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

If anyone was wondering. My new DV7 has even better viewing angles and almost zero backlight bleed. Just wish they found a way to ship them without the bezel getting scuffed up.

 

Thanks for the reply, i thought my question was lost among others, thanks again for picking this up.

I just nailed the issue, I had the bios at fixed and OS has High Performance all the way through.

1) I tried reinstalling the ATI driver, i get a blue screen after the installer errors out (Device error, could not continue). I was close to having the machine replaced.
2) I tried uninstalling the ATI Driver from the device manager, there was no restart no flickering, it just went off, i realized that it was not working at all, hence the score.
I did a reboot and went back to step1, same blue screen. But the ATI was placed back in the Device manager.
Uninstalled the ATI in device manager (again) and without reboot installed the new driver.
It started working again, the score now shows 6.9, I got the snappy performance with the games and multiple monitors work great.

Thank you again for digging up the issue.

 

I'm really interested in purchasing the dv6tqe so I can compare it to the dv6z & the Envy that I've already purchased, since there is a 21-day return policy with no fees out of pocket. The problem is that I've spoken to 3 different HP customer service/sales agents in regards to what graphics card will ship with the dv6tqe & they all say different things. The first agent was unable to give me any information. The 2nd agent said that the 1gb=6670 & 2gb=6700. The 3rd agent, here is the log:
Agent (Kristen Y.): "As what I have checked, the 2GB Quad has the 7690 , while the 1GB Quad can either be 7690 or
6490."
Agent (Kristen Y.): "Currently we are having an issue determining the right graphics card for the 1 GB version."
Agent (Kristen Y.): "We do apologize, however, our resources right now is limited."
Mike C.: "Why would the 1gb be one or the other....how could I know for sure if I was to get the 7690?"
Agent (Kristen Y.): "We are unable to distinguish as well at which is which."
Mike C.: "It's very difficult to purchase something and not knowing what you got.....like it's a big surprise. This is not a good way to do business....I'm sorry."
Mike C.: "But If I ordered the 2gb, would I be guaranteed to get the 7690?"
Agent (Kristen Y.): "I apologize, Mike. I suggest that you please contact our HP Technical Support to further check on it. You may contact them at 1-800-474-6836."
Mike C.: "Ok, thanks for you time. I will call them."
Agent (Kristen Y.): "Yes, the 2 GB has the 7690."

I wish someone could confirm what graphics card I get before I place an order! I don't know what to believe anymore. I'd like to get the 1gb card, but they can't gaurantee that it will be the 7690. What to do?

 

AMD High-Definition Graphics Driver HP Pavilion dv7-6157nr Entertainment Notebook PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

The above link is the ATI graphics driver, it shows 7470 and 7690XT, I would assume that if you go with the base driver they ship 7470 and if you choose to upgrade, they will give us 7690m. Just throwing my 2 cents.

The 21 day return period is great, if you are not satisfied with the card you got you can reconfigure and do an exchange or return it for a refund.

 

So I have a question that was discussed a while ago, but I need a bit of new info... I have a dv7t-6000CTO & want to add a 2nd hard drive in the extra bay. My model does already have the caddy, & I know I can get the appropriate cable from newmodus.com, however they're out of stock "until late february"... Any chance somebody here knows the part number so I can try to order one from HP?

Also, on a side note, what about an updated "Maintenence & Service Guide?"

Thanks!

-N00b

 

641306-001 ... includes caddy, screws, and (long - bay #2) cable... I have seen people using this number ONLY for the caddy too, but SHOULD be the entire kit if genuine HP

Ref: Service Manual, Pg 49
http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Hardware/DV7-6000-Second-Hard-Drive/td-p/666829

 

So I'm looking around at laptops to buy (mix of gaming and school/note taking, much more school and not as much gaming though) and had a few questions for HP dv6tqe owners:

- How is typing on this laptop? Do you experience any wrist probs/carpal tunnel from typing on this without a separate keyboard/mouse?

- How does this run games like Battlefield 3 and DotA 2? FPS? any problems? overheating?

- Any issues regarding build quality? I've had a couple bad experiences with HP so I'm a little hesitant, but out of the 3 laptops I'm considering this is the one I'm most interested in at the moment. It's just hard for me to give HP another try lol.

- Anyone know the weight with a 9 cell battery by chance?

