*HP dv5t (1XXX series) Owners Lounge*

I have the same problem you do, can't find a 64-bit Vista dvd to do the clean install. I have everything ready to go except that.

 

Just a quick question.

When the HP.com site says a specific date for the Estimated Build Date, how long after should I expect to receive the laptop? Im planning on timing it so I receive the Dv5t during the few days after I move to the States and before school starts.

thanx in advance

 

Andew If you found a full size bluetooth mouse let me know! I dont need a keyboard though. I also want the BT mouse to be good for gaming Thanks man

 

If I left the infrared port enabled on my Sager, there was an intermittent beeping noise through the headphone jack. I don't know where in Vista to disable it though - something to look up.

That's all explained here in the Clean Install guide by orev:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=120228
If you need more help, just post in there.

What CPU do you have, and what kind of surface is your notebook resting on? The T9xxx CPUs are running significantly warmer than the P8xxx CPUs, though so far no one has had any problems. The maximum rated temperature for the Core 2 Duos is 105*C according to Intel.

I think the HP dv5t sounds like a great choice . . . however, I recommend that you fill out the FAQ in our What Should I Buy forum for the best advice.

The HP dv5z has the same exterior, you can see it here:
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4486

This is the full list of Intel Core 2 Duo processors for the Montevina platform:
http://www.intel.com/Consumer/Learn/Notebook/core2duo-detail.htm?iid=learn_proc+c2d_notebook
There's a P9500 and a T9400. They should both have the same performance, since they have the same specifications.

Under Graphics Options, turn off "Sync Every Frame". If that is on, then your framerate is capped at the refresh rate of your screen (60Hz = 30 FPS).

Agreed. There is no way a stock 8600M-GT has better performance than a stock 9600M-GT. The 9600M-GT has the same amount of shader units (32), but significantly higher clocks.

Andrew - I suggest posting in the Accessories forum, that way you will get more attention on your issue. In this thread, people are mostly talking about the dv5t, so you're not likely to get a lot of attention.

 

Badious what OS are you running?.... It looks like an apple OS? likr lepord or something?

 

Also wondering the same thing.

My estimated build date is the 14th. Whats a good time frame of when I can expect it?

 

expect it to shipped today, mine was shipped 7 days before the build date

 

Just got mine in today and I really like it. I'm going to do a clean install tonight because its loaded with so much extra garbage like norton antivirus, microsoft office trial, slingbox, some hp crap, and a link to ebay on the desktop. Plus hp and norton keep sending me updates that I obviously don't want. Its using around 1.5 gigs ram just at idle, with nothing running. Is this normal for Vista? I set it to windows classic because it looks better than vista default. Also can anyone recommend a good free antivirus/spyware program? I use clamwin and sbybot S and D on my desktop.

 

Hey all, I am back after a few years of inactivity on this forum, when I pationately defended my former dv4000 with Celeron 1.5 Mhz and Intel 915 on board graphics.

I just bought my DV5-1010US from Office Depot for $979 after $50 mail in rebaite. So far, it's been working well and I like many of the features of Vista OS (first time user).

Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo P7530, 2.0 Ghz, 3Mb L2 cache and 1066 Mhz front side bus.
4GB DDR2 RAM, 320 GB, 5400 rpm Western Digital Hard Drive.
Nvidia GeForce 9200M-GS graphics card. Hdmi, E-sata, 4 usb ports, Vista X64.

Super Pi to 2M digits= 60 seconds.
Prime dual core = 39 seconds.

I am looking forward to buying an HP 2207 22" LCD monitor and connect it via HDMI channel for home use.

Good to find this thread. Interesting that DV5s also come with AMD processors.

 

I was close to buying a dv5t, mostly because I liked the dv6000 series and was really excited about the 9600 GPU but then I saw them in person at Best Buy... who the heck thought that shiny and frictiony touchpad was a good idea? The damn thing was nearly unusable for me and I tried it on four of them (dv4's, 5's, and 7's). The dv6000 touchpad was bad when my fingers were wet but this one is like that even with dry fingers. Also, I think the styling is a step backwards. It looks a bit cheap now and there are still way too many LEDs.

 

I agree, the mousepad is weird. Definitely hard to use with either dry or moist fingers. I always use a mouse so its not a major issue for me. Also it is mostly covered while on the desk, so I don't look at its appearance all that much.

Its not too bad looking in my opinion, but toshiba quosmios (or whatever the spelling) and acers look way hotter.

