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

My fingers are crossed for you...

 

As an update, I seem to be enjoying a modicum of success with the 6300 wifi card over the ENVY's 17 2280NR original 6200. I had to buy it off Ebay and it took about 6 weeks to arrive as HP support desk out of the sub continent could / would not help. Previously the Ebay 6300 froze the system on install but when I checked the driver settings they had reverted to a default. I then simply turned off the N mode of the WiFi (since my router doesn't have it) and so far no freeze ups with anything - including torrents. Turning off N with a 6200 card didn't work for me (the ENVY still froze), but the 6300 is looking better so far. Will update again later as I use it more.

Agree it really sucks that I have spent so long time wasting on this with a high end laptop I had bought to be more productive in my work, but I may have got somewhere now with the good help of this forum.

 

It's really unfortunate that's the solution... but thank you for the update. Hopefully there's some solution in the future that's got the ability to use wireless N.:cry:

 

This could also be a cheaper solution. I have the DIR-655, but bought my son the DIR-615 from D-Link. They are single band routers that when you connect properly...do about 115-130mbps...but that is what you get with single band N. Dual band will give you the 300 mbps...

D-Link Wireless N 300 Router

You can get them as cheaply as $29.99 in places and the 6200N card is flawless with them. It's all about the chipset of the router that causes issues. Not sure why Intel hasn't released a firmware or driver to adjust for this issue...

 

I'm going to post all the chipsets that have frozen my Envy just to save everyone else the trouble.
BCM4329 (iphone 4 mywi)
BCM4329XKUBG (iPad 1 MyWi)
Marvell 88W8361P (linksys WRVS4400N VPN router)
BCM4718 (Linksys e4200)

It also freezes using the wireless display portion of the wifi chip while getting the content via ethernet cable not wireless.

 

The D-Link DIR-655 has the Atheros AR-9160 chipset. I also hear that the 6200N series is good with Broadcom.

 

It's been awhile since I've posted in here... Just wanted to say as I'm nearing the one year mark of getting my Envy... I'm absolutely still loving it!

 

Laptop has been sent. Let's hope they actually do something. Gotta wait about a week... :/

 

I'm a newer owner of an Envy 17 3D 2090NR. I got it a month ago and have been plagued by the wireless issue.

I spoke with Envy support @ HP today and was told there is a forthcoming fix for this well-documented issue. They will be posting a new BIOS for download within the next week or so. I had the option of sending my laptop in for repair and they would put the new BIOS on it, but I opted to just keep it and wait to download it myself.

 

Going to be interesting how HP intents to fix with a bios update. The culprit all this time has been a mismatch of chipsets between the 6200N and certain Router chipsets. I hope HP gets it figured out...Time should tell

 

I've read posts on some other sites from other Envy owners who have swapped out the 6200N for the 6300 and it yielded zero positive results.

My work laptop is an Elitebook, which has a 6200N and I am unable to duplicate the problem.

The Envy support tech said the issue was specific to the 2000-series Envy models and the new BIOS is a complete rewrite which will also address fan/cooling and other performance issues.

 

I, first had an Envy 17-2000 and now an Envy 17-2100. In neither case have I had any Wi-fi issues. 6200N works fine with D-Link DIR-655 router. It has the Atheros chipset and no issues. I also connect from time to time with a DIR-615, which has Atheros as well. When I first bought the Envy in April 2011, I had read that there were different chipsets in routers that would give the chip fits. Mind you...I am connecting single band at 150mbps and do not have any disconnects. I have updated the drivers for the 6200N, each of the generations released and the same...no issues. Granted, it takes dual band N router to connect at 300mbps, just never saw the need for it. As far as the bios addressing fan issues and heat...that will be interesting. 2nd Gen Envy wasn't anywhere near as bad as 1st. Can the heat dissipation be better...absolutely! We shall see if HP fixes or breaks with the new bios. I worked with them on the RAID 0 issue with SSD / HDD combo and they fixed it and did a great job. I worked with them on fixing the Throttling issue...they fixed that even faster. My contact is gone in support, so I no longer get to talk to the correct people, but there are some good engineers at HP. Fingers crossed!

