*HP Envy 15 Owners Lounge! PART 1*

Some random notes from the manual:

- Display is described as 250:1 contrast, 370 nits
- You can replace the CPU.
- GPU is on the motherboard, not replaceable without replacing the whole motherboard.
- CPU memory is 1066 MHz.
- GPU memory is 1333 MHz.
- There are 3 different displays: "WVA antiglare", "WVA brightview", "SVA brightview"
- USB ports are USB 3.0 (all ports can power external OD)
- 6-cell battery is 2.40-Ah (53-Wh) Li-ion
- 9-cell battery is 2.80-Ah (93-Wh) Li-ion (2.76 lbs, 1.25 kg)
- Supports both 2.5" and 1.8" internal drives

 

Thanks for the info. Hey, how did you do with Bing? They havent confirmed me anything...and I am doubting if I should cancel or not. You called them? I have already sent 5 mails, and answers are each time more stupid/surreal...

Then the waiting is on. But the E2E is really that big of a matter? FOr whats under the hood, I dont mind...

I hear you. I know the feeling...

Thanks for that, and if you notice, the HP envy 15 normal on the side on pic 4, has E2E or so it seems...

The 410-nit is for the 13, the 15 has 300 supposedly. And HP website says it is E2E

Thanks, will add to OP.

What do you mean?



On other news. I think I solved the 4830 VRAM issue we had.
The 4830 uses both GDDR3 and DDR3, since it can draw System DDR3 RAM for extra power, but has 1GB dedicated GDDR3. That is what the problem was. The GPU can use both on the laptop.

 

So according to the manual the crappy 1368x768 screen exists indeed, and HP UK site still offers it like the only choice. In other words it's a big "Go Yourselves" to UK customers. Nicely done, HP.

By the way, did someone see anything about the 2 HDD bays in the manual? I only read that e15 supports 2.5'' and 1.8'' HDD's. Nothing about 2 bays so far. I'm starting to get a very bad feeling here.

 

oh thank god! i just confirmed the envy 15 does have rubber feet.

 

The Brochure in HP Aus website states it comes with either a 1368x768 screen or a 1080p Ultra Brightvew Display.

Also it states dual SSD support or singles SSD + HDD....so I'm assuming the base model should have 2 HDD bays

http://h20424.www2.hp.com/campaign/consumer_notebooks/ap/en/resources/HP-ENVY-Brochure.pdf

 

Yep, thats what I had been trying to say some time ago in the other thread. I just wouldn't buy a premium laptop with such a low resolution.

 

Yeah, exactly. Until they offer the 1080p I won't buy it.

 

I still don't get it.

1. Does envy 15 have 2 hdd bays?
(if it does then)
2. Are both of them 2.5''?
or
3. Is one of them 2.5'' and another 1.8''?

EDIT: Just a thought: why would envy 15 support 1.8'' HDD (which is evidently worse than 2.5'') if both bays were 2.5''? I think the is starting to surface bit by bit...

 

You misunderstood my point. There will be a 410-nit high gamut screen option for the Envy 15 in the upcoming refresh.

 

Is it a typo? I thought USB 3.0 is far off due to Intel not supporting in its chipsets right now.

 

Thanks! This clears up the weight of the slice as well, page 85 / 6-1:

Optional accessory battery weight: 1.25 kg / 2.76 lbs

 

Please show your Source? That is a Bogus statement without any proof. I called HP Customer Support yesterday and they confirmed that the model at BestBuy is indeed a different model than you will receive from hp.com and that the one you receive from hp, WILL have a Edge to Edge screen.


EDIT: Based off of the manual USB 3.0? That would be very nice.

 

I hate to say this, but I still don't think the Envy 15's screen is going to be edge-to-edge in any configuration (the glass will be, but not the screen). Looking at the manual, comparing the computer dimensions on page 85 (6-1) to the screen dimensions on page 86 (6-2):

Computer dimensions
Width: 38.0 cm / 14.96 in

15.6-in display specifications
Dimensions
Width 34.5 cm / 13.58 in

The display/lid would have to have the same width as the base. Therefore, 4.5 cm / 1.38 inches of width is unacconted for on the screen side (14.96 vs 13.58). This is due to the bezel. And as I said before, there's got to be a place for the webcam on the lid side, it's not in the base. Also the "HP" and "Envy" logos on the top, as shown on HP's own pictures. See page 12 (2-2) of the manual. Also the ambient light sensor, as noted by the people who have played with it at BestBuy stores.

