*HP dv7t (1XXX series) Owners Lounge*

Called up tech support today, because my computer has been overheating. The conversation went as follows.

Random Idiot: Hello blah blah hp
Me: Yeah, my computer has been overheating. It gets up to roughly 96C and then quits working right.
RI: Yes sir, I would be glad to help you. Let me put you on hold while I look up this issue.
ME: ok...

5 min later...

RI: Hello sir, I would like you to please go to this website.
Me: k
RI: blah blah hp.com blah drivers blah update your bios.
Me: I just updated that.
RI: Could you try it again.
*click*

 

lol. nice. someone should prank call those indian s. i think its been done b4 but that would be funny. they have no idea what theyre doing.

 

pranking...? how 90s..... :: rolling eyes ::

 

Just got my dv7 in mid Dec. I am a cynical person and have learned that everything is CRAP until proven otherwise. I owned a Toshiba for 14mths (technically still do, its leaning on the wall taking up space. Motherboard is dead)

I like how the computer keeps my legs at a constant near blistering state from the heat. (actually just my left leg.)

I love how the keys are nice and glossy so that in low light the screen washes out the keys so I have to move around to see whats printed on them.

I hated the Toshiba with a passion... But the DV7 has made me LOVE the textile feel of a mechanical volume wheel... Why does the driver for the volume control on this HP fail when I am opening an annoying web page?

After finding out about the bios white list for the mini PCI-e slots in my computer I feel like a school child being told what I can and cant do with my computer. Nothing like knowing that you could make a GIANT out of a computer with the use of SSD cards but no, that would not be acceptable.

Was this computers frame made with dark matter? could it be heavier?

Quick Launch button is a perfect little waste 10min of my life button. I love when its touched accidentally when I need to do something quickly. Who actually uses this feature anyway?

I wish HP would not have lit that logo on the lid. It screams LOOK AT ME!!! I HAVE A LIT LOGO LIKE A MAC...but I'm not...

But in all honesty and sincerity I do like a few features that came as a surprise once I fired it up for a few days.

The performance is excellent for a laptop at the price you can buy it for. In my case the DV5 was $100 more than the DV7. ???

I love the eSATA port and the HDMI port. (I do wish it had a Svideo jack, not every projector is high def or has a vga cable around)

I love the second SATA drive slot that actually has a connector (unlike my toshiba where they only bother to solder it in on the top end models).

I wish the DV7 had two more memory card slots to push the vista64 to its limits with memory...

 

hmmm... thinking of getting the DV7, or the Sony FE21L or an Acer Gemstone 6920G.

Is the heat and weight all that bad?

Do you think that for the extra cost the 9600GT graphics is worth it instead of a Ati HD470?

Thanks,
Marc

 

I have not used the ati card so I cannot give an opinion. The heat is quite bad and it is quite heavy. In all honestly this laptop is more of a desktop replacement than a mobile PC. High heat = low battery life.

 

does it support driving 3 displays simultaneously?

i want to drive 1900x1200 off hdmi, 1680x1050 off vga, plus use the internal monitor

 

er, one more thing, does the bios come with vt support?

sorry for the urgency on these two questions, but will be buying something in 15 minutes, thanks

 

I have a dv7-1020us, I'm needing to replace the tv antenna that came with it. Do y'all have any suggestions? Would appreciate any help.

Dunno if they're all alike... but here is an image of what the side of mine looks like, where the antenna plugs into.

http://www.laptopmag.com/uploadedIm...s/Images/2008/Reviews/laptops/HPdv7_0045g.jpg

 

New BIOS for dv7z (note the z, this is for the AMD series dv7's, but I thought I may aswell post it here anyway). F.35 ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp42001-42500/sp42018.exe "Fixes an intermittent issue where the function buttons that are located in the same row as the Power button may not work."

 

I'm going to try and sell my DV7T in the next few weeks. 2 months old and in great, It's just not me. I'm thinking around $1000 usd. I'll be making a thread eventually. I just need it for a few more weeks. If you interested PM me.

 

I got mine a few days ago, love it. It was getting pretty hot, but after updating the bios to F.12 (for Dv7t) th heat problem was improved, I guess it runs the fan at a little higher RPM.

