*HP dv5t (1XXX series) Owners Lounge*

Have not tried WoW, but I did play around with Burning Sea a bit last night... running on the highest settings and I have to say, it's super crisp and clear and handles the gaming at that setting with ease.

Comparing it to lower resolutions... now that I am spoiled with the higher res there is no going back for me personally. The detail is so much greater in my opinion, even just browsing the web it's so much more crisp.

Just my 2c. Love this machine btw.

 

The P7350 is a budget processor, which you won't find on Intel's website. Intel sells them to manufacturers are significantly cheaper prices than their regular processors. Often they have cut-down specifications. The P7350 doesn't seem to be too bad though - it has a 3MB cache and 1066MHz FSB like the P8400. What it's probably lacking is Virtualization technology and a few other things - nothing that is going to affect your everyday user experience though. For gaming and multitasking, it will be fine.

 

That's nice to find a little more info about it...As it's what will be in the machine that HP is giving me as a replacement...I'm still thinking of selling it anyways.

 

Hey im just double checking that the P8600 uses 25 watts like the p8400 correct?

 

Who told you that? I have the integrated tuner it works just fine with my cable box and with the antennae. You get two attachments one is the antennae and the other is the coaxial attachment so you can attach it to a satellite receiver, digital cable box, traditional cable or a longer antennae.

 

Correct. The TDP of the P8400 is 25W like that of the P8600.

 

Hey there all !! I've got my laptop and am currently writing this post on it !!
It was nice that one of the first posts I saw was the comforting words from Chaz

Okay so I'll do a very short 'First impressions' in a few words:
Keyboard - Great layout and spacing.. Oh and it's Sexy
Mousepad - As mentioned before can be tricky if your fingers are moist-Wireless - First few attempts didn't connect.... Then I realised I had turned my modem off After that things were super fast
Touch controls - I'm still getting used to them and at what points to press down.. Otherwise pretty snazzy & they look uber cool
The HP Logo on the cover - It is just the coolest glowing thing in my house
The Infinity display - *Very* sleek and I'm so glad mine came with it

Notes:
-Warming on under bottom left palmrest is there but nothing to affect you while typing or during prolonged usage.
- Mine came with a huge sticker on the bottom left corner (I will post a pic of it in a short bit) Should I remove it or will it leave a sticky patch behind ?
- I will be downloading & running CPU & GPU tests in a while & will get back to you on that
- I asked my friend to help me with the unboxing video (I think I'm the first ) but I need to edit a small bit out first before it goes on YouTube

Question - Should I do my review in a new thread ? I'm thinking yes.
I will however add links here to the pics for now so you can enjoy

Sorry for the long post !!

Edit: So I just found out that 3Dmark 06 is 580MB My connection will only allow me to get that in 2.5 hrs so that'll have to wait.

 

Just wondering if anyone else has this problem and if anyone can help me i'd appreciate that. When the computer is running on battery power im able to see the percentage of power left but not the estimated run time. Im used to being able to see just how many hours and minutes I have left, and this will be vital to me while im in school.

 

Theres actually a gadget for the vista sidebar that tells you the percentage of your battery and how much time you have left until it dies.

 

I have everything maxed out and get about 44FPS in Shatt. I run a lot of mods also..A lot. But in any case I am averaging about 59fps on it on the Isle and in most other locations. Its quite nice looking.




So does anyone by change want to do me a huge favor on their 32bit Dv5 and go into your SWSETUP folder on your C: drive zip up the DPFPR folder and email it to me? Apparently HP can't do this. I need the 32bit version of Digital Persona as HP messed up and shipped my system with a 64bit OS and can't get me the 32bit version of the software without me restoring my Dv5 back to factory install with the new recovery CD's they said they'd send...ugh..If anyone can help It'd be greatly appreciated!

 

Ok here we go. This is the Laptop I am currently looking at. I am really close to pulling the trigger and just need to make sure I am not missing anything huge.

HP Pavilion Entertainment dv5t customizable Notebook PC
EPP_00_KQ574AV

* – Upgrade to Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
* – Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P8400 (2.26 GHz)
* – 15.4" diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
* – FREE Upgrade to 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 1GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
* – 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
* – FREE Upgrade to 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
* – HP Imprint Finish (Mesh) + Microphone + Webcam
* – HP Color Matching Keyboard
* – FREE Upgrade to Intel(R) WiFi Link 5100AGN from 802.11b/g WLAN
* – No High speed 56K modem port
* – SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
* – No TV Tuner w/remote control
* – High Capacity 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
* – $100 OFF Microsoft(R) Office Home and Student 2007!!
* – HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope
$1060 shipped.

