Hel 80 Owners Lounge

Welcome to the Compal forum, sordid! And congratulations on your purchase.

In regards to the looks of the HEL80--if you have read my review, you know that I too was skeptical about its looks before I received it. I have really come to appreciate its understated design and the brushed aluminum pieces are what really make the design work in my opinion.

And there are the common complaints that I'm sure you've also read about in the forums--but many are based on personal preferences. I'd say the keyboard is perhaps the one that would bother you most--since it is your standard notebook keyboard and has some bounce to it. I've been using mine more and more lately and don't really have a problem with it. It's definitely not a business-class keyboard though.

 

Hey Guys,

Like, 2 seconds ago just ordered my HEL80! So excited. PowerNotebook is by far the best online retailer around. I called in a couple of times and Ron was extreeeemly helpful throughout the whole process. Awesome Awesome Awesome. I cant wait for it to ship!
-James

 

Woohoo! Welcome to the club! or whatever we are calling it now-a-days

 

Hello all, I bought this laptop a couple of weeks and am very happy with it. I must admit that this is my first laptop, I've had desktops for fifteen or so years though. The specs are hel80/t7200/2gb ram/80gb 7200rpm hd/nvidia go 7600/vista business. I've got most if not all the drivers updated, but can't seem to download the 032B bios from compals site, does anyone have another link to it?

Thanks,
James

 

http://www.bizcom-us.com/support/TechSupportDriversDownloadPage.htm#EL80
may have what you want for drivers and things. 032B sounds wrong though.

...nevermind. The bios version numbers confuse me.

 

Congratulations on your new purchases and welcome to the Compal forum! Hope to see you guys around in the future.

 

Thanks for the link and info. I guess 032B has been taken down.

 

Thanks, I plan on hanging out here.

 

I just purchased a Compal Hel80 from discount laptops, I can't wait for it to come in. I got in with vista, and I have been hearing a lot about updating the drivers. What does this mean, and will i have to do this when my laptop comes in. Also what else should I do to the laptop when it comes in.
-Davkal

 

If discount laptops is putting Vista on your computer for you, you shouldn't have to do anything. Elsewise, you'll want Vista versions of the drivers for your hardware, as opposed to the XP versions. I think you can get them from the site I linked, or maybe the Compal site.

 

Hello everyone, I bought my Hel80 Velocity Micro from Best Buy. It came with Windows XP Pro and I bought Vista Ultimate. I installed the 64-bit version. When I start my computer, Vista tells me that it needs to install drivers for PCI Flash Memory. There are 2 of them. I say O.k. and it proceeds to install the drivers. Then it says it can't find the drivers. I have searched high and low for these drivers and can't seem to find them. I have been on the Compal and Bizcom-us.com website and can't seem to find them.
Someone told me to update my chipset drivers, did that and still needs those files. Do I need to flash my BIOS? If so how? Please help me find the elusive files. Thanks and this is a great computer!

 

Hello, I have purchased Hel80 recently. My gpu temp is 70C, hdd - 45C, cpu -46. Does it normal? Is it possible to change standard gpu thermal paste to arctic silver 5?

 

Your GPU is a little high unless you are using it moderately. The HDD and CPU temps are normal.

Yes, Arctic Silver 5 could be used to replace what ever is currently applied...if you know how to do it. If you don't, I do not recommend trying it yourself...take it to a laptop shop so that a trained technician can do it.

 

my gpu idled between 60-70 C until i updated from the stock video drivers to laptopvideo2go drivers. Now it idles at 55

 

Duuuudes!!!!!

my hel80 came in the mail todaaaaaaaaayyyy

Man. Do i love my hel80.
Amazingly fast.
Does get a little warm near the touchpad..but...w/e...its a computer...computers get warm

my only gripe is that the touch pad is that brushed metal. Im a fan of the brushed steel look..but..it kinda blows as a touch pad and is kinda frictiony.

Is there somthing i can put over it to let it glide better?


also..lol

im having a hard time installing the drivers for my usb keyboard and mouse...its like...asking for drivers for a USB human interface device...and i cant figure out how to get it to work, or find the drivers....

anywho..


i love it omfg

powernotebooks, you guys rock.

 

A Teflon applique or, failing that, Vaseline.


edit: The second suggestion was not serious.

 

Good ol' fashioned skin grease! Slightly more seriously, I like the aluminum better than the other surfaces I've tried. I tend to use my fingertips with a light touch, which works well for me, in terms of friction.

 

I'll be ordering my hel80 either tonight or tomorrow (woot!)... how long does it usually take powernotebooks to deliver?

 

I think I ordered mine mid-week, and it arrived before the end of the next week. Pretty fast compared to alot of larger companies. What I really liked was how they kept e-mailing or calling almost every step of the way for my system to keep me up to date. If you need it faster, upgrade your shipping!