 

I believe F.23 is the newest...

 

You're right, what i meant to type was i went from F.12 to F.23 and the heat problem improved quite a bit.

So far, the performance is pretty good, i'm really searching for a way to get 5.1 out through the 3 audio ports on the front of the unit. A mic and two headphone jacks, all controlled by software, you'd think someone could find a modded driver that rerouts the audio through those for 6 ch direct 5.1 surround soun (DD). So far, no luck, it looks like the two headphones are just split from the same source wire, so they always play duplicated audio.

 

so i called hp a couple days ago about the "dust" problem with the infinity displays. the guy said that it's a "rare problem" which doesnt make sense at all since there are quite a few people with the problem. he said that i could send it in again and get (yet another) screen. im thinking about "downgrading" to just a regular 1680 x 1050 screen and upgrading to a 320gb hard drive, since the screen downgrade would be 50 bucks less and the 320gb hard drive is 50 bucks more. what do you guys think i should do? also, if this hard drive upgrade erases all my s.hit i dont wanna do that.

 

Haven't been looking for a long time at HPs so I'm wondering if this is a good deal.

# – Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
# – Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P7450 (2.13GHz)
# – 17.0" diagonal WSXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1680 x 1050)
# – FREE Upgrade to 4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
# – 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
# – 250GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
# – Webcam + Fingerprint Reader
# – HP Color Matching Keyboard
# – Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card with Bluetooth
# – No Modem
# – LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
# – No TV Tuner w/remote control
# – 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

for $1,151.79.

I see that there has been $500 off and 30% coupons in the past. Not sure if that would make it a better deal or not. What do you guys think? Thanks.

One other quick question, can you output in 1080 via hdmi even though your monitor is not 1080?

 

It's decent, but for that you could have my two month old with a 2.8Ghz, blueray, modem, tv tuner, dual 300GB (It's supposed to be 320)



and yes, you can output 1080p

 

I heard the dual hard drive runs pretty hot. Plus, the infinity screen is almost a negative feature. Is the burner a lightscribe? Does is have the fingerprint reader?

 

Grr...(I know, I know, I shouldn't be looking at WEI)

Has anyone checked their performance in Windows 7 yet?

Processor Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU T9600 @ 2.80GHz 6.4
Memory (RAM) 4.00 GB 5.9
Graphics NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT 4.8
Gaming graphics 2302 MB Total available graphics memory 4.8
Primary hard disk 150GB Free (233GB Total) 2.9

OVERALL 2.9 Determined by lowest subscore

 

How far along are they with the Beta tests of 7? Is it not expected for at least another year if not 2? or am I mistaken?

 

you should upgrade to at least a 2.4ghz processor. that way u get vista running better. also i dont know if gaming is important to u or not but the 9200 is good even if u r into gaming.

 

Wonder if Windows 7 uses a different scoring method? I was checking out a lesser spec'ed dv7t at Best Buy the other day and the Vista performance numbers in every category were over 5.

 

that hard drive score is a known problem. On the microsoft windows 7 forum, i've heard people get a better score if they install the intel matrix storage driver instead of the standard sata controller.

 

Let's say I got a laptop with the Infinity Display and didn't like it after so many months. Could I buy a regular screen from ebay or somewhere and switch them? Also, could I do the same with resolution? Like go from WXGA to WSXGA? Even though when I was at Best Buy yesterday I didn't notice a difference between the Infinity display and the other. But I know about the "dust" issue. And I noticed the same thing paule123 did with the WEI scores while I was there.

Thanks.

 

My laptop has never received more than a 5.1 I think it was always the Graphics card

 

if you wanted, you could downgrade to a regular screen and upgrade to something else that u might want. im thinking of going from infinity to regular and 250gb to 320gb.

 

Don't waste money on the screen.

 

Just ordered this:

HP Pavilion Entertainment dv7t customizable Notebook PC
• Onyx
• Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (32-bit)
• Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P8700 (2.53GHz)
• 17.0" diagonal WXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1440 x 900)
• 3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
• 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
• 250GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
• Webcam Only
• Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card
• SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
• 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

Estimated build date: January 21, 2009
---------
Total: $979.99 after applying 30% discount coupon

 

Dude, you are the man!
Just ordered a dv7t and saved $500 with the coupon code.

