*HP Envy 15 Owners Lounge! PART 1*

I've been through probably 5 or 6 different models of laptop-coolers, looking for just the perfect solution for my XPS M1530. Everything I used was either cheap (broke easily, fans died), ineffective (didn't cool well), too loud, etc. Finally came across the Zalman, which is absolutely my favorite of all of them. It is kind of pricey, but perfectly fit my needs:

http://www.zalman.co.kr/ENG/product/Product_Read.asp?idx=280

My requirements were:

• quiet (adjustable fan speeds, you can make this thing ROAR for ultimate cooling, or completely silent)
• big (most coolers out there are tiny; I wanted one that actually FIT the footprint of a 15" laptop; this one is BIG, and extends at least an inch left and right, and could easily fit an 18" laptop too)
• effective cooling (this thing cools better than any other model I've used)

Be aware this thing is REALLY big, more like a laptop-stand that also cools well -- meant to be used on a desk only. Not the kind of cooler you are going to throw in your bag or use on your lap. However I find the size makes this thing really solid, and the angle elevates my laptop up to a nice height close to a regular monitor display when I have my 9-cell battery attached to my M1530, so it's perfect for my desk.

The fact that it has extra USB ports, a nice looking aluminum design (matches the M1530 well), solid well-built construction, and nice adjustable rubber feet, are all bonuses other models don't have. Money well spent -- you get what you pay for.

 

Well, I finally placed my order- Envy 15, 4GB, SSD+HD, 1080p Matte, extra AC adapter. I already own an external DVD drive for my Acer 1410. I used the $350 coupon.

I plan on order two 4GB DIMM's. Is it confirmed these new configs are still 1066 Memory? Has anyone had luck with the memory from ewiz or is there a better alternative?

Thanks

 

. How are you guys getting the coupouns to work? I called yesterday TWICE and talked to two different reps and both said that the coupon was invalid.

I tried: NBTW34871 and NBK11659.

What number are you calling to get it to work?

 

I ordered mine an hour ago and used NBK11659 and it worked fine.

 

I've always been really impressed with zalman's products, the last PC I built, before I went water cooling I used one of their copper heat sinks and it was incredibly amazing (100% copper, 120mm fan) and I would buy a zalman product in a heart beat.

 

My theory was that if the i7 build indeed comes with usb3.0, to wait a bit and invest in a usb3 external bluray burner (yea, i understand, it'l be some time till they're mainstream/produced at all).

Until then, networking the cd drive from my printer (hehe, th/e HP C8180) will be the dedicated drive for the Envy.

 

for anyone looking for a really good cooler for their notebook, I just bought the coolermaster u2 for $19 shipped off amazon. It has two 80mm fans, which can be removed by a quick release mechanism and attached anywhere on the cooler, people say its quiet, no one mentioned it but they said they've bought zalman products for 3x the price and this is far by the best cooler they've come across.

http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Notepal-Notebook-R9-NBC-8PBK-GP/dp/B002NU5V4A

edit: some people complained about it not moving "a ton of air" and of course the fans are designed to be as quiet as possible, but if you wanted to get crafty i bet you could mount 120mm fans on there, might be a cool mod for you guys looking to overclock your beasts.

 

I don't see an advantage of waiting for a USB 3 bluray drive. Even if you could find an 8x slim bluray drive, it still isn't going to saturate USB 2.0

From what I can tell most slim drives are 2x or 4x. Thats 72 Mbps and 144 Mbps vs USB 2.0 at ~300 Mbps.

Nice cooler. I like that the fans are modular.

I want a cooler for running at laptop on my lap. When I sit my laptop at a desk(almost never) I don't really feel a need for a cooler. It would be nice to have one that is designed to sit on your lap though. Anyone know of one?

 

yeah I liked that plus the fact that it can be a laptop stand if im lying in bed. I never have my laptop in my lap, its either in bed, or on a table. When the stand comes in i'll see how it works on my lap and let you know.

I mainly want it for when I do my dual display setup and i'm working on my cpu intensive stuff. I don't think its necessary (as my c2d lappie runs at 60C now just surfing the web and no issues) but peace of mind and overall lower temps regardless of their necessity makes me happy.

 

I used NBK11659 yesterday around 8 CST time and it worked online.

