*HP Envy 15 Owners Lounge! PART 2*

Humm my first 2nd gen Envy came with 17 and the replacement has f18. No idea if or whats changed

 

Yours is running the F18.A? Mine was at F07.A and just updated to F17.A and there are no others to update...strange....

 

FYI; Both my i5-540m models came with the f.18 BIOS

 

Mine doesn't have an "A" at the end. Under the HP Support Assistant > troubleshoot > information it just says F18.

 

Can anyone confirm if BIOS update fixed the black screen issue evident on some Gen1 Envy's?

What other enhancements does it provide (if any). Thanks!

 

I hear it can make Julian or French Fries LOL

Sorry couldn't resist, I've been trying to find out myself whats changed and there doesn't seem to be much of anything, info wise, on what they have done. My guess was mainly updated compatibility for the Gen2 refresh changes and someone mentioned it claimed to allegedly addressed some VGA issue.

 

According to the description file, it updates the VBIOS.

 

Nope. Had twice today.

 

HP has a new coupon code out. It is 200 bucks off a laptop 1299$ or more. The coupon code is NBTY34983 . It expires when it has been redeemed over 1800 times. Happy Shopping, and I was just letting you guys know.

 

dont think it works on the Envy...i tried putting it in and it says

The coupon entered does not apply to the items in your shopping cart. Please review the coupon for products included in this offer.

 

Strange. Mine is at F17.A and supposedly the latest on the Envy Drivers thread.Where did you get it?

 

Same here... Bing cashback for HP is up to 20%. That's probably the best discount right now.

 

20%? I see 5% for Bing cashback. What is the secret handshake to get 20%?

 

search hp on bing for the 20%

 

It just what was installed from the factory on my replacement Envy15

 

I just tried the coupon ( NBTY34983 ) and it works on the i5 model, make sure to use all caps. I also found the Bing 20% CB for HP and not sure if that shows in the HP 'cart' (I saw no metion of CB) but if it works that's like $500 off total.

 

well, I bit... envy 15 + coupon + CB. I will let you know if the coupon + CB worked

 

which envy model did you get?

*edit - looks like the coupon does work, just not when you are logged in an APP account...

 

What app displays this system info screen?

 

That's from the HP crapware that comes with the system, I think it's called 'support assistant'....

 

hehe thanks. Anything not crapware i can use to get the same info? Specifically the ram freqs.

Also, anyone else getting troubles with the intel turbo boost not starting porperly even after clean windows install + drivers from the list in the envy drivers thread?

 

HP Support Assistant -> Troubleshoot -> informaton

 

okay... coupon + CB worked! At least I have CB pending. So it picked it up. I will have saved ~ $755 on the build today if everything works out.

Build:
Envy 15 + i5-520M + 19x10 Anti Glare + External DVD + 2 year warranty
Officejet 6500 Wireless printer

I used HPA for the printer. This saved another $20 or so. I tried to use it also with the laptop, but it would not stack. I txt chatted with a CS person, but it was all pretty much for not. So the stackable doesn't seem to stack with everything. The CB was the real winner, however. $340 from that.

 

Either coupon or CB. One of them will drop on you soon. Most likely your CB will be refused. I hope not but I believe it will. Its a policy thing.

 

Yup it will get rejected. I tried to do the same thing during the coupon in Jan.

 

Just got my new Envy 15 (i7-870QM processor) with 8GB of RAM, but Windows 7 (64-bit) only sees 4GB in computer properties. It displays:

Installed memory (RAM): 8.00 GB (3.99 GB usable)

Called HP support, they are escalating this to hardware support. BIOS displays that 8GB are installed.

Has anyone experienced the same issue? Any suggestions?

By the way my system came with F18 BIOS which is not yet on the HP web site. HP support had my update to the F17 BIOS but that did not fix the problem.

I posted a separate discussion on this here:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=463056

Appreciate any help on this...

 

Does anyone know if HP is using Intel G1 or G2 SSDs in these latest envy 15s?

 

I got conflicting answers. One person in the thread said G2's if you order one brand new and many people are getting their replacements from the repair centers with G1's.

Also does anyone know good universal keyboard protectors for the Envy 15 or the size of the protector itself to cover all the keys on it?

 

As far as I can tell from previous posts its a hit or miss situation. When the Gen2 of Envy first came out ppl were getting G2's then ppl started getting em with G1's. Since the order page doesn't specify which it gives HP the leeway to use either depending on what they have "on hand" when your system is built. Just like how with Gen1's, and some of the first Gen 2's, having 1333 speed memory and now recent Gen2's are being built with 1066 memory. Since they don't specify the memory speed on the order page they can put whatever they want in and say its right.

If you order one and it comes with G1 SSD's trying to swap/exchange in hopes that the replacement has G2's is no guarantee. The replacement may also have G1's. They actually did an exchange of mine because of some weird noises it made and the fact that it had the slower mem. Even tho the memory speed was one of the issues they used to exchange it the new one showed up with the same speed memory. Fortunately the new one doesn't make the strange noises at least and seems pretty solid, so far.

 

I saw this on my Gen1 after removing one memory stick and reinserting it. I removed it and put it in again, more firmly, that fixed it. So I figure it was a connector problem. YMMV.