Here's the link for the coupon:
http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/Coupon-HP-Pavilion-Laptops-dv5--dv4--dv7--tx2500--more/7889.aspx

I bet they're selling a lot of $7.99 screen cleaners today

My order:

HP Pavilion Entertainment dv7t customizable Notebook PC

* • Onyx
* • Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
* • Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P8700 (2.53GHz)
* • 17.0" diagonal WSXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1680 x 1050)
* • FREE Upgrade to 4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
* • 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9200M GS
* • 320GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
* • Webcam + Fingerprint Reader
* • HP Color Matching Keyboard
* • Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card with Bluetooth
* • No Modem
* • Lightscribe Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
* • No TV Tuner w/remote control
* • 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

$1147.00 + tax

 

Looks like I missed the boat on 30% off. I tried applying the code and it showed that it was updating and then it did nothing. It didn't give me an error either. Just didn't except it.

 

My DV7T is now listed in the NBR marketplace. $1300 or best offer. Take a look, see if you like what you see.

 

Just curious what's your reasons for selling it?

I am moving from a Dell Studio 17 to the dv7t because I'm not happy with how hot the Studio 17 gets and the Best Buy dv7t seemed to run cooler. Battery life on the Studio 17 was dismal as well.

 

Overall, I'm satisfied. I just need a few things that this can't offer. I'm a gamer and normally I do so on a desktop. as of recent, I need a mobile gaming solution, because I live in multiple places. I'm looking to sell this and then put the money towards a higher end gaming laptop. This is a beast for most things, but the 9600M GT isn't quite enough. It's 2 months old and in very good condition. Feel free to check it out and ask questions.

 

I just picked up an HP Pavilion dv7-1129wm today...


HP dv 7 - 1129wm High Def Brightview
AMD Turion x2 dual core 2.1 ghz
4.00 GB Memory
250GB Hard Drive
Windows Home Premium 64bit
Ati Radeon HD 3200
4 usb 2.0 ports



So is this a good Laptop?

It was an impulsive buy today, while I was waiting for my car to get serviced..

 

That's a loaded question. Good for what? gaming? general use? price? performance?

 

yes. If it was good enough for gaming,general use etc and the performance...

it cost me about $850, and It would be for general use, music at times but not mainly, surfing the net, school work, and maybe some general pc games such as the sims2 ( If I was to add it)

 

well its not a dv7t cuz it has a crappy amd processor. other than amd, its not bad.

 

......
AMD makes great processors.

 

Took the plunge and ordered a customized dv7t using a 30% off coupon. Can't wait till it comes....should ship by the 27th. Here's the specs:

HP Pavilion Entertainment dv7t customizable Notebook PC
• Onyx
• Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
• Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P8700 (2.53GHz)
• 17.0" diagonal WSXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1680 x 1050)
• FREE Upgrade to 4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
• 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
• 320GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
• Webcam + Fingerprint Reader
• HP Color Matching Keyboard
• Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card
• No Modem
• Lightscribe Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
• No TV Tuner w/remote control
• 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
• Microsoft(R) Office Home and Student 2007
• muvee Reveal
• Mobile Stereo Earbud Headphones (1 pair)
• HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

Any suggestions on a nice wireless keyboard/mouse combo? May want to use my 52" Samsung HDTV 120 hz 1080p screen on ocassion while sitting on the couch. Anyway, read the whole thread....thanks to all who provided both the pros and cons....really helped me with making my decision(s).......Mike


PS - Also bought HP's leather carrying case......anyone have one...is it any good?

 

Just got my tracking info for my dv7t:

Jan 21, 2009 7:42 PM Left FedEx origin facility KUNSHAN CN


Hot off the assembly line, direct from China!

 

Did you guys just recently get the 30% off deal?

I tried a few times about 3 days ago and I wasn't able to do it.

 

This is the same code I used about a week ago, says it expires today. However the ordering requirements are a bit different - read closely.

