*HP dv7t Quad Edition (3XXX series) Owners Lounge*

"I do not have a bass management checkbox. I have Bass Boost, Virtual Surround, Room Correction and Loudness Equalization. The IDT CODEC is dated 10/20/2009, 6.10.6249.0"


I have the four enhancement options you mentioned with the difference being you have "bass boost", and I have "bass management".

We may be on to something here. Mine is dated 7/21/2009 (three full months earlier than yours) and is driver 6.10.6225.0

Should I attempt to update the driver? Just because a driver is newer, doesn't mean it's automatically better. I'm worried about screwing something up. On the other hand, even if I do update the drivers and my "bass management" tab changes to "bass boost", my subwoofer is still listed as "not present", so it wouldn't matter either way. Actually I couldn't update it even if I wanted to. The "update driver" tab is transparent and I don't have the option to do it! =(

 

For what it's worth, here's my configuration screen:

 

No dice there, I don't think that's it. My IDT High Definition Audio CODEC driver version is 6.10.6225.0, 7/21/2009.

 

I am at my f-ing wits end with all this %#&*%$@ BS.

I just tried to update both the nvidia drivers and the IDT drivers, and upon searching I get the same message for both -

"Windows has determined the driver software for your device is up to date".


We just PROVED that I have outdated drivers for my IDT codec, and given the date for my nvidia drivers is 7/23/2009 (more than five months old) there HAVE to be updated drivers available for that as well. My nvidia driver is 8.15.11.8644.

For F____S sake, what gives. Never has a "new" system given me such a headache. Why am I being told that BOTH are up to date when I clearly know that BOTH are NOT???????

 

Well if we have the same drivers, how could we have two different configuration screens?? Must be something else at work here..

Wondering -- how are all of you updating these drivers? Windows isn't finding any updates via device manager..

 

Calm down nicow. There might be something you are doing wrong. Maybe you are installing a 32bit driver on a 64bit OS? Dunno, but my nVIDIA driver says 8.17.119562 2009/11/20.

Or maybe try uninstalling your old drivers then installing the new ones. It is most of the times recommended to do clean installs instead of updates.

 

I'm opting for the "update driver" tab and it isn't doing anything, when it clearly should. I'm not "choosing" 32 or 64 bit drivers. It's supposed to find the correct drivers automatically and install them.

I NEVER completely uninstall drivers followed by searching for an update. Far too many times I've tried that and then the "device isn't recognized". I'm not even considering that option. Besides, when you install a new driver by selecting the "update driver" tab, the system is supposed to uninstall the prior drivers before installing the new ones anyway, so it's moot to uninstall them yourself beforehand.

 

The settings only go to one of four options that is selected. The four options are: Bass Boost, Virtual Surround, Room Correction and Loudness Equalization
i don't have any "Bass Management" neither anything that says subwoofer anywhere despite having a subwoofer.

 

IDT 6.10.6225.0 21/07/2009 here.

This has nothing to do with Nvidia/ATI except for HDMI sound connection.

 

Fu$K this. Fu$k it all. I TRIED taking a screen capture and pasting it in paint, but NO, of COURSE that WONT WORK either. The "paste" tab is transparent. Only the "paste from" tab works. So much for taking so much as even one %&#(%&##( screen grab to show you the settings tab next to the "enhancements" that no one but myself seems to be able to see.

Fu$k windows 7, and fu$k vista. XP never needed to be "updated". It worked FINE.

You all have fun with your 1k POS. Mine is going back tomorrow. When it won't even let me paste a screen grab with ease, I'm done.

 

Nincow...Thanks for playing

So now may be a good time to bring the topic of the returns experience up. I had bought on BF and when the delay in December came up I jumped ship and bought a pre-configured one from Amazon. I am quite happy, no regrets. Unfortunately they did end up 'unable to cancel' my order and so my second DV7T arrived a couple of days before Christmas. I called and got very little fuss about returning it, especially after saying that I had opted for and already received my pre-configured. They sent me a link to a label that I printed and took to my local FEDEX-Office (formerly Kinkos!) and handed the package over to them. Once Fedex moved it into "in fedex possession" status, my refund appeared on my card. 2 full days before it actually was delivered to HP. Needless to say, I was very happy!.