 

nah, don't need it fast, but I sure want it fast!

one question: the powerpro 8:15 has an option for as5, while the sager 2080 (both hel80) does not. does the sager already come with it? it is about $50 cheaper than the powerpro... if it does not, what is the price of as5 on the powerpro (when selecting it in the config page, it says call for special price on as5).

thanks

 

Unless there is something about a 3-year (next day air covered both ways) warranty that you don't like--I highly recommend the PowerPro over the Sager version.

And if you're going with Powernotebooks--ask about ongoing specials. Definitely call in to ask as there are some things that just aren't available online . Trust me on this one.

 

words of wisdom here... a simple phone call to Donald or one of the other folks at powernotebooks.com will be more worth your time then simple filling out a web form, plus, you can ask them all sorts of crazy questions about the systems and be amazed when they are answered (and not from a prompter)

One of the things that sets Powernotebooks apart is the ability to have a conversation without feeling sales pressure!

 

haha awesome, thanks guys. I'll definetely be calling in then.

 

Got the HEL80 in from MilestonePC today.. running it through some gamuts and checking stability/temperatures in a bit.

Funny that it came with Windows MCE when it was ordered with no OS. Also ordered a retail logitech headset with it, and instead got a badly used one in a baggy.. grime, dirt, hair, ripped mic foam filter, etc. Not pleased with that. I don't care if it was new OEM instead of retail.. but used and abused?

 

Did you call them on it? Almost sounds like you got shipped the wrong machine..

 

The laptop itself seems to be configured/customized correctly. I'm hoping it was just a matter of somebody grabbing the wrong bag of the shelf because this seems out of character.

Two questions.
1) The strip of plastic & aluminum that goes above the keyboard.. nearer to the lock status LEDs, does it seem like it sits higher than the left leading edge? Or am I just being victimized by an optical illusion? The tops of 4 buttons & power sit below the flush line of the aluminum, so I almost have to hit the 4 little ones with my nail or apply extra force to push my finger into the groove to press them. The power one isn't so bad since it's larger.. but those small #1 and #2 ones are a bit of a pain.

The strip itself has as much flex as the keyboard.

2) How exactly does one reach those tabs for removing that strip. I'd like to minimize this keyboard flex, but even my precision screwdrivers can't press any "tab". Maybe I'm looking in the wrong place. I can't tell much from that micro-sized picture from the this picture. Does somebody have a larger resolution image of the flip-side to this strip of plastic?

 

well, just ordered my hel80 (specs in sig) from powernotebooks. can't wait for it to come!

 

Sordid, there are a few posts in the Compal forum that have pictures of what you're looking for.

They are in this thread--and there are some links to them in other posts.

I know if you look up my HEL80 review in the News & Reviews Forum--I have links to the key posts that have pictures and instructions for lifting that strip. Basically you're just prying from one side to another (I recommend left to right) with a thin screwdriver.

 

Wow, the left palm rest gets overly warm. I find that odd because the ExpressCard and PCMCIA slots are right there.. the expresscard plastic dummy piece was almost too hot to hold to my cheek after removal. By visual inspection and reading this, I determined that it's actually the video card's ram that is heating the palm rest uncomfortably so. *sigh* Another corner cut. I understand that it should get warm in 3D... but it's getting damn warm just idling in Windows at 80mhz memory clock (50mhz core). And the fan cycling issue.. one of the environments it's used in the most is very quiet, and this thing is louder than my desktop system, which I spent a fair bit of money silencing. It's as loud as my old HP 17" DTR, and atleast with that thing I could set speedfan to keep the fans running at 10-15%. The EL80 just shuts them off on its own. Anybody figure out WHY?

 

As I noticed from the Disassembly Guide, the HEL80 fan cools only cpu and gpu. Gpu heat pipe does not touch gpu ram, so the left palm rest always will be warm and it does not matter if the fan works or not. I also found that there is no MXM module inside HEL80, so I do not understand why hel80 is VBI. Also I do not understand why compal engineers did not combine vga board with the fan.

 

MXM is not a requirement for VBI

The following must be interchangeable for VBI

Hard disk drives
Optical disk drives
Keyboards
Batteries
LCD screens
Customizable notebook panels
AC adapters

http://www.intel.com/cd/channel/reseller/asmo-na/eng/products/mobile/vbi/271262.htm

 

Just placed an oder for my free pass into the HEL80 owner's lounge; it should be here next week! T5500, 2 G DDR2 667, 100G 7000rpm, WinXP Media Center

Thanks very much to everyone for their insight/expertise!!

 

I’ve been following the notebook forums for sometime as I need to replace a 6 year old VAIO. I was considering a Dell M65, but just “discovered” the Sager NP2080V. Having found that I started looking for reviews and have learned from this forum that Sager is just one of several rebadged versions of several Taiwanese models. I thought I knew what I wanted but am now very confused about the subtle differences between these models so I am asking for your help and guidance.

