purpose anyways). Watching previously downloaded content while not connected to my home wireless network had acceptable results with WiDi. Plugging the envy in via Ethernet so the wireless was used solely for the AdHoc connection to the WiDi box allowed me to stream The Daily Show for a whole episode with it only slowing down a couple times. Those couple times happened to be when I tried to open another webpage while the show was streaming.

It just rubs me the wrong way to not be able to use the heavily advertised features of this beautiful laptop.

 

New Crucial 8GB Memory Modules Optimize Desktop and Laptop Performance


$$$ though

 

@ Alf

There is only one model Intel 6300 card. I have the Intel 6300, which I used to replace the 6200 in my Envy 17. I could get my computer to freeze by torrenting on WiFi using the 6200. With the 6300, I have no issues. Also, I bought a third antenna just to fill it out and having 3 antennas does help boost signal strength a bit more, but not by much. I bought my 6300 from newegg for about $40 and $15 (with shipping) for the antennas from a seller on Amazon.

 

66ANHMW
Amazon.com: Intel Ultimate N 633ANHMW IEEE 802.11n (draft) Wi-Fi Adapter - Mini PCI Express - 450Mbps: Electronics

633AN.HMWWB
Amazon.com: Intel Network Wifi Link 6300 633AN.HMWWB Half Height Minicard Vpro Enabled Excellent PerformanceNew: Electronics


633AN.HMWG
Amazon.com: Intel Wifi Link 6300 633AN.HMWG Half Height Mini Card Vpro Enabled Excellent PerformanceNew: Electronics

Newegg.com - Intel Ultimate N 633ANHMW Ultimate N 633ANHMW Wireless Adapter Mini PCI Express Up to 450Mbps Wireless Data Rates 64/128-Bit WEP, WPA, WPA2 it looks like the one from newegg is like the first one I saw on amazon... is that the one you have?

 

Hey Guys,

If I'm going to be using my Envy 17 as a Desktop replacement, and very "Rarely" using it as a mobile laptop, would you suggest removing the battery, or leaving it in? If you recommend removal, what would you recommend for storage (storage charge %, any packaging, and storage temp)?

By the way, my Envy is on the UPS truck and out for delivery, YEAH!!!!!

 

Just checked Newegg for 8GB memory prices........ HOLY WOW!

Newegg.com - Computer Hardware, Memory, Laptop Memory, DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600)

Newegg.com - Computer Hardware, Memory, Laptop Memory, DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600), 16GB (2 x 8G)

Unless you absolutely need that much memory, I can't see that upgrade as being cost effective. You would get a better performance increase by buying an SSD.