dv2500t/dv6500t/dv9500t Current/ Prospective Owners Lounge

If HP is indeed involved this closely with product design and technological innovation with their ODMs, I salute them. Seeing as how they flip contracted ODMs from generation to generation, I had assumed HP was taking more of a "backseat" approach to product design (allowing the partners more leeway in overall build & function decisions).

 

RESTARTING AFTER SHUTDOWN. My DV2500t has been restarting approx 1-2 min after shutdown. All the lights go out, then the computer restarts itself.

Browsing various forums pointed me to Windows' "restart after major fault" and Network Card "allow this device to wake the computer" options. Both of these were unchecked but computer still restarted itself.

Computer would NOT restart if
a. it was on battery when shut down; or
b. network/internet cable was disconnected; or
c. Computer was shut off by holding the power switch for 6 seconds to shutdown.

Based on b. above I reinstalled NIC driver w/current one from HP website. No change. Then I "uninstalled" the driver for the NIC. Was not expecting it but Windows reverted to an older driver from 2006 v9.0.32.3 of 6/21/2006. My network interface is Marvell Yukon 88e8039 (as is I assume the case on all dv2600t's).

Well ... with the older driver all is well and the computer no longer restarts itself. Problem solved I guess but I am not really satisfied.

I am not sure if the computer did this on arrival (haven't shut it down all that often) but assume this problem appeared as a result of adding various software and some weird conflict.

Anyone else have this problem and guidance as to what is causing it? And if you have the problem you might try reverting to an older driver - so far it works for me...

 

I had a problem like that on Intel desktop motherboard. Just before installing Vista I decided to update the BIOS just to have the latest. Only 1 version behind. Installed Vista and it would restart after it completed it's shut down. Tried replacing all kind of parts with no change. Even reimaged XP back on hard drive and it still the same. So when back to BIOS had been on and all is fine. You did not reference if you have changed BIOS or not.

 

Just Joined,
Have read thread. looking to install Winxp mce 2005 w/rollup when dv6500t se is delivered. I have to give HP a little praise. Have a DV6140us purchased in mid Oct 2006. Last Month the Power switch quit functioning, also internal speaker didn't work due to having external speakers plugged in for long periods. I had to return for repairs. Parts not available til late August. after 4 calls and referral to other internal dept. they agreed to Replace my broken notebook with a new Dv6500t Se. Yes I had to continuously keep calling, but the results were well worth it. i plan on gettin the extended warranty and accident insurance, especially knowing the weakness of certain components.
I really appreciate this thread, also the thread on installing winxp. Can't wait to get my DV6500t Se. You will be hearing more from me.

 

I have not messed with bios or chipset yet - still using the bios that came with my dv2500t. Well - that is - unless the machine did it all by itself that is w/total care advisor (still learning the machine...)

 

Being that I live just a few miles from HP headquarters, I'll cruise up to Palo Alto and ask Mark Hurd for answers. Realistically, I can call my step-sister, who worked in product marketing at HP for several years before moving on to Agilent Technologies when HP spun off that portion of its business. I'll see what kind of Inside-HP information I can come up with that may be relevant to this forum.

This board is great. Plenty of knowledge flowing.

 

Keep in mind that I'm making an assumption about HP's involvement level with their product partners. I have no connection with HP itself and only know what is slapped on the side of the boxes.

 

R4000: Understood. Actually, I'm glad you brought up your points/counterpoints.....and thanks for all of your contributions to this site. It spurs me to investigate, as I've been very interested in HP as a company since I was a kid. Big business news of the day around here was HP's latest huge software acquisition: They just bought Marc Andreesen's (he of Netscape fame) latest creation, Opsware. Cost? $1.6 billion cash !! The rich keep getting richer, apparently.

There's more to the story but I've already strayed off-topic a bit as it is, so you can read about it if you wish.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/07/24/BUIOR5O872.DTL&type=tech
Bottom line is that HP is challenging IBM where it concerns helping corporations manage their computing centers. A definite battle of the titans brewing.

