HP Pavillion zv5000z Review

So the HP Repair Center is really really terrible!

They sent the laptop back making more noise than before after changing the video display adapter. I was going to send it back but they talked me into trying one more time. The repair center had never read any of my case information including how to produce the problem. When I sent it back I included a letter in the notebook about how to reproduce it and even gave them my phone numbers to call me if they couldn't fix it. I also wrote Carly (the CEO) and they had a quality control person get in touch with me. He said he heard of the problem before and that it was definitely the mother board. You can probably guess what happened next. The notebook was returned with a repair slip saying they couldn't reproduce the problem. What a HUGE waste of my time!!! The notebook is on it's way back Monday.

Thankfully the NewEgg people rock and were kind enough to waive the restocking fee so I've only lost the shipping back and forth on the hard disk and memory.

I will never ever ever again by a computer from HP and feel very sorry for anyone who ever has to deal with the mentally challenged and extremely inconsiderate people in the HP service center.

Good luck to you all!

Sincerely,
HPVideoMail

 

Hi,

I recently bought a HP zv5380us (AMD 3400+, 1GB memory, etc.) My question is that I was not aware of the Video Card issues (Nvidia Geoforce4 440 Go 64mb), being that it is not DirectX compatible over version 7. However, I see people on here talking about how it is adequate for gaming. Is there a way to change things on the computer that I am unaware of in order to push it toward playing some of the newer games (not necessary games just now coming out, but fairly new games).

Thanks for any information.

 

It'll play DX9 games, it just won't do the newer DX9 features in hardware, so the newer games won't look as good and won't play as smoothly. I've tested Doom 3 and UT2004 and they work, but you will have to cut the detail level back. Yeah, I don't know why HP put an antique GPU in an otherwise excellent notebook either.

 

Okay, for one, that should be breathe and not breath (sorry about that) and the question was suppose to read "Does anyone know of a site that might give information on how to go about adapting this card for newer games." (I should have clarified that in the first post.)

I wish I wasn't too lazy to proofread, and thanks Brianstretch for the information.

 

Well, that does allow me to breath a sigh of relief. I really like the notebook, but didn't want to feel like, even though I rarely play games, that I couldn't if I decided to. So I can just download DX 9 on it? Does anyone know of a site, or how to go about reworking the nvidia settings in order for this to work?

Thanks again

 

It already has the DX9 software. Beyond that, tweak your games for the resolution and detail that brings the framerate up fast enough for your liking.

 

I returned my zv5000z after having a problem with it I got spooked. Now I have to look for another brand

Any other 3700+ 12-cell laptops?

Thanks
MFI

 

Here is a computer over in Germany that looks like it has everything.
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=de&u=http://www.ww-mmm.de/xtcommerce/product_info.php%3Fproducts_id%3D10&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dama3700%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DG

It is a Clevo M470K. The base unit apparently goes for 1338 euro's with the 3700+ upgrade bringing it to 1681 euro's.

Bill :::: zv5000z :: 3200+ :: 1GB :: 60GB 7200rpm :: 15.4" WSXGA+ (1680x1050) :: XP Pro

 

re: "I also wrote Carly (the CEO)"

Carly doesn't give a [s--t or d--n, your choice], she's too busy justifying outsourcing and layoffs and declining quality of service.

Stefano
HP zv5200 DP523AV: AMD 64 3400 2.2GHz, 2x512MB RAM, 60GB 7200rpm HDD (Hitachi 7K60), 15.4" WUXGA (1920x1200), XP Pro; Paradox

 

Somebody has replaced the CD drive with an upgraded DVD burner. The search function of this forum leaves much to be desired. Maybe someone can direct me to the make and model that was successfully used. I realize that I will have to put up with a square bezel

Bill :::: zv5000z :: 3200+ :: 1GB :: 60GB 7200rpm :: 15.4" WSXGA+ (1680x1050) :: XP Pro

 

That was me. (Big surprise [ ]) I used a Toshiba 4x burner from ultradrives.com, but any slimline notebook burner should work. If I were buying today I'd go for the NEC 8x drive that newegg.com carries, though Toshiba's 8x is cheaper (my 4x didn't like Ritek blanks and there's been no firmware updates so I'm kinda miffed at Toshiba, other than that it's a solid drive). I'll vouch for both stores. You'll need a #0 Phillips screwdriver, outside of that it's a very easy upgrade.

