*HP dv7t (1XXX series) Owners Lounge*

Why is the 8800 better than the 9600? Shouldn't the higher numbered model be better than the lower numbered model?

 

The 8800m GTX is 256 bit vs. the 9600m GT is 128 bit.

 

These are the 2 options on HP's website. Which is the best? Is firewire really necessary? Isn't it a new format that's competing with another format?

256MB NVIDIA GeForce 9200M GS

512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
Includes 1394 firewire and 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports

 

The 9600m GT is the best card available on the dv7t.

 

Firewire has been around for many years, but it is certainly not necessary. Unless you have a firewire device you need to connect (i.e. camcorder), you do not need it.

 

the 9600M Gt is DDR2

 

Whats up guys! I just ordered mine today. Anyone else got theres yet? If so any complaints?


HP Pavilion Entertainment dv7t customizable Notebook PC
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor T9600 (2.80GHz)
17.0" diagonal WSXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Infinity Display (1680 x 1050)
2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
320GB 7200RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (160GB x 2) with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
[For BrightView Infinity] Webcam + Fingerprint Reader
HP Color Matching Keyboard
Intel(R) WiFi Link 5100AGN and Bluetooth(TM)
No High speed 56K modem port
LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
No TV Tuner w/remote control
8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

 

anyone notice that the Microphone is not on the customize page anymore?

 

I wasn't sure. According to notebookcheck, they said DDR2 or DDR3, and being an eternal optimist, I figured DDR3.

 

Yes I noticed that the microphone is no longer there...not sure if they are putting them in all automatically or waht...

As a side note I ordered my dv7t the first day they were available and when I got it the cd tray would pop out if you bumped it anywhere along the side or bottom....it also took 3-5 tries to get it to stay shut when putting a disc in....I returned it and they are sending me a new one.

Anyone else have this problem??

 

Yes, I noticed it. But if you go to the "help me decide" option, it says it has the webcam with an integrated microphone... I guess it still comes with it...

 

Yea, it's the same way with mine, but I've learned where not to bump it so it's not a big deal. As to the problem of taking multiple times to make it stay shut, I found out that if you push the drive in with your finger anywhere near the eject button will cause it to pop out again. So just push it in on the edge nearest to you and you'll be fine. I actually kind of like the easy ejection, i don't have to feel around for the button anymore, I just push my finger across the side of the drive near the button and it pops out (very quick easy).

 

Hi Troops,
What's the pixel rating of the Web cam?
Ed

 

My expected ship date is tomorrow and it still hasn't shipped yet... So much for it shipping out early...

 

1.3 M

Dude, that sucks. I'm sorry, I guess you're one of the few messed up orders HP has, since the long estimated shipping date is just extra insurance for HP in case something messes up with the order.

 

don't forget me too - my estimated shipping date is the 21st, but the person i placed the order with said i would definitely have it before september -- which actually means august 31st, 11:59pm.

l0l

today, i taught myself dicipline - i stopped checking the hp.com order status every 20 minutes. now i'll just see my dv7t when it gets here. i honestly think im going to send it back anyway when i get it and reorder it with higher specs.

 

Hello,
I’ve pretty much read through the entire forum here, and like what I see! Everyone is so helpful in answering the random questions one will have before a major hp purchase. THANK YOU (everyone) for the help.

I just purchased (hpshopping) a DV7t , formed to my needs...

- HP Pavilion dv7t Entertainment Notebook
- Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
- Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor T9600 (2.80GHz)
- 17.0" diagonal WSXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Infinity Display (1680 x 1050)
- 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
- 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
- 320GB 7200RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (160GB x 2) with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
- [For BrightView Infinity] Webcam Only
- HP Color Matching Keyboard
- Intel(R) WiFi Link 5100AGN
- High speed 56K modem port
- $100 OFF Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
- HP Integrated HDTV Hybrid Tuner
- 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
- Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
- HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

------ Ship Date (Aug 25th) due to Olympics and China time.
------
I am an it tech who loves this stuff, so I wanted an all around good buy.

My list of UPGRADES/GRIPES for the laptop:

1. - Memory- DDR2 SODIMM 200-pin 800 MHz pc26400 - Why not offered in (2 x 4 GB), 8 GB?