 

hi guys i just got my laptop yesterday great, i love it im been on it ever since and its been great soo far ....... just a few setbacks because of my hard drive speed it kinda slow booting and everytime i boot it gives me a error message
DNS
failed to load control 'socketCTL' from Socketx.ocx. your version of Socketx.ocx my be outdated. make sure you are using the version of the control that was provided with you application.

can anyone tell me what this is about and how can i fix it. thank you.

NB: i uninstalled some bloatware so i dont know if it has anything to do wth this message.

 

can we add External Graphic card to Dv 6500t

 

Just Curious,
Anyone know if the gpu in the DV6500tse can be replaced. I'm wondering if the 8400M GS is pin compatible with the 8600M GS. Maybe a stupid question but I have to ask.

 

Unfortunately no. The dedicated graphics cards are infact integrated directly onto the motherboard, so no chance of upgrading unless HP decides to offer high end GPU's which unlikely given their past history with high end GPU's.

P.S-Most laptops dont have upgradable graphcis. Its pretty much impossible to do in virtually any laptop in the market with a few exceptions. Read this thread for more info...
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=86864

 

The reason I ask is dell built some notebooks that you could remove the 64 chipset and replace with the 128 chipset. socketed gpu's

 

In HP's case you will have to replace the mobo with the one which includes the 8600

 

That's just not Fair Oh well Just wondering if anyone has links to pictures of internal, such as the motherboard. i understand it's manufactured by Asustek.

 

Thankfully HP has service manuals for all their laptops. Here's one for the dv6500 series...
http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01078027.pdf
They also have video gallery on dismantling/replacing the components...
http://h20181.www2.hp.com/plmcontent/NACSC/SML/

Didnt know they were built by Asus the last time I checked they were being manufactured by Wistron. If you still have the box the laptop shipped with you can still check to see the from address on the shipping label and that should let you know who is the OEM/ODM for your system.

 

The ODM should be Quanta, as that is what is on my box. As for who supplies the mainboards, it may vary by model and/or revision.

 

Great links Miner I've been busy looking them over. Anyone owning HP products should bookmark the second link. Thanks again

 

Got an HP dv9500t with HDMI port. Have a Panasonic Plasma 1080 with HDMI port . . .

Need a cable to connect the two . . . I understand that . . . but . . .

Why sould I connect the two? What would I do with it?

And . . . what HDMI cable should I get?

Open to suggestions!

 

I guess you could connect them so you could watch stuff on your TV from the laptop? Why else would you connect your laptop to the TV?

I can't recommend an HDMI cable, but I can say that as long as it works, they are all the same! Don't fall for the "premium" cable BS and spend a ton of money on it. HDMI is digital, that means it works, or it doesn't. There's nothing in between... you don't need special shielding, or gold plated connectors, or any of the other crap that companies like Monster Cable try to make you buy.

 

I got my dv6500t from Costco 4 weeks ago and I was wondering if you can upgrade them to 4GB. Cause they say it can only take 2GB but I think somewhere in this huge thread that you can upgrade to 4GB so I just want to make sure. Otherwise, this baby is excellent! I am enjoying it very well. The only gripes is that Vista sucks like heck and that it is a huge scratch and fingerprint magnet. Otherwise I was very very very amazed that it can run FSX very well in Medium-High settings after SP1 Upgrade. This is truly an awesome machine and all for 1200 USD with a free upgrade to a two year warranty, courtesy of Costco and HP!!! No wonder my particular model sold out from my local Costco in one week since they release it (I got mine on the third day after Costco released it).

 

1. Watch any video you have on your notebook computer on the TV. If you have any HD downloads, then you would be seeing them in HD on your televison. Also if you have a HD camcorder.

2. If you get a PC Express TV Tuner for the notebook, then you could watch HD tv programs on the televison. This would be of value only if you do not have a digital tuner in your TV.

3. If you have the tuner card, you could also use the notebook as a DVR and then watch the programs later on your TV. Again only value if you do not have DVR connected to your TV. Even if your do, this would allow you an additional DVR if a time slot you wanted to record progams during had more shows that you wanted to record than your have turners in your DVR.

4. Use a HDMI to DVI cable and connect to a LCD monitor using the digial input vs. VGA. This could be used in a docking station type situation. Also I assume if the HDMI device is treated just like another monitor, you could use it with your built in LCD to a dual monitor computer setup.