- any minor gripes or regrets about buying this laptop?

The config I'm looking at includes: i7-2670QM, 1GB Discrete GDDR5 Graphics AMD Radeon (going to call to make sure it's the 7690M), 8GB Ram, 750GB HDD (considering upping my budget and going for the SSD), 1080p screen, 9 cell battery. Other laptops I"m considering are the lenovo Y570 and the Sager NP5165 with similar specs.

Thanks!

 

if you want an ssd, better to purchase one separate and get an external usb 3.0 enclosure for the 750gb hdd. It's what I did and I don't have to worry about space on the 128gb ssd. I only spent about $200 more, $180 on the ssd and $20 on the usb 3.0 enclosure.

I've always owned laptops and typing in this one is not much different than any other one, only had to adjust to the chiclet style keyboard. I do prefer an external mouse over the touchpad.

Build quality seems excellent but this is my first HP so I do hope it lasts a long time!

the 9cell battery is great, gives you longer use and also keeps the back of the laptop a little higher which helps with ventilation. It's not much heavier than the 6cell one and imo the benefits are greater.

mine has the 1gb 6770 and 1080p screen and I play:
Aliens vs Predator max settings
Assassin Creed Revelations max settings
Skyrim ultra settings
Arkham City high settings and dx11 off

Arkham City is very tough for this card for some reason

Check the first post in the thread and check out the gaming thread you'll get all your gaming answers there.

 

Upgrade to the 1920x1080 display. The display is essentially the most important upgrade because it affects you all the time.
The 1600x900 display makes things onscreen big and has poor image quality. It's the worst type of screen available in a 17.3" laptop and it's highly recommend to avoid this.
The 1920x1080 display gives you a much larger workspace and has excellent image quality (contrast). As a bonus, it's matte so it reduces glare.
Downgrade to the regular DV7t (base edition) if your max budget is $800 or so, because getting the upgraded screen is makes more of a difference than and is more important than getting an i7 CPU.

I would suggest second-guessing the Y570. Its screen is quite mediocre compared to the 1080p screens available in the NP5165, DV6t, and DV7t.

 

Jerohm, Thanks so much for the info! Ordering it now. When I asked about the service manual, I was wondering if anyone had a .pdf of it that I can save for future needs - I've found ones for older dv7t's, but not the newest ones... Thanks!

-N00b

 

I thought the dv7t & dv7tqe upgrade screens (1920x1080) were glossy?

 

OK, so I also just ordered a dv7 albeit not the quad or envy. My specs are:

intel i5 2430 2.4-3.0
6gb ddr3
750gb 7200rpm ($20 upgrade)
1gb GDDR5 Radeon 6770m (+$75 down from $100)
1920x1080 full HD (+$150)
everything else standard for a total of 1019.98- 30% coupon NBT3886 and it was $713.98 amazing! Now with that being said I spoke with several reps, I ordered the laptop on 12/22/11 which is the day the options on the website changed. Prior to 12/22/11 there were 4 gpu options, the integrated intel, 1gb gdd5 (+$75), 1gb gddr5 (+$100) and 2gb gddr5 (+$150). Now they have simply removed the lowest upgrade and reduced the price of the 2nd upgrade. Now, I am being sent a 1gb gddr5 radeon 6770. The only available card for the dv7 is a 6770 1gb or 2gb. The original 1gb version that was the lowest upgrade was a 6490 but has been discontinued on this model. I have heard speculation of a 7690 or something like that but I don't believe that is available currently. Best you're getting with an HP is 6770 w/ dv7 or 6850 w/ the envy and honestly the 6770 is faster. If anyone has any new info please let me know, I have read articles anticipating that the 7690 will be available in dv7qe soon but not yet. Oh and u will not get anything less than 6770 so don't be scared it's a great card with great value.

 

oh and I also ordered this pc on 12/22/11 it shipped 12/29/11 when will i get it??? Im going nuts just like everyone else lol.

Date/Time
Activity
Location
Details
Dec 30, 2011 22:00
At local FedEx facility
SHANGHAI CN
Dec 29, 2011 20:35
Picked up
SHANGHAI CN
Package received after FedEx cutoff
Dec 29, 2011 07:33
Shipment information sent to FedEx

 

It is 95% going to be 6770m which is a good card.

