*HP Envy 15 Owners Lounge! PART 2*

Keyboard fixed - cleaned the connector cable with alcohol. The keyboard cable is not copper wiring but what appears to be conductive polymer.

 

Hmmm...so I wonder what aftermarket adapter people are using here...

 

ok...so here is my question.

HP offers a 160gb ssd + 320gb hd. What are the drive sizes? 1.8" and 2.5" right? So if I have a stock envy w/ 320gb 7200rpm drive, is it a 2.5" or 3.5"?

Thanks

 

They only offer a 160GB SSD + 250GB 5400Rpm HDD combo. Both are 1.8" drives, They fit side by side 'crossways' in the single 2.5" drive bay with a special bracket. Your 320GB is a standard 2.5" size.

 

Good to hear -- please let me know if the problem comes back. I've got the same issue, but won't have time to open it up and try your fix for a bit ...

I sent the machine back once for this problem, and assumed they just replaced the cable. Now I'm seeing the same symptoms again with the same keys.

I'd really like the opinion of someone who would know better than I do -- i.e., pretty much anyone -- as to how I could have this same problem twice (mostly the Ctrl & Shift keys intermittently non-responsive). If it were such a systematic problem with the E15 cable, then why don't more Envy owners have it?

Is there any chance at all it could be a non-hardware problem -- despite the fact that an external keyboard works fine, and despite the fact that the last time it happened, it continued to be a problem after a full system restore?

 

Not sure if your problem has the same cause of mine. I could reproduce the problem in the BIOS setup (password field) so I knew I had a hardware problem. That will be harder for you since you won't see what you type so you cannot tell if shift or ctrl are working.

Better idea is to boot from a DVD or USB stick into something that has an input field, like Windows repair console, or a Linux on USB.

But since you did a full system restore it might indeed be a hardware problem.

IF the problem is what I suspect - the connection cable-mobo is prone to malfunction due to that it's not copper - then I will likely see problems again.

I think the best solution could be to get new hardware, i.e. convince HP that the mobo connector isnt tight enough so they have to replace the mobo.

 

Thanks. I am having a hard time finding a 1.8" hd none to be found on newegg.

 

Toshiba is the main manufacterer of 1.8" HDD's, they were first developed for the large apple ipods. I think this is the one that HP uses: HERE , the other major manufacterer of 1.8" HDD is Samsung, just google 1.8" HDD under the 'shopping' option and you'll see dozens of options.

 

thanks JJB at that price two ssd might be a better deal.

 

Anyone using a single 2.5" 160gb or 80gb Intel X-25m?

Are these any faster than the 1.8" models?

 

The 160GB models are faster then the 80GB ones, the specs are the same for both sizes. HERE is a link to the intel specs, choose the 'technical documents' tab and then the 34nm (= gen 2) data sheet which gives you the 28 page PDF.

 

larsv -- thanks for you input.

Actually, I did just try this, because it might be able to tell me something at least about the Shift key. When I hold the Ctrl or Shift key and it isn't working, it has the effect of blocking the input of other keys as I'm holding it. So if I hold Shift, then hit the 9 key, it's not that I get a "9" instead of an "(" -- I just get nothing at all. So when I tried your Bios experiment, I did many such combos and an (encoded) character would reliably appear. Which makes me wonder... But then, sometimes these keys work for a long time before they decide not to work...

But, still... between the system restore and the fact that an external keyboard has no problems, I can't see how it couldn't be hardware, as you suggest. If I send it in again, I try to get them to consider the connector...

 

Serg, finally got around to doing a quick and dirty battery life test on the Gen1. 2hours 13min to the 8 percent batt alarm with wifi on, doing some freecell, checking headlines /email periodically, working on my latest script. After a full recharge, added the slice, pretty much the same routine, more writing, less surfing, not a lot of freecell, hearts this time anyway, just short of 6 hours, 22 min. screen was turned down a bit and a few more quickie power saver settings. All in all, not bad. I would think you'd have to really get serious about shutting things down to get over 7.

seer

Offtopic- JJB, just saw where you're from. They still catching any fish off Baranof?

 

@seeratlas

Not sure if you are aware that there is a way to 'unlock' the win7 minimum battery reserve capacity of 7% so you can gain that last 7% as usable power. There is a powercfg.bat file you can run to disable the reserve capacity, I have been using this with no negatives effects on the battery as it still shuts down when it hits around 8VDC which is well within the safe minimum voltage level for lithium ion polymer batteries. If your interested let me know and I can PM it, just note that with an HDD it will not leave enough power to hibernate, you need to set it to 'shutdown' when the power hits 0% so you will lose any unsaved data (that's why I don't want to just post it).

