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

Very nice work!
I have another month before I have to give up my old DV6. I'm going to wait and see if a faster HDD is available by then. I don't think I want the 5400....

 

Thanks slotti and timcfox,

ill have a look for an hp store on the east cost, and look at costco tomorrow, i was looking on ebay and i found someone who ships envys to canada, my only concern is how long that would take, so i was wondering when you order the envy you get a build date, is that the date they start configuring your laptop? or is that the date its supposed to be delivered to you? and does this often get delayed? I would just be ordering a stock laptop so i figure that should come sooner than something customised?

The reason i ask is that im flying out of canada on may 3rd, so if the laptop has a build date of april 13th, im hoping thats the date it would reach the ebay seller giving him time to ship it to me

 

KJ

To be honest your "deal" sounds quite confusing but I trust you're getting your money's worth....haha. Still though it sounds like you will have to wait longer. But I'm sure it will be worth it

 

Magic word is if. I wish you all the luck, keep us posted.

 

Could you just get an aftermarket 640GB 7200RPM HDD? It is not like HDD's are expensive to upgrade outside of the OEM...

 

This is my plan. I was debating on aftermarket SSD, but I would go for min. 256 GB and that can't really be had for cheap yet. So I am currently debating on the WD Scorpio Black ($100 for 756GB) or Seagate Momentus XT ($100 for 500GB). I know a lot of members on here favour the Scorpio, but most real time test still show the XT up front (minimal though).
Either way, together with a new caddy (if you want to keep the 5400rpm for storage) you'll be no more than $130. Bottom line, if the non availability of the 7200 stock drives is the only reason why anybody is holding off....

 

Wow...just noticed I have a dead pixel in the right center of the screen. Either that or a piece of dust got in. It's a faint black color, almost grey. I've tried the pressure method and it won't go away. Just knowing it's there draws my eyes to it all the time...incredibly annoying.

Edit: Apparently, HP's warranty does not cover one dead pixel. If I told them there were several of them, would the in-house technician actually verify the problem first? When I had a Dell house calls, they went to work straight away without checking.

 

mcchea, if I may ask, how long have you owned your Envy 17 3D SB? If its less than 21 days you can send it back. I do hope its only dust..... I am always weary about stories regarding sending lap for a fix and getting other issues back, ugh.

KJ

 

It's been almost two weeks but I really don't want to go through the hassle of waiting for a replacement and installing everything again. I do am paranoid that I will end up getting a replacement with even more dead pixels. It's only noticeable on a white screen. I just purchased the 3 year in-house warranty so hopefully they can send someone to replace the screen or open it up to see if it's dust (I'm worried that more dust will get in during the process of opening it).

 

Have you explained the "deal" that you got yet?

Or did I miss it?

 

TheAtreidesHawk, not yet. I dropped "her" at FEDEX several hours ago. I went to my HP.com account and it has not even updated yet has having notice of this action... As soon as I get some notice I will most def. give out the numbers/savings/coupons that Donna and her supervisor worked out for me, and what I ended up paying extra.

As to mcchea's situation. I'm glad you have the 3 year in home service. It will come in handy right away I see. My suggestion to you is this...if you haven't already called HP Envy support regarding this issue and requested the in home service, I'd do it ASAP, assuming they are open on the weekends. Make sure someone from HP or authorized by HP comes to evaluate and hopefully fix your Envy THIS WEEK!!!

I would hate for you to go past day 21 and then if the issue is more complicated and you have to send it back to HP...you lose time anyway without a laptop.... So, if they can fix it ASAP, good for you. If they cannot, I suggest before your 21 days are up you recall HP Envy support line, tell the rep the whole situation. Afterwards, get the rep to give you a REFERENCE #. You will need this number when he/she transfers you to the HOME & OFFICE department to re-order you Envy....

Now, the following pertains to you, and anyone who has bought a recent Envy 17 SB or an Envy 17 3D SB that is returning their unit before the 21 days return/exhange cutoff to receive a new replacement. Please take note from my recent experince (last night) and a couple of other NBR members who might have gotten a similar upgrade.

