*HP dv8 Owners Lounge*

That's just plain silly, Peter! I didn't expect it would make sense to you though so I'll explain it again (slowly) for you. ( Edit:Now that you reedited your post, my serious response is no longer necessary. Too bad you didn't add that paragraph of disclaimer before posting)

Though I just explained why I'd still use 1900x1080 for some things, just let me know how you'd make that 1600x900 monitor operate at 1920 x 1080 for the BD playback I mentioned in my most recent post ... Why would anyone accept your advice and buy a 1600x900 monitor that can NEVER go to 1900x1080 for video????

Except for that problem, I'd agree with your post but, obviously since I already do all those other things for text, desktop, etc., which I had also mentioned recently, I can't.

BTW, I figured you already knew (or remembered from our past PMs) that the 1920x1080 rez for videos is a major reason I originally chose the DV8 (i.e., for its hi-rez display) !!! I still love it for that reason!

Regards,
- - Phil

 

Just wanted to report back after a week or two of using the Minefield (64-bit version of Firefox 4.0 beta) with Adobe 64-bit version of Flash. It works very well and video plays smoothly and reliably with the current latest versions available for download.

Latest Minefield build has lots of neat features (excellent history list by date of last use, for example, is quite handy) and is available here:

ftp://ftp.mozilla.org/pub/mozilla.org/f ... a-central/

Highly recommended now for use with 64-bit versions of Windows 7. Seems quite stable at this point and I had no crashes with it during very heavy use under wide variety of conditions.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

Thanks for reporting back. I was actually curious about this when the discussion arose awhile back. Firefox is my browser of choice, so I see no need to wait any longer! Thanks again for the feedback.

 

At least we can agree that Firefox is pretty great.

Btw, I bet Phil (if he wanted to) could do a pretty good business installing backlighted keyboards on peoples DV8's. I know I'd hire him to do mine if it could be done without parting from my machine for more than a few hours. Like Alan explained so well in an earlier post, I'm really kind of afraid to take my machine apart as far as is necessary to do this mod. I'm just afraid I would break something in the process. I'm sure I could do it easily once I saw someone do it in front of me but on my own it's just too risky for me at this point. Perhaps after I get a newer machine and this one becomes my backup I will give it a go.

 

Just keep your native FF loaded too if you need plugins like for ripping mp3's from youtube videos or other various needs.

The 64bit beta is "extremely" limited in what addons it will take as of yet.
I was tracking down a hack to allow most addons to go on anyway..... seemed it caused the addons to not check for the version etc... but I could never nail it down.

Also beware... if you decide to toss or uninstall the 64 bit version and uninstall it completely "without saving user data" it will also uninstall your native 32bit FF preferences, bookmarks, and places unless you back them up first... seems it integrates itself into and uses the same storage files of the 32bit FF best I could figure.

I recommend keeping a backup of prefs.js, places.sqlite, cookies.sqlite and permissions.sqlite

Prefs.js is simply your preferences you have set as far as tweaks to "about:config" or any others.....you would hate to have to manually put back in again.

Permissions and Cookies.sqlite is your cookies and permissions... if you have many places you visit that needs passwords that you have allowed Firefox to store.. its nice to keep this one.

Places.sqlite is all of your bookmarks

They are located in c:\documents and settings\yourusername\application data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\yourunique id.default\

Lastly.... when you install Flash for 64bit it will work great on minefield but when you try to use your 32 bit again, it will think you need to update your flash and if you do it renders your flash void for 64 bit.
In other words.. I saw no way to have both flashes coexist together at the same time.

 

Maybe we can work a deal with Phil Peter...... He installs our keyboard and upgrades our processor and we will update his firmware and all his software!

 

I'm usually not a great fan of beta softwares with security implications like the web browsers, Woods. In this case, there are good reasons for making an exception.

1) From a security standpoint, I think it makes more sense than one might think since most malware can't <yet> deal with 64-bit browsers. For example, the malware that was masquerading around as a Windows Security Alert does not block use nor adversely affect normal use of the 64-bit version beta of Firefox 4.