 

Nevermind, I just spoke to an HP agent and was told that the upgrade screens are glossy, crap!

 

Here is your answer...
HP Pavilion Home Notebook PCs - comparison results Home & Home Office - HP

6770m in dv7t aka dvy-6100
6790xt in dv7qe/envy aka 6c00 and you can read the rest yourselves

 

Okay I have been through the thread and correct me if I am wrong but:

If I order today (or anytime soon) I will get the 6770? When do they plan on changing over to the 7xxx?

 

Click on link in my post above that will tell you, if you're getting quad edition or higher you are getting 7690, the regular base dv7/dv6 has the 6770 according to the link I provided from an official hp site, it is a chinese site, but that shouldn't change anything, that is where they are made and shipped from.

 

can someone tell me the difference between the
Radeon™ HD 7690M XT 2GB and the Radeon™ HD 6770M ?

Im having a hardtime finding info on the 7690

thx

 

From what I read the 7690 is a higher clocked 6770. No smaller process, nothing new really. The difference isn't going to kill you.

 

These last few posts got me curious, so I just looked at the dv7tqe ordering menu again. It doesn't even list which gpu you are getting unless you order quick ship. That is ridiculous! Why buy a $1000 gaming rig when you don't know if you're getting low, mid, or even high-end graphics with it?? Ironically, the quick-ship model is nearly identical to the one I ordered in November...

From further reading, I haven't been able to find specs on any mobile 7690 at all. Best guess is that it's somewhat better than 6770, but by how much is anybody's guess right now. The only benchmarks I could find of a laptop with a 7690 didn't do any gaming benchmarks and didn't compare it to a 6770, either.

 

At today's pricing I'd grab an m4 or samsung. However, when I got mine the intel 320 series had a ridiculous sale that was too good to pass up. Check deals when you're buying. Any intel or samsung is great, and the crucial m4 is also excellent.

 

It's because the machine has 2 different graphics cards: the 6770 2gb, and the intel 3000 series. The default setting is for the computer to decide with each program you're using which card to use. So if you're playing a game or doing something else that requires a high end gpu, the 6770 will active and you get a 6.7 for graphics performance. If you're surfing the web/looking at word docs/etc etc etc then the intel graphics are used and you get the 3.1.

 

At that price it's using the 6490m gpu, not the 6770m. 6490m is terribad for gaming, you want at least the 6770m. Also, as nice as the 1080p screen is, the 6770m will struggle to give smooth framerates at high/ultra settings on many modern games at that resolution. It's important that you take your personal usage pattern into account, if you're primarily using it as a gaming rig then 1600x900 might even be preferable.

Any ssd is a HUGE upgrade in a laptop. I put a "slow" sata II intel 320 series 160gb ssd into my dv7tqe, and it is literally amazing to use this computer. I strongly recommend that you prioritize reliability over benchmark speeds with an ssd. Generally speaking, that means intel/samsung/crucial m4>>>any other ssd right now.

 

I've heard many people rave about the 1080p screen, but fwiw the 1600x900 screen fantastic to me as well (I've only had 1366x768 screens in the past though).

 

I must post this again.

Games are not a reason to pick a lower resolution display. It's a common unfortunate misconception. Running in 1600x900 (non-native) resolution on a 1920x1080 display will result in exactly the same performance as running in 1600x900 resolution on a 1600x900 display. You get a bit of blur in doing so, but games still look better running in non-native resolution on 17.3" 1920x1080 displays than they look running in native resolution on 17.3" 1600x900 displays because of the significant difference in quality with regards to contrast and often viewing angles and graininess. Even if it weren't true that games look better running on higher-end displays even in non-native resolution, it's still not worth the tradeoff to lose so much desktop screen space outside of gaming just to make a tree in a game look slightly better.

If you pay attention to the contrast, the 1600x900 display can't reproduce darker colors very well at all. And aside from that, you still generally shouldn't shoot for a lower resolution, because resolution is the biggest limiting factor for productivity regardless of image quality. The screen upgrade makes more of a difference than, for example, if you were to trade it off to get a better processor, because the screen is much more noticeable and affects everything you do. There's typically a larger noticeable difference between the 1600x900 and 1920x1080 displays than between even the i3-2330M and i7-2670QM processors.

