*HP dm3 (3XXX series) Owners Lounge*

DVD9, I do not think it's a bait and switch tactic.
It's not like HP is offering the backlit keyboard but when consumers get it, the laptop doesn't actually have a backlit keyboard.
Manufacturers change specs all the time (usually for the better, but not in this case).

Wanderermy, you must have had a bad unit. I had a couple of dm3z that were bad and I returned both of them. My current unit has none of the those; the only "problem" is the chrome bezel (it hasn't started peeling yet).

 

Quick question; is the Intel Pentium U5400 on the new dm3 faster than the SU4100 on the old dm3? Am asking because my old dm3 with SU4100 was sufficient for me with respect to performance since I only do surfing, office, and some movies. So if the U5400 is higher, then that's cool with me. Also is there any real life significant difference between the U5400 and the corei3?

 

No, what you are describing is straight up fraud. That can get someone prison time.

Bait and switch is offering something to attract a buyer, to get their interest and then they are sold on something else. The bait is to attract. Then they are switched to something lesser, cheaper, just crap.

HP did the same with the ENVY. Sent the reviewers models with the Radiance screen, which all the reviewers raved about, and HP threw in that it was only a $100 option. So the word spread -and all the reviews still sit on the Web- promising everyone that for $1,100 you get this great, powerful laptop with a brilliant screen.

You don't. You get the same crap 1,300 x 700 garbage that every generic laptop has. And before HP sold out the small supply of Radiance screens they had actually purchased they jumped the price to $200.

 

Thank you DVD9 for enlightening us about such an issue. Though this thread is not for debates and ranting. Your opinion is very much valued, though your statements are out of place here. I suggest you post elsewhere if you're looking to continue speaking about this topic.

However, if you would like to discuss the DM3-3000, I don't see a problem.

 

While I wait anxiously for my DM3 to arrive I found out that my local Fry's had it in stock. I went down to check it out. It was the DM3-3010US, here's a link to Fry's product page with the specs:

DM3-3010us

My impressions:

1. The laptop is exquisite looking overall.
2. The rubberized top and bottom are a lot nicer than I expected and did not seem to show any fingerprints.
3. I didn't notice any problems with the keyboard and I liked it vey much overall.
4. The entire interior is silver and shows absolutely no fingerprints.
5. The speakers sounded very good to me, I was quite surprised and pleased by this. They were better than most other laptop speakers I have tried. They also had adequate volume and at maximum were easily heard over the Fry's background noise.
6. The screen was nice and clear when viewed from the "sweet spot".
7. The screen viewing angles weren't the greatest but I don't think they are on most laptops.
8. True to the "Coolsense" moniker I did not feel much of any heat buildup on the machine, though I was not holding the bottom the entire time.
9. The functions keys on the top row for volume, brightness and other functions do not require you to depress a function key. They operate independently on their own, I really liked that.
10. The machine was not heavy at all, I don't see that being any issue.

As far as criticisms go, in my 30 minutes evaluating the unit I really had none and only got more excited for my machine to arrive. If I could come up with anything to complain about it would be that the screen is glossy. Some might consider this an advantage so I am hesitant to criticize it, but I would prefer matte.

If you have any specific questions that I did not address feel free to ask. I'll do my best to remember and reply.

 

Quick question; is the Intel Pentium U5400 on the new dm3 faster than the SU4100 on the old dm3? Am asking because my old dm3 with SU4100 was sufficient for me with respect to performance since I only do surfing, office, and some movies. So if the U5400 is higher, then that's cool with me. Also is there any real life significant difference between the U5400 and the corei3?

 

First complaint about mine - the sliding hook latch for the battery is already broken. Battery now will slide out when the laptop is jostled, which of course effectively unplugs power to the computer.

Have had this notebook for only about a month. Now I'm hassling with HP's outsourced customer service. Of course, they make me feel like I'm being interrogated on how the latch broke. Does it matter? I didn't drop it - it just broke!

2 weeks to send away my laptop to replace a flimsy latch!

BTW, my favorite moment was being "offered" expedited service for $15 when the laptop basically still has that new-out-of-the-box feel to it.

