*HP dv6t & dv7t Select Edition / Quad Edition (6XXX series) Owners Lounge*

I might be selling my DV6000. It has the manual switchable graphics if anyone wants it. You can PM me if interested. Sorry for thread capping.

 

hey whats PM? I have been hearing this term for a while now and still couldn't figure out what it means..!

 

Private message

 

Does anyone know of a good wireless card for the DV7 that operates at 5ghz.. When I purchased this thing knowing it had a wireless N card I assumed they would install a card capable of the 5Ghz band since the 2.4ghz is covered in traffic from G Routers and Cards. Sucksss. Anyways anybody replaced there's yet? i'm sure I could find a card on my own but if anyone has tried some i'd like to know how well they're working for them.

 

Whoa! Wait up a sec, is the dynamic graphic switching that bad, I thought people were starting to get it under control? As you can see in my sig, I initially had the dv7t-6000 with the regular switchable graphics, now I will be receiving the new version this tuesday.

I though the big problem was that benchmarking wasn't working properly and that was about it. Does it switch for video games, or does it stay on the Intel HD3000?

I actually want to use the HD3000 almost 90% of the time and occasionally use the 6770 for games, I hate when laptops get loud. Do you think it will mostly stay on the HD3000?

Also, I saw another poster stated that he had made recovery disks when he still had the dv7-6000, and that if he used those recovery disks, would it install the old style switchable graphics? I never saw an answer to this question. I too ended up making the recovery disks when I had the 6000 revision, I may try to see if it works on the 6100, what do you guys think?

 

It works for most video games, but not all. It doesn't appear to work for Minecraft and other OpenGL games as well as Flight Simulator X. I'm sure somebody will fix it eventually.

Yes, it defaults to the HD3000. Getting Intel graphics to work is not the problem, it's the discreet card that has trouble sometimes.

You can try it, but it seems that it gives you the option for the old style, but actually continues to work according to the new style. Whether or not it works depends on whether the change was made purely in software or in the underlying hardware. If the manual switching was relying on a multiplexer that isn't there, it will not work even if you install the old software.

 

Question for all the dv7t Quad edition owners. I just purchased a brand new one for my son today...to replace an aging Pavillion. How large / how many DVD's did it take you to create the recovery DVD set? Curious. I have a 16 GB flash drive and was wondering if it would be large enough? I had to use a 32 gb flash drive on my Envy, because the recovery was some 18GB in size.

Thanks

I posted this in the order progress thread and this really belonged here....sorry about that!

 

It took me 4 single-layer 4.7GB DVD-Rs. The fourth one had almost nothing on it and took no time at all, though.

 

FOUR here, also.

 

I'll explain myself a little bit more here.

For the vast majority of users, switchable graphics is fine, no matter if it is dynamic or manual. Many people will hardly know if one is being used or the other, or even if they do know, they use applications, games, etc that are within the confines of this environment and indeed work just fine.

I'm not one of those. I've built every PC I've ever owned, I take great pride in the way my machines are built and the fact that I know every facet and function of each device in my machines, and not only know them, but can control them to the utmost to function in such a way as I deem fit.

Obviously this is not the case with most laptops as we are subject to the will of whatever PC manufacturer deigns to call quality components and determines should be in them, and what they should be capable of. Not only that but they force feed us their software and their drivers. Whether its the horrible garbageware that every laptop comes pre-installed with, or the restrictive and often poorly made and horribly maintained drivers.

(brings to mind a quote from the movie Armageddon: "You know we're sitting on four million pounds of fuel, one nuclear weapon and a thing that has 270,000 moving parts built by the lowest bidder. Makes you feel good, doesn't it?")

It takes quite a laptop to live up to my standards, be it that I lower them somewhat for laptops. The sad and unfortunate part of this story is this: I actually came to this HP from a Gateway NV5927U. A Gateway. The self imposed bottom of the barrel PC manufacturer of yore, only slightly increased in stature by the purchase of the Gateway company by Acer. Yet for such a machine, it was surprisingly clean of junk, ran very well and had features that many more expensive machines did not (blu-ray in a $499 machine is unheard of). In fact I re-sold 2 of those to pay for this HP, and I sold them at $450 each, a mere $50 cheaper than what I bought them for more than a year ago.

Ever since then I've been in constant battle with HP. Whether over price, customer service, varying spec advertising, varying deals, speed of construction of the machines, registering and re-registering HP Care Pack. And that doesnt even mention the laptop itself yet.

