*HP dv7t (1XXX series) Owners Lounge*

So I finally got past the trepidation of ordering one of these things. I've lurked around here on Notebookreview for like 6 months and finally decided I wanted either a dv5t, a Lenovo T500, a Sager 17" of some kind, or a dv7t.

In the end, I went with the dv7t. I wanted something big and powerful, but not extravagant. I already own a (fairly slow 3 year old) 15 inch laptop and a Lenovo S10 10" netbook and I wanted to get a 17 inch. I'm a pretty big guy (6 foot 2) and I think I'll be okay lugging this thing around campus if I have a nice bag and whatnot. I'll be using it mostly for school but also as a desktop replacement at home.

Not sure when it'll come yet, but I'm quite anticipating it. Glad to be part of the club.

My config:

P8600 @ 2.4ghz
Nvidia 9600M GT
4GB DDR2 800mhz
17" @ 1680x1050, Brightview
320GB 7200rpm HDD
1 yr warranty (just in case )

The biggest thing I'm wondering is if the Nvidia card is switchable. That is to say, can you turn it off to conserve battery life? I know some laptops have both an integrated Intel chip and an Nvidia card and you can turn one off to switch to the other while off AC power.

I'm guessing due to the lack of Google and forum search results you can't?

 

nope.... unfortunately, the DV7 only comes with one video chip...

 

New dv7t BIOS is out. Version F.25. Fixes:

- Fixes an intermittent issue where the wireless state may not be reported correctly in the Wireless Assistant or Connection Manager when the Wireless button is pressed.
- Improves the quality of the HP Logo.
- Improves the time required for the Power-On Self-Test (POST).

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp42001-42500/sp42255.exe

 

hmmmm...... I was expecting something along the lines of:
- New BIOS update makes your dv7t less prone to dust, oil and general gunk accumulation on the shiny parts.

 

Improved quality of the HP logo, eh? Can we bloody turn it off now?!

Hm, it appears I already had that bios. I just got my laptop a couple days ago.

 

Hi everyone. I've been lurking and decidied to sign up here as I placed my order last night with HP. I can't wait for it to arrive! Here is what I am getting:


====

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 P7450 (2.13GHz)
* • 3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
* • 320GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
* • 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
* • 17.0" diagonal WXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1440 x 900)
* • Lightscribe Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
* • Webcam + Fingerprint Reader
* • Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card with Bluetooth
* • HP Integrated HDTV Hybrid Tuner
* • HP Color Matching Keyboard
* • 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
* • Integrated 56K Modem
* • Microsoft(R) Office Basic 2007
* • Adobe(R) Premiere(R) Elements 7
* • HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

Estimated build date: 7
No tracking number available
Product price does not include a $16.00 recycling fee per unit* This item ships free 1 $1,912.99 $1,412.99
Summary of discounts for order xxxxxxx
Instant discounts you received:
$500.00 Coupon NB4345
Order subtotal $1,412.99
Shipping
(Standard 5-7 Business Days) FREE

===

 

Where did you get the updated BIO. I did not see it on the hp site?

 

I have read much of this thread, but not all of it. Does the HP HDTV tuner work well? Is the antenna strong enough to pick up signal from the suburbs?

Does anyone use a non-OEM tuner in their dv7t?

 

The antenna is alright. If you live real close to the city, you might be alright. I live 45 min from chicago and I got 3 or 4 channels. I would get different channels at different times. If you really wanted to use it, get another antenna.

 

Its the bios that came with my laptop, so one would assume its legit. I'm at a loss as to why it isn't up on HP's website though.

 

I monitor the HP ftp for newly uploaded files so I can see when new drivers or BIOS's are released. Eventually it will be added to the actual HP site but it usually takes a few days.

 

Thanks. I just downloaded it and I check the hp site and its added today.

 

So I know this has been discussed a few times before but I never found a solid answer.

I sometimes have the problem with the wireless light getting stuck on red. From what i've heard its a problem with the mobo. The wierd thing is, I usually fix it by doing a restore to a few days earlier. Would this be a driver problem? I updated the hp wifilink or whatever it is called but it hasn't helped.

Should I send it in to be repaired?


Edit: I know it will almost always happen if I close my laptop and reopen it before it fully has time to close down.

