*HP dv4t (1XXX series) Owners Lounge*

thanks it is starting to burn the first disc. weird i got a fujitsu 250gb drive and it does run pretty hot. maybe it is just accessing the drive more in the beginning for system restore and paging

how do i find out whether i actually got the LED screen or not

 

teko3-

about the speakers not working, but headphones jacks working, mine did that, but it was because i accidentally uninstalled the audio drivers (IDT). you probably didn't mess that up like i did with that, but that's exactly what happened to mine. i just updated the driver software and it was fixed.

 

are you talking to me? lol my speakers weren't working when i first turned it on too which was a bit scary. i just disabled and enabled the sound device and it works now

 

hey is the dvd drive hot swappable as in can i take it out while windows is running?

 

@kevinf

The dvd is swappable. I tried it and windows will recognize it after you replug it in.

My WEI score is 3.3 which is pretty low for 92000M card with 256MB
My compal DL76 with Radeon X600 with 128MB establishes a 3.6 easily.

For driver, I went to driverheaven.net to get the Geforce Mobility Modder that makes official driver from Nvidia to work on Laptop graphic. The one I downloaded has PhysX v177 (haven't try any games yet so dont know how that would help gaming).

 

also i see that the dvd drive's plug looks proprietary. how would i be able to put a new drive in there if i decide to buy a new one? would i have to take the computer apart?

 

In reference to the Mute and WiFi lights:

I have had the issue multiple times. Sometimes the mute button is red and I have sound, and the WiFi button is all over the place with function seemingly having nothing to do with what color the light is. I find that the volume quicktouch pad is quirky as well. Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not. These quicktouch keys are really the only complaint I have about my dv4t. At least they are mostly just an annoyance and do not really hurt the function of the laptop.

 

for some reason whenever i try to get a WEI score in vista, it finishes but i still don't see my score. any one having problems with this?

 

Mine seems to work fine. Its 3.5

 

nevermind about that. i just deleted the older xml files and redid it and it worked. i have a question about the touch pad though. in my old toshiba i was able to drag icons but when i run out of space on the touchpad i was able to let go of my finger and quickly get back on the track pad to drag. for some reason i can't do that on this laptop. the second i let go it just deselects it. what settings should i change. also what is that film that allows more of a texture feeling on the touchpad then the smooth slick surface of this one

 

I can't search these forums so apologize if this has been answered before.

I'm curious if any of the owners have connected their HDTVs or HDMI switching receivers using the HDMI port available on the dv4t.

I'd like to hear from users who have integrated graphics and discrete graphics. Can you please comment on both the audio / video quality.

 

if i buy a new hard drive will i be able to recover the computer to factory using the recovery cd. will it also make me the recovery partition again

 

Nothing seems to work for me, I've re-installed the IDT HD Audio drivers multiple times (from the HP site & the built in recovery manager), after 1 or 2 reboots the issue returns. I've also re-installed the Quick Launch drivers. Annnnnnd.....I have restored the laptop to the factory settings...all of those methods solve the issue until i reboot. The quickest temp. fix I've found is to re-start the Audio Service...but I want it to work, not have to restart the service or re-install a driver every time I boot ....I wonder if HP can even "fix" it if I send it in for repairs.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

 

It should, yes...

 

Here's a couple of solutions for the lack of USB ports, as 2 is not really enough for most users.

These are both compact single port USB powered hubs, which will give you a total of 5 USB ports on your laptop

Kensington K33399US PocketHub Mini 2.0 $13.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817120007

BELKIN F5U215vMOB Hi-Speed USB 2.0 4-Port Mini-Hub $15.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817394055

 

there are actually 3 usb ports. one is on the left combined with esata

also i have a question about the charging indicator on the task bar. there was one time i had the battery in the laptop and connected the charger. when i hovered my mouse over the icon it said plug in but not charging even though the battery is still in there. another question is that when i plug in the charger the indicator will have some kind of animation on the task bar that will indicate the juice going full and empty and then full and then to the current amount of charge. why does that animation stop after a few seconds even if i am still charging

 

dude, mine did the exact same thing, and i noticed that the power/battery led was blinking white, then it said it was not charging. So i restarted it and then it seemed to be just fine.

 

yeah is it suppose to have animation or does the "juice" indicator just rise after a period of time. i have also notice that the globe on my network icon on the taskbar goes out sometimes even though the internet still works perfectly. anybody else getting the same thing?

 

Does any one know how to tell if you have the High Capacity battery?

 

Pull it off and look at the part number

 

Sweet thanks, making sure i did get the high capacity battery.

 

Hey all, I'm new here, but have been following the forum for awhile. First of, I really like this laptop other than the few annoying problems I have had with it. I have the same problem with the mute key sometimes staying lit. Also, my caps lock and num lock indicators continuous blink and I don't know why. Does anyone know how to keep the fan from continuously running? It's not that big of a deal, but I don't like using it in quiet places (library/class) because people can hear it. Other than that, really enjoy it. Have gotten many compliments on this beast.

