*HP dv8 Owners Lounge*

I am glad you posted this. I just used the online chat with customer service. They credited my credit card the price difference of $100 from when I bought mine on the 16th for $1193 configured the same way. That was with the $400 off deal.
But as I was sitting here thinking about it, I just got an extra $100 off but did not really have it coming.
I called and got them to credit me the $100 difference a week ago because of the $500 off deal they had 2 days after I bought it on the $400 off deal.

So all together, have gotten a $50 coupon for the shipping delay. And $100 credit, another $100 credit and a $39 refund for the 2 day shipping I paid for.

Brings my total to $904 configured as follows......

i7 720QM
4 gig Ram
500 gig HD
added Blu Tooth
added the Blue Ray Rom
Extended life battery
everything else left as it is

And it ships today, Yeah!!

 

I just ordered one of these last night. After looking at a coworkers 2 year old hp 15" model that has the screen all scuffed up by the keyboard. I need to get the screen dimensions, height and width to order a shaggymac screen protector. His laptop has 2 little rubber spacers on the screen edge to make a gap between the screen and the keyboard, but one of these crumbled, so the keyboard has been rubbing the screen. Anyway, I would appreciate it if some could measure the screen for me.
Thanks.

 

I just got off chat with HP and got them to credit the $50 extra discount and gave me another $50 for the hard drive upgrade since mine is already in production. That is fine with me because I would just as soon purchase a pocket drive on my own if I want one. Might have been able to argue for a bit more but they were nice and I feel that was a fair offer. It basically makes it the price it would have been had I jumped on the deal when I originally had wanted to.

Ended with my system for $1,024.99 with the Bluetooth upgrade and 320GB HD
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)
• 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
• 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
• Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
• HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

 

I am nearly 100% positive that this will work for the dv8 since it's for the HDX18.

 

I just got my DV8t Friday and I am loving it so far except for the screen. The resolution and quality is acceptable but the thing is like a mirror I tell you! If I don't darken the room I have a hard time seeing the computer display and not myself looking at myself!

Seriously, I have owned an HP ZD7000 series for 5.5 years with a glossy screen and I thought it was a nuisance but this one is even glossier than that. I have always preferred matte LCD panels anyway, so I am considering a protector of some kind that will help reduce the reflections. Any recommendations?

Also, I got the 320GB drive as a free upgrade whe I ordered it less than 2 weeks ago. Should I call and see about getting compensated for the 500gb drive they are now offering?

And lastly, is there a way for me to check the status of the Core I7 to see what speed it is running at and what cores are enabled/disabled? I was rendering some video in Adobe PRemiere Pro that I know uses all 4 cores on my desktop yet on the DV8t it seemed to only utilize 50-70% CPU. I would have like to see the speed the processor was at. Heck, I'd like a tool to lock it into dual core at a higher clock rate for certain apps. I just want to know that the logic that determines the best performance of the I7 is actually working.

Thanks all and I do hope to be an active part of this forum so we can all get the most out of our DV8t laptops.

 

I have friends who use Nortons who say it has improved. I stay away from it because when I did use it it would bog my computer down big time. Plus having to download 'Norton Removal Tool' to get rid of everything kind of sucks too. I had Nortons before a couple of laptops ago and switched to
ESET Nod32 Anti-virus. Small footprint too. Fast and nice simple interface. I've been using it for little over a year. It was night and day performance wise after installs.

Good stuff.

 

Ya I got the same email saying mine shipped too. It's still in China though.

 

Norton is horrible. The best AV/IS is Kaspersky, takes barely any resources.

 

Use an online scanner. I've never installed anti-virus software, and never will.

Just use caution about what sites you go to and what emails you open. Then, run an online scanner once a week or so, and you're good.

Best of all, takes NO resources from everyday processing.

Just my $.02 worth.

 

THANKS! Got my ordered. Now, we'll see whether this or the 'puter arrives first.

Hong Kong vs Shanghai -- any bets?

 

Okay I'm starting to grow impatient now. No ship date has been given to me yet (ordered on the 10th, all I was told is that it would be delayed until on or before the 30th), and now I missed out on the 500Gb upgrade.

I just spoke with two customer service reps via live chat. The 1st one offered me $75, and then closed the chat window on me while I was typing why I would refuse that realmad !!