 

It's not quite complete yet. I still have yet to writeup any issues I've incurred with the laptop Not many just a few minor things.



For the OS question I am running Vista. I just use ObjectDock+

 

Hello all, has anyone noticed any issues on their dv5 with Internet Explorer locking up all the time? Particularly when it trys to open a second window? Just curious. Also, what is "ObjectX" that Badious is refering to regarding the OSX look alike desktop? Thanks

 

Sorry it's actually ObjectDock+ Its a dock like RocketDock but with a lot more options.

I don't use IE or I would try and answer your question on IE lockups. Might I suggest using Firefox instead with the IE Tab addon? Let you switch rendering engines within one browser.

 

Hey All,

I've been reading this forum since day one. And, I do go back and read everything I missed because I currently have no job haha. Anyway, I was wondering:

1.) What exactly does a clean install do?
2.) What materials would I need for a clean install on the dv5t (Vista Home Premium 64 bit SP1)?
3.) Is it hard to perform?
4.) Is it really worth it?

I have read the thread posted in this forum about the clean installation, but I just have these clarifying questions. I really want to make my dv5 smooth and simple in order to perform up to its full potential. Also, are all the drivers and such needed after a clean installation available online?

Thanks so much! I'm trying to learn from all of you!

 

I have the same question with the clean install... Is it worth it and will I lose any important programs if I do clean install(like microsoft word.. media player, that webcam program hp gives you etc). This is a tough decision.

 

Another question:
I just recieved the special dv5 quickdock from hp, and I'm hoping to order another power source for it so that I can keep one ac adapter in my backpack without having to plug in every time I come home. I don't like spending money, and a new adapter from hp is $80+. Not so hot.

But here's the reason I'm asking a question. The quickdock has two charger ports, one that fits my dv5t charger, and one that seems like it's meant for earlier generations of hp laptops, such as my dad's special edition dv2000 we got in the spring. If I were to buy a dv2000 charger or similar, which are ~$40 on ebay, would that charger, when plugged into my quickdock, work to charge my dv5?

I don't expect anyone to be perfectly sure of this since it's so specific, but any ideas would be great. My first thought is that a non-dv5 adapter wouldn't work, or why would hp bother having different adapter sockets on different computers in the first place?

Sorry this is so long, but thanks to anyone who has a clue!

 

Yes it's normal. It'll fluctuate between 1.2 and 1.5 gigs at idle

 

I think for this, I would answer, "If you have to ask, you probably shouldn't."
Clean installs will give you a fresh start, but quite frankly, after about 2 months of use, a user won't be able to tell the difference between a clean installed and regular computer. performance benefits are highly temporary (as in under 6 months, far far less than 6 months) and it's only good for those that are not afraid of techspeak/risk-taking with a brand new machine.
It has its benefits, like aesthetics and slightly improved performance in the beginning, but simply uninstalling your unwanted software will ultimately give you similar results.

Plus, as Chaz has said many times in this thread, it's completely optional and up to you. It won't be AS difficult as you think (from what i remember of my first clean install) but it can be a unnerving experience.

My advice to you is to just leave your machine as is, and enjoy it!

 

Anyone know how many mega-pixels the HP dv5t web cam has? Looked everywhere and found nothing. Also, what is the battery life of the extended 6 cell battery? Could not find this information in any of the posts. Also, is the touchpad as bad as a few of you have said? (my only big worry)

I am starting law school and am debating whether to buy the following:
Sager NP8660
Asus G50 A2
Dell X1530
Macbook Pro
or
HP dv5t

Now after a bit of research, I am going to pull the trigger on the HP.

I wish HP would give us the option to put in the 5300 wifi card instead of the 5100 (less antennas as far as I can tell for wireless N) and wish that there was a 9 cell battery choice. Also wished that there was a LED LCD option like the Macbook Pro, but oh well. Finally, wish there was a P9500 option. (I read all the responses about CPUs, still want the P9500) These options would make for a perfect laptop in my view.

What really sold me is the 3 year warranty. Asus had a good warranty but could not be upgraded past the one year accidental breakage warranty(which was free). As I will be in school for the next 3 years, I need the insurance as I will be a poor law student and not able to afford a new laptop if I broke it.

Thanks to you all on all the information you provided. Read through all 77 pages and feel I have a better understanding of the HP.

