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

Thanks KJ.

...the never ending game; if you guys know of a better deal, I might return my DV7tqe for an Envy 17, if i'm still under the 21 days return windows...

 

Jose, Ive b een reading these forums for a while and I find it hard to believe you ended up buying a Pavillion. I never considered that but I might. From your specs it looks just as good as an Envy. Hell it looks BETTER because you got a 7200rpm hard drive which you cant get on the Envy! Nice.

 

The only reasons I opted for the Envy over the Pavilion were

• 1080p (a must)
• Backlit keyboard (not a must, but will come in handy using the laptop in bed at night)
• Slot-loading optical drive (nice, but not a must)

For me, 3D was just a bonus. I may use it a lot for gaming with TriDef, depending on how well it works. I don't own any 3D blu-ray movies as of yet. And I've been unable to find them anywhere for less than $25-40. I saw a few on eBay for around $13.

 

Thats why I'm dead set on the Envy as well. My HDX 18t has the backlit keyboard and its so useful. I cannot imagine owning a laptop without it. And the 1080p display on the 18t is amazing as well so I"m sure the Envy's display is even better what with the passage of time and all that.

As for the drive I'm very interested in the slot load. I've always been jealous of MacBook owners cuz of their slot loading drives. I think its very sexy/fancy tech haha.

 

Since others have posted, I thought I would also mention what my deal was. I don't have as illustrious as a story as KJ though. I ordered:

HP Envy 17 3D customizable Notebook PC

• 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 Radeon(TM) HD 6850M GDDR5 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 3-year Care Pack House Call Service with Accidental Damage Protection for Select Pavilion or Envy Laptop

I got $310 in coupons for a final total of $2,614.98 + $169.05 (Tax) = $2,784.03. I then got a business rebate of $288.30. Final cost was $2,495.73.

Given the hassle I went through with my Envy, I'm hoping HP will work with me on either a further rebate or an upgrade to 1600MHz RAM. Not sure if KJ got the 3yr warranty addition (about $200). I wish I had gotten KJ's deal though... lol

I've actually contemplated sending mine back to only get the single HDD option and buying an aftermarket SSD for cheaper than what I paid for the HP SSD option.

 

Can someone tell me if the hp envy 17 3d sb has support for a usb 3.0 external hard drive? Thanks.

 

Can someone confirm if the Envy 17 does support SATA III? I thought I read earlier in the thread that it only supports SATA II? What is the major difference between the two?

Cuz I thought it only did II which is why I was sorta excited about those new SSDs from Intel I posted a few pages back...

 

It does. It has one USB 3.0 port on the left side of the unit.

 

Cam121, you got a nice deal too. What made you get the 3 year protection? No I didn't. I used American Express which adds an extra year warranty. Good enough for me. I read the accidental plan, but it sounded off to me and I didn't bother calling them on it.

Briju, the Envy 17 3D SB better support 3.0 external drive since I bought one, lol. I don't see why not. As soon as I get my Envy in I'll let you know.

KJ

 

this is a tangential question, but which company's usb 3.0 hard drive do you have? i am contemplating buying this:

Amazon.com: Transcend 750 GB 2.5-Inch USB 3.0 Military-Grade Shock Resistance Portable External Hard Drive for Mac and PC TS750GSJ25M3: Electronics

 

Nice, but don't by it. It is only a 750GB capacity. Here is the one I bought...

Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex portable drive packs 1.5 TB, USB 3.0


Costco has them on a crazy sale/instant rebate until 4/3/11 for $119.99 Get one today! Lol, I sound like a saleman, sheesh. I think its worth the 1.5TB.

KJ

 

Hey KILLA JOE, I called again just now and tried to get a deal on the 800gb Dual Drives but they wouldnt budge on it. Maybe its the way you're talking to them. lol Im being as nice and courteous as possible but not having any luck.

 

We've been discussing this a bit. The chipset in the Envy 17 SB has support for SataIII, but it all depends on whether or not HP has disabled it. I'm hoping they haven't taken the trouble to do so, but you never know with this company. I'll tell you guys when I get my Vertex3 and my Envy, if nobody has found out by then.

 

Cool...I thought that was the case....

When are you expecting yours again? And you had to return your first one right? For some reason....

 

is this the one?

