*HP Envy 15 Owners Lounge! PART 1*

The people here who said they had checked and that it was DDR3 had only checked what the ATI Catalyst app reported. I wouldn't trust those reports at all. Catalyst may simply not distinguish between the types. Most documentation from HP also says it's DDR3 (one HP doc actually does say GDDR3), but we all know how reliable that source is...

Two+ other sources has said it's GDDR3: MobileTechReview.com ( http://www.mobiletechreview.com/notebooks/HP-Envy-15.htm) and someone here who had looked up the chip from the manufacturer. I trust these two sources the most.

 

Ok that's what I thought, oh, here is link to the proof of GDDR3, pretty sure this settles since this is the site of ATI itself...
http://ati.amd.com/products/Radeonhd4800/specs2.html

 

Heh i was the one that looked up the chip. I didn't have a great shot to read the part numbers, so used some trial and error to find the code. Read the numbers off the close up of the hard drive bay in the subforum.

The bottom line was SAMSUNG does not make DDR3 chips that have product codes even close to what I found. They do have a GDDR3 chip that matches exactly.

I asked about the memory on the Envy HP forum, becuase they have so called 'Voodoo / HP Gaming Staff' responding to posts on that forum. They confirmed 'DDR3' and told me HP has access to different part numbers

http://www.thenextbench.com/t5/HP-Envy-Notebooks/Mobility-Radeon-4830-DDR3-or-GDDR3/td-p/49304

I left it at that... I'll let you decide if these HP guys know what is going on.

 

Hmmm.... so the new revised ship date for you guys is Nov 11? Mine is still Nov 3rd. I hope it ships then I need this comp for school. They already made me get it late cause of the damn billing shipping thing from before.

 

That is the desktop 4830. Built on a different process and probably a different core.

The mobile 4830 should support both GDDR3 and DDR3 with a 128bit interface according to notebookcheck.com. That is why there has been confusion becuase it is up to the system builder to decide what memory to use.

Software tools are IDing it as DDR3, but I have no clue how reliable those tools are with new chips (the Envy 15 is the first to use a mobile 4830).

Mobile specs: http://www.amd.com/us/products/note...00/hd-4830-4860/Pages/hd-4830-4860-specs.aspx

 

Some differences I see:

1. Fewer texture units on the mobility (128 reads/clock vs 160 reads/clock).
2. One RAMDAC instead of two (desktop version is designed for two monitors)
3. 40nm mobility vs 55nm desktop
4. Different memory controller on the mobility (flexible memory types and access main RAM differently, I think)

 

Do you guys think the Envy 13" has enough power for all Adobe web dev/design, light video editing, HD movies, word, etc.?

I'm wondering if I really need the E15.

 

QuadAllegory,

You would definitely want the HP Envy 15 otherwise you may be sitting there a while waiting for videos to be converted etc etc.

 

I would say so. I would say that even a top of the line dm3z/t would suit your needs perfectly fine at much less cost to your wallet.

I would really only recommend the Envy 15 for those who want to do heavy gaming/video editing/animation work.

EDIT: You wouldn't be waiting that long for light video editing to get done... Now, if you're talking about compiling a half hour movie... definitely go with the Envy 15, but if you're talking about 5 minute homevideos/you tube videos, the Envy 13 or the dm3z/t would suit you just fine.

 

I would very much like to hear your personal impressions of the unit. Also, the other Ozi in this thread said that he would retun his Envy 15 (same model as yours) because of excessive heat.

How hot does it really get if you e.g. run single- and multithreaded stress test applications?

 

I have a (maybe) stupid question for you, I'm going to use a external screen when working at my desk, is still the screenresolution limited? or can I have the low resolution on the envy (only 1366 x 768 available) and a higher one on my other screen?

I never had a laptop before.

 

Yes, you can have two different resolutions at the same time - this is controllable either from Windows or Catalyst Control Centre.

I do this both at work and at home, as I have 30" monitors at both, capable of 2560x1600, whereas my notebook only does 1600x900.

However, as the Envy does not have a VGA out, you will need a device to convert the HDMI or a USB > VGA adaptor (unless your monitor has HDMI input). I am assuming that the multi display options will work with an external monitor connected via either of these methods.

 

Normally I'd say yes, absolutely. However, with this laptop's HDMI-only output and using a HDMI->VGA adapter I'm not sure what to say... I'd say it would depend on the adapter... But I'd still say yes.

Shouldn't be any problem if your external monitor have a HDMI or DVI-D (you'd need HDMI->DVI adapter in this case) connection.