 

Hi, from my experience the touch pad is no different than my old dv6500 touch pad. That said; wet, sweaty, or greasy fingers dont work well regardless on HP touch pads. You just need to stay cool and clean So no complaints from me on the touch pad. I dont think people going to best buy or some other store to try them out are getting a fair evaluation. Think of all the people that have touched those display models, they are gonna be dirty greasy etc. I believe the camera is 1.3mp, but I cant verify. It works well enough though. A 12 cell battery is already in the parts listing, so its only a matter of time before it is available for the new dv series. As far as battery life, depends greatly on CPU and GPU choices. I have the T9600 CPU, and the Nvidia 9600M GT video and it burns through the extended battery in 2 hours of websurfing email and endless hours in this forum Hope this info helps.

 

Ok, so the key on power supplies is the output in watts. The new dv5 ones I believe are 90 watts. The older dv series was usually 45 -65 watts. So the short answer is yes, the older ones will plug into the quick dock and provide some power to the laptop, but... If it is not of sufficient wattage, it likely wont power the laptop if it has a dead battery, or no battery installed. Even if you do have a battery in place, an insufficient wattage power supply may not keep up with the drain and you will watch your battery charge indicator going down instead of up while hooked to the dock. A lot will also depend on the graphics and cpu choices you make. If you go high end, the power draw on the supply will be significantly higher. If you go low end, one of the older lower wattage units may be just fine hooked to the dock. By the way, how does your mini dock hook to the laptop?

 

Chaz, I am using the P8600 CPU.

 

Okay. im not gonna do the clean install b\c I dont wanna F*** up my laptop. Plus I will be using norton b\c im using it on my desktop and havent got a virus in 3 years.

Nwperformance are you sticking with the t9600 and have you tried out crysis yet? OR has anyone played crysis yet on their dv5t. If yes what settings, resolution, and average fps are you getting?

Thanks in advance

PS: If anyone finds a good full size bluetooth mouse that is good for gaming let me know!

 

Very nice, but 3 things have upped your score above the average (3700-4000 for an 8600m GT GDDR3 @ 1280x1024): Windows XP, the faster processor, and the extra ram. Now I stand corrected, I can admit that, but your score is not average

Regarding the XPS 1530, most of their machines come with 1280x800 standard, which is why we see so many scores in the 4500 range. That's "average" for them because they can't go any higher.

The average G1s/T61p/XPS 1530/8510w running Vista, 2GB ram and a T7300 processor will score 3700-4000 @ 1280x1024 as I said. That jumps to about 44-4500 @ 1280x800. Therefore the dv5t scores we've seen so far are bang on.

edit: Oh yeah, I'm aware that the average will tend to increase as specs get better, but the overall difference between the dv5t and earlier models isn't exactly a giant leap or anything

 

Is the clean install pretty much formatting the hard drive and re-installing vista? Im used to using XP so is there any or many differences between doing a "clean install" on XP and vista?

 

A clean install simply means you are remove everything and only install the OS none of HP's bloatware. Let you decided what clogs up your computer

The main thing you need to do if you are cleaning your disk drive is to backup the swsetup folder on the C: drive. This folder contains all the drivers and software installed on your computer from the factory. With this folder you can then selectively install the drivers and software that you want from HP.

 

I'd have chosen the Macbook Pro if you can afford it...but that's just me

 

Got mine down to 571MB at idle. And that's with Aero, all drivers installed, and NOD32 Smart Security antivirus/personal firewall.

Agreed . . . I did not find the laptop to be that bad from the factory. The HP notebooks are much cleaner than Toshibas. If you get rid of Norton, Slingbox, and some other junk, then run CCleaner, you'll be fine.
I did a clean install because I wanted to start completely fresh.

 

Thanks for the help about my charger question! I'm running the version with 2.5 gHz proc and the 512 MB GPU, so the lower wattage power sources probably aren't going to do the trick for me. Not what I wanted to hear, but thanks for the help!

My quickdock connects via the dedicated expansion port 3 near the back on the laft side of the notebook. That's basically why I got this dock, now i can connect my dozen-odd peripherals to one device without a severe loss in performance. Once I get this thing hooked up, I'd be happy to answer any questions you guys have about it. Thanks again!

 

If we were talking about XP, i'd have to agree (as it seemed more prone to Windows "rot" over time).

As for Vista, I honestly don't see the effects. I'm still on my original clean install of Home Premium done over a year ago, and it does not feel any more laggy than it did then. I'd have already reinstalled XP twice by now.......