2) It is also worth noting that Minefield (hardly a reassuring name for a piece of new software ) installs independently of regular 32-bit Firefox version 3.6 and shares settings with it so you can install both on the same machine and run either one (reminiscent of Almond Joy's "sometimes I feel like a nut - sometimes I don't" lyrics... ). Very convenient way to compare the two versions for speed, features, ease of use, etc.

Hope you try it and find it very satisfying to use.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

This is one time I'll be waiting for a while. I like my multitude of FF addons, extensions, plugins etc. too much. When the x64 version is fully compatible with all my extensions, etc., (or vice versa), then I'll try it. But the 32 bit version is working quite excellently for me. (Just upgraded to FF 3.6.11 btw.)

 

While it was never at issue, I agree!

I'm too busy - very much engaged in a business mostly recovering machines messed up by users unnecessarily applying driver updates... Ha-ha!

NO WAY! After doing this twice (I did one other one far local friend), it is manifestly clear that no one should try to do that task in less than 3 days: Day 1) disassemble DV8 and remove original keyboard. Day 2) add and safely route wiring from USB connector to ZIF connector; connect backlit HDX18 keyboard and perform power up testing. Day 3)reassemble DV8 with new keyboard.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

NOPE! If I screw it up installing the HDX backlit keyboard, I should have to LET you apply all the driver and HP software updates to mine ... Ha-HA!

Regards,
- - Phil

 

A few tweaks to really speed up firefox..... setting cache to ram is amongst the most noticable.
Do these tweaks and your Firefox will be a speed demon.
These settings work in 64 bit also.

1. Type “about:config” into the address bar and hit enter.

2. ****Firefox - Use memory cache instead of disk cache.

Description: If you use Firefox, there's a way to write cached files to RAM instead of the hard disk. This is not only faster, but will significantly reduce writes to the SSD while using the browser.

Instructions: Open Firefox -> Type about:config into the address bar "or filters bar" -> Enter -> now you will see the filter bar to enter searches into....find and double-click on "browser.cache.disk.enable" to set the value to False,
Note, if you simply copy and paste or type "browser.cache.disk.enable", it will find it for you ->
Right-Click anywhere on the blank screen -> Pick "New" -> Integer -> Preference Name "disk.cache.memory.capacity" -> value memory size in KB. Enter 32768 for 32MB, 65536 for 64MB, 131072 for 128MB, etc. I use the highest setting of "131072" -> restart Firefox

To confirm you can also go to the address bar enter "about:cache", now verify that your changes reflected in cache-directory name (Look for Cache Directory) If you chose to use RAM you will see no directory pathway.

3. Set “network.http.pipelining” to “true”

4. Set “network.http.proxy.pipelining” to “true”

5. set “network.http.pipelining.maxrequests” to some number like 100. This means it will make 100 requests at once.

6. Right-click anywhere and select New-> Integer. Name it “nglayout.initialpaint.delay” and set its value to “0". This value is the amount of time the browser waits before it acts on information it receives.

*Note.. except for needing to bump the maxrequests from 8 to 100... the extension addon called "network tweak" sets this to "30" when hitting the power button but higher is ok too.

7. Search for the following entry "true.gfx.color_management.enabled" and set the value to true, you can double click the entry to make it true.

8. Network.prefetch-next, and if the entry in the Value column reads ‘True’ right-click on it and select Toggle (or double click) and it will change to false.

----------------------
More you can add if they are not already there.

Note.... to create a new entry... use "boolean" for true false switches, and "integer" for numbers.

Tweaks For A Fast Computer With A Fast Connection
"content.interrupt.parsing", true
"content.max.tokenizing.time", 2250000
"content.notify.interval", 750000
"content.notify.backoffcount" = 5
"ui.submenuDelay" = 0
"content.notify.ontimer", true
"content.switch.threshold", 250000
"nglayout.initialpaint.delay", 0
"network.http.max-connections", 48
"network.http.max-connections-per-server", 16
"network.http.max-persistent-connections-per-proxy", 16
"network.http.max-persistent-connections-per-server",16
"browser.cache.memory.capacity", 65536
----------
"plugin.expose_full_path”, true

If you have any questions.. feel free to PM.