 

Think, in this persons case it may be a different issue. Since they were able to run memtest and it detected and passed the memory it "should" be seated right otherwise memtest wouldn't see it either I think. That said, anything is possible and worth a shot I guess.

 

Can anyone confirm this? On i5 processor 6 cell, battery life is 2.5-3 hours. True?

 

Yes, Just over 3 hrs max w/ wifi b/t off.

Here is a link to a recent battery test I did on the i5-540m model ( http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=5947026&postcount=473 ) it was comparing different BIOS controlled cooling fan settings. Should give you a good idea of battery life with details of the settings used.

Also there is a Envy 15 2nd generation (i5 model) thread here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=450884

As well as a 'benchmarks' thread here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=453084

 

No the symptoms were exactly the same. windows reporting all memory (6GB in my case) but only parts of it as usable.

 

Guys, I just did what larsv recommended and IT WORKED!!

I reseated the RAM sticks (actually swiched the two around), fired up the system and now I have all 8GB visible. Thank you larsv!!

 

I am looking at a envy 15 with I820 and will go all the way to 16 gb ram. Any reviews on the usage, does the laptop run really hot. Any feedback before i jump into HP's. I have always used dell's so i have no idea on HP quality and support.

Thanks.

 

Cool, just seemed weird to me if memtest could see it but Windows couldn't see/use it. Glad you got it sussed out.

 

Okay, Pulled The Trigger....

Took the advance and got the dual drives setup. I'll end up needing to buy a 4GB stick to make it 6GB once I get it, but this should do nicely.

Used the $200 Coupon

1,694.99 before tax.

Estimated Build Date 03/10/2010.

Sad they didn't offer i7-620m. Was thinking of the Sony F Series and the E Series, both were strong contender. But the US CTO lacks the features that international has. Sucks.


I doubt the BCB will work with Coupon. Between the two and seeing how BCB didn't honor int he past, I went with the safe coupon.

Now to start looking up all of the guide you guys put together that are lost in these 10000000 posts. First thing first is wipe and install clean OS on SSD....any suggestion?

 

I'd make sure to create a set of recovery disks before you start. Also don't forget to copy the SWsetup folder to an external drive, this has all the drivers etc. that are not availanle on the HP site yet.

If you want the Corel programs make sure to save before wiping the drive (if on the SSD) as they are not included in the SWsetup folder.

I think the links to clean installs and setting up new HP pc's is on the opening page of this thread (or the gen 2 opening page).

 

Can u get more than 4gb ram with the i5 540m directly from hp?

 

How do I add custom resolutions to my HP Envy 15 with an ATI Radeon 5830 card? I don´t want it for the laptop screen, but I want to be able to use an 1366x768 resolution when I connect it to my HD Ready TV.

 

So I'm on my 2nd Envy. I returned my i5 and upgraded to an i7 with the 160gb SSD/250gb HD combo. The system runs nicely, except I have a major problem. I think it's overheating.

Whenever I use it on my lap or in bed the system will lock up. It'll still display whatever was on the screen but everything is stuck. I've noticed that the area under the touchpad is VERY warm. The system is stable when I use it on a table, I've even gamed with it and it's fine. It seems that the heat buildup from using it on my lap or on something like a pillow or blanket is locking up the system.

I know that you're not supposed to use a laptop on a soft surface... I get that. On the other hand, most laptops (including my i5 Envy) will get warm but won't crash on you.

I'm still within the 21-day return time so I'm wondering if there's anything I can do to fix the issue, or should I just send it back.

 

Where are the Corel Apps tucked away, just for future refrence? I couldn't figure out how to backup/save them and had to resort to a full restore on my last envy to get them back.

 

By any chance are you blocking the exhaust areas when your using pillows/blankets? That could result in heat buildup I would suspect. The only "lock-ups" I've gotten where when I got too aggresive with OC'ing the GPU hehe.

 

When I'm using it on a blanket/pillow yea it tends to obstruct about half of the side vents. I would expect any laptop to lock up if it was running long enough under those conditions. A scenario that is more common is when I use it on my lap. For example, putting my legs together and up on an ottoman. Using my Envy on my lap will cause it to eventually lock up from anywhere between 15-30 minutes. Last night, I used it on my lap but I had my legs open (easy pervs...) and kept the middle area under the touchpad clear. It ran for about 2 hours straight with no issues.

 

Hey all, I've been lurking on this thread (and its predecessor) since Dec. With the 20% BCB I'm considering finally taking the plunge and ordering the Envy 15 (recommended configuration, i7-720, SSD + 250GB, slice), but I am concerned about the delivery time as I will be away for a couple of weeks at the end of next month and would hate to miss delivery. Can anyone comment on approx. how long it is currently taking from order to delivery on a newly ordered custom configuration (to USA).

 

Funny how things work sometimes, glad I could help.

 

Think I noticed some recent posts saying just ordered and had ship dates between the 1st to the 10th of march.

 

Nope from HP. They don't sell you 4GB stick for some odd reason.

Yup, just placed the order yesterday and the build date is March 10th at the moment.

 

I ordered mine on the 25th. It said it was to be shipped on the 8th of March. Hope that helps.