*HP dv6t Select Edition (3XXX series) Owners Lounge*

I am glad to see MicGoogle bring up Prey. I have been wondering for while whether to purchase Lojack, and I recently heard about Prey.

For those of you who have either of these programs running on the DV6TSE, do they bog down the computer at all? Which do you think is better?

 

Lojack is built into BIOS as well and is harder to remove even after reformatting.

If you have prey you can protect BIOS by putting password to BIOS, and other security measures such as a dummy guest account that the thief will use and inevitably give away his position through wifi use.

Lojack's integration with system is sort of the nuisance when your service with lojack runs out, i'm sure theres a thread on lojack forums on how to remove it properly. Prey you can specify whether to run as system service or as a top level user program. However software is software and i see no main difference between prey and lojack except lojack is brand and may have those brand features for quality protection.

Prey uses wifi info to pinpoint location and allows remote locking of system, which is sufficient for me in my case, and is in active development at the moment due to a great user base forming, its open source so expect customizations and addons, however at the moment it seems only one person (the developer) is behind it, as opposed to Lojack a full company.

Prey and lojack since both have to run in the background will consume resources, however how much is dependent on the features of program. Prey allows you to disable and deactivate "modules" that act as puzzles to the functionality of program, lojack i believe is always on and is much more embedded into system.

Both are great but if you aren't worried about forking over some cash for a Lojack's guarantee of $1000 ( $1,000 Reimbursement If Not Recovered In 30 - 60 Days ), go for it!

 

Aug 11, 2010 8:20 AM
On FedEx vehicle for delivery
PHOENIX, AZ

Im coming home to a Laptop after work!!!!

 

Yeah mine got delivered about 20 min after I left for work this morning... 3 more hours til I get home and see if it's good!

 

So I've had the computer for a couple of weeks now and I'm loving it so far! It runs starcraft 2 with no problems.

The only issue I've come across is that when I try to setup the fingerprint scanner for a login page, say for gmail, it won't recognize it as a login page. Anyone have any ideas why this might be happening? I'm using Firefox 4 Beta 2

 

So I just got my laptop out of its box and I think it is amazing thus far! I will run benchmarks soon. Does someone have the link to where I can run the benchmarks?

 

After a week and a half of usage, there are two issues that irritate me to no end. First, the graphics cannot switch back and forth while internet explorer is running. Not sure if this is just on my machine, but I always have IE running and hate the fact that I have to close it down if I decide to go work somewhere else in my house. Second, there is no vertical scroll on the side of the touchpad.

 

I agree with you that it sucks having to close everything out when wanting to switch graphics... but two finger scrolling is way better than side scrolling for me

Also I need some help, I am unable to see a lot of hardware temps like others have shown in screen shots. Does anyone know how I can see more info? Specifically GPU temps...

 

I downloaded the non-Pro version and that gives you a lot more readings than the trial version of Pro.

 

You can enable side scrolling in the synaptics touchpad configuration.

 

Can anyone walk me through the driver update?

What I've done so far:
I went on AMD's driver page and downloaded the Catalyst Software Suite, but it said it couldn't download because it wasn't comaptible.
Then I downloaded the Catalyst Control Center and installed that, and tried running the Catalyst Software Suite installation again (I'm not sure why I thought that'd work)
Now I've looked through some of the aforementioned steps, but I can't seem to find how to uninstall the CCC, as I can't find it under my add/remove programs. The only ATI thing in there is the "ATI Install Manager."
I then went here:
http://support.amd.com/us/kbarticles/Pages/GPU-2-ATICatalystSuiteDriverXP.aspx
And was directed to uninstall the legacy drivers, which again called for CCC uninstallation, which I have yet to find out how to do :3


Any help?

 

Get benchmarking software here cazper:
http://majorgeeks.com/downloads4.html
Also cazper every trial of CPUID works differently in showing features, its best to download it from CPUID's website here; most specifically this file i got core temp reading but no GPU readings.

Code:

ftp://ftp.cpuid.com/hwmonitor-pro/hwmonitor-pro_1.09-setup-en.exe

For those of you who just got the laptop i highly recommend you run HP Support Assistant, HP Updates, and Microsoft Updates, HP Support Assistant especially as it'll flash your bios to latest version, i just ran HP Support Assistant and just got new software updates from HP, just keep on top of that.
Hey how are you shifter? I'll walk ya through.

First and foremost don't download from AMD's website for the pure simple fact, the AMD does not take into account switchable graphics and you're going to ruin your switchable feature by downloading amd's software.

You need to get it through HP. The reason being HP's ATI 5650 updates include the packaged Intel Graphics card and is specifically designed for your model.


Ok first, plug in your computer into AC Power and close all programs and turn on ATI 5650. After you've switched to that.