 

I thought it might make for an interesting discussion to share/show what kind of desktop gadgets we have set up on our machines. Some of us might be able to get some new ideas or new gadgets from seeing what others are using. I am always interested in what other people are using. Here's my current arrangement fwimbw:

 

Without trying it, you'll never know when it meets your requirements???

You have many more add-ons (and probably more esoteric ones if past indications are any indication) - that may make sense for you. I haven't encountered any that don't work with Minefield beta of Firefox 4. Even Adblock seems to work! Also, it looks to me that Minefield incorporates many features and codecs that were add-ons under Firefox 3.6 IMO.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

Cool Peter.... I have the intel processor usage one thats square but which is the cpu usage one you have that slices it all up so nicely?

Also interested in the network one you have too.....

 

I have only a few - network meter, Core Temp 64, and Intel Turboboost monitor. I find them amusing to play with but nothing I take as seriously as dedicated software utilities for specific issues.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

I guess we have some of the same ones.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

Phil, is that beta 4.0 b8? "firefox-4.0b8pre.en-US.win64-x86_64"

 

They can be found here: Most Wanted Windows Gadgets - Windows Vista and Windows 7
Excellent imo and free!

On the network one, you have to make sure in the gadgets options that it's set to your correct wireless adapter and also I find the mode set to "display bars" and drawing style set to "filled" and history set to "Automatic" to work best on this one. It really shows you graphically how much is going in and out and the speed and signal strength all of which is pretty useful, imo.

 

A lot of tedious stuff and not responsive to what Peter and I had been writing about.

In any case, when I applied these, I didn't find these to make a measureable difference. YMMV

Hmm! - Funny you would be suggesting PM-ing to anyone!

Regards,
- - Phil

 

Just about. "firefox-4.0b8pre.en-US.win64-x86_64.installer" is what I downloaded to update to the latest version this afternoon.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

Yep, that's where I got my network and Core Temp ones. I'm happy with the Turbo-boost monitor one from Intel.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

I like to see the activity of the individual cores both when turbo boost is operating and when it is not. The Intel monitor only shows how much turbo boost is being used at any given moment. I like it but it doesn't show all the other stuff that the other gauge shows. For example, with the CPU meter I can readily see which programs are using hyper threading and how much they are using it which I find interesting. So for me I like to use both of them together to have a more complete picture of how the CPU is being used and what it is doing at any given moment, along with the temps provided by another gauge.

 

I'm quite happy with the Intel monitor. It shows a lot more than whether the TurboBoost is active and how much. It shows the max CPU speed which the Engadget doesn't as well as the extent of hyperthreading going on. Clearly, it also lets you see which programs use hyperthreading and which don't.

I certainly agree that your use of the Intel monitor is better than being without it. I guess I can agree that you should be running both to get a full picture ... Ha-ha!

Regards,
- - Phil

 

FYI, in the UK the DV8 is currently available at the same price as the DV7 and some other HP Laptops that only run 1600 by...so it's a no-brainer to buy the better machine ($1277 for the 4gb Version UK prices)
But now I've opened it I'm happy using it at 1920by as the screen seems much better than the Dell 17" I'd previously used...

 

Thanks for that information. Sounds like you've really been playing around with it!

I would have never guessed! I was hesitant about installing it (I would imagine our reasons would have been very similar), but once I saw your follow-up I figured I would go ahead and give it whirl when I got some free time....

That's good reasoning. That's also something I was curious about.

I like that it shares settings between both versions. That's nice. What have been your experiences regarding your mentioning of speed, features, ease of use etc.? Got a preference yet? One version better for some things than the other, or is it more trial and error?

 

Makes sense to me. The DV8 is a fantastic laptop as well!

So you are using it at 1920x1080? What did you do about the issue with the fonts, etc.?

 

I had none of those problems, Alan. I switch back and forth without any popups or issues with Flash under either version. BOTH 32-bit FF 3.6 and FF 4.0 beta work perfectly with their respective versions of Flash!

BTW, I don't give any thought to what config files save what in which FF version (I know where to find that info online if I ever need it tho') - too complex for my aging brain to deal with... With my standard safe computing procedures of doing full Ghost clones before each update to either FF 3.6 or FF4.0 beta (or any software or drivers, etc.), there is no risks of a problem screwing up either one. No sign of any problems fortunately.