 

Anyone have any suggestions on how to get a hold of the latest XP quickplay? I downgraded my new 6500t from Vista to XP and want to get quickplay without booting into Vista working like it should. The swsetup folder on my machine only had a Vista-only install in it and they don't seem to have it on the HP web page (they have a Vista download version... but that's it!)

 

StrikeSaber4: you can do 4gb but vista 32-bit will only see maybe up to 3gb of it. You need to be running a 64-bit OS to see the full 4gb.

rodney23: I dont think HP has released a bootable quickplay for the vista enabled dv6500t series. I think someone may have gotten one from an xp system to work.

 

Fant: Yes, I know that HP hasn't released a Vista-boot enabled Quickplay. I'm looking for the XP version, it's not included in the swsetup folder on the 6500t series hard drive... only the 3.2 (boot into Vista) version is in there and it won't install under XP. I'm really asking if anyone has or can point me to a copy of the XP version they may have pulled off their XP factory installed Laptop.

 

rodney23, don't know if this will work, but worth a shot. let me know if it works.
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...n&cc=uk&dlc=en&product=3224052&os=228&lang=en

 

Sid1: Nope... it wants a previous version installed

 

Thanks for the great repy! Let's see . . . should have bought the TV Tuner card . . . but I already have HD digital cable for the TV . . . but . . . . hold on . . .

Thanks drjdan . . . your suggestions 1 and 4 will work great for me . . . especially number 4 . . . have a dvi capable LCD I am running as an analog on the docking station. I have to get one of those HDMI to DVI cables!

I also bet games will look nice on the big screen too!

 

Has any connected their HP wireless N using a N wireless router? Which brand, model and any issues?

 

Yes and it works fine and dandy. Im using a NETGEAR wireless N router (dont know the exact product name...its long and white? sorry) I've had it for a couple weeks and there has been no problems so far

 

I have, and I mentioned it in my initial (enthusiastic) post when going over observations about my new dv6500t and Vista. I got ripped a bit for claiming my new Linksys wireless-N router produced blazing network speed and faster Internet page-loading (well, actually the last part about the Internet, which I agreed is still limited mostly by your ISP's bandwidth).

Having said this, I think I'll also take back the "blazing network speed" comment. Vista tells me I'm connected with an "Excellent" signal at 54Mb/s, which is the same as my old setup -- A three-year old zv5000 and Linksys Wireless-G router.

Needless to say, I'm not thrilled with this information. I'm using a Linksys WRT350N, which claims to be "up to 12 times faster than wireless-G." Judging by what Windows is telling me about my connection @ 54Mbs, I'm at a loss for why no significant improvement in connection speed, let alone any at all (I'd settle for 2x or 3x faster, for crying out loud). I will say it does run fine, just not any Earth-shattering speed that was claimed by Linksys. My next-door neighbor with his MacBook Pro bought a new Apple Airport N-Router and basically said it was an amazing difference in network-speed improvement. He's a computer-science professor at a local college, so I trust his assessments. Then again, he's an all-Apple guy.... and I've come to realize that things just run better with Macs. Damn prices keep me from becoming a Mac dude.


Any comments or ideas on why I'm only showing 54Mbs with my new wireless-N configuration?

 

ok thanks!!! The question is why would they falsely publicize that the max RAM is only at 2.0 GB???

 

which one should i choose when they are coming at the same cost (free upgrade):
160GB @ 5400rpm or 200GB @ 4200rpm ?

 

Definitely take the 5400rpm. 4200rpm will be soooo slow. Even 5400rpm isnt that speedy. I wish they'd offer a 7200rpm as that would speed the thing up easily without adding much cost.

 

Hi All

Since my fingerprint reader was not working, i sent it back and ordered a new one. But, surprisingly, HP support told i can't get dv6500t for the same price i ordered, because, whatever options i see online shopping.hp.com only they also see and it's costlier when i requested for a replacement no, last Friday. It was pathetic. I told Dell is reducing the price on day by day, but, HP is increasing it. Finally they said, we can give you some 40$ discount. Again, i dont understand what that means. Their part was not working and i wanted to return with same config. But, they dont give it. Cos, it's considered as a new order.

