*HP dv8 Owners Lounge*

Great choice! You won't regret it.

 

Ragman, you have a dv8t in HDX 18T, or should I say we have a HDX18t in our dv8t. They are the same computers. The tech man in the HP parts department said the HDX 18T and the dv8t have the same chasis they have interchangeable parts.

Larry (Ocean)

 

Whoa hold on there Larry. Similar computers: yes definitely. Interchangeable parts: well mostly. Same computer: no no no no. Completely different processor and graphics card between the two. The graphics card alone could make a huge difference, but your dv8 is a quad core. It might not mean much right now, as many programs don't take full advantage of multiple cores, but that day will come, and you will appreciate the power muhahahah!!!

Oh, and it's worth mentioning those two important parts are not interchangeable.

 

Hello My Friend,

I certainly understand your frustration. I experienced a horrible time in getting my computer. Everything wfrom the purchase to the delivery was painful. It is far too much to elaborate on in this post, but I assure you nobody here has experienced the trouble I had with ordering my computer from HP.

Having said that, It is worth the wait. other companies are worse. I think the problem now which actually is a good one, is that the sales for the dv8t are so great that the production has been slowed down. That is understandable, even though it is difficult to deal with. Patience will reward you with a very nice computer.

I also considered the Dell, but had bad service and caneclled my order with them. I would buy the dv8t again if I had it to over again. I would ask myself this question, what is my alternative? That would ultimately lead me back tom the dv8t and HP.

Larry (Ocean)

 

The dv8t is simply a newer version of the HDX 18T which offers more options. They are really the same computer. The same family. You are speaking of options which are different, that I agree. The HDX 18T did have the option of the 2.8 quad core, and the extreme processor, just not the i7 processor. The dv8t does not offer options other than the i7- 720 and the 820. Eventually you will see different options available for the dv8t, just as the HDX 18T. The graphics card I believe is the same, except the options are different like the processor. The hard parts and frame are the same and are interchangeable. This is what the parts person at HP told on two occasions.

I believe why the HDX 18T was changed to the dv8t was for marketing to the game culture. The HDX 18T had a more professional image. HP was trying to target the gaming market with the dv8t. Like all computers the options will grow as the frames and main hard parts remain the same.

I say all of this for those of us who are HDX 18T owners and participate in this forum. They are the individuals who encouraged me to purchase the dv8t. So that is why I consider them as the same family just different options.

The dv8t is very powerful, yes, I absolutely agree with you!

Larry (Ocean)

 

the biggest difference here is the mother board and bios. the upgraded mother board enabled the dv8t to have a change of several different things... mainly the graphics card, processor and RAM.

speaking of interchangable parts... anyone try adding an hdx 18th backlit keyboard to their DV8t yet? or heard of anyone who has? they're so cheap on ebay, i might as well just pull the trigger and try one myself... what's the worst that could happen?...? i suppose i could accidental scratch up my case. but it's not going to cause my system to over heat or anything like that.

 

Hi first post here. This seems like a great forum with a lot of knowledge.

I just put my order in for the DV8T yesterday! Can't wait.

I was curious does anyone know of a good docking station to use with this? I have seen the one HP sells that apparently works through a USB connection. I have read some very poor reviews of this and was wondering if anyone here has any information about a good docking station. I would like to replace my desktop but leave my keyboard/mouse/printer/monitor etc where it is and dock my DV8T when I want to sit at my desk. Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

Anybody used this bag http://www.legitreviews.com/article/523/1/

Pegasus by Wenger

Opinions?

 

Larry, kudos on your enthusiasm . I agree that they're alike, and I too am enthusiastic about my dv8t that's on the way, I just have to set the record straight. Core i7 is much different from Core 2 Quad. Check out this really good article from Gizmodo and read what the Core i7 can do that other quad core chips can't: http://gizmodo.com/5099060/giz-explains-why-intels-core-i7-processor-is-a-beautiful-monster. Some things to note are that the Core i7 overclocks itself & uses turbo mode to centralize the power, and i7 is the 1st chip to eliminate FSB (major advantage).

