NOW AVAILABLE: ENVY 15-32XX Intel Ivy Bridge (AMD 7750M)

Alrighty, So I received my envy last thursday and am pretty happy with it so far. Wonderful screen, blazing fast, and pretty nice on the gaming end, too. One problem I'm having, which I was wondering if anyone else has had/resolved, it with the switchable graphics. Everyone and his cow bought Skyrim, myself included. However, in the initial menu before the game starts where you choose video options, the only card available in the Intel HD graphics. In the "switchable graphics" menu I have TESV launcher and TESV itself set to run on "high performance", but it seems to change nothing. Any suggestions?

Edit: Also, do the drivers for the HD 7750m list on AMD's website for anyone else? I can't seem to find them.

 

My envy finally shipped last night, 6 days earlier than the estimated ship date. To bad i didn't get the 2 day shipping, the delivery date is supposed to be this Friday. Lets see if after a month of production i wont experience the same build quality issues others have been having.

 

Oh ok, I was doing it through the student discount login in the site, I thought it would work on it, it did last time, but guess not. Thanks!

 

My disc drive makes the noise on startup/wake. It doesn't really bother me and I'm pretty sure I've had old laptops do it as well. When my replacement comes I'll let you know if it does the same.

 

Does it do it even if you leave a disk in it?

 

i answered ur skyrim question in the owners lounge. for the drivers, so far there is nothing official. 12.7 will be the one to support it. if u want, update the driver from hp then download the 12.7 beta drivers and install over it.

alright thanks man

damn i keep forgetting to try this lol... ill check in a sec.. hopefully

 

Thinking about sending your HP Envy for small repair? (if its really not a big issue), think again.
2 days after receiving my Envy, I had to send it in for repair because of the stripped screw on the back panel (not able to take it out). Estimated time was 4 to 6 business days. I sent my laptop on June 18. I got an email yesterday saying, it will be delivered to me July 06 (Total joke).
Problem is, I will miss the 21 day return/exchange period. Most of my calls were answered by Robots (scripted call center/customer service reps). This morning I was able to get hold of someone in the Envy dept who helped me with the exchange process.
Basically, they will be sending back my un-repaired laptop (damn screw) so that I can ship it back to returns (I have the cover/charger/box) and they will send me the new/modified exchange order (same specs and same price).

For the new Laptop they have added the 2 year accidental/damage warranty free with 2 day shipping.

Just wanted to chime in for people thinking about sending it in for minor repairs.

 

Thanks for all the numerous relies to my post, I have reped everyone who helped me... I am now assured with the quailty control and shipping time, but the US credit card problem is such a MAJOR hassle that it has made everything a lot more complicated.

I think I only have 4 options now:
1) Get a HP gift card. But wouldn't you have to use a credit card as well to purchase it, and then that wouldn't work either since my card isn't American... -.-

2)Buy the laptop physically at a US store. This means I don't get to use the coupon, or customise. However, if needs be, it might be my only option. But does anyone know if there are any stores that see the Envy 15 with Ivy bridge? All I see are the old Sandy bridge processors at Walmart. Plus if possible the i7-3610QM and 1080p panel would be prefered in the build. Can you find this in stores or it is only online?

3) Get a friend to buy the laptop for me.. I think my dad does have a friend who could possibly do it, but I think he lives in Canada, so he would face the same problems as you.. Plus it would be asking a lot of him.

4) Use one of those mail ordering sites like MyUS and use their "Personal Shopper" scheme, however my dad thinks its a scam, and tbh, I don't really trust either...

So in conclusion, I think my best bet is to buy a pre-built laptop in the States when I get there, it really is quite disappointing, since the coupon would be great and I wont be able to get the configuration that I want... Unless anyone else has got any other idea for me to buy the laptop? All I want is to buy it, and HP won't even bloody let me, getting so sick of this, urgh.

 

1. You can buy a pre-paid credit card online or even in stores like Wal-mart. You can then use it to purchase on HP I believe.

