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

Yeah, mine is good as can be...except my battery life seems to be horrible. Wonder if having it overcharged a couple of nights might have lowered the capacity..hmmmm.

KJ

 

From what you explained in your PM. There are a few variables that might effect the battery time.

1. You said that you leave the AMD GPU on all the time. That, alone, will shave off about an hour of battery time. If you remember, with switchable graphics and Intel on Battery...six cell battery time (for me) was 3:25. On nine cell, my son's Pavillion (with 6770M) gets over 5 hours with switchable on and about 3 with just AMD GPU running
2. To reset your batterie's internal meter...boot up to Safe mode and let the battery run totally out. That will reset it's inner metering. (Not to be done alot, or you can damage the battery's metering). Recharge and see how it goes

I would enable "Switchable Graphics" again. Plugged in...AMD...battery Intel...and I am willing to bet that your battery time improves...Overcharging won't have an effect, for once fully charged...the circuitry shuts off. Now if you leave the machine plugged in for a month or two and never remove the battery...that could harm the battery metering as well. I know all this, because I almost destroyed a brand new Dell Inspiron battery for never having removed it when I had the machine plugged in for an extended period. Had to reset the battery metering there...and all was good again...

 

As always great advice. Feels like I never left the place, lol.

KJ

 

im sorry, but .... overcharge? is it 1999? you cant overcharge a battery anymore, as the internal charging function disables charging at 100% and reroutes power from the plug to the computer, since duh, the Brick is the PSU.

i get this feeling anyone with a crappy battery that cant last more than 30 minutes are the ones who unplugs there laptops at 100% all the time. when all you are doing is attributing to the death of the battery by constantly discharging it.

 

Really?!?!?! This is news to me. I always thought or heard that once the battery is at 100% you should unplug it from the AC outlet to prolong the battery life.... Ugh...conflicting information is too darn confusing.

KJ

 

Gunny: I had a similar video problem as you did. It was a problem with the ATI card. Took them 3 weeks to fix (they were waiting for parts), and now it works fine. Mine was only 3 months old when I started to have this problem.

Either way, customer service was very good. Even if they refused to replace it, and assuming they have the part, you would likely get the unit back in less than a week.

 

Hey everyone, just wanted to report in on the monitor flickering issue.

It wasn't the cable, not exactly anyway, switching the cable out produced the same result, monitor browning out. Getting a little worried I decided to switch out the monitor since I have another external to try, it is a little older and a lower resolution though. It was even worse, with the monitor totally blacking out, eventually it would no longer come back on! I started tinkering around and discovered that there is a setting in my ATI control panel that fixed the issue. The catch is you have to have a DVI cable (or HDMI I am assuming) to be able to toggle it. It's called "Alternate DVI operational mode" and it's under DVI settings for the external display. It's supposed to help in some situations where you're experiencing display corruption on the monitor. Mine was enabled by default, and ironically seems to do the opposite of what it's intended to do! I don't know for sure, but I suspect when enabled it's playing around constantly with the refresh rate. The ATI graphics panel sees both of my external monitors as being able to handle a maximum refresh of 75hz, when I know for a fact that they are 60hz monitors (Windows seems them as 60hz only monitors as well). I am guessing that this little "feature" was sending them out of range and one monitor was handling it better than the other. I have seen something similar happen on a LCD monitor when an old game defaulted to a Hz that was out of range. So there ya go, unchecked that box and problem solved... but I don't think I would have been able to select it unless I had a "digital cable" plugged in.

As a side, I am pretty impressed with the cable quality from Monoprice. The cable was very cheap price wise and I expected something functional but kinda thin and crappy. Instead I got a nice thick cable that feels solid and high quality. I can definitely recommend them if you need some cheap cabling, top notch to me!