Fishing for Kings has been great this year if you get to the outer coast, very slow on inside waters. I have a charter fishing business and mainly operate out of Gustavus and Elfin Cove (60 miles N of Sitka) and have not made it down to Baronof yet this year. You ever been to Baronof Warm Springs on the Chatham Straight side? I'ts one of my favorite places in AK.

 

Hi guys

I have had my 2nd gen envy 15 for about 2 months now and have no complaints up to this point. However, I was using it on my lap recently and felt like the case was live (conducting electricity). This was a bit unexpected and on looking closer found there was flex in the right palm rest where it hasn't been before. I think some1 else had this problem but couldn't find it. If anybody has any advice on this or a similar experience I would love to know what you did about it. Cheers in advance

 

Yeah it's a bit baffling. Someone else had a keyboard problem that went away after a full restore. I don't think there is one specific cause to all keyboard problems. My keyboard is still flawless efter my fix so I'm pretty sure it was a contact issue.

 

I've experienced similar issues with my Envy as well as with other devices. With the envy it was a situation where I was in Malta using an adapter to UK mains plug that did not connect to ground.

However, back here in Sweden I am also connected without ground and have no issues with live casing.

 

Hey fellas!

I just got my brand new i7 Envy 15 and I got a few issures Ive been searching for answers

1. Touchpad; Im used to two fingers on it. But when I use the finger to click and the other to scroll it jumps. Got the lastest drivers. Is it possible to not make the click area on the bottom not sensetive for pointing. ?

2. The area beneath the mousepad gets hot on normal use. Like when I sit with it in the bed. It gets air from the sides but it still gets hot with internet exploring and emails. I got the latest bios driver.


Thanks so much!

 

Did you have the same issue when running it on battery? It feels live even when I am running it off the battery.

 

Anyone of you guys have issues with the 2nd gen. rubber shoe coming off? Three of my shoes are coming off, the warmness of the laptop does not help. Any solutions?

 

No, never. Wow, that is strange - I have no explanation for that.

EDIT: When running on battery, are any other devices connected, like a network or display cable?

 

New coupon codes for the envy 15 and 17 for $200 off NBA5193862 and SVMB39487 for $25 off (not sure if you can stack them)

Says 'limited quantity' so act quickly....

Edit; says expires 6/26 or after 1300 uses...

 

have the Envy 17 shipped? I have not seen a review.

 

Check out the Envy17 Owners Thread - it seems that some have received their E17.

 

its an i7 envy 15 you have there. i7 does produce more heat than i5.

 

does anyone own the HP bluray drive? If so how is the build quality? Is it usb powered?

Thanks
Doug

 

the Envy has holes underneath also, careful not to block those as the fans won't be able to suck in cold(er) air to cool down the laptop.

 

Sorry if this question was answered recently, the search does not seem to be working so I am posting here instead. I have the Envy 15 , bough refurb from eBay. It worked very well at first, but recently I updated the drivers per the HP Update software and now it seems to have gone crazy. The touchpad no longer works and nothing I do seems to make any difference. For awhile the kayboard was not working on first boot, although it would work if I closed the lid and put the system into suspend mode and then open it back up.

Battery life, as many have commented here, is terrible. The Intel Turbo Boost Technology Driver does not start, though I read that it was not a necessary driver. If it's not necessary, why does battery life suck so much? I'm getting 90-100 minutes on battery.

I saw several posts pointing to a complete re-install as the solution to many problems. I really don't have time to do that, any suggestions for ways to solve my problems are greatly appreciated.

I have the Envy 15, i7 620, updated to F28 BIOS and latest workable drivers including touchpad driver.

I am a fan of HP, but overall I have been extremely disappointed in this system.

 

do a clean install of Windows 7. seems like most of your problems are software base / drivers.

 

I took my Envy 15 external drive and have tweaked it by installing my extra blu ray slot loading drive. now I just need to configure some sort of bezel for it. Any ideas?

its really funny, plays blu rays great, powered by one usb and is a usb hub... only problem, without a bezel it looks goofy and it SHOOTS the DVDs out like a little cannon. Thinking of using some adhesive black felt and some black plastic tape or something.

 

@cfmunster

If you have an i7 620 then you don't just have a refurb, you have a modified version, HP never offered the 620 in the envy 15.... I am guessing you meant i7 720? Either way your issues seem very odd and unique, have not heard of those issues before. As to battery life, if you have the 720QM then 100 minutes is about normal (140 max), the 720 idles at 15W and you only have a 53Wh battery, so I'm not sure what you expected...

 

@JJB or anyone who can help me

I need a fool-proof guide to open my Envy, since I need to clean the keyboard ASAP. I spilled some coffee over it, and not the M and the space are both slow and somewhat "glued" to the base and both are slow to respond and spring back up, and no clicky sound on any of them. I need to open the laptop and get to the keyboard somehow to clean it up before it drives me insane.