In assisting some users in setting up their new laptops, I'm sometimes limited to just uninstalling specific programs because he/she wants some of the factory apps to remain. In those cases, there is rarely any positive effect with reguards to increased performance in my experience. It generally ends up being just as slow as before, because some apps are so ingrained within the operating system. Even CCleaner is rather limited in these circumstances, as it can only do so much.

Of course if you are unsure about performing a clean install, then i'd advise not practicing on a brand new machine as the first tryout.....

 

Microsoft LIVE's 10% back: is it "real"? Has anyone tried it or know about it?

may i ask you to please take a look at this "cash back" situation?

in the following link, you see a rectangular HP Home button at the top with a 10% next to it. please click it and see:

http://search.live.com/cashback/stores

apparently, they are saying that you really DO get 10% back after you make the purchase, and you get it back from Microsoft in cash!

does it feel right to you? does it feel real to you?

10% off of a $1,000 machine is $100. it is significant.

thanks.

i got it from this thread which tells us that in addition, there's a 5% back coupon code (fyi: the 5% back code is: NB3089) that works with it, so there's a 15% back in total:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=282718

thx in advance for helping me out!

 

Tell me, is the sound like the volume up/down blipping like a geiger counter (the radiation hazard sound in Half Life for those who don't know what a geiger counter is...)

Mine has done this and it turned out to be greasy finger marks on the touch volume slider.... when you pressed the wifi touch button, the Anti-two button press filter which most touch sensors have, would have locked out the volume slider untill the false touch indication had cleared... ie... clean the touch volume slider and the fault would have dissapeared. The Touch slider is Uber-Sensitive (lol I haven't used "Uber" in years, it so should make a comeback!) and prone to irratic sensor triggers with greasy finger marks. I guess this is why HP included a micro-fibre cleaning cloth with my dv5 in the box.

I ran crysis time demo with the following settings,
1280x800 Medium settings everything DX10
V1.0 fresh install and no mods or optimisations.

GPU test
Min = 10.4 fps
Avg = 17.1 fps
Max = 20.8 fps

CPU test
Min = 9.5 fps
Avg = 16.6 fps
Max = 21 fps

Running at low settings, Crysis is silky smooth and very playable! Still looks great too...

I thought there was an option to tick for multi core CPU usage but I couldn't find it when I did the test.

Hi Ian, I have a question about the quickdock, I'm needing S/PDIF separate to my hdmi for my Amplifier system. Does the Dock have coax or optical out for S/PDIF? Does the Dock have any RS232 Serial or Parallel ports (I still use Serial 9pin for programming IC's, Fibre Optic and Radio systems for work see)?

Actually if you could post the part number for ordering from HP since Australia don't have them for sale yet. I'd also love to see some pics of the QuickDock ports

lol I hope I'm not asking too much Thanks heaps though....

Rammy

 

Wait a minute... so with the 9600 gt crysis isnt even playable on med settings??? I was playing at low settings with an 8600Gs with like 30 fps and the 9600 gt cant even get 30 fps on med!?!?.... Im a little dissapointed.

Has anyone else tryed on med. settings?

 

I finally got my laptop today! Dang this thing is a power house. I have a couple of complaints though. First off, I didn't get the little NVIDIA sticker on the right side of the touchpad. Second, some parts of my screen are lightly scratched, it might have ocurred during shipping. Did you guys get some sort of screen protection on your laptops when they arrived? Other than that I am VERY happy.

 

Chaz...HOW??! that would be SO AWESOME

 

i tried it on 1280*800 on med and it ran fine...and I didn't install the 2 extra gigs of memory yet. ?

Buttonman 1 on my signature is my dv5t for the specs

 

Scratches on the screen wouldn't really bother me too much, BUT NO NVIDIA STICKER?!? HP is ripping us off!

 

How much fps are you getting at med settings??

 

i didn't bother getting it because it runs fine...i mean, it starts to fragment on high, but it's fully playable on med.

i turned some options, like "sound quality" and stuff to low, but i'm not sure if that helped...

 

Is it silky though at medium? Also, you said you were running with 2GB RAM correct? Could going to the 4 improve performance or not by much?

 

Steve, I did the Timedemo test... it's a stress test and is known for giving the card a work out... in game Medium was playable but you could see it wasn't silky... People spend $4000 on a desktop to play Crysis. Don't expect a laptop to do that without a similar price tag. Crysis is very playable at low and in some cases medium. I haven't put alot of time into benching in-game speeds at there can be so many variances in whats being done to what frames you get.

