*HP Envy 15 Owners Lounge! PART 2*

@jjb

Speaking of battery life, I get about 2hrs using Illustrator, Dreamweaver, couple of Chrome tabs, and while listening to NPR Chicago. I have the i7 720, 4gigs ram, 320gb hd, and ultrabright screen. Personally I don't think that is so bad considering the power. I used a Dell Mini 9 hackintosh before this and that got about 3.5hrs w/ the same programs running.

BTW- Is the slice worth the money? What kind of add battery life should one expect? How does the machine look and feel with it attach?

Thanks
Doug

 

I don't like the slice, it's a slick design and looks great but the problem (for me) is the 2.7 lbs it adds. IMO it is no longer a light portable machine. Life wise the slice gives you 93Wh more power (6 cell = 53Wh). On my new i5 model I went with an extra 6 cell which weighs only .8lbs and is very easy to store in my bag. FYI the i5 get ~3hrs, wifi on, in powersaver plan

 

I agree that all that crapware is a bunch of nonsense and just slows down the machine and reduces the users' choice. Besides this, i like to have full functionality of Enterprise/Ultimate with all the capabilities of remoting, domains, virtualization etc for my particular use without having to worry about bloatware and a bad upgrade. Clean install is the only way to go but of course I haven't discovered how to get the Corel stuff to install yet on a clean config.

 

How did your battery life change before and after? So now you hit about 3hrs on the 6-cell? is that a good guess?

 

Yes ~3hrs wifi on with power saver plan.

 

Exactly what I was hoping to hear. thanks.

 

This is where I get confused-- are you saying it comes with an OEM windows disk? I'm guessing this means you just need to buy an extra copy from newegg, unless there's some way to obtain a disk that will work with the bundled OEM license online or something. I'm a big fan of clean installs, but I'm less of a fan of paying for windows twice.

 

I don't think anybody is arguing that an untouched factory install isn't infinitely worse than a clean install. The question is whether one can easily and adequately clean up a factory install.

If you have a thorough uninstaller and registry cleaner, you can get the performance results you're talking about pretty quickly, imo.

 

I used to think that also but someone told me to compare a clean install to a "uninstalled" versions total disc usage. After completely uninstalling my original machines HP bloat with REVO and CC cleaner I had almost 1GB of unexplained disc space missing compared to a fresh Win 7 install. Apparently there are a lot of hidden HP files used for support assistant and other non windows error reporting, record keeping, logging, etc.

Another eye opener was learning that nothing can completely uninstall Norton from your system except a special unintsall app that has to be downloaded from symantec (and they make it hard to find). If you think you got rid of Norton just wait until 1 year (or 15 Mo?) from the day you activated your system, you'll get pop ups about expiration dates....

 

HP Envy 15 2nd Generation Impression / Review - http://mobiletech.knguyentu.com/2010/03/hp-envy-15-2nd-generation-impression.html

HP Envy 15 Tips / Tricks / and FAQ - http://mobiletech.knguyentu.com/2010/03/hp-envy-15-2nd-generation.html

 

Question concerning the keyboard of the envy 15 models--does anyone know of a matching model (ie dm3, pavilion DV6) in terms of keyboard layout/dimensions? I just got an HP Envy 15-1050nr and I'm not having any luck finding silicone keyboard covers specifically for the envy series (first laptop in 5 years I've not had luck finding a cover for on ebay!!).

 

How strong is the tactile feedback from the keyboard? Is it strong or mushy?

 

Can anyone help me locate a few things I am looking for.

HDMI to 3RCA and HDMI to VGA
I have HDMI to HDMI cable and that works great for my digital tv but I have another old 32" TV which only takes 3RCA Connection so I need a connection and also I need to connect my HDMI to VGA for university and work presentations.

SSD Drives and Brackets
I have 500GB 7200rpm drive but I want to make it either SSD+SSD or SSD+HDD so what are the best available options and where can I get the Bracket from (I need it shipped to Pakistan so direct HP doesn't seem like an option to me). And also what are the best SSD Drives available in OCZ brand ? For intel I think its X18 and X25 ?

 

For the hdmi to 3rca and vga adapters, check monoprice and ebay. Honestly, that's not something you should need help locating. A google search is wholly within you power. Last I checked, they were fairly expensive... you may want to go with a port replicator instead--hooks up via USB and usually provides multiple ports, including VGA.

Did you read the other Envy 15 threads? Someone took pictures of a broken down unit and discovered that there's either room for 2x 1.8" Sata drives, or 1x 2.5" drive. No word on where to get the 1.8" caddy, other than from HP.