Amazon.com: Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex 1.5 TB USB 3.0 Ultra-Portable External Hard Drive with Paramount STAA1500100: Electronics

The negative feedback is a little disconcerting.

 

I understand. Did you just talk to HP Home & Office, or did you get to talk to Resolutions Department? Resolutions is the ONLY people that can help with the savings, especially if you have no coupon, they have the power to create coupons, lol. I'm done with Home & Office, they just read off scripts. Resolutions are more "people" friendly. Try again.

KJ

 

I'm using the Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex 2TB.

STAC2000103 | Seagate

 

I think so...uhm just get it at Costco. If there are any issues you can always return it. <3 Costco.

KJ

 

Nope, my first one is on it's way, expected build date April 13th, but seeing as others haven't gotten their yet, I'm expecting delays. (Not that I have any understanding it should take almost 1 month to produce a small laptop when they have the parts)

 

Ohhhh resolutions?? Ok, but how do I get to resolutions when I call? Do I just ask for them? WIll they send me there just because I asked or do you need a legititame beef?? Yes, reading off a script is very accurate. Basicall if you dont have a coupon theyre useless.

 

Cam121, wow, that is an excellent deal! I think I'll stick my Costco purchase only because if anything goes wrong I know they'll take it back, for that I think the membership alone is worth it.

KJ

 

I don't have it off hand... I'd call the 1800BUYMYHP and ask for Resolutions Dept. I hope that helps. Let us know. If they ask why you need resolutions, just say you're having difficulties getting the proper system configured with the savings...etc... IDK, but I don't see why they should not let you through.

Oh, mention the issue with the 7200rpm being taken away...and you were all set on that...from there Resolutions will hopefully work with you to get the SSD/HDD combo!!!! Go for it!!!

KJ

 

Agreed...
The ONLY reason why I'm looking at an Envy over a DV7 is for the back-lit keyboard.
Hell, on the new DV7, you get a real click pad (two buttons) and TWO USB 3.0 ports...plus a 7200rpm HDD and the option for a Blu-Ray burner (if you want it).

I would like a 1080p screen....but it isn't a deal killer for me. However...that back-lit keyboard is a major show stopper. But...if I can get a good enough deal...I may consider a DV7. I'll have to call resolutions and see if I can have my $500 off coupon combined with the $150 instant rebate. That way I can land a maxed out DV7 for under $1000 shipped.

 

Apoxxx...

Go configure a system online now. Build date is 4/19/2011. The dates keep getting pushed further and further into the future. I am not convinced that they DO have the parts. On the Dell XPS forum, there are many NOT receiving their machines on time. Whether the Earthquake in Japan, or just supply and demand of the Sandy Bridge parts is overwhelming...most PC makers are in a bind to make deadline dates. My purchase date on my original Envy was 3/2 with a build date of 3/23. I received it on 3/14. My second machine was purchased 3/18 with an April 8 date. I hope I am lucky enough to get it on that date. JudenN stated his ship date was supposed to be today (3/30). Not surprised he hasn't heard anything yet.

On the filp side...the delivery dates for Pavillion is much earlier. Not sure what is up with all that. Guess we all sit and wait!!!

 

That would be one costly backlit keyboard for you then. lol I had no idea about the second USB 3.0 port, but it does make me bitter. I own only one USB 3.0 device right now and plan one day to get a hub. The blu-ray burner option made me bitter enough to self-upgrade my Envy to support such a feature.

I have always felt the DV7 had too much in common with the Envy to justify the price differential, but I, too, chose the Envy, largely because of that same expensive backlit keyboard I ended up finding less useful than I had hoped. It's just OK, IMO. It's not great. The Envy is better aesthetically. I prefer the screen big-time. It's more elegant.

 

Im considering the Envy 17(non 3D) simply because of the ability to run 3 external monitors with no additional hardware required. I dont know of any other notebook that can do this without the use of some external added hardware(Please correct me if I am wrong about this). Needless to say I require this ability for my business use and do not wish to have to configure any external hardware everytime I set up. My disappointment is that there is no HD offered in the 7200 speed and I am reluctant to buy a new notebook and buy a non HP HD and find myself in a non support situation with HP. Will the reinstall of restore system disk go off without a hitch when I try to install the new HD in my system? Will I then have to beg HP for assistance and be refused? I already spoke to HP Envy support on the phone and they said that they would only support a HD that they sold and that they could not offer a 7200 unit as it was not one of the choices on the Envy 17. So whats a body to do. I guess just hope for the best when you install the new drives that the restore will go off without a hitch that cant be dealt with. Has anyone here actually changed the C drive to a non HP unit and restored the system without problem? Also has anyone actually used the eyefinity capability to run 3 monitors?

