*HP Envy 15 (11XX / 12XX series) Owners Lounge!*

thanks JJB ill have to try it out

 

So is there an official list or step-by-step instructions of what to do when your envy 15 arrives? I've finally took the bait ($200 off coupon, while not better than my student discount in terms of money lost, effectively translated into "free battery", and I was leaning very heavily towards the envy 15 anyway, just sticker shocked; but fear of losing free battery outweighed sticker shock, and I'm pretty damn sure it's a rational decision anyway (and was pretty damn sure even before free battery deal)); and while it is predicted to take 2 weeks to get here (build date sept 21st, free 5 day shipping) (or actually: especially because it is predicted to take 2 weeks to get here) it'd be nice to have streamlined the process of making it ready for actual use so that when it arrives I can hopefully do the whole process in a matter of several hours.

I mean obviously the first thing is to open the box and make sure there are no major obvious problems... But after that probably need to clean install (what's the best way to do this?) but then need to install drivers (which drivers?) and maybe some of that software bundle is worth keeping (which bits? how do I even do that?).

Then there are the extra's like Reil's smooth scrolling app for the envy 14 trackpads (that works with the envy 15 right?) and another app i saw that auto disables the trackpad while typing (can both Reil's and the auto-disable work together?); I should probably also disable or customize the quick-launch row on the left (I know there's another driver/program that does this... I might have lost track of where to find it though... still, this one is mostly trial and error: which keys should I disable simply because I'll accidentally hit them; what are the most useful auto-launches for me personally).

But then there are the extras probably worth doing that I'm not sure I understand at all: display adjustments, tweaks to get a longer battery life, gpu (and cpu?) overclocking profiles for easy better gaming experiences.

And the last set of stuff: stuff I don't even have a comprehension of the possibility of existing; the only things I can even think of is possibly windows services that I absolutely want to disable... Or the best way to backup the envy 15 so I can, say, zero the hard drive (boot and nuke) and clean install before reselling (or returning) it.

Oh things like: should I update the bios? That seems to be like something you want to do before you install the OS, not after... And if I should update bios, which version seems to be the most favored (probably the newest non-buggy one)? Is it possible to "burn" a backup/system restore/system recovery/windows install disc to an external hard drive (or just an iso file that I can put on an external hard drive)? That seems like something important, yet I have no external dvd drive.

Edit: I don't have an external dvd drive... I do have an external hard drive, though getting more than 5 gigs of space on it will be tricky (and more than 10 gigs will be probably impossible, but I can probably borrow a friend's external). I do have a desktop; my desktop has a dvd drive, but I believe it's SATA based (and (obviously) not USB based). I figure those might be important details...

 

the first thing you want to do is go to device manager and check that the laptop has everything you ordered. once you do that, i would do a fresh install or uninstall all the bloatware if you dont have a copy of windows. after that, update your drivers ( http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-drivers-software-forum/426181-drivers-hp-envy-15-intel.html). the latest driver on ati's website works with the 5830. you should also run windows update and get all the windows security fixes and crap. by now you should be all set. just personalize your computer with power settings, themes, etc. and install all your essential software like office, browser, etc.

I don't know anything about the special trackpad software you're talking about, but the synaptics driver is pretty good and you can edit a lot of the trackpad's properties.

the extra keys on the left aren't too annoying. i got used to it after a few days. basically everything is shifted 1 key to the right.

windows 7 comes with color calibration and font calibration for the screen.

the gpu overclock tool is linked to in the previous page. 5830 can go about 550/1100 (core/mem). it's up to you whether you want to overclock. if you're not too techy savvy, i recommend against messing with this.

i believe the latest bios is f2a, and it's been working fine for me so far.

you backup your data with click and drag.... get a new external (they're cheap) and just copy the stuff you want to backup over. as for the lack of optical drive. get a 4 or 8 gb USB. you can turn it into boot disk (microsoft has a tool for this. cant remember name...). for everything else you can pretty much download the installer in exe form.

lastly, to give you a heads up, the fn keys are not the default and are replaced by random functionality keys like brightness adjustment, volume, etc. i don't know how to change this.