 

What about the user that will connect the laptop to an external monitor so the built in screen's resolution won't make any difference? This is the reason I do not get too caught up in a laptop resolution. For my uses if I am going to be doing anything productive or game, I would rather look at a 24" 1080p monitor vs a 15.6" one.

 

I have a question and was hoping someone could clear it up for me. Do the current 17.3" dv7tqe models come with the trackpads that have the separate "raised" left and right "click buttons" or are they the ones that are underneath the trackpad that is one whole piece? Every review and screenshot that I have seen of the dv7tqe shows the click buttons as being separate from the clickpad like how every other laptop is, but I spoke with an HP rep today and he says that he is pretty sure that isn't the case anymore, and that the click buttons sit underneath/are part of the the trackpad now.

Can someone please confirm which is true for me? That would be great!

 

1080 upgrade is listed incorrectly. It is not an infinity display and is a matte 1080p panel. At least the ones I ordered in Dec.
And Mouse pad buttons on DV7-6*** are separate from each other and trackpad.

 

I got a question for someone here who owns a dv6t quad laptop with a 6770.

Is there any type of switchable graphics of some sort? I have the option on my dv6z but it's an AMD A8 (which I am returning for a dv6t). But before I order, I wanted to know if it is switchable or just uses the 6770 all the time.

 

That's what I noticed from all of the screenshots, but the HP tech guy was swearing otherwise. I prefer to have the buttons separate from the trackpad.

 

Even though the return policy is great, it is not meant to be abused like that. That just gives HP a reason to change their policy and start charging people out of pocket when there is an actual problem with their computer. If your just buying several computers to return the ones you like the least, then you should be charged a restocking fee so you don't screw other customers in the future.

 

yes it is switchable.
but if your ordering a customized dv6t today it should come with a 7690m xt as the upgrade, and it will still be switchable

 

AMD Officially Launched the Next Generation HD 7000M Series GPUs - Lenzfire

this article gives some insight into the differences between HD 6xxxM and 7xxxM

"according to Semiaccurate, these chips are just an overclocked version of the current generation cards."

I still have a few days to exchange my 6770m... what to do..... :O

 

I just ordered this:

HP Pavilion dv6t Quad Edition customizable Notebook PC
• steel gray
• Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• 2nd generation Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2670QM (2.2 GHz, 6MB L3 Cache) with Turbo Boost up to 3.1 GHz
• 2GB Discrete GDDR5 Graphics AMD Radeon(TM) [HDMI, VGA]
• FREE UPGRADE to 8GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
• 160GB (Solid State Drive Flash Module)
• No Additional Office Software
• No additional security software
• 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
• 15.6" Full HD HP Anti-glare LED (1920 x 1080)
• FREE UPGRADE to Blu-ray player & SuperMulti DVD burner
• HP TrueVision HD Webcam with Integrated Digital Microphone and HP SimplePass Fingerprint Reader
• 802.11b/g/n WLAN
• Standard Keyboard with numeric keypad
• HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

To anyone with a dv6t how is the screen. Can it reproduce the color red unlike the Envy 15's. Thanks.

 

Who are you again? LOL, I really wish they would charge me a restocking fee. I think I'll call them up & advice them to do that, courtesy of dirtyfinger. If I don't like something, what concern of yours is that? Or better yet, report me!

 

Has anyone here formatted their recovery partitions? I'm planning on doing it because I really need one partition. Yes, I do have my recovery discs.

 

My wife doesn't even play games on her dv7tqe, I just mentioned it because this is probably more of a gaming laptop with the 6770m than it is a general productivity machine. From everything that I've seen over the years with my own experience + reading about others', running an lcd at a non-natice resolution can significantly degrade IQ and/or performance. Without testing them side by side, how do you know that the blurriness of running in non-native resolution is better or worse than using a slightly reduced native resolution like 1600x900? And at least for my wife's usage pattern, 1920x1080 on a 17.3" latptop display would result in extremely small icons, thus reducing her satisfaction with the purchase. From my own experience of using her laptop on occasion, the 1600x900 display looks to be just about the perfect size. I admit that there are a lot of people who swear by the 1920x1080 resolution screens on the dv6/7t, but I also think that it's reasonable to at least consider the alternatives. To me (and my wife), having the 2670 cpu was more important than getting the 1080p monitor over a pretty good 900p monitor.