I am a commercial photographer. I have built several dual processor workstations. I am currently using an upgraded Dell670 (dual Xeon 3.6Ghz) with Vista Ultimate x64, 6Gb RAM, and several TB of RAID 0 and RAID 5 arrays and dual 20” monitors. Given this I’m looking for a notebook that won’t seem too uselessly slow but I also have a high end application for it.

I would like to be able to hook up my 17MP camera to the notebook and shoot directly into the computer, process the shots and then upload them via a Sprint EVDO Express card to my dedicated webserver so a remote client can see the results while the camera is still in front of the subject. Many photographers now do this, well the first part, not necessarily upload them immediately too. I would also of course like to check email, use Office and play games as well. Maybe even set it up to DVR or play DVDs on my media center.

The Sager 2080 15.4” loaded with the 1680 screen, 2Gb RAM, 100Gb 7200 HD, T7200 CPU (4Mb cache and x64 compatible), TV tuner seems about perfect. I plan to run Vista Ultimate x32 for a balance of compatibility and multimedia controls (rather than Business or x64). I like that the 2080/HEL80 has both Express and PCMCIA slots and media readers.

But I am now completely confused on which version I should consider. I saw that Chris recommended the PowerNotebooks site, but then saw versions by Sager, Crown and PowerPro that look virtually identical.

A couple of questions; Do these really differ? If so how exactly? Can you get replacement batteries for any/all of these or should I buy a second 9cell ($120) with the notebook? Are batteries interchangeable between these various models? Can the hard drives be replaced/upgraded? I read in this forum from last June #539 (yes I did read back a year in the forums so as not to ask questions that have already been addressed) that the x1600 screen , being matte is kind of grainy. While I like screen real estate maybe the glossy screen would be better for my photography, what do you think? Given what I’ve described could you recommend one or more variations of these models and why? I can work out the interface between the camera and the computer, I just want to be sure the computer has the horsepower and I won’t discover any major incompatibilities once I get up and running. Your 2cent is sincerely appreciated. Thanks.

 

The only difference between the Sager and Powerpro lappies from Powernotebooks is the warranties.

The Sager has 1 or 3-Year Parts and Labor Warranty w/3rd Business Day shipping and Lifetime 24/7 DOMESTIC Telephone Tech Support.

while the Powerpro has 3-Year Parts and Labor Warranty w/Next Business Day shipping and Lifetime 24/7 DOMESTIC Telephone Tech Support Standard.

Also the crown has 1 or 3-Year Parts and Labor Warranty w/2nd Business Day shipping and 24/7 DOMESTIC Telephone Tech Support.

 

The only other difference is that you can get Arctic Silver 5 on the PowerPro...and at a very special price if you call in to place your order.

 

And take this from a customer, you want to call in. Donald is a big sweetheart.

 

Oh, and I should have mentioned that when you call in we can answer all of your other questions.

AND, thanks for your kind comment iSkylla.

 

Oh yeah? Well... well... Donald is my hero! hah! Top that!

 

Welcome to the club, rds!

And you should definitely call Donald at Powernotebooks to discuss your questions, Proshooter. He'll help you make the right decision and answer all of your questions. But the differences between the systems are the warranty offerings and AS5 as noted above.

As far as the screen goes--I have heard almost exclusively good things about it. I myself have the WSXGA+ screen and really love it after having owned a glossy. But it does come down to personal preferences and both glossy and matte screens have their pros/cons. Being a professional photographer--you may end up needing that little extra brightness/contrast that a glossy might give you.

And you can check out the battery guide for some information on whether or not to buy a second battery. I'd suggest you wait until you know you need one. But if you're doing long hours in the field--you may need the extra life.

 

Hi everyone!

I'v got my Hel 80 about a week ago from powernotebook.com. So, here is some my thoughts...

Configuration:
1680x1050, T7200, 2Gb RAM, 120 Gb HD.

In general it's a great computer, although there are some minuses which i really don't like. Actually, all of them were already described here on the forum, so i did know what i can face with, but still decided to try... Here is what i dont like:

1. Keyboard is too flexible for me and make raspy sound when i'm typing.
2. Fan is working all the time. It is not loud though, but after my old completely silent toshiba (on office application) still is a bit annoying.
3. Again, after the toshba with glare screen Hel's screen looks a bit low contrast. I did perform some screen tests (Nokia screen test, TirealTFTtest) and can say that the screen is very very good, but i'm working with photos a lot and for this particular goal it's probably not the perfect.
4. The last issue worrys me mainly: if you try to push the laptop's lid, even very smoll effort will cause ripple on the matrix... I am traveling quite often, so, i'm really worried if it will be possible to carry the laptop in a backpack without risk to destroy the screen.

