Waiting for Envy 17 3D SB thread

Bobmitch -- some reps might not be aware that the content on those pages is in transition. I've been told to ignore the product description because it has not be updated yet. and clearly one gets the best and most consistent corrleation between the product specs tab and the product demo. the 'overview' tab is still describing the Envy 17 introduced way last year.

At least thats what I hope! really, if we believed everything on the product overview tab we wouldn't even have sandy bridge

 

you have mentioned older model (in your snapshot) for switchable graphics. They do not even have newer intel chip with built in graphics support. (i.e second generation)

 

It does says switchable graphics for the Envy 17 3D on the product demo.

The main website is not being refresh yet. Most of the HP sales reps cannot see bellow their noses so do not be surprise if they are telling you what they see.

Go here click details and find the part speaking about the ATI 6850 with switchable graphics.

 

Heck...I am still trying to get an answer from someone about driver updates. Frankly...I would rather cancel my order and not pay anything than get the machine and find out that updated Catalyst drivers will break the 3D function. At that point, I would much rather have a machine with Nvidia...at least they update their notebook and desktop drivers at the same time. The 3D stuff is built into the drivers, where with the Envy 17 3D, you get two apps that do all the 3D work.

I am really back on the fence about my decision

Here is part of the product description from my product page. No mention of switchable graphics.

 

So no switchable graphics? What did we wait 4 months for then? The only difference would be the sandy bridge at this point since the GPU is basically the same as well. I doubt I'll get an Envy afterall.

 

Did you read the Sandy Bridge "description" of the Asus G73SW on Anandtech? The processor and chipset is gonna give a Huge bump in performance over the older generation i7. What we all waited for was quad core turbo boost vs one core and all the bennies that accompany it. I admit that I went with the Envy 17 because it better suited my needs...but the AMD graphics doesn't give me the warmies.

I think you will find the newer models to be a major enhancement

 

n-MIK-3

Don't shoot the messenger...Based on all the questions here...I emailed and asked for clarification. When Ben called me back...he was quite clear about it. Is he right? Is he Wrong? I have no idea. My machine is in production and I am already beginning to get buyer's remorse...Not a good thing

 

Really want clarification? I suggest that each one of you who is in the U.S. call sales and inundate them with that question. Tell them, as I did, that the web site is erroneous and that most likely they will get a ton of returns on this product. Put some pressure on and MAKE someone own up.

1-800-BUY-MYHP

 

thats just the options and specs. 95% confidence this is a stirr over nothing. if your rep is right, then HP has made a major blunder. but -- keep in mind -- these messages (switchable graphics in or switchable graphics out" are coming from different sources.

But I'm with you bobmitch. the website is a horribly confusing mess of incorrect and inconsistent information. if the switchboard were plugged up with questions and no sales, someone would get some attention!

 

For me, switchable graphics isn't a deal breaker. I am used to high power cards...I have the GTX580 OC in my desktop. It runs at one speed for 2D, clocked only a fraction of what it does in 3D. Cool card (I mean that literally), and power use varies. I really liked everything about the Envy 17 3D, except AMD video...but heck...as long as I can keep video drivers updated...I will go with it.

 

Bobmitch....I still feel you have purchased a great laptop! Get it, play with it...and don't forget, HP's no-nonsense 21 day return policy is a snap. You call, get an email with the label, print it, stick it on laptop box, give to FEDEX and you're done! LOL, not many other computer companies can claim customer ease in returns.

That being said, again, you might very well be surprised at what this Envy can do. I myself will be purchasing this sexy laptop and am still hoping HP Nate will come back soon and let us know what he found in terms of our concerns. Then I will be calling HP to order mine.

KJ

 

well said KJ -- and on that note Bobmitch have you got a plan outlined to verify various technical details? I'm hoping to move conversations like this to a new SB Envy 17 owners lounge ,where we can discuss real technical details in wild and quit speculating and infering and guessing and all that!

 

dlleno, you know I'll be there! Yeah, it will be great to finally get real users of this machine discussing every nut, bolt, nook, and cranny. Can't wait!

KJ

 

+1 KJ. lets start collecting validation test plans -- how are we going to validate the things on my list? I'll collect those too and add to the list. Especially for the temp tests -- we need to normalize test results by agreeing to test the same conditions and at periodic intervals. propose away, folks

 

So I took the plunge! Placed my order, and got $300 off on my first try I spoke with an awesome woman named Carmen who got that coupon through without so much as a minute's hassle. I used the code currently working for the dv7t ( NB6798) and she got her supervisor to OK it via IM in only a few seconds. I'm sure it helped that we were both Star Wars nerds So if you want the code applied, calling later seemed to help, and try to get Carmen if you can, she was exceptionally helpful.