-The Intel chipset and new 45nm (Montevina) <purchased 2.8 GHz> CPU, says it will support 8 GB sodimm 6400 800 MHz , but HP probably spent more/less money somewhere to prevent the 8 GB. You can find/buy 667 MHz (pc25400) memory and put them in , but who wants a slower memory clock? I am still searching for a manufacturer who makes an 8 GB kit (2 x 4 GB) in the 800 MHz (pc2-6400 SODIMM), because I believe it will work. I wanted DDR3 ALSO because the Montevina chipset/cpu also state PC3-8500 1066MHz support. Another HP block, just like the CPU being soldered/integrated to the main board of the laptop, so NO CPU upgrades as well.

2. - Video- The NVIDIA 9600? Integrated or mini pci-e? ...if not integrated, any possibility of replacing it with a newer/faster card? Rivatune or ntune, can we SAFELY utilize an over clock on the card (9600's only here) or some other modification?

3. - Expansion- e-Sata port, I purchased a 5 ft. eSATA to eSATA Cable
From newegg, was wondering if anyone had any benchmarks from the hp's esata port with a nice hard drive on it?

4. - Hard Drives-

I ordered the notebook with 2 drives (160x2 7200 rpm) so that the bracket for the second drive will be included. I actually looked up the part # and found that under NO conditions, will hp be re-selling the part without a diagnosis or warranty claim. (You can't order the laptop with 1 hdd, then add the second later on (on your own), because the 'bracket' will not be in the second hdd bay ((I assume)). So I will have 2 extra brand new drives as paperweights.. Because i am replacing them with:
2x ( WD3200BEKT 320gb 7200rpm NOTEBOOK) Hard drives
I did a lot of research prior to buying those:
Western Digital = 3 YEAR WARRANTY and ADVANCED RMA EXCHANGE!!! <--- best in the industry
others = 1 year
NO RAID SUPPORT? come on hp, it's been years now you've had notebooks with multiple hdd's, step it up when you "program" your custom bios. The Intel chipset and cpu, (yet again) DO support ich7/8 raid features, it is HP who disables them or does not include them with "their" bios...... booooo....

I was going to order (one or the other) SSD (solid State disk drive) 2.5" for the primary (os) drive, out of these 2.
(best 2 out to date)
1. Mtron Pro 7000 (16gb s-ata 150 0.1 ms time!)
2. MemoRight MR25.1-032S (32gb s-ata 150 0.1 ms time too!)
both of these drives are incredibly expensive, but offer the best SSD read/write times of over 100mb/s!!!! I WILL be getting a SSD in the next year, we all should keep a close eye on the read/write times as well as the price$. Samsung (pricey $) was the next runner up, but was significantly slower, and less "redundant" from what i'v read... also all other drives are VERY picky with chipsets.... any ideas?

5. - Optical drives-

Is there a slim 2.5mm BLU-RAY rw that’s FASTER yet? the current rate is 1x and 2x single layer, with a read of 4x? I could be wrong, hoping someone knows of 1 that’s not a ma****a or some horrid manufacturer... also, I know the "cd-dvd-brd" faceplate for our drives does come off "carefully" and clip on to the new OEM black faced replacement drives. So lets get a link for an affordable br-rw internal notebook 2.5mm drive!

6. - Battery ?- WOW no EXTENDED life battery offered? Good work HP
Anyone care to comment on any of this? I love feedback!

 

Ok I Have Two Question On This Laptop.
would This Notebook Be Able To Play Games Like Medieval 2 Total War On At Least Medium Settings?

Does The Integrated Tv Tuner Card Work Right When You Get The Notebook Or Are There Antennaes That You Have To Get Separatly In Order For It To Work?

Thanks

 

Zdub:

Let me know when you find that RAM.

 

crucial.com has 2x4gb but they're asking like $1,055 (its DDR2 PC2-5300) for it. LOL!

for that price, i'd buy another friggin' laptop!

http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=Pavilion dv7-1020us


hrm,..... 2x2gb are 99.99... okay... so lets price the 2x4gb at.... ummm....... *picks a random figure out of the sky* $1,055.00! bingo, we got ourselves a winner.

so your laptop cost a grand? lovely - a memory upgrade will also be a grand. thank you, come again.

 

Just to join the crowd...My DV7 has an expected ship date of Aug. 26! Can't wait!

I also can't wait to see the benchmarks from the first person crazy enough to spend the money to buy these:

 

people are going crazy with upgrades and extra junk.
Don't waste your money on such ridiculous stuff.
8GB of RAM?? If you use up 4GB now, please tell me what you are doing. Maybe in the future, but no one should need that much now and it's overkill to buy something like that.

 

^ madness...?

