*HP dv8 Owners Lounge*

Wow, this is interesting. I just re-ran the WEI and the numbers changed to:

Base Score 5.9
Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 CPU Q 720 @ 1.60GHz 6.9
Determined by lowest subscore

Memory (RAM) 4.00 GB 7.3
Graphics NVIDIA GeForce GT 230M 6.4
Gaming graphics 2811 MB Total available graphics memory 6.4
Primary hard disk 403GB Free (450GB Total) 5.9

The only score that changed was the processor score from 6.2 to 6.9

Larry (Ocean)

 

Yeah Larry.

I was gonna say.. WOW big diff from the 820 and 720 processors.

 

That acer only has a 5400rpm hd and the memory is clocked at 1066. The hp gives u a 7200rpm hd and 1366 memory clock. So it's give an take.

 

How does the NVIDIA 230M in the dv8 compare to the ATI 4830 in the Envy 15?

 

I thought that this was an LED screen also because the rep told me that it was. I pulled the trigger and bought the DV8T being assured that it was LED. Then shortly after I found out that it was not LED so I called HP and told them very politely that they mislead me and they gave me $90 off my original purchase price. They had proof through my online conversation transcripts. I think that this is pretty good service.

 

Got my DV8 today, it made it from China to my doorstep in 3 days with regular shipping, wow.

8GB, 1TB (7200rpm), Q820, sweeeeeet.

Only complaints are...
- usual crapware
- when will they center the trackpad! my right palm practically rests on it
- raised lettering on keyboard, so tempting to pick at

These are all nits.

Build quality seems great.

 

yea maybe i will give them a call since i had the same thing happen to me. Who did you end up talking to when getting that discount?

 

Wow, that was fast shipping and customs clearance!

As for the keys, that and the shiny black palm rest area were my main hesitations. Hoping that maybe I can get a silicone keyboard cover, since I'm not a gamer, shouldn't get in my way too much.

 

Yep. In regard to that glossy surface I advice to keep the room dust free, 'cause all the damn dust will stick to your lapo. And you gotta wash your hands like 7 times a day, the fingerprints can show even on the keyboard, not even mentioning the palm rest... This thing was created for a real pedant I'd say.

 

Does anyone know the specs for our memory with the dv8t? What speed is the memory ( DDR3- 1333,1066, or 8500)? Does anyone know where we can purchase DDR3 memory for the dv8t?

I have found some sellers such as price gabber through electronicsPLUS for a 4 gb chip for $259. I found another seller transcend from NEWEGG for a 4 gb chip for $190. Does anyone know of these companies (transcend and electronicsPLUS) company?



Larry (Ocean)

 

Can anyone tell me if the DV8t comes with an official copy of windows on DISK? Not as a "insert 4 dvd's for recovery creation". I want to know if it comes with a sealed copy.

Mine will be here on the 19th NOV

 

you need to purchase it when you customize it.

 

I purchased the windows professional upgrade for $75.00 extra. Is that what you mean?

 

I didnt see anywhere to buy the windows/backup disks. Normally you can buy them for like 5-10 extra. You should still have a backup on a partition called HP-Recovery.

Little off topic but does anyone know of some good cheap cases for this huge laptop?

 

I helped my father purchase this laptop. He also ordered the "Targus 18" Deluxe Nylon Case" , which has already came, but he does not like it. This laptop will often be used for business. What are some other cases that will fit this laptop well?

 

Very hard to find decent cases for laptops this size. I haven't ordered mine yet.

What doesn't your father like about that case?

 

Yeah, I know it comes with a backup on the recovery partition. Got that. Looking from input from owners of the dv8t to see if it comes with an official disk.

 

Mainly the looks. He would prefer something that looked more professional. Also, more/bigger storage compartments.

 

I've been debating whether to order that case or cram the laptop into an old Targus case. If possible, could you tell me what the exterior dimensions of the case, and the interior dimensions of the laptop compartment are?

