*HP Envy 15 Owners Lounge! PART 1*

the 4830 card keeps surprising me

Batman AA demo, native res everything maxed (apart from the physx as thats nvidia cards only) and frames constant around 50-60.

 

Its kind of funny how everyone in the states has to wait 2-3 weeks for their shipment. I ordered day before yesterday... and it's on the delivery truck today. I'm picking it up after work =). I guess the trade off here in Canada is no BCB and no customized models... *sigh* I could have waited if i was getting 25% off...

I'm glad to hear the touchpad issues were more a problem of people no knowing how to use it than of a design flaw. I'm hoping the model i saw at BB this past weekend is representative of the machine i receive from HP (i.e. barely warm when idle, slightly heated when lightly used, and just freakin georgous!).

Anyone get the warranty with accidental damage protection? I ordered it but i haven't seen the terms... is it true that i could crack the screen out of my own stupidity and they'll replace/repair my lappy as long as its covered free of charge?

 

congrats. I guess HP must have their warehouse somewhere in the GTA.
I'm still waiting to pull the trigger. was thinking about driving to states and pick up one from there during black friday.

 

i'm becoming increasing frustrating at HP, and might cancel my order. Delaying shipment because of a customs situation and not calling me back as promised really is unacceptable.

 

No change as of a couple of minutes ago. I guess I'll call them later today or tomorrow if it doesn't change by then. I'm not tempted by any other machines (except maybe a dual SSD version of Envy 15 depending on price and availability).

 

the second you lay down your thumb button to click left or right, it stops responding the way you expect it to.

I am happy for you that yours is working right. the only game I tested was World Of Warcraft. At maximum settings, it works okay. not perfect and not as good as my desktop (Nvidia 8800GTS) but it's playable.

I think I'll wait for black friday and see what I can get. meanwhile I'd continue to use my old Dell Latitude.

 

FYI to iPhone and Envy owners: I'm having problems in migrating from my old PC to my Envy. I've installed iTunes 9.0.2 (64-bit version, BTW), and I'm getting error 0xE000065. If you google this you'll find several discussions, including one on Apple's discussion board. There seems to be a problem with the combination of iTunes 9, Windows 7, and the PM55 chipset causing USB errors with the phone. Some forum posters said that enabling the C-state in the BIOS fixed the problem, but I don't see that as an option in the Envy BIOS.

I've somehow managed to get past this error but have other errors, particularly in syncing photos. To get around the 0xE000065 error I tried a few things such as disabling my Norton firewall during the sync, and also changing the "AppleMobileDeviceService.exe" (visible in process list with "Show processes from all users" button) to compatibility mode (Vista SP2 per someone's recommendation).

Has anyone else tried migrating their iPhone to their Envy and had problems?

 

DinTuscAl, I am an iPhone owner and should receive my envy 15 tomorrow. I will check if I have any problems with itunes. Hopefully, since I was already using win 7 when backing up my itunes (p-7805u) I wont have any errors.

 

Called HP regarding the rattling sound when tilting the machine from side to side, girl told me to bring it back to BestBuy for an exchange. So guess I'll do that. I love this laptop, it has everything you want. So I'm gonna stick with it (well another unit that is).

 

Hey, I'm picking mine up tomorrow. Was wondering... how's the heat on this thing? This is the ONLY thing i'm worried about because when i tried the SXPS16 for a few weeks I wasn't a fan of the heat (or the size... or the Dell crapware on it, or the Dell Customer Service... or the Dell build quality...) that would be shooting out of the thing after just 10 mins of regular use.

Would running on powersaver mode generate less heat if i had this thing on my lap to surf the net or something? When i put the SXPS on power save mode it could barely run simple tasks without lagging... which made no sense given the power that was in that machine.

 

I called HP Customer Service and after 22 minutes I learned that my order doesn't seem to be on hold but has no status update, so they will get back to me by email or phone within 24 hours with an update. I'd consider the lapse of update of the status (it hasn't changed since almost the day I ordered it when it went into "in production status") and that it took them 22 minutes to say they would have to get back to me are poor marks for HP.

