*HP dv8 Owners Lounge*

Figured I'd open up a new Lounge for the Hp dv8 Community.

Here you are able to customize and order your dv8 Notebook!


Check and bookmark these three sites for HP Coupons!!

1. Site One!
2. Site Two!
3. Site Three!

Also, join the HDX & DV Series User Group!! Just click on the image in my Sig or go here! You'll find a Complete Set of Forums for the DV Series (tied in w/ the HDX Series)!! You'll love it.

Here you will find all the latest drivers for the dv8 Series Notebooks!

Click here for a Big Beautiful Picture of the new HP dv8!!

 

I'm glad you started this. Just sold my HDX Dragon for this laptop. Actually made money on the sale! Heres my specs:

dv8t quad edition
• Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-720QM Processor (1.6GHz, 6MB L2 Cache, 1333MHz FSB)
• FREE Upgrade to 4GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 3GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
• FREE Upgrade to 320GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
• 1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 230M
• 18.4" diagonal High Definition HP Ultra BrightView Infinity Display (1920x1080p)
• Blu-Ray +/-R/RW with SuperMulti
• Webcam + Fingerprint Reader with HP Imprint Finish (Espresso Black)
• Intel Wireless-N Mini-card
• HP Integrated HDTV Hybrid Tuner
• HP Color Matching Keyboard
• 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
• Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
• HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

Ordered it on sunday the 18th using the bing 25% cash back. I got a wireless printer for like 50 bucks too with all the deals. That will be sent out today, the 19th, and my computer will be 'built' buy the 27th. The hp lady said that is the latest day it will be built and shipped, which means it could be bulit and shipped before that date. I got two day shipping, so the latest I can get the laptop is the 29th. I can't wait. I'm looking maybe to get a ssd, but i want atleat a 128gb, but i don't wanna pay over 150. is there one that will be worth the purchase?
Ben

 

Great set-up!

Yeah, the dv8 line is VERY resonably priced! I couldn't believe it. I could get the same setup that you just ordered for the same amount of money I spent on my HDX18. I am not sad, I love my computer and plan on keeping it for some time.

As for the SSD, I doubt you'll be able to find one that meets your desires. Sad to say, I know. But in time they will go down in price (they have recently anyway).

But you're on the right track, SSD is the best upgrade for your computer!!

Also, I noticed they are not offering the Backlite keyboard yet. I imagine they will soon. In fact if you look at that big picture of the dv8 in my original post, you can see on the keyboard it has the Function Box which is the same as the backlite keyboards for the HDX Series.

I am even tempted to say that the keyboards may be compatible. Time will tell.

But congrats on your purchase as well as your sale of your Dragon!! Sounds like you got the perfect deal!

 

Quick update,
a new coupon code was released that gave 200 more off a dv8 today (20th). I called hp to try to get it applied from my order on the 18th. They wouldnt do it, however, I could cancel my order and reorder and apply it. (I didn't really want to do this since I would lose that 25% cash back). I threatened to cancel ( i really wasn't gonna, it was a shot to get the coupon applied), and they offered me 80$ credit back on the card I purchased the notebook with. Of course I took it! (because I'd still get the bing cash back!).

Maybe you all should try it too, hopefully you'll get similar results!
Ben

 

Hi,
New here. I am considering a DV8 and have a few questions. I currently use an old XP desktop.
1) this is not DV8 specific, but do I need to buy a new copy of Win 7 if I want to run Win 7 in a virtual machine? I want to install some remote connection software to connect to the office, and it has a tendency to "take over the machine". If I loaded this in a VM and only installed the work software in teh VM, my system would remain "clean"

2) Will the DV8 be available from the factory with a backlight keyboard?

3) The DV8 is currently only available with a single graphics card option. Is this a decent card?

4) Is the dv8 a replacement for the HDX 18?

5) I know it i big, but besides size, are there any drawbacks that you can think of?

6) any suggestions on a case? I don't want a backpack. All teh cases I saw were too small for this

7) Is there a way to order the dv8 without crapware, or easily reinstall only the OS?

Thanks

H. Al-Haqir

 

I'm stuck between DV8 & Dell Studio 17. My biggest concern is 'Backlit Keyboard' which is standard on Studio 17. I've had horrible experience with another HP notebook with the crappiest keyboard.

So basically, I too have similar questions ...

What's the possibility of Backlit Keyboard on the DV8?
How does the GT 230M stack up against ATI HD 4650 offered by Studio 17?