They suggested a new option that all the offer for which i got dv6500t was there for dv9500t with some 50$ more, but i get intel-n gen card as free with 17' monitor. I said i've a LCD HDMI TV, why i need 17', if you've 13' also im fine and im ordering HP only for that HDMI port. Still Dell / others dont have that HDMI port for this 1200$ price tag. So, finally there's no option for me in talking to them. I've ordered dv9500t, but i thought i'll upgrade the Processor to T7300 instead of T7100 and 8600M GS instead of 8400M GS, since that option was not avl. for dv6500t. It'll be built by Aug 3rd. I've to pay some 270$ extra for the Card, Proc & 17' monitor.

I'm going again for HP only for it's look & feel and the HDMI port. Dell i dont like the look and it's lack of HDMI. Expecting the dv9500t.

I've HDMI TV and Comcast digital premium. But, will a TV Tuner card gives any advantage for me...? Now, i re-ordered and will be getting the new piece. I think i cant cancel and order with TV Tuner and i dont want to return again and get a new one after 1 month. Can i get a TV Tuner card seperately for my dv9500t. Or will there be any PCI-E/PCI card avl. so that i can purchase and add it myself...?

Tx & Regards
jinishans

HP Pavilion dv9500t customizable Notebook PC
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo processor T7300 (2.00 GHz, 4 MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
17.0" WXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1440 x 900)
$50 off Upgrade from 1GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) to 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
511MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS
HP Imprint (Radiance) + Fingerprint Reader + Webcam + Microphone
FREE Upgrade to Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection and Bluetooth(TM)
160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
No TV Tuner w/remote control
8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

 

One thing some of the support people will do is they will tell you that you can return the system, if you've had it less than 21 days, and you can order a new one. This is not a repair/replacement, but instead you are returning it under the 21 day return policy, then just buying a new one. If you do this through them, I suspect they get a commission or something on the new laptop you buy.

To me it seems like a shady practice, but your other option is to send it in for warranty repair, and be without the laptop until they can fix it.

 

Got my DV6500t se today. No specific Model number, other than that everything seems fine. Booted up fine with normal ? and agreements. Update nvidia drivers and security issues. Very happy as this is a warranty replacement. Thanks HP. Eventually will setup for multiple systems. Gonna take some time to inspect everything first.

 

yessir ree mine was quanta also. came from china. just got it and been looking it over.

 

Have any of those here running Vista Premium with their new dv6500t (or dv2500t/dv9500t, for that matter) put a clock on how long it's taking Vista to load?

I've tweaked the Startup options through System Configuration, gotten the processes running in the background down to around 56, uninstalled all shovelware, disengaged Windows Defender.....etc. Next on my hit-list is the Vista sidebar. Unfortunately, this is something in Vista that I like and want loading at startup. It also seems to be a lag on loading.

The time it takes for the OS and its processes to load AFTER I swipe my finger? Over TWO MINUTES (more than THREE total from the time I press the on button). Lame. Slow as molasses, taking me back to the Win98 days.

While I realize Windows is the sloppiest operating system around, I had few problems with XP. I'm tentatively considering a dual-boot deal with Linux, but I want to give Vista every opportunity to succeed, as we're probably stuck with this OS version for the next five years, knowing Microsoft.

Orev, Fant, R4000, Teefaf, Anyone else: How are you all faring in boot-up? Outside of "Wait for Service Pack 1" (which I doubt will help anyway), any additional tips on speeding bootup?

 

I think the real trick these days is using sleep and hibernate mode. A full reboot doesn't get you back up as fast.

 

I agree. BayAreaTech, why are you wanting to reboot each time? Vista has some nice power properties that XP did not. You can put or let it go to sleep after so long and then set how long it is to stay in sleep before going to hibernate. This is the best of all worlds. It would be advisable to reboot say once a month or once a week if you do a lot installing and uninstalling or just to clean any memory leaks, etc. Of course when you do a lot of installs or uninstalled you have to reboot anyway.