I'm trying to keep it under $1100 and I can upgrade the ram myself. Anything i need to add desperately that would be worth the cash?

 

I configured this setup for my girlfriend, what does everyone think?

HP dv6700t
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (32-bit)
Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo Processor T5750 (2.0GHz)
2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 - For Core 2 Duo Processors
160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive

Any changes before I order? Figured we would stick with the dv6700 for her instead of the dv5t. This notebook should be powerful enough and it saves a few extra bucks.

 

i assume u bought in a retail store or a prefab computer, wich means it says all the conveniences of buying the laptop right? if this is the case... REMOVE ASAP!!! it wont leave any sticky stuff (they are meant to be removed, dont do it ultra fast though, do it slowww so the glue wont stay in the comp) and if u remove later (when it starts to peel off by itself) u will have a multicolor computer!! haha the part of the sticker will be al shinny and new, but the rest will be darker and used... not very beautiful ^^.

 

no fingerprint reader?

 

Alright, so I configured a dv5t for her as well, it comes out to like $200~ extra, is it worth it?

Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (32-bit)
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P7350 (2.0GHz)
2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 1GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator X4500
250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection

Go with the dv5t for her instead of dv6700?

dv6700t comes out to $894 with APP + 5% and tax. (894 after $70 rebate from printer).

dv5t comes out to $1016 with APP + 5% and tax. (1016 after $70 rebate from printer).

 

its only about $122
and... well we have to accept it... girls care a lot more about the beauty of a computer than whats inside... so i think dv5t would be a good choice since looks and performance in dv5t > the other series

 

Thanks for the tip aespinalc

Here are the pics:







About 45 min left for 3Dmark 06

 

Hey all, I was wondering how you go about getting HP to price match once you receive your laptop. I checked out the same configuration that I bought and now it is $50 cheaper due to the fact that they gave a free HD upgrade to 250gb. Thanks.

 

Just give customer service a call. Only took a little over 2 hours to get my $123.50 back. Hopefully, you get someone who knows what their doing on your first call.

 

Oh wow I hope so too. I called customer service but wasnt sure what option to choose. Which one did you do?

 

I called the help line on the website and was told that by two different employees... Think if I call back I can get a refund or have it added? Or are there better options (are external cards better)?

-AndrewCK

 

TDP != power consumption. TDP is "Thermal Design Power" - it is a measurement of heat output, something that manufacturers use. For example, if a processor has a TDP of 25W like the P8600, it needs a heatsink capable of dissipating 25W of heat without exceeding the maximum rated temperature for the chip.

Very nice pictures! Also, I agree with your initial impressions.

 

Hi, Did you try configuring a dv5z for your girlfriend? It should be less than the dv5t and will have better internal graphics than the dv6700. In fact any of the dv5's have better graphics, new chipsets, and better battery life. I would lean in the direction of the newer equipment, but thats just my opinion.

Did anyone else do any battery tests yet to see how long their systems runs with just basic web surfing etc? Lates all.

 

Thanks for that Chaz
Will be posting more info a while (just finishing off my unboxing video edits )

Hey there nwperformance, I think I can do just that - I want to find out for myself and I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight now that I got it
(It's already 11:30pm here)

 

Here is what I wrote in the other thread:

Well I just found out that the included TV Tuner (HP Integrated Hybrid TV Tuner) can be used with cable boxes. Does anyone know any details about this TV Tuner? Is it a good TV Tuner or should I just buy a third party TV Tuner (I was told that it cannot record HD signals because of copyright, only ATI All in Wonder Products can record HD signals [because they paid for it]) that is potentially better? If the integrated TV Tuner can do everything I want maybe I should just get it to save the hassle of an external one? But if externals are better anyway I am willing to pay for it, I am not too terribly concerned with price, just useability.

So pretty much I want to know if the integrated TV Tuner is as good as or better than external TV Tuners. I was told it can pick up HD signals but not record them, is that right? If this integrated TV Tuner is worse than the others than I will buy an external but if it is good I will keep it. So does anyone have any input on the TV Tuner. Its capacities, etc?

EDIT: Big question, I have Comcast and I was told that they are switching to QAM. Does this TV Tuner support QAM?

Thanks a lot!

-AndrewCK

 

Thanks for the pics Wraithers!

 

No probs Cable.tac

Sorry it took so long, but I've finally finished the unboxing video - just excuse my haggard appearance & bad lighting

Going to install & run 3Dmark 06 now while YouTube processes the video

Edit: Here's the unboxing vid - Linky !!