I wonder though... Could I have just sent back a brick? Hmmmmm...

 

Wow... people are fussing about this laptop just because of a driver issue? Why not download the latest driver manually? When you click the update driver, it connects to Windows Update and usually downloads it from there or another source. These databases are not updated daily, so it would be better to just update it yourself.
And to add to your issue of the Bass Management and Bass Boost....
IT's JUST AN ENHANCEMENT!! Regardless of if you have it or not, the IDT SRS and DOLBY Surround sound are doing their work already, so it should sound awesome already. There is no need to fuss about such small things.
If you believe you have an issue, just update the drivers!!
You can download them from Here, under IDT High Definition Audio Codec

 

It's not solely due to the driver issues. It's a combination of that, a horrid screen, popping, flexing, and all the other issues that come standard with this "high end" system.

 

This is all pretty amusing.

The update option from within Windows device manager (I assume this is what nincow is doing) is rarely good enough to find drivers that are not explicitly set up with MS update.

This has nothing at all to do with the HP laptop.

Download the silly drivers and be on your way.

Oh, and good luck finding a sub 1k laptop with an i7 processor and a decent video card...

R

 

You could have, but then the charge would have appeared back on your card again when they opened it.

Or perhaps they would have charged you with mail fraud?



R

 

I have not much issues with mine, some things are good some are not so.
Nothing bad enough to make a tantrum.

I had no problem copying pasting the screen in MSpaint, and this was first time i opened it, usually use XnView. fn+prt sc and click in paste...

 

nicow, you are blaming the wrong thing. The way Windows work is that you can update a driver "if" Microsoft have an updated version of the driver so it will go to Microsoft's server, download it and update it. Or "if" you have the extracted files in your computer and you specify the path. Otherwise, you would have to update the drivers by installing the new version of drivers "using the installer file"; were usually it is recommended to uninstall the previous one first.

This "updating driver" issue is not dv7t local problem but an Windows issue.

 

It's obvious by his remarks that nincow really doesn't have the background or experience to know how to operate Windows (7 or Vista), and was perfectly happy with XP because, as he put it, it never needed updating.

As is evident by his "short fuse" and his desire to blame the dv7t for things that are obviously due to Windows (and his lack of knowing how it works), he's better off just returning it.

FWIW, as with most HP notebooks of recent vintage, the built-in subwoofer is not an "active" component. It's merely fed a signal from an electronic crossover in the audio circuit, so although it's there and working, Windows doesn't see it as such because it's really just an extension of the L-R speakers. That's why you see that Subwoofer field grayed out. It's not a true 2.1 channel system.

 

Maybe you weren't aware when you ordered it, but the dv7t QUAD is part of HP's Pavilion line of notebooks, which is HP's consumer line. HP had the HDX line, which was a step up in build quality (and price) from the standard Pavilion stuff. They've since done away with that line of products (too bad!), and now they have the "high-end" Envy line. You might look at the Envy line if you want something with better build quality. Or, better yet, for you, maybe something from the Apple Store? I hear those Mac's are problem free!

 

^ LOLOL, yeah, go spend $3k on an apple with similar hardware as a $1k dv7t !

Lancorp, I did not know you were a comedian.

 

Uh, you can't spend $3k or anything on an Apple notebook with a Core i7...they don't sell one!! But I know what you mean...

My point was that a Mac is probably the perfect computer for nincow because, as their Mac vs. PC ads always portray, Macs are perfect and Windows isn't.

 

There is a program called "Snipping Tool" that I was using that came on my laptop... saves a few steps and just lets you pick the region of the screen to capture, and gives a save prompt. Very easy!

If you really want to feel like you're "stickin' it to the man", have a read of this:
http://officeofstrategicinfluence.com/bulkmailer/

 

That's hilarious! If I can think of anyone more deserving, it's the credit card banks who somehow feel the need to take money they get at practically ZERO percent from the government, and lend it to us at 25%. Considering how quickly they all recovered from the brink of bankruptcy thanks to their new role as Loan Shark, I'm thinking some bricks would be rather fitting!

