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

You need the 204 pin SO-DIMMs and as JJB told me, the Envy downclocks to 1066Mhz anyways, so unless you're getting a deal on the DDR3-1333, it would be a waste of bandwidth.

 

I would stick with the Samsung so they all match. I am using 2 X 4GB modules of the same series with no issues... I am assuming you have an i7 so you will be adding the new 2 x 2GB to your existing 2 x 2GB.

@ozu

The i5's downclock to 1066, the i7's can run either 1066 or 1333 speeds, all memory in a system will run at the speed of the slowest module installed...

 

Hehe, exactly! My Q-key kept comming off, so i applied superglue to the underside of the key, where the small c-shaped retainer was broken, but it shows i put a little too much glue on there. The travel of this key is somehow different from the rest of the keyboard. Damn

 

i was about to say my memory runs at 1333mhz (i7)

 

i don't think any of my games/apps would use 8GB+ RAM but it would be fun to use part of that for a RAMdisk. always wanted to do that with Oblivion after all the HD mods, even my WD Raptor couldn't keep up with the texture fetching.

 

Actually I'm using a RAMdisk for my temp folder and browser cache to reduce some stress on my SSDs. I haven't found a use for installing programs on it yet, but sometimes I put .psd files there.

 

How is the RAM situation on the i5? If you got the 4gb is it 2 x 2gb (no slots free)? Those 4gb modules are damn expensive.

 

Every different RAM option for the Envy 15 that you can order from HP will be delivered with different configurations of 2GB sticks except for 16GB i7, which is the only model that comes with 4GB sticks (uses 4x4GB).

 

newegg has the 4GB modules for $170 each, or its $800 from HP for 4x 4GB. 2GB modules are $55 and you probably sell the ones that comes with Envy for $40 each. so $260 net for 4GB to 8GB. ehhh i don't know about that.

 

You can buy 2x4GB at eWiz for about $140 per, so $280ish. Still pricey, but the 8GB upgrade for the i5 on the HP config site was $300 so maybe not.

SuperBiiz.com - Memory, Computer Memory, Notebook SODIMM

 

Heh, no thanks. If I were to spend that much money on something I'd rather go for an SSD. 4GB is enough for me I don't even use all of the 4GB on my desktop.

 

1st time posting ...
Genryu, I would be happy to take it off your hands if you are still looking to get rid of it.

and... Hi all,

I started looking into the envy about 2 weeks ago ... right about when that $450 coupon expired. Was pretty bummed I missed it.

I've read about half of this thread, and I gotta say thanks to everybody posting the good info. Been very helpful.

Specs look good, design looks great. The only thing is I want to get a good look at it firsthand before I make any big decisions. EXCEPT, none of the big computer retailers here in NYC carry it anymore. Bestbuy and B&H discontinued it a while ago. What gives?

It seems that many of you are very happy, while some are extremely disgruntled (*ahem* genryu) =]. I would like to join the former.

Enjoy your dinners and late-nite snacks.

 

ATI just released the official 10.4 driver. Check it out

ATI Catalyst? Mobility Display Driver

 

Actually not true. All i5 models come with the same 2 x 2GB, no other options from the factory. You can upgrade yourself, as I did, to 2 x 4GB maximum.

 

I would recommend to keep an eye on Bing cashback for HP direct - take a look here
http://www.bing.com/shopping/pages/stores.aspx
and go to the page for stores beginning with the letter "H".

It went up to 25% very briefly a couple weeks ago, then down to 5% and now it is back up to 10%. It's possible it may never go up to 25% off again. The cashback percentage includes anything you buy from the HP store, including extended warranty, extra slice batteries, printers, etc. I got $1k back recently from a large order for the office when the 25% deal was going on.

Then for anything you order from HP direct, HP gives you a 21-day period to test it out and you can return it for full refund including shipping and tax (no restocking fee). It's a very simple process to return it, as they email you a fedex shipping label.

 

wow, it looks like they have a sale going on on the 4GB 1333mHz DDR3 Samsung memory - only $40 for 1x4GB
Part#: D31066S2GH
Price: $50.48
$10 off w/ code LADYBUG10, ends 5/2
Samsung DDR3-1333 SODIMM 4GB Notebook Memory
Specifications
Mfr Part Number: M471B5273BH1-CH9
Type: DDR3 SO-DIMM
Capacity: 4GB
Size & Bit: 512M x 64
Speed: PC10600 1333MHz
Pins: 204pin
ECC: No
Registered: No
Chip: Samsung
Rank: 2
CL9

Does anyone believe there would be any disadvantage to using the Samsung memory over the factory installed RAM chips? They are both DDR3 1333mHz


Edit: maybe that was a typo on their website because the price is 50.48 in the list of results, but when I click on the individual product page, the price jumps up to 144.98

 

Okay, been busy with school but back to haunt you now! Anyway I'm a tad confused. I thought starting with 10.3 we only needed the regular download to update our drivers not a special download. That was supposed to be the bone of the big new features. Does that not work? I still have the old first preview drivers on my Envy that installed just fine using the regular driver pack so was not sure.