 

Hi all, for those that prefer monitoring CPU temps, I have noticed that the F21,F23 ,do not allow on the fly, temp readings. This did not happen in the F12 bios. I have a new dv7-1270ca, came with F23, and the CPU temp would take one reading only and after that the DTS sensor was "stuck". I have tried all the bios', and much prefer the F12 over all the rest. I do not have issues that require upgrading at this time so actually downgraded mine even though the laptop did not come with it. Computer runs the same. I used many programs, coretemp, realtemp, cpuid hwmonitor, speedfan etc and the sensor is stuck after one read on all but F12 bios. I have not tried F25 but i suspect it would be same. There is one difference with F12, it has, "enable processor C2 state" that is not there with the others. My processor is P7450 Penryn, rev. M0.2.13Ghz, After adjusting the Tjmax for 95 C my CPU temp is 31 to 34 fan on always, and 40 to 50 fan off /on cycle.

 

Well finally had Verizon FIOS installed last Friday so I could get on the net. Signed up for the 20Mbps/5Mbps plan and I'm getting speeds close to those. Only problem is I think I have a problem with the wireless router they installed. Continues, after resetting the router, to no let me access the net wirelessly. Spent most of the weekend with an ethernet cable attached to router so I could be online. Pretty sure it's the router and not the laptop.....says I have a wireless connection at full strength even though it can't open any webpages. Was on the phone with verizon tech support 4 or 5 times. They're sending a tech back out to the house tomorrow.

Sure hope it's the router as the Dv7t unit I have is darn near perfect given the limitations inherent in laptops. Very happy camper so far. Fast and powerful and doing everything pretty effortlessly so far. Gets a little warm when palying a BluRay disc or graphic intense game........played Assasins Creed for the first time.....man it's pretty hard to learn how to play decently.

Don't quite understand the complaints re: screen not being bright enough.....on mine I've had to turn the brightness down....especially when using the unit in a dark environment.

Puter has alot of nice little features.....love the fingerprint reader, lightscribe printing and hidden remote.....sound (for a laptop) is pretty good also.

Anyway, will continue to update as I go along.

PS - FIOS HD TV service is to die for!

 

Hi there!!!!!

New in the forum and my new post!!!

Just a question??? Is the CPU upgradeable in this machine...I am stuck with the P8400, which works for me, but I am interested in keeping this for some time.

 

Sorry...I meant FIRST post...my bad...

 

By the way...which video driver can you recommend???

 

I just installed the windows automatic updates today, 2-10-2009 and now Internet Explorer 7 hangs up every time I start it up. Any thoughts?? I have had the previous mentioned hang ups and fixed them; this one is new as of today after I installed the updates. Anyone else had this problem?

 

To Gemiar...

I have owned my DV7 for the past 5 months and been updating constantly, the IE7 never gave any kind of issue, ever since IE8 RCA, I upgraded it. Why don't you give IE8 a try, works fine for me.

 

Don't know why the hang. Uninstall the update or use your Restore Point & then try it again.

 

rjbg,

Thanks for the info. I didn't even know there was an IE8 availabel; it fixed my problem 100%. Thanks.

 

On Jan 20, I received DV7T I ordered, it had dirt or dead pixels under the out layer of display, so I ordered a replacement. Today, I received it, it had the same problem but in different locations, plus scratches on the cover.

I ran it for a couple of hours, and I really like it. It is very quiet, so I am going to try more time with different display.

Has anyone have this:

17.0" diagonal WSXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1680 x 1050)
Infinity glass is a designer screen with a clean frameless look

Please share your experiences?

Thanks,

 

I have the same question going with another member see:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=351126

it looks to be upgradeable to the X9100 which is an awesome cpu so I hope the cpu is in fact NOT soldered in!

 

The service manual shows removal process...that is a good sign! check pages 106 and 107 here

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01550113.pdf

 

Yup, you can replace the CPU... the fun is getting to it

I replaced the CPU in my dv5t (very similar). I had to disassemble the entire notebook just to get to the CPU.

 

This is good! Thank you for your reply I am sure the fun was getting to it but that is to be expected, was it worth it for yours? What did you have and put in?

 

For me I just put in a P8600. I ordered it with a T5800.

 

Thanks guys...

Gemiar...you are welcome, I have a VAIO CR series which had the same issue before, but solved it that way. Glad that helped you.

 

By the way...

