*HP Envy 15 Owners Lounge! PART 1*

I don't know.

M11x has a rumored release date of 2/2/10.

My overall #1 choice would be the updated VAIO Z, but not until April? Can't wait that long...lol

 

It's just a thin fabric sock for shipping.

 

Every time I look back at the spec list though... it all just seems so perfect. I seriously doubt I can find a better laptop right now.

Any chance of an eSATA to USB 3 adapter?

 

eSATA is a storage controller. it's not going to support nearly the devices that USB will. If it isn't some sort of storage device eSATA won't run it.

 

Not to be rude or anything - don't take this the wrong way - but perhaps it's a better idea to make statements like this when you have the computer in hand and can check the facts?

 

@Altoid....

2nd that reply!

 

Thing is though, USB 2 is fine for just about every non-storage device.

If somebody makes an external eSATA BD Burner I can die happy.

 

Didn't take long to find one: http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other World Computing/MRF8UEBDW8T/

 

If you are going to get a 5.25" drive then I would get a drive and external enclosure separate. Save yourself $150.

 

eSata is just Sata. You can plug any sata device (with proper hotplug support) with your our external power source and it should work. (eg. HDD, burners that are sata). This also works on internal sata ports if implemented properly on desktops. (Note: I am not responsible for any damage if you try this at home)

Any HDD enclosure maker who makes it with USB+esata is not actually sata. It passes through their chip first which would reduce speed if not done correctly.

Has anyone seen pass through enclosures? I bet no one really manufactures it since it would just be a metal enclosure with just some wires and they cannot really make any money on that with no electronics inside.

 

Has the order status updated for everyone who had an estimated shipping date of 1/18? I think this is now bordering OCD - but can't hold back the curiosity.

 

oh I know, I am just glad to see that they exist at all. Im assuming slimline burners will be available in 6 months.

 

larsv & JJB, 3rd on that!

This is a fantastic place guys, thank you all for taking your time to share your wisdom (no need for Svengali ). Im in the market to buy this Envy 15, and am real excited. Ive read on a couple of websites where folks have found references to an "Envy 14" and "Envy 17". What do you think would make a consumer chose + or - 1inch notebook over another of the same brand. Do you think the 14 inch would have a low power cpu to battle some of the ASUS's and others who go 8+ hours on a charge? Im salivating on the idea of a 17inch Envy I tell ya, I wonder if it will include a BlueRay drive and quad SSD's.

Thanks again for all of your wisdom and patience!

 

Does anyone with an Envy know if the surface scratches easily?

 

After reading some of these posts, it seems allot of you guys may be getting your new Envy 15's this week. I know your excited, heck Im excited for ya and your wonderful input.

I see some of you have hundreds if not thousands of posts. That rocks, I wish I would have found this place earlier.

Im curious if the i5's will bring about more battery life, as Im very hesitant to pay close to $2K for a lappy that has to be plugged in (whats the point?). Has anyone given thought to creating a method to changing these clock multiplier issues? Can one of you brilliant guys/gals alter a bios? or is that off limits?

Also, I read months back how the "LoJack" feature had been comprimised. Maybe it was in the bios, or something, I dont remember. Anyhow, is it safe now, or is it just a "theft sticker"!?

Thanks again guys!

 

Only had mine for 3 weeks -- finish seemed very durable on cover and palmrest area, even if it did scratch I believe it would show much less than say a MBP, due to the textured surface. The bottom case is a 'painted' magnesium alloy and I am not sure how that would be if scratched, depends on the color of the base material I suppose, but it seemed durable also.

 

@jherber, I love that pic you got there. I miss my dog

It is interesting that the MBP gets 5-8 hours battery life. I wonder if it will when the new i5's come to that line, and if apple will use ATI as well. Seems as if Nvidia is on the outs for this round. Battery life is a must, but I dont wanna pay all that dough for a MBP , so Im really liking this HP Envy Cha-ching! I really hope the new Envy i5 will get more battery life. Do you guys know if Linux has better battery management? Ive looked over on that forum, but I dont see much about this. Any ideas?

 

hey since we can configure the cpus when we order, can we user-upgrade the cpu later down the road

 

Perhaps you should take a look at USB-to-VGA/DVI/HDMI connections:

http://techgage.com/article/displaylink_-_multi-display_setups_with_usb/1

Newer, faster, more capable USB 3.0 devices are on their way as well.

 

Well with the free upgrade to 4 years of Lowjack I figure it couldn't hurt. $49 for 4 years isn't too bad and to be honest if someone really wants to steal something they WILL find away around things but if someone is just "tempted" and see's it may be protected it might deter them.

One change I made to my order since I had to redo it was I went with the Anti-glare since I plan on using it outside a fair amount of the time as well as in school. Hope I didn't make a mistake.

 

Thanks "bratboy" (hey I didnt call you that!)