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by brianstretch

 

Instructions here. Basically, there are two screws on the bottom of the case that lock the optical drive sled in place. Remove those and the drive slides out. Swap drives, slide the sled back in, replace the screws, done. Don't forget to remove the battery in addition to unplugging the notebook. Very easy, just make sure you have the right screwdriver (I bought a Stanley Precision Screwdriver set from Target for $5). Note that the drive will be recessed about 3/8" inside the case since it won't have the fat/curved custom bezel HP uses, but I think it works out very well.

 

Anyone interested in a major upgrade?

Newegg has the AMD Athlon 64 3700+, 2.4 GHz Athlon 64 Mobile (AMA3700BEX5AR) Processor

It is $449!

I have removed the heatsink on my unit and it does not appear to be a difficult operation.

Bill :::: zv5000z :: 3200+ :: 1GB :: 60GB 7200rpm :: 15.4" WSXGA+ (1680x1050) :: XP Pro

 

I'm looking to maybe pick up a zv5000. I'm curious about the memory - I read through a lot of the posts in this thread, but a lot are months old. I'd like some opinions on whether to go for 1gig via HP right off the bat, or to take the minimal 256k and then grab some memory elsewhere - and recommendations on what brand/part numbers, sources, etc.

The zv5000 looks like a pretty sweet rig for the price.

 

sweikert: keep it simple, buy a pair of Crucial PC3200 512MB sticks directly from them. Tell their memory configurator so Crucial will guarantee that they'll work in your notebook. Kingston SODIMMs work too, beyond that I refuse to try to memorize what works and what doesn't. I have a pair of Crucial PC2700's.

wgehrke: I just swapped CPUs in my zv5000z, read the details here. In short: IT'S EASY! And the fans shut off when the CPU temp is below 55C, probably because I used a Mobile-class CPU instead of the original DTR [ ]. Lots more at the link.

 

Brian, thanks much for the tip on Crucial.

 

Hey guys, (sorry for this long-winded message)
I have a zv5000z :: 3400+ :: 1GB :: 80GB 7200rpm :: 15.4" WSXGA+ (1680x1050) :: XP Pro
And I've reloaded Windows XP Pro from scratch on it (I don't like any OEM deciding what to preload on my PCs). I've got all the latest drivers from HP and nVidia running fine on it, but I'm having an issue with the machine coming back from suspend - It won't do it [:0] It goes into suspend fine, with the pulsing power LEDs. When I tap the power button to wake it up, it acts like its going to do something - all the LEDs light up, but windows never comes back and the screen stays black; it's not visible on the network either (will not respond to pings), so I'm sure it is not waking up. I've tried all the "enhancement" packs on HP's download site for the laptop. Any ideas?

Also, have any of you tried the Beta of Windows XP 64-bit Edition on this machine? I have a small 6GB parition setup for it and it runs great! Only issues are with device drivers for bluetooth, wireless lan, and digital media reader, but it cranks up with 64-bit nVidia drivers for video and sound perfectly! Same problem with suspend in XP x64 but I'm not worried about solving it there...

Thanks!
-M

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by mmgibso

 

Thanks for the info, Oreo. Yes, I do mean standby (aka suspend to ram). I'll take a look at the disks that came with the system and see what I can figure out.
Thanks,
-M

 

I want to use an external 1280 x 1024 LCD monitor. My current nVidia GeForce4 440 drive (version 6.14.10.4712) does not support this resolution. I have gone out to the HP support site for the zv5000z (DP523AV) and the version number given for a NV17M video driver is 4.7.1.6 A and dated June 1, 2004. This to me looks like another HP blunder, because nothing matches.

I went to the nVidia site and they have a 66.93 version for GeForce4 chips. Again this does not give me any confidence of being the right version.

1. Does anyone have any successful experience upgrading a zv5000z video driver?

2. Would you recent owners please check your driver version and let me know what is loaded in your units. If it is different does it have a 1280 x 1024 mode?

Side issue: I have a 2.5" disk enclosure for the 40GB 4200 rpm drive that I removed from my computer in an upgrade. It requires two USB cables to get adequate power. Is this always true? If you have a better solution please advise the make and model info.

Bill :::: zv5000z :: 3200+ :: 1GB :: 60GB 7200rpm :: 15.4" WSXGA+ (1680x1050) :: XP Pro

 

HP and AMD64 and Intel Politics??

The Denver Post had an HP advert insert this Sunday and it had info on the Intel systems HP makes. Does HP not sell enough AMD64 systems to advertize them or does Intel have some type of ad restriction on HP or ??