As much as I want the screen to be edge-to-edge, I still believe that only the glass might be edge-to-edge.

EDIT: We can still hold out hope that maybe there will be a separate manual for the "Envy 15 t", which are the custom-built models (as I understand it from the HP tech support rep).

 

Dintuscal, does any laptop have an edge to edge LCD?? I don't think such a thing is even physically possible.

I propose we stop referring to this as "edge to edge" and instead call it "glass". Or "Star Trek".

 

Some earlier posts discussed the wireless configuration and annoyance with the 5100 model. You may be able to swap out the wireless, if you're daring enough:

Integrated WLAN options by way of wireless module
2 wireless antennas built into display assembly
Supports no-WLAN option
Support for the following WLAN formats:
■ Intel WiFi Link 6200 802.11 a/g/n
■ Intel WiFi Link 6200 802.11 a/g/n with Bluetooth®
■ Intel WiFi Link 5100 802.11 a/g/n
■ Intel WiFi Link 5100 802.11 a/g/n with Bluetooth
■ Intel WiFi Link 6100 802.11 a/b/g
■ Intel WiFi Link 6100 802.11 a/b/g with Bluetooth
■ Intel WiFi Link 5100 802.11 a/b/g
■ Intel WiFi Link 5100 802.11 a/b/g with Bluetooth
■ Intel 1000 802.11 b/g/n
■ Intel 1000 802.11 b/g/n with Bluetooth
■ Intel 1000 802.11 b/g
■ Intel 1000 802.11 b/g with Bluetooth

So is the 6200 module even better?

 

I'm telling you what I know based off the production statistics (as of models produced made before last week). I could be wrong of course, but I have not come across a unit with Infinity displays so far. I don't make speculative guesses, so don't be rude in your comments. HP's phone agents are seeing whatever information is displayed on their screens too, so they only know so much because they haven't even seen an Envy 15 in person.

 

Sounds like WVA antiglare is the non glass.

What's the difference between WVA and SVA?

 

I totally agree, that's my point: the screen doesn't go right to the edge, or even to a fraction of an inch close to the edge. The screen has a frame around it.

 

USB 3.0?? i thought that that was not even out yet; but hey, if it comes with thelaptop, wow, it is supposed to be 3times faster than 2.0 and catch the speeds of e-SATA on transfers, but with anyu device...

it must be a typo

DOUBLE NINJAd

 

If WVA is wide viewing angle, SVA is probably Standard Viewing Angle. Now what's interesting is the matte display option, dubbed antiglare (that's the term HP uses for matte non-glossy displays).

 

and what actual screen goes to the edge?? i want that

 

From the diagrams/pictures in the manual, and from the lack of the word " drives" (plural), I now believe the Envy 15 has only 1 hard drive bay. Look at page 59 (4-21) from the manual in particular. It shows a single bay location, in the front right corner. There is no mention of a second bay.

So the reason we don't have an optical drive is not to make room for a 2nd hard drive, its for all the fans in this thing: 2 on the left side for the CPU (page 60 / 4-22), and 1 on the right side for the video card (page 65 / 4-27)!

EDIT: Ok, what's the deal? Page 82 / 5-4:

Secondary Hard Disk Self Test (select models only) Run a comprehensive self-test on the secondary hard drive.

This is from chapter 5, Setup Utility (BIOS), so it could just be lifted from another HP laptop model's manual.

 

Maybe the bay for the SSD is the tiny type like netbooks have. Are those 1.8"? That would explain why they say 2x SSD but not 2x HD. I think someone posted that a couple pages back.

Why is HP providing so little information?

 

I'd much rather the space be used on something I need all the time, like a fan, rather than an OD, a peripheral that I use less frequently than other peripherals.

 

Still, it seems they would have to mention it and describe its location and replacement/swap out process like they did for the front bay. And nothing stands out as another possible location for a second bay.

Anyone care to try to call Envy tech support?

