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

@ Aquitaine

thanks for the info. i haven't ordered, yet. i may get back to you on the extra 6cell.

@ JJB

thanks for the link and additional info. i appreciate it.

now, all i have to do is order one...

 

Hi guys, I recently bought an envy 15 with the $450 off hp direct coupon (didn't know about the extra bing cashback though ). I chose the i5 430m, what do you guys think about it?

I looked at the benchmarks for the i5 520m and 540m, but the increase from performance from the 430m to 520m didn't seem that great, and I didn't deem the increase from 430m -> 540m worthy of the $175 upgrade. Instead I went for the 9 cell slice since I'm coming from a netbook and accustomed to good battery life. I won't be doing much gaming.. maybe Heroes of Newerth or Starcraft 2 when it comes out. Needless to say, the quad core was out of the question - I saw it had some temperature problems and miserable battery life. I wasn't looking for a desktop replacement.

 

The 430 should be fine for your needs.

 

Does anyone know if you can somehow connect a Mac pro or MBP to a PC (envy) by USB to transfer image files ??

I really don't want to have to take the external DVD with me on a business trip next week. My largest client is Mac based and they plan to selectively choose images to purchase direct from my catalog which they will view on my envy. I know I could go the SD route but a direct transfer would be quicker and easier if possible...

 

Do you think you could just use an ethernet cable between the two and transfer files?

 

@ JJB

is a cross-over cable not possible? [EDIT: redy beat me to it]

here's usb to usb:
http://www.amazon.com/Smart-PC-Link-111B-V1-Transfer-Cable/dp/B002EDWWAC

i have no experience what-so-ever with this, but the description indicates it should transfer files between windows-based and mac-based computers.

 

@JJB
If all else fails can't you just carry a good sized thumb drive? Then they can pick the pic's and you could just put em on a thumb drive for transfer. Heck use it as a marketing gimmick and pick up a decent sized one, mark the price up 25% or so and then the customer gets a thumb drive with their purchase

 

Thanks, but I don't know what that adapter really does, it seems like a gimmick with no details.

The ethernet idea may work, hadn't thought of that. I unfortunatley do not have a Mac here to test it with and I need to be sure it will work before I am with my customer.

Has anyone actually tried either option and can comfirm it works easily??

Edit @ Bratboy; yeah I am planning to take several SD cards just in case. I'll throw a thumb drive in the bag also, but not much difference in the 'hassle' factor. I am just trying to get a clean and easy way to tranfer the files...

 

Tested? No. The only guaranteed way would be to use an external drive/thumb drive or something. If your customer has a network you can plug into, I can confirm that Macs and Windows will both show up on the SMB network and you can transfer files with file sharing.

 

Well I got my Envy15 yesterday and everything is actually great! No black screens, LED bleeds, lumps, bulges. And I got G2 SSDs!! So maybe they are back shipping Envys with them.

 

I debated sending mine back because of the G1s but decided that, since I'm covered for 3 years anyway, if there is really an appreciable slow-down -- which would be a surprise given that my usage isn't all that heavy -- I'll just have a warranty claim within that period. Plus I'd lose my Bing cashback if I did an exchange, which would mean a whole new order, etc. etc.

Plus I just like it and don't want to send it back!

 

They do so I will try that, Thanks.

 

i did a clean install on my system, and put every core program that I would want on the fresh install. i then did a system image and put it on my nas. if I ever see the slowdown (which I don't think i will since I run PD10 in the background) i can just clean install the image back on the machine.

if you don't have a nas or external, i would actually recommend it

 

Hm, that's not a bad idea. What program do you recommend to image it? Is there a good free one or should I use the Acronis trial?

 

go to Seagate's website and download DiscWizard (free). it's a basic version of Acronis True Image but fully functional for swapping system drives. it does not check if you are using Seagate HDs.

 

What do you guys think is a good cheap external DVD drive for the Envy 15? I want something for 60 bucks or under. I found this at amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Exter...9?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1270229526&sr=1-9

 

Just installd DiscWizard - it does check for a Seagate or Maxtor drive, unfortunately.

 

You should have ordered the color matched envy DVD with your original order. It was $50 and has 2 extra USB ports. Not sure what you can order it for after the fact...

