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

I am getting worried. Does anybody still have her? She seems to love her home so much that she finds ways to be shipped back to her creators.

 

Yes they also tried to pawn off the 5400RPM drives on me. Seriously though this is a high end system why they don't offer 7200RPM drives is beyond me. Anyway I read your post this weekend and I told them basically the same thing you did. I noticed they also come with a recovery disc option now so I picked up one of those (I tried to do a system repair this weekend and disk 1 was corrupted).

 

Can you please be more specific on the SSD deal?

I am going to have to re-order as well and the SSD is the only option not to get the Envy 17 with a 5400rpm right now.

 

I got some discounts due to the fact my computer died within a week, you know standard incentives that they usually do in these situations and the fact that my previous system had the 640gb 7200 drive which gave me some ammo for a discount.

My new configuration cost under 2300 total.

 

I do hope you mean under $1300.00. $2300.00 is a bit much.

EDIT:
Though I suppose that adding the other processor and the SSD could bring you up there.

 

I am going to post my full deal details once she's in production. But since you are about to reorder I did post that I offered to pay an additional $300 to HP for the SSD/HDD combo drives. I paid about $290 and change extra than my previous deal, so I thought it was fair. I just didn't feel they would just give me the $580 combo drive for free, although I already paid for the 7200rpm in the original order as I told resolutions, so I offered to only pay what I though was fair for the SSD. Maybe I paid to much? LOL.

P.S. SpartanJet, nice deal by the way.

KJ

 

Stephan C, not if SpartanJet got the same config as me. Although he also added the $19 recovery DVDs... but roughly after taxes the cost is....

$2,851.54 << Retail with no discount. Maybe add another $19 to his. Config. below. SpartanJet must have saved over $551+ to 571+
HP ENVY 17 3D customizable Notebook PC

XW930AV


•Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
•No Additional Office Software
•2nd generation Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2820QM (2.3 GHz, 8MB L3 Cache) with Turbo Boost up to 3.4 GHz
•1GB GDDR5 Radeon(TM) HD 6850M Graphics [HDMI]
•8GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
•800GB 7200RPM Dual Hard Drive (SSD 160GB + 640GB 7200RPM)
•One 6-Cell and One 9-Cell Lithium Ion Battery
•17.3" diagonal Full HD HP 3D Ultra BrightView Infinity LED Display (1920x1080)
•Blu-ray player & SuperMulti DVD burner
•HP TrueVision HD Webcam
•Intel 802.11a/b/g/n WLAN and Bluetooth(R)
•Backlit Keyboard
•Adobe(R) Photoshop(R) Elements 9 & Adobe Premiere(R) Elements 9
•HP 3D Active Shutter Glasses
•HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope


KJ

 

^^
Thanks both for the info.

Do we know what brand or the specs for the SSD 160GB coming with the Envy?

 

Killa Joe:
For that price I would call and demand that a supervisor checked my system for imperfections before it was shipped to me. If it got there and there was a single blemish or dent, there would be some serious problems.

 

I'm going to stick with the 1 TB HDD at 5400 RPMs and install an SSD when it gets here. I need the 1 TB of space and the speed of an SSD.

 

100% right on! I have posted several times about this. Q&A should open up the laptop before shipment. Check for scratches, dents, imperfections of ANYKIND!!! Even turn the monitor on to assure the buyer of a zero dead/stuck pixel! HP had done nicely with the look of the Envy. Its sexy and sleek no doubt, yet they need to bump up their Q&A as they did for the 2 year warranty and wonderful Envy customer support and return policy....

If HP continues to improve in that department, they may very well be the ultimate conumer computer company to go to.

KJ

 

Killa Joe:
I think I'll ask tomorrow. It seems like it'd be fairly easy to do. After all, these systems are being made from scratch and it's not like they're just flying off the assembly line so fast that an employee can't inspect them. They're laser etched with a unique design, I'm certain that takes time, they should spend that time inspecting my system.

 

Really? Well, good for you. Seriously, I'd love it if after you speak with HP, let us know what they said. I am not exactely sure how you can get them to inspect your laptop before shipment. Is it really possible? I just can't imagine in that big manufacturing plant in Shanghai China they will get a real call from HP in the USA telling them order number so and so...please check it personally before shipment back to USA!