 

All the original gen 1 Envy's came with the Samsung sticks, HP seems to have changed to Crucial on current deliveries. I prefer the Samsung as they the largest manufacturer and have never had any problems with them. The $144 sounds like the correct price.

Silly question but where do you plan to put any more memory in your envy? you would need to add more RAM slots

 

hey guys I'm hoping to become an Envy owner. Just heard that they might refresh the line sometime in May. This is great news as I could either catch a discounted current model or a new model with maybe even switchable graphics. I'm loving these forums so far.

 

my gen2 came with samsung

 

Just to double check something, what's the MP on the webcam on the envy 15 v2? I read it's VGA which is .3MP. Is that correct?

 

They fixed the typo. yeah 50.48 is too good to be true.

 

That link is from AMD so its a regular download and you don't need to mod anything before installation(If that's what you are asking)
All what you have to do is uninstall the old driver using uninstall then running driver sweeper to get rid of the old residue then install new one.

 

just wanted to say that i am really happy with my purchase. the laptop works as expected. it's light, i like the minimal design, and the quality is very nice. performance is even better with an SSD upgrade. much faster now and HP's price for 2x 160GB SSD is an exceptional deal i should have taken at the outset.

 

yes, 0.3

 

I initially thought it was a 2.0MP webcam. But a .3 MP webcam on a high end consumer laptop is sad. Even the Macbook pros have 1.3MP.

 

Did I mention also that its 0.3 purple webcam. You will look like this - Just FYI.

 

well that's true. the webcam is a POS, though it's not something i will use much. hopefully Envy 15.3 will fix that, add backlit keys, and remove the hotlink buttons on the left side of the keyboard (calc?!)... and then its pretty much perfect. also an IPS type display would be a nice option even if it was +$200. and give the i5 models some USB 3, i'm sure that will be useful in the future.

 

while you're at it I want some with unicorn toppings too, and a e2e display

does someone have tried to remove the bezel and put the glass in it?

 

now that's just ridiculous. a uni(corn)body chassis would inflate the price to MBP territory.

 

A comparable Envy is already around the same price territory. The base 15" Macbook Pro costs $1799. An Envy with a 520m (base 15" MBP has 520m), slice battery (to match the MBP's battery life), the external drive (to match the MBP's internal) and the "ultra brightview glossy 1080p" comes out at around $1600-1700. The Envy will still perform better but it all comes down to a matter of preference, just pointing out that the price difference isn't that great.

Don't forget switchable graphics in the wish list!

 

i checked apple.com and the closest spec MBP is $2200 (128gb SSD, hi-res display). i spent 1400 altogether. so if i do some maths (woh! i just used the calc key!!) then the MBP costs 63% more. that's pretty big.

my cost is based on the discount coupon price but HP often has promotions like this while Apple is always MSRP.

 

BING CASH BACK on ebay is dead!! ahhh!!!

anyways, that is one way to get a look at the envy, but seems like so much time and a hassle, considering all the delays. Anybody know where they might carry it ?

and by that time the new envy's are gonna be out and im gonna have to start this process all over again -_-**.

Enjoy your lunches and afternoon snacks.

 

Why would you buy the envy on ebay? While I love my envy, which is currently in for repairs, I would never consider buying one from anyplace except HP directly that way I am assured of full warranty and factory support... With ebay you never know for sure if you'll get support.

 

If you want to go to a retail location that carries Envys the only one I am aware of is Fry's electronics. They don't have a restocking fee if you return within 14 days. If I understand correctly, Best Buy no longer carries them in store, only online.

 

What is the lowest price anyone has found, that is verified and not a one-day loss leader, for 4GB 1333mhz SO-DIMM sticks? I want to upgrade my dv8t, i7-720 machine from 4GB to 8, and I assume to do that I will need to pull out the two 2GB SO0DIMMS in there and replace with two 4GB equivalents? If there is another thread tracking this, a link would be most appreciated (I am recovering from back surgery, and every click takes its toll Thanks.

 

If I am not mistaken, the ENVY uses the low res lens to achieve decent quality in very low lighting situations, at least that is the claim. Many of the high end Asus machines still use 0.3 MP. I read an article (sorry, can't find right now) that for some reason, going above around 1 MP on a webcam actually causes the quality on the receiving end of a Skype broadcast to deteriorate. Anyone recall seeing this or know why it is so? Or have I taken two many of those little blue tablets they gave me for post-op pain?!!

 

True.. but the seller's showed the warranty certificate on the computer. And I remember reading a post of somebody who bought on ebay. He had to get something replaced, but the CM screwed up somewhere and gave him an upgrade to a 520 lucky guy.

