dv4i, any reviews, ideas, or suggestions?

HP Pavilion dv4i customizable Notebook PC VN673AV

Espresso Black
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-330M Dual Core processor (2.13GHz, 3MB L2 Cache)
FREE Upgrade to 4GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
FREE Upgrade to 320GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
50% OFF!! 512MB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 4550 Graphics
14.1" diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
Webcam Only
Wireless-N Card
No TV Tuner w/remote control
HP Color Matching Keyboard
6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
No Modem
Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope
Estimated build date: March 8, 2010

Price: $849.99
Coupon: –$10.00
Notebook instant rebate: –$150.00
Price after rebate: 689.99


This seems like a good deal. It is significantly cheaper than the comparable sony CW, with the same processor, a slightly less powerful gpu (nvidia gt310m), but no bluetooth. When I first started looking for a new computer it was this and the sony. I was instantly told to go with the CW, as it was more reliable, bla bla bla.

I really do love the sony keyboards much more, but this is much thicker (it may be fine, but specs of 1.5" is a huge turn off). And the free ram and hdd, plus discounted graphics are very tempting.

I have seen no reviews of this machine, I thought it was released already? I only need it by august, but would like some time to install everything and get used to it.

Also, how reliable is hp? my mom had a desktop and laptop that were both destroyed within a year or so. She tried to over run it with a billion things open, but never messes with any settings, they machines just die. So I am VERY scared that the company is not as reliable as others.

 

My dv4t has been running great since August. I like the fact that I can do everything with this laptop. I can watch tv or play games. It has a great docking station that plugs into the dedicated docking port. Makes for quick desktop hookup to an external monitor. Personally I think with Sony you pay a whole bunch extra for a name. I would like to see someone provide data proving Sony laptops are any more reliable than anyone else. I just ordered a dv4i to try out. One great thing about HP, you can order a custom laptop and try it for 21 days. If you dont like it, you can return it no questions asked for a full refund. Basically you have nothing to lose

 

eh that really seems like too much hassle. I want to work through everything, so when I purchase my machine, I KNOW it will be what i want. Such as go to best buy to test it, read way too many reviews, etc.

I have just heard and experienced bad things with hp. But my father, a computer person, was saying hp is much better now. But really, I am afraid that I will get something that will break when I need it.

 

im wondering about the reliability of hp dv4i as well.

 

I was considering gettnig the dv4 with an i5 from Staples, but I've read in the forum that the screen was awful, the battery life w/ 6 cell is crap, and the computer gets pretty hot. Can you confirm any of this stuff? Also, is the touchpad not something I can handle using 50% of the time?

 

Well, the HP Envy is reported to get very hot, at least the first generation. I would not be too surprised if this does as well, saying core i processors give off more heat than the core 2 duo line.

This is a shame, as I do like the specs and love the price of it.

 

The core processors have the same TDP as core 2 duo. It's just the crappy cooling designs on some HP's that are the problem.

 

just got a notification that my dv4i has been shipped. im curios about the heating issue. i'll abuse it once i get it to see if this is for real.

 

Actually, the Envy 15 runs remarkably cool. There are only certain areas of the laptop that get fairly warm. The 2nd generation Envy 15 with the i5 runs even cooler and has even better battery life, as well as an improvement in performance.

 

I picked up the DV4-2160us from Office Dept 2 weeks ago and have thoroughly loved it so far! I immediately burned my recovery discs and did a clean install of windows 7 using the advice from this website (thanks again v3loc1ty 2.0!) and it has worked flawlessly. Granted, I've only used it 2 weeks but it has performed without a hiccup! Good Luck with your search!

 

any heating issues with your unit?

 

i received the dv4i today.

shipping time was impressive. it was dropped off at fedex facility in china on 2/26 and i received it 3/1.

unfortunately, hp sent me a wrong one with intel graphics while i ordered one with ati mobility 4550, so i will have a nice long chat with an hp sales rep tomorrow morning...

 

I'm also very interested in the DV4i. I played with one at Office Depot today and was very impressed with look / feel. Compared to several others on display it was almost "cool" to the touch. Of course, it was just idling. My DV5z does get quite warm (only on the underside back left / exhaust). I am looking for a replacement (giving mine to family) and have absolutely no reservations rec an HP. Mine has been flawless (hardware) for last 2 years. Looking forward to hearing how you like yours...

 

I bought a dv4i from Staples last week and have been very disappointed. It's the i5-430m model (dv4-2170us). At first I was pleasantly surprised by the aesthetics and performance, but over the week the system has been unstable with supporting even internet browsing. I've tried firefox, ie, AND chrome, and all have crashed. At first I thought it might be due to Norton, so I removed it. The problem still continues... it appears that simply running flash has caused it to crash multiple times (which I've reinstalled multiple times). I even got a blue screen last night! The integrated webcam software caused the system to do this...its completely ridiculous. Do you guys think I likely just got a defective unit and should try to exchange for another?

 

It should NOT be acting up when new... Definitely take it back and exchange it. As long as you like the design and no excessive heat or other issues, I would try again. How is the heat? Any other observations?

 

Yea i was also wondering about the heat issue. I recently bought dv4i. awaiting its arrival soon. I'm a bit worried that the thing will be heating very quickly.

 

My dv4i should be arriving today. I'll let u guys know how it is.

 

That would be great, neo

 

Here was my mini review on the dv4i that I wrote in the owner's lounge

As of this moment, I notice that HP.com doesn't offer the ATI graphics option anymore. I wonder why.

 

wow, I totally forgot I had posted here. As far as heat issues go....I didn't find it noticeably hotter than other laptops I had used, but as I actually use this thing on my lap, I found it pretty uncomfortable as the heat vent is on the bottom left corner and was nuking my leg. I ended up returning it anyway bc of the freezing issues and Staples wouldn't let me exchange it...it was tough enough to just get my money back. Now I'm in the market again and as of now am stuck on my old P4 desktop :-(