Just an observation.

Bob

 

I guess Intel subsidizes the "Intel Inside" only advertisments. This is not the first time that the Sunday HP ad has a big "Intel Inside" logo on the front.

I just got in the mail a very expensive "Inventions 2005" ad from HP. Not one mention of AMD or 64-bit technology and all "Media" Garbage (Plasma screens, projectors, "photo" printers, iPods etc.) nothing any true computer user/lover would even want. I sure hope this is not the only way they are going in 2005.

Bill :::: zv5000z :: 3200+ :: 1GB :: 60GB 7200rpm :: 15.4" WSXGA+ (1680x1050) :: XP Pro

 

re: Bill's USB HD carrier

Mine is a Vantec "NexStar", it has the dual ended power cable, and seemed to need it when I used my Hitachi 7K60 in it before swapping it inside. But the 4200 rpm 30 GB (I never looked at whose it was) that I took out of the machine runs just fine on one USB pwer source.

Stefano
HP zv5200 DP523AV: AMD 64 3400 2.2GHz, 2x512MB RAM, 60GB 7200rpm HDD (Hitachi 7K60), 15.4" WUXGA (1920x1200), XP Pro; Paradox

 

Dear Friends,
Does zv5000z support dual views?

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by dragoonchang

 

Re: Bill/wgehrke's question about the nVidia provided drivers:...
I have the latest nVidia video drivers working great on my zv5000z. Turns out even with a mobile OEM chipset like ours, nVidia's drivers fully support it!! Here's what you need to do:
-Unpack the drivers to a folder (done when you run the setup program) It will create something like C:NVIDIAWin2KXP66.93 (you can then exit the setup prog or let it install/reboot your pc, doesn't matter)
-Go to device manager and right click on the display adapter and select update driver
-Select install from specific location
-Select Don't search, I will choose the driver to install
-Click Have disk
-Browse to NVIDIAWin2KXP66.93 and click OK
-Choose nVidia GeForce4 MX Integrated GPU and Next
-Let it install the driver (may need to click continue anyway)
-reboot and you are good to go!

You can do the same exact thing with the nVidia nForce audio driver (which is much better than that AD Soundmax driver for gaming and directx). If you want I can post instructions for that method as well...
-M

 

And the depression sets in...
This forum has been extremely helpful to me but maybe I just got a defective machine. I fell in love with the zv5000z and tracked it all the way from China. It arrived this afternoon and will be collected by FedEx tomorrow to be returned to HP because for an hour after I set up my profile it did nothing but restart. Before I could do anything it went crazy and I eventually had to just pull out the battery, call Customer Service and get a return number thingy.
So.....any recommendations for a lappy under $1300 with somewhere around the following specs?
- Athlon 64 3200+
- 15" screen (was not impressed with this monstrosity, 15" screen but 16" casing)
- 256MB (will add more later)
- 80 GB HDD (5400 RPM if possible)
- DVD burner
- 12 cell battery

I appreciate your help.

 

If you don't like HP, the closest bet would be Gateway's A64 notebooks that Best Buy and CompUSA sell. See the Gateway forum here.

Is it just me, or has there been an uptick in problem reports from new HP owners lately?

 

Thanks brianstretch but I actually really like HP. Just about all my electronics are from HP and I was hoping to keep it that way (yeah, silly reason). Are there any other HP or Compaq notebooks that are not monsters even with the 15" screen? I really believe this was a freak incident with the restarting thing - well maybe not, a lot of people are complaining about various things - but I'm not against HP, I just want something with the same configuration as this one. I'm hoping to reorder as soon as the credit hits my account.
Should I post a general question in the broader HP/Compaq thread?
Thanks again.

 

The thin-and-light Athlon 64 notebooks won't be out until next year, hopefully early next year (first quarter is a given). If you want something Right Now you're stuck with the Pentium-M based notebooks like the zt3000 series that lacks the A64's Enhanced Virus Protection and 64-bit capability. It sounds like AMD and friends are gearing up for a major assault on the Intel Centrino type machines (see here) so waiting might be prudent. Tell HP that's what you're waiting for if they ask [ ].

 

Lets hope that we might see this type of graphics device in the next generation.
(From: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/05/17/nvidia_mxm/)

By Tony Smith
Published Monday 17th May 2004 13:34 GMT

Nvidia today rolled out its Mobile PCI Express Module (MXM) specification, a move it hopes will one day see notebook users swapping out old graphics chips for new ones as easily as desktops users do today.