THIS. IS. SPARTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!


i love seeing so many people with such insane setups. i think with the prices dropping how they are, i dont see why everyone doesnt have 320gb hard drives and 4gb ram on their machines since a laptop with those specs is now in the $700-$900 range.....

 

Someone PLEASE tell me that the DV7T can be configured for Raid 0 with 2 HDD's??!!?? I sure hope so...

 

I've heard people complaining about the fact that HP's Bios won't allow for it yet. So I think the answer is no. Sorry...


---------

BTW, my DV7T finally shipped!! woohoo. Anyone think I could get it by Friday? I'm on the East Coast.
It shipped from KUNSHAN, CHINA. Is that their main factory?

 

HI GUYS!
I TRYED WITH THE $400 COUPON, BUT IT HAS EXPIRED!
DO YOU THINK IT WILL BE AVAILABLE AGAIN SOON?
I WILL WAIT...

 

Mine was also expired. If you call them and tell them that your not buying unless they will honor it they will give you $350 off. Thats what they did with me. When i get mine if im not impressed im sending it back and getting this Gateway http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4011672&CatId=2511. great deal...supports raid 0. Anyone think this will out perform the HP DV7T maxxed out?

 

How cute... A Gateway

I didn't even know they still made those, do they still come in the cow print boxes or are they too now coming in rice paper boxes

 

^ hahahahahaa. my first pc ever was a gateway... $6,000+ with a 17" crt and a laser printer, back in 1994.

that computer was so darn expensive i even kept the cow-spotted boxes like they were somehow worth some of that $6,000!

roflmao!


in other news:

my dv7t shipped today. i should have it by the end of the week.

ordered on the 12th
shipped on the 19th.

HP's estimated ship date was the 21st.

 

Mine was ordered the 15th, scheduled to be done on the 26th. Hopefully it will ship on the 22nd based on when your laptop shipped.

 

I ordered on the 14th and it's scheduled to ship on the 25th. Oh how I'd love an early ship date.

 

omega,

what were your specs again?

come on, you know you wanna post 'em :-D

 

This gateway is probably a better value:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8892825&type=product&id=1211587727985

I considered getting it because of the great specs (great graphics card, good processor, nice resolution screen, 4 GB of DDR3 RAM is nice) but decided not to after I saw it in person. It felt a little cheap and was one of the ugliest laptops in the store (second to some Toshibas). It is huge too- it weighs over 9 pounds and the battery sticks out of the back by about 3/4 of an inch. If you really aren't going to be moving your laptop at all you should consider getting it.

I trust HP more anyway (my dv7t is replacing a ~4 year old dv5000 that still runs well).

 

Waiting on my dv7t:

- HP Pavilion dv7t Entertainment Notebook
- Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
- Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P8600 (2.4 GHz)
- 17.0" diagonal WSXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1680 x 1050)
- 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
- 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
- FREE Upgrade to 320GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive from 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
- Webcam Only
- HP Color Matching Keyboard
- Intel(R) WiFi Link 5100AGN
- No High speed 56K modem port
- SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
- HP Integrated HDTV Hybrid Tuner
- 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
- $100 OFF Microsoft(R) Office Home and Student 2007!!

for ~ $1400 after taxes.

I didn't like the infinity screen when I saw it in the store. It reduced the vertical viewing angle quite a bit due to glossiness.

 

i think i will be sending mine back as well for a couple of reasons:

1) i got the infinity screen but hated it when i saw it at bestbuy. i will still evaluate it but i have this feeling that im going to wind up returning it.

2) i got the t9400 proc - i want the t9600 now :-D

3) i did not have mine optioned with a fingerprint reader - i want to add that as well.

but looking at the prices for dv7t's at best buy / staples, etc, it makes me wonder if i really need a machine that nucking futs...

indicisiveness will be the end of me.... or will it? ROFLMAO!

 

I am wondering the same thing. Can anyone help? What should I un-instal?