Biggest plus I have going for DV8 is screen size. I like bigger screens.

Thanks.

 

The performance of the GT 230 should be comparable:

http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-GT-230M.17646.0.html

Backlight KB is not available now. It is not a must have for me.

 

1.That is what VM is supposed to do. You are talking VPN?
2. No
3.Yes, see link above
4.No
5.Plenty but there is no perfect laptop. First gen I7 mobile, 45nm technology, probably will run hot. About 45 W I believe.
6.Case? What case? Go to slappa.com and see what they have.
7. There is a hidden partition, you don't want to lose that. Before you do anything make your backup disks.

 

Check out this thread. I just ordered this bag last night.

Plenty more bags here.

 

Firstly thanks for all of your replies.

1. I wanted to know if a distinct license is required to load the OS up in a VM.
2. Are no HP laptops available with a backlight keyboard? I thought the HDX-18 was available with his as a $50 option.

4. If it is not a replacement, what is the difference between the 2? On HP's site, when selecting by screen size, the HDX18 notebook no longer show up, though the 16 does.

Thanks

 

1. will need license for windows 7 or vista. No license for Ubuntu or others.
2. Don't know
4. Different MB, CPU, Memory, and different GPU. In short, different laptop.

 

Both the HDX16 and HDX18 have the backlit option. I just upgraded mine to the backlit, took 30 minutes. Both are available off eBay for about $30.

I have a feeling the HDX18 backlit keyboard and the dv8 keyboard are going to be interchangeable. We have somebody over on hphdx.net that has ordered the dv8 and will confirm this once he gets his.

 

Backlit Keyboard is "must have" for me so I'm probably going to end up waiting for this option to appear via HP; Or go with a different brand.

@Husky55: Thanks for the GPU link. GPU definitely looks like it can stack up well against the HD 4650.

 

I would like to have the backlit keyboard too!!! But hopefully the upgrade DIY will not be too painful.

 

I ordered this laptop as well and am eagerly waiting for it. One weird thing, though -- I can't find any reviews of it anywhere. Did HP just not send out any to major reviewers for publicity?

 

Yeah, that is strange now that you mention it.

I know it JUST came out. hmm.

 

I image its just the same as it was for the HDX18. You can find some great tips on it here.

 

Even though it just came out, you usually see reviews before the actual laptop comes out because of advance reviewer models...

 

I just received notice that my dv8t shipped! With 2-day shipping, I should have it early next week. I ordered it on Sunday, October 18.

Gary

 

I just recieved the SAME notice that gary recieved. I also ordered it on sunday, the 18th. I alos have two day shipping. Very exciting!!!

I was also curious about reviews. never found one.

Heres something interesting... http://www.psystar.com/rebel_efi
looks like we can install osX on our dv8's! i'm gonna try to do it when I get my dv8.

Ben

 

besides the size, are there any differences between this and the dv7?

 

recieved my email today for shipment of my dv8. althought its 5-7 days for me.

 

Anyone know what kind of ram they use for the GT230, GDDR3 or something else?

 

I belive it is GDDR3.

I cannot wait for this thing to get to me. Waiting is the hardest part. Anyone find a review for this yet?

Ben

 

is what i'm hearing about the dv series having issues of heating up to a point that the laptop is basically bricked? i was positive i was going to return the hdx 18 that i just got and keep the dv8 that should be here in 3 or 4 days,and now i'm not sure...

 

If you're referring to what I was posting in the other thread, it should be known that those were the older DV Series.

I don't think anybody knows yet on the dv8 because nobody has received theirs yet.

I must add, to each their own. And to me it's the HDX18 baby!!

 

Got my shipping update. I'll have it by wednesday at 10:30

On Schedule
InitiatedPicked upIn transitDelivered

In transit
SHANGHAI CN Shipment Dates
Ship date Oct 25, 2009
Estimated delivery Oct 28, 2009 by 10:30 AM
Destination
SEARCY, AR
Shipment Facts Help Service typeIP Direct Distribution - Indirect Signature Required
Weight6.2 kg/13.7 lbs
ReferenceCE03028695
Clearance detailStatusPieces Date/Time Status
Shipment Travel History Help Select time zone: SelectLocal Scan

All shipment travel activity is displayed in local time for the location
To display the shipment travel activity in local time of the scan, please select "Local Scan Time" time zone option.
No entries found Date/TimeActivityLocationDetailsOct 26, 2009 8:45 PMIn transitSHANGHAI CNOct 25, 2009 2:52 AMPicked upSHANGHAI CNPackage received after FedEx cutoff

 

Same deal for me, Estimated delivery Oct 28, 2009 by 10:30 AM.

