*HP dv4t (1XXX series) Owners Lounge*

yah i tried calling them haha epic failed but the thing i dont get is how did my friend got his ten percent student discount and thirty percent approved because ur suppose to have one or the other. i might call them back soon to try to push the discounts some more

i think hp should stick with UPS i like them better

 

My status just changed to "Int'l shipment release" after almost exactly 24 hours... I read somewhere that it had something to do with customs, and that it should be heading toward your local fedex center. hopefully that's what it'll do, and quickly! :3

 

The same thing showed up for me as well. Looks like I won't be getting my package until Wed as it's very unlikely that it'll be here tomorrow

 

do you think location will make a difference? because i live in california and that's just a hop down from alaska... man this waiting is killing me.

 

I just went through a bunch of threads about HP shipping and there didn't seem to be much of a pattern behind where the packages were shipped. Some didn't even go to Alaska, some went directly to their city's FedEx instead of a regional hub, etc. I'm sure that there are a number of different factors that affect a package's speed and route. So I really have no idea. If I had to bet on it, I'd say that you would get yours before I do since you are closer.

I'm hopeful that I get mine tomorrow, but realistically, I think it will be here on Wed. Unfortunately for me, I'm at work all day on Wed so I'll have to wait until Thursday.

 

why do u want to wait when u could go pick it up at fedex in the morning or in the afternoon before they deliver yours once its in ur city you can go pick it up before its out on delivery just give them a call

 

i believe it shipps to a Major Fedex location around your area and then is taken to your local Fedex location because mine arrived in ALaska at 12:16pm from Shangi China on june 9th. then at 12:26pm was the intial shipment release and then my package left alaska at 4:49pm on june 9th and arrived in NJ at 2:30am on june 10th..although it arrived in NJ which is only a tunnel cross from NY my package wasnt delivered untill june 11th

 

hey, hope this is going in the right thread....
I'm considering purchasing an hpdv4t, but I'm slightly hesitant because of stories of hp laptops having reliability issues (BSOD, heat, comp crashes, etc.)
Has anyone here, recently had such issues?

 

no no one has recently had such issues because there are different series the dv4t has ranging from and to:

» HP Pavilion dv4t-1000 CTO Entertainment Notebook PC
» HP Pavilion dv4t-1100 CTO Entertainment Notebook PC
» HP Pavilion dv4t-1200 CTO Entertainment Notebook PC
» HP Pavilion dv4t-1200se CTO Entertainment Notebook PC
» HP Pavilion dv4t-1300 CTO Entertainment Notebook PC
» HP Pavilion dv4t-1300se CTO Entertainment Notebook PC
» HP Pavilion dv4t-1400 CTO Entertainment Notebook PC

the last one is the latest and so far all those that had the 1400cto model dont have heat or fan issues if u do experience it than return it. But im not sure if everyone hasn't experience issues with the 1400 but thats my observation from reading past posts

 

good point! my package just left alaska, so I guess all I can do is wait!

 

You can't with international shipments. I tried. They have to attempt delivery. (I live in California, San Fernando Valley HUB is the closest).

Also to all who are asking, FEDEX has really crappy tracking on items until they get to your regional hub, Aka for California that is usually Oakland. Then it gets to the local Hub (that north hills for me). My shipment appeared to be stuck in Alaska for 2 days. In reality, it was on a truck being flipped over in Canada by Magneto. Or something. Just wait until it gets to one of the larger Hubs and then the tracking is pretty good.

 

ohh icic i live in san bernardino California in so cal

 

phanpride hit it right on the nail..there were issues with the DV4t both fan and heat issues that were the major and most frequent ones. HP began shipping the newer CTO 1400 Series DV4 in april and this model DOES NOT suffer from the issues that plagued the other DV4s in the past. the cto 1400 model is VERY quiet. at startup the fan spins at its loudest speed but only for 3 secs then it slows down to its lowest speed. I currently have my setting on the Default Always on setting and right now im in a very quiet room and cant hear the fan at all. the heat issues also been resolved. my notebook gets warm but not hot to the touch. then again i have the P8700 CPU and the 512 Nvidia Geforce G105M GPU

 

i just went to my local fedex where my laptop will be to hold the laptop so that i can pick it up that day. So it is possible for them to hold your laptop even if its international.