I ended up getting the extended plan just to be safe, since I know how much they can charge for repair costs, and apparently HP can deem overheating to be user-caused if you even "overwork" it. Went with the 3 year plan which got pushed up to 4 because of my AmEx so I still ended up $200 ahead of the game. I'd never have thought to ask for that had I not visited this board, so thanks to everyone who helped with advice for that. Went with the 2820 and 8 gigs of memory, but taxes killed me. Here's hoping I won't be disappointed!

Edit: Also for anyone thinking of purchasing, apparently only certain kinds of AmEx cards work with the extended warranty, and it maxes out at 4 years, so get the 3 year plan (pushed to 4) rather than the 4 year plan (would not get pushed to 5) as it's essentially a free upgrade.

 

nice work JDeNise! the 2820 looks to be well worth the $350 that sounds like an aweome config. congratulations and looking forward to hearing your hands-on reports

 

OK I am still working on the more detailed questions but I have answers to a few of your simple questions...

- HDMI 1.4 is Included on ALL Envy 17 3D SB models

- USB 3.0 is Included on ALL Envy 17 3D SB Models - From the confirmation I recieved it has (1) 3.0 port and then additional USB 2.0 ports. Just an interesting FYI Envy 14 does not have USB 3.0 currently.

- Gigabit Ethernet is included on ALL Envy 3D 17 SB models.

- Clickpad - Looks just like the one on the First Generation Envy 17

Sorry I know those were the easy ones... still diging into:

Switchable Graphics details - This is proving to be the tough one...
28XX Processor - Do you have to get it to get 1600 MHZ Ram, WIDI?
CoolSense... What did they do to address heat issues?
26XX Processor - WIDI off chip solution?

Should be able to chase down the rest of this tomorrow... Thanks for your patience...

 

nice work! outstanding start; thanks so much HP Nate; looking forward to more info!

 

I couldn't help myself today I ordered the new Envy 17 3D SB even with all the questions still looming. I got a pretty good deal after some haggling with a few of the sales reps today and I figure HP has a fair return system if some of the promised features are missing.

Now I'm really looking forward to the reviews.

 

Thanks for confirming this....was really hoping for 2 at least.

• Can you find out about whether or not there's a fingerprint reader? Or will there ever be one?
  
• Does the SB version have a Bluray Drive that can WRITE to Blurays?

Look forward to the rest of the information.

 

All in all...the more I spend thinking about my situation...I am satisfied. I made the decision to purchase the Envy 17 3D based on what it could do. Horsepower wise...it matches my other choices. I get a + video card with the 6850 vs a ++ card with Nvidia 460M....not a really big deal. With my desktop, If I have something that I really want to push the envelope with...it's gonna be my GTX 580 OC anyways. Laptop is for work, some play and multimedia. I am actually pretty excited to see when they will get it out of production, where it has been since last Friday and when it will ship. I have watched numerous videos on youtube on unboxing to benchmarking...and the machine is beautiful!

AtreidesHawk...

Best I have seen is that the 2630M is the processor where the memory speed is 1333. Someone please clarify about the 27XX

I have not even seen fingerprint reader as an option. As far as BD-R write...again...only option as of now is Blu Ray read, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RAM,CD-R and CD Write

 

Re the USB 3.0 port, couldn't you just plug in a multi-port adapter if you need more than one? And isn't there a software program for a fingerprint reader that could be installed? Just asking.

 

I wish you could have ordered one for me.... I saw this post and said I will do it! I called at 10:47 PM, my rep said since its a DV7 coupon for $150 the best he could do is $75!!!! WHAAAA?#?$@?#?@ Seriously? I kindly said thanks, but I'll try again later. You my friend are one lucky guy. Congradts. I will try tomorrow again.

P.S. Maybe he was not happy that I asked for Carmen? Opps!
P.P.S. I just checked the code on Google, and it says its a $300 off for the DV6 and DV7, yet, that rep chose to tell me its only $150 off... I don't think he plays fair.


KJ

 

Software? LOL, thanks I needed that. Well, the software won't do you any good if you don't actually have the physical device installed in the laptop. Its that little blue slit/light that you swipe your finger on. The good news is you can buy an external USB fingerprint reader....easy fix...but who really wants to attach another USB extra.....I mean, if you do alot of webing into sites that use passwords it might be worth it.

