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    *HP dm3 (3XXX series) Owners Lounge*

    Discussion in 'HP' started by Phil, Sep 29, 2010.

  1. Phil

    Phil Retired

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  2. V_Chip

    V_Chip Be about it.

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  3. Wanderermy

    Wanderermy Notebook Consultant

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    What happened to the backlit keyboard?
     
  4. laptopnow

    laptopnow Newbie

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    Can somebody who's purchased the new dm3 comment on the LCD screen quality?

    In the previous model vertical viewing was not as good as horizontal viewing. This made it very difficult to adjust the "sweet-spot" for viewing.
     
  5. V_Chip

    V_Chip Be about it.

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    All I can say is that they no longer have it as an option. They might still have it for replacement part order. . though that might be too optimistic.
     
  6. gizmodian

    gizmodian Notebook Evangelist

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    No more backlit keyboards is definitely a bummer, but I think the new processor and discrete graphics options make up for it.
     
  7. krnorth

    krnorth Newbie

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    I am on the verge of ordering a new one...I also found a replacement backlit keyboard for around $30...the question is do the new ones have the port to plug the keyboard in...

    ...still in debate about ordering.
     
  8. V_Chip

    V_Chip Be about it.

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    I am positive that the "new ones" have the port to plug the keyboard in because the backlit keyboard was originally offered with it.
     
  9. krnorth

    krnorth Newbie

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    I certainly would make the same assumption...but quite a dramatic change in now 4 processor choices from the 2 previous. The lady at HP told me the keyboard change had something to do with the special thermal cooling of the unit...I am not exactly sure what she meant and truthfully she couldn't explain it that well.

    I'm still UP IN THE AIR on if I want to buy this or not...HP is truly the best laptops I think out there...at least I've been very satisfied with the last 5 or 6 of them we've owned..and I want lightweight and a smaller screen (because of the weight/size factor)...just can't find anything comparable across other brands.
     
  10. V_Chip

    V_Chip Be about it.

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    I believe she was referring to the new "HP Coolsense" feature. It's possible that they went away with the backlit keyboard in order to keep the laptop temperature down; compensation for the newer processors and graphics cards.

    I'd opt for purchasing the new HP dm3t 3000, especially with their new offering of processors and graphics. Though if you could wait, they might do another processor update for the entire HP lineup in Q1.
     
  11. narayanagame

    narayanagame Notebook Enthusiast

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    the backlit keyboard option is left out???i hope its only temporary like radiance display went offline on website for hp envy 14 for few days..

    the only reason i wanted dm3 was coz of backlit keyboard.i cannot find any laptop that has backlit keyboard,metal build and weighs 4lb for about 650$ infact cant find any laptop with backlit keyboard for 650$..
     
  12. noboru

    noboru Notebook Guru

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    Hey guys, has anyone got some information about a release date in Germany or Europe? Our online stores still only offer the old DM3 :/
     
  13. tanbo

    tanbo Notebook Enthusiast

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    kind of ridiculous. could you ever imagine Apple doing something like this? offering a backlit keyboard macbook then removing the backlighting option?
     
  14. proeddie

    proeddie Newbie

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    I just got my confirmation email that my new dm3 is shipping. What bag do u recommend for carrying it around. I will be using this to take back and forth to school. Thanks.
     
  15. gizmodian

    gizmodian Notebook Evangelist

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    Well, Apple has offered backlit keyboards for a long time. This was the first time the HP DM3t ever had that option.
     
  16. krnorth

    krnorth Newbie

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    Wow so you are saying someone at HP actually told me something with some RELEVANCE??? I think I just shat myself! haha.

    I just ORDERED the new DM3T..not through HP but through COSTCO. I could have ordered from HP on the academic pricing and it would have saved me about $40. That being said the POS laptop of a HP MINI 311 I am typing this on I ordered from COSTCO also...and there are really TWO reasons to order through COSTCO if they offer your HP in configurable options...1) FREE 2 year warranty...why pay the near $80 HP wants? 2) I can return it if I don't like it! (case in point: this POS HP Mini 311 that I'm returning)

    I am going to buy the backlit keyboard and see if I can put it into the new model. Also I did not upgrade the CPU to the switchable graphics (it will only be used for simple school stuff anyway)...I did upgrade it to the highest one just below the switchable (same CPU).

    I sure hope this DM3T works better (IE: keyboard/mouse) than the Mini 311...or I just might abandon HP altogether (after many years and many laptops purchased from HP).
     