Also, has anyone found out how to use fingerprint reader with firefox 3.0 without having to scan your fingerprint twice for recognition at websites? Thanks

 

My scroll light never lights i think its dead... But my other work perfect no blinking or anything.


Will be doing a review later this weekend, sense i have had my laptop a bit.

 

You can turn off the fan in the bios.

It will still come on, but only when it absolutly needs too.


I leave mine on.

 

Hi everyone!

I've read about 30 pages of this thread and I've seen that people like me have been having problems with the excess heat especially on the left side keyboard surface where your wrist sits. I just wanted to be reassured that this isn't just happening to me, the fact that the fan is CONSTANTLY on, as in non-stop unless its turned off and from the moment my laptop starts it heats up. I just bought this HP dv4t 3/4 days ago and the most I have done is install MS Office, I'm not a gamer therefore I sincerely doubt I'm using the CPU and whatnot to the max. I know from experience of other laptops that it will heat up when used for a long period of time even with the most *non-demanding* programs [word, web surfing etc.] but it seems strange to me that its lukewarm after 5 mins of startup!

If a kind experienced user can help me out, I would greatly appreciate it!
If this is not normal, also let me know, I will go in and exchange this laptop for another!

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE

 

that is normal

 

It's normal for most advance laptops. So don't worry about it. If you want, check the temperature with Everest Ultimate Edition. Usually the HD runs from 44-55C. If that is the case, then your laptop is in perfect condition.

 

When I start my brand new DV4T from shutdown or hibernate mode the fan is barely audible after a brief startup surge and remains that way after hours of use. Whenever I bring it out of sleep mode the fan is much louder and remains running at this higher speed. Has anyone else noticed that sleep mode causes a higher fan speed and more noise? It's repeatable and independent of how long the system has heated up for. I have a P8600 processor, integrated graphics, Fujitsu 250GB, and Vista 32bit. Thanks.

 

i just got a hauppauge hvr-950 and for some reason after upgrading my sound drivers it keeps giving me errors when i start up the computer or media center. the error messages include "digital cable device registration application has stopped working" also media center has stopped working if it is open. do you know how i can fix this. i don't really want to roll back the audio driver because i had to update it to fix another problem.

 

Hi... I just received my laptop this weekend...and im so happy on my laptop...only that my OS is 32-bit and my memory is 4 GB (useless memory )
I will write some review later. I just need to be familiar to it and used it for few more days...

But now I can say that the HDD is in normal temperature (low 45 High 50) and the fan is always turn on like macbook...basically Dv4t has a similarity with macbook in terms of physical appearance....

here are some pictures of my laptop
http://s498.photobucket.com/albums/rr348/ginoangelo/?action=view&current=31082008358.jpg
http://s498.photobucket.com/albums/rr348/ginoangelo/?action=view&current=31082008357.jpg
http://s498.photobucket.com/albums/rr348/ginoangelo/?action=view&current=31082008356.jpg
http://s498.photobucket.com/albums/rr348/ginoangelo/?action=view&current=31082008352.jpg
http://s498.photobucket.com/albums/rr348/ginoangelo/?action=view&current=31082008349.jpg
http://s498.photobucket.com/albums/rr348/ginoangelo/?action=view&current=31082008341.jpg

 

After reloading a driver and doing a full system restore per HP tech support with no success, I've decided to return my DV4t for a noisy fan after sleep mode problem. I must say the support from HP was pretty good with prompt email replies and phone calls. Unfortunately they wanted the unit returned for repair but would not guarantee getting it back to me before the 21 day return window expired. The increased fan noise after sleep mode was annoying and I didn't want the hassle of going through a shutdown or hibernation cycle to get back to normal quiet fan speeds. Overall, I liked the notebook and am interested in finding out if this was an isolated issue or not.

 

hello guys,

I am ready to buy a dv4t when there is a 30% coupon or sth. because the base price lowered $50 with 3 gigs of free ram and they also lowered thr LED screen from +200 to +100.

So the guys with LED screen, what can you tell about it?
Is it really cool?
Does it comes with infinity frameless look?

thanks

 

I tried the 30% thingy but it doesn't work at this moment. Is it a mistake?

Also if there is a better deal before my 21 return day, can I get the difference? I paid 1050 for a LED screen and only 2GB of ram =(

@ cwunch,
The LED looks awesome. It is much brighter and use less energy. However, it is not frameless. My friend got the same machine but with infinity which is nice too but the color is not as vibrant. But if you can get LED for only +100 bucks. You should go for it.

 

Got my dv4t.

First thought:

Pros: looks nice, build qualify is OK,

Cons: the fan seems to be on forever, although it's not noisy. The HD also works hard every though I am not dong anything with it...

Anyone has the same problem??

 

Recieved my notebook yesterday everything was working fine until i woke up the next day...

when i went to turn my computer on it didnt start. i found out that i had no battery, but when i plug in the charger it works but it doesnt charge the battery.

also they quicktouch buttons dont work, they light up but they dont work like it doesnt recognize that its being touched. the mute key also stay lit red.

and another thing is the scrol lock light doesnt work

and now hp is sending me a box to send it in for repairs... IM MAD!!!