I mean, I think that is what they should do with at least the Envy line, and Elitebooks, all premiums notebooks of course...but who knows.... not sure if its in an effort to save time and ship quicker that they skip that part...but again, hope HP will start to inspect the units, because until now, I doubt they ever have since the first gen. Envy 17 3D when we received units with warped metal bodies below the display right of the powe buttom simply because the screws in the battery compartment were overtightened... Easily could have been fixed if a human either screwed it with care, or inspected it after the machine arm did its job badly...lol.


KJ

 

Been out of the loop a bit, any word if the newer Envys have the top of the clickpad raised as well? It really isn't a big deal, but I'd like to know if mine is defective in that way regardless. I wouldn't send it back to get that fixed, honestly, as I have an otherwise flawless laptop (no dead/stuck pixels thank God!), but I might call to have a note made to fix that as well, in the event I should ever have to send it in for service regardless.

 

I posted all the pertinent info in a previous posting. It's an Intel.

 

With the 20% discount going on now. One can get it down from $2,851 to $2,280.

 

You mean with the 20% discount for the Envy 17 SB? I haven't heard of new Envy 17 3D SB coupons of lately .... but as I've posted earlier regarding the Envy 17 SB coupon...if you get a nice rep. willing to work with you, then that coupon may be used for your purchase of the 3D. Best of luck.

KJ

 

So has anyone had their Envy ship recently? It's been two weeks since mine was ordered.

 

No, and I'm starting to become impatient really quickly. However, the longer they have it; the more time I have to get them to hand over ridiculous discounts.

 

Hi! Please, can anybody tell me: wich drive (ssd or hdd) used as system pre-installed in envy 17?

(Sorry for my language, i'm from Russia and my bear prevents me a lot)

 

Is there a second HDD Drive Caddy pre-installed? There are only two models available in germany, one is pretty good, but I'm not sure whether a second drive caddy is pre-installed.
Can anyone here comment on that topic? Obviously someone who ordered an envy with only one hard drive.

 

no, there is one Drive Caddy

 

You are right. This is a new promotion. and only 175 use. See this link:
HP Deals, Computer Coupons and Bargains - GotApex?

 

Any word on a possible Envy 17 refresh? When SB hit the DV6/7 in early January...it was only a few weeks later when refresh was announced for the DV6/7. I'm asking because it seems odd that the Envy is still using the 1 piece touchpad, and (also) because the return date for those of us that have bad SB mobo's has been pushed back to May 15th. So I have just under 7 weeks to wait an see if HP will pull their head out of their behinds and either put a real touchpad and 7200 rpm on the Envys, properly price the non 3D Envy 17, and/or add a back-lit keyboard to the new DV6/7.

 

any chance for some answers?

 

This is a question on the fan in the HP Envy. I have posted earlier that the fan in the Envy seems to be always on (this is not the case with the dv7t qe). What is the life of the fan? Is there a chance that the fan will break down at some point of time even though the laptop is working fine and then necessitate my getting the fan fixed?

 

Hmmm where's dlleno disappeared off to I wonder?

Anyways Engadget just posted an article yesterday about Intel's new line of SSDs....

Intel rolls out third-generation SSD 320 Series drives -- Engadget

According to that press release:

Intel SSD 320 prices, based on 1,000-unit quantities, are as follows:

40GB at $89;
80GB at $159;
120GB at $209;
160GB at $289;

300GB at $529


AND

600GB at $1,069. Check retailers/e-tailers for consumer pricing. All models include a limited 3-year warranty from Intel.

That 300 GB sounds pretty sweet to me...what do you guys think? I'm more inclined to buy from Intel than any other company just because I trust them more due to their long history when it comes to tech...

But considering the current prices and the space you'll get for that price I think I may actually just get the 1 TB option and get that SSD...

 

The Envy 17 SB has already been released and there are no plans to replace the trackpad with a newer generation. The lack of a single 7200RPM drive option is still a mystery; though speculated that it's due to parts shortage.

Depends on which drive option you order with your Envy. If you purchase the SSD+HDD option, the SSD is installed as your system drive. However there is a problem where HP might raid0 (stripe) your SSD and HDD together thereby reducing your overall available space and slowing your system down. I had to break the stripe and reinstall my laptop using my OS recovery disks to fix this problem. I'm not sure if HP has addresses this deficiency yet in their production process.