 

use bluetooth. The envy comes with one built in. I've used that method a few times on the envy. not too bad Works great

 

Its a nightmare trying to order one. I'm still waiting for the Blu-Ray version to become avail to parts so they can replace mine which says Blu-ray on the outside but the inside is a regular DVD drive with the proper drive. Apparently I'm not alone according to my caser manager, apparently several ppl besides me ran into the problem and are waiting for availability. My only choices were to wait for it to become available or send my whole system back and they will send me a new one with the correct drive but being in school I can't use that option right now. So far tho because of all the waiting and backordering HP has been nice enough to give me a few credits and also sent me a 320g Pocket Drive for free for being paitent,

 

Thanks, but I don't want to rely on a wireless connection and I can't 'try' something that may not go smoothly while I'm in front of the client.

 

@bratboy

Hope you have a very big and sturdy pocket for the 'pocket drive' LOL

He was looking for an external DVD not bluray....

I saw the blurays listed in stock on HP Parts yesterday, not sure if it is the corrected version or not

 

take your pick:
http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=420&name=External-CD-DVD-Drives

starting at $40

i'm trying to do without one since i never use discs anyway.

 

Darn, you got my hopes up but just went and looked and no dice. Part
"576832-001" still shows as only being orderable via outside sources:

"Part is not orderable in the HP Parts Store; check with your local computer parts reseller.. "

As for the size of the little drive since it was free its perfect size in my books LOL. I actually wanted a digital camera but they said it had to be a notebook accessory up to $100 only.

 

I skimped and didn't order the external DVD drive because I can count on one hand the number of times I've inserted a disc into either my desktop or laptop in the past year. I can always just share out my desktop's drive if need be.

 

Wait do the new Macs have a SD card slot? I know Imacs and Mac Pro's don't.

 

I am gonna buy 2x4Gb 1333, can you recommend some and where to buy?

And should I leave the 2x2Gb 1066 that come with the laptop to have a total of 12 Gb but at slower speed?

Thanks

 

Note that the i5 will not make use of the 1333 and will run it at 1066; also, you can only have two slots on the i5 and not 4, and the second slot requires a moderate degree of familiarity and comfort with laptop surgery as it's under the keyboard.

The i7 doesn't have those problems. If it were me, I'd probably go for 8GB of the 1333 and only put the 1066 in there if you actually start running out of memory on anything ... which is pretty unlikely.

 

GSN only the I7 has 4 slots. The I5's have 2 slots. If going with the I7, I would add 2 2x2GB stick. 8GBs are plenty.

 

Yea I have the i7, do you think that upgrade from 1066 to 1333 is a big improvement?

 

Just got my hp envy 15, and it is a real beauty (finally a laptop that does not have that shiny surface that becomes a smudge factory over time), though the screen and the surrounding area attract dust QUICKLY.

Of course right away I uninstalled all the crapware which took me an hour to do, but even with all the crapware laptop runs amazing (lowest i5, 4 gigs, full HD).

Battery life is certainly disappointing, but I knew that when I bought the laptop and for the power that I get it is very understandable. Searched the HP website for the battery and it receives very poor reviews. People say that the computer does not recognize the battery, is this a common problem or some isolated incidents? And also are there better sites to buy hp envy 15 battery? its 150 on official website with MPA.

Havent tried any games yet, but that will be my next step!
Loving it so far.

PS. And of course I had to buy it last week, a few days before everyone gets the $450 off coupon!!

 

I say call them. You are withing your 21 day window. Tell if they don't you will just return it and order a new one.

 

Sadly, I didnt buy it from hp website but rather ebay. It was cheaper on ebay than the comparable configuration on hp website (with taxes). Now of course it would be cheaper to buy it from hp, but I am not going to cry over it because I got a good machine for a lot less compared to when it came out. (paid $1250).

Also im planning to invest into an SSD (most likely intel 80GB) and was wondering, does it improve battery life? If any user could share his experience, I would really appreciate. Websearch resulted in conflicting experiences with some sites (tomshardware) stating battery life is not improved.

And also, is there a way for the battery meter to show you approximate time left? All my old laptops had this feature, but I cannot find it on this one.