I feel that the heat issues of the past may indeed be dealt with by HP. I am a bit concerned about the quality issues I have seen in this thread. For such a high end product I feel that these issues should never have made it out the door to shipping. I certainly would be very disappointed if my unit arrived with gaps at the seams or some dents or scratches in the thing. I guess this is the exception rather than the rule though. On the fence till I get some more info.

 

I wasn't aware the 3D lost that viewing capability.

 

Huh? Lost what viewing capability? Clarify?

KJ

 

I did not mean to imply that the 3D lost that capability but rather that I was only interested in the non 3D Envy for my needs. I mean I have found no other notebooks that offer the capability.

 

That of running 3 external displays without any additional hardware.

 

So we don't misunderstand, the 3D Envy 17 cannot run 3 monitors, only the Envy 17 SB?

Oh, nevermind, I see you did not say that.

KJ

 

Fishcrazy...

You can get another HDD and put it in. My son's Pavillion came with a 5400 rpm HDD...I put in a 7200 rpm to replace it. For support purposes...I keep his 5400 in a drawer, in the packing material from the 7200. It has his OS installed and everything. I then installed all new software on his 7200 and his machine is up and running. I did have an issue with his motherboard at one point....so I just switched drives...called HP and sent the machine in for service. When it came back...the techs had wiped the 5400 drive and reinstalled all the original software. Believe me, when I say this, you want an extra drive. Had they wiped his 7200, he would have lost over 15,000 iTunes and tons of college work.

Also...his original OS was Vista. On the 7200 drive...I have it installed with Windows 7. If you don't have a problem doing it this way...you will be good.

Also...I did this with my old Dell Inspiron as well. Came with Vista on a 5400 rpm...I put in my own 7200 and Win 7. When I needed support...just switched drives...techs were fine with the fact that I did both.

 

KILLA JOE,

Ok I tried what you suggested. I called and spoke with HP Resolutions. They offered to honor the discount I got on my first Envy ($300) but would not budge on the Dual hard drive price. NO GOOD. So thats it for me guys. Im not trying again, its a lost cause I think. If they ever bring back the 7200 RPM drive I might buy but I cant even consider it until then.

 

Well since reading most of this thread I was somewhat intrigued by the 3D unit and considering it instead of the Envy 17 SB but I couldnt do so if I lost the # monitor capability. They both use the same graphics card. I dont see why the 3D would not carry 3 External monitors also?

 

Thanks for the information. I would hope that I could do a restore with the Win 7 That came with the Envy and not have to buy a new Win 7 disc to accomplish this. I saw on the thread someone did a restore to a system that shipped with the SSD and 7200 HD combo but that did not entail new hardware rather just a restore and that did not go without hitch as he had to punt to get the boot record off another Win 7 disk. But I could go the new Win 7 disc if necessary.

 

Just make sure that the FIRST thing you do is make a copy of the system restore disks. Then put in the new drive, without wiping the original one...and simply restore the system to new state...pretty easy, actually...as long as you are doing single drive to single drive, even SSD

 

ok Thanks for the help.

 

With the Envy you get a dual-band wireless card. It's not even available as an option at this time on the Sandy Bridge Pavillions. That's a big difference if you have a dual-band router.

 

HP Resolutions: 1-866-217-6014

I'm posting that in giant blue letters because I've seen several people ask for the number.

 

hi again guys; sorry I've been out for a while. wow lots of good comments and experiences here; great job guys.

KJ you are certainly an example of patience paying off!! congratulations on the dual SSD+HDD that is the config I have my eye on, assuming it ever gets paired with a better clickpad lol. yea, that one continues to be important to me!

and Bobmitch, cam121, and others, thanks for all the technical info and best practices. Good reading.

iwantanenvy, TheAtreidesHawk, Your reasons for the 3D (1080p, backlit keyboard, slot optical) are spot on. I would only add that that 1080p display is also brighter than any other display in the HP lineup, and supports full 72% color gamut. Yay.

