*HP dv8 Owners Lounge*

I need something that can pass muster as a "personal" bag to be carried on an aircraft along with a real carry-on. This HP bag sounds too big to be a "personal" (second) carry-on bag. And at least one reviewer said it had to be checked if you wanted to carry on another bag. So it won't work for me. I just need a big enough backpack that the DV8 will fit in, but not something as big as this HP bag which is designed to fit up to 20 inch models in it.

I believe there actually is a Targus backpack that sounds about right on Amazon but I haven't actually tried it yet. But the selection is very limited.

 

I sure think it's unfortunate, Alan, that HP has done so little to promote the Dv8. I think a little advertising would do a lot for the level of awareness in the trade for what you correctly characterize as a beautiful and powerful machine - it's unquestionably an excellent product.

On the other hand, regarding your rhetorical, "Ever notice the best cars
have little advertising?", I would submit that Mercedes is one of the "best cars" and, yet, has been flooding TV with its ads.

Speculation is fun - particularly, when there is a little "beef" in it to base it on.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

I think that he was referring to the older models of the dv6 (2000) and dv7 (3000).

 

Thanks for the clarification.. He wasn't specific so "just discontinued) DV6 and DV7" could refer to any models, including older models.

However, in the context of speculation discussing prospects of HP discontinuance of a 7-8 month old Dv8 product and his use of "just discontinued) DV6 and DV7", I took it there was an implication that, for the remark to be relevant, it applied to current models as that was the issue.

If the current models of Dv7 continue, what would have been a persuasive point is discredited and my previous speculation remains at odds with his, FWIW.

I believe that we'll know whether the Dv8 remark by the TelSell person is valid in another month or so.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

Peter,

I've often traveled with the DV8 in this:

HP 17" Executive Leather Carrying Case | HP® Official Store , presently on sale for half price: $39.

It it is made to accommodate up to a 17" (bought it for a DV7 I once owned briefly) so I had to do a bit of maneuvering the first time I tried it with the DV8, but it managed to fit, along with the power brick in the side pocket and several additional accessories with room to spare for a cooling pad (or 3-4 magazine size items) in the other side pocket. After you do it once or twice (at home "practice" recommended), the bag stretches just enough so that subsequent uses require almost no effort at all. The bag is extremely well made and neither the zipper, seams nor leather, shown any signs of fatigue, and the result is a very compact, easy to carry bag, which easily fits under the seat and doesn't even count as a carry-on according to airline rules; it is counted as the "personal item" you are allowed to bring in addition to a carry-on suitcase. Even with the tight fit, it is well protected on all sides with the bag's strong padding.

The only downside for plane travel will be taking the DV8 out in in the very brief time you have to do so in the security line, though after 1 or 2 practice insertions, you can get it out, and back in, rather quickly. When I do have a carry-bag as well, I sometimes put the DV8 into it for easy removal for security screening, then put it in the computer bag on the other end of the screening, when not quite as pressed for time as on the front end.

Sounds more difficult in the telling that it really is. I've used the same bag to carry the DV8 at least 5 times (and many more times as a brief case, with or without a smaller computer) and it shows no signs of wear. When not using it to carry the DV8, it makes a really nice, very versatile and durable bag which is extremely well made (probably by Targus, but with a small, almost unnoticeable HP logo instead.) It is roomy and flexible, with many pockets and places made to store electronic accessories, with really comfortable handles and shoulder strap with excellent padding. It's probably the best computer accessory purchase I've ever made. In case you find it too tight for your DV8, you can always return it.

Where you headed?

Jeff

 

Jeff, It looks nice and seems a great value at the current discounted price.

However, I really prefer backpack style bags. My screwed up back can't really take carrying a heavily loaded bag with only one shoulder strap and the resultant uneven distribution of load. And I am usually also dragging a roll aboard type of carry-on as well, which I find pairs especially nicely with a true backpack style of bag.