1. Click here to start
2. Select Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium w/ Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
3. Select FREE Upgrade to 4GB DDR2 System Memory +$0
4. Click Accessories tab, select Deluxe Microfibre Cleaning Cloth +$7.99
5. Click on Printer tab and select FREE DESKJET D1560 PRINTER
6. Add to cart, checkout & apply coupon: NB8818 after selecting payment

http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/Coupon-HP-Pavilion-dv7t-17-in-Centrino-2-Customizable-Laptop/7460.aspx

 

Ordered mine last Friday using an NB8818 coupon code.....Interesting thing was that I had to place something from the Accessories list into my cart for the coupon to work. Might wanna try that.....Mike

 

Hello,

I have been a dv7 owner for about a month now. I have read over 70 pages in this forum. I have a question. I frequently see people with units over the 2.4 GHz range, and pay in the range of $1800.

I purchased a 2GHz with 4 ram, vista 64, 320 hd, 9600 video, for $1099 (costco canada). I have no problems with my unit, albeit I only rip movies I own, do home movie editing, download songs.

What is fasciniation (or need) for purchasing such a powerful machine?

thanks

 

HP Pavilion Entertainment dv7t customizable Notebook PC
• Onyx
• Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (32-bit)
• Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P8700 (2.53GHz)
• 17.0" diagonal WXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1440 x 900)
• 3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
• 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
• 250GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
• Webcam Only
• Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card
• SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
• 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

Estimated build date: January 21, 2009
---------
Total: $979.99 after applying 30% discount coupon

Placed the order on 01/12, and I will receive this machine today.

 

for many, such as myself, i bought my dv7t to replace my desktop. also, at the time, a 30% coupon was available so that made going nuts with the specs even more enticing. i have a ton of media so that's why i installed another 320gb drive into my dv7t. i game a little bit so a high end proc and a lot of ram would make it easy to play any of the newer games that come out - at least for the next year or so! ;-D LOL.

other people also feel that this is a good gaming machine without having to get $3,000+ voodoo or alienware laptops.

another reason - i remember when getting a crazy spec'd laptop cost north of 3 grand. so to get a laptop that can ALMOST keep up with a high end desktop for almost the same price is pretty cool.

so to answer your q, there are several reasons, for a typical home user, you can get the most lowest end specs and that would be sufficient.

before buying my dv7t, i spec'd out a desktop for about the same price. but i liked the fact that i can store my laptop off of my desk when i have to study as opposed to always having a keyboard/mouse/monitor always on my desk. the one thing i sort of miss however is having a huge screen and by huge i mean 24" ... but that's a nice to have -not a necessity.

 

I'm sorry, but the DV7T is a terrible gaming machine.

 

You guys are lucky, we (Canadians) get shafted as far as coupons, and selection. We have to purchase pre-built machines from only a handful of suppliers. Mind you, if you can find a machine that fits your needs, the price is on par with the U.S.


I agree on the storage issue. I like the fact that I can put it away in a locked drawer, so if by chance some nutbar breaks into my place, with the alarm blaring, they wont have time to find, or swipe the laptop.

On a related mattter I would like opinions of weather people hide or cable lock their laptops, when they go out. I am guessing most of us dont lug this thing around, when we travel.

thanks

 

i have taken it off of my desk and out of my apartment a total of 4-5 times. i dont lock it up in my apt but do store it away sometimes.

it truly sucks that canada gets shafted on the hp deals. all i can reccommend is to make a good friend here in the states.

LOL - i remember a thread a while back that went on for pages and pages abt what the definition of 'gaming' was. let me requalify what i said - my dv7t plays unreal 3 on the highest settings good enough for me. whether it qualifies as a gaming machine - i do not know. but several people have liked how their dv7t's perform on games - especially w/2.8ghz, 4gb ram and 512mb video card to use.

 

I have one, I just sold it for just this reason. It does ok in games, but it just runs too hot for my liking. I even cleaned it out, which cooled it down, but it's just a HOT machine. I don't see it having any longevity at all as a gaming machine. It'll die within a year or sooner if a serious gamer uses it.

Btw, I had the 9600m Gt AND the 2.8, 4GB's of ram, the works.