 

At least we know a new BIOS is coming.
Hopefully they release it soon

 

Good time of the day, mates.

I am about to join your league of Envy-17 owners, and I wanted to ask your advice on what generation to choose. The specs will follow.

My use-preference for this laptop is PhotoshopCS 5.5 and in future CS6, Lightroom 4, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, MathCAD, HD movies. All of these will be used regularly and not just on occasional basis.

The laptop will be a desktop replacement, I am not planning on taking it around much often. Only occasionally. Battery life, only important to watch a movie, occasionally unplugged from the grid. Intel HD 3000 should be fine for this purpose, thus saving battery life. Correct me IF I am wrong.

I am torn between 2 generations.

2070NR for $945 refurbished.

Processor CPU Intel Quad Core i7-2630QM 2.0GHz
System Memory 6GB DDR3
Hard Drive 1TB (2x500GB 7200RPM)
Optical Drive Slot-Load Blu-ray ROM with DVD Burning
Display Size 17.3" (1920x1080)
Display Type Full HD Ultra BrightView Infinity LED
Graphic Card ATI Radeon HD6850 with 1GB GDDR5 dedicated video memory
Wireless Card Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200 AGN
Bluetooth Yes
Network Features 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet
Webcam Yes
Input Devices Full-size backlit keyboard, Fingerprint reader
Audio Speakers Beats Audio and HP Triple Bass Reflex Subwoofer
Ports And Connectors (3)USB 2.0 - (1)SuperSpeed USB 3.0 - (1) VGA - (1) HDMI - (1)mini-Display Port - (1) Headphone jack - (1)Microphone jack
Media Card Slot Multi-Format Digital Media Card Reader
Battery Type 6-cell and 9-cell Lithium-ion
Operating System Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Other Features Integrated Microphone, Wireless Display
Condition Factory Refurbished

And brand new 3xxx from HP website with 400$ coupon - 1100$.

Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
2nd generation Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-2450M Processor (2.5 GHz with Turbo Boost up to 3.1 GHz)
FREE 2-year Norton Internet Security subscription (a $99 value). Pre-installed.
1GB AMD Radeon(TM) HD 7690M GDDR5 Discrete Graphics(TM) [HDMI, DP]
6GB 1333MHz DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
750GB 7200 rpm Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
Microsoft(R) Office Starter: reduced-functionality Word/Excel(R) only, No PowerPoint(R)/Outlook(R)
6-Cell Lithium-Ion Battery
17.3-inch diagonal Radiance Full HD Infinity LED-backlit Display (1920x1080)
SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
HP TrueVision HD Webcam
Intel 802.11a/b/g/n WLAN and Bluetooth(R) with Wireless Display Support
Full-size Radiance backlit keyboard
Adobe(R) Photoshop(R) Elements 9 & Adobe Premiere(R) Elements 9
2 year limited warranty included
HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

Does the difference in GPU performance influence CAD in Photoshop workflow, as this performance is influenced by other GPU characteristics than games.

Is the screen fine for photo editing (any photographers here on this forum)?

Battery life on 3xxx is better, it is less noisy and heating issues have been solved as well as throttle issues. Please correct me if I am wrong.

2xxx is cheaper, but's got a better GPU, though I am not sure if it affects CAD and Photo editing workflow that much. Can you advice me on that? It also looks less pretty (3xxx has got more contract between screen and keybord).

Thank you very much for your help/advises/personal experience tips.

cheers.

 

Advantages to the 2xxx Generation:

HM67 Chipset-Basically means that the two drives that you are getting are most likely RAID 0 Configured. That will give you increased throughput on the machine overall.
Radeon HD6850-Has about 20-25% more horsepower than the new generation Envy. Overall, it will be a benefit to you
The 17" display is TTN by LG. Colors are vibrant
The two machines you reference...the 2xxx has an i7 2630 Quad Core
Case is magnesium and laser etched
Bluetooth

Advantage to the 3xxx generation:

Separate heatpipes for the GPU and CPU. The 2xxx has a shared heatpipe
New body design is more aluminum, brushed.
Volume Control wheel
Supposedly a better sound system


I hope some others chime in. All I can tell you is that I have discussed, numerous times, how I am glad that I own the 2xxx version of the Envy. Heat has NOT been a major issue for me. I view movies in HD/3D on mine and even do some gaming and never overheat. The power of the 6850 is a definite major plus.