As I mentioned, there is a Targus bag designed for 17" notebooks, that according to some reviews, accommodates the DV8 quite well and it is the one I have my eye on. I'm waiting to try to catch a sale on it though as it's a little expensive atm.

I'm planning a trip back East to NYC & CT to visit family there in a month or two. And possibly a trip to SE Asia early next year, depending on how various things go.

 

Peter,
I get you about the backpack format, but I have found it as comfortable or moreso to put the single strap diagonally across my shoulder and put the bag in mu front. My PT recommended this over a back pack -especially if it's a heavy one, as the weight in front is less strain to the back. Try it if you have a shoulder bag. Good luck, Jeff

 

This looks like a great product, Jeff, and I've been looking for something like this for carrying/protecting my Dv8 when I travel. Certainly will be easier on my back than a backpack (I've tried that design in the past, as you noted in a later post, and I never found it comfortable).

I had never thought to ask for suggestions on this type of accessory here, though, obviously, I should have. Thanks for posting the suggestion and link to it here.

Very good value! I placed an order for one today and look forward to receiving it and trying it out.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

greetings everyone ... am downloading star craft 2 right now and i was wondering if any of u guys have tested this game on the dv8 ? will this machine be able to max it out ?
i also noticed something as am downloading, my i7 820qm monitor is always hitting the max around 3.06 when am downloading this game when i stop it goes all the way down so thinking that the pc will be on for like 20 hours a day ( cant wait 2 play the game ) will this high overclocking harm my cpu and is there anythin i can do 2 lower the overclocking rate... is this nomal just for a download manager to hit the cpu to the max all the time ?

 

I don't "do gaming" so I can't relate to how the game applications work. But perhaps others can comment on that gaming experience on a Dv8. I suspect that Dv8 with i7-820 will do a credible job with that game but may not "max it out" due to limitations of its GPU (nVidia GeForce 230M).

When the I7-820 CPU is running a single-threaded application, it idles the other cores (normally idling at 1.73gHz) and ramps up a single core to meet demands for greater performance speed on one thread.

It's not "overclocking" as you said, it's just load-balancing. It is designed that way and shouldn't shorten its life in any way. If a second application or thread were to start or demand greater emphasis, the "turbo-boost" would lower the high speed single core to share power with the second thread to split the performance between two cores running at say, approximately 1.73 + 3.06 divided by two or 2.35 gHz on both or such. I hope that explains the idea at least and gives you a sense of what's happening. (The figures aren't exact and, with 8 cores, it's bound to be much more complex in reality supporting random calls to the OS, etc., at the same time.)

Just be sure you keep the hinge end of the laptop raised so the vents on the bottom have free flowing cooling air (or use a cooling pad) to prevent overheating the Dv8 over 65-70C and you'll do fine.

Just curious - what are the specs of what you are currently running SC2 on?

Regards,
- - Phil

 

But only a few people are willing to share their ICC profiles via the internet.

 

Any thoughts on this 18" case also by Targus on the HP site? It seems to be a bit better reviewed in terms of fit for the dv8 and not as many complaints about breaking handles:

Targus 18" Blacktop Deluxe Laptop Case w/ Dome Protection | HP® Official Store

At any rate, I noticed the carrying-case issue a bit more as I couldn't find a backpack or messenger bag that would zip around (or even fit in) my dv8 to take to a StarCraft II LAN party a couple of nights ago. I ended up leaving the top zipper open on the biggest laptop backpack I owned and hauling it over that way. A more fitting solution would probably be a good thing to find in the long run.

As for running the game itself, StarCraft II runs in 1080p on my older 230M just fine with medium graphics settings (what the games recommended to me in Options, though I do leave the cut-scenes on High there). Toggle the frame-rate setting to display the frames per second (fps) in the upper left-hand corner of the screen with CTRL+ALT+F to see how your computer's handling the on-screen action. Also might want to cap the frames per second in your Variables.txt file to prevent overdrawing of simpler menu screens (google the issue if you're regularly seeing 100+ fps on relatively static screens).