 

Take a chill pill dude... Seems like you have too many issues with this system... or should I say with Windows 7 OS. If you want to resolve an issue, there are lots of threads on this forum. Microsoft is not liable to update the newly updated drivers in their database as soon vendors release.

There's a dedicated thread for HP dv7t updated drivers http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=404164 just to make most of our life easier and your too. Unless you only want to keep on complaining about this and that problem.

 

*sighs*

Look, I know full well how I've been coming across, but your perceptions of me are far from accurate. I may have stuck with a stock dell for nine years, but I've also built systems for family and friends and was compensated for my efforts. I've simply never been the sort to constantly upgrade, by any means. My Dimension 8300 came with an ati 9800 pro, which was way ahead of its time and lasted for 7 years before it eventually died. I was able to play *everything* that came out very well, with occasional settings tweaks, of course. I've maxed out the ram, added two additional drives, and when my 9800 pro died I replaced it with the 7600gt, which is widely considered to be the last great agp card (being limited to agp within the dell).

This experience with HP has been so frustrating because I'm a student on a student budget and I don't splurge on myself very often. I wanted to get a new system and I simply wanted to be happy with it, rather than continually finding fault with it, as I (and others) have. When I first took it out of the box my prime concern was dead pixels. I'm the sort who would have packed it away IMMEDIATELY upon finding *one*. Much to my delight, my screen was free of them. Yet I couldn't help but notice the dull screen, poor contrast, and keyboard flex. Then the sound problems began. The right speaker is *clearly* MUCH louder than the left, and the sub has no place being where it is. Those with sensitive hearing are at a disadvantage amidst such circumstances.

It was I who posted several posts back about a friend who bought a macbook "air" that he claimed was better than the one he was upgrading from despite the fact it cost far more and had specs several years old. I've never been an apple fan and I doubt I ever will be. The only reason I even have an ipod is because I found one in a parking lot, and that was only two weeks ago. I prefer the sansa e250 by a long shot.

My ing surrounding windows 7 is due to my frustration with it not doing the "little things" I feel it should do. Selecting "update driver" from XP or Vista has never worked through the device manager, and I was hoping that for once it finally *would*. It's not as though new drivers for both nvidia or IDT *just* came out. Mine are 3 and 5 months old, which is more than enough time for microsoft to update things on their end. They're the largest company in the world, and they can't keep on top of the latest drivers for two of the most commonly updated components for the worlds leading laptop manufacture? That "does not compute" as far as I'm concerned.

At any rate, I'm not an inexperienced idiot about to hop on the mac-wagon because it "just works". I'm just not thrilled about having so many issues surround a new purchase, given I don't make many large purchases on my budget. Especially surrounding a new pc. I've since cooled off and I may actually keep it, now that I've updated the drivers and fiddled endlessly with the screen adjustment settings within windows 7. I've also since connected external speakers, so the internal sound issues are no longer a problem. I may just keep it after all, but I'm still testing it. I've put a couple hours into dragon age with everything maxed out, and it's performed without a hitch. I'm quite impressed. At this point my main issue stands with the warranty. A standard two year warranty or extended three year warranty would provide some peace of mind.

 

While the fit and finish of the DV7T is lacking, I think it is unrealistic to expect the a rock solid product for the price.

With the $500 off coupons these things are (relatively) dirt cheap.

I can live with all of the nitpicky stuff (unbalanced speakers, cheap feel, keyboard flex), so long as the unit can survive my daily use and travel.

We will see.

-Matt

 

I'm sharing this story for the board. Take from it what you will.

I just found a Dell Studio 17 with comparable specs for the same price I paid for the dv7t. The difference is that dell offers a standard three year warranty, while HP offers a one year warranty.

I called their return department with a bluff - When asked why I was going to return it, I said "I found a comperable system from dell that offers a three year warranty". When pressed about issues with the laptop itself, I lied through my teeth and said "The HP is great, I love it, but dell has the same system for the same price and they offer two extra years of warranty coverage, standard".

I figured that for SURE she would encourage me to keep it and match dell and provide two extra years, but instead she simply began to process the RMA number and started going on about the "coupons" I've used and how they were "no longer valid". Having no idea what in the hell she was going on about, I asked her to clarify why she was bringing any of that up at all. Her reply didn't make a lick of sense. It was hard enough trying to understand her through her thick accent, and nothing she said about "invalid coupons" had anything to do with why I was calling.