 

yup website design, audio workstation, and CAD projects. I'm looking at close to 100gb of software installed as soon as I get the laptop. I'm a little bummed, I didn't realize the 500 gb hd was only $50 more, otherwise I wouldve installed that.

 

Hi Everyone,

I just ordered a new Envy yesterday with these specs:

Envy15t notebook
• Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• Inteli7-720QM Processor
• 4GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
• 320GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive
• 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 5830 Graphics - For i7 Processors
• 15.6" diagonal Full High Definition LED HP Ultra Brightview Widescreen Display (1920x1080)
• External Tray Super Multi 8X DVD+/-R/RW w/Double Layer Support with 2 USB Ports

- Estimated ship date January 28th
-------

I read through most of the thread (however it is a little long) and have a few questions.

* Are there any published specs that differentiate the 3 display options? I saw a reference to 60% gamut...is that on all 3 screen types?

* What are your thoughts about some of the software included with the Envy? Is some of it kind of neat? Which ones are a waste.

I cross shopped the Dell XPS 16 i7, Sony F Series i7, and the Lenovo W510 and believe this laptop offers me the best value for my money. I did almost buy the Sony since it has a BD burner option but was a little concerned with the GPU.

Can't Wait...I sure wish there was a review on this refreshed version!

 

Well I hate norton, and don't need their video editing software so i'm going to delete everything. IMO there are far less intrusive and better designed antimalware packages that are free and it is my sincerest hope that norton goes out of business or stops sucking so hard. Other people deleted all the software from laptop and ended up getting a 20C drop in cpu temps

 

Congrats on your purchase!

The very first thing i did was get rid of Norton. Then I got rid of the HP Print thing that embeds itself into all your browsers. A word of caution though, use Revo uninstaller to take these things out. You'll notice that the HP print thing has like 1000+ registry entries after you remove it. Revo cleans all that up for you. I like the Corel Photo software. Got rid of all the TV related programs as well.

 

I am new to the software: is it possible to clean leftovers of previously control panel-uninstalled programmes?

Cheers

 

CC cleaner

google it.

 

Thanks, what is the official model# designation of the 2nd generation i7's? I see HP has a few different manuals available.

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FDP9TO/ref=noref?ie=UTF8&s=electronics

slim 120W power adaptor...says its 7 ounces plus another 7 ounces for all the cables? so 14 ounces or about 400g total weight...but 7 ounces would be a better total weight...

 

Source: http://www.anandtech.com/storage/showdoc.aspx?i=3702&p=14

I think I'll be waiting for the 300GB or 600GB Intel SSD in mid-2010.

 

I cant wait to see how the i5 does vs the i7.

 

I didn't read the article bc im lazy but any mention of 200gb 1.8" SSDs?

 

I don't think that article regarding Intel drives mentioned 1.8" specifically. But Micron will be out with 128gb and 256gb and will be priced at $399 and $799 respectively. OEMs will get drives starting at the end of this month, but the Crucial drives will be available for purchase in February.

All they said regarding 1.8" was:

http://www.anandtech.com/tradeshows/showdoc.aspx?i=3712

 

Well, I just finished reading the user manual for my Envy 15 (December Edition).

What is the latest version of the Service Guide? I can only find a September version. Hoping to read while I am waiting for my laptop to arrive.

 

zoinks!@ Hopefully I can do a 500gb raid0 setup within the next year for about $1/gb though, $0.75/gb would be more ideal...$3/gb is pretty redonk but its gotta start somewhere!

 

I've been reading through http://www.av-comparatives.org/ who are pretty much the authority in all things antimalware, and according to them (and just about everybody else), Norton AV used to be a crappy resource hog until just recently. Their latest version (2009) is actually the best antivirus out there. Their resource utilization is on par with Avira, their virus detection is almost as good as Kapersky, and their false alarm rate is almost as good as Microsoft. Norton 2008 and below were real terrible, but Norton 2009 is the best out there.

 

Yeah. I think I'll take an 2.5" X25-m 80GB G2 for now an just use an external for my storage. Then once prices are good enough go for the dual ssd drives.

 

Anyone's order ship yet?

I keep checking (OCD, maybe?)....

 

can somebody report the hardware ID for the touchpad
go to control panel->device manager->mice and other pointing devices-> synaptics ps/2->Details tab and select Hardware from the property drop down list.