  17. jwong512

    jwong512 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I was just looking on the HP website and it seems that they released a slightly more powerful i3 that comes with a 1GB dedicated ATI Radeon 5430. I'm liking the 1GB part but the i3 still seems way too underpowered. They should at least give us a more powerful i3, factory overclock, or an i5 processor.
     
  18. gizmodian

    gizmodian Notebook Evangelist

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    I think HP will eventually add Core i5's.
     
  19. gsenzer

    gsenzer Newbie

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    I've noticed this several times over the last few years, buying HP laptops...

    Custom features come and go and come again... It appears that the availability of special order features like graphics cards and backlit keyboards varies with what's available in the supply chains. So, if a feature appears, then disappears... just wait, it may come back again when the parts supplier is able to supply again.

    Don't rely on the cust service/sales folks... they usually don't know any more than shoppers... But, they do get commisions and, want to close the sale ASAP to book the numbers...
     
  20. ubercool

    ubercool Notebook Deity

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    Wow, I can't believe they removed keyboard backlighting! That's a deal killer for me. :rolleyes:
     
  21. freshesd

    freshesd Newbie

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    I received my DM3 last week... not a fan of the trackpad and am going to return it, however seeing as I opted for the backlit keyboard when it was still available, figured I'd see if anyone here wants it before I send it back. It cost me $1,033.18 w/ a student discount... specs are below, lemme know (I'm new here but I think you can PM?):

    HP Pavilion dm3t customizable Notebook PC

    * • Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
    * • Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-330UM (1.20 GHz, 3MB L3 Cache) + Intel(R) HD Graphics [HDMI, VGA]
    * • 4GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
    * • 160GB (Solid State Drive Flash Module)
    * • Microsoft(R) Office Starter 2010
    * • No additional security software
    * • 6 Cell Lithium-Ion Battery (standard) - Up to 7.5 hours of battery life +++
    * • 13.3" diagonal High Definition HP BrightView LED Display (1366 x 768)
    * • HP TrueVision Webcam with Integrated Digital Microphone
    * • 802.11b/g/n WLAN and Bluetooth(R)
    * • Backlit Keyboard
    * • HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope
     
  22. krnorth

    krnorth Newbie

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    I know what you are saying with the TRACKPAD...although I don't actually HAVE my DM3T yet I had the same disliking with my frickin MINI 311...that being said they had released a bios update and a driver update that improved the mouse tremendously...you might want to give that a shot if the mouse is really your only complaint. (Is it?)
     
  23. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    Depends on what you want to do with it. What do you want to do with it?
     
  24. TSE

    TSE Notebook Deity

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    To be honest, a CULV i3 will be more than enough power for 90% of people.

    People are so fixated on getting the best processor performance possible, when in reality you won't notice it unless you are doing very very heavy processor intensive tasks.
     
  25. V_Chip

    V_Chip Be about it.

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    Agreed TSE. Most people do not even use the full potential of their CPU. An i3 is ideal for just about anybody, unless you are a diehard gamer. The only reason I chose to get the sp9300 for my hp dm3t 1100 was because I run 3D engineering programs.

    Do not spend extra money on things you do not need. Like TSE has stated, an i3 will supply more than enough power for 90% of people.
     
  26. jwong512

    jwong512 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Probably play SC2. And some other programming projects.
     
  27. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    I'm guessing you have a pretty good idea about how much CPU you really need.

    I've got a i3-330um here, it gets about 1300 Passmark CPU points. More than enough for me but I don't game nor program.
     
  28. gizmodian

    gizmodian Notebook Evangelist

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    SC2 has very impressive graphics when you crank up the settings.
    Discrete graphics is a must.
     
  29. Wanderermy

    Wanderermy Notebook Consultant

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  30. jwong512

    jwong512 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hmm, that's not too bad for a mobile CPU. But I guess that it wouldn't be very future proof with those scores. If only they had a factory overclock feature, then it would be a lot more convincing for me to purchase it.
     
  31. XDViPeR

    XDViPeR Notebook Consultant

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    Here's another hp video for the DM3.
    width='640' height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/I4m0eHF-hMw?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/I4m0eHF-hMw?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width='640' height="385"></embed></object>
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 6, 2015
  32. Wanderermy

    Wanderermy Notebook Consultant

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    New Retails Models

    » HP Pavilion dm3-3001xx Entertainment Notebook PC
    » HP Pavilion dm3-3004xx Entertainment Notebook PC
    » HP Pavilion dm3-3010us Entertainment Notebook PC
    » HP Pavilion dm3-3027cl Entertainment Notebook PC
     
  33. DVD9

    DVD9 Notebook Guru

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    This was deliberate. You want a backlit keyboard? Fork over a thousand bucks for an ENVY.