2. I don't know of any stores at the moment. Costco used to carry them, and may in the future. You could also check Frys Electronics although they have fewer locations.

3. Probably the best idea if you have someone in the US that can handle this for you.

4. I THINK some people on the forum from Canada have done this before.

 

I think you mentioned this but what city will you be in?

 

Otherwise if someone on this forum from the US would be nice enough to purchase an HP gift card in the amount of your computer, and then you'd pay them back with Paypal.... That could work too. I'd do it, however I'm from Canada.. Sorry :/

 

You could just wait a few weeks. @HPUK confirmed the Envy15 would be here near the end of July. Yes its more expensive here, but at least you don't have the hassle and have full support should you have problems.

 

Yeah I'm trying to weigh up the pros and cons of buying here, the old sandy bridge HP Envy 17 non -3d here is £1400, which at current rates is 2200 Usd... I'm guessing the HP Envy 15 would cost around £1300 at least (=2050 usd). Even if I buy in store in the states it will be more expensive than in HP US online but will only cost around £800, which is a LOT less.

In reply to the other guys, firstly I am staying San Francisco, any known computing stores there? And pongalong, if I got the pree-paid credit card, or an gift card, what would happen if I need to return it? THanks guy, would rep you guys but I've reped too many in the past 24 hours... haha

Sorry guys for all this hassle, I promise that when I eventually get this laptop, I will shut up...

Ok, I have been looking up all the local stores, ALL of them including the Microsoft store do not stock the Ivy bridge Envy 15, annoying thing is that they do with the Envy 17.

But I have thought up of another idea, do you think I could contact an electronic store in San Francisco and arrange for them to buy the laptop for me online then pay them and pick it up when I get there afterwards? What kind of stire should I contact? A small business or a large qroup? And does anyone have a particular store in mind that has exceptional service? Thanks

 

It may be possible to order one at the store but I think you would have to prepay. Most stores however could care if the credit card was not U.S. I have a brother who lives right outside SF & works in Belmont (outside of SF). If there was a way to do the money thing we could do something but don't know how. I suppose I could order & pay & if you didn't pick it up return it but the purchase would be in my name then for warranty purposes. If you have an idea let me know.

 

I just wanted to provide an update for this interested in WiDi.
I ordered this adapter:
Amazon.com: Belkin F7D4501 ScreenCast TV Adapter for Intel Wireless Display: Electronics

on thursday afternoon and it arrived about an hour ago (I am really impressed wth USPS on this).
Setup took all of 1 minute. After the connection was established, it prompted for an update on the firmware of the device which took an extra minute.

I'm currently typing this on my laptop while a 720p episode of anime is playing on the TV through the WiDi connection with nary a hiccup.

I'm relatively close to the adapter, so that's why its even better I'm sure, but that's my main reason for geting it. So I can stream stuff while doing other stuff without having to connect the laptop physically to the TV.

For a $10 add-on when you're customizing, its well worth it. Some new TVs even have it built in, so I think the tech might become more commonplace.

 

this is good to hear. I also got the widi but i havent gotten an adapter yet. I dont have a use for it right now but I bet in the future this will get mroe common cause wireless is where most things are going . also since intel controls most of the industry, its software will more than likely be the one that becomes the standard

 

So what's the general consensus on this notebook? Are most people happy?

 

I believe you can add funds to pre-paid credit cards, so a refund would end up putting funds back onto the card. However, I don't know how you could turn those funds into cash again.

I also think the idea of contacting a local PC shop could work if you're able to work out a way of payment - essentially have them invoice you for the amount, pay them with a receipt of purchase and then they'll purchase the laptop for you. Although I'd be wary of what to do if the laptop has something wrong with it.

While you're in SF, you might considering asking the hotel to help you with this and they could bill you?

Minus some quality control issues I think all of us are very happy with it. Performance, style and construction are fantastic but don't expect Clevo/Alienware gaming benchmarks.

Don't forget we are the pickiest bunch of people when it comes to notebooks, and there will always be criticism.