@cam121 and bobmitch... yeah, I haven't ruled out the possibility of installing HP assistant, but will probably hold off for awhile. I have had the same experience of "helper" software disabling my machine that you were talking about, loading drivers that weren't good for my system. I don't really trust any of them... Windows update is the most passive that I have used yet, but I have had it randomly decide to revert to default settings on me as well and just download and install whatever it wants. I have several programs on my Envy that are the kind that you have to deactivate before transferring to another machine. If the system crashes hard core and I can't get into those programs to deactivate them, it means very aggravating phone calls and delays in getting my software running again. Because of that I have generally adopted a "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality with drivers and software. Unless I am having an issue that a driver specifically states it will correct, I tend to leave them alone. I have found self build desktops seems to handle frequent driver updates better than pre-built desktops/laptops... probably because the computer manufacturers are always tinkering with pre-builds to make them fit or function specifically with something that they want to put in a machine. Self builds are always individual parts purchases and tend to be free of those weird little tweaks. Does the HP Assistant have the option to basically turn it off completely until you specifically choose to run the software? If so I might try it sooner than later. I always have updaters notify me before they are allowed to do anything, but I would also like to be able to have it never check anything unless I specifically start the software, that way I can control when and how it's using system resources and when I am in the mood to check for updates and sort the good from the bad. I'm not saying HP Assistant is bad software... I just don't trust any of them very far

 

Oh yeah, I also had one more quick question about the 6300 upgrade. I really appreciate the links and info (I usually buy from Newegg.com and will most likely look there as well). What I wanted to know is how difficult is it to get to the wireless to replace? I have been building desktops for over 15 years so I am not afraid of getting in one, but I had a VAIO before the Envy that had the pad on it go out. I opened that one up and it was so many complex layers and ultra tiny ribbon cables in the most impossible places that I almost never got it back together! I definitely want to switch out the wireless, but what's the difficulty rating or doing it yourself? Thanks!

 

The wireless card is a plug in module. Sits next to your memory. There are two wires attached to it...disconnect the wires...remove the 6200 from the slot...put in the 6300...attach the wires from where they came...and you are connected. You are gonna need drivers, which you can get from Intel...pretty much it

 

Fan is working fine, so it must just be the GPU that crapped out.. Sent you a PM....

 

Well mine is going in for service on Wed, but I'm hoping they have the parts in stock since my CM stated it should only take a week to get it back.. If it takes 3 weeks................................. That's all I can say about that, currently.....

Thanks for the confirmation though.... Needless to say, time will come to a virtual stand still while it is gone! I sure hope it comes back in the same condition it is going out in.....

 

Thanks for the tips Bob. I don't have a RAID ON/OFF option in my BIOS, but just an option to turn off access to the UI of the Intel control ROM. Anyway I tried all the options on or off and the Windows ISO boot off a USB and no luck. Called HP they said since I already tried other hard discs it could be motherboard. I am now straight to Fedex to send it back to Amazon for the 30 day replacement guarantee.It's going to be a close call as transit time from my location will take it within 3 days of the cut off date! Taken that long to receive it and the recovery discs and send back unused. Ah well!

 

Thanks for the info Bob! Sounds nice and easy. I'll definitely be getting a 6300 card soon then!

 

My exchange in in production at the moment.....still looking in on the thread from time to time. I really just hope the screen thing doesn't happen again. I don't know why or how that laptop was allowed to ship out like that but if I get another obvious issue like that I won't even hesitate to get it replaced again.

 

took me awhile but it seems the product is deactivated on newegg, for shame :-/ Newegg.com - Intel Ultimate N 633ANHMW

no wonder i couldn't find it

 

Problems buying on ebay? There's plenty of them there.

 

FYI, the 6300 has connections for up to three antennas. Your Envy 7 only has two installed (by default). You only need to connect the two internal Envy antennas to the 6300 for it to function. However, some people purchased a third antenna and cabled it through the internals in order to get the higher bandwidth and coverage.

 

hey KJ -- yea as already pointed out, modern battery chargers don't apply excessive float charge. Its doubtful your battery has been damaged or reduced in capacity, but if you find that you are always plugged in its true that over a long period of time the battery won't like being stored at 100% charge.

