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

That was why I asked. If there was any differences. Based on your answer, I guess the answer is No.

 

I just did a search and used the HP recovery program (found by typing in "recovery" in the start box). The program gave me the option to remove the recovery - which I did - but I don't think i got back the extra space. Any ideas how to proceed from here to get the space back?

Thanks!

 

I just found an unallocated 19.7GB volume using the windows 7 computer management tool. Is it safe to extend the main partition of the SSD to include this space?

 

Yes extend it.

 

extended - seems fine - thanks!!

 

I am ordering my Envy 17 tonight, but I have a few questions about the hard drive setups...

these are my options:
910GB 7200 rpm Dual Hard Drive (SSD 160GB+750GB 7200 rpm) With HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection

830GB Dual Drive (80GB mSATA SSD + 750GB 7200 rpm HDD) With HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection

mSSD 80G + 1TB 7200 rpm

1.05TB 7200 rpm Dual Hard Drive (SSD 300GB + 750GB 7200 rpm)

 

What's your question?

 

910GB 7200 rpm Dual Hard Drive (SSD 160GB+750GB 7200 rpm) With HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection

830GB Dual Drive (80GB mSATA SSD + 750GB 7200 rpm HDD) With HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection

mSSD 80G + 1TB 7200 rpm

1.05TB 7200 rpm Dual Hard Drive (SSD 300GB + 750GB 7200 rpm)

out of these, which combination will give the best performance?
some include protectsmart, some are mSATA SSD as opposed to simply SSD.

is protectsmart something i might want?

 

You won't need protect-smart for an SSD, but it works wonders if you have a HDD in your machine.

 

Had a configured laptop in my cart with the 30% coupon "NBT3886" a few hours ago. Just went to make the purchase now but the coupon has expired!!!! 0.o

 

If you have the disc's you do NOT need the partition, especially if you need the HDD space. However, if HDD space is not an issue the recovery partition does make it easier to do a recovery, since you will NOT need to swap out the disc's. Plus you can start the recovery on startup simply by pressing the F11 key (I believe that is the correct key)... So I guess it comes down to HDD space and convenience.. Me, I still have the partition and I have the Disc's as well....

 

I currently have 1.5TB so I guess I'll just leave it...

 

what's the reason for the price difference in these configurations?

910GB 7200 rpm Dual Hard Drive (SSD 160GB+750GB 7200 rpm) With HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
-$60.00

830GB Dual Drive (80GB mSATA SSD + 750GB 7200 rpm HDD) With HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection

double the SSD size costs $60 less??

 

Well one is an msata. I find it much cheaper to buy your own ssd. 120gb SSD is all I need and I can get one on Newegg for 120 with no tax. I think the pc comes with 640gb which will be for music pictures and other junk .

 

Keep in mind brand name matters in SSD's, and you really get what you pay for. If you find a SSD that has the same capacity and performance as another one at half the price, then something else is missing. They used cut rate NAND, they used a crappy controller, they didn't put in redundancy for failed NAND clusters, etc etc.

You hear a lot of people who have trouble with SSD's dying or having problems, I firmly believe the cheap "great deal" SSD's are to blame. They are not built to last, and cut corners to be the cheapest. Intel SSD's, the ones used by HP, have a 5 year warranty and industry leading reliability.

Again, you get what you pay for.

 

So what is the difference between an MSATA SSD and an SSD?? New to the SSD scene, so a laymens terms explaination would be most welcome...

Thanks!

 

mSata is basically a little card that goes into a special SATA slot that looks like a PCI-E slot. Think of it as a mini SSD that is much smaller in size and capacity and has no case.

An SSD is a larger HDD in a normal case that hooks up with a normal SATA connector.

 

Thanks for the info, so which one is better and why??

 

SSD is better. For one it supports higher storage and it also is much faster since you have 6gb.

 

One isn't really better than the other.

MSata is normally used in smaller laptops. An MSata drive does not take up a drive bay so you can have another HDD or can make the laptop smaller like with netbooks.

A normal SSD is used in larger laptops with multiple drive bays or when it is the only drive in the computer.