You all realize HP took away the 640GB 7200rpm HDD option as a single choice. If you call to reorder/reconfigure the Home & Office rep will configure it with the lowest possible option, the 1TB 5400rpm, some might give you the 2TB 5400rpm.....but guess what? DO NOT ACCEPT THIS OPTION!!! I hope you all understand. I will repeat, what I told the rep, I needed the speed, and therefore ordered with the 7200 in the first place. If I wanted a slow 5400rpm I could have ordered that.

They can't argue with that. Make it clear its a must option, no ifs, ands, or buts, ok? Hold your ground. Hopefully you will get a good rep like mine. He at least said its beyond his authority, which seems right. I did offer to pay an extra $300 for the combo 160GB SSD + 640GB 7200rpm HDD because I knew there is a good chance they would just ask me to return my Envy for a refund and part ways with HP, which I had no intention to do. Show good faith, and offer to pay something for it. (SSD/HDD combo) When you get escalated to the Resolutions dept....explain how you paid for the 640GB 7200 in the orginal price. All you want, is to offer them a reasonable amount for the SSD drive. Realize the $580 they are asking for is not the price of the SSD...those are around $385 and up..I googled it. They are charging you for both drives, but you ALREADY paid for the 640GB! I realized that last night quickly when I spoke to Donna. It made sense to her, and she was more receptive to go with my deal.

That is what I really wanted everyone who sends it back for replacement to be aware of your options and not to allow HP to DOWNGRADE your sexy Envy's power, UPGRADE is the way to go. For $300 more I felt I got a discount on the SSD...but I actually paid a bit less than $300...Details to follow soon, promise guys. Summary, do not agree to any 5400 drive option, only the SSD/HDD combo option. HP sent you a defective laptop in some way and its up to them to make it right...Donna was cool with me. Hopefully if you guys go through a similar process you will have a decent rep. Also I gave her high marks on the survey afterwards. The least I could do for thanking her.

KJ

 

I think I could live with the one dead pixel. I really don't want to risk it by getting a replacement screen or laptop with other issues. With so many people having hardware issues with their new Envy 17 3Ds (gap in edges, dead/stuck pixels, hard drive problems, raised touch pad), I think having just one dead pixel that is only noticeable on a white background is good enough.

However, once the new warranty goes through, I will get them to send someone over to replace the screen. I'll check the new one for any dead pixels or defects and have the tech put the old one back in if the replacement has any defects.

 

Hmmm I wish we could do a survey or how many people have ordered the SB Envy 17 3D and did NOT have to return it?

I'm starting to worry about the build quality...all these random issues and especially the SSD issue are really disturbing.

I understand its a new product or whatever but you'd think after all this waiting they would have churned out some decently working units...

 

I agree with that. A survery would be very nice. Yes, it is a very nice laptop....and yet... their QA is a bit questionable. Even from the the get go with the 1st gen Envy17/3D... we had warped metal, heating issues, and more.... Yes, the parts are amazing, the finish and look top notch..so why not have each Envy hand/eye inspected by a supervisor/expert in Envy build quality? Is that too much to ask for?

It also raised the question: Is it less costly for HP to send out laptops not fully QA and have them returned than to hire a QA person?

To be honest...I am excited about getting my last issue sorted out and receiving an amazing Envy next month, but if there are any more issues with it...I might just get dv7 from Costco and be happy. For some odd reason, the QA, or just the build on the dv7 generics from Costco seem well built. So, we'll see...Its Envy or bust...and then dv7 LOL.

KJ

 

I could...but I'm in no hurry. If I can save +$100 by getting the faster HDD straight from the factory...then there is no need for me to pay extra cash.

I "almost" wish I would have ordered mine with the 7200's were still available...but I wanted to let everyone else beta test the new DV6/7's and Envy 17's.

I really didn't want/need an Envy with 3D....but since I can get $500 off....and the new DV6/7's do not have back-lit keyboards...I may go this route.

 

I could get a 640GB 7200RPM HDD for less than that... +100 is overly expensive for a 640GB. You can get a 750GB for that much. I think you missed my point...

 

You talked sense and these maniacs missed your point?

Big surprise.