 

We decided on the dv5t for hers. I didn't want to go with the z because I was always told Intel is a bit better when it comes to notebooks compared to AMD (I am personally a fan AMD for desktops) . True or not, I felt dv5t was best choice.

Both of our notebooks are ordered, and build date is the 14th. Anyone know of a rough estimate of when I can expect them on my lap?

Her config is:

Vista 32-Bit.
Intel P7350 (2.0GHz).
15.4" diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator X4500
250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive


My config:

Vista 64-Bit.
Intel P8400 (2.26Ghz).
15.4" diagonal WSXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1680 x 1050)
2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) (Going to order more RAM from newegg at a later date).
512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive

I am extremely excited, I can not wait to get this in the mail.

I want to thank all of you guys for all the info and help while trying to decide on what to order. Chaz, thanks for all the info man.

Proud to be a soon dv5t owner.

Wraithers, awesome video man!

 

Grats Rusch !! Hope you and your gf (& your laptops) have happy endings
Hehe.. I tried my best for the video - thanks !!

Oh and to anyone who wanted to know:
My 3DMark06 Score - 4383 3DMarks
Not bad hmm ?



Going to test my battery life on Power Saver now (50% brightness, wireless on & web surfing) so more testing only tomorrow..
Wish me luck

 

So anyone care to help with my digital persona issue?

 

Rusch: may i ask how much YOUR config turned out to be? was there delivery? tax? misc? thx!

 

@nwperformance - I got to 75% in about 40 minutes so my guesstimate would be about 2hr 40 min +/- 5(?) for total battery life.

I'm sorry I won't be able to run a complete battery drain but I'm going to get my laptop confiscated (do *NOT* laugh ) if I don't head to bed. Been sleeping regularly at 4am these past weeks and recently fell ill because of that, soooo... Tomorrow ?
Night all !!

 

I have read most of the posts in this topic. The DV5T seems like an exceptionally nice notebook. Quite configurable, readonable prices, nice design... there`s not much to dislike.

That said, I also found it unsettling that Chaz and other people who got this notebook are getting such low 3dmark 06 scores. Now, I seriously disconsider 3dmark 2006 as a reliable index for 3D gaming. However, I cannot stop thinking that my machine (a G1S-A1) gets way more points without overclocking or anything of the like (4404 marks on 1280x1024, standart settings).

I can only think that there`s something wrong with HP`s 9600 GT. Is HP underclocking their VGAs to generate less heat or something like that? Or is there some driver issue?I don`t believe that I have a "special edition 8600 GT" or whatever, pretty much everyone who got a G1S with a 8600 GT get this kind of score... I hope you guys can solve the problem and unleash the true potential of this VGA.

 

=====================================

Interesting... like Paul, i am rather interested in the dv5t. yet, as a non gamer, who's interested in this machine being an all-around laptop, with particular emphasis on doing lots of online news reading, i care particularly about the 1680x1050 resolution and other ergonomic features, including the reduced heat presumably generated by the P8400 (and similar) processors, as the P series are all 25-watt low power consumption processors.

sadly, the heat generated is not supposed to be exceptionally low. it appears that this laptop runs on the warm side, though it is not supposed to be terrible - just not exceptionally cool as the P processors and other brand new hardware would lead one to believe.

additionally, i will NOT be taxing the machine much, only online news reading, PLUS, i will only be getting the on-board graphics processor, so BOTH of these points ought to reduce the heat generated, and show the dv5t off to its best vis-a-vis low heat generated.

i certainly hope that by my low demands on the machine, plus the use of the on board graphics card, that i'm going to end up with a cool-ish running machine.

sigh...there's the new Dell Latitude announcements next week, then the expected reworking of the Dell xps 1530. When is the right point to do this?!? it seems to be a perpetual question in high tech!

 

^ It's a moving target. If you keep waiting for the perfect laptop, you'll find yourself never buying one. Take the plunge my friend.

 

Thanks for the impressions Litig8r and Badious. I checked out the 1280x800 displays at Best Buy today. Not bad, but I think the 1680x1050 is so much more worth it in getting work done.

Initially I wanted to get a MBP, but at price points of 2500 (MBP) to 1275 (HP) -ish for an HP, the HP seems like a better choice. Either way, 1275 would be a good deal now, then I could always sell it off in a few months if I really wanted something else. The value wouldn't nearly drop off as much as the Apple.