I do have to stress that this was an unoptimised default V1.0 install... Patches had apparently improved frame rates, and there are optimisations yet to be done. But I thought i'd post something everyone could easily replicate for comparable testing.... PS I'm running 4Gb Ram

If Crysis is your thing. Buy a monster desktop PC.

Command and Conquer 3 absolutely MAXED out Ultra High etc... 1280x800 and 4xAF 4xAA... Smmoooooooooth 4 player Skirmish... not a single slow down! Just stunning!

BF2 last night for me, 64 players Gamearena on all maps, Maxed 100fps Averaged 80 fps, low of 65 fps! Everything flatout! I love BF2, so obviously this is my game of choice and it's insanely fast for this game....

The 9600GT doesn't have the number of stream processors like the desktop GPU's... It's performance is astounding for something so little!

Rammy

 

Crysis is one beast of a game huh?

9600 GT can destroy games like BF2 and HalfLife 2 maxed out but can barley touch Crysis at medium?

I take my hat off to the developers.

 

1. what video drivers are every1 using on their 9600m GT's?? i havent gone to laptopvideo2go yet, so i'm using default stuff.
in call of duty 4 it will run on high, but just seems slow. sync every frame isnt on, so it just cant handle it.

2. also, does any1 still use anti-virus anymore? i really think it might just be bogging me down. i disabled all my startup items except avira antivirus, my xfire, and trillian. i think i might get rid of it, and be able to run COD4 better?

3. bluetooth, how do i get rid of it? don't have anything bluetooth yet. i went into network connections and disabled it, and went into startup items and disabled it, that should do the trick right?

 

I did two basic things to get it that low:
1. Clean install
2. Followed the NBR Vista Tweaks guide all the way through:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=166532
That is what really makes the difference.

Let me know how it works for you.

1. I am using the 177 series drivers, they are working great. CoD 4 is playable at 1440x900 resolution with high settings for me. I am still tweaking the settings for the best playability.

2. Yes, you should use it . . . get ESET NOD32 antivirus ( www.eset.com). I have found it to be the best antivirus out there. See my post here:

3. I would not worry about the Bluetooth if you aren't using it . . . just leave it.

 

Heya,

I'm still running default drivers, figured I'd get used to whats default so I know whats different when I do start modifying.

I'd recommend AVG Free 8. Purely because it seems to have good support and low(ish) overheads...and best of all.. it's Free! (make sure to disable the Auto daily full scan on install, it's a bugger when it does a full system scan on every boot lol)

As for bluetooth, My desktop used to have a problem with a usb BT dongle, where it would pause every few seconds like it was polling for something. I've had no such issues with built in BT.

But if you want to enable/disable BT separate to your Wifi... Click the (Start) "orb" or Start menu button (some ppl are fickle about what vista calls it). Type in HP Wireless assistant. In the properties button, you can make the HP icon appear in the Task Bar, and then you can right click and select what you want ON or OFF at will

 

yea, so disabling all my startup stuff did increase the performance while on high settings (with sync off) but still nowhere near the playabiltity when i turn the settings down. (it did turn off my scroll button, so i gotta turn the pointing device startup item back on.)
i'm using forceware version 175, update go! go! maybe?

 

Hi... I'm sorry... I'm a dv4t user, not dv5t user...

But, I have a question for Chaz or anyone who has the dv5t...

What is your normal hard drive temperature? The hard drive temperature of the dv4t stays at 51 degrees... In 30 minutes from the time of turning on the dv4t, the temperature of the hard drive increases from about 29 degrees to 50 degrees.... I'm not sure whether all of HP's 14.1-inch have this problem, whether my hard drive is just a defect, or whether other HP's notebooks such as the dv5t have the same problem...

 

okay, I am a little concerned. I have been playing COD4 for 15min with the rear of the laptop raised 1/2in. GPU is running at 94c and CPU at 74c. This is hotter than anyone else was reporting, and my laptop is raised in the back. WHAT THE HECK?

Edit: now im at 76c CPU and 95C GPU!!!

 

RUN... Get out NOW... It's Gunna BLOW!

lol seriously though.... what program are you using to monitor. My CPU temps are 6 degrees different with CoreTemp and CPU-z Hardware monitor... Both running at the same time.

There is a huge difference in what each program reports....