 

I haven't looked at the manual yet. Maybe the 2x SSDs are 1.8" and go in the regular HD bay.

 

Hmm. Possibly stacked?

It's most irritating, as previews have stated that it would support dual SSDs:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10352407-1.html

 

What I see in the manual:
3 system memory slots are hard to get to, but the fourth slot is easy to get to and is located under a panel in the battery compartment. This is probably why it came with 3 of the 2GB modules to start.

CPU is replaceable. It is in the lower left under the palm rest/maybe under the trackpad area?
Something to think about in the future is the CPU is replaceable and the CPU we have is the first and probably the hottest for this socket. Arrandale will use the same socket, comes with integrated graphics, runs at a lower TDP (should be cooler especially with 2 fans), but only has 2 cores. New CPU generations usually require some bios support from HP. This might be on option for those really concerned about heat.

No idea where a second hard drive is expected to fit? On 4-9 there is another compartment under the battery bay that is never discussed...

 

Have a look at the picture on page 20 / 2-10:

(5) Memory module compartment Holds the memory modules.

I think 2 modules are user installable (note the plural "modules" above), the other 2 are inside, see page 53 / 4-15 where they show the 2 on the inside. Looks like the picture on 4-9 is just showing 1 installed, the other might go in a similarly sized space on the left, or they could be stacked.

EDIT: confirmed on page 10 / 1-4

Serviceability
Memory (only 2 slots are customer accessible) <- so 2 slots, not just 1

If there were a drive compartment in the battery area, I would have expected it to be mentioned on page 20 / 2-10.

 

They Officially have 4 models of the Envy 15 listed on the Support page now.


http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...c=en&dlc=en&cc=us&lang=en&tool=&query=envy 15


Is there a Official Envy tech support phone number yet?

 

Ok, now I am confused. If I read the manual correctly, the video ram is indeed ddr3? Unless I missed something.


Edit: I am surprised they haven't started shipping yet.

 

The Manual is replete with inaccuracies such as the Chipset which is the PM55 Calpella platform. Doubtful it has USB 3.0.

I've seen the ones at Best Buy and they don't have E2E display. The Envy 13 has E2E. The package price at Best Buy includes the 9-cell Batt and Ext Optical drive.

I didn't recall seeing a Memory Module Compartment on the bottom of the unit but maybe it is actually underneath the Battery.

 

That is what what I thought regarding the manual. Isn't the Pm57 chipset the new chipset that is going to come out next year? I also read on Intel dragging its feet on USB 3.0. This is confusing.

 

It has dual drives.
2.5 and 1.8
http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01911053.pdf
page 8

 

Good luck finding a decent 1.8'' drive, be it HDD or SSD. HP F**ked us all good on this...

 

I disagree, I think that is just a list of 2.5" and 1.8" drives that are supported in the unit. All of them on this list are spinning and not SSD, given they reference "7200 RPM" and "5400 RPM". I imagine an SSD would work, but it won't be an SSD coming from HP, at least not for now. Also, the language used is "either/or", not "both/and".

Update: I just got off the phone with HP Total Care. She said it was just 1 bay inside, and I even told her mine would be an "Envy 15t" (i.e., user configured order, not retail model). I would still prefer to be wrong on this, but it's not looking promising.

 

If I read that correctly as well it clearly states a 2.5 and 1.8 HDD. Wow this system is really starting to unravel. And I was so close to pulling the finger on this. I guess my MBP Uni will have to do for now.

 

Oh, and in the front they are vents.
Page 18

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP1pXgVCqkQ

this is a video preview of the envy15.

look at 2:15 minutes in and the HP person even goes to great length to explain the HDD options. There is room for 2 harddrives...

 

"Room"??

Hi there and welcome to the NBR Forums.

CHeck out page 20 here http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01911053.pdf and only one HDD is listed...the screen has a bezel, page 29, and no E2E is mentioned.

And the CPU seems to be mounted under the left palmrest according to page 19.

 

Yeah, I've seen that. Have you ever been to an auto show? "Concept" cars on display that are dramatically different by the time they reach series production.

buyer: "Where's that joystick that was in the concept car?"
salesman: "Oh, that was just for the concept, it's been replaced by a standard steering wheel."