Also, check out this thread comparing the 512 MB GeForce 9600M GT with the 1Gb GeForce GT 130M: htttp//forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=403047. Many are in favor of the 1GB 130M because it is about 20% more powerful with GDDR3 behind it.

Both the processor and the graphics card are not options for dv8t buyers (720 i7 can upgrade to the 820 i7 like you said, but it's still an i7); you cannot up/downgrade any further. The HDX18t canbe ordered to upgrade to a Core 2 Quad and the 1Gb 130m graphics, but without the i7 advantage it won't be the same as the dv8t.

And while one is part of the Pavillion HDX series and the other Pavillion dv Series, both laptops are considered "Entertainment" laptops. That's not to say they can't game, but HP knows who their target gaming audience is, and most don't play on the HDX18t or dv8t, most are using desktops or may possibly choose the Envy.
Like I said. similar computers, yes. But not quite the same.

 

Sorry, I don't have my dv8 yet, but I am seriously considering this too, provided I see that someone else has done it successfully. I love neat custom upgrades for my computers (you should've seen how I made my white MacBook stand out from the rest ).

Let me know if you do attempt the job, so I may follow (and if you do, good luck!). I'm sure it does work, since we know that many of the parts are interchangeable.

 

No, I haven't but I must say that I freaking love Swiss Gear. I had one of their cheapest, thinnest backpacks they offer for high school and it lasted me YEARS going strong. My girlfriend has also used Swiss Gear for her laptop and backpack, and she has nothing but good things to say as well.

 

One man once said - "the basis of computer is the motherboard". I agree with him. That said, different motherboard - different computer. HDX18T and dv8 has different motherboards. The math is done isn't it?

EDIT: someone obviously outran me on this.

 

Yes, the backlit is the same for both. Again this comes from the parts dePartment of HP.

 

anyone know what motherboard the dv8 uses?

 

welcome to the dv8t club!

The dv8 has a port specifically for docking on the left side that will be much faster than going through USB, but I have yet to do the research which docking stations utilize it. I recommend finding out which docking station uses that port and go down that road.

 

Can you post a SS of the memory tab? That's where it has the clock speed.

Thanks.

 

DL the CCC codec and play it in WMP

 

Somebody said they got it for $50 off Amazon.com.

 

If by WMP you mean Windows Media Player I have nothing against it, except this stupid absence of "Crop" function which automatically makes VLC my choice.

 

Here is memory tab from showing the 4GB memory:



Here is the before and after the install of the SSD:

Here is the before with the 320GB drive:


Here is the performance with an Intel SSD and fresh install of Win7.
The drive is no longer the bottleneck. It's the graphics card.

 

Ah, so the memory is clocked at 1066 and not 1333. This kinda sucks, I hate how HP is cheapin out on this. They also go with the slower clock.

How is that SSD treatin you? What sort of (if any) performence increases did you see? Would you recommend it?

 

So the memory speed is 1066 and not 1333. If i decide to buy some new memory in the future can i put 1333 in this machine?

 

You can. If the machine supports only 1066 your 1333 stick will be automatically clocked down to 1066.

 

Below are my specs:

HP Pavilion dv8t Quad Edition customizable Notebook PC

* • Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
* • Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-720QM Processor (1.6GHz, 6MB L2 Cache, 1333MHz FSB)
* • 8GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
* • 1TB 7200RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (500GB x 2) 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
* • No TV Tuner w/remote control
* • HP Color Matching Keyboard
* • HP Long Life Notebook Battery
* • Microsoft(R) Office Home and Student 2007
* • HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

 

So it's 9:30AM on 11/19 here in New York, and my dv8t which has been in production and was scheduled to ship yesterday is still in production:



Just a little disappointed here, since I've been hearing stories of several excited buyers like me having to wait unnecessarily long periods for shipment/delivery. I know it's only late by one day (as of now), but I just hope the estimation is off, and it's not something else holding it up (parts on backorder, etc.). Wish me luck...

 

The estimated ship date online still shows November 16th for me, despite receiving an e-mail yesterday that it was pushed back to the 30th.