Oh, and while we’re at it, TheAtreidesHawk, good catch on the new SSDs from intel I wonder if they will start making their way into the new Envy’s, esp. that 300GB that would be sweet.

Frankieo11 and panthermark – you asked about the 7200 HDD and parts shortages. I still suggest this is a supply issue. HP may be trying to preserve the 7200 for those single-drive configurations like the smaller Envy’s. Also -- if there are only so many to go around, and HP can nudge the customer into the 800GB option (those willing to pay for the top HP consumer notebook), then that’s probably how they can manage supply issues. And by "supply issues" I do include any desire on HP's part to sell 160GB SSDs while they last, making room for the 300! Also: Note the Envy 17 3D manual – check out all those drive configurations that are supported. There are a great many more combos listed there than are available to purchase right now. It means that HP intends the laptop to be utilized in these configurations, which are qualified and supported.

Also—on the after market SSD issue I’d suggest choosing one that lines up with the specs of HP’s supported solution, the Intel 160GB. Not all SSDs are created equal and you want to get as close as you can to the device that HP tested and qualified for use in the Envy. to be safe I'd personally stick with Intel.

Lastly I haven’t seen any real updates to the technical details and saw no need to publish the summary again, but you guys correct me if you want to see it again. I've gathered that we still don’t know of SATA3 is supported, but neither do we know if the data channel itself in the Envy can support this, or if SATA3 would be a real benefit. Also, we still don’t have good (normalized) temperature data, but I’m sure not seeing anyone complain about things running too hot.

 

"Connected with Janet O."

Guess who's about to give me my next discount...

 

Hold on. If I follow this correctly, you did not receive your envy yet, right. You just decided to call HP and ask for another rebate? Wow, keep us posted how this is working out. Out of curiousity, how did you approach this one?
I start to get the feeling that despite the rebate I got I did not get any deal when I ordered mine

 

dlleno, welcome back. Hope all is well with you....NBR was not the same, lol.

As to the SATA 3 (III) we shall soon find out from those of us getting the system soon. Should be interesting. Also, let's hope HP fixed the little mess up with the dual drive configuration, and not stripped the SSD/HDD again in Raid0 I am not looking forward to fixing it as I'm not a techie on this, but still, we have good people here willing to help like Bobmitch.

KJ

 

Did my suggestions come into play? Hahah, is she with Resolutions Department? Spill it when you can, all EYES! Hope it works out for ya.

KJ

 

Slotti and Killa Joe:
I pretty much just asked up front for a $50.00 discount because it looked as if the price had dropped on the HPA website (After a little math, it indeed was a lower price). She said to give her the price difference and I said I estimated it at about $50.00. After verifying all of my information she applied the credit without questions.

I actually had this refund processed by the online customer service. I thought I'd give resolutions a break for a day.

Total Discounts: $350.00

I am a happy customer.

 

Stephan C, nice effort.

KJ

 

You guys are getting more and more into left field with this stuff each passing day.

I seriously can hardly bear to even read the thread at this point.

I suppose nobody should run a WD Black since HP doesn't ship those either? What's next, I can only use HP branded external keyboards, too?

 

Thanks! I can't wait for it to get here now!

 

I have to agree a bit, Though after intensive research and being in the market for a SSD, there really only seem to be very few options. I actually ahd excluded intel from those previously since I had my eyes set on the Vertex 2 or a Samsung, but they are only SATA II. Now, once you look at SATA III (which we still don't even know if it is supported by the envy), intel comes back into the game play. Actually the 510 seems to be the only available option at this point, since the Vertex 3 seems to be either sold out or not yet stocked.
I hope somebody can give some real work experience about II vs II soon, and if it is worth dishing out an additional $100 for the SATA III. Newegg has a nice $25 off coupong till tomorrow night, so I was about to pull a trigger on teh Vertex 3, but then they went out of stock

I seriously can hardly bear to even read the thread at this point.

Didn't you read the fine print on the warranty??? If you carry your envy in a non HP-branded bag, you will loose you warranty :laugh:

 

Yea, I think it says if you print to a non hp printer it voids the warranty too