The laptop itself at first blush is not a bad machine. The i7 is quick, the games that will let you play them on the 6770m run well, and there is a good amount of ram and a good looking Full HD screen. But taking in all of what I've said above, that is not enough. There was an inordinately huge amount of garbageware installed on this machine. Even installing with a minimal install had a rather huge amount still there. I had minor issues with various parts of the construction, HP sent me a silver machine instead of dark umber, I could not update the Intel drivers from Intel's own stock, and all in all things felt just a little shy of 'done'... Maybe not quite so bad as half-baked, but like... 'Almost' baked. Its like they went nearly to the finish line but never quite crossed it. (no backlit keyboard, machine is half metal, half plastic, the eject button is disproportionately hard to press on the BDROM), and halfway through the build of my first machine they completely changed the revision of the device, adding things like a full HD screen and this horrible dynamic switchable graphics.

In addition, I'm a power gamer as well as being a power user. Having some poorly written graphics driver that prefers a lesser power on-chip video card TELL ME which card it prefers to use, with all external applications believing the Intel graphics are active (whether they are or not at the time) is more than a little irksome. It is my machine and the buck stops here. I'd very much prefer my 17" high end laptop to prefer the high end card or even never use the Intel chip. I'd rather my games load up and see a 6770m rather than an intel chip, but magically get 6770m performance because of some 'high performance' option.

Hopefully this explains my stance a bit more. Its unfortunate to me that this dynamic graphics garbage seems to be the way things are going, hopefully in the future it doesnt work so poorly. The bottom line is that I feel that I should be happier with this machine for the $1100 I spent on it than I am.

 

Best post of the thread.

You should send a copy to the "Email the CEO" email addy.

http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/execteam/email/ceo/index.html

 

This does not work. The recovery disks are specific to the machine/HDD from which you burned that disk. I ran into issues when I tried to use my recovery disks that I burned from my original laptop to install windows on my ssd for my replacement laptop.

 

Excellent information to have...thank you. Looks like I can use a 16gb flash drive to create a recovery drive...

 

Thank you!!!

 

Beradon said

"There was an inordinately huge amount of garbageware installed on this machine. Even installing with a minimal install had a rather huge amount still there."


I did the minimal install myself and found that I was very pleased that HP provided us this option which I thought was a very clean install compaired to the way I recieved it. What garbage remained on yours after the minimal install? Are you sure that you did it correctly?

 

I did do it correctly, but I may have had incorrect expectations of a minimal restore. I expected the minimal install to be the absolute bare minimum required to run the laptop (IE: Windows, Drivers, MAYBE software for the fingerprint reader, and MAYBE the Beats audio control panel). I didnt expect there to still be HP support software, anything from Cyberlink, and a few other things. I would have rather none of the extra stuff been installed but rather on first boot after recovery been presented with a Readme stating where I can find the software should I want it (ie: online or in the SWSetup folder).

I would argue anyone willing and knowledgeable enough to do a minimal recovery as opposed to a factory recovery would have the knowledge enough to reinstall only those applications they want.


EDIT:


I feel my post is painting the laptop in an incorrect light however. Dont get me wrong, the laptop is still quite nice for many people. It has a rather large amount of features for its price range, especially if you managed to get a good coupon on the machine. The only statement I am trying to make is that it fell short of my rather high expectations and that it did not work out for me. Many others may find it sufficient or indeed outstanding for all that they do.

My position was that of a power user and power gamer with certain requirements that were not met simply because the functions of the machine were not expressly described anywhere when I purchased the laptop (I previously had a 6000 revision which I had returned, the 6000 had manual switchable graphics and I would have been ok with that in the new machine, but the 6100 had dynamic, a "feature" I was not expecting to get for my extra dollars... color snafu aside).

 

12GB & 16GB RAM configurations are available now on the Dv6t and Dv6tqe.

This is likely to happen to the Dv7t as well.

No, it won't help with gaming...

 

Beradon I understand what you are saying about there being less than optimal communication about just what exactly one is getting for their money. The change in the function of the switchable graphics was entirely a low blow. I also got slamed with the change in color of the 6100 with no knowledge of there being a change and no choice when ordering. I just happened to like the color better than the umber one I had previously. I think that technology is just like that any more. Most of it is described sufficiently vague as to leave most to be discovered after taking ownership. And I hate that but it is what it is and I for one feel helpless to change that. All large companies seem to be quite the same in that regard. Too large to hear you. And when they do finally hear you they have pissed you off so bad that you no longer care that they even responded to you need. Im just glad at this point that I have been able to reconcile this build as adequate for my needs and that I dont have to send a third HP Pavilion back. I am however glad that HP took back the other two notebooks with no questions asked to allow me to get to this point without financial distress along the way. Hope you find what you need and have no more issues along the way. But my feeling is "Good Luck With That!" Know what I mean? All these large tech companies already know what we need and are H@@l bent on giving it to us no matter what we say!

 

fishcrazy: Yep, I know what you mean. And I appreciate the well wishing.

 

How is this (the minimal HP restore) too much bloatware?

 

That's actually really good for minimum install, the absolute min yet it still maintain the full features of the laptop.