 

HP lowered there LED i am thinking about sending in my laptop and getting the LED instead with the same set up....


Better image viewing angle and longer battry life. Hum thinking. It would only be about $87 more then what u have now...

Can you buy LEDs for this laptop, that might be a better idea, i could just install it. And sell the screen i have now.

 

welcome to the club, http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=294884

I'm calling HP again tomorrow, i called 2 weeks ago and once more the following week and I still haven't received the FedEx box to send in for repairs, and I just past my 21 return window on Monday....am I understanding HP right??? They will send you a FedEx box with packing materials to your house right?

 

In your case call back and get them to cancel the original repair and request them to place the repair request once again. Usually, the box and the shipping label are shipped next business day and shouldnt take 2 weeks.

 

That's what the 2nd call I placed last week was for....still nothing lol, busy @ work today but if I get the chance I'm calling again today....which will make call #3 for the same thing

 

HP Pavilion Entertainment dv4t customizable Notebook PC
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (32-bit)
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P7350 (2.0GHz)
14.1" diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
FREE Upgrade to 3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 1GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
Webcam Only
Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator X4500
FREE Upgrade to 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
HP Color Matching Keyboard
802.11b/g WLAN
No Integrated WWAN
No Modem
No TV Tuner w/remote control
6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

--
The above is what I just ordered for my wife a few days ago. As of today it says in production. It was $849+tax and then minus the 5% Live offer. For what she'll do this is more than adequate and should be very happy with it. It's replacing a Dell 1405.

 

Mine had the same exact problem. Battery stopped charging, checked it with the HP Battery Checker and it said there was a problem. Then I noticed my wireless light was orange but it was still working.

I have a Lenovo U330 on order and was starting to think everything was good with the DV4T and was starting to convince myself to save the trouble of returning it. Luckily it all surfaced within the 21 day return period and I still have the Lenovo order pending.

Oh, when I went to restore the system with the recovery partition, it didn't fix anything.

 

do you guys know if the return period of 21 days start on the order date or what

 

Same boat here. I have been nothing but disappointed with this product. Im sending it back and buying another brand.

 

Its 21 days from the day you RECEIVE it.

 

are you sure? because i did a tech support chat thing and they kept telling me that it's 21 days from the date of purchase. i hope you're right though. anybody have any experience with this subject?

 

I had this problem too. To FIX this problem do the following:

1. Turn off Laptop.
2. Remove battery completely.
3. Turn over the laptop and press power button for 15 secs and then release it.
4. Insert Back the Battery and Power on your laptop.

This steps have helped me restore the buttons options. I had the same problem. Tell me if this will fix it? Thanks.

 

yeah i used to have that problem too but doing what c0de9 said, the problems went away. but i hope it doesn't come back though. did the problem ever come back for you c0de?
edit: also do you know what could possibly be triggering this problem?

 

I think it is a bios problem, it's happened to me before too.

Only once, and my battery remaining was something like 3%.

 

yeah exactly. i had 3% and it wouldn't charge so i took it out and put it back in and then it became 0%. and not charging.

 

I had worse then this, lol.

Two days after I bought DV4t, I went to the store to do my shopping with my laptop...

Using the laptop.. I had that suddenly the screen of the laptop went black on me and the charging lid (lighting) started to blink. I couldn't turn on the screen again. When I completely shut down my laptop by holding power button for 10secs, I couldn't start it again! lol. I was in shock! Therefore, I tried removing the battery and placing it back in, and kaaboom, everything worked fine.

Then after 10 min of use, the problem of black screen and the lost of power appeared again, and I did the same procedures and everything went back to normal.


I have then called HP Customer Service to ask what the heck is going on. I was bounced from one tech to another. Until I finally got a smart guy who tried to explain it to me.

The problem he said is with a motherboard and electrical static that triggered this alien behavior with notebook. I asked him if this is normal, and he told me, this is 100% normal and it might happen once in a blue moon.

However, I told him that it has happened to me twice in the same day, and he explain that after I REMOVED THE BATTERY, I DID NOT PRESS the POWER Button for 15 secs, and I left the static on the laptop. That's why it repeated.


Next story..

After like 3 weeks of using DV4t, I was sitting in the library and closed my laptop while it was on, and it went into Standby mode. When I opened up the laptop to do something, the problem with the "buttons not working" appeared. The speaker button was orange and the wireless button was orange, but the speakers and wireless was still working. Furthermore, it told me that I have 3% left on my battery charge, and it was not charging.

I couldn't even change the sound volume on the DV4T panel since nothing worked. I restarted 2 times, shut down my notebook, close all the drivers that ran the buttons and NOTHING helped!

So then, I remembered what the guy told me, and I shut down my computer, removed the battery, pressed Power button for 15sec, placed the battery back in, and everything went back to normal.

It has to do something with the motherboard, the static that accumulates or even like Clayton said, maybe the bios.... But it surely seems like HP has this flaw going around.

P.S. I have just searched the forums for DV5T and it seems that also suffer from similar problems like DV4t.
Check post http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=3773361&postcount=1209
Therefore, my conclusion is that all DV models have this flaws, you know the tricks.