With all that said...the 2xxx version was around for about nine months. The 3xxx version is going to be around until Ivy Bridge, which is about to be released. In all honesty...if you can hang in for a few months...Get an Ivy Bridge (supposedly a better CPU option and GPU option-one that will at least match the 6850). Ivy Bridge is supposed to add another 10-15% computing power and lower energy consumption.

IF you are faced with this choice RIGHT NOW. I guess my question would be what is the warranty length on the refurb 2xxx? The 3xxx is brand new and will be built for you, where the refurb is totally rebuilt.

If you are purchasing the refurb directly from HP and they are offering a decent warranty...get the 2xxx. If the warranty is one year vs two for the 3xxx...get the 3xxx.

There are other advantages and disadvantages to each, but all in all, both good choices. IF and I mean IF you have the time to wait for Ivy Bridge, which should hit the shelves in a few months...I really suggest you wait. I think that that generation Envy is going to blow both the 2xxx and 3xxx out of the water.

 

Thanks.
The warranty for 2xxx is 90 days. Though it's a trusted US seller.

I know this info is somewhere in the thread, but can you tell me if it's comfortable to work, having laptop on your knees (CAD and Photoshop, internet surfing)? From your experience?

Is noise sufficient to disturb you from Engineering work (I am not playing any games)?

What kind of battery you have and how long does it last?

I am also looking towards 2xxx.

2xxx also comes with 2 battaries, 6 and 9 cell.

 

I use my Envy in my lap every day and it is not a problem. The 2xxx only weighs in at 6.5 lbs and is quite comfortable in my lap.

Noise...what noise? Honestly, even with the fan on the heatpipe going full tilt...this machine is quiet

I have the SIX cell battery. On battery, with the Intel HD grapics card, I get 3 Hours 20 minutes before I get the manditory "shut down". On nine cell, I imagine you will get over 4 to 4 hours and 30 minutes. Either generation Envy will give you great battery time.

 

vmann,

Last month, I was able to get a new open-box 2090NR for $910 @ Micro Center with the full 1-year warranty. Look around, there are deals out there.

I also got the 3-year Care Pack with accidental damage for $178 instead of $299 between my corporate discount and a coupon code from HP direct.

 

New BIOS update vF.1A for the Envy 17 2XXX models has just been released.
There is no official change-log as of now.

You can find the new BIOS here.

 

Here is your changelog:

Fix/Enhancement: - Fixes an intermittent issue where downloading a large file causes the sytem to stop function when the sytem is connected to a network using the wireless LAN (WLAN).

 

Installed. I'll be home wednesday and I'll connect at 300Mbps to my e4200 router and transfer 100GB of media while using wireless display to stream the daily show in 1080 from the laptop screen... Just streaming wirelessly before while being on widi and wlan simultaneously would cause the system to freeze in a couple minutes or less. Without using wireless display if I used synctoy to sync my music from my server at home it would freeze randomly in the first couple minutes.

Both of those should be good burn in tests.

 

Just installed. I will have to give it a workout tonight and pull some stuff down from my corporate FTP as that would choke it every time.

 

Has any of you guys tried to get the IRST gogin on the Envy 17 2xxx?
Alot of us have a SSD running, so I am curious if we can get this to work, would be a really nice feature.
I just got a XPSz for my wife (shame on me, but the Envy 15 screen is just way too bad), and was playing with it.
Technically, from all what I read on intels webpage, it should work, if the Bios supports it. Any ideas?

 

Just install it. It was installed by default with my Intel 320 series SSD direct from HP. The drive itself runs in AHCI mode, from bios and uses Intel's drivers for AHCI. Pretty seamless...