The next rep offered me $50! Here's how it went (only names have been edited):


...
3:36:00 PM Customerfrankybones:
I understand. But can't I be eligible for the 500Gb hard drive upgrade that you are giving away free today? To my knowledge the laptop hasn't even been built yet. The communication hass been very poor. My order status still says due to ship on 11/18
3:36:12 PM Customerfrankybones:
Don't you price match your deals until a certain time?
3:38:01 PM Customerfrankybones:
still there?
3:38:11 PM AgentMia:
Yes.
3:38:21 PM AgentMia:
I reviewed your order.
3:38:43 PM Customerfrankybones:
ok
3:40:11 PM AgentMia:
If were authorized to provide you $50 credit, for the free upgrade and inconvenience, will you accept.
3:41:14 PM AgentMia:
Are you still there?
3:41:23 PM Customerfrankybones:
no, before Julie closed out on me she offered $75. Even if I were to take $75, that would buy me a 160Gb hard drive from newegg, leaving me out 20Gb
3:41:24 PM Customerfrankybones:
yes
3:41:44 PM Customerfrankybones:
and on top of that, I'd still have to install it myself and get a $50 hard drive caddy from you
3:41:55 PM Customerfrankybones:
it's definitely not a deal on my part
3:42:13 PM Customerfrankybones:
that's about $150 worth
3:42:28 PM AgentMia:
I see.
3:42:31 PM Customerfrankybones:
can't you just upgrade me or send me a 160Gb hard drive?
3:42:41 PM AgentMia:
Unfortunately, no.
3:43:24 PM Customerfrankybones:
Then please tell me how I can get the 500Gb hard drive that I could've waited for to get for free
3:43:32 PM AgentMia:
I suggest you contact the HP Sales Center for this matter. I am not authorized to provide 150$ credit. The HP Sales Center might provide you that amount.
3:44:02 PM AgentMia:
The HP Home & Home Office Sales Center could be reached at 1-888-222-0029, select Option 2, then Option 5, between 7:00 AM - 2:00 AM EST, seven days a week.
3:44:27 PM AgentMia:
Once again, I'm truly sorry for this matter.


Notice how she only waited a minute to ask if i was still there after she offered me $50. The other rep I spoke with waited less then a minute before deciding that I had left the chat and that she could leave too (I was in the middle of typing "yes I'm still here!!") Seems sleazy to me. I waited 2 minutes for a response from "Mia". I had decent customer service before today. On the phone the reps were kind, I'll have to call that number instead I guess if I want an upgrade (which I do).

What do you think of this whole deal?

 

frankybones -- had a very similar experience this morning making calls to CS and sales. Got the Philippines at least once, and seriously could not hear/understand what was said.

Finally got someone in sales in USA, and he said that I'd been awarded $50 coupon for the delay, but also got no emails, even yet. My email address was spelled wrong, supposedly, was the reason for no email.

What worries me now is if this is what CS will be like for this company -- considering refusing shipment on the DV8 and waiting for Lenovo to put a core i7 into a series W unit with the digitizer tablet. The processor is the main reason I didn't order one right away.

The longer this takes, the more I'm reconsidering!

 

shoot man, I am excited (really excited) for my dv8, but I could'nt've said it better myself. To have a W that loaded with a core i7 920 (and at a similar dv8 price) would be a dream for me. That thing would eat ENVY's for breakfast. Too bad I'm only dreaming.

 

I like your sense of humor.LOL

Larry (Ocean)

 

I appreciate everyone's comments on the anti-virus. That is a lot of help.

Larry (Ocean)

 

lol. Wish I could help more immediately; Best Buy didn't have any HDX's (no HPs at all, surprisingly) behind geek squad, and I don't have my dv8 yet. Who knows when.

 

Been lurking on the forum since ordering DV8T on 11/16/09. Lots of good information here.

I missed out on the $500 discount but did get $400 off.

This morning I saw that the base price had dropped $50, upgrade to 500GB is now free (I paid $50) and Office Basic had dropped $20. I called CS and, after talking to problem resolution, was able to get a $120 credit back to my card (takes 3-5 business days after delivery).

If I see the $500 discount again, I'll be calling CS to get another $100 credit.

 

In response to my conversation with the live chat rep, I just got off the phone with HP sales.

I explained my situation, not forgetting to compliment how helpful they've been, but also how impatient I'm becoming.

After I explained what my previous offers were and how they were far from sufficient imo, she said the most she could credit me was $80 to my card. Then after talking some more she said the most she could credit me was $90. Then I agreed (somewhat reluctantly) to $90 and she put me on hold for approval. Her adviser denied me the $90, and the rep told me the most they could do was $75. I took it. Then some error occurred where she said I can't get credited immediately, but when my order ships I need to call to remind them and they'll credit my card the $75 (funny how they can charge you immediately when you order and not when it ships, but they can't credit you immediately, only when it ships).