 

So when I get this laptop, I'll have to get it with the 1tb 5400rpm because the sdd+hdd upgrade is too expensive. I'll probably get a WD Scorpio black since I've heard great things about those drives, and I was wondering: is there any noticeable difference in speed between the 320gb and the 500gb? It would take me a while to even fill up the 320gb, so size isn't very important for me. Plus I'll have that 1tb drive on hand if I need it. I figure if there is no difference in speed, I might aswell save a couple bucks and go with the 320.

 

The Scorpio Black 750 is probably the fastest 7200 rpm hard drive out there. It is definately about 25% faster than the 320 (I have the 320...believe me)...and about 15-20% faster than the 500. It has larger platters to make it faster. If you are willing to spend about $100 you can get that drive...

 

When thinking about it, the 1TB 5400rpm drive is excellent for my use, since Im gonna be using it as a secondary drive, the reduced power requirement and heat will be nice. But for a primary drive, I would never settle for less than 7200rpm. (Or to be honest, Id never settle for less than a SSD)

 

Hey, I was reading through here and saw the multiple conversations regarding SSD's and I'm starting to think that I should get one myself. My Envy 17 3D hasn't arrived yet but I figure I should plan ahead. I know an SSD greatly increases the speed of a system but I was wondering which files should be stored on the SSD and which ones should go on the HDD. Generally, I would guess that I should place the OS (As shipped from the manufacturer) on the SSD by imaging it over from the HDD when the system arrives. Is this a good practice? Can I install my other applications on the HDD? I was going to get an Intel 40 GB SSD simply because of it's low cost and the fact that Windows 7 is generally 20 GB's at installation. The 40 GB SSD would function along-side the 1TB 5400 rpm drive.

Here's a link to the SSD I'm looking at: Intel® - X25M Mainstream Solid State 40GB Internal Serial ATA Hard Drive for Laptops - Silver - BBSSD2MP040K5

I would appreciate any advice on this topic.

 

No....I got your point....you just missed mine.....so back at you...

I'm in no hurry....
I may "consider it" later on....
But right now, I don't NEED the computer. Hell, I don't NEED an Envy at all, and I have ZERO use for 3D....don't want it....won't use it. The ONLY reason I'm looking at an Envy is because of the backlit keyboard and the fact that I'm getting $500 off for my bad SB mobo. The Envy is several hundred dollars more than a DV7 with a "similar" build...and for what I use the computer for...it is extra money NOT well spent.
So with that said....I'll simply wait to see if there is a different HDD (or upgrade) that becomes available. Again, I don't NEED this computer. It is just a replacement for a 7 year old desktop that has not been used in +6 months....I'm not even using the HP I just purchased....being that there is an 18 month old desktop along with my work laptop sitting right next to me. I'm in no hurry what so ever...


New 7200 rpm HDD + caddy = +$100...... Why spend it now when I can wait? And why have one 7200 RPM drive and one 5400 rpm drive?

 

Hi had the same thought last night, maybe we could have a survey to see how many people have been having issues with their envys - so far it seems to be 50/50 ??

I was also thinking if we should compile a list of "potential defects" that new envy owners should look for? So for e.g.

- Dead Pixel Issues
- Dents on the exterior
- Hard Drive corruption (is there a test for this? )

It also seems like those who recieve their envys with damaged boxes almost always have some sort of issue - perhaps their laptop wasnt handled well during shipping?

To be honest the more I read about the envy the more I think its a laptop that you have to get and test thoroughly to make sure its ok, I wish you could pay an extra $50 to have it QA'd properly..

 

I also am in need of the same advice as others in this thread, which small capacity SSD should I purchase to load Windows 7 and other time sensitive applications? In other words, what's the best bang for your buck and is it easy to install and make it work in tandem with the 1tb hdd that comes standard in the envy? Thanks!

 

I am planning on adding an SSD after the fact. I currently have one in my desktop and you truly cannot go back after you have used one. Aside from the price (worth every penny) I am a bit concerned with adding an SSD to my hp because I do not think all the drivers and programs (non bloatware) are available for download so that leaves with with burning restore disks using HP's built in factory restore program, installing the SSD, and restoring to that drive. What concerns me is HP says they require the same config for the restore disks to work and I don't know if putting a smaller, different drive in there will affect that. Another concern is if the HP system restore will properly load windows 7 on an SSD.