 

Don't know what HP parts system your looking at but I still see 2 options for the Envy bluray in the replacements parts list, in stock and ready to ship. (had to use screen shot since link goes back to beginning of search page);



It is a different P/N but as far as I know it is the standard color matched bluray they offer with the configuration options. call them and confirm, parts dept much more knowledable than CS.

 

Nope I have that part number drive sitting right here on my desk. Its the one parts initially insisted was the Envy drive. When it arrived I learned this was not the case. Its the one I posted a pic of in the Blu-ray thread and its silver and lacks the USB ports.

 

Ok, sorry about that.

 

Can anyone confirm the i7 model come with 1333Mhz ram? I check mine using 3dmark06 (I dont know other ways) and it shows 1.3Ghz, so I assume the i7 model does come with the 1333 ram?

if that's the case, then I'll be happier for choosing i7 over i5. Although loose longer batterylife and more heat.

 

Just wanted to pop in (been reading this forum along with the other envy forums for about a month now) ... Just purchased an Envy (i5-540, 4GB Ram, 500GB HD, 5830, FULL HD GLOSSY Screen)

I am due to get the laptop late this week ... and am looking forward to it ... saved off a bunch of links I found in this thread to get me going !

Appreciate all the advise in this thread!

Cheers,

Lanjoky

 

And thanks for all the people answered my questions!

 

Actually its another hit/miss deal with HP. Some got i5 and i7 systems with 1333 but I think all are now shipping with 1066. My 820 QM came with the slower memory. You can see which you have by launching HP Support Assistant -> Troubleshoot -> General Info (I think)

 

None of the i5's come with 1333 as the memory controller can only run a max of 1066.

 

Right, but when the Gen2 first came out tho everyone seemed to be gettting 1333, just like the first gen2's had G2 SSD's. Now they seem to have gotten a good deal on cheaper parts so seems all the SSD's are now G1's again and the 1066 memory is getting used with both i5's and i7's. At least it seems to be that way for now.

 

To my knowledge no i5's have ever come with 1333's. And as I posted earlier (forget which thread) the most recent deliveries have come with G2's again....who knows if that will be for good this time though....Intel stopped production on G1's and the G2's are actually lower priced anyway so your speculations are not sound.

 

I ordered my envy (i7) on Mar 11st and recieved it on Mar 25th, I came out to be with 1333 ram. But I returned it, cuz it has a little lump on keyboard and I want to $450 off coupon deal, Thanks to JJB!

 

Thats why I said its hit or miss, lol. HP is very good at not posting actual specifics when you customize a build. That way they can use whatever they want or get a good deal on as far as parts go.

EDIT:
Like I said my 1st 820QM came with 1066. I called HP and had them do a replacement/exchange since TS agreed it should have 1333. The new one showed up and it also came with the same 1066 memory which was the reason for the exchange in the first place, heh.

 

SSD (why G1 and not G2):

I talked to HP rep (was knowledgeable) about whether new Envy's are guaranteed to have SSD G2's. He does't have any info on it so i asked what's up w/ G1 and G2 ... he said originally G2's design had few hiccups and HP got them in limited number. So, that's why HP went back to G1s but now Intel has sorted out the hiccup and G2's are available in ab-dunce. This explains why new SSD seem to have G2's....still no guarantee

 

I don't see the point of switching BIOSs.. I reinstalled windows with the latest drivers but kept the BIOS and everything seems to be running smoothly... would i see a performance increase?

 

1) Hard to say since you don't say which BIOS you have, but it doesn't matter right now anyway, because;

2) You can't upgrade now since HP has pulled all BIOS's off the updates page apparently do to an upcoming critical Win7 update that may require yet another BIOS change.

 

I just ordered my envy 15 recently and I would like to know why everyone is reformatting there envy. Should I do the same?

 

The sticky in the main HP forum about removing bloatware explains it.

Every major laptop manufacturer installs garbage on computers they sell. Sometimes it's not garbage and useful (to some) but sometimes it's redundant or you have something better or you just don't want it at all.

You can achieve a similar result simply by un-installing a lot of the stuff you don't want from the control panel, but some of us like the 'wipe everything and add from scratch' method.