When I had the chance to speak again I said something along the lines of "look, dell has a similar system with two extra years. Can you match that?" I even offered to send her the link. She said "Is it the exact same system?" I said that it wasn't the *exact* system, but it was extremely close. She then said that since it wasn't "exact", she couldn't do anything.

Here's the kicker. I then said "So you're telling me that if I DO find the "exact" same system elsewhere for the same price with a longer warrenty, then you CAN match it?", to which she said "No, but I can guarantee you that your laptop will last for the full year and the years after that. It will not fail on you and it will last for long time". I replied with "You're personally guaranteeing this yourself?" and she said "Yes, I can guarantee this". Dumbstruck, I simply said "If you're so confident that my laptop will not fail for many years, why not simply match Dell and give me the same extended warranty. If you're guaranteeing the quality of my laptop, what does HP have to lose by giving me peace of mind?"

She didn't understand what I was talking about.


In short, I tried to get a couple more years for peace of mind, but it was a no-go. If anyone else would like to try, go for it. I fail to see why they couldn't humor me if a lone sales rep could personally guarantee my system. I can't believe she would suggest such a thing, followed by failing to provide the extra two years for customer satisfaction. This is an extremely competitive market, and happy customers are repeat customers. I was not encouraged to be the latter.

 

Reasonable.

Reasonable.

I agree. Bought a DV7 for a relative and I wasn't happy with the sound. My HDX Dragon and DV5 are much better in terms of fidelity and loudness. But my relative seems pleased with it. So I guess it's not all bad. I just have to remember never to play audio from my HDX or DV5 while the DV7 is near.

I have an Ipod mini. It gets the job done so I can't complain. BTW, Mac's aren't so bad once you get to know them.

Don't think I'd ever buy one though. But if I received one as a gift I'd keep it.

Well as far as Nvidia is concerned, their drivers can be hit or miss with each release. So I'm glad that Microsoft only updates the drivers with the most stable releases. Microsoft only issues the most stable drivers that will be compatible with the largest sampling of systems.

IDT drivers also are hit or miss. They can cause issues with some programs. Games in particular.

So Microsoft is actually doing the computing world a service by only cataloging the most stable and universally compatible drivers.

Well, I'm glad you're finding some satisfaction. I know the feeling of being disappointed. I went through that when I bought a TX2500. Had it boxed up ready to go back to HP, twice. Glad I stuck with it. Found all sorts of tweaks and tips in the forums to optimize it and fix issues. Now it's one of my most used notebooks.

Well, perhaps it would. But it would be theoretical peace of mind. There are many frequent horror stories about HP repair. My hope is that you will never need to send it in and that you can find answers to whatever issues pop up on the forum.

 

Did I end up with a higher end model than everyone else by mistake? I would certainly not consider this laptop to have a "cheap" feel to it by any stretch of the word. I'm not trying to argue with anyone; I'm just saying that I really find this machine to be very satisfactory. It has definitely met my expectations, and even exceeded them in some areas.

It's a shame some of you are having so many problems with your purchases. This machine really performs great, in my opinion. nincow, if I were in your shoes and had the same complaints about my laptop I would be feeling the same way and doing the same things. After all the research into comparable systems, hunting for deals and reviews, and finally finding the [what I expected to be the] perfect laptop, I would be downright furious if it arrived with so many flaws and disappointments!

nincow, I'm in agreement with you on the warranty -- in a market where most other competitors are offering 2+year warranties standard, it's curious why HP would offer only 1 year. Combine that with the Square Trade study on laptop reliability which puts HP at the bottom of the top manufacturers, and it's very discouraging. I wonder how much money those 25% of failures within the 3-year window cost HP owners, which would have been covered under warranty had they opted for a Dell machine! However sometimes getting warranty work done can be a nightmare in itself!

In an economic state where consumers are putting more consideration than ever into how they spend their money, one would think companies would be bending over backwards to please existing customers and gain new ones. Unfortunately, based on the experiences I've read here and elsewhere this doesn't seem to be case - be it HP or many other large companies.