Here is one for about $33 not sure how good it is.

http://www.google.com/products/cata...=X&ei=A6x1TcmHKuiO0QHkxKHYBg&ved=0CHYQ8wIwBA#



KJ

 

Ok, so I couldn't wait until tomorrow. Just called again at 11:25 PM, I guess I called too soon. Different rep, but must have been the same supervisor....no go, best he could do was $75 That is one tough cookie. I'm tired, tomorrow is a new day. If anyone else has luck with this please let us know.

KJ

 

Dang, no new ClickPad? That alone mostly kills my enthusiasm for the thing. I hope they'll bring that before Fall, since my EliteBook's 3-years-plus-one-month warranty ends in December.
As for possible lack of switchable graphics: at least that should make it possible to use generic Catalyst Mobility drivers.

 

Killa Joe: Just keep at it. I must have gotten lucky but that supervisor has to come back at some time Indeed the coupon code is for $300, so they're just trying to play games with you there. I called at around 7:30PM EST so maybe try around that time tomorrow, maybe there was a "change of the guards" and a very grumpy supervisor who was not happy about working the late shift!

 

Of course I'll keep at it.
JDeNise, let me ask you... I called the 888-921-6721 the second time and chose for small business, first time I called 886-749-9132 and chose home/personal use. I don't think it makes a difference which HP sales number I called or choosing home/personal/or small business... they probably take you to the same hub no? Maybe not.... Just wondering did you choose personal or business?

I have to tell you I am a little bummed out... I know its not me, its the supervisors and reps, lol. So yeah, I'll keep at it and hope tomorrow is my day. But seriously $75? Gahhh, and this is after I explained that the first time I ordered with no coupon or nothing I got offered the $150...guess it is who you talk to ..... Thanks again. Oh, gave you a +1 rep for the name of rep and code, very cool of you.

KJ

 

KJ, since you return a laptop you do not have to speak with sales to re-order.

Find your old order order number and call 1-800-BUY-MY-HP choose the option that states you want an assistant for a replacement or return.
Explain to that department that you return a defective laptop and now you are calling again because you are ready to re-order.

This is different department from sales with focus to LOYALTY. They will go over your old order most likely they will immediately give you the $150 coupon you previously use. Kindly ask to apply the $300 DV7 coupon and see what happens.

The latest native ATI drivers are supporting out of the box, both 3D and switchable graphics. If I remember correctly they officially added support for both features last December. There is no more need for a special modified driver from the manufacturer.

Did I miss something on that one??

 

nMIK-3, I will try your suggestion tomorrow, thanks. Hope it works.

KJ

 

I am just trying to clarify the situation.
I am saying nothing more than the obvious. It's not a secret that sales reps most likely have no clue of what they are talking about, they are just sales reps that they do read an everything they are telling you from internal database or even their website. For example we knew about SB Envy since January but most of them they never heard about it until last week.

Now regarding switchable graphics. Let me go over some stuff which are true facts.

1. HP mentioned switchable graphics when they first introduced the SB Envy 17 back in January. They mentioned three things to be exact (besides SB). a. Switchable graphics, b. CoolSense, c. 3D screen.
2. We confirm that i7-2820QM supports natively Stereoscopic 3D with Intel's InTRU 3D Technology. In theory that means that the processor's GPU can handle 3D at 120Hz. Again in theory at least the i7-2820QM does 3D.
3. Nobody is telling us that HP didn't modify the laptop and this time runs at 60hz when navigating Windows 7, with switchable graphics present and 120hz turns ON along with the ATI 6850 only when 3D content is displayed in the screen. This swap can happens AUTOMATICALLY.
4. Even if the laptop runs on 120hz by default and even if SB cannot handle switchable graphic in that rate, we can always change the refresh rate MANUALLY from Windows properties to 60hz. So if the screen refresh at 60hz then I see no reason of why the new SB processor cannot take care of that and switch to the its build-in GPU in that case?
5. Even if the rumors are true and the SB does not support currently 120hz refresh rate and all of the above aren't true somehow, who is telling us that a simple software/driver update can't easily solve this issue in the very near future?
6. Finally and because a picture is like 1000 words, the attached image from the new product demo of the Envy 17 3D, HP mentions both 3D FullHD screen and switchable graphics all together in one sentence.

Again I am not HP, neither the laptop's designer/engineer and I do not try to prove that the Envy 17 3D will come 100% with switchable graphics but by looking to all the above true facts, I personally believe that there is too much noise for nothing. Its going to be really, really hard for the HP to screw this up...