 

There's a new review of the dm3 at laptopmag here HP Pavilion dm3t (2010) Review - A Review of the HP Pavilion dm3t (2010)

 

"Standard Keyboard Included in price"

NO BACKLIT KEYBOARD option.
--

 

wrong post

 

Can any new dm3t users post some personal images of their dm3? The image gallery from many of the reviews look "too artificial" and I want to see how the dm3 looks after some time of usage. thanks

 

They were offering backlit keyboard this morning on the HP site...

 

Proof. Note the time and date.

Screen_1.jpg picture by V_Chip - Photobucket

 

Yes its true...backlit is back!!! hoooray

 

I hope it's back for permanent this time.
Anyways, WOOOT!!

 

I'm considering ordering the new dm3t. I don't know that much about computers so can anyone guide me to what the best configuration is and if it's worth it for a non-gamer? also, is it worth waiting until black friday as I haven't seen this model in any of the ads as of yet?

 

I also wanted to know if it's worth the extra $25 for the backlit keyboard if you are not gaming with it. I read that the backlit keyboards are usually more durable but I don't know how it compares to the standard.

 

Yes, wait till Black Friday. HP always has big sales during Thanksgiving week.
I'd get the backlit keyboard just for the looks.

 

does anyone know how the dm3 compares to the thinkpad edge 13. the thinkpad is currently on sale so I can get it a little cheaper than the dm3.

 

hopefully backlit keyboard ll be an option permanently.

now i am excited to get this

 

the pics in the above link seems cool. images 2,3 and 6 have nice layout and wallpaper

how did u manage to get all icons on bottom dock like OSX in image 6?do you use apple macbook?

i would also like to know in image 3 there is wireless,battery,disks etc info on top of the desktop.is it a theme or any sofware?btw what laptop is it??
dont say dm3t coz that desktop looks cool

 

Thank you narayanagame.

Image 6 has a pseudo OSX dock through the use of "xwdock".
XWindows Dock 2.0.3. Simply the best Application Launcher ever!

Image 3 are screenshots of my desktop with the application "Rainmeter"
Rainmeter.net

Everything you see is being run on my HP DM3T 1100. My baby that I wouldn't dare trade for a mac.

If you're interested in the wallpapers I'll see if I can find the links for you. Otherwise there are occasionally some really cool ones in the desktop thread.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/windows-os-software/340868-show-off-your-windows-7-desktop.html

 

thank you v_chip for replying so quickly and also for taking your time for adding links

i would surely like to have those wallpapers link they look nice.
DM3T is nice bro especially 1100 model has switchable graphics along with much better battery life than this yr's model

 

Well this laptop just got chosen as the best laptops of 2010. The stock image shows the previous generation but it's the new model they're talking about.
The Best Notebooks of 2010

 

dm3-3012nr on sale for $399.00

HP Pavilion dm3-3012nr 13.3-Inch Notebook - Buy from Microsoft Store

 

Wow that is a good price.

Is there any exterior difference between "dm3-3012nr" and the dm3T at HP's website?
TIA for any advice.

 

Basically the dm3-3012nr is non-configurable and comes equipped only with the Pentium U5400. (Also with 4gb RAM and a 320gb hdd). If you click on the link however it is now sold out.

 

It's back on stock, HURRY if you want it!

 

Just got a DM3T with the Core i3 option and backlit keyboard. 1st impressions:

Pros:
- Very nice fit and finish. If you wanted to be super nitpicky there are a few very minor little finish items but no deal breakers for me. Overall I am very, very impressed with what HP has done with this machine. Far better than most of the other models from them I've seen at Costco and Best Buy.
- Backlit keyboard is fabulous. Works beautifully. Nicely executed.
- Screen is very nice - excellent horizontal viewing angles, vertical not as good, but acceptable.
- Keyboard is nice. Good feel to it.

Cons:
- Screen does not tilt very far back (maybe 30-40 degrees from straight vertical).
- Touchpad left click seems slightly misplaced (not far enough toward front of PC). Will have to get used to it - should be OK - not a dealbreaker.
- Volume up/down on function keys is nice but when playing a fullscreen youtube video, changing the volume bumps it out of fullscreen in IE8 and Firefox.