 

I did google already; I wanted to know if there are people with experience who can tell me speicifc brand or product to use.

I did read whole 700+ pages on old thread as well and I know 1.8*2 and 2.5; maybe you misunderstood my point I am actually intending to remove my 2.5" 500GB drive and place 1.8 SSD + 1.8 HDD or 1.8 SSD * 2.

 

It definitely sounds like I will want to go the clean install route-- but I'm still unclear on whether it's possible to do this without purchasing another copy of windows 7 in order to do so.

I think the retail disks don't work with OEM license keys, but I don't know where to get an OEM install disk. Are all the "clean install" folks on this board actually purchasing a second license just to get rid of all the HP junk, or is there a trick I'm not aware of?

 

Oh, if you said you wanted specific model suggestions, that's another thing entirely. It sounded like you were speaking in generalities.

Yes, stating you wanted 1.8" x2 makes a LOT more sense--I considered that you might have meant a 1.8" sata (non-ssd), but that didn't really add up. Sata/pata drives in the 1.8" form factor are wildly overpriced, and for the performance you may as well go 1.8" SSD... it's really no comparison, especially when you can get the Dane-Elec 80gb (rebranded x18-m) for $150. Getting an 80gb 1.5" non-ssd drive will cost that much--and they're 5400rpm drives!!

 

Ok than I'd do Dual SSD but the problem again comes for Bracket because current bracket is for 2.5" drives and even cable is different from what I have read. Anyone to help ?

 

1.) Download The Application Below to backup your activation and keep those files saved using app on portable drive or thumb drive.

Code:

http://www.gazup.com/PT6Ml-win7activator.zip-download-mirrors

2.) Install Windows from your disc (if you have one) else download it LEGALLY (Read here)

3.) Re-Active using the app you downloaded in step#1.

Happy Clean Install

 

Thank you. I wasn't aware of this app. I knew you had to use a legally downloaded version to install and then activate it. I wasn't sure how to activate though. I was under the impression that the key is somewhere in the laptop.

Rep for you.

 

No it doesn't come with the oem disks. You can get said disks from the link I posted earlier. You need to extract your license using a utility mentioned in this post.

The OEM ISOs are free to download as windows 7 (and vista) now have a 30 day trial full featured grace period. If you own a license (which you do since one came with your laptop) you can get one of those ISOs, make a clean install and activate using your license.

[EDIT] sorry kinda useless post as the 2 knowledgeable gentlemen posting above have just described.

 

Hign frequency noise is generated by from USB connection with
Microsoft 2.4GHz transceiver v6.0 for
Microsoft Wireless Mouse 5000 + Microsoft wireless keyboard 3000 v2.0

When I replaced with the other mouse, there is no such noise!

Anyone know how to solve this?

 

I get the high frequency noise when using the Microsoft Bluetooth 5000 mouse using the integrated bluettoth chip.

Edit: I can confirm that the MS 5000 mouse aggrevates the sound, but it does not go away immediataly when the mouse is turned off, and it remains there very faint.

 

noise still occurs even without the mouse.

I wish I could get to the bottom of this. It seems to be caused by some sort of interference o something.

 

Would I be correct in thinking that the app will only work if you are going to clean install the same version of Windows as already installed by HP?

 

yes. You need an OEM disc of the same 7 version.

 

I used a downloaded windows 7 disc and the key stored inside my envy 15 and plugged it in. Windows gave me a rejection though, so I called it in with the 800 number and registered it via automated phone call. that worked for me. Then I made a backup so i won't have to use the cd key again hopefully.

 

Ordered: i7-720, 320 (7200 rpm), Ultrabright screen, and everything else
standard

Envy 2nd gen owners I really need your help whether to keep or cancel my order.

Concern:
I'm a developer (.net/sql) so I plan to use this machine heavily (run multiple VMs, SQL, SharePoint etc). I keep reading that even with clean install and latest BIOS the palm rest gets uncomfortably hot. How accurate is this?
I've used MBP 13/15 and how does it measure out against MBP?

thanks for your time!

PS. I've done my share of goggling and haven't found too many 2nd gen owner's concrete opinion.

 

Received my laptop friday, did a clean install, updated all the drivers and reinstall all application. INstall photoshop CS4, nikon capture nx2, lightroom, blah...

prior to that did a recover CD

over after 6 hours of usage with laptop on me, heat was absent on the palm area. slight warm on my leg, because it covered one of the vent area.