Ohh by the way my laptop is on its way from KUNSHAN CN yay!!!

 

Got a DV4 running Win7 RC and it plays nice. Had to install some of the HP drivers, but almost everything got installed in the first place. I'm quite happy.
I haven't got the HP Protectsmart to work, I've read that there's an issue with the drivers provided from HP. Something about installing a slightly older driver first, then the new driver on top of that, or something like it. That was two months ago, haven't checked if they have resolved it yet..

I don't think I'm not going back, hopefully they offer Windows 7 upgrade at a reasonable price.

 

well they already offered an discount option to buy windows 7 home premium for only $50.. it ended july 7th i believe.. i also had installed Windows 7 on a separate partion but when i did everything went well and windows 7 is fing amazing but my GPU and my fingerprint reader had issues.. my GPU wasnt even detected. Windows showed it as an Unknown Device.. keep in mind i have the 512 Nvidia Geforce G105M GPU.. the fingerprint reader didnt work at all and the mute button on my touch key wouldnt illuminate white to show it isnt active. idk if theres work around for theses issues but if anyone knows anything lemme know..i LOVE the RC client and im upgrading to the full version come release day..and while vista isnt bad, i start class in a couple weeks and i want to run Windows 7 given as how quick and stable it is

 

I have a question about dual-booting. When you have two OS's on your PC, do you have to install programs on each one to use them on both or just once? Are all files and documents accessible on both OS's as well?

 

thats another thing. Some programs will boot and work but other programs will not work. its best to reinstall all the programs that you use again on that partion. as for the documents they should be accessible on either OS

 

Guyz

Is there a lot diff b/w

14.1" diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display
and
14.1" diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP LED BrightView Widescreen

I mean if I go buy the first one or the LED one is much better and a must buy.
Thanks

 

the led is much better more battery life and it is lighter than the other one in the long run u would want to stick with led i believe soon enough led is going to be standard in all laptops but thats my thinking because i would want to keep up with technology 4 or 5 years from now

 

whee!! i just got my laptop 5 hours ago!! it came like 2 days earlier than the eta. i'm typing this on it right now

 

lucky well congrats what is configuration?

 

Okay, well, I am one of you guys now

Specs:
HP Pavilion Entertainment dv4t customizable Notebook PC

* • Espresso Black
* • Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
* • Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P8700 (2.53 GHz, 3 MB L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB)
* • 50% OFF!! 4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
* • 500GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
* • Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
* • 14.1" diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP LED BrightView Widescreen (1280 x 800)
* • LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
* • [For LED Display] Webcam Only
* • Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card with Bluetooth
* • No TV Tuner w/remote control
* • HP Color Matching Keyboard
* • 12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
* • No Modem

Let's hope it gets here before I leave for vacation August 3rd. I'd hate to have it chilling at my house while I'm out of state!

 

you should get it before august 5th thats for sure

 

One more question guyz before I hit the buy button

Should I go for:
P7550 - 2.26 GHz
or
P8700 - 2.53 GHz

I mean would there be a lot of diff b/w the two.
As mentioned before I wont use it for gaming.
but yes I am in college so would be doing programming. Its just that there is a 100$ diff b/w the two.
Thanks

 

well there wont be much difference in performance or at least you wont know any difference, since you wont be playing any games or doing some intense stuff to your laptop than go with the P7550 - 2.26 GHz save you some money, in the long run you can always upgrade and it'll probably be cheaper 4 or 5 years from now

 

Hey just follow this guide and it will work again:

http://www.sevenforums.com/drivers/8854-hp-protectsmart.html

 

use the 186.03 driver for the videocard off of Nvidia website. Win7 doesnt have updated drivers and make sure you choose the right ones 32bit vs 64bit

 

Yeh I was also thinking of saving some money and go for 2.26ghz.
And might buy some good processor after sometime may be an year or so.
I hope changing the processor won't be a problem, havent done it before though

 

I wouldn't bank on upgrading the CPU.... it's a chore. Waiting a year or two won't save you much anyway, might save $40 or something, if it actually doesn't end up costing you more.