Now I see why this laptop is so popular right now-- good looks + good innards + good price....

 

Also added to that is 1-Year warranty + accidental damage, and Microsoft Office Student. Those two together was like an extra $145ish.

Shipping was free.

Including tax, APP Discount, 5% coupon grand total was $1256.11.

Tax came out to be $93 (NY).

 

Considering you bought the 2Ghz CPU, that score is consistant with those I've tested in that configuration.... the 2.5Ghz versions are only scoring ~200 points more...

 

When it comes to CPUs in a range of 2.0Ghz - 2.5Ghz, when exactly do you see that performance difference?

I mean, price diff between a P8400 (2.26) and a T series (2.5+) is like $150-200+. Im just curious to know what would make someone need that extra CPU boost?

EDIT: Side not, I haven't been this excited for a new PC in awhile. Last time was when the ATI 9800Pro was the top of the line GPU on the market for desktops. I was building a brand new gaming rig.

 

Just wanted to thank everyone for the help. I got my order changed and am now getting the integrated TV Tuner in my DV5T. Thanks again!

-AndrewCK

 

I has been a Marathon day and a half installing and uninstalling 2 laptops as I've made the migration to the dv5.

First thing I did (after creating my backup DVDs) was install my work's copy of Acronis Disk Director suite and split the whopping 300Gb C:\ into two pieces. I love Acronis products, rock solid performance and ease of use.

Then fire up my Applications folder and install everthing I use and started copying all my settings, save games, player config folders, steam, music, movie etc across the Gbit (which I think is not running full speed? but I'll look into that later)

After a full day of this I felt comfortable removing everything from my Acer. No sooner had I done this but a fault in my LCD on the dv5 appeared. I had (yes had... let me explain)... a bright dot, not unlike say a LED backlight bright dot which was visible through the LCD as a DOT on the right hand side about 2/3rd up and lined up with the edge of the sidebar. Even visible on white screens of explorer!!!!

After now spending nearly 2 days setting it up, I'm now thinking of returning it and some how having to get the data back off and restore to a new one.

Backing up isn't a problem, it's the restoring which is. Acronis True Image will get everything i need but in a pre install OS like these, the serial numbers and Windows keys won't line up in the new laptop if I restore there.... damn damn damn.

Now for the "had bit", this morning I decided to massage the LCD in that area (used to be an old trick back in the early days of TFTs). And I'll be damned but it worked. The Dot has dissapeared. Great! now I have an intermittant fault? It's been an hour now and it hasn't returned. So I have till sunday before I can't go back to the store and have an instant swap over. I'll keep an eye on it, but what a bugger!

Anyway, i did get to run a couple of games last night. And since I'm not running any timedemo's for consistant readings. I'll just have to post my experience and settings.

Race Driver GRID: -1280x800, 2xMSAA, Everything on High, Disabled Motion Blur (this helped alot).

Grid is simply stunning! full 12 car races online and god knows how many in the single player races... SMoooooooooth! ~45-50. I was blown away by the dv5 performance in this game

BF2:- 1280x800 EVERYTHING Maxed!
I expected this to look good and perform, and it didn't dissapoint. 1280x800 everything maxed out.... online 30player game Dalian Plant 60~85 Typically 75fps!!! hot damn this is fast!

HL2 : Episode 2:- 1280x800 4xAA 4xAF Everything MAXED including HDR

I used the cl_showfps 1 command and I think it only shows a max of 30fps? anyway.... I found the most intensive area in the game I think I could find (White Forest) and not once did that fps counter move off 30fps. I'll try again with the netgraph command later... Picture quality and gameplay was silky smooth also.

I'm installing COD4 right now.... and thinking of doing another full backup just incase this LCD fault returns... I'd been holding off on installing many games untill I figured out what I was going to do about the LCD. But since it's ok for now...

anyway I need a coffee will report back in a couple hours...

Ramjet

 

Does having the T9400 add a large performance boost to games compared to the P8400 or not at all?

I know GPU and RAM play a big role in games, was just curious how much of a role CPU plays, I was never really 100% certain...

 

I'd just written a informative response to your questionn rusch and when I clicked post... the website wouldn't talk to me and I lost about 15mins of typing and links.... we spoke about this back on page 43 ish?

So the short version is this.

I don't know (i haven't had personal experience with the T8400)... I doubt it's significant to games since the 2Ghz P7350 was only ~200 points slower 3dMark06 than the T9400 2.5Ghz. The only difference worth worrying about was that the loading times for the 3dmark tests were quicker on the 2.5ghz (adding up the complete test finishing ~40seconds earlier on the 2.5ghz) but the in test fps were withing a couple of fps of each other.