You might be able to argue an SSD is better, since if your laptop dies you can swap a normal SSD out to any other machine, but an MSata requires another machine with the special MSata connection to work.

 

I am not 100% on this, but I am pretty sure MSata drives run at what ever Sata standard the computer is using. The MSata is just a special type of connector, it still uses the Sata bus and all the normal Sata standards.

 

All the drives I saw were 3 gb

 

Anybody have a recommendation for a good quality, sleeve-type carrying case that is well built and fits the Envy 17 snugly? Most that I've looked at so far are for generic 17" laptops and tend to have a somewhat loose fit.

 

Would love to see a side-by-side comparison of last gen Envy 17 and current gen. I'm most interested in the screen quality of the new gen.

Otherwise, not seeing much incentive to upgrade. Also, not exactly digging the styling either.

 

I have the exact same unit as you do and IMHO, I prefer mine over the new 3rd gens....

 

To all who intend to buy the HP Envy 17 or have bought it for any kind of gaming:

Don't buy this for gaming. If you can, return it.

In fact, don't buy this computer.
This computer throttles insanely. After it hits about 75 C, the processor goes to 12.5% of its normal output and the computer slows beyond playability. This lasts for about 2 minutes and then the computer goes back to normal, but is a consistent affair, happening repeatedly in a short period of time.
Using a program like ThrottleStop or something similar is the obvious solution; but after about 5 minutes, the computer hits temps over 95 C and overheats shortly after. The heat sinks are some of the worst I have ever seen in a laptop.
This computer is largely poorly made, and HP's customer service is unreliable as always: I have had an issue with my laptop since day 1- the wireless adapter is faulty and causes freezing during downloads- and here I am 3 months later, with no new laptop. I have contacted HP over 20 times, with minimal help from online chat support or telephone support. My computer still freezes during downloads.
It's unbelievable that I spent over $2000 on a laptop that is this bad.

 

Are you talking about the latest Envy 17 (3xxx) or the last generation?

 

he said 3 months later, so he must be talking about the 2nd gen

 

That's what I thought too but nothing wrong in confirming.

Looks like someone venting his frustration.

 

His frustration is a good example of why the newer model is not really an upgrade in terms of speed. The previous model simply tried to pack too much into a body that was too small to cool it adequately. In the new model we are getting a GPU that is roughly the same or slightly slower than the 6850, but the new model has no problems with heat, and in-fact people are OCing it heavily and not encountering cooling issues.

I know a lot of people wanted a better GPU, but I would rather not have the problems he had and get a slower GPU in this new Envy.

 

I really, really believe you should either edit this post, or delete it. You're scaring people off - people who are looking to buy the third gen, and get scared from your story about the previous gen.

There's nothing wrong with you warning people about the last generation of these systems, but post it in the ENVY 17-2XXX thread, not the 3XXX thread.

 

Ditto what SoulMisaki said. The 3000 series Envy 17 is not a gaming computer, but it is a very good multimedia computer with elegant styling. I'm still pretty happy with mine. I am a bit disappointed with the lack of hardware RAID but I can live with that. Also, I've had no bad QC issues with mine. The fit and finish quality of mine is first rate.

 

Same here.

While I agree that it will not play the most demanding games like Battlefield 3 - it will play others absolutely fine, and any other tasks you throw at it as well. It's a spectacularly well-rounded machine, with the battery life of a smaller laptop, and the power of a multimedia powerhouse.

As long as you don't get a QC-related flaw on yours, it's probably the best machine you will find at the price (assuming you got the 30% off). Even after the 2 year extra warranty for mine, it only came to $1400 + Tax. (i7 2670QM, 7690M-XT, 8GB 1600Mhz RAM, 17" 3D Screen, etc etc..)

I suggest that even if you get one with QC flaws, you get a replacement and see if you can get a proper, working model. This is by far my favorite laptop I've ever owned.