MXM details three module formats, each designed to meet the demands and operating envelopes of the key notebook market segments. MXM I is geared toward thin'n'light laptops, MXM II to mainstream machines and MXM III is intended for desktop replacements.

Bill :::: zv5000z :: 3200+ :: 1GB :: 60GB 7200rpm :: 15.4" WSXGA+ (1680x1050) :: XP Pro

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by brianstretch

 

Hey everyone,

I was wondering if you can use the zv5000z (with a nvidia geforce 4 440 go) to use with a external monitor. I've already tried this and the external monitor can be used to extend Windows but I was wondering if it is possible to use the external monitor as the primary monitor?

Thanks

 

Thanks much mmgibso! Your instructions and experience were great. I will be going of to a friends house soon and try his Dell 19" 1280 x 1024 pixel resolution LCD panel as a second monitor. As soon as that happens I will report back. Isn't a shame that Microsoft makes installing a new driver such a devious effort since they know some much better than we do.

Dragoon, I do not think you would want to use a S-Video (S-cable??) cable to go to a monitor for a second working surface. This discussion is about using a standard HD 15 pin video cable to go to computer monitor.

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by mmgibso

 

I really want to buy a customized zv5000z with those features:
Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Home Edition with SP2
AMD Athlon(TM) 64 3000+ 1.80 GHz
15.4" WVA WUXGA (1920x1200)
64MB NVIDIA(R) GeForce(TM) 4 440 Go +1394 & 5-in-1
256MB DDR SDRAM (1x256MB)
80 GB 5400 RPM Hard Drive
DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive
54g(TM) Integ. Broadcom 802.11b/g WLAN & Bluetooth
12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
Built in Bay w/USB Digital Drive
3-year HP Express Repair extended service plan
. It costs US$1,658.99 now.
I would buy my zv5000z when new 10% off coupon releases.
Wish it happen in a short time.

If HP updates zv5000z with a high-end VGA chip (like ATI 9700 128mb or nVidia GeForce Go 6800 or GeForce FX Go5700), I would impetuously buy one. Well, everyone of us knows it's impossible ...

Thank you for those valuable information all you share here.

 

Has anyone tried mismatched memory size upgrade?

I have 512M (2 sticks) of memory and I am thinking about upgrading just one slot to 1G such that I would end up with 1.25G of memory.

Anyone see a problem with this mismatched set up?

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by brafit

 

Thanks Stefano. I also think it was just a problem with that unit that had it acting so crazy but I eventually decided to get the dv1000 because when I actually had the zv5000z sitting on my desk I was horrified at the size of it. Not just surprised - repelled. I have read a lot about buying the minimum specs and then swapping stuff in and out but as you know I'm a newbie and I suspect I'd mess up any such experimentation. I did decide not to get the DVD burner, partly because I'll have very little use for it but mainly because it drives the price up unnecessarily, but I kept the big hard drive, better they put it in than me.

 

Re: External monitor questions:

KrispyKreme - Yes. All you need to do is connect the external display, then press [fn] + [F4] and the notebook will toggle between its built-in display, the external display, or both simultaneously. Nearly all laptops have had this basic functionality for the past 10 years.

Bill - with those latest nVidia drivers I was able to extend the desktop to a regular 17" CRT at 1280x1024, so you ought to have success with that 1280x1024 flat panel as well. Something cool I noticed: having the vertical set to 1024 is perfect if the second desktop is on the left side, because your mosue pointer will stop right on the start button due to the extra 26 pixels ridge (with the 1680x1050 notebook display) instead of getting lost over on the other desktop. Glad to hear you had luck installing the new drivers!

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>
Why not just get another one; I think you got some anomoly like a motherboard problem; my experience has been fine overall. As for the 5400 rpm 80GB, get the smallest they'll sell you, and "settle" for a 60GB 7200 rpm Hitachi. I really like the 15.4 inch 1920x1200 screen: bright and very sharp. Get the CD-ROM reader only, or whatever the lowest option is, and get a DVD burner from a 3rd party: I've heard there's a Panasonic DVD burner slot loader that will fit.

Stefano
HP zv5200 DP523AV: AMD 64 3400 2.2GHz, 2x512MB RAM, 60GB 7200rpm HDD (Hitachi 7K60), 15.4" WUXGA (1920x1200), XP Pro; Paradox
<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'></font id='quote'></blockquote id='quote'>

Hi,
I'm planning to purchase either a HP zd7000 or zv5000z for software development (.Net/Java) and some multimedia hobbies (i.e. DVD rippers/software etc) within the next few days and I was wondering if anybody had any experience of trying both out?