 

Bobmitch, I highly doubt that the Intel Rapid Start Technology was installed on your laptop when it came. It wasn't even released back then.
You are probably talking about the Intel Rapid Storage.
The Intel Rapid Start Technology basically utilizes a partition on your SSD (about 8 Gig) to dump your system status and running programs on it. Rather than shutting your system down, it will go into a hybernation mode, but won't use any energy (you can actually pull the battery out while it is in hybernation). Once you turn it back on, it takes about 15 seconds to be back at where you started (system up and running and all programs already open).
Problem is, that on the Dell I had to upgrade the Bios to make it work, and it messed up quite a bit before when it didn"t work, but since the laptop was out of teh box, no issue there. I'd rather not screw up my Envy, would be a full weekend to get everything back up and going.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PowXYCeNvTI

EDIT:

Just found this one:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareDownloadIndex?cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en&softwareitem=ob-100689-1

Not sure if the Envy CTO 2xxx supports it though. I know that you have to create a partition for it, so just installing won't help. I am a bit afraid of creating teh aprtition though, since it might scre up my syste, partition (been unlucky lately), and just to try it out....That;s why I was hoping that somebody went down this road before.

Ok, more news. The driver I linked to above is officially released for the HP Folio 13. I wish I had a spare laptop to try this ;-)

 

Very interesting, indeed! Almost sounds like over provisioning that other SSD's like Samsung do...but that is more for garbage collection. Don't know why the Envy 2xxx wouldn't support it. The HM67 chipset is the most advanced you'll see in a laptop until Ivy Bridge. However, from what I am now reading...looks like it may require a bios update. There are those on the Dell forum that have installed on their new Sandy Bridge machines and are getting messages that the hardware doesn't support. It is actually a bios feature that requires enabling.

http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/laptop/f/3518/p/19410148/19961723.aspx

 

Well, I was able to pull down a bunch of files from my corporate FTP over wireless without a hitch. Prior to the new BIOS update, this would cause my 2090NR to freeze every time I attempted to do so.

I download 3.3GB with zero issues. Normally, it would freeze within 30 seconds of starting the transfer.

 

snyced a couple GB of media while using wireless display to stream netflix in HD and browsing the web on a different screen.

Only issue was a slight lag in wireless display, i think that may be a problem that's just part of the deal.

 

I swapped out my 6200 for a 6300 and was still stuck using the old driver to prevent freezing. I too would sync my iTunes library with SyncToy and without the driver rollback it would lockup. The swap out of the wifi card didn't help. I updated my bios yesterday and did a clean install with the newest wifi drivers. So far not a SINGLE freeze. I had to leave it going while at work so I'm sure I just jinxed myself. Nice to see HP finally provided an effective (hopefully) fix. I was hoping to see some more throttling issue fixes. I try to play SWTOR on low and it runs fairly well albeit hot as expected. But instead of easing back the CPU to let up on the heat my CPU dives to less than 1GHz and the game freezes. Ilve been using throttle stop to put a manual cap on my multipliers to fix it, but an official fix would be better.

 

Yes, I spent a fair amount of time on that forum trying to figure out my wife's XPS15z. I'd love to be able to get this going on the Envy, maybe I just have to take the plunge and try it with the drivers of the HP Folio. If I pull an image of my SDD beforehand....not much harm should be done. Will be a weekend project. I'll make sure that I'll report any findings.

 

New Intel wireless drivers:

http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=21045

 

wireless fix seems to be working for me via the BIOS update.....

 

I haven't had a lockup since and I've tried several times to recreate the conditions that caused it prior to the new BIOS.

 

What's your connection speed???

 

Was just stopping by the thread & noticed all the freezing problems people had. I was surprised I wasn't the only one. I used to have a random freeze maybe once or trice a day. I tried the bios & wifi N disable trick & now I have a uptime of 5 days.

 

I have a 35/35 internet connection and am connected at 300Mbps to my wireless AP.

Obviously, I did not disable 802.11n.

 

I have a 25/5 and my connection speed (since the latest drivers) is 300Mbps as well. Still haven't flashed the bios yet. My router and 6200N card have always gotten along. Did you notice anything else different with the new bios?

 

I was getting awful speedtest results, but since the BIOS update, that has been rectified.

I notice nothing else since the update.