Overall - based on 3 hours of use - I'd score this 8.5 out of 10 on looks, 7 out of 10 on usability (demerits for trackpad), 8 out of 10 on value for money. I'll report back when I have a chance to do more on it.

 

Can you report on the battery life of this machine? Wifi on and wifi off maybe. Just need a general idea how long it will run since it says 7.5 but i doubt it. There aren't many full review on this model since its pretty new or just not as popular as the other laptop in the market.

 

I haven't run the battery down but I don't know what the lab tech was smoking when they came up with 7.5 hours. I installed "battery bar" and it shows about 3:45 with a fully charged battery. I don't know how it calculates though. I have been running it with full brightness on the screen and wifi on doing email and web browsing and I would bet 3.5 to 4 hours would be about right. Again, haven't fully tested it though.

Laptop magazine said they got something like 5 1/2 hours I think. Basically, you're not going to run all day on it but it's good enough to keep you from constantly looking for an outlet.

One other comment -although I like the backlit keyboard, you could actually get by without it. The screen is pretty bright and with the keys being a reflective silver color there is not much of any problem seeing the letters on them with the lights off. For $25 it was worth it to me but for someone on a tight budget you could save it.

Lastly - I miss not having page up/down keys on the keyboard. Overall still very happy though.

 

Hey, so I've had the the 3012nr model for over a week now and I really like it. I don't really need backlit keyboard as I can use it fine in the dark, am so use to the keyboard lay out now. As for battery, I get consistently about 5.5 hrs with 50% lighting and wifi on. I turn off the wifi and set the screen to 30% I get a little over 6 hrs.

TimBikes, have you updated to the latest synaptic drivers (15.1.18.0)? It's much better because there's the added function for tap zones. I ended up assigning 2 tap zones to pg up/down and 2 tap zones for forward and backwards. I hope you can make some use out of it.

 

Hi Soybean - thanks for the tip. I had Windows search for the driver and it installed 15.1.6.64. I didn't see an option for tap zones though but did change some other settings that will make life a little easier.

By the way, I think you battery measures are about right. I've been running full brightness and just played video for about 2 hours until my battery bar said I only had 49 minutes left. So for just web browsing and with brightness down to 50% I could see how you could get 5.5 hours.

 

TimBikes, if you really want pg up/down, then here is a link for the newest version of synaptic drivers that I'm currently using.
Download Synaptics Touchpad Driver v.15.1.18.0 | Synaptics Touchpad Driver | Catalog - News, articles, free drivers and firmware catalog: X-DRIVERS.COM

Also, I just updated my bios to version f08, not sure if that will affect any functions, but I'll report back later if I find anything worth noting.

 

Thanks again - may give that a whirl!

 

Just noticed the space bar pages down when browsing the web, looking at email, etc. Pressing the shift + the space bar pages up.

 

Just got the dm3 3012 last night...microsoft store black friday deal....

My first impressions are for the most part, favorable...I really like the form factor, the keyboard, (esp. for typing) the screen is nice, sound is above average for a laptop...overall it feels like a solid little laptop.

I have noticed some limitations of the U5400 processor..ie stuttering in google earth navigation. I don't like how small the up/down arrow keys are...Was bummed out by no home, end, pg up, pg down keys but found them mapped to fn + left, right, up, down... so I can get used to that.

So far I'm thinking the worst thing about the dm3 is the trackpad and mouse buttons. The trackpad is too tacky feeling..my fingers tend to stutter across the tracking area instead of gliding smoothly like on my Asus laptop. I don't like the rocker-bar type of mouse buttons (can't do both buttons down) and they just don't feel quite right to me.

I'd say the pluses outweigh the minuses and I'm happy with my purchase...more later...

Oh, can someone walk me thru the bios version updating...I'm a little spooked by doing that one...tia

 

I've come to the conclusion that this is about the best looking little notebook out there...The silvery bushed metalic surfaces on the keyboard area really give this puppy some class....they're so shinny that you really don't need backlighting because the screen lights up the keyboard quite adequately even in the darkest of environs.