 

man... i think i'm going to return my hdx 18t for a dv8. the bass/treble going haywire is really beginning to get on my nerves. i can't seem to find any decent coupon codes though. last week there were some $200 off ones floating around. How do people learn about these codes? Is it through HP's emails? Is there a good website to go to that stays current with the latest codes? I hope I can find a good deal before my 21 days is up.

I'll be interested to hear people's thoughts and opinions on the dv8 when they get theirs. i wonder if a hdx 18 backlit keyboard mod will fit the dv8? i'll be also curious if they'll suffer from the bass/treble thing and keyboard scratching the screens of the hdx 18

 

Coupons..............

 

Also, I forgot I listed all the coupon sites on the first post of this thread.

 

shows how much i pay attention. lol. I knew i saw that list somewhere at some point. thanks for doing the legwork. nothing worth using on the dv8 out there yet. i'll keep checking those sites. thanks rageman.

 

livehotdeals dot com

 

mine is still sitting in china

 

The best site I have seen for coupon codes is www.dealigg.com/story-HP-Home-Coupon-Code-2.

One more thing to note for people purchasing this laptop. When I purchased my dv8 I almost got the 'free' upgrade to a 320gb hard drive. When I looked at the 'help me decide' link it referred to the 320gb drive as 2x160gb drives which I did not want.

I already have a intel x-25 gen 2 ssd awaiting my laptops arrival on Wednesday morning and will put the 250gb drive it comes with as secondary. I will post my review of the laptop later this week.

 

Crap, I didn't know, i thougt it was one 160gb drive. Maybe should look into an ssd

My laptop just got clearence to pass through anchorage...can't wait till wednesday

 

Arrrgh, mine now shows 'clearance delay' in Anchorage. Did yours pass through?

 

I got the free upgrade to 320GB HD. So now it's 2x160GB ? Well, I totally missed that one.

 

Nope, I have the same message you do. I will be pissed if it doesn't come tomarrow!

 

Mine is still sitting in china.

 

Mine is scheduled to arrive Oct. 29.

Did I make a mistake only getting 4 GB memory? Right now going to 8 GB DDR3 memory from Crucial costs well over $600 whereas getting it from HP would have only cost 400 additional, and HP offered 6GB for 200 and 6GB doesn't even appear to be available aftermarket.

Is it true that I can return this computer for full refund within 21 days for any reason at all?

 

I don't think it was a mistake at all. I only got 4gb of memory and I am sure it will run smooth. Not sure about the return policy.

I have a clearance delay in Anchorage as well.

 

Try G.Skill $399 at NewEgg
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231294

Or the faster 1333 for $449
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231295

 

everyone whos package is stuck in ak, call hp to complain. If we all do it, surely our voice will be heard. Post what happens here. I will. Maybe we can get some credit back too? Never hurts to try. I just pray it isn't stuck their for more than a day.

 

I also only got 4 gb. Not worth the money I think. I doubt you'll ever use that much at once. You'd see better preformace with a ssd. I'd like to get one, but want a good one, at least 128gb but don't wanna spend a butt load.

 

If you read the bottom of the email you received confirming that your notebook was shipped, it states that your notebook will be delayed due to customs. This happens for ALL notebooks made overseas and sent to you directly (HP, Apple, etc.). It also states this on the shipping policy on HP's web site: "In addition, for customized notebook PCs, please factor in a minimum of one shipping day for customs clearance." ( http://www.shopping.hp.com/shopping/html/news/cto_shipping.html).

Not trying to call you out, but complaining about something that has already been well established before you made your purchase just causes problems for the customer support representatives that have to deal with you.

 

Mine is stuck in Anchorage with a Clearance Delay as well. Just to note, the laptop I ordered from HP a couple months ago came into Memphis from Shanghai and did not have a Clearance Delay.

 

your right! I did not see that at the bottem of the email. I sure hope that they included that wait time in my 'estimated' delivery date.

 

Thanks, Elecrode. Are those memory chips the right size and specs for the new dv8?

Why are you fellers' computers getting stuck in Alaska? I just ordered mine a few days ago and it's scheduled to be delivered the day after tomorrow even tho the original build date was listed as Nov. 3.

 

now in transit from alaska. delivery by oct.29 430pm.