 

I loved my 3rd gen Envy 17 while i had it, it was pretty and good enough for business meetings, the cpu performance was awesome and the 7690m-xt was good enough for serious gaming. Screen was lightyears above my dv7 and overall it was very snappy. I think it has support for Intel Smart Response Technology although i never tried it myself (Smart Response = using a small SSD as cache for a large harddrive to give hybrid drive like performance).

Since i already have a dv7 which is (still) good enough for gaming i have decided to return my Envy 17 to build a high performance gaming desktop with a GTX560 or HD6950 or a HD7970 if it is available and a 1-2 TB harddrive with larson creek as cache. Right now i am researching 24" IPS displays that are suitable for gaming. Maybe it's time for me to check out desktopreview .

-EDIT-

It seams the Envy 17 does not have support for Intel Smart Response Technology since it has the HM65 chipset so going SSD is the only option.

 

Not doubting your assessment but I've been playing games with my Envy 17 for the past 3 months and haven't had a single issue.

What games have you been playing?

 

Agree with everything you said. I got mine for $1200 (specs in sig) and I absolutely love this laptop. I play all my games on high detail, watch blu-ray movies regularly, and listen to a lot of music on the external speakers - I couldn't ask for a better laptop. I don't have any QC issues with mine and with the included extended battery I get 6-8 hours battery life regularly. As far as I'm concerned, I get the best of all worlds.

I'm pretty sure the people who go into buying this laptop and don't like it (aside from those with obvious QC issues) had false expectations going in. I think HP covers this by giving people 21 days to test out and return no questions asked. Not a lot of manufacturers have this kind of blanket return policy (not even apple).

Right now I'm watching Batman Dark Night on bluray and the experience is exceptional.

 

I am really sorry you feel that way. I worked with some people at HP in May to settle the throttling issue. Since then, three bios updates have been released, where throttling no longer exists. Have you updated your bios??? Doesn't sound like it. Bios f.18 is the latest...no throttling and fixes for sleep issues. Get it here:

HP Notebook System BIOS Update (Intel Processors) HP ENVY 17t-2000 CTO 3D Edition Notebook PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

As far as the wireless thing. I have never had any issues downloading or freezing...again...I use the D-Link DIR-655 router in N mode...downloaded Battlefield 3 with Origin with no issues. Remember, the issue is with the wireless card and some brands of routers using different chipsets.

 

Not sure if this applies to series 3xxx as well does it - does that also come with Intel wifi - if it does then this reply may have some input use? Anyway as far as the wireless thing (on series 2xxx) goes I got a reply from HP and they are clueless, suggesting it is perhaps related to using a wifi router outside the USA? I am still experiencing freezes (I am outside the USA) but I have tweaked the multitude of settings for the 6200 driver in Windows and the freezes have reduced somewhat - to once a fortnight vs every few hours on B/G modes - I don't have any N routers to access. In meantime I am waiting for a 6300 card in the post off Ebay as HP isn't sending me one. Agree with the o/p that spending almost 2000USD on a laptop that freezes is a downer in anyone's eyes. I have never experienced it before on any laptop I have had.

 

I had an Envy 17 that had the driver issue with the 6200 card. You have to downgrade to a lower version of the driver so it doesn't freeze. The only reason I sold my 17 was because it was too big, I had no issues after the bios releases and the WiFi driver downgrade. The Envy15 comes with the 6300 version and I have zero issues with it yet. I even get 450Mbps in a decent rage with my E4200 router.

 

how are you guys getting such a high throughput? I don't come near that and I even went out and bought the most expensive router I could find lol

 

I don't know what model you have since you did NOT state that, but I totally DISAGREE with everything you have said regarding the ENVY 2nd Generation Units and the Envy Concierge Support! Not only do I game EVERYDAY for well over 4-6 hours per day, but I use my Envy 17-2070NR excursively and totally enjoy it. Some of the games I play are; Skyrim, Dragon Age and Mass Effect 2.. After 6 hours of gaming yesterday on Skyrim my temps ran between 76-84 degrees "C" and that is by NO means hot!

So before you start making blanket statements, provide some credence and facts to your argument or your argument is just simply NOT valid!!

 

What are the dimensions on the 17 inch? They haven't been listed on HP's website.