I am interesting if anybody have similar problem with the lid? Or, probably, it's just my impression?
Another question is about the fan: do anybody know if it is possible to make it silent during low processor load?

I did not decide yet if I will keep my Hel or send it back to Powernotebook, since I still have about a week for manyback option. So, I am still thinking and will be grateful for any answers to my questions.

By the way, do anybody know if Hel 80's screen has any diffirence to compare to Dell Latitude D820's one? I mean, the screnn with the same resolution: 1680x1050. According to the specifications, they have very similar charachteristics:

Hel:
Brightness - 185 cd/m2 (nits)
Contrast ratio - 300-500
Viewing angles - 130 degrees horizontal/100 degrees vertical
Dell:
Brightness - 185 cd/m2 (nits)
Contrast ratio - 1:300
Viewing angles - 130 degrees horizontal/100 degrees vertical

But may be someone had a chance to see both of those screens?

 

You can find several threads on both a tool named RMclock (my fav) or Notebook Hardware Control. Both of these applications will let you undervolt your processor as well as put some better speed throttling on the cpu. This will get your temps down a few degree's and might be what you need for your fan. I'd also suggest upgrading to the latest BIOS if you know what you are doing and really are that bothered after trying RMclock. You can also force your processor into limited mode to help when you are just web surfing and whatnot. I have a full guide to it on here somewhere and you can IM me if you need further help.

As for the screen ripple, I can't get mine to do that no matter how hard I try to push... so I find that kinda odd.. this is actually one of the sturdiest machines I've seen on the market through last year when I was shopping.

EDIT:
I know for the contrast thing, I tend to use the nvidia control panel to turn up digital vibrancy one notch for things like gaming and DVD's. Might see if that gives you what you are looking for.

 

I know when I was testing my LCD lid for the review I wrote on the HEL80--I couldn't get it to ripple with excessive force. The brushed aluminum really does make it very sturdy. But since then, I have been able to see some ripples here and there, but I've been taking my notebook around with me everyday for the last 2 months (hardly did before that) and as long as your bag has enough protection you have nothing to worry about.

Now as far as the Dell D820's screen is concerned--I have heard a number of people say that it isn't the sharpest or the brightest. It would be best to poke around in the Dell forum for more input on it specifically though.

 

Tank you for the answers!

I have the latest version of the BIOS (116B). I installed RMclock and tryed to undervolt the CPU. It looks totally strange, but even during the lowest voltage\load the fan is working. It looks like the CPU temperature depends on something else, not on just the voltage... For example, I'v got the temperature in a range of 42-46 C for both Power saving (voltage=0.95) and Maximum peformans (voltage=1.237) conditions while the laptop was just idling.

So i would really appreciate any help... I am sorry for the stupid question, what does IM mean?

About the screen, yes, i'm already using nvidia graphic settings to adjust the brightness and vividness. Actually, after I calibrated the screen (using QuickGamma) it looks very well... I think it has, by default, some tendency to increase blue color.

Well, my backpack (Targus Repel) is really good in terms of protection, and it should be OK to carry just a laptop. But it's a different story if you have your camera, external harddrive and couple of power supplyes for this equipment in the same backpack. Just one careless movement and some of those can push the lid...
Anyway, thanks a lot for telling about your experience.

Yes, i'v heard that dell's screens are not the brightest ones. Actually, that's why i was asking... But you'r right, it's a good idea to look at the Dell forum.

 

If you look at the image of my name to the left of this text there are a bunch of little icons for things like AIM, ICQ, Yahoo Messenger... There is also left clicking on my name which will let you send me a direct message through the forum's. Sometimes that is nicer for getting direct help. (Or razzing Chrisyano or some of the other staff members)

Anyways.. your notebook is on a solid flat hard surface so it can breath I'm assuming? You don't keep your living condition's in the 80's? If you force your cpu to the lowest setting and just sit idle for a few minutes the fan should at least turn down if not off.

Just a quick glance at RMclock settings I've got..
Use P-States only...
.95V -> 1.050V
All available FID's

 

Something I came across in YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AH07WcBkNCU

Has any of HEL80 owners had this problem, or should I regard it as being an unusual occurrence?

 

That is actually from a thread here in the compal forum about squeeky plastic from around a month ago (if I remember the timeline right)

My replies as well as those of others are in that thread if ya do a search.

 

Found the thread. Thanks!

 

so yeah is everyone happy with the Go 7600? i kinda wish i had more FPS on certain games coming out of it, but then again im a power whore.

 

Pretty decent experience for the generation of video card. I'll be getting the new Sager from powernotebooks over the summer though.

 

I'm happy with the performance I get at stock settings. Overclocking can yield a little more FPS in games. But if you're really after max performance--the Asus G1p is the 15.4" system to beat right now. Asus clocks their GPUs higher so you can get a few extra FPS with their systems vs. Compal's.