 

thanks Phil for the fast reply ... i got my dv8 1st series
dv8-1000 with the i7 820qm , 8gb of ram 1033 , 640 gb harddrive ( 320 x 2 ) bluray disc ( no recorder ) long life battery n ofcource with all the standard things like the webcan n fingerprint etc etc and window 7 pro 64-bit ... i just figured out that by changing my power option to power saver the turbo boost shuts off or something, so i assume that would be better right ? u know just looking at the blue bar maxing out all day freaks me out ...
dpaq about the targus back i have ordered one with my dv8 and it is really reliable give good room for the pc and is comftable 2 carry n offers a lot of storage i have been using it with my dv8 almost 6 months still looks like new
i would recommend it

 

dpaq would u please tell me how much fps u achieved on ur machine with 1080 all on medium settings

 

Hmm...I'd have to say it makes more sense to buy a bag made to fit your size computer than one that is a tight squeeze, particularly if you plan to transport it often by plane (which, IMO, is a not good idea with the DV8 anyway.) The advantage of the 17" "Executive Case" for occasional use with the dV8 and accessories, is that it does hold it, snugly and securely (think "sleeve," rather than "bag"), and makes a very compact package, that fits under an airline seat; I'm not sure if a larger bag that is much wider than needed for just the computer and accessories, may be too bulky to fit under the seat.

That said, I hadn't looked at the customer reviews since I bought it over a year ago, but I'm on the side of the many who say it's a great bag and works fine with 17" computers. I have carried the DV8 plus the power brick (maybe 12 lbs, including files, etc and just as a briefcase with stuff of equal weight. and looking at it now there is no sign of stress in the handles or the shoulder strap. I think it's fine that the handles are plastic - they are very strong and they are molded to fit into each other in a way leather handles could not and it makes them very comfortable to use.

I don't find any of the other knocks against the 17" leather bag to be true after a year of use - though it is comical to see the wide disparity of opinions for the same bag ("can't use for 17" PC" ; "perfect fit for 17!" and "love it!/hate it!" It does fit the dv7 "like a glove" btw. Also, at $39 now, it's a steal as an extremely versatile and nice looking briefcase with or without a computer. I do not recommend it for regular travel with an 18.5" notebook (nor do I recommend traveling frequently by plane with the DV8 in any bag!

 

That's correct! Power-saver will cut back and prevent boosting speeds of the cores up above 2.26gHz. According to Intel, as I summarized in my earlier post, there's no life-related issue with turbo-boost as it was designed for it.

Here's some additional tech stuff on it if you want to know more.

How Intel's mobile Core i7 speeds up to slow down

That 18" case sounds like a better fit for my Dv8 - I am going to call them and see if I can switch from the 17" one I ordered yesterday .....

Regards,
- - Phil

 

That's what I thought - I didn't look forward to the process of stretching and tugging (though I harbor no doubts that it would not work) to get my Dv8 into it. I'm sure I will be happier with an easier fit and more padding when it's being shlepped around in a car. As I drive most everywhere I travel (except HI), I don't foresee myself trying to stuff it under any airline seating.

I just cancelled the leather one and ordered the canvas one by Targas. FWIW, it's also on sale and offered with free shipping for only about $9 more.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

For now, I currently use my Targus "Matrix" backpack which is designed for smaller laptops but it holds a huge amount of stuff. I have no real problem traveling with and taking the DV8 on a plane with it. ( Using the DV8 on a plane is another matter entirely, and there I agree, it's not really practical because due to its large size, it's hard to work with on a plane (unless you are in business or first class).) But the DV8 fits in my Targus Matrix backpack (sideways) in it's padded laptop pocket, but unfortunately the zippers do not completely close over the top end of the DV8 as the bag is just not quite tall enough. I jury rigged up an extension velcro strap to securely hold the DV8 in place though and keep it from sliding out of the partially unzipped top of the bag's laptop compartment.