 

If you are going to store the battery for awhile...best to run down to 40% to 50% and then remove. Seems to be the sweet spot for storing Lithium Ion.

http://www.ehow.com/how_6192849_extend-life-lithium-ion-battery.html

 

There are a lot of theories on how to save batteries. I have a Samsung Series 9 that has a special battery saver mode, which only lets you charge the battery up to 80%.

 

True... my experience with laptops is that I've personally never had my laptop outlive its battery before I replaced the entire rig; however my GF did run the battery dead on her old laptop so I know it's possible (then again, she bought her laptop used off ebay so it already had wear and tear).

I personally think that even under slightly extreme wear conditions, a consumer should get at least 2.5-3 years out of a battery. By the time it fails, you can probably buy one off ebay for less than $50 since the laptop has long been decommissioned and old stock is being sold off cheap to make room for newer parts.

Why alter your habits for such a small (future) cost? Use your laptop in a way that fits with your life... the 2+ years of worry-free (at least about the battery) use you get will be worth the minor investment you may have to make when the battery wears out. Like cars, all computers require maintenance and replacement of worn parts... a battery is very easy to replace... memory is very easy to replace... hdds are very easy to replace... motherboards and gpu's, not so easy to replace! Be thankful if all you have to invest over the next 4 years is $50 into a new battery and/or $100 into more memory.

 

Is there a hardware difference between the Envy and Envy 3D? I know the latter comes standard with a few options, but those can be easily obtained by customizing a regular Envy anyway... I ordered a 3D because I wanted Blu-Ray and full HD display anyway, just wondering if there are anything else worthwhile hiding in there.

I am sorry if this has been discussed before, but the search function on this forum is really for s%&*.

 

I mostly agree, but there are a few caveats. My old ASUS G73JH's battery died after about 15 months (one of the reasons I ordered an Envy), and I took good care of it, taking it out @50% when not used for extended period of time, regularly draining and recharging it. I am going to retired it to be part of the entertainment center since dragging it and the brick of a charger around is just not an option.

Also on the Samsung Series 9, the battery is not user replaceable (think Macbook Air), a big sacrifice for the form factor and mobility I desired.

 

The screen is the main difference. The 3d screen refreshes at 120hz instead of 60hz, and has a higher color gamut and better contrast ratio. It really does look amazing.

 

About to purchase the Samsung 830 SSD....

Newegg offers 2 replacement plans which they say are hassle free and will replace the SSD with a NEW one.

1 Year: 39.99
2 Year: 79.99

What are you guys personal opinions? With this new tech is it better to get the retailer plan or will the manufacturer be a better option as to getting it replaced or if any issues arise?

 

I have never purchased the replacement plans on Hard Drives or Optical drives. Samsung is a good manufacturer...as many of the makers of SSD. I had one enounter with OCZ a few years ago with memory...they were great! They overnighted new memory to me...I packed the bad memory in the same box and sent back. Most have the plan where they will do that kind of switch...take a credit card number for collateral...and remove the hold when you send the old part back.

I do have lifetime overnight warranties on my desktop motherboard and video card. EVGA was great to deal with when the bios bellied up on my motherboard. One delivered the next day. That was extra insurance that I paid for for that kind of part. My suggestion...get the SSD. Do a data migration from your HDD. Also use software like Acronis True Image to image the drive to an external. This way...should something happen to the SSD...you can put a hard drive back in the machine, temporarily, and work on until the manufacturer sends a new one.

I think the deal from Newegg may be a bit overkill. Samsung is a very good company with excellent support. I don't think you'll need it.

Just my 2 cents

 

UPDATE:

Well my Envy is enroute to the repair depot. It will be delivered to them on the 10th by 10:30. I'm hoping the parts are in stock and the tech is superb at his job. It would really be great if I could get it back by the middle of next week with the issues resolved and no new issues arise. Hopefully will have a date estimate by the end of this week. Providing they get started on it right away.