No problem, them pesky bears are always getting in the way!

 

I dont think the lack of a 7200 rpm hd is due to a parts shortage because its available on other HP models INCLUDING the Envy 17 if you get the dual drive. This is the one thing thats keeping me from ordering and Im getting really annoyed.

 

Thanks!!

.........

 

My recommendation is to buy the cheapest drive from HP and create recovery disks when you get your computer. Then buy an SSD or Momentus XT 500GB for $99 at NewEgg and swap out the HP drive. You can then put the HP drive into the secondary HD spot or save it for warranty and BSOD diagnosis.

If you get an SSD for the Envy 17 SB, you should get one that supports SATA III. The Intel 510 series does. The 320 series does NOT. Since you have SATA III, you might as well take advantage of the 500MB/s transfer rate.

The $99 Momentus XT drive will be faster than any 7200 RPM drive you get anyway - just don't forget to update the firmware to version SD24.

 

I've been asking for a while as well but I've given up. I think everyone is off enjoying their laptop and we should just assume everyone is getting 8 hours of battery life while running on GPU

 

jywang, thanks for the suggestion. I dunno, Im not all about doing that stuff. Its a little too involved and too much room for error or something to get messed up. Plus I dont wanna have to spend another 100 bucks to fix HP's problem. They should offer a 7200rpm hard drive, period. Until they do Im not buying their product. Why would I buy the newest, fastest laptop with the slowest hard drive? Its rediculous.

 

I agree....I appreciate the suggestion...but I don't want to have to spend extra time and money fixing something that should not be an issue on a flagship computer. It isn't like 7200rpm HDD's were never offered....they just stopped doing it about 10 days ago....yet the are still offered on the DV6/7's....that is crazy...

Yeah...I'll wait also...

 

I don't have any standard tests for battery life or I would have posted any information I had. I tested my 6 and 9 cell the first time I drained/charged I got almost 3 hours of idle on the 6 cell and over 5 hours on the 9 cell using the Intel GPU. Watched a full DVD and had over 35% left on the 6 cell as well. Thats about all I have done on battery power so far.

 

1. 9 cell - 5h 5m on Intel graphics

2. Looks the same to me. Beautiful screen.

3. Palm rest barely gets warm on idle or under normal use. Don't know about gaming.

4. Whisper quiet most of the time. Sometimes you can hear the fan. Very quiet overall though.

5. The clickpad is IMHO a matter of personal opinion.

6. The included charger is a brick. You can buy a slim charger for travel (I bought one - link was included in one of my previous posts).

 

I know, I was hopeing someone would post some actual battery life figures by now. The 2.25 hrs for the SB i7 w/ switchable does not seem right.

EDIT: Thanks SpartanJet

 

Palm rest gets pretty warm when gaming. Not to the point where it is unusable but it is a little uncomfortable. Max temps hit so far while gaming have been 76 degrees C, with a cooling pad also.

 

Good luck waiting. Hope they have a $300 off coupon though when you do decide to buy. The way I look at it:

• take $100 of your $300 off and buy a better 7200RPM hdd (using the 5400RPM as a data drive)...
• or wait for HP to deliver their stock 7200 RPM option and then pay a $300 premium since coupons may not be available...
• or wait for a $300 coupon to coincide with the appearance of a 7200 RPM drive...

​

Me, I'll sit back and enjoy my laptop.

 

frankie011, I agree you should not have to buy an SSD and reinstall stuff. I'd call HP in your case and explain how you are a loyal customer, and have been waiting for the SB version of the Envy 17 3D. You are not happy that they took the 7200rpm drive single option away unless you get the SSD combo . Explain you need it for your line of work yadda yadda, and would appreciate it if they worked with you on a "special" deal to allow you to upgrade to the SSD and 7200. This will not be in the HP sales rep. authority, and they will transfer you to HP RESOLUTIONS. If the rep does not suggest it, then you should. Resolutions department have special powers/authority to grant most anything, expect cure major disease.

Well, sure I was making a little humor of it all, but Resolutions does have authority to work with you, but your story must be good. Be patient and polite and stick to your guns. I do hope you give it a shot, at least once...you may actually be surprised that they bend to your will. It can not hurt, and at best you'll get the sexy Envy 17 3D SB with SSD and 7200 rpm drive. Let us know what happens.