If you think you might upgrade it, your best bet is to just go for it now and save yourself the hassle down the road, considering price wise you might end up breaking even.

I just checked on a year-old CPU, the T7250, it's selling for about $200. Upgrading it a year or so ago would have only cost $100-150, so ultimately it would have been cheaper to buy it at that time. Don't forget to factor in the time/hassle to take apart the laptop and put it back together... along with the cost for thermal paste.

 

Thanks nu_D.
So you think buying 2.53ghz is a better one over 2.26 and does it gives better performance also or its just minimal.

 

The 2.53ghz is a more powerful CPU, but the improvement is going to be minimal and you're not going to notice it.

If you're going to be using it for 4-5 years, I guess the 2.53ghz would tide you over a bit better... but even then it would be minimal.

But if you think you will upgrade it down the line, then do it now and save yourself the trouble. Let me put it to you this way though, if you came in a year or two and asked us where to get the 2.53GHZ CPU, we would tell you the upgrade/hassle wouldn't be worth it.

I will tell you this though, make sure you're looking at coupons.

Check out this thread for coupons. Depending on how you spec it out, adding the 2.53ghz along with the larger coupon, might only end up costing you ~$50 more or so.... spec out machines with the coupons and see what gives you the best bang for your buck.

 

basically if ur going to be using ur machine for the next 5 yrs or so i think you should just get the P8700 CPU..extra mhz wont hurt but improve performance and make your pc that much stronger. one things for sure REALLY think about the Graphics chip that u want because u cannot upgrade it..whatever you choose is a final decision for the lifetime of the notebook

 

so very true

 

Thanx - actually the same guide I was referring to, except I didn't save the link.

 

I got the T9950 processor and my laptop runs very hot, the fan kicks in all the time. I demanded it as an upgrade since the last one with the processor "1 level" below had so many problems. However the first one was very cool and the fan rarely kicked in
any suggestions? thank you

 

I was having the same is it worth it dilemma about the P7550 or P8700 for the DV4T I am going to order. I've decided to save the $100, since most people feel there is not a noticeable difference for typical users. Also, the performance of the P7550 appears to be better than the P8600, which is the chip I was originally going to get before HP stopped offering it for the DV4. Check out cpubenchmark.net, or specifically

http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_lookup.php?cpu=Intel+Core2+Duo+P7550+%40+2.26GHz

 

anyone who installed Windows 7 RC client who also has the 512 Nvidia Geforce G105m gpu get windows to recognize it? when i installed it windows couldnt recognize my GPU reffering to it as an unknown Device

 

Hey guys. I am thinking of buying an dv4t and I have some questions if you have time to answer them.

1. I heard that the older versions of the dv4t have cooling problems (overheating and loud fans) and that they can crack sometimes. Is this still true?

2. How long does the 12-cell battery last on low performance while just surfing the internet?

3. Is the NVIDIA GeForce G 105M graphics card good enough to play middle-of-the-pack/older games?

 

thanks! here's my config:
HP Pavilion Entertainment dv4t customizable Notebook PC

• Espresso Black
• Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
• Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P7550 (2.26GHz, 3 MB L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB)
• 4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
• FREE Upgrade to 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
• 512MB NVIDIA GeForce G 105M
• 14.1" diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP LED BrightView Widescreen (1280 x 800)
• LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
• [For LED Display] Webcam + Fingerprint Reader
• Wireless-G Card
• No TV Tuner w/remote control
• HP Color Matching Keyboard
• FREE Upgrade to High Capacity 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
• No Modem
• System Recovery DVD with Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit)
• Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
• HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

 

Nvidia Driver Win7 32 bit driver : http://us.download.nvidia.com/Windows/186.03/186.03_notebook_win7_32bit_international_whql.exe

Nvidia Driver Win 7 64 bit driver : http://us.download.nvidia.com/Windows/186.03/186.03_notebook_win7_64bit_international_whql.exe

Try uninstalling the UNKNOWN DEVICE, rebooting and running Driver Cleaner: http://downloads.guru3d.com/Guru3D---Driver-Sweeper-(Setup)_d1655.html

Remove the Nvidia entries, restart then install the driver.