 

ooh good to know. I installed NAV 2006 and used it for about 15 minutes back in the day before I uninstalled it and lit it on fire. I hate not having the option to turn off my AV software and having own my entire system

 

Ya, im thinking of getting a esata enclosure and putting the drive that it shipped with in that and then using an SSD internally.

Assuming of course that I don't just return the thing.

 

not yet...19th isn't too far off anyway, I just hope I get it on friday rather than monday or tuesday...i choose the free 5-7 day shipping.

 

Yeah returning it is a real possibility for me. I've come across more and more horror stories about the bios and the other heat issues, none of which are big deals but aren't being addressed in a timely manner by HP and if they wouldve used a decent QA/QC procedure before shipping these laptops there would be no issues whatsoever.

Its not like they're trying to fit an elephant in a pinto...they're just trying to play GTA3 with a commadore64, what they need to do is just make sure all the native support is enabled and properly coded in the bios and stop dicking around and making it seem like there is a legitimate reason why they're sucking at being decent.

 

I just find it irritating that Intel and AMD have handed them the perfect mobile platform on a silver platter, and they are screwing it up.

They need to have a system with
- switchable graphics
- USB 3.0, and an external USB 3 BD Burner
- Either room for 4 DIMMs or two 2.5" drives or at least room for 1 1.8" and 1 2.5". The i5 model gets shafted and is no more expandable than a standard laptop.
- SATA III. That Micron SSD is going to make use of it and it shipping now, why aren't they anticipating it and offering it as an option?
-Dual Core i7 options.

My ideal configuration would have

Core i7-620M (Intel charges about $100 extra for this chip over the 520).
Radeon 5830 w/GDDR and switchable graphics
USB 3
4x2GB RAM for a total of 8GB
1080p matte display
A properly working Touchpad
640GB 5400 RPM hard drive and 80GB 1.8" SSD with SATA III

All of this is absolutely achievable, is not cost prohibitive at all, and is using available technology. Why can't HP deliver? This is supposed to be a premium system.

 

I think we need to see the new build in hand before we pass judgement. HP is a monolithic company; the right hand doesnt know what the left is doing half the time. We may be surprised (or not)

 

I agree, I'm actually thinking a SATA III connection may be necessary for this laptop to last more than 2-3 years. I think i'll start looking around for other laptops that offer the features I want.

I'm not concerned with having an eSATA III connection but SATA III for the HD seems pretty important, plus usb3 will be necessary...could it be we're buying the child of whats to come and what has been? and in 6 months we'll hear people saying "damn sweet looking laptop too bad you didn't wait til july and get one thats usb3, SATA III, has 3 hrs battery life, and no pipeline bottleneck for GPU ram..."

I guess that all depends on our needs...Its something I will have to seriously think about now. Form factor definitely drew me to the Envy 15 but it has to be functional. I don't need a pretty brick, I need a working laptop damnit.

 

Is there some way to set up a FAQ that gets updated as information is found?

With over 5000 posts, it's a little ridiculous...

For example, the FAQ should list known problems and solutions, as well as the current information from HP reps on anything that is speculative.

For example:

HORIZONTAL LINE PROBLEM (updated 1/16/2010)

Description: On some portion of 1920x1080 glossy screens (unknown for other screen variations as of 1/16/2010), thin horizontal white lines can be seen against medium to dark colors such as blue or gray (but not white or black). The problem may be more or less visible depending on lighting conditions, screen brightness, and the visual acuity of the person. The intensity of the problem might vary among screens. This is a property of the screen and does not affect video out to external monitors.

HP's response: HP does not admit that this horizontal line problem is a defect. Laptops sent in to HP to be repaired are returned to the consumer with no fix.

Fix: No known consumer fix, since it is a physical property of the screen. If this problem is too disturbing, the only remedy is to return the laptop for a refund (within 21 days if purchased directly from HP).

 

well I would consider it pretty weird that CNet "knows" HP is shipping Envy 15s with USB 3 but there is no confirmation on the website or from many of the customer reps...it seems like a memo coudl easily be passed out for the CSR to look at and the webpage could be updated in relatively easily.

Nevertheless, you're right, we need to wait for this new revision. It could blow us all out of the water, and come with a sata3 usb3 updated bios drivers and more battery life because of the streamlining of said things.