 

I will try to check later today.

 

i ordered the Mobile Edge 17" Select V-Load 2.0 a few weeks ago and it is awesome! really solid construction and plenty of padding. the description claims it is for laptops up to 17", but I assure you that it will fit the dv8t nice and snug (laptop still slides in and out easily). this exact model has enough room for a few file folders, the brick and a travel mouse but not much else. i like it because it isn't a backpack and it looks professional. (except for the obnoxiously white logo on the soft arm band, but I think a black sharpie should take care of it.) The best part is it is only $51 with free shipping from amazon. Granted, I've only had this for a few weeks and it has only been lightly used, so I can't vouch for it's long term wear and tear, but I will say, that the fabric is very thick and seems very durable. it has gotten 5 out of 5 stars by all 9 reviews on amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00064GBFI/ref=oss_T15_product

if you need something with a bit more room, the next model up for $64 has an expandable file storage compartment.
http://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Edge-MEV17P-Premium-Notebook/dp/B00064GBEE/ref=pd_cp_pc_1

 

Does anyone know anything about streaming live sports events on the internet (sites where you can watch live sports event on your Laptop)? Is it safe and what sites are best?

I found two that are called blogspot and hotklik. They both have the veri safe sign.

Has anyone used any of these sites before?

Thanks

Larry (Ocean)

 

I bought the HP case and I like it. It is a nice looking bag and serves the purpose.

In respones to msurewests comments if you want a more business look you may have to buy a suit case or, leather type case if you can find one. I have not seen anything that will fit the dv8t except this type of case.

Larry (Ocean)

 

Anyone seen a slip case around that could fit this? I have no need for a new backpack or large case. I have a backpack i can put it in I would just like something protecting it a little inside the backpack.


These stream pretty nicely.

Justin.tv live sports and reg tv shows.
atdhe.net links other shows too.

 

I have a HP HDX Dragon which has a 20.1in screen. Now THAT one was a pain finding a case. I did end up buying an iLugger bag from iLugger.com for that one.

If you go out of this thread and check out Post 755 of the HDX Dragon Owners thread you can see pictures of it that I took and pics of the laptop in the case.

I will probably park that laptop permanently at home on my desk (i use it at work now), and use that case. Its huge and i'm sure the dv8t will not be a snug/semi-snug fit in it but it'll serve its purpose for transporting my new laptop to and from work.

 

I bought this one: http://www.laptopstuff.co.uk/p/Port_Designs_Manhattan_Clamshell_BF_Laptop_Bag_.htm
dv8 fits in like it was made for it - classic design, good quality, more than enough extra space for other materials

 

Larry, here's what I use.

http://www.myp2p.eu/competition.php?competitionid=&part=sports&discipline=americanfootball

You'll find just about everything on there. A lot of links to websties streaming the games, but also a lot of Sopcast links and/or TVAnts which will play the games on channels listed on the site above. You just need to download the programs separately.

I watched the Pacman VS Cotto fight using that link! and Sopcast! Was a great great fight and can't wait for Manny VS Mayweather jr.

 

BAGS FOR THE DV8

Everyone looking for a nice bag for the dv8, I highly recommend the Targus 18" Deluxe Nylon Case you can get it from HP.

It's $44 right now, but add this coupon code SV6462 and the price drops down to $34.99. Not bad.

Anyway, I have this bag for my HDX18 (same size as the dv8) and love it!!

Here is a detailed thread description of the bag w/ pictures as well.

<embed src="http://img269.imageshack.us/slideshow/smilplayer.swf" width='426' height="320" name="smilplayer" id='smilplayer' bgcolor='FFFFFF' menu="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" flashvars="id=img269/dscf0038t.jpg"/>


More pictures and info at the thread linked above.

More pictures alone link.

 

For those that want other bag options, browse through this forum. They are all for the HDX18 so will work perfect for the dv8!!

 

disregard this post

 

For those of you with the blu-ray BURNERS- have you burned anything yet? Any media brands you recommend?