The Matrix is a great laptop backpack though, just a an inch or two short for the DV8. Targus makes a larger backpack that is very similar to the Matrix but is taller so the DV8 should fit with the zippers able to fully close around it. I just can't yet bring myself to shell out for it since I can "make do" with my current bag.

 

And now, Peter, I'll have two of them for the Dv8.

However, Jeff pointed out that the 17" leather bag may work with my Toshiba Satellite L670 I5 and I had no bag for that yet.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

Question:
My blue light doesn't work(?) anymore for my volume button. It just stays orange. Still works functionally though. Just wondering if anyone has any ideas. I guess the light burnt out lol

 

I don't know for sure but my Dv8 has clear colored volume control. Any chance you mean the Wi-Fi light on the righthand side. IT is blue when working and orange when disabled. If it stays orange, volume will still work but either Wi-Fi or BlueTooth won't be working!

Hope this helps you sort it out.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

Hey guys- been off for a few days. I haven't seen any discounts/sales going on, and we're at the beginning of the month. Any hints as to when we might expect a good sale on the DV8?

 

The only blue/(orange when off) light on my machine is for the wireless adapter, not volume.

 

Exactly, Peter!

 

maybe its where you live determines the market they flood...
Here in Texas, I rarely hear any Mercedes comercials... Mostly Ford, etc... all the stuff thats already common.

I remember When the prius was so hot you had to get on a 6 month waiting list to get one and the dealers tried to charge 1000 even 2000 above list prices "and got away with it".. yet there were "no" commercials... why?..
They didn't need to waste their money.

Commercials are for products you are trying to promote for whatever motivations and reasons..... some products are so good, they don't need promoting because they will steal the market.

 

Certainly, Alan, advertising is somewhat regional on cars and may be occurring mostly in areas where the mfr wants to engender improvement in his market. But that doesn't support a proposition that quality products are not advertised heavily.

When an item can't be kept in stock, like the Prius during the times you referenced, there certainly is little advertising spent on it. I think that, when we were discussing a PC product, that product certainly didn't qualify for that reason for not advertising it!

On the other hand, MB is a quality car and it is advertised even in its strongest markets. So is the Ford products for which you see ads in TX - now at the top of the JD Powers surveys on quality. Ford ads are 'flooding" the airwaves up here, too. Since that's all I was asserting, I think I've shown that advertising still occurs for quality, available, products including cars.

Sorry I can't find agreement with you on this but the original issue has been lost in the days since I first wrote about the Dv8 "demise" rumors started by the TelSell person at HP. Only time will tell on the future of the Dv8 IMO.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

At any rate, its a "Mercedes" of a laptop IMO..... its luxurious, fast, and beautiful with all the bells and whistles.

If I had a need for extended runtimes away from the outlet I may consider another but I don't.. or if I needed smaller size.. but this fits the ticket...
I was looking for a desktop replacement... something that would get me out of the office and back around the family in my time or relaxation on the computer.. and the DV8T fits the ticket perfect for such a need!

Right now, we have the 55" big screen going in front of us, while I have my DV8t sitting on a padded laptop board "oak in color available at Staples" and my wife is sitting next to me with her work computer on a similiar board.

Just one big Modern happy family!.. LOL!

I have bragged in the past about how cool my computer runs.... one thing I do attribute that too is the board it sits on while on my lap... that keeps the heat off me and give air flow under the unit.

 

I totally agree - certainly a suitable comparison!

That's exactly why I selected the Dv8 for myself. My eyes aren't the greatest anymore and I wanted the large Desktop Replacement screen, and manageable portability for when I had to take it away from home for a few days. With its SSD and fast processor, it's like an AMG of Mercedes..

Sure is a great way to spend a evening together in the 21st century! Enjoy! Right on!!!

Regards,
- - Phil

P.S., I prop mine up on a couch cushion using an old 3.5 inch HDD that assures just the right clearance underneath the Dv8 for cooling air flow so it never goes much over 60C.