Kinda disappointed that it only does single band 11n but the wifi card in the dm3 is faster than my 1.5 yr. old ASUS that I paid twice as much for...ie it's above average for downloading...

The U5400 processor actually does a decent job for the web, web video, and 1080p vids from the hdd...and it does so with minimal heat and fan noise. I'm getting about 4ish hrs battery life..the 13.3" is a very, very nice size...it makes my 14" asus seem like a humongous behemoth
It does struggle with anything even the slightest bit on a higher gaming level like Tiger Woods online...but it handles little flash games just fine...

At $399, some early arrivers on slickdeals got it for $250....the Microsoft Store deal on the dm3 3012nr was one of the best of the black friday/cyber monday weekend...along with the dell xps15 1080p, and the $350 lenovo 13" thinpad...


Put an I series processor back in with a dedicated graphics card, and a re-designed track pad and duel band wifi..then sell if for around $600 and you'd have a macbook killler...stellar design HP!!...

 

I agree tarts. After a month, my biggest gripe remains the trackpad - in particular the left click button which I still don't press correctly about 1/2 the time.

Still getting about 4 hours battery life under normal use (mostly browsing, email). Not what HP advertises, but still, not bad. Not really minding the lack of a graphics card as I don't game and online video runs without a hitch. Didn't realize about the wifi-n being single band -- but I haven't noticed any issues. I'm getting as high as 18.7 mbps at about 20 feet (and one wall) away from my Apple Extreme router. That's 2x the speed I get on my wife's Toshiba with wireless n, at the same distance.

Other than the touchpad I've been very happy with mine. I have the i3 and it seem speedy enough. Backlit keyboard looks nice in the dark but agree the reflectance of the keys is good enough to negate the need for that option in typical darkened room usage scenarios.

I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a lightweight, good quality laptop with decent battery life and good looks.

Looks = 9
Keyboard = 9
Trackpad = 5
Weight = 9
Screen = 8
Speakers = 8.5
Battery = 7 (4 - 4:15 in typical use, powersaver mode, wifi on)
Performance = 7.5 (for everyday non-processor tasks)
Fit and Finish = 7.5
Design = 9.5
Price / Value = 8.5
Overall = 8

PS - thanks for the tip on the fn / arrow keys to get page up/down. Also the space bar and shift space bar do this.
PSS - Tarts, let me know if you have any trouble if you are using Windows Live Mail on this machine. On mine, sometimes when an email is opened up, I can't rollover and unhide the Windows taskbar at the bottom of the screen. It stays hidden until I close the email and then roll-over the taskbar area.

 

Just wanted to find out if the new dm3 is any thinner than the old dm3. I have the old dm3 and when I watch the online videos about the new dm3, it looks quite thick, especially towards the back. I know the new dm3 is a little lighter, but can anyone confirm if its thinner as well?

 

Does anyone know if the U5400 1.2GHz processor on the new dm3 will be any faster (or slower) than the one on old dm3 (SU4100 1.3GHz)? The difference in real life may not be much different but if the the U5400 is significantly slower than the SU4100, then I may have to think twice

 

Nice write-up. I mostly agree with your rating...just about spot on.
I do envy you a little since you have the i3 and I have the SU5400 but for what I'm using it for the Su5400 is working admirably.

My biggest gripe is still the trackpad/buttons with the really annoying aspect of the buttons being part of the tracking area of the trackpad...ie dragging and dropping gets messed up if you put your finger on the mouse button before tracking to the selection point on the screen....makes playing a jigzone game somewhat of a nightmare.

One other thing I've noticed is the display...while it's resolution and functionality are really nice for anything brightly lit...the blacks could definitely be better...
I was watching a movie that had a lot of dark scenes in it and the vertical viewing angle of the dm3 was miniscule...you had to have the screen tilted just right or the corners got washed out.

On the plus side, I can't stress enough how much I love the form factor and overall design of the dm3 2010....the size, fit/finish, overall aesthetics, weight, and sound/speakers really make it a sharp little notebook. It' making me hate the black non-chitlet keyboard on my Asus N81 w all the smudgy glossy plastic everywhere.