 

Just got mine! What are some quality control issues I'm looking for?

 

I ended up trying both ways when installing my SSD. I ended using the recovery partition and removing the recovery partition afterwards.

When I installed using an OEM windows install, I installed everything and tried minimizing reboots. Well, the discrete graphics was not working and was probably a driver issue. So I re-installed windows 7 and let each install reboot, etc. That fixed the problem. I created a system image through Windows 7. When I tried to install an image on the laptop, the hp envy would not recognize any external drive with the windows image. I tried a flash usb drive, hdd, etc. But nothing. I figured I needed a usb driver but gave up in frustration. So I ended up just using the recovery discs to reinstall the HP OS. The Windows key inside the battery compartment works fine but you have to call into microsoft and punch in the keys and they give you the activation key.

Additionally, the hdd that came with the laptop I think is proprietary or some such. If you try to use it as an external hdd on the laptop, it continually disconnects, reconnects, etc.

I figured if its this much hassle, I'll just use the HP OS.

 

I'm debating on upgrading my RAM from 6gb to 12gb by replacing the 2gb chip with a 8gb chip.

Would there be any performance improvement or benefit? I have 16gb on my desktop and never use more than 8GB.

 

Finally received my Envy, and reporting in!

Physical defects: THREE
1 - Slight outward protrusion of metal from one usb port on the left. I have pushed this in with a pencil eraser, and it is fine now
2 - Below keyboard/around top of keyboard (by speaker holes) the metal was bent slightly upwards. A few firm pushes down straightened this out just fine.
3 - Bottom of screen (By HP logo) the plexiglass seems to not be fully in place. It is coming up as if the HP logo is coming out to attack me! Cannot fix this one, but it is completely unnoticeable when looking at the computer from any normal angle, and fortunately there is no distortion anywhere.

ORANGEGATE/BLUEGATE:

I can notice a fairly faded blue color coming from paint compared to my envy 15-1100, with matte FHD screen. Orange seems fine, and I don't particularly mind this.

Here is a picture (E15-1100 is on the left, E15-3200 is on the right). It actually appears like the 3200 has better blues in this picture, but it doesn't IMHO.

My SSD was DOA from Amazon, so I will have to RMA

 

soo guys i realized most of the time im plugged in on my envy. is there a way to shut off the battery to preserve battery life? cause if i keep it plugged in it degrades but i cant go on battery power while gaming haha

 

I pulled my battery out

 

besides that lol. i read the manual and apparently warranty is voided if u remove battery. when in a couple of years im outta warranty and battery dies, ill remove and replace myself but untill then no touching the battery.

i was asking like any software?

 

You can open it up and unplug the battery. That doesn't void the warranty. Or at least I can't see how they would ever know. As far as I know, it's all hardware charging the battery. No software can stop that.

 

how do i unplug the battery? cause i dont think that would be feasible for when i wanna use the battery (gotta open it all back up to use battery for a movie lol)

 

It would not be wise to do it often. Just when you know you wont need the battery for a few days or so. There is a video of someone installing a second HDD into the Envy 17. He unplugs the battery. Let me see if I can find it. I'm almost positive its the same procedure on the 15 Envy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecxdfCIZhsQ&list=UUKM_xHxs2d24_1fDw7EkAjw&index=6&feature=plcp

 

you know, for $40, the hybrid HDD option is extremely compelling.

I believe the only 750GB HDD available is the Seagate Momentus XT, which Anandtech reviewed very positively ( AnandTech - Seagate 2nd Generation Momentus XT (750GB) Hybrid HDD Review)

I currently have 100 and 120GB SSDs, which I could install, but I think I would appreciate the increased space of 750GB. Buying a 160GB or 256GB SSD is my other alternative, and I think it's cost prohibitive at this point.

 

Are there any coupons for july 4th now? I was only able to find the $400 one.

 

They have the $450 off coupon now. Damn, I was hoping they would bring back the 33% for the 4th of July holiday so that I can order my Envy 15.