 

Good to know. But for me it still won't make up for all those thousands of clicks Norton forced me to make in the past, no Norton for me ever!

Anybody have some feedback on Microsoft Security Essentials ? I used it for the first time on my i7 envy after removing Norton. Only had it for 3 weeks but it seemed very non intrusuve and easy to disable. Anyone used just this for long term protection?

 

I don't really understand what the deal is with HP. If they do this right they could possible have the best all-around laptop on the market price/spec wise, period. Especially if there is switchable graphics. I still can't see why HP wouldn't put it in and if it isn't in there, how it's not. The IGP is on the processor so they wouldn't waste any money by doing that. And the benefits are substantial. I think it might increase the battery life on the standard battery to 3-4 hours and 5+ with the slice. Maybe they have a secret undercover version of the i5 with no IGP =P.

Also, why decrease the RAM capability of the i5 version? What's up with that? I guess that's not too important, but it does make it more future-proof.

Also, I don't like how USB 3.0 isn't on the i5 version. Is that a compatibility issue?

Either way this laptop will either turn out to be the ultimate MBP killer, or a decent attempt at one.

*prays for switchable graphics*

 

FFS people. The i5 WILL have switchable graphics.

When the boys get their i5 systems they will confirm this.

If I'm proven wrong feel free to pummel me via PM.

 

the decrease in capacity is only because they're pushing the envy 15. It seems the IGP will be enabled as there are a number of reports of people talking to tech support and the techie switched right then on the phone, or so they said.

 

So, anyone tried Catalyst 9.9?

 

ACPI\SYN1E0D
*SYN1E0D

 

isn't that what it ships with? I am using 9.12 drivers.
the 10.1 drivers should be out any day.

 

Perhaps these drivers will provide for switchable graphics in the New arriving Core i5 machines.

 

nope... me waiting too

 

em this might indeed be true. actually i don't know if i should blame kaspersky but my system seems to have been running noticibly if not substantially hotter than before i removed the pre-installed NIS for kaspersky 2010

 

Don't call - just use the coupon online. I tried calling and they wouldn't take the coupon over the phone, but it worked fine on the website.

 

Got my 3yr adh service plan details today... now waiting for the hardware. Since the weekend has arrived, it probably wont ship until Monday (i hope they meet the EDD), will take time to get through customs, and will probably take the full 5 days to get to NJ. Hoping for Friday... planning for Monday next week.

 

I got some good advice before regarding a transfer I'd like to do in a few days, but I'd like to ask for some more details. My goal is to backup my c: drive from my current (received in Nov) Envy 15 i7 500gb and restore to a new Envy 15 i7 320Gb SSD Raid 0 w/5830 that I'm about to receive. Here's my plan:

Make recovery disks on new machine. Possibly backup new machine just to be double safe.
Flash BIOS on new machine. Enable BIOS virtualization and any other BIOS changes I made previously to old machine.
Install Acronis True Image Home 2010 on old machine (I understand Win7 Backup won't let me restore to the smaller partition even though I'm only using about 100Gb of the 500Gb now). Register and update to latest build.
Create boot CD w/Acronis, boot to CD and backup c: only (not recovery partition) from old machine to external USB drive (don't use "sector by sector" option; use regular file-by-file instead based on earlier advice).
Install Acronis (and update as above) on new machine and restore c: from external USB drive.
Boot new machine, forcing this first boot with restored image into Safe Mode so it can install new SSD, video, other drivers that would differ from old machine, reboot normally and all should be fine, I hope!
Backup new machine now for safety.

Can you think of anything I'm missing or anything that might go wrong with the above? I'm technical, but don't do this particular kind of stuff much, so I'm really grateful for the help here.

Some questions about Acronis, which I've never used: I'm assuming the recommendation for "Acronis" to handle my restore to a smaller partition means using the product Acronis True Image Home 2010 (they sell several), right? Would I also need/want Acronis True Image Home 2010 Plus Pack for any reason? And/or is Acronis Migrate Easy of any interest in my case? (Seems like the last one would not be, but not 100% sure.) Finally, it seems like I'd really need two licenses of whatever I get, according to their web site, since I will be running this on two separate PCs, right? I guess if I do it all w/in 30 days, I could just download a trial copy on each pc for free (will it let me do that)? Then decide later to just buy one for the new machine permanently?

Thanks so much for all the help here,

Larry