Regardless, I feel that the price I paid for the dv7t-quad somewhat reflected that, and allowed me to purchase an additional year of warranty (I'd really consider it "insurance" more than warranty) and stay within my budget as opposed to going with a Dell. The comparable ASUS machine was considerably more expensive -- at least from my research a month ago.

Hopefully those of you with issues regarding your purchases find a satisfying solution, be it system tweaks, returns, exchanges or whatever!

 

@nincow
nVIDIA, IDT and Microsoft are completely different companies. Because one company launch one product, the other company does not necessarily have to keep track of the other company. Just because Microsoft is one of the largest companies around the world does not mean that it has to keep track of everything their partners do or launch as for drivers. Microsoft is just trying to give the minimal amount that works and so the drivers that they come with. In the worst case, Microsoft doesn't even have drivers for certain components.

Dell Studio 17 start at a price of $1249 which is way more expensive than the DV7T. And now i am even guessing that you bought your DV7T without a coupon which slashed the DV7T price around $900-$1000 with tax. I do admit that the DV7t have a bunch of drawbacks but finding a laptop with such specs with that price; i really doubt it.

 

My DV7t definitely feel like a plastic toy.

I am sure part of that results from using this to replace my Macbook Pro. From a design (weight, thickness, and rock solid aluminum mono-body contruction) standpoint you can't beat the MBP. Unfortunately it doesn't run Windows well (battery life in Bootcamp is lackluster), and it is a generation behind in HW.

 

@banzemanga

No, I used the $400 coupon and got an additional $40 off followed by another $50 for a total of $490 off, bringing the price down to $918, or $1024 after taxes. Hence just over a grand. However HP doesn't keep track of all Dell prices, and dell has random "coupon" deals and percentage discounts all the time too. I just said their studio 17 was the same price after dells discounts.

As for microsoft, I disagree. They specialize in an OS, and its maintainence. That includes ensuring that all the major companies that write apps for *their* OS play nice. That means keeping on top of updated drivers. All MS needs to do is maintain a small group that periodically checks for driver updates from ati, nvidia, creative, etc. and links them to their standard "Driver update" option within the device manager. They're the biggest company in the world. They should be able to manage that.

 

@nincow
I would like to know what dell coupon deals you are using cause all their coupons i have found so far have never been Studio 17 related. And I am sure it will never be cheaper than the DV7T.

I think you are exaggerating about Microsoft keeping track of the driver options. It is too time and fund consuming just to provide the latest driver when they can just provide just a standard and stable one. The ones that should be keeping track of those are the computer makers like HP and DELL which they don't do it all the time neither. Also, if drivers are the problem, you will get the same problem even if you get a DELL.

 

I've been considering picking up the dv-3080us. It is on clearance at some places as low as $1299 (that I've seen).

The big negative I can see is that I'd just get the standard one year warranty, although I wouldn't be shocked at all if, after registration, they sent me an offer to extend the warranty (not sure what I'd do then).

I have just been burned bad by the Dell Studio XPS 1645 throttling issue (and a DOA RGBLED display but I would have just had that repaired). Now I am wary of any of these higher end laptops.

Seems like a lot of people are very happy with this machine while others have their problems. Knowing that typically if you are happy you are too busy playing with your new machine to post, I am curious if it's better to still order this direct or to take advantage of the closeout on this model.

I'm thinking with CES wrapping up, they are clearing out some stock.

1.60GHz Intel® Core™ i7-720QM Processor
Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit
6GB DDR3
17.3" Diagonal HD+ High-Definition HP LED BrightView Widescreen Display (1600 x 900)
500GB (7200RPM) SATA
LightScribe Blu-ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD±R/RW Double Layer
Intel WiFi Link 5100AGN; Bluetooth® wireless technology
NVIDIA GeForce GT 230M (NB10P GE) discrete 1024MB up to 2815MB total graphics memory with 1024MB dedicated
8-cell Lithium-Ion Battery; Up to 4.5 hours battery life*

 

After the delay on the one I custom ordered on BF, I chose to get the DV7-3080us instead. I can't for the life of me figure out the difference between it and the DV7T quad spec wise. I do know that I am very happy, like my screen, no audio problems, and my keyboard is firm, and I got it next day after I ordered it. That covers many of the complaints on this particular thread.