 

New $200 web-use stackable coupon code:

NBG419735

Confirmed working as of this post.

$150 off + $200 Coupon HP dv8t Core i5/i7 Laptop | HP dv8 reviews & coupon - LogicBUY

 

WOOHOO! Just purchased- THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I used the $200 Logic coupon- AWESOME. That allowed me to upgrade to the 256gb SSD + 500gb 7200rpm HD! BTW- that upgrade was also listed at $100 CHEAPER than before. I also sacrificed the BluRay for the standard DVD player/burner- I would HARDLY EVER use BluRay, and it saved me another $150. I figure I can always upgrade later if I feel I NEED it. I am STOKED! Also got the case/carrier for $40, and the 2yr ADP w/ LoJack for $118. I figured it's worth it since I'm using my ADP right now on my current DV7. I just wish it would ship right away!

BTW- I notice that CostCo is no longer selling the DV8. I need to cancel my order with them now.

Here's what I got-

HP Pavilion dv8t customizable Notebook PC

* • Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
* • Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-720QM Quad Core processor (1.6GHz, 6MB L3 Cache) with Turbo Boost up to 2.8 GHz
* • 8GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
* • 756GB 7200RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (SSD 256GB + 500GB 7200RPM)
* • 1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 230M [HDMI, VGA]
* • 18.4" diagonal High Definition HP Ultra BrightView Infinity Display (1920x1080p)
* • SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
* • Webcam and Fingerprint Reader with HP Imprint Finish (Espresso Black)
* • Intel Wireless-N Card with Bluetooth
* • No TV Tuner w/remote control
* • Standard Keyboard
* • 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (standard)
* • Microsoft(R) Office Starter 2010
* • No additional security software
* • HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

Estimated build date: 7

 

Congrats on "pulling the trigger!

I sure think you made good choices and got the cost down a bit, too. When you receive it -after waiting for an eternity -be sure and post here about the details of drive mfrs, etc.

Be sure to make those Recovery Disks (after you first start it up and shut it down once ). It'll be interesting to know what stuff is put on which partitions of the SSD and if they put anything onto the secondary.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

Sounds good. Congrats!

Good idea Phil. Yes please tell us the the details of all of your components!

x2. Make those recovery discs!

Good thinking as well.

@eyal8r = Also let us know if your traditional hdd (the 500gb one) has HP ProtectSmart enabled and is showing the drive as 'supported.' Phil and I have some unfinished business regarding that.

 

Woods- can you give me details as to how to determine that?

Also- when I first get it- I boot it up- do I perform any updates BEFORE doing the Recovery Discs? OR- boot it up, reboot it, and then make recovery discs- THEN perform updates after that?
Thanks guys! Soo excited about the speed of the processor and the SSD. I may not have to buy a new laptop for a while after this one!

 

I would boot up the new PC, then shutdown. Then boot up and create the recovery disks.

If you start installing updates and anything goes wrong, you have no quick easy way to put system back to how it was. Don't download or install any updates before making the recovery disks. If you later have updates etc installed and want to make new Recovery Disks, we can help you do that then.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

Good thought - I second that!

It would be great if you can offer us some help later with figuring out how HP ProtectSmart configurations vary from machine to machine.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

Sure, there is really useful tool called SIW that basically scans your machine for the components. I personally prefer it. It is also freeware and does a great job identifying (almost) everything on the dv8!

You can find it here:
SIW | System Information for Windows by Gabriel Topala

See below for Phil's response as it is EXACTLY the same method I used and I highly recommend you follow his advice.

I sure am hoping! We haven't discussed this issue in awhile, but I haven't forgotten about it Phil!

 

eyal8r: After you have received your Dv8, I would suggest that you check for support for the HP 3D DriveGuard on your drives (after you make your Recovery Disks!) in the following fashion:

Click Start (lower left corner of screen), click Control Panel, click "HP 3D DriveGuard" and it will open to show what drives, if any, it is supporting. Wood3336 and I would appreciate it if you could post, or PM us, with what you find it shows as "supported".