 

Now there's a simple solution, and much appreciated. A classic example of searching for a solution that's right in front of me. Orev & drjdan, thank you much.



On another note, while I'm here, for those interested in the Costco tech support deal when buying through costco.com (we went over this quite a bit a few weeks ago), I spoke to what they call "Costco Concierge" tonight for questions on my warranty and here's the deal:

• Two-year hardware warranty includes mail-in fixes by HP the first year,
  Costco the second. The second year is included in all PC purchases.

• The American tech-support call centers will give you free telephone support for the LIFE of your product, so long as your membership card (or whomever's card you use to buy) is up-to-date. Hours of operation are 5AM-10PM Pacific time. In short: 2-year warranty, lifetime tech support via phone, American call centers, 90-day return-for-any-reason policy and configure-to-order, just like through HP's site.

• My hold-time to get these questions answered? No more than 20 seconds. The tech rep in Florida that helped me was friendly, listened really well and answered everything I threw at her.

Just thought I'd clear up some confusion posted earlier about this. Plus, I figured anyone still in the market for a PC reading this lengthy thread may want an idea on where to buy. I'm now looking to buy a network-ready HP printer, and I'm heading straight to costco.com. Rest assured, my final public service announcement on the benefits of Costco.

 

Yes my dv6500t takes forever to boot (preinstalled image). I just use the standard sleep/hibernate settings so I dont have to reboot as much. Although I dont like that it still takes a while for the wireless to kick in after a resume.

 

I placed my order of the dv6500t on 08/30/07. The expected shipped date is august 8th. I cant wait. My g/f has the dv6000, the screen looks gorgeus. The Laptop looks even better.

 

Some quick apples to oranges timing info for comparison:

Time to login screen from cold boot: 36 secs - the times below do not include this overhead.

Wireless only w/Sidebar enabled:

• Time to active desktop from login: 5 secs
• Time for Sidebar to load and init 6 gadgets: 30 secs
• Time for Wireless connect/init: 78 seconds
• Total time until internet access: 1 minute 53 secs

Local network only w/o Sidebar:

• Time to active desktop from login: 5 secs
• Time to network init/internet access: 11 secs
• Total time until internet access: 16 secs

Local network only w/Sidebar:

• Time to active desktop from login: 5 secs
• Time to network init/internet access: 11 secs
• Time to sidebar to load and init 6 gadgets: 10 secs
• Total time until internet access: 26 secs

While the Sidebar is taking up some time here I think the biggest noticable impact is waiting for the wireless network to init in my case (hidden SSID may contribute I suppose). Some of the Sidebar gadgets may require network access in order to complete init so this attributes to increased delays if you're waiting for the network to come up.

I'd certainly echo the sentiment of using Sleep and Hibernate. I travel quite a bit with my laptop between home, work, and client sites (including plane trips here and there) and I ALWAYS have mine either asleep or in hibernation when the lid is closed. The only time I reboot is if there is a patch that requires it or if my curiosity gets the better of me like it did in this case.

EDIT: I want to point out that this is the pre-installed image from HP with all of the bloatware unloaded and running Windows LiveOne Care 2.0 (beta).

 

Measuring bootup time is really a difficult thing to do, because MS has specifically been trying to optimize the "power on to login screen" time. As a result, the system shows the login screen while a bunch of other stuff is going on in the background, so there's really no good way to know. The real measure is how long from power up until the system is usable.

 

I noticed this not long after implementing the fingerprint scanner. I find that if I swipe my finger across the reader as soon as the login screen appears, nine times out of ten it will either sit there doing nothing or come back to me with something to the effect of "Dude, I couldn't read your fingerprint." So, as Orev says, a bunch of stuff is going on in the background prior to seeing the Win GUI and if you're having issues with the fingerprint swipe, wait at least 10 seconds after seeing the login screen before swiping. This is something I'm sure most will figure out on their own, but I thought I'd mention it if any new owners are experiencing frustration with the fingerprint scanner.

My new motto: When in doubt, blame Vista.

 

I find a good indicator is to watch the hard drive light. It will settle down after a minute or two. That's why I usually turn on the computer, *then* go make a ****tail, have a snack, etc...