Will keep you posted....

UPDATE:
FedEx is running late, now it won't be delivered until about 1600 hours. That kills a day it could have been possiby worked on. Does anyone know if they work on the Envy's upon arrival, or do they sit and wait unti there time in line comes? I'm hoping a tech has already been assigned....

 

Can anyone confirm the FCC ID for the ENVY 17 2xxx series? I have QDS-BRCM1041 but its from a 1xxx series. Are they the same? The number is inside the battery compartment.

Thanks. US customs is asking me and I've already sent the laptop to them.

 

It's 1043.

 

UPDATE:

Well FedEx came through in the pinch and has delivered my Envy to the Repair Depot at 10:22 this morning! So hopefully they will start repairing it today and the big hope is that all the needed parts are in stock, specifically the ATI HD 6850m video card.

Question: will they provide documentation of what they repaired?

Note: Depot location - Lavergne, TN. I thought it was in a different state.

Question: how often does HP update the web site showing the Repair status? It hasn't been updated since they shipped me the box and shipping materials. But than again there really isn't anything to update until they receive it. This is the entry portal I'm referring to: https://warp1.external.hp.com/CSO_Status/Order_Lookup.asp?country=US

 

You will receive a few sheets in the box when the computer returns. A list of repairs done, a sheet with a number if you have any questions, to where you can call directly into the repair facility and ask questions and a 10% discount coupon...

 

Thanks for that. Almost the same, will see if the customs accept it. Still in clearance with question are hard discs removable?" for some reason?

 

Has anyone got the ENVY 17 full manufacture’s name & address? I need it for some documents and the site I bought it from Amazon doesn't say?

 

I used this in the end which seemed to be ok for import docs, don't know if its correct tho.

Hewlett-Packard Company
3000 Hanover Street
Palo Alto, CA 94304-1185 USA
Phone: (650) 857-1501

 

That's the same info I found for their Corporate Headquarters. I also found their FAX NUMBER (650) 857-5518. You may want to add that as well.

Regarding the hard drives, Yes you can remove them and they are user serviceable. However since the unit is being returned, they need to be installed.

 

UPDATE:

HP order page (web site), updated yesterday. Now showes the 11th as the day they entered it into their system (FedEx dropped it off on the 10th at 10:22). Additionally provided an estimated return date of the 18th. Sure hoping my Envy returns on or before that date, fixed with zero new issues! Lets keep our fingers and toes crossed....

 

I've a few questions guys; 1) Is the repair depot open on Saturday, or is it just open Mon-Fri? 2) Has anyone started playing Elder Scrolls V Skyrim on their Envy yet? Was curious as to how the graphics look and are you using the maximum graphic settings? 3) Do you agree with the professional reviews that Skyrim is the Best Game of the Elder Scrolls series? 4) Did anyone pickup the collectors edition and is it worth the price tag?

I'm really looking forward playing Skyrim on my Envy, especially with the great replay ability that the Elder Scrolls series is known for.

Thanks guys!

 

Hi everyone,

Been awhile, but now I have a issue that appears to just be happening. 2 times, my system as turned off on it's own.

1. time while playing DC Universe online during a good PVP event with a lot of people.

2. While letting my system download a large 5GB download, not doing anything else, was torrenting.

Is this the famous Intel 6200 wireless network adapter driver issue I hear a lot about? I have the 14.2 driver....the oldest I can find is 13.5 for download

Is this the issue or something else? I don't have any heat issues, or anything that I can feel is overheating.

 

Barely loaded it tonight, and it plays pretty well. I went to Guru3D.com and downloaded and installed the ATI 11.10 mobility drivers from that site, loaded the game up on high settings and it runs really smooth.

I did select in the advance options to have all the reflections, not sure how that is impacting the system. But it looks great and runs smooth.

Your fan will kick on a bit, might feel a slight warmth from the left side of the system. Maybe I'll play with the settings to reduce some of that and get things looking good.