 

Din, there is a supposed issue with the PM55 chipset, Win 7 and the iphone. Let me find the article and i will link it here.

Edit: Here you go http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/31/iphone-and-windows-7-dont-play-nice-intel-p55-chipset-to-blame/

 

I called too, the first guy hung up on me and the second guy just said no idea, Good luck and wait for it.

 

I knew I wasn't crazy, I was suprised that nobody else has posted about the noise when moving from side to side.

As far as the touchpad. I am used to using them. Much like a mac but nowhere near as refined. Maybe my expectations are high and I expected the Envy to do everything I want it to do (like the mac touchpad). It is not us, the users, I am telling you guys it's the pad. I try scolling two finger, it doesn't work or it will lag. By the time it catches up the damn thing scrolls to the bottom of the page. I try and use zoom/pinch and it doesn't respond unless I do it superslow and use two fingers from different hands. Maybe it picks up heat from my hand, I don't know. All I know is that when I try and use the trackpad, I have to do everything very slow to get it to work. It's almost like the damn thing is thinking about what you want it to do.

 

Did you get the new software driver (or maybe it was a BIOS upgrade...) for the touch pad? People are claiming that there was an improvement on the perfomance of it after updating.

 

You're right. I am shocked that the Envy shipped with this touchpad. Everyone who tried the pad on my envy couldn't operate it properly. It is not a user issue.

 

Have you tried the latest touchpad driver on HP support page? In the morning couple of guys here said the touchpad is just what they expected. Getting too many different views ...

 

Tried configuring an Envy 15 and I had a couple of questions:
1. Wouldn't 6GB of RAM for a dual channel CPU lead to single channel operation? (you must have 2 matching DIMMS to run in dual channel mode). Is 4GB the better bet? I want to run server VMs on my laptop during development, so I was considering the 6GB, but not if it slows it down.

2. What BIOS options are available? Can this laptop be overclocked and / or underclocked? Can the voltage be adjusted?

 

No I haven't updated the drivers yet, and I am not going to. The laptop is getting sent back to HP. I just wanted post my experience with the touchpad.
And you are right!!! So many different views because I think that they are all different, no consistency. Just like the heat issue- Some have no heat at idle, and some have heat at idle, the touchpad seems just as inconsistant from one laptop to the next.

 

Just sent in my review to Serg so hopefully it'll be up soon once he gets it.

 

The touchpad is ok, not a problem at all.

If you have problem with it, you should change the deceive setting by your own. It should work perfectly.

I guess the new driver just change the setting by defeult

 

Ok for some who care and a lot who dont.
I think we have a solid answer as to why some of us got the shaft from HP and the 25% cashback.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=430617&page=2

 

I just got the following email (note that my estimated ship date has been 11/3 since my order on 10/23):

Due to production delays we will be unable to ship your order on the original estimated ship date. The revised estimated ship date for your order is 11/16/2009 or no later than 7 business days from the original estimated ship date. If you prefer not to wait you may cancel your order and receive a prompt refund...

Since 11/16 is 8 business days from 11/3, what exactly does "or no later than 7 business days..." mean in this context?

And they offered a $50 coupon.

Very frustrating. My order was a standard machine except for Win7 Home Premium.

Does anyone have any concrete info about the dual SSD option--when it will be offered and how much extra?

Thanks,

Larry

 

Hi Larry,
Sorry to hear about your frustration with HP. It seems nowadays HP getting a very bad rap. It is unfortunate that you have to wait that long for your machine. It is irritating to know that most if not all that got our BCB denied have our laptops in hand and are ready to ship them right back to HP and others are left waiting. They should have just let us cancel our orders.

 

I ordered my machine on the 18th and still have not received it. My order was delayed and I was given $50 for the inconvenience. My estimated ship date is the 11th. :/

 

Hey guys, for those who have their Envy 15s already, how does Flight Simulator X perform?

 

i'm in a same boat. hp owes me a call still, and tomorrow makes a week since they claimed to call me. i am calling back tomorrow and screaming.