It's the same video card so scores are going to be around the same (within 200-300 marks of each other).... Cpu speed at 2Ghz and faster are really going to be just fine for games. Faster Cpus help your loading and caching times for games.

 

Ramjetr on the laptop I had which was the same specs as yours(I returned b\c disc drive was broken.. new specs in sig) I scored somthing like 4450 on 3dmark06. I didnt do a clean install of vista I was just wondering why there was a 100 point difference with the same specs?

 

Gotcha.

I was just curious. My laptop is already ordered. Got it with the P8400, figured I would save the $50 from the P8600. Been told numerous times there is no diff at all that I would notice.

Only thing I am going to have to upgrade is the RAM for better gaming (ordered mine with 2GB). Which RAM from newegg is the best to order, and is it pretty self explanatory to install it? Installing RAM in a desktop is nothing, is it the same for a notebook?

 

LOL you can get a 50point difference in whether the lunar alignment is just right and if your getting a westerly 20knot wind... Vista/XP has so much going on in the background, that everytime you run a 3dMark... it'll be different and can vary as much as 50points just with other things running in the background.

My LCD fault has returned and just called the Good Guys store and they have a replacement I can have in the next hour. So I'll finish my backup whilst enjoying a coffee. Head down there and swap over... Thank god for having 3.5Terrabyte storage at home

Re Rusch... yeah it's plug and play just like all the others. Just take note of the RAM you have and match the type and speeds to the ones your buying. ie DDR2 667 etc and take note of the SPD timings, try to match them so they're all the same.

Also note that 32bit Vista/xp only see 3Gb (3.2Gb really)... Even if you put 4Gb in, the extra 1Gb won't be used. But will also do no harm. Note the 2Ghz 3dmark I posted some pages ago had 2Gb of Ram and still was only within 200 marks... More than 2 Gb for games I don't think make that big a difference. maybe for Art or Photo or video editing perhaps... but not games... yet....

 

Im sure that esata port has come in handy for you ramjetr lol with all the hard drive transfering. 3.5 terrabyte is a rediculous amount of space... Why do you have so much??

 

I did order with Vista 64-Bit, mainly to have just incase I do want to upgrade to 4GB RAM.

I am going to see how it is and how I like its performance with the 2GB, if I feel the need, I can always upgrade to that 4GB. Now, about matching the speeds and SPD timings will I know all of that info once I have the laptop in hand? If anything, I will make my way to these forums in the coming months when its time to upgrade (if I decide too).

 

......****..... (bwahahaha it censored the word... you get the idea lol)




Nah just kidding... I have a large home theatre and ended up putting my entire DVD collection on HDD. Now with a click of a mouse, I have about 523 movies at my fingertips. The space is spread around 3 PCs in the house, and alot of it is backup of the media center. It's a pretty cool setup.

ya know, I've never even used an eSata before... the connector looks different to normal Sata... do I need a different cable or something... wait.. I'll google it...


Rusch: Download CPUz
http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php

Every PC techs friend. In there will tell you what CPU you have, it's speeds, timings. Best of all, under the RAM section, it'll tell you what Ram you have, speed, type, timings... everything you need to know to match up the right type (even though I'm sure most DDR2 667's and DDR2 800's have the same timing in laptop memory, but check anyway. You'd have to be unlucky to choose wrong)

Corsair and kingston websites have the ability to search their site for Ram compatible for certain Mobo's/Laptops.. check em out and see what you can dig up...

Rammy

 

HP Pavilion Entertainment dv5t customizable Notebook PC

* Upgrade to Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
* Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P8400 (2.26 GHz)
* 15.4" diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
* FREE Upgrade to 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 1GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
* 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
* FREE Upgrade to 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
* HP Imprint Finish (Mesh) + Microphone + Webcam
* HP Color Matching Keyboard
* FREE Upgrade to Intel(R) WiFi Link 5100AGN from 802.11b/g WLAN
* No High speed 56K modem port
* SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
* No TV Tuner w/remote control
* High Capacity 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
* $100 OFF Microsoft(R) Office Home and Student 2007!!
* HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

Ordered this 1 hour ago and can't wait for it to arrive. Seems like a smoking deal for $1050. After a $50 upgrade to 4GB of ram from newegg, this thing should be sweet. Now i just need to get ready to move everything over to the new machine.

Edit: I forgot to ask if I really need to upgrade the monitor. Is it worth the $25 or whatever it is to get the infinity?