Overall, it seems like a win for the envy 17 with skyrim.

 

The known wireless bug causes your system to lock up, not spontaneously reboot or turn off. Does your windows logs say why the reboot occurred? It sounds suspiciously like a heat issue but download a 5GB file shouldn't cause any excessive heat.

The first problem could have been a heat issue. The second could be a power plan issue. Make sure your machine isn't set to suspend or turn off... I don't know how long you were waiting for that file but downloading a file does not generally count as activity when it comes to the power saving actions a PC can perform.

 

Exactly what I thought, unless I'm having a odd short, then again I was playing maybe 6 hours all day last night online.

I don't have any logs, but I did disable my system from auto-rebooting due to a error, ect. Changed all my power settings to keep things on, and will see how it goes today. I don't think it's heat as the fan was never on high, or did I feel anything really hot around the CPU....

 

Ummm, not sure what you mean there about the logs. Windows, by default, keeps a system log that should capture any reboots taken by the OS (or crashes). Unless you meant that there was no entry of any reboots in any of the three windows logs?

Turning off the automatic reboot is a good step to seeing the problem.

Downloading a utility, like OpenHardwareMonitor, can be used to report the temperature of your CPU and GPU instead of relying on simply touching the laptop and/or feeling for heat from the vents.

 

Just curious, but how does "OpenHardwareMonitor" compare to "HWInfo64"? Which is more widely used by the folks in this forum and why? They look very similar.

I'm hoping to get an update on my Envy tomorrow, it sure would be nice!

 

OpenHardwareMonitor looks like a direct rip of HWMonitor.

EDIT:

Nvm. I found the creator's thread on HardOCP and well, it seems like OpenHardwareMonitor would make a great replacement for HWMonitor.

 

been away for some days, but unserstand a bit more about my stuttering machine now:

by reading what coretemp is telling me, it looks as though my problem is that the processor speed is being throtteld back. right now its 1596-> 1795, and it dropsat times to 799 which is sssslllllooooowwww....

I am running coolsense 2. I gather reading back on other forums this can turn the processor speed down, if it feels things are getting "toasty".

yet the core temp temps are typically 63 centigrade.

If i run teh intel graphics, then it never throttles at all.

What conditinos cause the processor speed to be throttled back ? (In my case it seems watching videos for 20 minutes will do it. : ive been wathcing some physics lectures I downloaded form the web. So its not like its a game even!)

Any ideas what to do next? It's relaly reallly winding me up...

Jonathan

PS good luck gunny with the machine when it's returned.


When not doing much it is 3Mhz.

 

Jonnyhifi, I didn't have that version of coolsense, but I did read up on it. You need to choose the performance setting, which I believe is AUTO. Just continue to watch your temps through coretemp so you can ensure things are working correctly. Under the coolsense version I was running, your Envy would be operating under the COOLEST setting, which throttle your Envy to ensure it stays cool regardless of performance.

Hope that helps.

PS: I'm hoping to get my Envy back soon. I hate this waiting game!

 

thank you so much for your thoughtful comments: you are right I have it set to "on" rather than auto, I shall change the mode and see how I go

I'll let you know.

It's not an easy machine to fettle, is it ?
I hope HP get their skates on for you. It is ghastly when waiting for such a thing ... let us know when it comes back. cheers ! J

 

mmmm welll noticed checking the news online the vidro looked stuttery (though the sound was fine.. so wondered if it was the BBC servers with the problem...) ... dohhhh ! 798 Mhz then 997 ... and temps of mid to low 60s, so it's not like the temp is high....

can anything else cause the cpu to throttle back ?

 

You might want to turn coolsense off if you are checking to ensure your cpu isn't throttled by the software. Auto will still throttle your CPU if it thinks your laptop is resting on your lap. I personally disabled coolsense since my laptop is always used on a flat surface.

 

If your cpu gets too hot, it can throttle itself back. If you have an old bios, a bug in the code can cause excessive throttling. What BIOS version are you running?