*HP dv4t (1XXX series) Owners Lounge*

congrats for ur new system ecastillo1!!! We are waiting for your review

 

hey glad to hear they're starting to ship, ecastillo1! Since everyone seems to be concerned about the heat over on the dv5t owners' lounge, would you say it feels hot? Especially around the left palmrest, because that's apparently where it gets warmest on the dv5t.

 

I was considering the same three notebooks, and also went with the dv4t. I didn't really need the touch-screen features of the tx2500z so it didn't make sense to sacrifice viewing quality, and I didn't like the feel of the XPS as much when I checked it out at Best Buy. My configuration is pretty similar to yours, as well. Build date is August 12th!

 

Wow... congratulations! When did you order? Do you mean the build date by "August 4th"? or is it the estimated arrival date?

I hope to see some pictures of dv4t! There is really no picture of it on the Internet!!! Almost all people pay attention to only dv5t or dv7t...

I hope to see a picture of the bottom of the laptop, especially!

 

Hooran, I thought you ordered dv5t. Did you change it to dv4t???

 

sweet...my estimated build date is august 18 when did you place your order?

 

Wow... you have some skills

So, you got your money back for your soon-will-be-returned dv5t...
and, you replaced your 11-month old laptop with dv4t for free!!???

well... you paid 6 hours.. Nice!

 

Hmm... it says Order in production
(Estimated to ship on August 11, 2008) already..

I placed order 2 days ago though..

 

It's clear that you can't cancel your order now. BTW, that's strange. You ordered yours 2 days ago, and the estimated shipping date is August 11, 2008. If somebody orders dv4t right now, he or she should wait until August 18.

 

Yup it's strange. I think it was estimated as August 12 the next day I ordered. And I think it was yesterday that it suddenly moved all the day up to August 18. I wanted to reconfigure w/o bluetooth and bump up processor, but it was Aug 18.. so shucks.

If it's already in production, does it mean it could ship early? Not sure why it would take 11 days to make it..

BTW, the rep was willing to do the printer deal, but would have to pay the shipping ($11.99)

 

They might be having a supply problem... Nobody knows... I hope that doesn't affect my shipping date. I still have a full week left, but I can't wait!!

Good... I forgot how much the printer deal was, but if you like it, go ahead

 

$18.99 (after $80 instant rebate) + $11.99 S&H..

I think I'm just going to buy 160GB 7200RPM HD and a notebook sleeve.

 

Well.. that's also good! I was thinking about the notebook sleeve on the HP website, but I decided to buy only dv4t first. I'll buy a 12-cell battery, a notebook sleeve, and a notebook cooler later.

Can you buy them after you receive your dv4t? Because... if you don't like your dv4t, then they will be a waste of money.

 

I can't wait to get mine... its still in production.

 

My first post here - and maybe my last since I basically joined the forum as part of my research process.

I just got my dv4t yesterday afternoon. First, I'm really impressed with the efficiency of FedEx. I placed my order online on 17 July. The ship date was estimated as 30 July, and I had ordered with standard 5-7 day shipping. It actually left the factory in China on the 29th, was logged as in transit in Shanghai on the 30th, cleared customs the same afternoon in Anchorage, then went through Indianapolis to my local FedEx facility to my house by mid-morning on the 31st (where I wasn't home to sign for it, but picking it up later was no problem).

Why I got it - my Dell Latitude D600 is feeling its age, especially the batteries which have been cycled so many times that they're only good for about 45 minutes of typical use. I got tired of waiting for Dell to officially announce their Montevina based line, so I decided to give HP a try. I picked this one because I travel about 10 weeks a year, and this is about as heavy a notebook as I care to lug around.

Initial setup wasn't too painful. There's the usual OS configuration and registration process, and some crapware to get rid of (I'm still not finished with that). All of the hardware components I've tried so far seem to be working.

What I like so far - the keyboard feel is pretty solid, although key placement is a little different than I'm used to on my Dell laptop. I don't do games so I can't comment on that, but I played a chapter of a Blu-Ray disc and it loaded quickly and looked fine even though the screen resolution is a little short of true high-def. Speakers are much better than on my old Dell.

What I don't like - 1280x800 screen resolution is barely adequate. If I'd had the patience to wait for Dell I'd definitely have ordered the 14.1" model with WXGA+ resolution screen. I'm not sure I like the aspect ratio either, but I guess that's something I'll have to get used to.

Someone asked about this - the optical drive is removable and there's an insert for the hole.