    And oh look at all the reviews on the net. All of them claim that a backlit keyboard is offered for this laptop. Even the promotional video posted here. Push the F5 key and...and..."I've been ripped off! Where's my backlit keyboard?"

    That's called "bait and switch". Consumer fraud.

    Same with the ENVY. All the models sent out for review had the Radiance display and the note that it was a $100 option. First they jacked the price to $200, then immediately got rid of the option altogether.

    Consumer fraud. HP's new skill.
    --
     
  34. Wanderermy

    Wanderermy Notebook Consultant

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    My dm3 got backlit keyboard, I posted a few pictures while back.
     
  35. gizmodian

    gizmodian Notebook Evangelist

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    Yeah. But they don't offer the option anymore, so there are only a few dm3s with a backlit keyboard.
     
  36. V_Chip

    V_Chip Be about it.

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    Is it still available as a replacement part?
     
  37. narayanagame

    narayanagame Notebook Enthusiast

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    he meant there is no option now for ordering backlit keyboard with the DM3
     
  38. V_Chip

    V_Chip Be about it.

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    I am aware of that fact. However I am asking if it is still available in their replacement parts store.
     
  39. Wanderermy

    Wanderermy Notebook Consultant

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    After using it for one month, I've decided to return it.

    This machine is beautiful but the build quality of it is dog****.
     
  40. V_Chip

    V_Chip Be about it.

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    How does the build quality of the dm3 3000 compare to that of the 1000?
     
  41. vsherry

    vsherry Notebook Evangelist

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    Backlit keyboards are still available on the dv5. The Radiance display maker has gone out of business. When you configure a computer, the options are not there. This is not consumer fraud. They are not promising you something you don't get. Nothing prohibits a manufacturer from changing specs during the life of a product.
     
  42. Wanderermy

    Wanderermy Notebook Consultant

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    About the same ... maybe worst?

    My dm3 1000 has:
    • flex in the keyboard
    • the keyboard plate wasn't set properly
    • the top plate of the laptop body wasn't set properly, it creek when you place your right palm down
    • the chrome is ****

    My dm3 3000 has:
    • worser flex in the keyboard
    • the keyboard plate wasn't set properly
    • the touch pad is not flush
    • a huge gap between the bottom bezel and the screen
    • the top plate of the laptop body wasn't set properly, you can see an offset from the bottom plate
    • the ram cover is not plush

    Please note I am speaking from my own personal experience ... I try to love this machine beside the the look but the defect is too much for me.
     
  43. tsanga

    tsanga Newbie

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    I experienced none of these issues with my dm3t-3000, except for some flex in the keyboard, which is not noticeable during normal typing unless you purposely push on it with a lot of force. In fact, I would rate my typing experience on the chiclet keyboard to be near the best (magnitudes better than my Dell Latitude).

    Touchpad was assembled properly - I just wish the integrated buttons were easier to push.
     
  44. TSE

    TSE Notebook Deity

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    I have absolutely ZERO flex with my HP DM3 1030us. I don't know where that is coming from.
     
  45. V_Chip

    V_Chip Be about it.

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    Mine is perfect (for a consumer notebook).

    The only thing that is considerably noticeable is a small gap between the keyboard and the chassis, and some flex on the chrome lining.

    FYI: "worser" is not a word :)
     
  46. Wanderermy

    Wanderermy Notebook Consultant

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    More worse :p

    I order my dm3 1000 on the day that they accepting order in November 2009 ... I think. Maybe it's just me ... I am kinda anal about cosmetic things when it come to laptops.
     
  47. V_Chip

    V_Chip Be about it.

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    I see what you talk bout. :eek:
     
  48. docprego

    docprego Notebook Enthusiast

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    I just ordered a new DM3 and have a few questions while I wait for it:

    1-How are the speakers on the new DM3?
    2-How is the quality of the screen?
    3-Can someone that has this new model please post a photo gallery?

    I couldn't find a single review of this machine online and just the same 4 stock photos all over the net. The wait without much of anything to salivate over is brutal.

    Thanks.
     
  49. nikeseven

    nikeseven Notebook Deity

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  50. DVD9

    DVD9 Notebook Guru

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    Is this a troll?

    The dv5 is a different laptop.

    You have a link for the "Radiance display maker has gone out of business"? I've never heard of a start-up making panels like this. Panels are made by huge firms like LG. I have not heard of any such corporations going out of business.

    My post stands. Bait and switch by HP.
    --
     
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