If it still doesn't work reinstall Win 7 or reburn another ISO on a lower speed 1-2x.

 

I finally received my dv4t this morning and I absolutely love it. The TV Tuner is excellent. I'm watching NBC in HD through the antenna and it's terrific quality. Right now, I'm burning my Windows 7 RC iso onto a DVD so I can install it on a second partition.

Also, the Moonlight White looks great!

 

Finally ordered the my laptop.
It says estimated build date 30th July.
So how long does it usually take to reach after the build date.

 

yay finally got my laptop this morning picked it up at fedex about an hr ago, but i haven't opened it yet cuz im at work!!

Ordered was placed on July 14
The expected shipment was July 22, but it was shipped out on July 20
The expected delivery date was July 27, but it was delivered on July 23


Heres a time interval for future references
July 14, Tuesday- Placed Ordered
July 15, Wednesday- Factory Recieved Order
July 16, Thursday- Laptop in production
July 20, Monday 6:40 PM- Picked up from Kunshan CN
July 21, Tuesday 12:21 AM- Left Fedex Origin Kunshan CN
July 21, Tuesday 12:31 PM- In transit Shanghai CN
July 22, Wednesday 11:36 PM- Int's Shipment release Memphis TN
July 23, Thusday 1:29 AM- Departed from Memphis
July 23, Thusday 4:32 AM- At dest sort facility Ontario CA
July 23, Thusday 8:01 AM- At local FedEx facility Rialto CA
July 23, Thursday 8:31 AM- Delivered

 

Most people are getting it around their build date. I received mine two days after my build date, but it seems like a lot of others are getting it the day before their build date.

You'll probably get yours by the 31st

 

Like railsplitter said, it usually arrives close to the build date. Mine arrived the day after the build date.

 

I wrote a review for HP's website for potential buyers, so I figured that i would copy and paste it here as well....

My configuration:
* • Moonlight White
* • Vista Home Premium (64-bit)
* • Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P8700 (2.53 GHz, 3 MB L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB)
* • 4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
* • 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
* • Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
* • 14.1" diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP LED BrightView Widescreen (1280 x 800)
* • LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
* • Webcam + Fingerprint Reader
* • Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card with Bluetooth
* • HP Integrated HDTV Hybrid Tuner
* • High Capacity 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

I've had my dv4t for a few days now and I'm absolutely loving it! I should give a disclaimer that this review is based off of my configuration and that different configurations may see slightly better/worse results....

Performance -
The dv4t is very fast and with a 64-bit processor and 4gb of RAM, I have yet to have any slowdowns even with multiple programs open at once (Dreamweaver, Excel, iTunes, Firefox, etc).

Some reviews that I had read before receiving my dv4t said that it could get hot and loud from the fan noise. Apparently, HP fixed this issue with their 1400 series. I tested this out by converting a movie which max's out the processor and while I did notice the laptop become a little warmer, it wasn't bad at all. The fan noise is practically unnoticeable unless your are in a room with absolutely no noise. I'm normally in a room with the Air Conditioner running, TV on, people talking, etc, so the fan is not a factor.

The sound from the Altec Lansing speakers is very good for a notebook. I don't think you will be disappointed.

Features -
I was hesitant at first about getting the fingerprint reader because I initially thought that it only controlled access to your Windows Account. In fact, it allows you to set up access to web accounts with just the swipe of your finger. For example, instead of typing in your Username/email address and password when accessing a website, all you have to do is swipe your finger and you are logged in. It's definitely worth the additional $25.