Then again, i have SSD as one of my drive, so that lessen heat too.

Same thing happen to me. Wierd, fresh install of Win 7 used the key that came with the laptop, activation failed. So I called in using the automated phone system. That worked.

 

It's definitely cooler than the MBP. But then, so are most meteors.

 

My 13in MacBook idles in the 40's with a 2.4GHz c2d

 

can anyone suggest a decent notebook cooler for an i7-720 envy 15?

 

hi guys. just wanna ask if i have the HDMI to VGA cable, would I be able to use dual monitor for my envy?

 

I believe you need a HDMI to VGA adapter to convert from digital to analog. HP has one as an option on the custom configuration page for the envy. I think you can order it seperately.

 

I visited fry's to check out the Envy 15 (they claimed it's 2nd gen but swore that it doesn't have usb 3.0 which it's suppose to ...anyhow)

Current owner's...what is your call on:

1. Is the ultrabirght view suppose to have the bluish tint to it? Does it get better after calibration? if yes, then what have you used to calibrate yours?

2. I read that the screen doesn't tilt back that much and once i saw it in person, it's really bad design. So, on your daily tasks does this *feature* comes in your way at all?

thanks!

 

To my knowledge no retailers have the gen 2 models yet. If the Fry's unit had the 5830 then it is a gen 2. USB 3.0 is only on the i7 (gen 2) versions.

Screen comes with a very blue tint. I use Spyder3 to calibrate it is much better when calibrated. Myself and a few others have posted .icc profiles on here which you can download and install if you get the envy.

Screen angle has not been an issue for me, it also has a very good viewing angle (from above).

 

Heard back from NCSS (HP's Service agent in Australia), and they are replacing the system board and the GPU's HSF assembly.

Might have a solution to the blank screen issue.

 

Fry's doesn't have Gen 2, no retailer has it yet. I look at Fry's last week.

 

Try zalman NC2000. One of the best out there.

 

Yeah, the Zalman NC2000 is a very nice looking cooler, also works quite well from what I have read. Google it, a number of reviews out there on it.

Are there any guides out there on how to go about removing all this HP bloatware? I d/led Revo uninstaller, just a little confused as to what I can safely remove, and what needs to stay!

In terms of the laptop, the keyboard is nice, but not as good as the Macbook Pro's, not that I really care. The touchpad is also good IMO, again, not quite as good as the Macbook Pro's.

The screen does not open very far. This is not a problem currently, although I have yet to try the laptop out on a plane, or on my lap...

Haven't tested the battery yet. She idles quite warm, I think part of this is due to all the crap installed, the CPU is constantly sitting at 4 - 7%

 

Can someone please upload their IOS installer from swsetup folder for me , I think it's very convenient to use it at school. Really need it
Thanks in advance

 

...............................

 

I do similar kind of work. Palm rest is just fine IMO. Notice however, that latest BIOS is not necessarily the best. F.19 made my machine run much hotter, I could feel it on the palm rest. Flashed back to F.18 and it runs comfortably cool again. So at least on my configuration, F.18 is a keeper for now.

 

Why don't you format it? You would be amazed how smoother it will run and even runs cooler from what I have read lately. You wont regret it trust me. Just make sure to backup your windows activation key so you can restore it after the clean install

 

mine works fine. Got it for 4$ from dealextreme. 6ft hdmi to dvi cable. No need for a stupid 50$ adapter.

 

VGA and DVI are completely different. I don't think envy support dual monitor.

 

Oh my bad... didnt pick up on the vga part. Actually I dont think He'll even get a signal from an hdmi to vga setup since vga is analog and youd need an adapter / converter... save yourself the trouble and get a hdmi to dvi with a div to vga adapter (2$) on the dvi end instead of the digital to analog converter hp sells.

 

Oh my bad... didnt pick up on the vga part. Actually I dont think He'll even get a signal from an hdmi to vga setup since vga is analog and youd need an adapter / converter... save yourself the trouble and get a hdmi to dvi with a div to vga adapter (2$) on the dvi end instead of the digital to analog converter hp sells.

And it does dual monitors just fine. Im working on a dual setup as I type this. ---> pic


[EDIT] sorry about re posting...

 

does anyone have some 3dmark06 scores straight from factory settings?

I just scored 9497 on mine. I didn't do a clean format, but I did remove the majority of the HP software.

 

Your score seems to be very good. I remember i scored around 7100 on my i5-520 running all HP crap on. I haven't tested it on a clean one yet. What CPU you have.