I have to wonder what Windstrings (aka Alan) has wrong on his machine if he has such problems. Maybe he doesn't have the latest versions of both FF3.6 and FF4.0? Corrupted config files?

I figured you might already know of my paranoia on such issues.

Thanks. Glad you feel that way. I'm already looking forward to 128-bit computing!

Are you sitting down? Speed -YES! Smokin'! I ran the browser benchmark, Peacekeeper, on both browsers last night (while NBR was crashing?) and Minefield scored 60% faster than Firefox! See this for my results: Peacekeeper - The Browser Benchmark from Futuremark Corporation

I may have already mentioned this but I really like Minefield's way of handling browser history (but located strangely under Bookmarks) in that it sorts and groups it by day it occurred. OTOH, I am not as happy with the Bookmarks menu as it requires, after navigating down thru two levels, double-clicking on the bookmark to load it. I find that FF 3.6 easier to navigate as I am more familiar with it from years of use but the performance of Minefield portends great stuff ahead in terms of performance.

I'm continuing to use FF 3.6 for accessing online financially sensitive accounts and, until its GA (final) release, I'll keep using Minefield for general browsing for information and watching video content.

Oh, BTW, for Peter (PAE77) in case he reads this: I found an extension that doesn't yet work with Minefield - Digital Persona - for using fingerprint reader for logons. Que sera!

Regards,
- - Phil

 

So glad you're happy with the DV8. I see you've come around to my view that the 1920x1080 is really nice viewing even if you use a lower rez for some purposes (as I now do). As I told PAE77, there's no way to get 1920x1080 from a display limited to 1600x900 - Ha-Ha! I'm sure you'll never regret buying the 1920x1080 capability in your laptop!

Congrats on great purchase!

Regards,
- - Phil

 

Yes, even though the screen uses relatively old (non LED) technology, it is a relatively GREAT laptop display and for this and other reasons, the DV8 is a real bargain compared to most, if not all, other laptops, imo. I LOVE mine. It is the best laptop I've ever had, by far.

If you find you would like certain windows system fonts like menus, tool tips, etc. to display a little larger without affecting other things and, most importantly, without lowering the overall display resolution, you can make the adjustments I mentioned in a previous post. I find it to be really helpful in making the 1920 x 1080 resolution more pleasant and comfortable. I especially like, for example, the way it makes the menus in programs like Outlook display in slightly larger fonts.

 

thanks for the link... the ones I was using was from the microsoft page.... "network Monitor II" and "cpu usage" from intel... yours look better I will check them out...

 

They are pretty nice and if you set them to automatically check for updates, they will inform you when an updated version is available. And one of the nice thing about these particular gadgets is that they are updated and improved fairly frequently (usually about 2 or 3 times per year).

Also, for the best results, imo, it's really important to make the adjustments to the settings in the network monitor that I mentioned in my previous post on the subject. It makes a big difference in how easy it makes it to see some important information, imo.

 

Totally agree that it's the best laptop overall! We differ perhaps, on the best way to equip it at the outset. I strongly favor getting it with an SSD, for example.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

No question, Alan. The ones from Engadget are the ones to get. I really liked the Network one (it monitors stats for both wireless and hard-wired network connections) and allows resizing which is much appreciated by my aging feeble eyes!

Regards,
- - Phil

 

We don't differ on that point. I agree with you about SSD's and I think HP's 256 GB SSD is a pretty good deal if purchased configured or pre installed in a new system. I just couldn't afford one when I got my DV8. I'm still intending to upgrade and put an SSD into my DV8, hopefully in the near future. But at the moment, maxing out my computer based audio system is a higher priority and I'm still hoping SSD's will get a little cheaper (and perhaps the technology will also improve further) if I wait a little longer.

 

Seems the Core temp is something you just activate when you want?... or do you leave yours running in the background and autostarting with windows....
Seems there is no way to see your cpu core usage and temps at the same time.. its one or the other.