 

What are you doing here? Did you get lost? And are you conducting some sort of research on the effects of positive reinforcement??

 

Just to let you know, i was able to overclock the GT230M to 700/948/1540 safely @5c increase in temperature during the furmark stability test on the DV6t, this is faster than GT330 565/1066/1265.

 

Hi - what software did you use? (MSIafterburner?)

Have you seen any real world improvements and/or what change in benchmark scoring are you seeing?

Thanks,
R

 

They have to be the same machine... I could not find the DV7-3080US on the HP website, though I did find it available on the web for a lot more money than the DV7t...

My guess is that it was a standard package built by HP (500gb drive, Blu Ray, etc.) and then sold that way - HP probably then made the dv7t a configurable item.

The specs are the same....

R

 

NVidia system tools, the score for the furmark for 800X600 windowed jumped from 21xx to 28xx and the average fps jumped from 34 to 47.

 

I think they JUST pulled it from their preconfigured models, as I now can also not find it. It was on clearance at my local Staples so I think with CES coming this is its last hurrah.

I was able to play with one myself (at Best Buy, not Staples). I found controls to change the gamma and contrast, and after that was more relieved, as originally the black level was a very light gray.

I also found, at the time, on the HP site that this model shipped with a 120W AC adapter. I was looking for that since part of the Dell SXPS 1645 issues were due to a 90W AC adapter.

I don't NEED a gaming machine. I do need, and will use, a fast processor with lots of RAM. BluRay was a total non factor.

So for $470 less than I was going to pay for a SXPS 16 that has 1080 support (and a damn fine looking display) but no blu-ray and a corei7 crippled to 800mhz at times, I think this should work out fine.

I am REALLY interested in installing an SSD in the second bay, if possible, and there seems to be a thread for that here.

I'll have it mondey. I'd be happy to post any stats or benches people might want to see. I do think this machine is coming off the rolls, but it could help you decide on your own dv7t quad build, no?

 

LOL. I bought a DV7 as a gift so was reading some of the thread for tips and tricks.

 

Strange mouse behavior?

Has anyone noticed the following: Every once in a while the mouse will act like this:

- Works fine as far as moving it around the screen
- Windows are able to be accessed normally via alt-tab cycling method

But the clickability of the window buttons disappears. For instance, you cannot click on the minimize or restore buttons.

This will last for 30 secs or so. I usually play around with the mouse, clicking on the scroll wheel and such to try to bring it back (which it always does)

Performance load is not high when this happens.

I'm still running a factory install of W7. I plan to wipe and reinstall soon.

Just wondering if anyone has seen something like this or its just my machine.

 

I need more battery time. Do you think there is a chance that an extended battery will be made available at some time?

 

Spaceshot - the system ships with a 120W but the 90W also works. I bought a 90W for when I travel, and I keep the 120W here in the office hooked up to the Quickdock.

Jlanka - Win 7 64bit here...never saw anything like that. Got any 3rd party apps installed that could impact that?

Bopper - I have seen a 12 cell battery on ebay...do some checking first - I can't assure you that this will work. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370310915707

R

 

Sorry if this is not the correct location for this information, but I ordered a dv7t Quad on 01/05, only to discover a new coupon today (01/08) which adds an additional $300 off to the $200 instant rebate. This coupon seems to require the Blu-Ray option, but the total deal is for $950 for dv7t w/ Blu-Ray. I canceled my original order and ordered a new computer with this coupon, so its working as of today.

http://dealnews.com/HP-Pavilion-dv7...-w-Blu-ray-for-950-free-shipping-/341121.html

 

^ excellent deal and thanks for posting the coupon!

you should also post it in the "tech bargains" forum that you will see on the root of the notebookreview.com forum page.

 

Done, posted with extra coupon info on dv4t and dv6t systems.

 

Hmmm...come to think of it, you didn't get me a gift for the Holidays!

BTW, notice any changes to my sig?

 

Really?! No! Oh well, I'll get you next time around.

Gulp! You sold the HDX. It's true then, patience pays.