Thanks

 

Well ok
- HP Pavilion dv7t Entertainment Notebook
- Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
- Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor T9600 (2.80GHz)
- 17.0" diagonal WSXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Infinity Display (1680 x 1050)
- 4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
- 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
- 320GB 7200RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (160GB x 2) with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
- [For BrightView Infinity] Webcam + Fingerprint Reader
- HP Color Matching Keyboard
- Intel(R) WiFi Link 5100AGN and Bluetooth(TM)
- No High speed 56K modem port
- $100 OFF Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
- No TV Tuner w/remote control
- 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
- $100 OFF Microsoft(R) Office Home and Student 2007!!
- HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

 

Hi everyone
I got my laptop yesterday,
But the left side of the touch pad is warming up
My CPU is 2.8, and the temperature is between 48 C (low usage) to 62 C (when running intense programs)
Can someone tell me if their laptop warms up to?
The windows experience index is only 4.8, although everything is above 5, except for Desktop performance for windows Aero, which is 4.8
I think I’m going to reinstall windows, you should see the junk on this thing,
Now I need to order the Windows DVD, and wait for it to come in.
More waiting………………………………….
I appreciate anyone’s help on this matter

Thanks

 

^ did you try removing all the excess junk before doing a complete overhaul? i know it doesnt completely clean but at least you can remove some junk to try to bring up the 4.8 index....?

 

Yes I tried that; it doesn’t seem to work,
The windows boot time is also very long,
My 1.8GHz dell laptop even boots faster with windows vista,
This is a 1Ghz cpu difference, 6M cash, almost twice the bus speed, 7200rpm hard drive, and Windows Vista 64bit.
Something has to be wrong,
You will get yours soon and you’ll see for yourself, I think it need a nice clean install,

 

Yea, the left side hand rest is where the harddrive is, so don't be too surprised if it warms up a bit. Remove your miniremote to cool it down a bit; I do it when ever I do anything intensive like gaming. My CPU gets about 40-50C on normal operation and ramps up to the mid 60s when gaming so yours is quite normal.
4.8? Hmm....I have a 5 straight out of the box, but it's not a big deal since it's about running Aero, I'd be more concerned with the graphics index.
I have to wait for a while before I can do a clean install, but I managed to get my processes down to about 65 or so by disabling a ton of services and processes and my computer still runs like a charm.

It takes so long to boot since there's a lot of services and processes starting up at boot, disable some to make it go faster. Also your computer is booting up using only one core on default. I switched to 2 core boot up and it cut down on the boot time considerably.

 

Thanks a lot for the info; I was worried, because everyone said it was so cool,
Can you tell me how to switch to 2 core boot?
Thanks again

 

Hi TS,
I think you have verified my opinion of the Infinity screen. No Pros. all Cons. Too much reflectivity and glare. Unfortunately the normal glossy screen is not much better but it is obvious that another layer of plastic is detrimental. Please give us a heads up after you have evaluated the Infinity a bit longer. BTW, I agree with your planned upgrade. If you're going to bust the bank, bust it good!

 

Hi Steve,
WEI above 5 except one 4.8 is pretty good. WEI uses the lowest mark as the WEI index.

 

Yes I know, but I’m wondering if it will go higher after I do a reinstall
But I don’t think that is true,
I wasn’t actually complaining about the WEI,
I just wanted to post it because other people were asking about it
I think I will feel much happier after reinstalling windows,
Some people even went back to xp, but I don’t think that is necessary this is a powerful machine
And vista is designed to work smooth with high end machines; at least that’s what I read somewhere
Thanks for the comment

 

Steve - I did a fresh install of Vista and the numbers did not change in my case from 'as shipped' to right after a fresh build. I had always planned to wipe and load when it arrived. However, it is not worth it to wait for media as you indicated you may be doing. Clear out some unnecessary services and applications and you will be close enough and done tomorrow (no more waiting!).

In regard to the WEI numbers, my old laptop actually scored HIGHER in the Vista Aero mark which is only a 4.8 on my dv7. However, i can tell you that Vista and even the Aero effects are significantly snappier on the dv7t. Don't worry too much about the numbers, the dv7t is performing very, very well from what I'm experiencing. I'm running an excessive amount of services including a database server and my development software and still getting great performance.

I'm also, apparently, the only one perfectly satisfied (so far) with his infinity screen. :-} I telecommuted today and worked 10+ hours doing development work and didn't have any issues with glare or readability. The only reason I say 'so far' is that there is so much grumbling about it on the boards that I assume I will eventually wise up and see how bad it is. My only hope is that I notice that most people speaking out about how bad it is do not have one sitting in front of them.

 

Run msconfig, go to the boot tab and selection advanced options; there should be a drop down menu for how many cores you want to use for boot.

 

This is a myth that has been debunked. Editing your Boot settings in msconfig are only recommend for testing purposes to see if the CPUs are working correctly.

 

huh really, because my boot time have decreased since I switched to 2 core boot.

 

http://lifehacker.com/5033518/debunking-common-windows-performance-tweaking-myths