 

I don't use Core temp to display my temps, (I use something else (AIDA64 with it's own sidebar gadget)) but if I did, I would leave it running and have it auto load with Windows. Doesn't the gadget still display core usage plus temps if used with coretemp?

 

Well at the bottom of the cpu gadjet you suggested it says "core temp not running"... if I go into settings and then options.. there is a core temp link.. it took me to
"Core temp 0.99.8"
If I install and open that and go to about.. it says "be sure to check out the core temp gadjet for win 7".. it looks different yet again... I guess I'll check that one out.

I wonder if they know they have a rat maze set up for finding core temp?

wow!.... I downloaded it and its simply the gadjet that goes with the core temp I already have.

So now with that core temp gadjet I can go into options on cpu monitor and turn off "show core temperatures" and walla!... I now have both!.... geez!

where do you guys set your overheat protection? I'm running 62 - 63 degrees C right now.

 

I just download Core Temp 64 (currently at v.99.8) and its gadget option, Alan. Install both and click on the gadget after minimizing Core Temp and the gadget pops up on the right side of your desktop with the same options and control settings as Engadget's gadgets do. Runs right above my Intel Turbo Boost and Engadget's Network Meter.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

That's about the same as what I wrote. Only difference is that I got my CoreTemp a long time ago by "Googling" CoreTemp ....

I have my alarms set for 70C but it hasn't yet gone over that....

Regards,
- - Phil

 

I run both separately.

I position the CoreTemp at the top, the Intel TurboBoost Monitor below it, and the Network Meter at the bottom. Gives me all the info I think I need on most DV8 software health issues and the context for interpreting them.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

WOW. I didn't realize it was that significant. Thanks for the link to that site too, really neat seeing the different comparisons...

Okay. Thanks for the summary. Seems they have changed the history/bookmark layout a bit, but I'm sure I can adjusted as I use it more. I'm like you though, I think the layout is very good the way it is now. Why fix what's not broken? I probably shouldn't comment as I have yet to even try it out....

That's probably a good idea using the stable release of FF 3.6 for financial accounts or any sensitive info. I put it in bold hoping it will stick out to other readers who may skim over the topic because I think that is very noteworthy.

I think the first thing I'm going to try is stream some netflix content (if it will even work) and see if there is any difference in speed....

Bummer on digital persona, I can live without it, but boy is it nice to swipe and login!

 

Indeed! I also noticed that Google Chrome delivered scores almost twice as high as Minefield ... I haven't tried Chrome (partly because I am accustomed to FF) ... have you tried Chrome? From the scores, it seems like it may be worth looking at.

I don't know why Mozilla changed the bookmarks setup. Now, when you click on bookmarks, it opens a large window with several different categories of bookmarks listed and to select a bookmark in one of the categories, you double click on it. The bookmark window stays open in case you want to open additional links. Not all bad IMO.

I'll be interested to see how you like Netflix with it and your overall impressions of Minefield after you've tried it..

I'm sure Digital Persona will be revised after FF4 is released.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

I used it early in it's initial beta releases. It was indeed lightning fast and I loved the way it bookmarked pages/history. It has them lined across a page as little "thumbnail previews" and it was really slick. The only thing that irked me (and it was such an amazing oversight from Google) was the inability to Print Selection! The option was completely grayed out/unavailable! I had to copy the text and paste it into word or whatever just to print the selection I wanted. That was the killer for me. I would imagine this has been fixed and I may have another go with Chrome....

That doesn't sound bad at all really. Maybe after getting used to it, it may actually be better. I guess I'll find out soon enough!

^ This is what I'm really pumped about. My home network connection is easily capable of streaming the content flawlessly on a wired or wireless connection. But it always seems to stutter or intermittently buffer. Seems the browser has been the culprit in my efforts. It may be on Netflix side too, idk. I 'think' Netflix limits its browser support to only IE and FF, but I am thinking about comparing the Minefield FF to Chrome if it will work.

I agree, I'm sure it will be included in the actual release or shortly afterward...

 

I just downloaded and ran the Peacemaker benchmarks with Opera and Chrome. Chrome is definitely the fastest thing I've ever seen! - benchmarked over twice the performance of Minefield and 3X that of FireFox 3.6!