If anyone has successfully done this conversion easily it would be great to hear from you.

 

Update: HP just dropped the price of both Envy 17s, and put the Envy 14 Beats edition back up. The Envy 17s were able to receive a price drop, because they now come standard with a 750gb 5400rpm (<- ) hdd, rather than the 1tb. The beats Envy 14 is $100 more than the standard, but does come with the 640gb 7200rpm hdd rather than the standard Envy 14's 500gb 7200rpm hdd. So you basically pay $50 for "coolness".

 

I haven't thought of that. I expected Windows7 to come on a DVD (since you're paying for it like a normal retail version), and then just insert the SSD and install windows like normal afterwards, but I guess it's not that simple?

 

No. Instead you have to run something called ABR to backup your activation, then download a windows 7 disc from microsoft's digital river website (and then modify it a bit so it'll work for any and all windows, there's a thread on the main HP forum)

 

Guess it's easier to just pirate windows, seeing as I've paid for it anyway.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/windows-os-software/428068-legal-windows-7-download-links-just-like-vista-before.html
Works like a charm.

 

yes. that.

http://directedge.us/files/abr/ABRbeta.exe there's ABR.

It only works on OEM windows keys and let's you bypass having to call microsoft to reactivate your windows key after a clean install.

 

I am new to HP, planning to order my Envy 17 3D tomorrow. As I always own IBM / Lenovo Thinkpad.
My question is when you do a fresh install from the backed up recovery disc that you made. Are the Windows 7 supposed to be part of the back up disc too? Since it is pre-intalled? I read some earlier post, they mentioned have to reinstall Windows 7 separatly with its original disc which does not come with it? I have done twice fresh install with my Thinkpad and once with my husband's Sony Vaio, the Windows has always be part of the back up disc. I am not sure I miss something here?

BTW thanks to everyone here, I would have never known a Swiss bank is offering 25% off, but I am still envy you guys in the US could customise your Envy, in Switzerland we can't.

 

So the previous $580 of the SSD combo drives and the new $630 assures HP will not lose those $50 in difference. They basically did not really lower the price per se, its just they are offering the 750GB 5400rpm HDD, to make it more attrative to buyers who want to save another $50 and are not aware that you can save more buy using coupons or calling HP and speaking with a sales rep to negotiate a better price.

The only way it would be cheaper is if they stuck with the 1TB 5400rpm HDD and offered it for that lower price.

KJ

 

Oh I didn't notice the price bump for that upgrade. Doesn't really surprise me though.

 

So I've started to lean back towards SSDs for a boot drive. Would this be a good choice? Amazon.com: Crucial RealSSD C300 - Solid state drive - 64 GB - internal - 2.5" - SATA-600: Electronics

 

I was going to go this way however this will just do a fresh install of Win 7. Normally I would do this upon getting a new computer anyways just to get rid of bloatware however I do not believe you can download all the drivers and programs needed on the E17 3d from HP. If I am correct you have to find a way to keep the setup from the factory. I thought about the copying the SWSetup folder however I cannot determine if that has everything either. Anyone try this yet?

 

I believe it is the license that is actually being sold. You can download the windows ISO legally from MS free of charge and apply you license files to the installation to get it activated.

Sorry delayed late post! Just noticed a reply to this already.

 

I searched the C:\SWSETUP directory. Found 90% of all that would be needed to restore an Envy 17 3D...EXCEPT...the most integral part...TriDef 3D software that allows games and movies in 3D...so when you restore, you get a regular Envy. Has anyone ever found the TriDef on their HDD??? I have extra Win7 licenses (bought the family upgrade pak) and still have one license left...but if no TriDef, then can't really do...

I sent a service request to TriDef to get their thoughts. Early on in this thread, I thought that I read that someone upgraded to Win 7 Professional and installed TriDef from the website. Hopefully, TriDef will give us an idea of what we can do...