 

i got the e-mail too but it's for the 16th

I called and yelled at them, they said that on the system it is said to be shipping on the 10th not the 16th?

Then I ed some more and they gave me another 70 bucks.

If I could I would drop the order and just buy the quick ship models. But as a college student I don't have that much money in my bank accounting considering how they took my money already. So I would have to cancel the order, wait for them to give my money back (3-5 business days) then Order the quick ship and wait for that to get to me....

 

This article was posted in the owner's lounge a day or two ago: http://consumerist.com/5395580/hp-refuses-to-make-good-on-100-cash-back-promise-wont-explain-why

Story is at least out there...

 

I was also on the website, does anyone know where you can just buy the slice by itself?

 

ok i've just ordered mine.

looking at the rate you guys have been getting yours mine will probably come in 2010....

the battary slice is not offered in AU so i would be interested in different souces as well.

 

The heat from the laptop is perfectly normal. It runs quite cool under regular browsing and office work. I keep on it HP recommended power option, didn't try the power saver one.

I played like 3-4 hours of Crysis Warhead on it so far. Obviously the bottom gets hot in some places which is 100% normal for a machine this powerful, the palm rest however does not get hot, just a bit warm and doesn't cause any discomfort (but this is relative, some people might get bothered by the slightest warmth on a palm rest).

Don't expect to do heavy video editing or play highly demanding 3-D games on your lap. But everything else is A ok.

 

I ran an HP driver update. same results.

 

Well, I finally gave in and bought one, thanks to a student discount and the fact that there isn't jack on the market right now that suits my needs. Picked up a Logitech M555b bluetooth mouse to go with it.

And now I need a sleeve/coozie for it, since the sleeve for my Thinkpad probably won't fit it. Got any recommendations? Something simple, no handles. It's going to be riding around in my backpack.

 

nice!! did you get the ready made ones for you customized?

 

Well I've learned from this forum and many others that people will moan, complain, and grind their teeth over just about everything. If you can find fault with this laptop-buy something else. Period. I've had it since release and love it. Since I (and this is BIG people!) went into the mouse settings and made adjustments to the mousepad. Voila! This is by far the best laptop I've ever owned and is replacing my Gateway P-16831fx. I'd like to thank all of you who have actually contributed useful-intelligent information that helped me through a couple of problems- For those who missed the "Owners of the Envy 15" thread title....and came here to complain...take it to HP or the Consumerists or a lawyer if your hurts that bad!

 

I bought the "HP 16" Espresso Notebook Sleeve" with my order. The Envy 15 fits perfectly in it and the whole thing goes down into my backpack very nicely. The sleeve has a retractable handle that doesn't take space when not used, but if you do want to use the handle you can. I'm satisfied with that sleeve.

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/s...tail.do?CTOPopup=Yes&product_code=NR401AA#ABA

 

I saw that one, but I don't really want the handle on it.

I was looking at a Zeroshock III on ebay but the width is a hair shorter than the width of the laptop (by 0.15"). I figure it's a little bit stretchy. Maybe? Anyone have one of these?

 

Last year when the HDX18 first came out, HP had a snafu and posted up the quad processor option as being only a $100 or $200 dollar upgrade when everyone else was charging 800-1100 for a quad processor in a laptop. Most everyone who ordered got their orders cancelled on them, removed the quad option from their website for about a month and said it was "out of stock". HP is just very disorganized at new launches of products, they always have been.

 

1. I think the PM55 chipset supports flexmode, which means that, if you have a 2GB + 4GB module, that 2GB of each module would run in dual channel mode, with the remainder of the 4GB mode running in single channel mode. Not sure though - am pretty tired, but will take a look at the spec sheets for the chipset later today.

2. Most notebooks don't allow for overclocking and voltage changes, from the sounds of things this one is no different.

 

I wouldn't recommend going smaller than a 16" sleeve... With my sleeve, it's very easy to slide in the laptop but it's still very small and doesn't add a lot of bulk at all. Just like a second skin. With a smaller sleeve I imagine you'd get very tired very fast of trying to force it in and wiggle it out, and I don't think you would save any noticeable space either... However, a good thing with the Zeroshock is that it opens all the way.