Also, does anyone have stock results from 3dmark06? I'm hoping its near 20k.

Thanks,

Tim

 

I tried downgrading having read it on this forum earlier but it made no difference. Now I am using latest driver, as recommended to me by HP support. Here is the HP latest reply - which I have copy pasted below (not out of context) where they suggest my Internet connection is locking up my ENVY via wifi and there is nothing wrong with the ENVY. I give up with HP support and will wait the Ebay 6300 delivery!

>>and most probably the Internet connection in your location is not able to support high data transfer and you are facing the lockup issue.

 

I am an owner of a Envy 17 3D first generation...Would really love to jump on a 3rd gen. 17 3d with the new 30% off coupon plus an extra 3.6% through fat wallet....In my eyes it looks stunning, but sitting here trying to justify a reason to get it other then being stoked on it's looks when my Envy runs fine and is free of any type of cosmetic flaws that plaqued the first gens....So very hard not to jump on it, but when i weigh the reasons to do so when i have a good functioning Envy it is not justifiable....Hmmmm... Envy 17 3D 1190nr 1tb 2 500gb 7200rpm hdd...8 gb ram...i7 720qm ati 5850 FHD 1920x1080

 

while i'd like to help you justify a new one, you'd probably be smarter to hold out ~6 months till the ivy bridge models come out you current rig is pretty decent.. instead of dropping $ on a new laptop now, buy a SSD. you'll love the performance over the raided drives and that should hold you over for the next 6months or so!

 

With you having a 5850M, which is 35% faster than a 7690M XT, I wouldn't but the new Envy until better GPUs options are available in a few months.

 

In total agreement with you and Kevin. The 5850M is certainly better than the 7690XT...CPU wise...not a major upgrade. Stay pat with what you have and see what Ivy Bridge brings for options. Current 3rd Gen Envy is NOT all that impressive to date...SSD's are Sooooo worth it!

 

Can anyone help me? My Trackpad on a new LWS900AV 17" just died. Is there a way to solve a trackpad issue? Double tapping the top left thing doesn't change anything. It was working one minute, seemingly dead the next.

Someone in a 14" thread recommended popping the battery, but not an option here.

 

How much more credence can you ask for? The guy has said there are problems and explained them. I too have experienced the wifi issues and ENVY lock up mentioned and HP concierge cannot help. I have resorted to using a wifi USB stick as a workaround for my new 1600 USD laptop.

I think you are blindly obsessive of your ENVY or getting paid by HP to support it;-) Didn't I read somewhere on the 2xxx massive thread you had to repair your graphics card after a month?

I would suggest less telling how much we will love our ENVY's in enhanced fonts and generic troubleshooting/maintenance guides which can figure out ourselves and a little more constructive answers to problems at hand.

Just my 2c, hope you can see others points of view. Enjoy your ENVY.

 

I'm in the process of ordering an Envy 17 and trying to decide on HD options. Would love some quick feedback on hard drive options before the current 30% discount expires.

Note that if there was a 1.5TB (2 x 750GB) 7200rpm + 80GB or 128GB mSATA SSD option, I think I'd probably take it since the current 30% discount makes HP's prices at least competive with purchasing seperately. But that option (which I think would be ideal) doesn't exist, so what would everyone recommend, both in terms of which configuration is best and what should be ordered from HP vs. purchased seperately?

Considerations: I think I'd like to maximize what I order from HP since there's a good discount right now, but not if there are clearly superior options out there. I'll be doing a clean Windows Ultimate install no matter which config I settle on. I have a Crucial C300 64GB SSD from an existing system, so it would be good to use it unless there are clearly superior options. How much should I worry about 5400 vs 7200 for the two data drives if they'll be in a RAID configuration (even if it has to be software RAID)? Would power consumption outweigh the performance gain? Is the Samsung 128GB mSATA drive, which can't be ordered on the open market and is much better than other mSATA options according to reviews, worth spending the money on? I may sound like I'm all about bang, but bang for the buck is still the target. Etc.

And as an aside, do these discount codes ever really expire after a certain quantity is used or is it really just by date?