Apparently keeping this information updated online for HP is not a priority.

 

I wonder what it is that's holding our orders up? Did they give you any real reason? I know in the beginning of this forum many people's laptops were held up in Alaska after shipment, but ours hasn't been shipped yet?

 

They were not very specific. The reason provided was 'production delays'. My guess is a shortage of components possibly due to unanticipated demand.

 

Most likely. You ordered a different HDD and different RAM from me, really the only common link we have for options is bluetooth...I wonder if HP ran out of bluetooth chips? Just a wild guess, but hey.

Anyone else order a dv8 in early-to-mid November with (or without) BT??? Speak up now!

 

The SSD died after five days of use. I just got the replacement back from Intel. It is noticably faster. Probably the best upgrade for the dv8...I'm saying that EVEN AFTER the thing died on me after 5 days. That's how fast it is.

 

Curious which model you got. I definitely want the upgrade, but at the moment can't spend more than $200. Can I get anything good you think?

 

Mine calls for a ship date of 11/19, I also have the BT.

Not very confident now, hope the wait isn't too long!

 

Intel X25m Gen 2 80GB

 

I saw your post yesterday but had no time to respond. I posted the same info over on Sick Deals forums.
I too bought the DV8t on Friday the 6th and had an estimated ship date of 11/16/09. I got the shipping delay email yesterday with a new est. date of 11/30/09 like you did.
The only upgrades I did was the 500 gig HD and Bluetooth.

Good news is, I was able to get HP to credit me the extra $100 I would have saved by using the $500 coupon 2 days later. I used the $200 stackable coupon for a total of $400 off.
And I also paid for 2 day shipping. I finally got them to refund (credit) the $39 back just a little while ago.

Hope all goes well for all of you who are waiting like I am. I will make sure to post as soon as I know something further or when mine ships.

 

Ordered early November, shipping was set at Nov17 but after checking it got shipped out 2 days early.

Just checked tracking, my dv8t is in Oakland California. Should be getting it today or tomorrow. I'm in no rush really.

No BT on mine, went with all the free upgrades (ram and hd). I did order the bluray burner though.

Aloha

 

I tired to install a backlit keyboard from a HDX18t and it will not work in the dv8t. Reason being...the backlit keyboard from the HDX18t has two ribbon connectors (a big one and a smaller one - 4 pins)...the big one connects fines and the keys work, but no back light. The smaller one has nowhere to connect on the motherboard. There looks to be a spot where are connector was meant to be, but no connector was put there to attach the second smaller ribbon connector to. This is bad news. Now I'm out $30.

Anyone else have any thoughts?

 

Nobody told me that it was bad news day today!? Damn. That's 2 more people who ordered dv8's and are going through production delays. Asuhoru ordered around the same time and shipment was ahead of schedule, but he's the only one who didn't add Bluetooth. Is this really really the reason for delays? Do you think?

And more bad news is that the HDX18's keyboard backlight doesn't work, rendering it useless. We really appreciate your finds, memnon79, even though it doesn't seem to work. So I guess the thing about HDX18t's different motherboard from dv8t CAN make a world of a difference after all.

But I'm not sure I want to give up on this just yet. I'd like to find out if there's a possible way to get the backlight working, even though there's no connector tied to the mb, such as wiring it straight to the battery; when I wanted to put lights behind my macbook's keyboard, several people recommended that wiring to the battery was the only way to go. Or perhaps since there may be an open spot on the mb for the connection, a connection could be soldered and installed?

Anyone have any ideas? I'm out.

 

There looks to be a spot there for a connector to be soldered on. 4 SMT (surface mount) pins. Only questions are:

1) Are the pads connected by traces and energized?

2) What is the part number for the appropriate connector.

I can say the only things I wish this laptop had was a backlit keyboard and a dock. Old xb4 will not work with this laptop according to HP. But overall it is much better than my old HDX18t (had to return due to numerous issues and reliability). The dv8t seems more reliable and doesn't heat up as much.