 

I found adjusting the following settings seemed to improve the trackpad experience significantly:

Scrolling - Enable Two Finger Scroll vertical, horizontal, Edge Motion, Coasting

Pointing - Enable Momentum, adjust Glide settings

Tapping - Enable Tapping

Tap Zones - Top Right Action - Secondary Click (this allows you to tap in the top right corner to activate right click/context menu and tap anywhere else for left click, so you don't need to press on the trackpad with your thumbs)

Also you can download the Scrybe application from the synaptics website for more complex gestures to open applications and websites.

 

The setting to default to the FN keys instead of the "enhanced" functionality keys is in the BIOS:

System Configuration -> Action Keys Mode set to Disabled

 

Can somebody help me please. Everything was working fine and now my touchpad stopped working again. I'm getting the error:

Device is not present, not working properly, or does not have all of its drivers installed.
Cause: A device has a configuration problem that prevents it from working properly.
Details: The device, Synaptics PS/2 Port TouchPad, is reporting "tv_ConfigMgrErr24". This device will not be available until the issue is resolved. The Plug and Play ID for this device is ACPI\SYN1E24\4-D995BD5-0.
Resolution: 1. Verify the correct driver is installed.
2. Try updating the drivers using Windows Update.
3. Check with the manufacturer for an updated driver.
4. Attempt to uninstall and then reinstall the device using Device Manager.

I haven't change nothing. I did a minimum recovery using the recovery discs two days ago, installed all my stuff and everything was perfect.

I've tried reinstalling the drivers, but it didn't work

 

Since I think the E15 shares the E14's touchpad, can you guys replicate this touchpad bug?

When I try scrolling upwards using two fingers, staring just above the horizontal line that separates the button area, the mouse just moves up and it doesn't scroll. You have to hit it just right to make it happen, but I find that I occasionally hit that dead zone and it's really annoying.

Using Synaptics v15.0.24.0 (no other mods or addon software).

 

Well I've made the difficult and probably-will-be-regretted decision to forgo the nice coupon with which I could afford the build i would want, and wait for the specs to be updated. With the 430m/520m the only processors available in the envy 15 even though the 450m and 540m are available in other HP laptops, and with only 4gb of RAM available, it seems to me that HP is just using the envy 15 to get rid of spare parts. I'd be happy with the 450m, which is the base processor in many other cheaper laptops, but I have to pay $100 to get the same base clock speed and only a little bit faster turbo boost.

EDIT: At least......I think I have.....

 

Are you sure you're not starting just inside the button area? That's the only spot where this happens for me. I don't use the buttons at all, so I try to avoid that region.

 

Anyone?

I've been trying several things but the problem persists. Under Device Manager the touchpad is hidden with an exclamation mark and the message:

This device is not present, is not working properly, or does not have all its drivers installed. (Code 24)

 

I'm sure it's just above those lines. Just try it out cause I'm pretty sure it'll happen to you also.

 

I had the dv6tse, which I believe also has the same touchapd, and it was fairly difficult to scroll upwards as well. I would usually have to try multiple times, whereas when scrolling downwards I would rarely have to try again.

 

my touchpad has worked perfectly with no problems so far

 

Hey, I just noticed there is now an i5-540m option if any cares.

 

Sorry. Double post.

 

Question: where does higher dmi in a processor help performance? I'm undecided wether to get this now with the 520m or wait untill the 450m becomes the base processor. The 520m has a higher base clock and turbo boost, but has a lower dmi, whereas the 450m has a lower base clock and turbo boost, but has a higher dmi. Does dmi help when gaming?

 

The zone reserved for the click buttons seems to extend from just above the vertical center line down to the bottom edge of the trackpad.

You can't initiate a two-finger scroll from within that zone, but you can extend a 2-finger scroll that initiated above it, and you can operate the pointer function within that zone.