In case it doesn't show up in a sig, here's the configuration. This is overkill for my needs, but I tend to keep my laptops for 4 or 5 years so I try to get more than my immediate requirements:

- HP Pavilion dv4t Entertainment Notebook
- Upgrade to Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
- Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P8600 (2.40GHz)
- 14.1" diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
- 4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
- 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 9200M GS
- HP Imprint Finish (Mesh) + Microphone + Webcam + Fingerprint Reader
- Intel(R) WiFi Link 5100AGN
- None
- No High speed 56K modem port
- FREE Upgrade to 160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive from 120GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
- Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
- No TV Tuner w/remote control
- High Capacity 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
- Microsoft(R) Office Small Business 2007
- HP Color Matching Keyboard

 

It would be nice if you could share some pictures

 

Thanks for this precision.
It's a good thing, to save some weight


If someone who has it can take some pics, it would be great

 

Thank you for posting your review, mike p.
That sounds like I still have about a week to receive mine.
So... your first impression is positive except for the screen resolution.
Great!

Thanks again!

 

Anyone that already has the dv4... can you comment on the heat it produces?

I won't be gaming or anything, just want to know how it feels during multitasking like having word, excel, and internet up at the same time. thanks.

 

I second that. Mike P. congrats. Does it run cool, warm, hot, etc?

 

Pics please! The 1280x800 resolution has me concerned now. So did anyone get the LED screen? Is it worth it?

 

Ok, so heres my build:
-Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
-Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor T9400 (2.53 GHz)
-14.1" diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Infinity Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
-4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
-256MB NVIDIA GeForce 9200M GS
-HP Imprint Finish + Microphone + Webcam for HP BrightView Infinity Display
-Intel(R) WiFi Link 5100AGN and Bluetooth(TM)
-High speed 56K modem port
-250GB 5400RPM SATA HardDrive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
-SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
-No TV Tuner w/remote control
-High Capacity 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
-Norton Internet Security(TM) 2008 - 15 Month Subscription
---Set to be shipped on August 8th...
SO im just curious, im not a heavy gamer but Im studying engineering, and i think this build could handle CAD and autoCAD right? Anybody familiar with the game guildwars 2? That would perhaps be the only game I play on my hp, but im just curious if what I have now would be enough to run it decently well when it eventually comes out. Also, i can handle screens with mirror-like reflection, im just curious if the resolution is gonna cut it even with the brightview infinity? Anybody got any pics of their dv4ts yet, or comments on the heat issue? Thx alot for any advice!!!

 

I'll tell you when mine arrives next week. I can't mention how good or bad the resoultion is because I'm using a pretty old laptop that has a lower resolution. So, even if the resolution of the dv4t screen is bad, compared to others, I won't be able to say how good or how bad it is.
Mine should have a LED LCD screen. Many people say it offers better screen quality and better battery life. It also lasts longer than a common LCD screen.

 

So is the screen that worse?

I ordered infinity screen btw.

 

Hmm.. I might try wait till Sunday if there will be any new deal.. only if school weren't going to start in few weeks, I would cancel it and reorder it.

 

my build date's set to b aug 18th, will i be able to get it before the 21st?

 

You could, if you choose to pay for your shipping, instead of using 5-7 days free shipping. But I don't think you can change the options once you submitted an order.

 

any chances that it could be built before that date....? can i change the shipping address after placing the order?

thanks

 

Well... Did you check your order status?
If it says "Order in Production", I think the status won't change at least until Monday.

I don't think so. Once you submitted your order, I think you can't change the shipping address. I ordered dv4t for the first time, so I searched this forum to know when HP usually ships laptops. Many users say HP is usually good at shipping laptops before shipping dates or exactly on shipping dates. Although there is no guarantee that HP will ship your laptop on time, I think it should be okay with you. Are you moving?

 

yeah well actually i have to return to my school on 21st, at least no later than 24th.....can i call them up n ask them if i could make any changes..?

thanks!

 

I'm not sure. They might say it is impossible to make any change to your order once it is received by an HP factory, but go ahead and call HP. It won't hurt

 

I have same problem. I return school on 25nd and I'll be also going back to dorm. I want to reconfigure w/o blu-ray and add faster processor, but it bumped up from 8/11 to 8/19 in just 2 days.. Lucky I configured it to be shipped on 8/11....

 

Hmm.. Your college starts earlier than mine.
Mine starts in late September...

 

We start summer break from mid-May though. So if one doesn't go to summer school, that's more than 3 months of break.

 

Has anyone managed to find a Service/Maintenance guide for the dv4t? I'm trying to get to the processor and having some trouble...

 

Did you get your dv4t???
Why are you trying to get to the processor???

I'll try to find it, but I can't guarantee...

Oh... BTW, Can you take some pictures of your dv4t if you have it? (especially the bottom of the dv4t because I want to see how well the air exchange system works.)

 

I do infact have a DV4t cto ... Ill take some as its splayed out over my bed... Lemme find a photo host.

 

Oh! Gosh! Thank you
I'm excited!!! I hope my laptop comes as early as possible..

BTW, I'm sorry... It seems like the guide for the dv4t series is currently unavailable. Or.. maybe... I can't find it... But, I'll try and tell you if I do

 

Yea i got it the 29th... Unfortunatly it came slightly flawed... the ~ (most useless key on the board) is loose, one of the teeth that the clip holds it with is missing... Otherwise though im happy with it...
Im opening it up to put real thermal paste on the processor since HP never puts decent stuff on them.

http://s520.photobucket.com/albums/w324/HawkShark/

If you have any specific requests let me know... My camera sucks, 3.2 megapixel canon...