The only difference from a clean install based on that list is youcam and an updated powerdvd .

There is a dependency with the HP Support software and framework now.

 

I agree that minimal is pretty good in terms of laptops, but basically I'd be thrilled if I didnt see anything in there with 'HP' in the name. Like disturbingly happy.

 

Well, the closest HP Simplepass 2011 equivalent is a 50 buck AuthenTec software which is basically the same thing but without the HP label.

HP Support is used for Coolsense. And the HP Framework is needed to handle HP software, they could of applied the fixes directly. Decided not to for some weird reason.

HP OSD is the volume, brightness indicator. Not needed

HP Quick Launch is support for media function keys. Not needed

HP Connection Manager. Not needed. Zero Config is enough.

HP 3D Guard. A nuisance. Depends how much you value data on a mechanical drive.

Intel ProSet. Not needed unless using WiDi or gui setup for PAN.

Oh well, depends on the user.

 

I understand what all of it does, and I know I'm being a bit picky, but that was the smallest of the concerns for my return.

 

Didn't work, unfortunately. Thanks for the help, though.

Any other ideas?

 

Can anyone tell me why the DV6T-6000 cannot perform the dynamic GPU switching? Is it different in hardware than the 6100? Is this also the same reason why it isn't supporting more than 8 GB, but the latest units do support bigger RAM.

Should we have a specific owner thread going for the 4000, 6000 or 6100?

 

I used a 16GB thumb drive, had about a gigi left.

- Qlippoth

 

Hi everyone,

I'm Alex and i'm italian. I'm here in U.S. untill the end of July. I need a notebook (for graphic and video editing use) and I've seen the dv7t qe. I wanted to buy it (with 1080p display), but there is some big problems with global warranty. This year I'm going to be in Italy and in Mexico and every US notebook isn't covered for hardware problems if you are outside USA (so if you travel a lot, you're f**cked up). How is your experience with dv7tqe? Can it be define a reliable notebook?

I need your opinion:
Do I buy hp dv7tqe, hoping it will not present any manufactoring faults (If there is a problem I can fix it until the end of July, but outside US not) or buy a Dell XPS17 (which has a true international warranty)?

Pros & cons of Hp dv7tqe and Xps 17?

Thank you!!

 

HP laptops aren't exactly known for their reliablity.

If you are really concerned i would say go with what has international warranty

 

what would you guys prefer making the recovery media on?
16gb usb 3.0 flash drive, or
2 dual layer dvds, or
4 dvds, or
1 blu-ray disc.

Or any other way you could suggest....
Thanks

 

I haven't received my laptop yet, but could someone(with the new dv6t-6100) please go ahead and submit to see if we can get a modified bios with whitelist removed for WLAN? Here is the link where to post:
Insyde bios mod requests..

I will fill out most of what I can below but please check it over, also please follow the instructions half way down this page in order to get the RW-Everything report and attach it with the post:
How to properly request for a bios mod


-Motherboard Manufacturer and Model : HP Pavilion dv6t-6100 CTO Quad Edition Entertainment Notebook PC
-Bios Revision : F.14
-Bios Type : Insyde
-Bios SLIC : 2.1 (I think, please check)
-Bios Link : HP Notebook System BIOS Update (Intel Processors) HP Pavilion dv6t-6100 CTO Quad Edition Entertainment Notebook PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)
-Rw-everything report.

 

Hows this sleeve for the dv6qte ----> Case Logic 15-16 Laptop Sleeve > Laptop Sleeves > Case Logic

It fits it as per dimensions and I like it a lot. Its made from EVA foam rather than neoprene. Will that offer good protection to the laptop?

 

Flash drive. It's MUCH faster to reload the OS using a FD.

 

so would a 16gb fd be enough? and could you recommend me a good usb 3.0 16gb flash drive... I have seen a few of them, but the reviewers say that they are not much faster than the usb 2.0...Thanks

 

A quad-channel Patriot goes for about $19, and transfers fast enough. I used 2 dual layer DVD's and they were bearable on the reload.

 

I don't remember the exact number of bytes needed (besides that can vary a bit). someone else here prolly knows.

 

New owner of dv7t Quad Ed!
• Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit with Service Pack 1
• 2nd generation Intel(R) Quad Core(TM) i7-2630QM (2.0 GHz, 6MB L3 Cache) w/Turbo Boost up to 2.9 GHz
• 2GB GDDR5 Radeon(TM) HD 6770M Graphics [HDMI, VGA]
• FREE Upgrade to 6GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
• 640GB 7200RPM Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
• 6-Cell Lithium-Ion Battery
• 17.3" diagonal HD+ HP BrightView LED Display (1600 x 900)
• SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
• HP TrueVision HD Webcam with Integrated Digital Microphone and HP SimplePass Fingerprint Reader

Have had it for about 2 weeks now.