I am on a crossroad here...which to get, a p9600 or t9550??? or even a Quad core...What do you think guys?

 

To put in your current rig in your sig?

 

You could not put a quadcore into that machine. Also, good luck changing out the cpu. Getting to the cpu requires taking apart the ENTIRE laptop. Everything must come apart before you can get to the motherboard.

 

But the x9100 would be very smooooth!

 

Yep...I do hope there is a way to do it. It is the only upgrade that i would do at this time...no hope with the 8gb RAM until the price drops...

Another thing is...as of today I am still holding on the thought of dual booting the DV7 with Windows 7...haven't heard of anyone doing this in the DV7 so far...

 

Vista and windows 7 use the same drivers. It'd work fine.

 

Created a signature profile in the control panel....testing to see how it works.

Man I'm really lovin my Dv7t!

 

LOL - Bill is right. for the hell of it, i was looking through the dv7t service guide (link in my signature below) and accessing/changing the cpu requires removal/dissassembly of at least 6 different other components first. i am surprised to see how tough it is so if you're planning on doing something this complex, take a look through the guide so you understand what needs to be done 1st.

 

It is an extensive project as stated by everybody but the gains would be nice. While 8gb is about $680-$700 those cpu's are not cheap either. As stated above, quad is out so the top would be the x9100 or the p9800. Keep us informed, I would like to see the project photos!

 

I have been with this idea for the past month...still trying to get the guts to do it...I will let you all guys know how this goes and what CPU I will get for this project...seems a lot of us are expecting someone to try this...

 

As to the reference of the RAM price...I assume that is better to spend on a CPU that might work...which will mean a greater performance than getting those 8GB at around $700...we all know those will eventually drop in price...I just assume future CPU's will not be supported by the DV7

 

You can do it!!!

I received my dv5 on a Monday at 9AM and had it completely disassembled and the new processor in by noon. Now, I am a tech and take HP notebooks apart quite often. Read the service manual and take your time. Always make sure you have removed all the screws before you pry to hard when removing the quick launch buttons cover.

Also, remember to plug in the heatsink fan power cable before you put it all back together... I forgot that the first time.

 

Now this is an awesome reply...Rozwell, how much time did it take you to disassemble the machine and then put it back together??? By the way, which processor did u put into the little devil?

 

Just a hour or so the first time. You will also need some Arctic Silver or equivalent when you replace your CPU. I had to add Arctic Silver to both my CPU and GPU before I put it back together.

I just put in a P8600.

 

Has anyone here overclocked the 9600GT????

 

So I've been reading reviews and getting terrible buyer's remorse from reading about the screen quality problems with the dv7. Mine is due any day now, but I'm becoming less and less excited.

I didn't opt for the infinity display so I was hoping everything would be fine -- but apparently it's a pretty awful display even without the infinity glass. According to notebookcheck it has a maximum output of 155 cd/m^2 and an average of 131 cd/m^2. That is really dim. In fact, most Lenovos, Sonys and Dells have at least 200-250 cd/m^2 outputs, even on their glossy screens... that's anywhere from 30 to 80% brighter. And I've heard horrible things about the viewing angle too... please tell me these are all unsubstantiated.

Not to mention Macbooks, which consistently score in the 300-400 cd/m^2 range. That's over 200%, almost 300% brighter!

Will I really notice a huge difference between the 200-250 candela brightness of Dells, Sonys, and Lenovos and the measly 130-150 of the dv7? Is it bright enough and does it have a good enough viewing angle for gaming and photo editing?

I don't intend to ever use this thing outdoors, so I don't care about that. But I will be using it during the day, indoors, at college campus and at home. Will I be alright?

 

I will be honest...screen is DIM...I used to have a Dell 6400 and that was dim..this is bit better, but for comparison to the Vaio I have, it is DIM

 

*raising hand* I have.

Using Nvidia driver 181.22 and RivaTuner 2.22

 

By the way...on the other hand this thing rocks for photo editing and even better for movies...granted that is better at night with no lights in the background. Gaming so far is superb...again in a low light condition...I have tried to play Call of Chtulhu Dark Corners of the Earth, which is a dark game if you ask me during the day...and that my friend is painful...

 

Roz...seems you have done everything with your machine...you rock!!! What are your clocks????

 

I assume you used the guide for the DV5 that LeetPix made, right?