Regards,
- - Phil

 

Glad you got a good deal.

Costco is still selling the DV8. They periodically don't show it on their website for a few days here and there and then it comes back. I suspect they only arrange for a certain number of preconfigured units and when those are sold, it comes off their website until they arrange for a new deal on a certain number of DV8s to offer their members. Then when that number are sold, it goes off the site again, etc., etc.

Even if it wasn't listed on the Costco site, one could still custom configure a DV8 through the Costco site. But you got a better deal then Costco offers by using the coupon and instant rebate plus HP's free or discounted upgrades.

 

Congrats!.... you'll love it!.. thats almost exactly the same as mine... its sinkin fast!

I did a fresh install, but many feel if you clean out all the bloatware and do a registry clean you can achieve the same results.

 

Dittoes, Alan! I share that view since I did it both ways and ran the benchmarks and found no diff so I am still running the HP load less its bloatware. It was much simpler to clean up the HP load IMO and I was able to retain a few items of HP-ware that has been useful.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

I ordered one of these Monday and it arrived today. It is a great fit for the Dv8. It looks very rugged and well made. I've tugged at it in every way i could think of and nothing is going to come apart on this carrying case!

The 'Dome Protection' looks like a nice feature now that I see how its implemented and what it's for (reduce chance of cracking large display of Dv8 by progressively supporting it mostly at the edges and less at the center).
Handle is easy to carry with and zippers on compartments move VERY smoothly and easily.

Empty, the case weighs about 6oz. I have loaded it up and it's still quite heavy - weighed about 24 oz with Dv8, AC adapter, and eSata, USB, and network cables. Shoulder strap has nice foam pad to distribute the shoulder loading. It's going to go out of town with me this weekend!

Very nice rig! $12 instant rebate makes it available with free shipping for about $47. Highly recommended !!

Thanks for posting information about this case.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

Nice writeup, thanks for sharing.

 

I ordered one with my DV8 as well. I think it was $39- but probably because I spent $2k on a laptop! Mine should be arriving any day as well. Thanks for the writeup- I was second guessing my purchase, now I'm excited for it.

 

Glad it was satisfactory. It's the kind of product that is hard to evaluate from a photo and list of features so I figured DPAC might find ia writeup by a user useful if he's on the edge about it. I really like it and thought it was worth writing up a short review of it.

Thanks,
- - Phil

 

There were two laptop carrying cases being mentioned here in last day or so - one was 40% off and leather construction (for 17") for $39. The one I wrote about was 20% off and canvas construction (for 18.4") for $47.

Hope that clarifies which one you ordered versus which one I wrote about.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

oh jeez! I hope I ordered the right one! I better check.

 

I have that same one for my 15.5" ZV6000.... nice case.

 

Here's the one I got-
Targus 18" Blacktop Deluxe Laptop Case w/ Dome Protection | HP® Official Store Except mine was $40.

 

Hi everybody. havent posted here in ages it seems. I'm hoping someone can help me. My laptop "plugged in" light stopped working and i've noticed that if the laptop is on & i plug it in, win7 doesn't know because the pwr source icon doesn't change.

However, the strange part is that it's still charging the battery (battery charging light comes on & % charge increases as usual) and the laptop pwrs up ok w/o battery. Just missing the "plugged in" light and the win7 icon changing to show that the laptop is plugged in to an ac source.

I've used CCleaner and cleaned up registry and all, no change -> knew this was a long shot because the plugged in light is missing when the laptop is off and plugged in to an ac source.

Strangely the plugged in light came on briefly with the battery removed and then the laptop plugged in to an ac source.

Any help/suggestion anyone??

 

Sounds like it might be a hardware problem but you could try running scan disk and if that doesnt fix it, perhaps a repair install of Windows might, unless it really is due to a hardware problem.

Another thing might be to try changing the power plan and see if that makes a difference. Perhaps something got messed up with your power plan settings.