 

I was thinking of a docking station so I must look for a dock that can do that, correct? Anyone you can recommend? and my screen have a DVI connection if that helps

Edit: After looking around I can't find a docking station with a VGA/DVI port that fits the envy. I don´t know I I just can get any docking station or if it must be compatible in some sort...

Edit again.. Maybe this one? http://uk.computers.toshiba-europe....egory=4697&OPTION_ID=1059489&toshibaShop=true

 

This post is mostly meant for Scandinavian people:

Komplett(.dk) has the Envy 15 on their webshop now:
http://www.komplett.dk/k/ki.aspx?sku=498532&cks=&assoc=B2EE2DC9-79A9-4643-8E9B-BB3EEB25CF18
It seems to have the Full HD screen, which might be good news (opposed to what Dustin Home wrote on their site - which cannot be found anymore).

 

Any USB docking station should work -- as long as it has drivers compatible with windows 7 x64.

 

Yes, this will be very interesting. I know one other guy got cancelled becuase he stacked the BCB with another discount. It looks like we are all in the same boat and it's simple, Bing does not want to pay out the huge 450 dollars. I do agree, I think others will be seeing this email as well. I already filed a claim with bing and I will keep you guys posted.

 

The moment of truth is approaching just confirmed with dixons uk, my laptop will be with me tommorrow. I've just rechecked their description and noticed it says full hd? I also note that amazon uk says full hd, yet hp uk says the low res, so its anyones guess yet what im going to get. I'll be sure to let you all know how it turns out.

However I still cant get my hands on that hdmi to vga connector for love nor money. might just have to wait or go for the laggy usb to vga solution

 

Yes, keep us posted. I'm really curious.

 

Yeah, I realize its dated but there is wasn't a lot of review I found out there like the BT600... The MS BT I got last night is "cheap" and I think it will work... but I won't know until I get the Envy, as I don't have anything with BT built in... yet.

 

That's due to internal confusion. The model have been verified as having 1366x768 resolution in this thread. See: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=5461102&postcount=1202
There are at least two HP brochures for the Envy 15 model VJ288EA, one that claims it have a 1366x768 resolution and one that claims 1920x1080. The one with 1366x768 is newer.

 

I am just wondering have anybody else received bing cashback returned message yet. As far as right now, it seems yay, peppe1, and I received this email when none of us actually violates any bing cashback policy. BTW, we all bought the envy 15 on Oct 18 with the 25% bing cashback.

 

You don't. The only reason I got the HDX18t was for the large screen size (adobe photoshop). I actually recommend a 17+ inch notebook for any image processing on the go. Screen real estate is fairly important in those cases.

 

So I played around with the laptop a bit yesterday after I got it home from bestbuy. It runs fairly cool, I mean the palm rest warms up a bit, which is 100% normal. The right side is completely cool. The fan however, kicked in after about 30-40min of the laptopb beeing on, and stayed on. It wasn't loud enough to annoy you but you defenitely notice it.

I downloaded Crysis demo and played for about 30min on all high settings. The fan was still on, same as before, I don't know what other people said that it kicked in mode 3 or whatever, I noticed no difference than when I was just installing some software.

After 30mins, the palm rest was just a little warmer than when doing normal stuff, not even close to cause discomfort. There was only one part of the bottom of the notebook that was hot after 30mins of playing and it was directly under the trackpad, the rest of it was just a little warm, to actually cool (near the fans in the back). And the hot spot was not hot enough so that you can't put your hand on it. You could actually use it on your lap if you space your legs a bit and have the middle of the laptop in between and not resting on your legs since the rest of it was mildely warm.

 

I have decided on the BT 600 - the Orochi is simply too expensive to have bad tracking over some surfaces. I'd rather save money and get the Radtech BT600.

 

Be sure to report back how it works for you. If it works well I would also consider it. Thanks.

 

Thanks for the notes on heat! Play any better games - like fun ones?

 

I actually just re-reconsidered lol. I'll get the Orochi from Amazon and if I don't like it, then I'll just return it. I'll post my review when I receive the Envy and mouse.

 

I'm happy with my Orochi. It is the best laptop-size mouse I've had and while it's not as comfortable as my MX1100 or G9 it is very comfortable for a small mouse. The usb cable is a nice feature too so you can use it if you need higher performance or if the batteries (2xAA) die.

 

Cool I look forward to trying it out.