Specs (different from standard):
core i7 820 processor
4 gb ram
2 X 320 GB HDD
TV Tuner
Bluetooth
Blu-Ray Burner
Windows 7 Ultimate

 

Then we probably need to find a service manual for the HDX18 and see if it know the part number. I was just looking through one, but it was for an HDX with 1 cable connector (non-backlit, I guess). I don't have time to look for the service manual for a backlit HDX18 right now, but I'll check later tonight.

 

I ordered mine on Nov 16th (Monday) so it's Est Ship date is Nov 27th. Here's what I ordered:

* • 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

So far, mine went from "Order Received" on Monday to "Order dropped to Factory" Tuesday Morning to "In Production" Tuesday Night. Hoping it doesn't get delayed, but the 27th is still a ways off.

 

I ordered 2 DV8t's. One on NOV 6 that shipped on 13th and arrived on the 16th.(3 days early) Before it was shipped out I found the $500 coupon and called HP. They said I would have to cancel the order and order under new coupon. I placed reques for cancel and got shipping return label (wont cost me a dime). Reordered on the 10th and got email that machine shipped on the 17th. (hoping for 3 day early delivery again) I ordered both with BT. Only changes i did make between machines is 320gb on first order and 500gb on second and decided to go with long life battery on second order as opposed to 2 regular batteries on first.

 

If all you guys who ordered on the same day or later and have already gotten yours, what could be holding up the other ones??
I have even seen guys who bought a few days after me get theirs already!

 

Reply to order information

Ordered via phone at HP on November 9.

Status check still says only "Order in production
(Estimated to ship on November 17, 2009)"

I've received no emails about delays. Rang up CS on Nov 18, and all that person would/could say was to repeat what the online order status page already says.

Don't think I ordered Bluetooth

* Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
* • Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-820QM Processor (1.73GHz, 8MB L2 Cache, 1333MHz FSB)
* • 8GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
* • 1TB 7200RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (500GB x 2) 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) Office Professional 2007
* • Norton Internet Security(TM) 2009 - 3 Year Subscription
* • Computrace LoJack for Laptops, Four Years
* • HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

Estimated build date: November 17, 2009

Like my sig line says, fully loaded I don't like to break in new hardware, plus will be doing some hi def vid edits on it. Also watching TV, prob'ly. Desktop replacement because I'll be on the move again come springtime. It's replacing an IBM T41 which I bought in 2004. Never had a single problem with that one and it went all over China with me and back and forth to USA during those years.

My guess is that since these are being assembled in Shanghai, if it's not BT then it's something else that's [all of a sudden] hard to find in China.

 

It is Bluetooth

 

duh, of course I ordered Bluetooth. [too tired today]

Why would that be the holdup rather than other components?

 

I went back and forth on the bluetooth and decided to just go for it. Oh well hope it doesn't take to long.

 

ATTN: memnon79 frankybones
Backlit keyboard.
Let's Make it Happen!

UPDATE 11/24/09: GO HERE FOR THE LATEST ON THIS MOD!

I've ordered the backlit keyboard for $30 also. Haven't received it yet.

1 Are you sure that's the right pad. Can you provide a picture?
2 Check to see if the pad is energized with a voltmeter ( hitting the function key and then the spacebar toggles the backlighting)
3 What's the pitch and width of the flex connector ( .020, .030, .039 ) , contacts on top or bottom of cable?
4 We need to figure out which pins are positive - negative -ground. (that's if you can't check the pad on the motherboard)
4a Easiest way is to have someone with an HDX check (any HDX bretheren willing? maybe give us a pick?)
4b Hard way would be to energize the keyboard directly with a power supply using trial and error
5 Here's a possible part number from digikey. I don't know the size or pitch of the flex cable so it's only a starting point

note: hp part number for HDX backlit keyboard is 496879-001

I'm serious about getting this to work if you are.

 

It's just a guess. It could be anything really. I just hope they get shipped soon!

 

It's just a guess. It could be anything really. I just hope they get shipped soon!

 

Deliver date was tomorrow. Checked Fed Ex. Its on the truck. Should be here very soon.

Glad its today otherwise I'd have to make my wife drop it off at work tomorrow!