 

Hi! I have some questions about this laptop:

1) Is screen based in LED tecnology?
2) DDR3 RAM is 1333mhz or 1066mhz clocked?
3) In europe, this laptop has a ecologic 4-cells battery, but what about battery?

And, lastly. I am between this notebook and the new dell studio 1747 with this features:

- Processor: i7 core 720 at 1,6Mhz.
- Memory: 4Gb DDR3 at 1333mhz.
- Graphics: Ati mobility raden 4650 with 1Gb DDR3 dedicated.
- Hard disk: 2x500Gb at 7200rpm.
- Screen: 17,3'' FullHD 1920x1080 LED with TL.
- Optical: DVD-RW Slot-in. Blueray reader option.
- Sound: 2.1 SRS + JBL speakers.
- Wireless: Wifi 802.11n Dell 1520. Intel Wifi 5xxx and bluetooth not possible.
- Battery: 9 cells battery. I don't know battery life.
- Ports: 3xUSB, 1xeSATA, 1xHDMI, 1xVGA, 1xFirewire, 2xSoud-out, 1xMic-in.
- Others: webcam 2.0mpix, Not fingerprint.

What is the better option. I'd like one for video HD editing, see avchd and mkv movies using HDMI and SPDIF sound-out. I'd like install Ubuntu 9.10 on the laptop.

Any suggestion?

 

I know several people have asked this question already, but I read through all 49 pages and have yet to find an answer, so...

Can someone please check to see what kind of memory is in their dv8t? Because I checked the product description in the HP dv8 Maintenance and Service Guide and according to it the memory is PC2-6400 1066-MHz, which is definitely NOT DDR3...

HP Pavilion dv8 Entertainment PC Maintenance and Service Guide

Also, the guide lists two GPU options: nVidia GeForce 230M GT AND nVidia GeForce 250M GTS! Don't know if HP will update this at a later point or if they decided to cut it out at the last minute, but I sure wish it was an option went I built mine...

For what it's worth, the guide is from September and specifically states that it is for the dv8, leaving out the "t", so maybe some things might be off...

Anyway, if anyone could clear this up for me I would greatly appreciate it!!!

 

How do you HP DV8 owners like your display? I haven't been getting anywhere with Dell for several weeks trying to get a XPS16 w RGBLED screen that I ordered in early October and am thinking about going with the DV8. The screen on that Dell has been reported to be very good, but admittedly I have not been able to see it in person and the extra real estate of the DV8's 18.4" screen would be nice. This is going to be a desktop replacement for home, so I am not concerned with having to lug it around.

 

Thank you Ragman this is a great link for pro sports.. Do you know where a good link is for college sports?

Larry (Ocean)

 

Mike,

I also considered the Dell 17 and ultimately chose the HP dv8t for several reasons. It appears to be a better computer. HP was more responsive and easier to contact for service needs. The HP dv8t offered more options for the money with HP. Finally, the screen is a fantastic feature with HP. Dell only offered a 1360 768 resolution with their 17 inch screen. However, Dell does offer the 1900-1080 screen on their 16" screen. HP has a beautiful 1900-1080p resolution which is great for watching bluray and HD movies. I also did not mention that ther HP dv8t offers a far better price. I personally would paid more money for the HP than the Dell, which I did not have to do. HP came with all the options as standard for the base price.

Yes, the HP dv8t screen is really great! It is very nice on the eyes. The HP dv8t is just a very nice computer. I thought the HP dv8t was too nice and well built to consider another computer.

Larry (Ocean)

 

Thanks Larry,

That is good to hear. Cost wise I would save $200 or $300 by going with the DV8 for a similar machine. It sounds like HP is a little more reliable with their delivery times also.

 

The screen is unbelievably bright and crystal clear. 'out of the box', the black's aren't quite dark enough, but I've found that by tweaking the gamma a bit, it really creates a solid display. the dv8t is the old hdx 18t. you can read this review about the display:
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4791

There a lot of other reviews out there about the hdx 18t, which you can read about the screen.