I'm also surprised at how well the Wireless n-card worked compared to my old g card. I've gotten much better signal and I am receiving signals from routers that I was previously unable to see.

So far, I've been a little disappointed with the TV Tuner as I'm unable to see more than a few cable channels (analog or digital) and the antenna signal also a little shaky. I may be able to mess around with it to get it to work better, but it shouldn't be this difficult. It also just may be my location and cable company, so people in bigger cities (than Omaha) may get better results.

The webcam is great if you like to talk over programs like Skype. HP includes software that has different filters / effects which are actually pretty fun to use.

I also included bluetooth in my config to go with a bluetooth mouse. This way I don't have a USB receiver sticking out and taking up a USB port at all times. I would recommend this.

The LED screen is beautiful. It's very bright, lighter (in weight) than the other options and it uses less battery power as well.

Mobility -
I wanted to get a notebook that is mobile since I take it to and from work on a daily basis. It's lightweight, has the perfect screen size (not too small, not too big) and the battery life isn't too bad.

After initially charging the battery to 100%, I tested the high capacity 6 cell with normal use (wireless on, dimmed screen) and it got to 5% after 3 hours. Everyone is different, but I very rarely go 3 hours without access to a power outlet. Obviously, results will vary with different configurations / settings / use.

Aesthetics -
I went with the moonlight white option and it looks excellent. It's not plain white like a macbook (which I don't like), as it has a nice design to it. One thing is that upon seeing it for the first time, my wife thought that there was a big scratch on the top, but it was just the design. I don't think that you could go wrong with either choice.

The touchpad and sides of the notebook have a chrome finish which is very nice. Just as others have noted, the touchpad is a little annoying to use as it creates some friction on your finger. I mostly use a mouse anyway, so it's not a problem for me.

Other than the TV Tuner, my only real gripe is all the software that HP includes that can slow down your computer. I installed Windows 7 RC from scratch so that I only had the programs that I need to be installed and running. I'd recommend either re-installing windows or uninstalling all the junk programs that are included. Also, go into msconfig and only select the necessary programs to load upon starting your PC. There are plenty of tutorials online explaining this.

Also, I input a lot of numbers, so the lack of a number pad on the keyboard is a bit of a downfall. Although, I doubt you will find any 14" notebooks that include this. Instead, I purchased a bluetooth keypad that works just fine.

I'm not a gamer, so i didn't include the dedicated video card. But with the integrated option, I've seen no issues.

To summarize:
Pros-
- Very Fast
- Mobility (small, lightweight, and good enough battery life)
- Surprisingly good features
- LED Screen
- Wireless n card has great range

Cons-
- TV Tuner has disappointed thus far
- Junk programs included by HP (easy fix)

The pros far outweigh the cons in my opinion. It's a great notebook and I really don't think that you can go wrong by choosing it!

 

well said..the DV4t is a fantastic notebook indeed.. i also like the Dv6.. a bit bigger and includes that numberpad u were speaking of.. but it has ATI graphics which i am not a fan of (personal preference is Nvidia graphics all the way as well as Intel for processing)

 

Just got my dv1430us Love it (looove the black/white/chrome!) but the fan is driving me nuts - coming from a dv2842se (T5550) and knew not to expect much w/ T6500 (got a great deal I couldn't pass up) but it's twice as loud even when idle. Runs much smoother but since I work in pretty quiet rooms can't get past the noise Tweaked what I could, but not much difference. It's MUCH cooler though.

Any suggestions? If this is the "fixed" version I can't imagine what it was like before....

 

sorry it seems you dont have the fixed version..the new model that doesnt suffer from theses issues is the CTO1400 series.. this model is the ones that those who custom build it on HP.com recieve. When did you buy this DV430? and is the keyboard all silver? and the top of it all black? because it seems that isnt the new model..the new models come in expresso black or moonlight white. i know bestbuy sells them because thats where i went to check out the DV4 before i brought it..