I'm thinking that the dual hard drive bit was a "concept". Maybe it'll be an option in the next iteration. I just canceled my OCZ Agility 120 GB SSD order at Amazon (was on backorder). I'll wait for a definitive "yes" on this 2nd bay issue until I reorder. Otherwise I guess I'll live with the stock 500 GB spinning drive now, and wait for larger SSDs to appear over the next few years and then replace it with an SSD after the warranty runs out.

 

this isn't a video of a concept. It's HP's walkthrough at IDF 2009. Which btw was held on late September of this year . If HP was still at a 'concept' stage that late in the game, we wouldn't be seeing this laptop for a long while.

 

Page 53. You wondered were the other RAM slots were?
Well, there they are. http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01911053.pdf

besides the CPU under the left palmrest

 

I called them and they should arrive to HP sweden v 45 and they would get some more v48, there will only be one configuration :-(

 

GPU is under the right palmrest. Page 66 http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01911053.pdf

HDD seems to be one only page 59, unless you put one over the other, i dont see much space on this laptop, the humungous battery takes basically all the chassis, and the dual fans too, so space is not something easy to find here, I wonder were the second HDD must go... http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01911053.pdf

 

HTML:

Country/region Accredited agency Applicable note number
Australia EANSW 1
Austria OVE 1
Belgium CEBC 1
Canada CSA 2
Denmark DEMKO 1
Finland FIMKO 1
France UTE 1
Germany VDE 1
Italy IMQ 1
Japan METI 3
The Netherlands KEMA 1
Norway NEMKO 1
The People's Republic of China CCC 5
South Korea EK 4
Sweden SEMKO 1
Switzerland SEV 1
Taiwan BSMI 4
The United Kingdom BSI 1
The United States UL 2
1. The flexible cord must be Type HO5VV-F, 3-conductor, 1.0-mm² conductor size. Power cord set fittings (appliance coupler and wall
plug) must bear the certification mark of the agency responsible for evaluation in the country or region where it will be used.
2. The flexible cord must be Type SPT-3 or equivalent, No. 18 AWG, 3-conductor. The wall plug must be a two-pole grounding type
with a NEMA 5-15P (15 A, 125 V) or NEMA 6-15P (15 A, 250 V) configuration.
3. The appliance coupler, flexible cord, and wall plug must bear a “T” mark and registration number in accordance with the Japanese
Dentori Law. The flexible cord must be Type VCT or VCTF, 3-conductor, 1.00-mm² conductor size. The wall plug must be a
two-pole grounding type with a Japanese Industrial Standard C8303 (7 A, 125 V) configuration.
4. The flexible cord must be Type RVV, 3-conductor, 0.75-mm² conductor size. Power cord set fittings (appliance coupler and wall
plug) must bear the certification mark of the agency responsible for evaluation in the country or region where it will be used.
5. The flexible cord must be Type VCTF, 3-conductor, 0.75-mm² conductor size. Power cord set fittings (appliance coupler and wall
plug) must bear the certification mark of the agency responsible for evaluation in the country or region where it will be used.

It seems where this laptop will be available.

 

Here are some pics of the interior. Not the best, but it gives us an idea.

 

More pics uploaded.

Shows where things are, the HDD bay (only one I recognize), how the DUAL fans are for the CPU, and a SINLGE STAND ALONE fan for the GPU. WOW, three fans?

 

I'm a newbie to the forum, but have been reading this discussion as well as the closed one - so I thought I'd let you all know what I know (according to 2 sales reps I spoke to). The configurable HP.com ENVY 15 has an E2E screen - I have a guarantee from both. Both sales reps think it possible that BB bought the bezel-laden version to cut costs. WVA would be the bezel version (slightly less glare) and SVA would be glass bezel-less (higher glare). I didn't ask about the HDD conundrum as I don't care too much about that. The video card has 1gig GDDR3 and can share DDR3 system memory if needed.

 

So ... what do we have so far? No E2E, single drive slot, 4830 has GDDR memory and I also believe that USB 3.0 thing is a typo. Hmmm, not really class leading anymore, right?

I hope no one is expecting an E2E screen from HP direct. The BB model may be slightly different in terms of accessories being included, no E2E for E15 in any current models.