The older SU4100 and the U5400 are really almost a dead heat...
Mobile Processors - Benchmarklist - Notebookcheck.net Tech

The 5400 is not as good wrt power usage, 18watts vs 10watts for the su4100

However the 5400 uses the Intel HD onboard graphics processor vs the 4500MHD in the 4100, with the HD being a fair amount better but overall the two are fairly even...If you are buying direct from hp, I think it's only $50 more for the i3 if you're that worried about it.

Personally the 5400 doesn't seem slow at all for everyday usage....the thing to realize is the dm3 is not for gaming or other heavy processing tasks...it's for people who want a cool little everyday computer in an ultra portable light-weight form factor with better than average battery life.

 

Im wondering how scrarch resiatant is the lid coating ? It looks like it will wear off and be ugly quickly

 

I just got a new dm3-3012nr (Microsoft Signature) from eBay for a sick deal (around $420 shipped). So far it seems like a pretty cool machine. To me it doesn't seem as thin as the previous dm3 or the dv2 (both of which I had before this one). Overall the materials and build seem pretty good.

One interesting thing that I noticed is that the U5400 chip does have some sort of turbo boost. It seem to go anywhere from 665MHz to 1197MHz in CPU-Z (see attached screenshots). This doesn't seem to have a negative impact on performance from what I have seen so far.

The one downside for me is the Intel HD Graphics. It seems to struggle when I was trying to play 720p content (which it should be capable of doing). I'm going to try and update the Intel HD Graphics firmware to see if that will help things along.

 

Definitely try doing a complete reinstall. Update Intel GMA drivers. If it is Flash you are trying to do upgrade to 10.2 beta.

 

For 720p playback on vid sites like youtube or Hulu , right click the video, select settings for the flash player and Uncheck hardware acceleration.

It should play perfectly smooth now...
ps..I have the exact same Microsoft Signature software packaged dm3 as you.

 

1) Has anyone noticed that the fan runs constantly even when Thermal Assistant is set to "Quietest"? I have the latest F.08 bios & Turned OFF "Fan Always On." Just an open browser window at 0-7% cpu makes the fan run all the time!

2) Can someone check their Temperature using CoreTemp X64? I get [core#0 28C & core#1 37C]. Why are both cores off by 9C?

 

Hello all, am getting my new dm3-3010nr (microsoft signature) tomorrow and I'm trying to download all the drivers for a clean install. Firstly, I want to know if the Microsoft signature laptops have all the hp bloatware uninstalled? And secondly, I'm not an expert in this area but I would like to know which drivers are essential. I already have
1. IDT High-Definition (HD) Audio Driver
2. Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver
3. HP Notebook System BIOS Update (Intel Processors)
4. Realtek Card Reader Driver
5. Stardock Fences Pro Software
6. Synaptics TouchPad Driver

I'm having problems with whether to download the following ones, and which ones to download:
1. Chipset
2. Graphics (Intel or ATI?)
3. Network (Ralink Wifi or Intel Pro/Wireless or Atheros or Broadcomm....)
4. HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
5. HP Quick Launch Button Software
6. HP Power Manager Utility
5. HP Media Smart

 

I have the MS signature model dm3-3012nr, and all the HP "bloatware is removed...except the Times Reader...all the other HP stuff installed, you'll want to keep...Hp support assistant, HP coolsense, etc.

MS's stuff isn't too bad..using msconfig.exe I only had to disable Zune and the Bing Toolbar from the startup list.

MS also installs Windows Live and the MS Signature desktop theme which is really cool with it's rotation of hi-def wallpaper it gets from the cloud.

My start up times are really fast, and unless your going to run a different OS, then you shouldn't really have to do a new install.

On drivers, HP support assistant will update all of them for you, even the tricky bios ones, or you could get the driver versions in devise manager for the ones installed from the factory before you do a new install of an OS. I didn't get the HP fences thingy as I thought that was a bloatware item...is it of any use?

 

Fences is nice if you like a clean desktop. You can double click on the desktop to hide everything and double click again to show everything on the desktop.

I'm using it but it is really just personal preference - it doesn't really do anything except make things look tidy. So if you don't care about that, you can consider it bloatware. ;-)