 

1) No
2) Not sure
3) Per HP's website, under the specs, it is a standard 8-cell battery (not long life/ecologic), but you can upgrade it to one for $19 http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/s.../psg/notebooks/High_performance/dv8tqe_series

 

How would you compare font size of this 1920x1080 18" vs 1600x900 17"? I have a 18" on the way but am wondering if I made the right choice.

 

Win7 has a zoom feature which displays most everything at 125% so everything is very readable. Video display is phenomenal. You made the right choice.

 

i'm not sure I understand the question? the 1600x900 resolution is 17% smaller resolution than the 1920x1080.

 

Well, the Font size on the 1900-1080p screen will be smaller. However, you can adjust the screen resolution to have a larger font size by going to the 1360-768 resolution. This is the next step down from the 1900-1080p dv8t and it will give you a very nice font size (large), which you can adjust. The 1600x900 for the dv7t 17" will give you very good resolution, but the dv8t 1900-1080p will give you a sightly sharper picture and that is important for the bluray.

I think what is important to consider is that with the dv8t 1900-1080p screen you have the ability to adjust the font size. However, with a smaller scrren resolution yu will not have that option. The HP dv8t screen is so incredibly beautiful and clear.

I do research for a dissertation and I often witch back and forth with the font size. Yes, You made the right choice.

Hope this helps,

Larry (Ocean)

 

Well I gave up on the 1645 and placed an order for the DV8 a few minutes ago. This is what I ended up with:

• Genuine Windows 7 Professional 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)
• 500GB 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 with Bluetooth
• HP Integrated HDTV Hybrid Tuner
• HP Color Matching Keyboard
• HP Long Life Notebook Battery
• Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
• HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

The build date is next Friday 11/27 which seems pretty quick. I opted for 2-day shipping since my current home laptop is going to kick the bucket any day. Thanks for the advice. Now I just need to read up on doing a fresh install.

 

Mike,

You have a very nice computer. You have made a very good choice. I think you will really enjoy it.

Larry (Ocean)

 

I would like to hear your comments on your dv8t when you receive it. You opted for the loaded version. Very nice.

Larry (Ocean)

 

Lurker turned Poster here.
I have a DV8T in route and this seems to be the best community for this machine that I can find....

Anyway, speaking of fresh install...
I've heard if you want the computer to run to its full potential you need to do a fresh install in order to completely get rid of the crapware HP installs on it.

I'm having a hard time believing this. What do you guys think? Does anyone know the best way to permanantly get rid of the crap they install at the factory without getting into all the issues that might happen with a new install? This is especially challenging since computers seem to no longer come with the operating system on a CD.

Cant I just uninstall the stuff that HP installed, and still be lighting fast?

 

1st post to the forum, and just ordered my new HP DV8T! Managed to snag the 200$ off rebate + 200$ off coupon, so $400 less than otherwise - I'm pretty excited! Est. build date is Nov 27th!

HP Pavilion dv8t Quad Edition customizable Notebook PC

* • 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)
* • Lightscribe Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
* • Webcam + Fingerprint Reader with HP Imprint Finish (Espresso Black)
* • Intel Wireless-N Mini-card with Bluetooth
* • HP Integrated HDTV Hybrid Tuner
* • HP Color Matching Keyboard
* • HP Long Life Notebook Battery
* • Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
* • HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

 

Take a look at the two stickies at the top of this forum: http://forum.notebookreview.com/forumdisplay.php?f=3 . I am still reading it myself. I own an older HP Pavililion laptop and it did have a bit of crapware on it when I bought it.

 

Yeah, it should be nice. Hopefully worth the money. I'll be doing a lot of renderings, video editing and photoshoping... so hopefully it will be able to keep up. It arrives today... hopefully i'll have everything loaded on to it in a few days and i'll let you know.