 

I just bought mine on BF, and it has the left and right buttons flush with the trackpad. My wife uses it the majority of the time, she doesn't really consider it a plus or a minus since she uses a mouse 99% of the time, anyway.

edit: just looked at the buttons. The left and right buttons are the same height as the trackpad, but they look "cut out" from it, almost like a hershey's chocolate bar.

 

I agree. If HP came out with a screen option greater than 1080p, then everyone will be swearing that it is the best resolution for laptops. Although, all web pagers will have empty sides and you have to stretch your icons to be usable.

 

Eyesight is a reason to consider a lower-resolution display, yes. However, my point is simply that games are not a reason to consider a lower-resolution display, and that generally the screen is a more important upgrade than the processor (if things like eyesight aren't an obstacle).

 

Too many shady consumers out there who just don't care. I'm just trying to look out for the best interest of the rest of the buyers. If your going to announce your shady business dealings on a public forum, expect some backlash. Otherwise keep your comments to yourself because unlike you most members of this site do have morals.

 

I really don't see anything wrong with what he's doing. If you don't like the products you can send the them back.

 

You can always make windows text bigger and web applications allow you to scale fonts bigger for easier reading.

 

Now I'm a shady customer. Ok, that's fine. Your entitled to your opinions, but the matter of fact is that you don't even know me. If HP has this return policy, I'm sure they're well aware that some people will try different laptops & return the ones they aren't happy with. In the long run HP will still get my money, it's a win win situation for them, so what's the problem? I guess in my future posts, to make you happy, I won't mention anything about what I'm ordering & returning.

HP want 100% customer satisfaction, I've even had HP agents tell me to try out the laptop & return it If not happy.

 

Ok, back to what I was originally going to post.
For those looking to buy HP laptop, here is a new coupon code:

30% Off HP Laptops $999+ NBW4973
Expires: 01/07/12
Offer excludes HP Folio 13 and dm4t Beats laptops. Offer limited to the first 900 coupons redeemed.

 

Ok just to know what would you do, I am thinking of upgrading to 8GB due to memory running to close. Buy a 8GB(2 x 4GB) sticks for $30 w/free 4GB microSD or just buy a 4GB stick for $18.


Thanks

 

thanks a lot, I will be using this tonight. +rep

 

First post, really happy to find a forum like this!

I just took ownership (actually it will be at my house when I get home) tonight of the following brand spankin' new HP Pavilion dv7tqe spec'd out as follows:

Dark Umber
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
2nd generation Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2670QM (2.2 GHz, 6MB L3 Cache) with Turbo Boost up to 3.1 GHz
2GB Discrete GDDR5 Graphics AMD Radeon(TM) [HDMI, VGA] ( hope it is the newest card)
8GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
750GB 7200 rpm Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection ( Is this controller SATA III? I plan to install an SSD when price per GB drops)
6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery ( should I worry about the battery?)
17.3" Full HD BrightView Infinity LED (1920x1080)
Blu-ray player & SuperMulti DVD burner
HP TrueVision HD Webcam with Integrated Digital Microphone and HP SimplePass Fingerprint Reader
802.11b/g/n WLAN
Standard Keyboard with numeric keypad

Question is, where would you guys go to buy a spare battery? Somehow, I missed the option to buy the additional 9 cell battery @ 50% off ($60) when I configured and ordered my notebook. HP wants $120 but I see a few on eBay for around $50 but I'm unsure of the quality. Not really sure how long the stock 6 cell is going to last but I just want to have a spare handy if the need should ever arise.

One other thing, is this notebook capable of WiDi (Intel wireless Display)?

Thanks in advance...

 

congratulations on your new baby, it is a SATA III so that SSD will be the best thing you can do for it. I have on ocz vertex 3 120gb as my primary and I have the stock 750 5400rpm HDD as my storage drive, works awesome. I recommend getting a cooling pad if you plan on playing some games on it as it will run fairly hot. you should be fine with the 2gb GPU, it will be the newer one so you are good on that, the battery will let you run about 4.5 - 5 hours I believe on normal usage like web browsing and what not. I would look on amazon simply because I have a prime account and can get free 2 day shipping on most of the things listed and the prices are always the lowest I think, I would look for one and post a link for you but I'm currently at work. Good luck to you sir, you NEED an SSD it's only fair to your computer lol