UPDATE:

Okay i got it... This thing is a bastard to take apart, only the Sony TZ and Macbook are more annoying IMHO.

 

Oh.. Gosh! You opened up your whole laptop! I wouldn't be able to do that Anyway... thank you!

Is the thermal paste that HP puts really bad?
Can you post the specifications of your dv4t? and how warm is the dv4t when you're doing regular stuff such as Internet surfing or doing something that takes a lot of processor power?

And, is the 9200M GS graphics card worse than the 8400M GS?

Sorry.. I have too many questions

BTW, it looks like the dv4t has a similar structure as other dv series models...
You might look at HP Services Media Library ( http://h20181.www2.hp.com/plmcontent/NACSC/SML/) although there is nothing for the dv4t, dv5t, and dv7t series yet.

 

Their thermal paste is pretty miserable, they dont even use paste on most of the peices, the GPU and northbridge both have pads...

I set the fan to always on in the Bios, and even then the thing is at 56c when just surfing... 79ish when playing Universe At War

I dont have a 8400GS to compare with..
But i did my test with FEAR, everything at Max(except AA, and shadows) and the average FPS was 42.

yea i have the 2700 series manual and theyre not that alike, the screws are more complex in this model.

 

First, thank you for answering my questions!

Wow... that makes me worried a little bit... That's as warm as my 4-year old laptop... Hmm... that average looks better than that of the 8400M GS.

Oh.. sorry... HP should release it soon as more and more users are receiving their dv4ts.

EDIT: I think you should try to lift up your laptop a little bit like dv5t users in the official dv5t thread.

 

how come i havent seen anyone who is overly impressed with the dv4t? i was really excited a few months back when they 1st announced it but from the stories i hear about the laptop, people are satisfied but at the same time theyre not in love with it...

 

yeah i will, but i still hope that it could be done earlier...*sigh*i dun wanna be getting back to school while worrying about where my new stunning lappy/900 bucks will actually end up....

seriously if they tell me that it is impossible to change anything anymore,i'll be crying like hell n let all of them hear it.....

 

ohhhh well i did upgrade my processor to p8400, n my video card,but i did nothing to the screen tho, neither with the blu-ray thing....my school starts on 25th too,i dunno, mayb i'l wait for my lappy to get here first,which probably will make my advisor think that ive dropped out since i wont be showing up too soon....

 

Don't worry... You'll see me overly impressed with my dv4t, which should come within a week or so. My laptop is a 4-year old Presario 2100 laptop. Any current laptop will overly impress me!!!

Hmm... where are you right now? your home? Is there any family member who can stay at the place where you are living now and receive the laptop for you?

 

I'm hoping a new deal will pop up at midnight in pacific standard time. The current deal popped up right at midnight here last week.

 

Hawkshark >> Could you take some pictures, of the laptop..... euh.. how to say that?... not dissected ^^ It would be great!

Just to have an idea of the general aspect, the "size" of it. Is the laptop quite compact? Is the build quality good? In fact, is this a great laptop?

Thank you!

 

Hi, I'm new around here, I've been lurking for a while but I have some questions about this laptop. I am getting this laptop as a replacement to my dv2500t notebook that hp actually managed to do the exact opposite of repair the past 2 times they had it. So my case manager built a replacement with the following specs:

Vista Home Premium SP1 32-bit (i have 2 legit ultimate licenses though)
Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 2.4 GHz
BrightView Infinity Display
3 GB DDR2 RAM
256 MB NVidia 9200M GS
250 GB 5400 RPM Hard Drive
Mic/Webcam
Fingerprint Reader
Intel Wi-Fi with Bluetooth
Lightscribe DVD-RW
High Capacity Battery
1 set of HP Earbuds

Anyway, on to my questions. I was looking at the build options for the laptop today and I noticed that that you can get a smart bay hard drive to replace the optical drive. Does anybody know if hp will offer a battery option for the smart bay? Also would it be possible to order the hard drive or at least the bay assembly separate from the notebook since I didn't have any control over my specs?

One last question and I'm finished.
There is currently no integrated TV tuner option. Could this be something that could be ordered from the partsurfer site eventually and installed after the fact?

 

Wow... those options are great for a replacement notebook.
Nobody except HP knows whether it will offer a battery option for the smart bay or a hard drive option separately. I don't think there'll be any battery option for the smart bay, but I think HP will sell SmartBay hard drives separately in the near future. (I can't guarantee)

HP is expected to release 12-cell batteries in the near future, also. However, no batteries are sold seperately at the time of writing this post.

When I ordered my dv4t, there was an integrated TV tuner option. I don't know what happened to that. Maybe, HP does not have enough supplies for batteries and integrated TV tuners.

If you really need a TV tuner, you can get TV tuners from HP or other companies although you might not be able to get an integrated one.