If this is what you're referring to, it's not really problematic for me. I enabled momentum and coasting for two-finger scroll, so I don't need a lot of space to scroll up and down.

 

Well this sucks. The coupon code has expired already. I almost ready to buy, but now I'm going to have to wait.

EDIT: When I am ready to buy, I'll try to get HP to honor the coupon code, but I probably won't be ready for about 4 days, so I doubt they'll still honor it by then. Maybe if I just play dumb and pretend not to know it expired only a day after it came out, it'll work

 

I found that while playing crysis close to maxed on 1600x900 my CPU usages only averages about 45-60% and I have the i5-520 so I don't think the DMI really matters as much as base clock and tubo. Hope that helps a little

 

Is there any way to add additional presets to the Beats Audio software besides just Default, Custom, Beats Studio/Tour? I know I can use additional presets on my iTunes and whatever other MP3 software I use, but it's more convenient for me to have general overall presets on the Beats Audio software.

 

Have you tried my audio tweaks drom THIS post?

Makes a huge improvement to the Envy 15's speaker sound quality and volume level. As I state in the post I do not recommend using any additional EQ or other processing other than the beats EQ (which is really the IDT driver). All that would do is amplify any distortion when it gets to the IDT EQ and preamp.

And to answer your question, no there is only one programable preset, which is all you should need for playing on the Envy's speakers. If your using headphones then I recommend choosing 'studio' or default setting, that is a flat EQ curve which is what you want since the Envy's Audio output for the headphone jack is top notch and will reproduce the source material as it was recorded. Better than any other notebook out there. Assuming, of course, that you're using good quality headphones or stereo system....

 

Got your PM about the clock tool. I have not heard of a 'blackscreen' issue with it unless you are OC'ing with to high of clocks. The only other thing may be if your using the factory shipped video drivers. But IIRC they are now shipping with the 10.3 driver from AMD which should work fine with version 0.9.26.0 AMD clock tool.

 

Well I'm going to order within the next hour. Theres a new coupon code out, $150 off of laptops $1199+ NBF173929. However, I'm going to order by phone and see if I can get them to honor the old $200 coupon (which was NBB168471, incase anyone is wondering), and if I can't I'll just use the $150 coupon code and ask for another $50 off to get to the $200 I would originally have gotten. I might even try to get some more out of them as compensation for the trouble of returning my old dv6tse lol

 

Oh bummer =( . Right now I own a pair of Sennheiser CX500s, an old Altec Lansing ATP3 2.1 system, and an X-mini II capsule speaker. Sometimes I also use the Envy's built-in speakers.

I use these for personal listening and sharing w/ friends, and I like to use different EQs for each. The Senns work fine with the default flat settings. The X-mini works surprisingly well with Beats Tour, and the Altec Lansings require some slight tweaking. I've tried your EQ settings for the Envy speakers, and while it does sound louder I get a lot of distortion on some songs. Notably, the drums in "All the Right Moves" by OneRepublic get really distorted and crackly. I'm not sure if I'm doing something wrong. I also have the Windows Tone controls set to +0/+0 and format at 24-bit 96kHz, no Bass Boost enhancements.

So anyhow, all I really need are just two EQ settings for the Envy speakers and the Altec Lansings, but I'll probably have to make some settings in the MP3 software.

Out of curiosity, what kind of speakers / headphones do you use?

 

The Envy's speakers cannot reproduce any bass below ~ 180Hz so that is why you are getting distortion on bass heavy songs, this will get worse th more you increase the last 2 EQ sliders above '0' db. You will find the same issue (but worse) if you adjust the MP3 with any EQ or enhancements, the distortion will just be amplified when it gets to the IDT EQ / preamp.

I use Sony MDR - EX700 earbuds, by far the most accurate bass I've ever heard from in ear headphones, they even blow away $500+ models. Note by accurate I mean just that, the way it is supposed to sound not boosted bass like 'beats' headphones etc.

I have a B&W 802 Nautilus Matrix speakers and Bryston amps and thier tube preamp. Hard to even describe the sound quality, it's a very high end audiophile grade system...