 

Killa Joe ---I bet the DV7 has $150 off instant rebate and the coupon doesn't combine with instant rebates so it probably overwrittes for a true total savings of $150... Just a guess but I bet that is whats up...

 

A couple additional Answers...

TheAtreidesHawk -

Unfortunatly at this time there is no fingerprint reader option other than getting an external USB option...

Same news for Blu Ray Writer... as of now it is not an option doesn't look lik it is in the cards for this release...

 

I'm getting the feeling that the big HP announcement on Monday (March 14th), unveiling their new products, will include a true refresh of the Envy lines. Not only with new hardware, but with a complete redesign. Even though I got an insane deal in ordering the Envy 17 3D out now, I'm starting to get buyer's remorse.

HP CEO: New webOS products shipping weeks after February 9 reveal, another big announcement March 14 -- Engadget

 

Mcchea

If that is what they announce on the 14th I would be beyond shocked... As long as I can remember HP has never done a refresh that quick... think about it the SB Version basically due to the processor issues has been out for less than a month... the last envy model was out for almost a year...

 

No need for remorse. Remember...you can return the one you purchased in 21 days, if the refresh is that radical. Simply return it and purchase the refresh...although in order to re-tool and create something THAT different...the factory might have to go through a major overhaul...maybe that is why no system has a ship date earlier than 3/21....

 

In my opinion, the Envy 17 3D out now seems more like a spec update (albeit a heavy one). It seems like a true refresh would entail a new design, much like the new Pavilion dv series coming soon. The current Envy 17 3D look exactly like its legacy model.

 

I could do that but I've already had to return the defective Pavilion dv7 SB I ordered a little over a month ago. Whether or not another refresh to the Envy 17 3D happens, I think I'll stick with the one I just ordered.

 

With SB chipset I think the gutts of the Envy 17 have pretty much had almost a complete overhaul... but you are right the outside hasn't changed much... I was actually happy about that cause I like how it looks... who knows you could be right but I really don't see an envy refresh in the near future...

But the March 14th announcment has been kept very locked down, I am an HP Employee and even I have no idea...I would bet it will still be WebOS related though... the whole thing is kind of revolving around WebOS type stuff...

 

Logic says. as well...WHY would HP sell Envy's online and through the Sales dept, only to change them and run a risk of all those who purchased them, returning them. That could get awfully expensive. I don't think the machine's present external look is going to change...actually why should it. Not many notebooks are not this attractive. Asus and Dell with the G73 and Alienware are not sleek like the Envy. The new XPS 17 is almost an Envy knock off. I just don't see it....

 

2. Intel supports InTru 3D via HDMI 1.4 only. This type of 3D is not 120Hz. HDMI's 3D is a lower refresh.

3. Switchable graphics as implemented in Optimus requires customization by the laptop vendor. In the case of Alienware M17xR3, Dell decided to feed the output from the CPU's IGP and the 460M through the HM67 chipset and use the HM67's LVDS output to send a signal to the LCD. Since the HM67's LVDS can not handle 120Hz (as it wasn't designed for 3D), Dell chose to disable the IGP and send the LVDS signal directly from the 460M. We deduced that Dell uses a "relay" to rewire on the fly since the motherboard is the same between 3D and non 3D. However, they do this in the BIOS at boot time so the IGP is permanently disabled and cant be re-enabled without some sort of BIOS reprogramming.

One has to wonder why they couldn't make the "relay" switchable on the fly or at least something that could be manually switched as a BIOS setting to enabled IGP at the expense of giving up 120Hz output.

So, there is some hope that with Envy's AMD solution maybe HP allows the switching of the IGP's LVDS and the 6850's LVDS output on the fly.

4. I think the problem with driving the LCD from 2 outputs is similar to the issue of connecting a monitor to 2 DVI outputs at the same time. I think you simply can't connection 2 outputs to the same input. If you put a switch there, it will be kind of like plugging and unplugging each time you need to switch between the 2 outputs. This may cause long delays when switching between IGP and GPU.

5. NVidia came out and told us it was impossible (or not worth trying) to get the M17xR3 3D to support Optimus.

6. I can't wait to hear that it is true. However, 3.75 hours on a 9 cell is not that far off from the 3 hours I got with the original Envy 17 3D. I'd expect more than 5 hours if switchable graphics was possible.

 

mcchea, I just read the brief article. Not sure if I'm missing something, but I didn't read anything there that mentions a refresh to the Envy 17 3D SB edition... I do realize you did say you're getting a "feeling" I think we all would like to really know, but right now its just a guess. Who knows.....


KJ

 

Again...I am only using Logic...which as we all know doesn't always apply...BUT...