So after all (unless I find more to fight about), I earned a total of $625 in savings:
-$500 instant coupon (non stackable) -$50 next-purchase coupon for production delays -$75 credit to my card

makes my net total (before tax): $974.99, or $1024.99 if you don't count the $50 coupon for later use (I don't).

Is the price fair? Hell yeah, look at those specs! vvvsignature vvv
Could they have done better? I still think so.

 

You haven't used any of the new norton have you? Best antivirus out there hands down. And MSE isnt nearly as good as catching stuff as the new norton is.

http://www.frys.com/product/5881163?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG
$30 after MIR

actually the new version of nlrton have an even smaller footprint then that.

 

i started using avast a few weeks ago after getting upset at avg for continually updating at inconvenient times. so far so good. doesn't seem to consume too many resources.

 

Attn: RAGEMAN

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


RE: dv8 Backlit Keyboard

Could you post something at hphdx.net to see if there's a brave sole out there who will take some voltage measurments at the backlight keyboard connector on an HDX?

I really just need to know what's the voltage that's going into the backlight for the keyboard. It should be either 3.3V or 5V. Once that's figured out, I pretty much got the rest figured out.

Thanks!

 

u guys r the best.

 

i feel i was ripped off ... i paid $2350 for my dv8t n its as follows :
i7-820qm 1.73ghz ( is $400 difference really worth it )
8gb memory
640gb(320x2)
wireless with bluetooth
long life battery
targus bag
i dnt know if it worth all that cash ... n i still feel the gt230 m wont
do its job ...some say i7 processors are good for gaming some say dual core are better some say more memory improves frame rates some say its all just
about the video card lool ... its just confusing !
how good is the i7 compared 2 dual cores and what an 8gb improves
and does the long life battery means it would last more years or it will last more hours ?

 

I think you overpaid.

What do you need 8 GB for? 4 GB is more than enough.
Will you use the bluetooth?
I'd rather not have dual drives; externals are far cheaper.
Why did you pay for it BEFORE asking questions about what you were buying?

The battery lasts for more recharges without losing its ability to charge.

 

HI I just returned my DV7t because I want bluray and the 1080p. Anyone know how the DV8t compares to the DV7t. Here's what I have in mind. I'm only going with 8GB of ram because I want it to be future proof lol. Anyone know of any good Black Friday deals coming up for the Pavilions? Thanks

* Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
* Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-720QM Processor (1.6GHz, 6MB L2 Cache, 1333MHz FSB)
* 50% OFF! 8GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
* FREE Upgrade to 500GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive from 250GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive
* 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
* 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

Estimated build date: December 4, 2009

 

Yeah we can do that soon.

I am probably going to revamp HPHDX.net and add in the DV8 Series as a main part/reason of the website. So the Site will be a DV8 Owners Lounge as well as a HDX Owners Lounge!

The HDX18 and DV8 are similar in that pretty much all accessories and drivers are the same, so I think it would really help a lot of you guys out that are getting the Dv8's to have a site dedicated to the DV8.

It's so much better to have an entire Forum setup to a Laptop Series like we did w/ the HDX Series.

Wouldn't it be better to have that than see the same questions asked 1000 times in this thread? Plus, digging thru this thread for answers to common questions is going to get harder and harder. Just take a look at the Official HDX18 Thread w/ over 7,000 posts for an example!!!


----------------
Now playing: 311 - Champagne
via FoxyTunes

 

nice... that would be awesome.

 

Hopefully, I've finally found the dv8t experts!

Hello! I just got my dv8t today. I ordered a Kingston SSDNow 128GB SSD for the laptop, which I also received today ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820139005). I'm trying to do the install and it isn't working. Google hasn't helped, so maybe someone here knows?

Basically, I installed the SSD in the laptop, put the HDD in the external enclosure, booted to the Kingston CD (includes Acronis True Image to clone prior boot disk from external enclosure to SSD in laptop). It boots Acronis and I click Start Acronis True Image HD and I never get the next dialog box. My screen just goes to black and the computer sits on but idle. The next dialog is supposed to be a prompt stating "A blank disk drive has been found. Do you want to prepare the disk for data ... etc. etc." Yes or No.