 

I am wondering if there is a residual effect to this bios update. I know that in the past, the 6200N had issues with certain chipsets. I am wondering what HP did to make it more compatible...Have to do some homework

 

With the new BIOS, my fan should be always on and is louder in idle now.
Also the Cool Sense software doesn't make any changes on settings.
Have you got the same problem?

 

I haven't noticed anything like that, just the usual higher temps if I am running on the Radeon versus the Intel integrated graphics.

 

I'd recommend removing HP Support Assistent, then re-install it. This normally restores its functionality.

 

now that the wireless issue has been solved what remains for me:
-The replacement keyboard doesnt fit properly
-3D display doesnt work (flashes white consistently and continuously)
-Touchpad is still "meh" at best but I doubt that ever gets better
Other than that I'm really happy with my Envy... I'm definitely going to have to upgrade to 8GB of RAM, with 6GB I was down to 750mb free just doing normal stuff with 10 chrome windows open.

 

Have you discussed these issues with HP? If you have "at home" service...get the keyboard replaced again. I have had my keyboard replaced twice on my latest Envy. Seems that whomever built it left the knockoffs inside the machine, and one day a sharp piece of plastic was coming up from under the keyboard. Called and professionally demanded that they replace again. Keyboard the next day and tech the day after that. All is good.

As far as your 3D display...that is unacceptable. Unfortunately, this issue may be one where the machine has to be sent in for repair. Again...you must stand firm and tell them that if the machine is returned and NOT in proper shape, that you will take it to HP Execs and get the machine replaced. That is how my second Envy came to pass. Repair depot send my original back in terrible shape. LED lights didn't work. Had a defective motherboard (original one died on me), to where I had to power up, power down and power up a second time to get the machine to run. They also frayed my SSD cable and some other issues as well...was a real mess. Touchpad is nothing to write home about. I got myself a Microsoft Bluetooth Mouse 5000 and use it all the time. You can find them for around $29 on places like Amazon.

The second generation Envy is still a top flight machine. Make HP make it a great experience for you...if you need help...reach out...I will help steer you. Tech support is North American out of Little Rock, Arkansas and repair depot is just outside Nashville, TN.

 

The Envy touchpad is by far the worst pointing device I have used in 30 years of computer ownership.

I got fed up today and put my laptop in place of my old desktop machine it replaced and am using a full-size keyboard, mouse, and my 37" 1080p TV as a monitor.

 

I'm having the exact same issue. Whenever I have the radeon activated the fans are always on. this never used to be the case. It's gotten to the point where i leave it disabled even when I have it plugged in.

 

I am doing the same. I only use the Radeon when I am running a game or something, and then I make sure I am using my cooling pad.

 

I just updated to the latest bios and so far the fan is not kicking on as much. Will have to keep an eye on it but so far so good.

I had a bunch of updates I had to install as I haven't installed any in a while. Hopefully things run a little quieter now.

Sort of off topic, are any 2XXX owners thinking of splurging for the new model? I saw the 3D version for 1200 bucks online and was almost tempted. However, I don't see much reason to upgrade other than the better screen. how much better is it?

 

Personally, I'd wait for a 4th generation Envy 17. There's a minor performance improvement between 2nd gen and 3rd gen Envy. Plus, there are rumors that HP is going to up the graphics on the Envy 17 3rd gen, so might as well wait if your current Envy serves you well.

 

Hi all, please please could some kind expert give advice on which model envy to buy - either 2001er (2011er) model or this years 3001er model.

I'm in Europe and there's a big price difference between these models of hp envy 17. This years model is more than 325 dollars more expensive.
seems to me they both have the radiance screen and same fhd res. Gpu cards are pretty equal too.
Has anyone compared these models? Are there any differences in build quality or screen colour accuracy/brightness?
I've read that the 2001er model has wifi issues and some overheating problems. Are these pretty much fixed now?
Cpu is bit different, but that doesn't matter to me. (neither are 3d, but i figure it's not worth buying 3d for lot more money just to get extra 60hz refresh.

Can anyone comment if this years model is actually worth that extra money??

Thanks a lot for any advice!