HP® Coupons, Coupon Codes, Promo Code

 

I know. It's a shame. I think everyone was expecting AT LEAST a 30% off coupon...

 

Yes I have been on the fence about getting the 15, with everyone seeming to have some problem with it, I figured if they had the 30 or 33% coupons I would pull the trigger and go for it, but doesn't look like those coupons are coming so I will wait and see if the QC on these notebooks gets any better while waiting for a better deal.

 

To fix #3, I already suggested what to do. Simply close the laptop completely and then with your nail slide it across the back of the laptop thus pushing the screen back and clipping it together.

 

my envy will finally be here tomorrow! i'm so excited

 

Hey from the standard 2 year warranty is the battery covered for the full 2 years, or just 1 year?

 

alright after a good 2 and a half hrs of skyrim, the max temp went up to 72 and its at 53 right now i frget if the 72 is good or not

 

I have heard several ways. I've heard if you do not get the extra service plan it's a year or it doesn't matter if you have the plan or not it's still only a year or it's two year with or without the service plan. The envy itself use to be only a year. I too would like to know a unspeculated answer.

 

Standard Envy 17-3200 Warranty (USA/Canada):
- HP Computer - 2 years
- Internal Rechargeable battery - 2 years

per documents sent with computer
(which doesn't mention the Envy 17 specifically anywhere)

 

That is great news!!! Thanks for finding that out. I too have the service plan so I'm pretty sure my battery is gonna fail in about 46 or 47 months.

Thanks for the post.

 

would anyone know if the envy 17 with the radeon 7850M will be a better gaming unit that the 15 with the 7750M? Thanks for any input.

 

Does anyone know the hp coupon patterns? I was expecting the july 4th sale to be like 33% off but i guess i was wrong, unless will they release that coupon on july 4th? And should i wait till a 30+% deal or better or just get it now with 450 off? Thanks!

 

As far as I know there are not specific patterns. I to would of expected a % off coupon. I have seen them add a coupon early before the current one expires. My guess is the bean counters pay attention to the current sales vs current code and change it somewhat for that. I know this isn't an answer but my guess is there will be a % off in the next month... Just a guess though.

 

Yes it will be better for gaming because it has a better graphics card. Also, it's a 17" screen which will make a difference in gaming.

 

Tried doing some Wii emulation earlier on my new Envy with a 3610. I'm not sure why Dolphin only detects the intel card and not the 7750, so I managed to get a 2x upscale going at a solid 30FPS on Xenoblade Chronicles, but I need at least 3x for 1080 level graphics. I guess I'll hold off a bit until either a BIOS update or AMD drivers get updated to enable always on on the 7750.

Anybody else gonna try some Dolphin?

 

Thats really good, my max temp with dv6 in tribes ascend was 88 after a little more then an hour of play. with turbo boast off it maxed at 82 in the same time, so ya that's really good, and thats with a gpu OC right?

 

Hey, has anyone benchmarked the 7750m on games like Skyrim and Napoleon Total War? Notebookcheck has nothing. The reason I ask is that I am debating getting this or the MSI GE60 which has the Geforce GTX 660M and is about the same weight (albeit plastic). I love the style of the Envy but I really need a capable and portable gaming machine for university. Can anyone help?

 

yeah this is with it at the highest stable OC i could get for gaming . 655/1000

im playing skyrim on it right now. on ultra preset with no aa/af im getting 40+ fps outside and right around 60 inside. The performance of this is almost on par with a 650m. we dont know how much tho cause of no official driver support but that should change with the next version of ccc. If the drivers help. The 7750m could easily reach 660m but so far no. As long as ur fine with high settings (even ultra on some) then i would recoomend getting the envy. its just a much nicer machine and will look more professional for college

 

Thanks Pakii, so that is ultra at 1080p? If so, that is great to hear. Does no AA make a lot of difference? I agree that it is a much nicer machine and if it can game at high settings at 1080p I am sold.

 

Anyone else having trouble getting the current coupon to work? I tried entering it - NBHT9534 - and I was told the coupon was invalid...