Peacekeeper - The Browser Benchmark from Futuremark Corporation

As you can see, Opera is over 50% higher than Minefield in its benchmark score.

I don't know how to do the printing test you referred to but I had no problem printing a single web page with Chrome from a group of pages.

I've used it a bit more since yesterday and find it actually is less tedious than I previously thought. The good thing is that all those old links are in one placed and organized in a coherent way. (a good thing )

You've got a lot to do ... Hope it works really well! I look forward to your assessment.

I will keep checking for it ... I miss it more than I should. Just getting a bit lazy, I guess.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

I tried Chrome a while back... can't remember everything I didn't like about it but its pretty bare bones back when I tried it.
After tweaking firefox I really can't see any difference in speed anyway.... at least not in practical real use.

I also did the peacekeeper test... I have found that those benchmarks vary greatly based on how they are ran and possibly who is greasing their pocket book... Google has deep pockets!
I've seen this happen with review companies that get perverted with bribes and payoffs to favor a certain product.
Some browsers excel in certain types of code and methods of processing.. benchmarks can be tailored to give altered results if customized or tailored to capitalize on a certain browsers strengths and overlook weaknesses that may be strengths in other browsers.

All you can do is install them both and see what both feel like.... but I don't trust the benchmarks alone.

 

It's on version 7 now ... quite a lot has changed... why haven't you tried it lately?

Not very meaningful, IMO, if you haven't tried the current version of Chrome (v.7) that is being discussed. I tried the tweaks and got no noticeable performance benefit but figure they're worthwhile to reduce wear and tear on my SSD.

Absolutely correct that you SHOULD try them BEFORE deciding anything about them. Certainly, until you have tested them both side-by-side, the benchmarks seem to provide more authoritative info than your recollections from "a while back"... Do you know what Peacemaker tests? I do. The benchmarks seem to accurately reflect my experience in ACTUAL TESTING of both products.

All I use a benchmark for is to indicate is whether or not a new product warrants the testing on my own machine (as you suggest but haven't done before writing). On my DV8, Chrome 7.05 seems at least twice as fast both loading and running than the FF4 beta8. Also, in ACTUAL USE TESTING, Minefield seems discernibly faster than FF 3.6 (with or without the settings you suggest).

Why don't you go and test them and then report back with actual experience-based comments that can be compared to mine above?

Regards,
- - Phil

 

DV8 has been discontinued.

 

Say it ain't so! What is your source for this statement?


Edit: HP store still offers them as in the past. So far Keyser's rumor is just another unfounded rumor.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

thanks... I may try it again.... I'm bummed it doesn't have 64 bit support... maybe it doesn't need it.

But its lack of addons I use is a bummer.. but for the same reason I'm not using FFB4 any more either... especially since it bugs out my Flash for my 32 bit firefox... seems I can't run both at the same time.. maybe running Chrome would be a fix for that since its 32bit.

But I could see my self switching if its really gotten that fast.

Btw, does the persona fingerprint addon work with Chrome?
It appears not according to this discussion.

 

Actually, it's not unfounded. So if you hit my rep, I'd appreciate it if you'd re-rep me.

I have an HDX18t that needs replacing, and after 2 hours of phone support today (with TCO), we were unable to add our newly configured DV8 to the cart... after some research on his end... he found out that they have JUST discontinued it, and that is why we couldn't add it.

Granted, discontinuing it BEFORE removing it from the store's site is a bonehead move, but it is true nontheless.

If you don't want to take my word for it, just go to the site yourself, configure one, and "try" to add it to your shopping cart.

You will get the following message upon attempting to do so:

"We're sorry!

We no longer have the PC you're trying to customize, or some of its components, or the server you want.



Please choose another customizable PC or one of our ready-to-ship PCs, or choose another server. You can also call our Sales Center at 1 (800) 351-9687.



Thank you for your understanding."


I realize seeing it on the site caused you to think that my info was bogus, and/or I was spreading false rumors; however, that was/is not the case. My information was/is accurate.

The DV8 is no more.

(with the exception of ordering a "ready-to-ship" version from hp.uk , etc.) Just in case someone wanted to point that out!