NOTE: I have never dissembled a laptop to this point before...only open it for HDD and RAM replacement but I normally prefer not to tinker around my gadgets. So, how can I do it without breaking everything in the process?

 

^ Envy is way too simple to open; read HP guide it is more than enough to open there are just some million screws to unscrew and nothing else.

 

where can I find the guide? as in step-by-step...I am actually nervous of opening my Envy and screwing something since this is my only laptop and I am outside the US...(US bought though)

 

Serg, here is the link to the service manual for the envy 15 1000 CTO which should be your exact model: http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01911053.pdf (2.5M PDF).

The case itself is fairly easy to open (17 screws) but I have never removed the keyboard which looks to be painful due to the 40+ very tiny screw that hold it in place and the black mylar(?) sheath that is stuck on with some sort of adhesive.... Good luck and hopefully it is just the keyboard that got dowsed.

IIRC the whole keyboard assembly (with screws and mylar) is available from HP parts for ~$80 USD, I'll try to find a link for you and add it here soon...

EDIT: OK the keyboard P/N for the NX269AV (1000CTO) model is: 576835-001 and is priced at $76 USD and in stock. It is unclear if it includes the screws and 'mylar'. Also for some reason the links to the HP parts pages will not copy and paste, I also tried to look it up as if I was in France but it kept kicking me out of the parts system, it must know I'm in the USA.

The link below should take you to the main HP parts page and you can type in 'envy 15 1000 CTO' and then select 'show all parts' and scroll down to the keyboard. Try going to the 'HP parts surfer' which should give you an option for selecting your country and shipping and availability options for your specific location....

HP Parts Store - HP Computer Parts - HP Printer Parts - Compaq Parts

EDIT 2: I am guessing that you will have to replace the keyboard (especially if you put sugar and or cream in your coffee ). If you have any trouble getting the replacement keyboard in France then let me know, I can call the US parts store when they open on Monday and find out what options there are to ship one to you if you can't order one from over there (actually PM me so I will see the message in my email even if I'm not logged in here)

 

Yep, fat-fingered that one, it's the 720.

Sucks for me, I guess.

I get that now. The bigger battery is in my future, no doubt.

I guess I am going to do a clean re-install as suggested here. I might try to build discs from the Recovery Manager. I have a full retail copy of Windows 7 Pro, I might use that instead if the first go-round using the Recovery Manager doesn't work.

Thanks for the thoughts.

Rob

 

i faced some black screen issues a day back....and now its fine with out blk screen for over a day........wat shd i do.....? are the black screen issue fatal.......??? @jjb i would like u to answer it

 

It has me going in circles each time I hit the "place order" button...the link gives me a pop-up that sends me back to search the part I want...*sigh*

Tried from France website and still it makes me go round and round...*double sigh* it seems that I am having some fun with my laptop disassembly. How do you remove the rubber feet without damaging them?

Oh yeah, there are 60 (!!!!!!!!!!!!) screws for the keyboard only, so it gives me around a big total of ~100 screws for my accident...jeez...this should be fun but it'll have to wait for the 29th now since I am traveling then and I get my second laptop back home and more time and more tools, one more week in France before summer break (YES!)...And yes, sugar was present...crap...the "m" and the "," are slow, and the space is odd...word of advice, never get your coffee near your laptop...BAD idea.

@yashavi08 that problem was acknowledged by HP as a "minor glitch" and that they were "working on a solution". According to them it is software-bound. IIRC from what I read there was no solution so far, but I can be very wrong on this matter.

 

thks serg for da info.........and wats IIRC...???

 

does every envy 15 has da black screen issue............?

 

hey guys howz da new bios F.28 for da envy?

 

Let's see..... so many questions ...... Yes, no, yes, maybe, lol

Sorry, here are some answeres. IIRC = 'If I recall correctly'. The balck screen issue is actually quite rare and there have been very few reports of it on recently shipped models. In all 4 envy's I've had the black screen never happened a single time, so I am not the one to ask about it since I have not really paid attention to the issue. I updated to the F .28 BIOS a week or so ago and so far am very please with it, temp are significantly lower for me at idle and at full load during burn in tests. I reported in detail on this recently and posted several screen shots of the max temp reading etc. I just forget which thread I posted it on, you can actually just click on my name on left and IIRC a menu allows you to 'find other posts by this person...' or something like that...

Two quick comments, It helps others to respond to posts if you include a 'signature' with basic system specs like I have below, for example the black screen was more common on the i7 machines than the i5 models, and there is no real need to post the same general questions on multiple envy threads, most people read both the owners lounge threads and will see your posts in one or the other...