In addition, I'm interested in getting at least 1GB (2GB if its cheaper to get it from HP's site vs a 3rd party) and I'd like to get the largest and fastest possible drive I can get.

I've read through 20+ pages of this forum and basically it sounds like people are purchasing the "60GB 7200rpm HDD (Hitachi 7K60)". How about something like 80 or even 100GB? Any recommendations?

I'm just looking for suggestions on how to best get the most out of my purchase for $2300.

Thanks in advance.

~j

 

Hmm... Java gets a HUGE boost from the 64-bit mode of the Athlon 64, assuming you're running 64-bit Linux (I'll vouch for Fedora Core 3), Solaris 10, or the WinXP beta. (Thus why Sun is switching over to AMD Opterons.) I'd imagine that .Net will see similar gains. That argues in favor of the zv5000z.

RAM: safest way to go is to buy a pair of 512MB sticks with the notebook from HP, but a pair of Micron 1GB sticks from Dallas Memory appears reasonably cost effective (we're still waiting for someone to actually buy some and verify that they work properly, but I see no reason why they wouldn't; be wary of the cheaper RAM brands like Kingmax). The PC3200 version should work too but I'm not sure it's worth the price premium.

Newegg carries Seagate 100GB 5400RPM drives, not much more expensive than the Hitachi 60GB 7200RPM drives. You'll get faster access times on the 7200RPM drive but the 5400RPM is no slouch either.

 

I just purchased the 100 GB 5400 rpm drive from newegg. I intend to have it as an external (USB 2.0) drive for my zv5000z. I have the 60 GB 7200 rpm drive in the unit. Should be getting it Monday. Will post some benchmark data as soon as I can.

Bill :::: zv5000z :: 3200+ :: 1GB :: 60GB 7200rpm :: 15.4" WSXGA+ (1680x1050) :: XP Pro

 

All the pages on the forums seem to indicate that the 7200 rpm Hitachi is the way to go. However, Toshiba recently introduced their own 7200 rpm notebook hard drive with 16 MB cache. Even though it has less storage (50GB vs. 60 GB), wouldn't the Toshiba be faster because of its large buffer/cache?

 

Introducing and delivering a new disk drive are not the same thing. The Toshiba site does not have the new drive shown. It is just like the Seagate 100GB 7200 rpm drive that was "introduced" 14 June 2004 and still is not available.

Bill :::: zv5000z :: 3200+ :: 1GB :: 60GB 7200rpm :: 15.4" WSXGA+ (1680x1050) :: XP Pro

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by brafit

 

CompUSA has a Christmas present for all you wannabes. They have the following in this next weeks advertising section. It is a zv5380 for $1350 after $400 in savings and rebates. It has an Athlon 64 3400+ with a 15.4" WXGA BrightView screen, a DVD+R/RW/CD drive, 1GB of RAM, an 80GB drive with 802.11g wireless the digital media reader. The only downer is resolution of the screen is only 1280 x 800. This is a store unit not a CTO.

Bill :::: zv5000z :: 3200+ :: 1GB :: 60GB 7200rpm :: 15.4" WSXGA+ (1680x1050) :: XP Pro

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by brianstretch

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by alekkh

 

After months and months of reading reviews and comments from this board and searchin for the right deal, I finally went ahead and copped me a HP zv5000z Notebook. I configured it with these specs:
- Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Professional with SP2
- AMD Athlon(TM) 64 3400+ 2.20 GHz
- 15.4" WVA WSXGA+ (1680x1050)
- 64MB NVIDIA(R) GeForce(TM) 4 440 Go +1394 & 5-in-1
- 256MB DDR SDRAM (1x256MB)
- 40 GB 4200 RPM Hard Drive
- DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive
- 54g(TM) 802.11b/g WLAN w/ 125HSM/SpeedBooster(TM)
- 12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

I ordered a Hitachi 7K60 Hard Drive, so now all I need is a good deal on some memory and I'm good to go. Now I just have two questions:

Is it possible to get the notebook screen upgraded, like say I want to upgrade to the WUXGA (1920x1200) screen?

Also, did anybody here successfuly sent in both the $100 and $50 rebates that HPshopping previously offered and got both rebate checks? I'm curious because I was thinking about trying that.