Yeah, Ive never owned an HP, and I saw that survey of all the major PC brands where HP was rated rediculously low (I think HP was the worst). Im a bit worried about that. I wonder if a metal lappy from HP will automagically make all their problems better. Metal = better?

http://www.squaretrade.com/htm/pdf/SquareTrade_laptop_reliability_1109.pdf

I really like reading the user "Serg" on here. He take allot of time to upload pics and such. His review was great, but I see he had problems with internal parts. Can I trust HP when they have poor customer service, the left hand doesnt know the right, and their PR is horrible?

Or is the Envy really enviable?

 

While I haven't been to impressed with sales/CS I do know when I've spoken with the tech dept they seemed a bit more "with-it". I'm hopeing to have no issues but at least have 21 days to test this puppy out.

 

i ordered my envy with the dual hdd and ssd setup but im now considering returning that for only the hdd option b/c of the g1 ssd.

if i were to add another ssd or swap out my hdd for a ssd, i'd have to order a special mounting bracket and a 1.8" ssd (not a 2.5" one)? or did i get the two mixed up.. :x

 

USB 2.0 is a no go for me, but I have been considering waiting for USB 3 devices. I'm sure monitors will even support USB 3 native soon as well (as some do USB 2 already)

 

No, I believe the dual 250HDD + 160SSD are both 1.8" drives. You will have the correct bracket.

 

That 21 day thing is cool. I just use AMEX, and send it back whenever, they really take care of me. I just read on here about that open source program (nuke something or other) that erases the HD. Is that good for SSD's as well? Im hesitant to jump on 1st gen tech, and also 2nd gen with SSD's. Anandtech has great reviews on SSD's, and I see after years of PC's he has finally made the switch to the fruit (I never wiould have thought he would go too!).

Im just waiting till Apple refreshes. Then we can have a true "apple to apple" (cough) comparison. Those things are rock solid. Why it took so long for Apple to use a tried and tested technology like gutted out aluminum I dont know. Why it takes PC's even longer - I just dont get it. My neighbor has an Envy 15, and the dang think squeaks when you pick it up or push down hard by the mouse pad. His wife is a Graphic Designer for Coca Cola and she just laughs at him because he's so envious but doesnt want to make the switch (he's an engineer). Also, I dont like the mouse pad. Its a total joke as far as camparing it to the MBP. I really hope HP sends its designers back to the drawing board. Although we may have to wait for 3rd parties to do the thinking for HP - like this http://www.uscrybe.com/

 

Hey Serg, you rock man. So no Windows 7 disk with a brand new lappy.

How difficult/reliable is the Windows 7 USB install method. Ive downloaded the Windows 7 usb program and put Windows 7 on a 16 gig stick (also has Ubuntu 9.1) so that seems the only way to go, but have not tried it yet (my lappy asctually has a freaking DVD drive - duh). If I do the Envy 15, there is no way I want to have all that bloat on my HD. It was mentioned that critical Windows 7 (maybe the install/recovery) was actually on the HD. Thats kind of a waste of space huh? Does HP allow the use of Windows 7 install via USB drive's?

Thanks for the help!

 

oh sorry I'll use the sarcasm tags next time I saw a review on youtube and the reviewer was impressed with it, though I wasn't holding my breath.

 

yeah I'm bailing too if it gets delayed. With HP being less than stellar with CS it seems, I don't want headaches, and besides the next best thing is always right around the corner.


For everyone who had their's shipped today whats the ETA and where do you live? thanks!

 

1 of mine is supposed to ship today, but I just don't seem too hopeful.

 

mine doesn't ship until tomorrow, yet i find myself looking at the order status page every 15 minutes. great feeling...this.

 

haha yeah, it sure would be nice if we got an update on the buid progress. The only thing that makes me so ocd over this is HP falling short dozens of times within this last week i've been keeping tabs on the envy, if they could be trusted i would simply be content with knowing I could trust it would ship on the 19th or before. I just hope I get my laptop for the weekend, its gunna suck getting my machine on a monday and suck more if i get it on a tuesday.

Edit: my 3 yr extended warranty has been pushed back twice now, by fedex, I was supposed to get it on the 18th (today), then the 19th now the 20th, I hope its no foreshadowing.

 

Well my Envy 15-i7 Beats edition w/ ATI 5830 is waiting for me at home. I had a build date of 1/18. But it shipped out prior and just arrived.

Does anyone know how I will be able to tell if it has USB 3.0?

Lets hope this one does not have to be returned.

 

im purty sure USB 3.0 ports have 8 wires 4 on top and 4 on the bottom. just check the port and perhaps the internet to make sure its true.

 

USB 3 ports are supposed to be blue.

 

did you get a shipping notification?

 

its strange that my beats shipped today and my regular edition is supposed to ship tomorrow (knock on wood). I think they're waiting on full HD panels? that or case parts maybe? I wish I paid for 2 day shipping for my beats edition. My current plan is to play with the laptops. If I really like one, I'll keep it. If not, I'm really tempted to pick up that ASUS with the 5870 and DDR5 coming next month... Plus I have my Vostro V13 to keep me company...