Download this:

Code:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp48001-48500/sp48409.exe

The release notes which you should just skim through easy to read are here:

Code:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp48001-48500/sp48409.html

That is driver update 8.712.0.0 to ATI's driver and Intel driver.
It was released on May 26th, 2010 and your laptop won't have this version yet. So after downloading run and install that, MAKE SURE YOU REMEMBER WHERE THE SETUP FILES ARE, it''ll most likely be installing the setup files to C:\SwSetup\sp48409 but it'll ask you so just remember.

it'll take you through installing various components like new version of ATI Catalyst Center and other things, at the end it'll launch a internet explorer window showing the status installation of all parts of installation.

It'll most likely install everything except the driver where it'll stay FAIL for installation. To fix that just reboot, and then after reboot go into Start - > Control Panel -> Device Manager and click on Display Adapters, and right click on ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5650 and hit Update Driver Software and then click on Browse my computer for Driver Software, and for the path of software put C:\SwSetup\sp48409 and hit include subfolders and hit next.

It should now start updating it, after update your screen will most likely go blank and it might come back but still flickring to get graphics right. Just shutdown and restart, and everything should be good to go. Go back into Device Manager this time when you right click on ATI Mobility Radeon hit properties and Driver Details it should now show "8.712.0.0"

Enjoy!

 

Thank you, sir. I'll give it a go.

Since I already got some bs from the AMD site, I just got rid of it. Hopefully no residual effects will have resulted.

 

Everyones posting their desktops so i thought i'd post mine muhaha

 

I might've already had it all installed because when I was installing it, it was asking me to replace files that already existed. And before I restarted, my driver was already "8.712.0.0"

One quick question, when I try to load up the game "Aion," it crashes. Originally I thought it might be that the DirectX wasn't installed/updated, but I checked it using Run->dxdiag and it said I was running DirectX 11 already o.o

Any ideas?

 

Shifter it's not comp fault it seems to be a widespread problem for aion gamers usually right after updating to latest patches. Common solution I found was "Try to repair the game via the ncsoft client(right click on aion-repair", read other solutions here like disabling firewall,
Fixing Aion Crashes, Freezes and other Errors | Gaming News Link

 

I actually already took a look at that link

The thing is, I copied the files from my old computer to this one. I don't suppose that could be the culprit.

EDIT: Btw, does the fact that dxdiag tells me that my DirectX is DirectX 11 mean that it's fully updated? Could that be the reason?
If so where would I dl it? (Besides the obvious: http://www.microsoft.com/games/en-US/aboutGFW/pages/directx.aspx)

 

-.- if you copied a game or directx from another comp, it's not going to work without registry keys supporting that software reinstall to have registry keys installed.. Other than that it's best you don't try to delete/update/remove various components as you've done as each change can impact a different software or computer functionality. If it still doesn't work try the game forums

 

For those using HW Monitor, are you able to view your GPU temps? I can't get it to show mine. I only see ACPI, HDD, and CPU temps. Also, is 40C a decent idle temp for the processor? 50C for ACPI? I'm debating whether to apply some AS5 but I don't want to mess anything up on my new baby if it's alright.

 

That's not true, because every other game worked like a charm.

 

It's shipping tomorrow and will be at my place Tuesday!!!!! I can't wait!

 

Ok so I must have tripped up somewhere because my Installshield will not let me download drivers from HP and my audio isnt working so I need to do this. everytime I try to dl the drivers it gets to the install part and says "unable to save file... access denied." I am the admin on this comp and have full access to my drives. so how am I getting denied? I have looked for fixes for this and cannot find them. Any help?

 

My windows/comp has been running like shut from the second I got it. It would randomly shut off and was overheating, so I tried a few things and just decided to system recover and start over. I resetup my laptop initially, then updated the first recommended updates on windows update and since then it just black screens and windows will not start. The only thing I can get is to hp quickweb and the windows error screen which asks me if I'd like to run the startup fixer (whatever it's called) boot my computer normally or boot in safe mode... I've tried them all and windows will not start under any of the commands. Just black screen.

 

jesus what are you guys doing?
Cazper go into UAC or User Account panel in Control Panel and give your self Admin rights, if not right click each install file and hit Run as Administrator or go to the Browser and change the default download folder, it seems its pointing to a location to save thats not existent or it doesn't have permission to run from that folder. About audio, go to Control Panel - > Sound and test LEFT/RIGHT settings, it should play a tone in each, if not somethings wrong and use recovery disks to go back to factory, try not to use restore points as those can get corrupted your recovery disks are solid backup, when you start up hit escape and then change initial boost device to DVD and pop in recovery disks.