 

This may have been mentioned already, but I've been having strange issues with my external eSata drives disconnecting randomly, and failing to connect sometimes.

I realized that due to how the eSata port on this laptop is recessed, the eSata plugs are not long enough to properly plug in and engage. So I just trimmed back some of the plastic housing on the male eSata adapter plug, and the issue is resolved.

 

I wish some of you guys can help me with this.

When I start Starcraft 2 my internet connection drops. I close the game an it reconnects. I tried playing windowed and fullscreen but the problem persists and I simply have no idea why.

Please help!

 

I don't game but that sounds odd, almost like starcraft is turning it off for some gaming mode maybe? I have not heard of this issue ever happening in any of the envy threads.

Also I don't know if your using the crappy HP wireless assistant? It's a slow app and windows 7 is much better and faster on it's own without the HP app slowing things down....

 

JJB Thanks for your answer. No, I reinstalled windows, no hp services at all, nly bluetooth tool. SC2 is played online. You login on battle.net and then you play. Before I've formatted my envy I had the clear impression that when I changed the graphics quality to Ultra the internet adapter disconnected. I then changed to Medium and it worked. I tested it twice. Before formatting I was able tp llay once last night but then the problem reappeared today without change anything.

 

I assume you're connected via wireless? Do you run into disconnection when using any other programs? Large downloads? Have you updated to the latest drivers for the wifi and you're running the Catalyst 10.8s?

You won't run SC2 at Ultra and FHD without a significant overclock, and even then it'll be a little slow. I would suggest High with an overclock, or Medium for actual gaming with no slowdowns. Kick each of those suggestions up a notch if you're at 1366x768 instead of 1920x1080.

The antenna wire for the wifi card is routed around the GPU heatsink... perhaps it's getting too hot or is pinched or something? It may be worth consideration. See if you can run something like Furmark while doing a big download and see if the connection drops.

 

Would you happen to know how the bass on the Envy compares to other laptops? Essentially, what is average for other laptops in this class/price range?

 

I just recently had gaming issues when I first got my laptop. I talked with HP for about 20 mins and it had something to do with me using WPA/WPA2 wireless encryption. I changed to WEP and the problem was solved. I can't tell from what you told us if you are having the same problem, but is it where you are playing the game just fine for a little bit, begins to lag, and finally freezes and disconnects? If so try changing encryption. Hope it works out

 

...really? Disabling WPA? That's asinine if that's HP's solution. WEP is as good as having an unencrypted access point.

Are you all running the latest Intel wifi drivers, and NOT using HP's management thingie? I can run my Envy with WPA all day long, doing tens of gigabytes of transfers from my media center with no issues, and then game after that.

 

It's comparable to most other laptops in this price range that don't come equipped with built-in subs. The sound is very high quality and crisp with good mids and highs, but there is virtually no low end.

Also JJB, that's quite a nice set up you have there =)

 

Well thats depressing. I called to order, configured it, and asked to use the $200 coupon. He said it had expired, but that there was a $200 one he got for his call service, but that expired too. O.O Wow. I totally forgot to ask if they could still honor. WOW I forgot to ask about the $150 (also expired, but just yesterday I think) coupon also!!!!! Grrrrrr.... Well I'm not in the mood to call back, so I'll wait until tomorrow.

EDIT: Well I just checked Logicbuy and $150 won't expire until the 17th, or until a certain number of uses. I also checked to see if it still works in my cart, and it does. I think I will actually call back right now. I'll edit this again once I finish.