 

Sweet! I think you should develop a sudden headache and go home to test it out!

I wonder if the new Envy 14 and Envy 17 will include 3G or WiMax service?
I hope HP actually adds features here and its not just a re-hash with new i5's.

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,2358163,00.asp

Here's for hope!

 

Humm, I found this item which might do the trick but a bit pricy. Am hopeing to find something a tad cheaper LOL
http://www.octavainc.com/HDMI distribution amp_splitter 2 port.html

 

Hmmm interesting indeed. Thats a viable option, thanks for the info bratboy!

 

I'll cross my fingers for you but there's a good chance it won't. At least based on what I was told this morning the Beat LE's have not been updated yet just the regular Envy 15's. I know last time I checked the HP store they had updated the info for the regular Envy 15 to say it did have USB 3.0 but that the LE's are still listed as being 2.0 and thats what CS told me mine would have if I didn't cancel it and reorder the regular version.

 

hey anyone know if the cpu is user upgradeable?
from i5 to i7? or just from a lower i7 to higher i7?

 

It definitely is not easy even for advanced users or I might be wrong and it might not be possible.

 

My dog's going on 12, but she still loves a jog and to play in the first snowfall.

I'm in the same boat. I'd like the power of an i7, but the battery life must be there. I'll settle for an i5, but when the ram gets cut back to 8GB, then I think waiting until the end of the month to see if there is an Apple refresh is the right thing for me.

I think i5 expectations of battery life are going to be minimal - perhaps another 30-45 minutes tops. Primarily because HP ships such a small damn battery with the Envy - 53W/hr? I think. Apple and Dell both typically ship batteries with more capacity. If Envy had an Apple or Dell sized battery (70W/hr) it would probably be a 6 lb notebook, but Mobile run-time would increase to 3-4 hours+. Instead it is all or nothing, a 2lb strap on or 2-3 hours - ugh!

There's this other Elephant in the room folks are not acknowleging. OSX gets much better battery life on the same hardware performing similar tasks (except gaming). In general Windows power optimization has been better than Linux's, but Linux moves quickly. Unfortunately the trend with Ubuntu has been to include lots of services like Windows. Both can be tweaked to be pretty efficient, but not quite to OSX levels.

 

The refresh should be within our 21 day period so we can get our Envy's and if we arent happy, go to MBP's. However, I prefer windows 7 over OSX so I'll probably want to boot camp it asap.

 

Whoever gets their laptop first. I would like to know the clock speeds (core and RAM) for the 5830. Please post your model (i5 or i7) since there may be a difference based on this (as shown when customizing).

EDIT: and battery life (with i5/i7 and with/without the slice battery) For battery life, you can test how much you get on the main battery and then on the slice, I'm fine if they aren't done at the same time.

EDIT2: and temperatures (does the chassis get too warm for your comfort when stressing the CPU and GPU?)

Also, please PM me with this since it may get lost in this thread.

+rep to whoever can get me this info.

 

Well, if HP ever decides to ship my system I'll be happy to provide that info

 

She's a real good looking dog. 12, so she has some more time for fun! Ive switched to an organic diet for my animals. Animals used to pass on from old age, now they seem to be getting kidney problems and other issues.

I agree with you on the i7 & i5 power vs. battery life issue. The i7 is a horse, so why create an i5 that doesn’t get much better battery life. Yes the i5 blows away the core2duo, but so does the i7. PC-people wanted better battery life, I think intel dropped the ball on this one.

I will give Apple all the credit in the world. When something doesn’t perform, they make new... they invent and create better. I mentioned on another post about their aluminum fabrication process, and HP continues to do the same old way. Jeez. If a tiny company with small resources can create their own battery technology like Apple did, what the heck are HP and Dell doing? It’s just laziness, and that’s why Mac is growing so fast.


I really like your "There's this other Elephant in the room folks are not acknowledging."!!! Thats sooo true. The last time I looked on this blog there was a user comparing Apple to HP's Envy and it got deleted REAL quickly. Other users even agreed with him but one PC fan boy didn’t and argued and they all got deleted. I have a program that saves these posts so I can view offline so I will try to find that post that got deleted - as it was a good smack in the mouth to PC's laziness and Window's laziness.

It really makes me wonder how in the world Apple can offer similar usability (can browse, use programs, etc.) to Windows, and get 2-3 X the battery life. I just don’t get it. My neighbor dual boots OSX and Windows 7 on her MBP and yes Windows7 kills the battery as well.

Good post jherber. Well thought out. I hope people don’t delete your post because they aren't able to see beyond PC glasses. We should get what we pay for, not what they tell us we only need!! Here's hoping the HP Envy 14 & Envy 17 will pack some battery technology and 3G/WiMAX. Competition should make PC/Windows better, so let’s hope it works on battery technology just as OSX really pushed Windows 7 in a good new direction!