Likes:
- This laptop is very very cool. I come from the world of Dell M90 and Vostro 1500, so this does not feel anywhere as hot.
- The only time I see any heat coming from is the top left vent, and I turn on Coolsense to the "Coolest" setting, it works well and cools in a couple minutes. I also bought the Targus Cooling Pad but hardly ever see the need to plug its USB fan in.
- Very quiet as well.
- After I uninstalled the bloatware (didn't have the patience to do a complete reinstall, my old laptop died and I needed to use this right away), it is much faster than any of my laptops.

Unimpressed:

- The audio "Beats" whatever. But again, I don't expect much from laptop speakers anyway, so I will live with it just like I did on the Vostro.
- The screen - the very tight viewing angle is by far the most disappointing thing. Also, the 17" wide angle feels different than the 15" I've had before, so that's taking some time to get used to.
- I played some HD videos from my recent trip and it wasn't smooth. It played fine on my MacBook Pro using the same VLC player. I tried setting VLC Player to "High Performance" in the CCC Switchable Graphics window and still choppy.

I am trying to follow the GPU issue and backlit keyboard modding threads but some of it is beyond me at the moment. I am not going to use this for major gaming, just mostly editing of photos, videos and the occasional 3D CAD software.

Q1. I would appreciate if someone could explain if I can do anything to help with improving the performance of the HD video playback.

Q2. What adapter do people use for the Intel Wireless Display? I've read some pretty bad reviews of the Netgear one so far.

Thanks!

 

the Corsair voyager & A-Data 16gb usb 3.0 flash drive cost less than $30.. But i havent used any of those brands and there are not many reviews available on the internet... any recommendations?

note: corsair has a 5-yr warranty, a-data has lifetime warranty...

 

will 6 gigs of RAM vs 8 gigs make a huge difference?

 

No, but failure of the graphics driver to switch to the Radeon when you need it, sure will. Read up on the issue.

 

So I was looking at graphics drivers and found something interesting...

Mobile Intel HD Graphics
Driver Provider: ATI Technologies Inc.
Driver Date: 3/15/2011
Driver Version: 8.830.6.1000
Digital Signer: Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher

For the Radeon HD 6770M it says the exact same thing. Call me crazy, but why do I have a driver for the Intel graphics from ATI? Is this something to do with the switchable graphics? Kinda frustrated since I'm waiting for Intel® HD Graphics driver version 15.22 to be released by HP so I can stream BluRay from my dv6t.

 

Hey guys just a quick question, does anyone else have "screen wobble" when they close the laptop and pick it up and carry it? It seems that the hinge is somewhat loose. Just wondering if I should exchange before the 21 days is up or if anyone else has something similar.

Thanks

Onelove23

 

Mine was pretty solid, never noticed any sort of wobble. In fact, the hinges were just tight enough that lifting the screen would lift the base and I needed to use my other hand to hold down the bottom part of the laptop so as not to tip it on edge when opening it.

 

Same with mine. It must be a mixed bag. I never could understand what people were talking about when they mentioned loose hinges, as mine seemed even a little too tight!

 

So I'm thinking about ordering one of these.. is it not worth it with the video switching problems right now? How is the cooling? Overall do you guys like this machine and would recommend? Thanks.

edit: also would I be better going with the default 6 gigs of ram or downgrading to 1 4gb stick and add another 4 later? cheers.

 

I have the dv7 and have no problems with it at all. I dont see any issues with the switchable graphics for what I use but I dont game with it. I got the 8 gigs of ram and did notice that I havent used more than 4 gigs according to task manager. My build quality was good. Had none of the problems mentioned by others. Overall I like this computer and would order it again. I did kick the processer up to the 2.2 GHz one and uped the screne to the HD high rez one. Having no heat issues here. You have some control of the fan for cooling with the coolsense software. I just let the computer decide when to use the fan. Doesnt get near as hot as my old Sony Vaio. I do hope that they get the graphics thing fixed for all those who need it for gaming or whatever.

 

If someone provides me with the RW-Everything report I can go ahead and post it myself, anyone with the new laptop 6100 that can help out?

 

hey guys i bought the dv6t quad a week ago and i was about to buy a new antivirus for the pc but i just discovered that that hp now offer a free 15 months upgrade to northon antivirus with the dv6t quad. do you think i can call them and still receive the upgrade because i don't want to go through all the return process etc and i don't want to spend 50$ when i can get it for free

 

Try it....call them. Nothing ventured, nothing gained......and would you seriously go thru all the hassle of returning the laptop, just to save $50 on AV software? Why not just run AVast, Avira or something until you can afford the $50.....just a suggestion

 

lolnorton

Microsoft Security Essentials. Free antivirus that beats all the paid ones and doesn't bug or slow your system down.