EDIT2: Well I ordered, using the $150 coupon code. I wasn't able to get an extra $50 out of him though. I asked about it, and he said he has no way of inputting another coupon code. In that case, I have NO idea how the guy I ordered my old dv6tse from was able to do it. Maybe he was magical Anyway, I'm pretty sure that when you order by phone, the person you talk with orders it from HP's website. Lol thats probably common knowledge on here, but I figured I might as well post it for the noobs like me

 

JJB,

I've recently used one of your color profiles, which resulted in the best color precision I've seen on the laptop. The profile I've been using is: Glossy 90% Bright Profile

I've noticed the screen dims a bit every time the profile is loaded, and I can't brighten the screen back to full brightness either through the ATI Catalyst option, or the laptop function keys. Do you have a version that is 100% brightness so I can adjust brightness at the very least through the laptop function keys? Everything except for the lack of 100% Brightness is perfect in the profile

Thanks again!

 

HPexploring, JJB posted a 100% brightness color profile that I used. Very pleased with it (thanks JJB!). The post is here.

 

mobilekrispy,

I've tried both of the profiles listed in the link you've provided. I found the ENVY 15 NEW CAL 7500K 2.4G 5-26-2010 .zip
profile was too dark and red.

The Spyder3 (update version 4.0) 100% profile had okay brightness, but it was too blue. The profile I've found with the best color accuracy for the Envy 2nd Gen Laptop with glossy 1080P screen I have came from this post from JJB:

NEW COLOR PROFILE FOR THE GLOSSY 1080P GEN 2 DISPLAY

It was an earlier profile, and carries great color accuracy, but it's a bit too dim.

 

Until now, I have only tried the two I posted about. I just loaded the 90% one and it's definitely different (and a bit dimmer). Once I get a chance to see it in the lighting at my office I'll know if it's a keeper for me. if so, I may I end up liking it, I may be hoping for a 100% brightness version as well.

Thanks for posting that link & sorry I missed the mark on finding what you needed.

 

Hey, no problem man. This forum's been great for the very reason of getting an optimal experience from the HP Envy 15. Everyone's honest kind feedback in these forums has been great.

 

Hi JJB. I was just curious if you had any updated ETA on this topic? Thanks in advance!

 

Does anyone use a cooling pad with their Envy 15?

I'm looking to buy one and was looking at the NZXT Cryo LX or Belkin F5LXXX based on the Envy's vent placement, but if anyone already has a cooling pad I would welcome other options.

 

As a matter of fact, Yes. See my next post....

 

TWEAKS FOR IMPROVING SSD READ / WRITE SPEEDS​

After many hours and of trial and error testing of 'hidden' advanced processor power plan settings the following tweaks appear solve the poor SSD read / write speeds that have plagued most notebooks that use the PM55 & HM55 chipsets (most others chipsets show improvements also). These tweaks have been confirmed to work on the following SSD brands: Intel, Samsung, Corsair, Micron/Crucial .....

For the full instructions to fix the slow SSD R/W speed problem go to THIS thread

HERE is a link to the original thread that got us to these tweaks. It has a lot of test data and shows how we came up with the tweaks in the above link as the best compromise for performance with little to no impact on temps and battery life.

 

Though I didn't really need it, especially since I mainly use the Envy 15 in cooler temp office rooms, I got a cooling pad anyway. It helps in raising the viewing angle of the screen up a bit so I can get a better ergonomic posture.

The cooling pad I got was the Cooler Master NotePal U3. It's made of aluminum and I like how you can position the fans anywhere in the mesh where it needs more cooling.

Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER Notebook Cooler Model NotePal U3 R9-NBC-8PCK-GP

It had a $10 rebate a few weeks ago, so at that final price it was a good deal.

 

I currently use the coolmaster X2 on my envy and it works great. cools the entire bottom of the machine. before my X2 I had the same one fusion91 did, but I like the fact the X2 cools the entire bottom and not just the two places where you position the fans. I was able to get mine on sale at Fry's, but now its cheaper at $24 on newegg.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834997727&Tpk=coolmaster x2

 

I usually use the Zalman NC1000 when plugged into AC power. It seems to do a great job and it costs around $30-40.

 

my i5 doesnt heat up as much, but i use a R150N01 iXoft Thermaltake.
its awesome.

 

anyone know of any program to remap the side action bars on the left?

 

Wow, cool, thanks so much! I'll give it a read now..