 

Has anyone who received FedEx shipping information on 10/28 seen there shipment leave Shanghai? I just spoke with FedEx and the agent told me that it likely won't get to Anchorage, Alaska until maybe Monday and likely not delivered to Minneapolis, MN until Wednesday... so much for 2-day delivery.
The agent told me it is 2-day delivery after it leave customs in China.

 

My girlfriend got the Dm3t on the 18th with the same ship date as you guys. It was in Anchorage last night already.

 

DM3T is really a nice little laptop. Is it being shipped from China too?

 

so i called HP resolutions team last to discuss my order and how it was placed early on the 18th and how they shipped other orders ahead of me. They requested a call back to resolve the issue so I am waiting for their call. They assured me their build process is first in first out, but I basically told them that wasn't the case as people that order a full day after are already getting tracking information.

 

I'm pretty much set on the ENVY 15-1050NR (the quick ship model), will I be better off ordering directly from HP or through Bestbuy? which one is likely to ship first?

 

Yes hers is coming from shanghai china

go get from best buy hp direct is out of stock right now

 

Interesting. Mine left China early in the morning, 4am, on the 30th. The plane crossed the international dateline and arrived in Anchorage at 1am, on the 30th. Dunno if/why yours may have been left behind.

 

Same thing for me... mine is still in shanghai. It seems to be taking longer to get to us, than it was to ship..hehe.

 

Sweet, thanks.

 

My shipment is still in China AND I just received the BCB Cancellation notice.

 

why are people recieving bing cashback cancellations? what is the reason bing is citing? did you guys try and use a coupon code for it or epp?

 

Did people with Bing cancellations use the free two day shipping?

EDIT: Also, there are/were major delays in Memphis, a large hub for Fedex. Maybe that's backing stuff up. Where does the stuff from
Anchorage fly to?

 

I received a cashback cancellation too, even though I ordered through the Bing search engine and didn't use any other coupons or offers. I got this e-mail maybe an hour after writing Bing:

"I apologize for any inconvenience this matter may have caused. After looking into your situation, we have determined that unfortunately, we cannot credit this purchase to your account. HP cancelled your purchase because your "transaction does not qualify for cashback." Per the Microsoft TOU, you will not earn cashback rewards on purchases where the store does not report the purchase to Microsoft. To ensure that future purchases qualify for Bing cashback, we encourage you to review section 17 of the Microsoft TOU by clicking on the link below.
Microsoft Service Agreement: http://help.live.com/help.aspx?mkt=...ype=topic&query=TOU_CONC_WLSearchCashback.htm
We have taken extra steps to confirm with HP that program terms have not been met. As a result, your purchase claim has been closed and we will not be applying cashback for your order. We apologize for any inconvenience or disappointment this may have caused you. Based on this resolution, your incident will now be closed. If you require further assistance, please reply to this email."

After an hour on the phone with various people from HP, I'm just gonna ship the thing back. I already placed an order with Alienware. I just didn't like the way the situation was handled, and don't trust Bing to resolve it in a timely manner if I go complain to them.

*EDIT: Yep, I used the free 2-day shipping, and imagine most everyone else did too.

 

Think that may have caused the cancellation?

 

Doubtful..

 

One thing to consider about the bestbuy version - restocking fee

 

Guys, I have some news about bing cashback cancellation. The problem is definitely in HP's end.

I talked with Hp's customer service supervisor, and she told me the reason is Hp still credits my purchase to EPP even though I purchased through bing's link and did not use any discounts other than 2 days free shipping. She told me my name is in EPP program, so whether or not I use bing's link they will ultimately give the credit to EPP rather than bing.com, which is much more expensive than any other resources if the cashback is 25%. Hp offered me $180, and then $200 if I keep my order, but there is no reason to take this low ball.

Overall, HP will pay Bing over $200 if Bing will pay us 25% cashback. Therefore, HP is trying its best effort to avoid giving credit to bing if we get the 25%. Again, this is HP's way to do business. When they realized it cost them more to keep a order, they will rather not to keep the order.

 

I also have an EPP account but I DID NOT use it for this purchase. Looks like HP may just be cross-referencing accounts to save themselves some money by cancelling these.

 

well i don't have an epp account, in fact I have never ordered from HP before... (my bcb is still fine)

hp has alot of nerve... with their tactics from shipping to this...

 

Also have an EPP account, but ordered through the non discounted side of the store.

"The store notified us that the purchase has been returned, exchanged, or canceled, or is ineligible per the Microsoft Service Agreement (Section 17)."

Donv, what number did you call to get through to a real person?