But on top of that, with Bing cashback it gets so cheap. The lowest price I've seen for a 2nd gen, 430, UBV, and external drive was 1050.

When is the next time HP is gonna give another $450 off on the envy :~

Yea, best buy said that nobody was buying them in stores... Maybe they're waiting on the refresh ? ...
and Fry's isnt up here in the northeast

I need a computer fast. My vaio is dying on me.

 

Any chance you might be able to post a link to a good "primer" on use of RAMdisk? When I have Googled it and tried to choose software and implement it on a machine that has plenty of headroom with 4gB installed, it just doesn't seem to work at all or, in a few cases, everything got slower, not faster. Concept seems perfect: use spare RAM (1333mhz) as a dynamically configurable RAMdisk to make certain programs run as fast as if on SSD. Is this a worthwhile exercise, and does anyone have a successful procedure to link to? Thanks

 

I know this isn't the place for this, but i'm considering returning the envy 15 for the envy 13.

Does anyone know the differences between the SL9300 and SU9600?

They both operate at the same frequency, and the SU has half the L2 Cache...

The SU is more expensive for less performance, so I can only assume it gets significantly better battery life since it operates at 10w and the SL9300 operates at 17w.

Does anyone have information on this since the envy 13 owners lounge is technically barren?

Not to mention, I currently have an envy 15 that I need to decide what to do with :/

 

Let me take that piece of garbage off your hands.

 

@ohbr

Unless your ebay seller bought an extended warranty for that specific serial number, there is no warranty certificate that comes with the envy's, just a basic multi language 'limited warranty and technical support' booklet.... Just because you have that does not guarantee you will get factory warranty support. You have to register the envy by serial number and / or have a reciept from an authorized reseller.

 

Just found the new Envy 15T 1200 CTO service manual: http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c02131229.pdf (Note: 109 page PDF)

The only changes that jump out at me are some new i7 quad core options and a PM57 chipset with an added vent on the bottom near the CPU location also it added the 5730 GPU. Hear is the list of Processors:

Intel Core i7-840QM 1.86-GHz processor with embedded Northbridge
Intel Core i7-740QM 1.73-GHz processor with embedded Northbridge
Intel Core i7-820QM 1.73-GHz processor with embedded Northbridge
Intel Core i7-720QM 1.73-GHz processor with embedded Northbridge
Intel Core i5-540QM 2.53-GHz processor with embedded Northbridge
Intel Core i5-520QM 2.40-GHz processor with embedded Northbridge
Intel Core i5-450QM 2.40-GHz processor with embedded Northbridge
Intel Core i5-430QM 2.26–GHz processor with embedded Northbridge

Chipset Intel 5 series express chipsets PM57 platform controller hub (PCH) Peak-M

Graphics:

ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 5830 (M97) Discrete PCI Express Graphics with 1 GB of dedicated video memory (64M×16, 1.5V, 800 MHz, DDR3 @1333 MHz)

ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 5730 (M97) Discrete PCI Express Graphics with 1 GB of dedicated video memory (64M×16, 1.5V, 800 MHz, DDR3 @1333 MHz)

ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 4830 (M97) Discrete PCI Express Graphics with 1 GB of dedicated video memory (64M×16, 1.5V, 800 MHz, DDR3 @1333 MHz)

EDIT: Just noticed the memory on the GPU's which says DDR3 @ 1333 Typo or did they drop the GDDR3 that is on current models?

EDIT 2: also just noticed the i5 450QM and the fact that all CPU's have a 'QM' in the number ??? is there a new series of quads from intel due out soon?

 

Nice find. Looks like no integrated graphics. Does it say anything about usb3.0 on i5? The new cpu choices are interesting.

 

@d2x

It still has both USB 3.0 and 2.0 listed with no details as to which is with which CPU.

Also please note that there is no need to 'quote' my long post for a simple 1 line response, simply use the 'post reply' button on the left or the 'quick reply' button on the right and type in the bottom box ...

 

Ya, it is the extended warranty. You are on the ball tho.

 

@ohbr

Are you aware that you are looking at a gen 1 envy with a 4830 GPU ? So no 5830 and no USB 3.0... Also now that i think about it, that screen just shows the start date and IIRC the original gen 1's had a 2 year warranty. It also does not tell you if it has already been registered to the original owner which it appears to be since the warranty was started in October '09, this would be a hassle to convince HP that it is your machine without an original purchase reciept. If you bought it from an authorized reseller the warranty would not begin until you registered it yourself upon initial startup, if you buy direct from HP the warranty starts on the ship date and is registered to the purchaser...

 

Of course, jujubes, of course.

That was just a picture though. Much rather get the 2nd gen.
Thanks for lookin out *high five*

The 5830 runs a lot cooler too right?

 

JJB, when are these supposed to come out?

 

Not a clue... Just found the link today while looking to see if they updated any BIOS options...