Here's another 16" sleeve, but with no handle:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834995829

 

That one is perfect. You da man.

ps - Thanks to everyone in this thread. I lurked the entire thread for the past week researching this laptop. You guys are awesome.

 

what number did you call to get another 70 bucks, i am doing to same thing tomorrow.

 

1. I think the 6GB is three 2GB modules (this would be cheaper than 4+2 and it also says 3 modules on HP.com). It could be that you get dual-channel on the first pair...

2. The service manual (downloadable for anyone to read) shows all BIOS settings and I think the info there is accurate (as far as I remember). There are no clocking or voltage settings.

 

I just called their customer support line 866 433 2018

then i said I think I'm going to cancel my order because it's taking so long
can you make it ship faster? Upgrade my shipping!!
The person was like Uhh can't upgrade shipping but I can credit you back 70 bucks. So i was like okay.

Anyone know where on the HP site i can buy the slice battery separately? or is that not possible?

 

I was thinking about calling and doing this, but I am afraid that if they offer me more money off and I accept, my bing cashback wont go through.

 

I just canceled my order, I can't wait till the 16th

Taking too long.

 

csquared, did you get a $50 coupon (like I did; expires in Jan) and *in addition* you got another $70 reduction in your Envy purchase price?

Anybody, I see the quick ship model Envy 15 is shipping same day. The only difference in my custom order is that I got Win7 Professional for $50 more. I'm thinking of asking HP to cancel my order and ship me the quick ship model instead. Questions: 1) Is there any difference between the quick ship model and the custom model if they both are the same except for the OS version? 2) It seems as though I can just order Win7 Anytime Upgrade [Home Premium to Professional] at Amazon for $85: http://is.gd/4Nxmz Is there any problem with doing this, or a better way? Sounds like this Anytime upgrade is a 10 minute thing that just "turns on" features already there. Any problems with this approach? Of course, I would insist HP pays the $35 difference; and whatever else I can get.

Thanks!

Larry

 

I just ran some benchmarks on my Envy 15 (Ci7 720, 8GB RAM), with Resident Evil 5 (common settings: Shadow, texture, & overall settings High; motion blur -off; variable test; vertical sync on).
1. DirectX 9.0c 1280x720x32bit, AA-off = 56.2 fps average, rating 'B'
2. DirectX 9.0c 1920x1080x32bit, AA-off = 36.7 fps average, rating 'B'
3. DirectX 9.0c 1920x1080x32bit, AA-2x = 29.9 fps average, rating 'C'
4. DirectX 9.0c 1920x1080x32bit, AA-4x = 30.0 fps average, rating 'C'
5. DirectX 9.0c 1920x1080x32bit, AA-8x = 27.1 fps average, rating 'C'
6. DirectX 10 1920x1080x32bit, AA-8x = 12.2 fps average, rating 'C'
7. DirectX 10 1920x1080x32bit, AA-2x = 19.7 fps average, rating 'C'
8. DirectX 10 1920x1080x32bit, AA-off = 29.9 fps average, rating 'C'

 

Yes 3x2GB would be cheaper than 1x4GB + 1x2GB. However, I know that in the UK they aren't opting for the cheaper sticks, the machines with 4GB for example are shipping with 1x4GB module, whereas the machines with 8GB are shipping with 2x4GB. Why they are doing this is beyond me, it would only really be useful if you intended to upgrade to the full 16GB as it would mean you wouldn't need to buy 4x4GB, you'd only need to buy the additional 4GB modules rather than replace them all.

As it's running 3 x 2GB, then actually my statement still stands sort of, that 2x2GB would be running in dual channel mode, but the last 2GB would be sat on it's own without any friends. Poor memory module. On the plus side, 2GB modules are cheap as chips, so you could buy him a friend.

Having that last 2GB in single channel mode though probably wouldn't make a huge difference.