 

I've found that 40 is not likely to be quite enough... I have a 40GB system partition and a 40GB user-profile partition, and I've found that 40 gigabytes is barely enough for a full Windows system installation with essential apps such as Office 2010.
In fact, that partition is so full, I can't even run a system-state backup. There isn't enough space to make a volume shadow copy.
I'd suggest 64GB as a safer minimum.

 

KillaJoe...

Did you get a projected ship date on your new machine? I ordered my new one on 3/18 with Apr 8 estimated date. Even new orders are only 3 days later. I was told that there were issues for about 10 days...but supposedly HP is caught up and at least "on time"

 

swsetup folder should have everything you need.

not all of it will be in drivers I bet (some may be elsewhere in that folder)

edit: *reads farther into the thread* ok that does suck if they don't include the tridef software anywhere


http://ddd.com/cart/pages.php?pageid=15 that may work.

 

Magus...

Don't know where you found the url...but that should fix that!

 

Donna mentioned about April 20th which seems way too far off since if I go to HP.com I can get one now by April 13th. I think she just wanted to be safe and was adding a few days just to be safe, but I'm sure it could be sooner. Also, I only dropped of my Envy to FEDEX Friday afternoon after the cutoff. So its gonna still be here until Monday when it gets going. Once HP has it, then My new Envy should start to be built..... I'm just ready to finish with thie waiting game, install my software, update, yadda yadda, and enjoy the Envy for a long time!


KJ

 

Ok, I know many of you have posted about burning your own DVDs when you get the laptop and also make a copy of the SWSETUP folder....

My question is why are you going to do both???

If you make a DVD set of the OS/Windows, why do you need to also copy the SWSETUP.... Aren't the two basically the same thing? I would imagine the DVDs are like an "iso" so all you do is insert the DVDs by order and you have the exact system back up and running (but I understand you can't do that if you install a different HDD or an SSD.) I suppose then you need to copy from the copy of the SWSETUP folder? Can someone clarify? Thanks.

But if I get the config from HP with the SSD, and burn the DVDs, then theortically I could use those DVDs to restore the system to factory settings without copying the SWSETUP folder? Less work is better, lol.

KJ

 

Bobmitch. You can back up your current windows license and restore it after you fresh install windows. There are many tools available for this and they are not illegal. Essentially what you are doing is backing up the certificate and restoring it.

Besides the factory install of windows laptops is usually bound to the BIOS. Meaning that you do not have to reactivate with MS if you reenable the certificate.

 

well. the recovery discs are burnt in case you HAVE to go back to factory (and also HP customer reps sometimes ask you about them and if you don't have them they deny service. though that was years ago and may not be policy anymore).

You save swsetup since you want the drivers and some of the other programs if you decide to clean install

 

Starting to get a bit of buyers remorse here when I hear that software like TriDef isn't included, and you lose it when you format. That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. That's like selling a car that won't roll any longer when you switch tires. HP would be seriously retarded if they pulled something like this.

Also someone told me nVidia's 3D solution is way better as it's not software based. Dunno if it's true though.

 

Well, considering that HP refunded an additional $120.00 to my credit card I suppose that a larger SSD would be a good use of that money. Does anyone have any recommendations?

 

Apoxxx, don't have buyers remorse! Don't know what you are hearing, but that is not correct. The Envy I just returned for a bad MOBO, was very well built, I had no gaps, scratches, etc...I really wanted to keep her...anyway, yes, the Envy 17 3D SB includes the Tridef software. Also if you happen to do a clean install I suppose you can always get a free copy from Tridef's website.

By the way, when is your Envy coming to you?

KJ

 

I am shopping for a SSD as well and this is what I have been looking at.
The intel is on sale here:
Intel SSDSA2MH120G2K5 Intel SSDSA2MH120G2K5 X25-M 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive MLC (* FREE Total War Shogun2 download w/purchase, while supplies last!) from mwave.com
but though a lot of people seem to like the intel, since it has proven to be reliable, I am somehow leaning towards the Samsung, which at 128gb is quite affordable as well:
Samsung 470 Series MZ-5PA128/US 2.5" Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)