Laura for your computer instead of restore points try the recovery dvds , if you don't have them try to recovery to first day and then run HP Support Assistant and click Software Updates it should scan automatically and provide you with updates. This time run HP Support Assistant first to update then windows update. Theres a critical HP update that flashes your BIOS to latest version. For Windows Update instead of automatically installating click on view updates to see what you're installing you might see something obvious not good, so just review. Also i'd check BIOS to see if fan is set to Always ON, and it should be if not it can be the case for your odd overheating issue. Other issue can be windows updates were automatically installing and rebooting for you and crashing your registry because of active programs. Another thing make sure your laptop is plugged in as battery may not be fully charged. Also its possible when you did Windows Update it downloaded latest version of Intel Graphics Card and corrupted your switchable graphics, only reason i can think screen would go black.

If anything look over laptop see any physical defects are visible and if on last straw try to get laptop replaced. However do that as the last measure as HP will give you trouble over matching the same price you bought it at (if you used coupon).

I hope it works out

 

So I was wondering if anyone here could answer a few questions for me??

I am dying to buy a new laptop and every week or so, when I'm bored I keep customizing the DV6t SE on hp.com. Pathetic I know.

My questions are: I am a huge Starcraft fan. I played the original for nearly 4 years everyday. I'm dying to get the game. How does it run with the i5 540m and the ati 5650? My cousin gave me his 7 hour trial and I found I get a minimum of 28-36 FPS on low on my toshiba 17" which had a core 2 duo 1.5 ghz and intel integrated 865 mobility graphics and so that's surprising. It runs fine on low over 30 fps, and only dipped when I got swarmed with like 40 void rays etc... So how does the core i5 540m and HD 5650 graphics compare?

Also, is it beneficial to get the 540m or i7 720qm? I won't do any graphical design or anything and battery life is sort of a factor. Though I probably use my laptop on AC now about 70% of the time anyway when im at home.

Also, does anyone know the best time to build? I found that 2 weeks ago the blu-ray was a free-upgrade etc... and now its gone but lojack is free or something? Do you know if any deals are coming or coupons or something? Sorry if I'm sounding like a noob but this is my first time at notebookreview and only for this pc.

Also, regarding drive, does the blu-ray rom make the dvd burning any slower? Would lightscribe make it slower? Only because my current Toshiba laptop has an HD-DVD drive/DVD burner and it was always slower than a super-multi. Like its' 4x/2x/2x whereas most drives are 8x/4x/4x.

Also, does the laptop come with a built in webcam? I didn't see the option? Is it only the touchscreen models that come with it?
Here is what I basically created:

Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit edit
Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-540M Dual Core processor (2.53GHz, 3MB L3 Cache) with Turbo Boost up to 3.06GHz edit
1GB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 5650 switchable graphics [HDMI, VGA]
6GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
500GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
One 6 Cell (standard) and One 9 Cell (over-sized) Lithium Ion Battery
15.6" diagonal High Definition LED HP Brightview Widescreen Display (1366x768)
Lightscribe Blu-ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
Intel Wireless-N Card with Bluetooth
Backlit Keyboard with Fingerprint Reader

and it comes to 1299.99 but thats only because the blu-ray drive cost so much since it's no longer a free upgrade.

 

I haven't tried it yet cuz i'm still waiting for my laptop to come, but SC2 should run fine on those specs. Anything 450m and up can handle pretty much anything. Click here for SC2 benchmarks with the ati 5650.

yes, there is a webcam. it's located at the top middle of the screen and it comes standard on all dv6tse's. it's hard to see it in pics and videos, but it's there.

If you have any other questions, you should visit the DV6t Select Edition Current information guide.

 

Believe it or not I do the same thing
Also keep your eye out for coupon codes to help bring the price down.

 

SC2 runs great on mine with i5 450 and oc'd 5650. I think 35-45 fps constant unless there's a huuuuuuge number of carriers, cruisers, and other stuff blowing up.

So here's a weird question. I don't think the dv6t with webcam has a mic cause I've tried to talk to my friends over team speak and stuff and they can't hear anything. Dv6t has no mic?

 

Go to the control panel > Sound and then click on the recording tab, you should see if a mic is present there. If it you may just need to configure it and set it up. [By the way, I don't own a dv6t, but I have been having some mic problems recently and I had to set it up a couple of times, so i imagine it may be the same]

 

Spent an hour and a half on the phone with HP tech support and we've come to realize that I have a defective ram chip. One of my 4gb chips when in the computer disables the entire thing from starting and then when it is removed the computer starts and runs perfectly.

 

I am glad you located the problem, hopefully they can just send you some new ram (and maybe a credit or something)

I was able to fix my audio issue by rolling back to the previous driver. Works just fine now

Still Installshield will not allow me to download the activeX program for Product Recognition from the HP site. I will try checking the download to: location to make sure it is a valid folder.

Edit: The weekend is almost here and I now have my DV6T SE so if anyone wants any pics posted or screenshots of anything (already ran 3dMark 06 and will post that soon) Just let me know and I will add it to the guide over the weekend. Overall, the laptop makes me excited in the pants region daily... and when a friend asks me to click on something and instead I just tap the screen, they get excited too... too bad I hang out with a bunch of dudes...