So, I can't seem to get there. Is it the Windows 7? Admittedly, the Kingston package doesn't claim support for Windows 7; however, the reviews on NewEgg seemed to indicate people have used it successfully on 7. Other potential issues I've noticed in my googling is that it may need AHCI disabled? This is the first I've heard of AHCI. From my brief reading, it appears if you are just a standard user (not using for servers/needing hot swapping), that disabling AHCI may not be that big of a deal? Is that true? I wanted to test this theory, but I just can't find anywhere in the dv8t bios that allows me to disable it. Is it possible to disable?

So, any ideas? Please? Do I need to scrap the "relatively cheap SSD" idea? I can send it back and just get a second HDD. At least now I know I need to order the HDD connector kit part...hopefully that doesn't take too long to get, as HP's part website has been rather flakey so far.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks,
Allie

 

Thanks! Working on it as we speak (or type??).

I encourage everyone to come sign up! There is TONS of info on there that will apply to you new DV8 owners as is and you all can ask questions and add info as well!

It's going to be great (or good getting better)!

Just click the Logo In my Sig for the site!

 

Okay, everyone the new DV User Group is now Launched!!

You will be joining the current HDX User Group community which has tons of great users and info! This is a huge plus, trust me.

The plus to combining these site is that since the HDX18 and DV8 are so similar, you can go into the accessories section and find bags, protection accessories (screen/keyboard/palm rest protectors), coolers and etc that will be compatible w/ the DV8!! Also, add your own suggestions for other users!

Also, the Drivers Forums is where you'll find the latest drivers for you DV8 (thanks to Justin). Also, you can create new threads to discuss driver issues.

Also, be sure to browse through the Guides and Advice Section! There are some very useful threads in there already, and feel free to add some Guides and Info of your own!!

Another popular section of the site has been the Operating Systems Forums. There you'll find info and discussion on installing Linux, W7, Mac OS X, and more as well as how to dual and triple boot. Check it out!

Others include, Troubleshooting, Upgrades and Mods, Software and Gaming, etc.

Anyway, please feel free to sign up and post in the forums. We can all help each other and make our HP DV/HDX experience much better and more productive!

Also, I've completely changed the format of the forums page to better serve those that want to access the site via their Mobile Device! I've already gotten positive response to this, so I hope it helps more people out that want to browse on their phones.

 

Wow, thanks rageman!!!

A lot of people owe you a helluva lot of thanks!

 

You americans are really funny. A good half of this thread is blabbering about how you managed to scrounge couple bucks out of HP because of "delayed shipment" and other bull. You don't value your machines I tell you that. I bought mine for 1300 £ (1800$), you might say that's overpay but at least I value what I'm paying for. Just by the way, I bought mine in the PCWorld shop like at least 3 weeks ago, what's the point in that stupid ordering and waiting anyway? I thought this was supposed to be more technical thread, guess I was mistaken. For example a guy tries to figure out how to hook up a backlit keyboard on his machine, it doesn't matter that the idea is a fifth leg for the dog, at least it's not whining about "my dv8 got delayed 1 more day!!".

 

Very simple here bud. Return the DV8T. Order an Alienware M17x with SLI inside (2 GPU). Get 4GB ram. If you don't know yourself that YOU NEED 8GB ram then you don't. That is way overkill. The M17x is much stronger, better built, runs cooler, backlit keyboard (i see thats a big deal in the forum), prettier screen etc. The GPU is also changeable at a later date if you desire.

Personally, I think you paid a lot of money for a HP DV8. Everyone here is getting theirs for $1200~. Personally, I own a M15x and love it. I was going to get a DV8T until I saw the GPU (graphic card) inside of it turned my head the other way.

To everyone else, post a review on this puppy somewhere. Seems like people who get it love it. I'd like to know if it's good to get one for my momma!

Cheers!

 

Thanks a lot cheta777!! That really means a lot to me.

I won't be around online much longer (I know, what kind of admin am I??) cause I've spent all my student loan $$$$!!! My internet bill, well it's overdue. I wanted to get the DV8 Users Group up(check out the forums) before I lost my service and I DID!! So YAY!!!

18 credits doesn't allow much time for work; or play (uuuggghhhh). But I expect you guys to keep the site going!! I've spent a lot of time and work on it and it's time to turn the reins over to the DV8 Community!!! I've helped bring it this far and now it's your time to enjoy the rewards People!

But anyway, I'll be checking in as much as possible and I will be needing another Mod or 2 or 4.... I am sure as I expect the DV User Group to take off.

So come join and let's get this HDX/DV Series Party Started!