P.S. By the way, HP has my status : In Production!! So, I will post the deal I worked with HP a few days ago.... tonight. frankieo11, yes, I worked a deal to get the SSD/HDD combo with HP, but I had a bad MOBO to start with. Gotta run, will check in tonight.

KJ

 

But keep in mind that some of us are in a different situation. A lot of us that purchased new DV6/7's in Janaury with $500 off coupons have until May 15th to return those DV6/7's because of the bad SB recall. That is why April 30th and (now) May 15th keep getting talked about. It looks like our $500 off coupons from the DV6/7's are being honored on the Envy's if we call a sales rep.
So for myself...waiting isn't an issue. It isn't like I am computer-less....I have a brand new DV6 with a Sandy Bridge i7 and a 7200 rpm HDD that I can return at anytime up until May 15th for a full refund...and it is also connected to a $500 off coupon if I exchange it. It simply makes more sense for some of us to wait up to 6 weeks to see if a better HDD is offered. If worse comes to worse, we can always swap our 5xxx DV6/7's for 6xxx DV6/7's and still use that $500 off coupon....which means that I can go to a fully loaded DV6/7, and pay less for it than what I paid in January. The ONLY thing that is stopping me from getting a new DV7 is that I want a back-lit keyboard (which was never offered on the DV7 anyway...but it is now no longer offered on the new DV6).
Basically, we have $500 coupons that don't expire until May 15th.

 

Still waiting... My estimated ship date is tomorrow. My confirmed order date was March 10 and my order went into production soon thereafter. My system includes the dual 160GB ssd + 7200 rpm 640GB hdd. Hope the long wait translates into the shipment of a non-raid0 dual hard drive configuration. Anyone know whether HP contacts you if they are unable to meet their estimated ship date? Thanks.

 

Wait a minute, theres a $300 coupon?? Where???

 

Hyperboled

You might want to call HP and verify the information. Intel really had problems in the past few weeks (since the Earthquake and Sunami), keeping up with the demand for parts. I know that may people who ordered Dell computers were either getting re-evaluated or their shipment just made it under the wire. I expect that many companies...the likes of Asus and HP are effected as well. Asus Sandy Bridge machines are mostly out of stock in most places...and where they are available...people are paying a premiium for them. Dell is just now beginning to ship quantity out the door...and HP is probably right there with them. Couldn't hurt to call Customer Service

As far as the RAID issue...I am not going to let it bother me. I have set up and broken down RAID arrays before. As long as I can restore the machine (look back on page 40 to Cam121's way to fix the master boot record IF NEEDED), then all will be good. BTW...Cam even explained that that issue may not exist a second time. No way to know other than to experience it.

 

KILLA JOE, so you got the dual drive setup? Can I asked what you paid for your laptop?

 

I'm really starting to wish switchable graphics was not even an option. I will never use it and the only official driver support for it is through HP. The new 11.3 drivers do not support it (and will not install) and the after installing the 11.4 preview drivers, the brightness keys fail to work and randomly will switch from a 120 Hz refresh rate to a 60 Hz refresh rate.

 

Actually I don't know if an actual $300 coupon exists right at this moment, but a bunch of us watched the coupons and bought when the getting was good.

My point was that coupons are NOT guaranteed, so if a good one comes along, you are seriously risking throwing away good money while trying to wait for your perfect hardware build. If you are technically capable of performing an aftermarket upgrade, then I'd recommend trying to snag a good deal when it comes your way.

 

While I had my Envy...I updated video drivers to 11.2 and the brightness hotkeys didn't work either. I think it has to do with modifications that HP makes to the drivers to work with the hotkeys. I didn't think it that big a deal...you can still adjust brightness in the Power applet in Control panel. I very rarely change it once I have it set to my liking. You had issues trying to update to 11.2 as well, didn't you? What did you do to get the 11.4 preview installed?

 

Hi, Thanks for your suggestion. Just got off the phone with customer service. Was told they have no information about any delay and that I should have shipment confirmation tomorrow. Was also told they would email me if there was to be a delay. We'll see. Will keep you advised.

 

Good to know