 

More pics are always better and any pros and cons that you think the laptop has would also be nice.

 

It be nice if you could post a pic of your wireless card from the device manager.

If using an i5 and ATI 10.7 display driver, test if switching manually works correctly(don't use the automatic one), intel to ati and ati to intel,

Just for my curiosity

 

I'm running on a DV6zSE which has the Amd Phenom 2 x4 n930 2.0ghz + 5650 radeon and it runs fine on medium settings. However, just because it's medium doesn't mean it looks like crap; it's an eye-candy at medium settings and high/ultra is really just adding frosting to the cake. I played a 7-hour trial as well lol though I had no idea what my fps was (it was smooth so definitely 30 at least)

 

Hp jus told me to return my computer, so I placed yet another order. This time I am on priority build. Hopefully 3rd time is a charm!

 

Lol I do the exact same thing when I get bored

Anyway, this looks like a great build. HOWEVER if I were you and had that much money to spend, I would go for the 450m and the touchscreen. The 540m does have a higher base clock speed and turbo boost, however the 450m has nearly twice the dmi of the 540m, at 4.8 GT/s vs 2.5GT/s.

Also, you should be able to run pretty much any game on that build or the one I recommended. And if you want even more power, you can overclock your gpu 650 core clock and 1000 memory clock, as nsx did and I plan to do.

Oh and wone last thing, there is a coupon that came out a while ago that gives you $100 off a order of 1199 or more that expires on 8/15 or after like 800 uses. It probably already expired, but heres the code anyway: NBH942688

 

Just a heads up, HP has now officially released the equivalent ATI Catalyst 10.6 (version 8.741.1.1000) driver package with switchable graphics support for the dv6t Select Edition. The update fixes switchable graphics not working after a system standby or hibernate.

In addition, updated Synaptics TouchPad drivers (15.0.24.0) have been posted.

You can check out the NBR driver thread for further information and download links -- http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-...3-dv7-gen-4-select-edition-envy-17-intel.html

 

Good cause 10.7 wont work for me for some reason...

 

Thanks! Let's hope this fixes the annoying switchable graphics bug that occasionally won't let me switch to integrated when it's unplugged from power.

Update: It didn't just blank my screen and made me have to do a manual restart! They did something right!

 

My heart damn near stopped when the screen went black and came back on with a checkerboard pattern. I guess you have to let Windows finish the rest after manually restarting and then restart again.

 

Hi guys, im having a hard time figuring out and finding someone who can answer me about the HP dv6t.

So hopefully you guys are a bit more helpful

It's very simple: Can it be bought in Australia and, Does it have any kind of heat issue with heavy games like wow and starcraft 2?

thanks a lot guys! I might become an HP owner too some day

 

The HDMI output is the hidden gem on this laptop, IMO. It's not simply being able to watch saved Hi-Def captures of football games on the HDTV while using the laptop screen to work and play, but that the fact this laptop doesn't even break a sweat in doing so is complete win.

I'm thankful HP released new graphic drivers today. I have also experienced the sames issues related to the switchable graphics. Hopefully updating the drivers will help. Should I unistall the old drivers first or does that not matter?

 

Will this driver update work with the Dv6Z-SE? I experienced the same bug but I have an AMD processor

 

You should uninstall the old drivers first. This should reduce the conflicts that may occur between any old and new driver components.

The new ATI graphics driver might work on the dv6z AMD models as well, although I'm not completely sure because the switchable graphics is for Intel from what I can tell.

 

Sometimes need a driver sweeper if the ati uninstaller didnt wipe completely. Was the cause of my starcraft 2 problem...still no AA though even with the beta driver.

 

Ah I see, I'm going to put off "updating" it then. Thanks for the response.

 

Well, if your is an amd model, why not trying using the official ATI driver. Who knows, might work?

 

New to the forum and appreciate all the *info*! Thanks to all....Going to pull the trigger on this laptop and just had a quick 'Q'....Im torn as to getting the Intel Wireless with Bluetooth or going without it and just getting a usb bluetooth....I skype internationally on the road with a bluetooth earpiece.....my Q is can I "disable" the bluetooth when not in use or is it "always on" when wifi is in use....I currently have an OLD inspiron 6000 im upgrading from (dont laugh!) and on it I have the ability to able/disable the bluetooth when not in use to save on battery power....

Thx in Advance!

 

Well, looking at the service manual,

dv6t are issued with a Wifi link 1000 (Intel Wireless N), so the bluetooth, most likely is a separate module. So, I think can be turn off separately unless someone who has it says otherwise.

 

OOOh crap you're right! And I already have Catalyst 10.7 installed, I'm an idiot! Unless you mean something else, then I'm an even bigger idiot.