Questions about the dv7t

• Is the CPU upgradable?
• If you configure it with only one HDD, can you add a second HDD later?
• Does the TV Tuner have a video input for video capture?
• Is the IR sensor for the Media Remote integrated or does it connect separately via USB?
• Can I do a dual boot of Vista 64-bit and 32-bit and use the same key? If not, can I do a single boot of 32-bit and use the 64-bit key?
• Where are the webcam drivers? I don't see them on the software and drivers page.

 

Arch...

1) 90% of the time no because most CPUs are soldered onto the motherboard. More recent models give you the option. If you go to the support section of the HP website, they include basic technical manuals that may let you know if you can or not.

2) If the model presents it as a configurable option, then yes, this is a possibility, but most of the times it means loosing your optical drive as they utilize the space for the second drive. So, if you could live without DVD/CD, then you should be able to.

3) Most TV tuners do have an input for the video, but you will need the correct software to capture it. If it is provided from HP, it will most likely be a very basic version that will leave a lot to be desired.

4) The IR in previous models was located in the front right next to the headphone ports. I believe in the new design series they have moved it to right next to the integrated webcam. That being said, it will not be externally based, so even if I am wrong, the point is it will be a part of the laptop design. Now, if you are talking about the TV tuner media center remote, that is a different story. Those are more likely to be external.

5) Why would you want to? The 64-bit version of Vista Home Premium includes as part of the operating system a 32-bit emulator. This allows flawless installation and execution of the 32-bit programing. Now, if you can get 64-bit software or drivers, than that is preferred for the best compatibility and security, but it is not a necessity. More to specifically answer your questions, no and no. The OEM licensing is very specific between Microsoft and, in this case, HP. If you used a 32-bit installation disc that has a CD-Key other than what is programmed into the disc during the manufacturing process, it will deny you from completing the installation. I personally speak from experience both in trial, error, and in being a current user on my desktop of 64-bit Vista Home Premium that I am using to type this reply to you.

6) If the drivers are not currently posted on the support section of the website, you have two options. Either (A) check again and see if HP didn't package it in a software bundle and label it differently (they put the driver and application together and labeled it weird for my HP 2133 Mini-Note), or (B) send a brief email to tech support with HP and they should send you the link back to go straight to the website to download. Even better is that they are normally pretty good at replying within a few short hours of sending the email if during normal operation hours.

Hope this helps.

BBGus

 

Thanks for your reply.

1) I read somewhere in this forum that it was not upgradable. Then I spoke to tech support and they said it was upgradable.

2) I read two things in this forum. One said it was upgradable, but required a bracket. The other said it was not upgradable, because it used a different design for single drives. Tech support said it was upgradable.

3) I don't think it has a video input, at least I couldn't see one in the picture, nor could I find any info that it did.

4) Yes, I'm referring to the TV Tuner remote. I know it has an integrated IR sensor for the little HP remote, but I don't know if it's shared. Like you said, generally it's external.

5) I thought I read somewhere in the "Clean Vista Install" thread that it was possible, but maybe I misread it. The reason I have to dual boot is because I have hardware/software that is not compatible with Vista x64.

 

Arch...

I suppose what HP says technically would be true since it is there product, but keep the following in mind:

1) If you do have the ability to upgrade the CPU on your own, understand that you are risking voiding warranties of any kind should your upgrade cause something else in the system to have an issue. The more likely culprit of these events is static discharge while messing with components in the system. That being said, it would a bit hard to see the difference unless they spotted the switched CPU. Either way, I still suggest purchasing the product with the specs you want from the get go or at least whatever is closest based on your needs and budget because it is typically much more expensive to purchase the upgraded processor out right later on as well as the fact that everything that originally comes with the computer will be included in your warranty, whatever length and amount of coverage that is.

2) In order to do the switch out, you may and probably will have to buy that bracket either from HP or from a reputable source. As the DV7t is a relatively new model, your only current source for parts is HP. However, with time, that should change. It all would depend on if and when you were planning on doing that switch.

3) A lot of times the TV Tuner is external on notebooks. I am not sure if the dv7t is built in or not because I have not taken the time to really look at that model since it was not with in my budget, weight, and design groups. However, you may check in the dv7t lounge and post that particular question in there to see if another owner who has the TV tuner has already attempted it before you purchase the parts.

4) Again, check in the dv7t lounge as they would probably be the best source for info on this as well.

5) Speaking from a Technical professional stand point as I do minor computer repair for a part time living along side college, like I said, I did a lot of research and attempted a few variants of things I thought were logical possibilities, but none ended up working for me. As for the dual boot issue, again, I don't understand what your problem compatibility wise would be. If you are running the 64-bit O.S. and you have a program that only has a 32-bit standard Vista installation option or a hardware unit that only has drivers for the 32-bit side, you can simply install those just like any other program on the 64-bit system and it will do the work for you. The only minor difference would be that the 32-bit installations are stored in a separate X86 folder in the main drive.

BBGus

 

Actually, I might be more inclined to believe a computer enthusiast over a company employee

I know what you're saying about WOW64, but this hardware and software I'm using was tested and confirmed as definitely not Vista x64 compatible.

 

In that case, you would be the best judge in the matter so take what I say with the proverbial grain of salt. I just wanted to help inform you to the best of my abilities based off of my experiences with the O.S.

Hope all works out for ya.

BBGus

 

Ill correct abit of misinformation

You mean 90% of CPU's are upgradable. Its GPU's that are soldered into the systemboard and cant be upgraded.

Processors like the ULV's are soldered into the system board.

dv7t's come with dual hard drive bays. You can upgrade this anytime you like without loosing the ODD

 

Thanks for the correction Flipfire, as I said, I am not as familar with the dv7 series of notebook. I was just trying to help a fellow member when we were both up to the late zombie hours last night.

BBGus