 

hey sorry for posting it in 2 threads....i recently bought(in USA) da laptop on may 7th delivered to me on 17 may...i was getting paranoid about da black screen issue since im now in india and over here envy has not been launched so no HP support if something happens...
my specs are as follows i7 720 | 4 gig | Full HD glossy | 5830 |

i yesterday updated da laptop to F.28 bios...and installed the latest ati drivers which released recently....the lappy wen on idle runs pretty cool...wen gaming it does get hot.....after installing da latest drivers i have trying to stress da laptop to see if it goes to black screen....2 times da laptop got hanged while playing Assasins Creed 2 ...but it didnt go black i could see da picture but nothing worked i had to hard reset it...it happenned only while playing AC2 ....i tried BFBC2 , MF2 and even played HD video on loop in WMP but didnt run into any problems....

 

LOL, I just booted up and took my first sip of coffee as I read that, almost spilled it on the keyboard.... At Least I don't use sugar, but I brew it so strong it would propably disolve the magnesium case

Well good to hear that it is only a few keys and not a drowned mobo... As I posted before, if you have trouble ordering a replacement keyboard I can call US HP parts and check on foriegn shipping options. I don't think that should be nearly as bad as shipping the actual computer, they should be able to just ship via fedx international as a 'replacement / repair part' with no duty or VAT etc.

 

@yashasvi08

The 'freezing' image on screen while gaming sounds just like what happens to me if I run 3Dmark06 with to high of O.C. settings, it will just freeze and no combination of ctrl,alt, del or anything other than hard shutdown will work and then when I restarts I get the 'start windows normally....' prompts. If you are OC'ing the GPU maybe this is what your experiencing and not the actual random BSOD issue.

 

i did face black screen issue 2 days back and then i updated my gpu drivers from then on i didnt face black screens but da screen gets freezed i can see da image but nothing works....till now it happened only while playing AC2 ...just now it happened again wen i was copying some files from da DVD.....and i removed da dvd while da copy was still going on and it got struck...i can see da image on da screen but no combitination of keys work....and i didnt overclock da gpu

 

@yashasvi08
The black screen issue is not an every-model-affecting problem. Mine is first gen, first batch (one of the first to get it), and I have yet to have any problems, besides those that are my fault. I had several BSOD's with a bad ATI installation that didn't work for the 10.1 IIRC (if I recall correctly), my charger is not working properly after an accident when my Envy fell connected just where the adapter goes and right now my keyboards thanks to the coffee. (yes I abuse my gadgets, my phone and my iPod have survived even worse, and even worse my last Dell laptop which I once by accident even stepped on it, don't ask how that happened...) but besides those, I never had the "lines in the display" problem, nor the black screen.

Either I've been lucky or didn't notice this errors, but so far my laptop goes inside perfectly.

It has happened to me thought that the "display driver has recovered after a critical error" when gaming AoE3 and once when playing ANNO 1404, but that has been thanks to some over-the-line overclock (570 and 1200 speeds, and the GPU crashed). Point being that the Envy is not plagued by failures, this is mostly because what we see online is people with problems, but those who have a happy running Envy are to busy enjoying it...lol that is applicable to all products in general.

I am running the F28A with no problems, and noticed some temperature drop. I do recommend the F28A over the F26A.

@JJB careful with that coffee JJB...you don't want to be in my situation where some letters feel odd, and it takes me to double check to see if I have actually hit the right key (touch typist and not all the time looking at what I write ) I already checked how to do it, does not seem difficult but rather tedious to do, with well over 80 screws to get and be very careful. Hopefully it is just a matter to clean up and it'll do...me hopes.

I do have to say that I am quite unpleased with how unreliable and useless the HP website is...from HP France I was kicked to the parts surfer and that
kept me going in circles...hmmm

Oh, BTW, can you check something on your Envy? Do you have a hole under your right palmrest, as a vent? Mine doesn't. HP did alter the design when going 1000 to 1100. Check if you have the small vent on your right side of the laptop, right where the screen bezel is, it is very small, but there it is.

A little off topic, JJB, I am a sugar person, I had to put sugar in it, even if some think it is a crime to do so...

 

@Serg

I'm a little confused about the vent you want me to look for You say 'under the right palmrest' but then say "Check if you have the small vent on your right side of the laptop, right where the screen bezel is..."

I know things in France can be a little backwards sometimes Did you mean the left side?

I have a small vent (9 slots) in the hinge area on the left side that is just above and left of the power switch, it's well hidden in the recess where the hinge actually pivots in the chassy. I have no additional vent under the right (or left) palmrest at all, just the slice battery latch recesses. An interesting thing I noticed in the 1200 CTO service manual ( HERE on page 14) is that the drawings show a rather large vent under the left palmrest near where the CPU is located.

 

Exactly the one I was asking for. The 1000 CTO model also has that vent listed...under the CPU you are right... that is exactly what I said

Mine has no vent underneath the chassis besides those where the fans are.

 

Oh and you do know the little one hidden there...I noticed it since that area seemed colder than other parts sometimes and that is how I found it when I was reviewing my laptop...