Why would HP take orders on a machine that is going through a major refresh, without either:

1. Risking alienating those who purchase it thinking that we are getting the original design...

2. We are all getting the new version, and that is why our delivery dates were specifically after 3/21...which is a week after the announcement.

My gut tells me that the Envy will not be going through any change...other than Sandy Bridge.

I could be wrong...but it just doesn't add up. I, for one, would simply return the machine I purchased and re-order. One would think that 90% of us would.

 

Seems like some activity at the support area (manuals for E17 SB)

ENVY 17t-2000 CTO 3D

Manuals for HP ENVY 17t-2000 CTO 3D Edition Notebook PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

 

UPDATE!!! 2:20 PM cancelled my order!!!! See future post coming in a few minutes.... No worries good news, very good news.



I just ordered my Envy 17 3D SB Edition!!!!


Ok, so I did order it before the reviews came in. I tried to use JDenise's coupon code NB6798 which he luckily used to get $300 off his Envy order, although it is really a DV6 and DV7 coupon. Again, congradts you lucky dawg. Anyway, both times last night I got the answer.... "Sorry, the coupon does not apply to this unit, we can only offer you $75 off."

nMIK-3 suggested I call the 1-800-BUY-MYHP . I had to click through several options mostly the number 2...until you get to a rep in replacements/returns. Hard accent, but anyway.... gave him the coupon code and my sad story....kept me on hold for a few minutes...came back and said, although its not for the Envy line, they can offer me a $50 additional coupon on top of the $150 I origianally received from my first Envy order...

To summerize.... they offered me a total of $200 off my order! I think it was a good deal and decided to take it and run!!!! I don't know how many times I could have called and bothered to get the $300, but my feeling is that vizz and JDeNise were super lucky and beyond. I'm not going to kill my time for another $100.

Build date March 29, 2011. Of course I will inspect my unit very closely. Honestly, I do hope it is 100% perfect, or close to it and I'll be happy. Thanks to everyone on the NBR forums for keeping me/us updated and informed as to the products we are interested in. Best of luck to everyone on your orders. Here is mine below.

Operating system Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit edit
Office software No Additional Office Software edit
Processor 2nd generation Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2820QM (2.3 GHz, 8MB L3 Cache) with Turbo Boost up to 3.4 GHz edit
Graphics card 1GB Radeon(TM) HD 6850M GDDR5 Graphics [HDMI] edit
Memory 8GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm) edit
Hard drive 640GB 7200RPM Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection edit
Primary battery One 6-Cell and One 9-Cell Lithium Ion Battery edit
Display 17.3" diagonal Full HD HP 3D Ultra BrightView Infinity LED Display (1920x1080) edit
Primary optical drive Blu-ray player & SuperMulti DVD burner edit
Personalization HP TrueVision HD Webcam edit
Networking Intel 802.11a/b/g/n WLAN and Bluetooth(R) edit
Keyboard Backlit Keyboard edit
Included Software Bundle Adobe(R) Photoshop(R) Elements 9 & Adobe Premiere(R) Elements 9 edit
Included Accessories HP 3D Active Shutter Glasses edit


KJ

 

HP Envy 17t-2000

Here you go:

HP ENVY 17-2000 Notebook PC series Home and Home Office

I am not sure that this is the U.S. / North American model

Has the P55 chipset and the AMD 6830 video card.

 

I'm kind of undecided here... I really want the laptop to work well in the configuration it is shipped and for the purpose it is intended (without a mouse) ,and the clickpad behavior is quite important to me. But -- software updates could have improved the clickpad behavior, and one might need to just learn to use it. The next major step forward here is the Synaptics IS 3, which uses a different physical technology for the pad itself (capacitive sensors), and can more accurately profile the shape of whatever is touching it.

 

No, thats not for US/NA, thats for the Middle East

 

CONGRATS!!!!

 

nice work KJ! your configuration is really quite attractive - instead of the SSD, push the processor to the 2820. I sure hope that means 1600MHz front side bus. My problem is that I need two drives, and I'm not quite sure I want to move towards a pair of 5400s.... yet the extraordinary (and unrelistic imho) cost of the 160GB SSD is just a dark spot on this product. Sure anxious to see the reviews come in from the wild, especially the clickpad. on the processor side HP Nate has a very strong point that the SB architecture is a major internal overhaul. I personally don't get folks calling this a spec update versus a refresh I just don't see HP using those terms, historically.

clearly, this is a very strong release, and I esp.hope we get confirmation of HP's implimentation of switchable graphics!