 

did you customize yours to your liking? Whats the specs on yours?

 

You have 21 days to decide after you get it. Just grab it throw on every game you can think of and play them. If it doesn't meet your expectations just send it back. Seems like a very fair return policy and they don't seem to gripe about it so take advantage of it.

 

First off, you show me where I can buy a "ready to ship" DV8t. No such thing here and if it were there would be a premium price to pay.
And secondly, if you don't like what these guys have to say? Then don't read it.
No one cares what you think of us Americans just as much as no one cares what your crying little arse has to say!

 

Has anyone here ever tried 3rd party extended insurance, such as Square Trade? If so, positive or negative experience?

 

Definitely could be AHCI getting in your way. It makes it so that a lot of cloning programs cannot see the hard drive. When I copied my HD over to a new drive, I used another computer with an external ESATA HD docking station (Thermaltake BlacX). I imaged the old drive to a file on my computer's drive, then copied the image back to the new drive. No problems whatsoever.

I've worked on Toshiba notebook PCs where it is a simple BIOS change to disable AHCI. As I remember, I couldn't find an option to do so on my HDX18t; and your DV8t is pretty much the same beast.

You might be able to copy it "Live" from within Windows if you get the 2nd HD mounting kit and put the SSD in as secondary HD just to do the copy. True Image Home is actually capable of making a viable copy of the drive you are running off of.

 

THANK YOU rageman!!!!
I am forever in your debt

see you brothers on the other side

 

What is a pocket drive? Is it the same as the second hard drive caddy?

 

I didn't have to customize it 'cause it just so happened that the one in stock fit my needs, the specs are in my signature + bluetooth.

 

It's an external hard drive with small dimensions that slides into some HP computers (those that have a pocket media drive bay).

For the dv8, I think you'd need to get the docking station and slide it in there or use it as an external hard drive.

It's not a hard drive caddy.

It seems like a convenient way to move files among computers or have an external backup.

It's another thing to carry, so it's not nearly as convenient as a 500 gig internal hard drive if you're on the go a lot.

Whatever you end up deciding, I hope you end up with a great deal from HP that makes you happy!

 

Thanks for the response! So, the AHCI would be conflicting with the cloning software, not with the drive itself? In other words, if I simply created a recovery disk from the existing drive and then did a fresh (Win 7 Pro) install on the SSD, that may work?

If yes, is it true there is a "hidden" partition containing HP recovery data, or did I mix up some info I read? If so, how do I find it and get whatever I need off of it?

Thanks!
Allie

P.S. I'm going to cross post this in the new HP HDX forum discussed above in case it helps other dv8 owners and so it starts populating that db of info.

 

I think you are looking for the World of Warcraft forums ....

 

HAHAHAHA you paid $1800 for a $1300 setup, enjoying the markup there?


(moved the page around to save on screen real estate)

 

I just deleted a bunch of posts with insults and bad language. This is not allowed on these forums.

 

Thanks for the response! So, the AHCI would be conflicting with the cloning software, not with the drive itself? In other words, if I simply created a recovery disk from the existing drive and then did a fresh (Win 7 Pro) install on the SSD, that may work?

If yes, is it true there is a "hidden" partition containing HP recovery data, or did I mix up some info I read? If so, how do I find it and get whatever I need off of it?

Thanks!
Allie
_______________________________________________________________________________________

If you create a recovery disk set of the current hard drive, you won't need the recovery partition from said hard drive. (Then, again, if you use Acronis True Image, and backup the ENTIRE HD, the backup will contain the recovery partition.)

On the other hand, what you may be referring to is not the recovery partition but a folder on the C: drive named "SWSETUP". THAT folder contains all of the Windows Drivers that you will need to do a "Clean" install.

Whatever you do, make a COPY/BACKUP of the SWSETUP folder on the C: drive Before you do ANYTHING else! You CAN always download everything from HPs web site, but you REALLY don't want to have to do that, plus they don't always have ALL the necessary drivers/software available for D/L. The fingerprint driver and Digital Persona program that works with the driver is one example of what can be difficult to find after-the-fact.

Happy dead bird day

 

HP has gotta do better than 5% off plus $200 instant savings for the DV7t, & DV8t. ??? I hope they put back that $500 off coupon on logic buy by Friday.

 

BACKLIT KEYBOARD FOR DV8


I moved the discussion for this mod over to a new thread at rageman's HPHDX.net forums. I STILL NEED HELP FROM AN HDXer, PLEASE!


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