HP/Compaq :: ENVY 15 Vs. 8540w
Feb 28, 2010
I'm a casual gamer (mostly WoW, and that's not much of late) but a heavy developer, mostly server stuff. So that means virtualization. My current rig is just too old/slow to handle what I'm looking to do. So, I'm looking to step up.
The biggest thing for me that I'd really like is to be able to handle 2 internal drives. Eventually SSD, but not have to start that way. I can't seem to find that piece of info on the ENVY. The 8540w does have this capability.
So, that being the case, does anyone see issues w/the ENVY instead of the 8540w? Looking at the available specs, the video card doesn't have the DDR5 option the 8540w has, but I'm thinking that might be ok. CPU choices are comparable, as is the RAM speed...
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May 5, 2010
I decided to go with a HP Elitebook this year because I got a great deal for a 8540w.
If you plan to do a clean install with your use the HP Support Assistent to install all the drivers, it's much more compfortable than using the SoftPaq INstaller or even install all by hand: Support Assistent Download
Case
The magnesium case of the Elitebook is realy great. Hard as a rock, nothing is flexing and the cool feeling of the brushed aluminium is very exclusive. A Thinkpad T510, which by itself feels pretty solid (despite some keyboard- and palmrest-flexing), feels like cheap plastic compared to the Elitebook.
The display is completly covered by a magnesium case covered with a brushed aluminium surface and has the same great touch as the palmrest. The hinges keep the display tight in place, no bouncing at all, but you can open it by using only one hand. The Thinkpad needs two hands, because the base unit gets lifted too if you don't push it down....
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May 4, 2010
considering between these, any HP owners out there that could give me some feedback (subjective+bonus objective benchmarks)?
Any reviews+video reviews of the EliteBook 8540w/8740w that you deem accurate?
How do you like the trackpad, multitouch anygood?
Display quality I hear is excellent but 16:9 format vs 16:10 for a pro line ok?
Refs:
[url]
Apple Refreshes The MacBook Pro Line Discussion
Apple Forum Post:
Apple Education Discount-Last Call->Warranty?
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Jan 7, 2010
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Regarding 8540w/p models:
15.6" display = fail
"15.6-inch diagonal LED-backlit HD+1 anti-glare (1600 x 900), 15.6-inch diagonal LED-backlit FHD1 anti-glare (1920 x 1080)"
Quad-channel memory @ 1333mhz = win
DDR3 SDRAM, 1066/1333 MHz, *four slots supporting dual- or quad-channel memory2,1024/2048/4096 MB SODIMMs, up to 16384 MB total with Intel quad-core processor. NOTE: On models configured with 1066 MHz FSB dual-core processor, memory bus is dual-channel running at a maximum of 1066 MHz., and maximum total memory is limited to 8102 MB2
*Memory speed is processor dependent
USB 3.0 = win
Dedicated numeric keypad on 15" class notebook = win
Nvidia graphics with no ATI option = fail
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Jun 28, 2014
I had to reformat my laptop - i think i now need to install many drivers though HP website link to HP EliteBook 8540w Mobile Workstation (ENERGY STAR) does not work
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Jan 17, 2012
HP Elitebook 8540W, HP Docking Station VB043AA#ABA, Windows 7 64-bit; audio out works fine from laptop internal speakers and laptop headphone jack; when I plug speaker cord into line-out on docking station, the sound continues to come from the internal speakers; when I right-click speaker icon and select "playback devices" I see "Speakers / HP" and "Headphones (RTC)" but I don't see any option to switch to docking station lineout.
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Sep 2, 2014
I bought two new KTH X3BS/4G Modules for my Elitbook 8740w. They show up in the BIOS as 8GB. RAM test says everything is oke. When I start the notebook it has all kind of blue screens.
Mostly it says DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL.
Maybe it's a timing problem. Where can I change the timings? I don't find any options in the BIOS.
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I tried booting linux. Also doesn't work and hangs. I did the BIOS Update to the newest version...
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The problem might be, that the memory is only supported on 8740w QUAD Core Machines. My Machine is only dual core i5 m520.
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Jul 29, 2014
I have an Elitebook 8540w laptop. I wanted to upgrade RAM memory from 2x2GB to 2x4GB. I bought not a kit of 2x4GB as i wanted to, instead I bought two 4GB memory chips from HP.
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After replacing the modules the laptop does not boot up.
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What has been done:
- Bios Default Restore
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My first question is: i realize it is better to buy a kit of 2 matched chips, but is it a must?
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Mar 21, 2010
beats edition as compared to the envy 15 version.
1. What reason is there for the 800 dollar difference in price other than the beats headphones?
2.Does the back of the case only have the beats logo on it or is there any type of laser etching like on the original envy.
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Jan 12, 2015
I just purchased a used Elitebook 8540w with i7 quad core and four memory slots (I love it!).  It is running 64 bit Windows 7 Professional  It came with one 4gb memory module and I purchased an additional 4gb module to bring total RAM to 8gb. Â
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I have the HP document that shows for two 4gb memory modules, one should be in memory slot 1 and the other in memory slot 3 for correct functioning of dual channel memory. Â All set right?
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Not quite.  In the Elitebook 8540w, the primary memory slots under the keyboard are clearly labeled "1" and "2"  However, the expansion memory slots on the underside of the chassis are also clearly labeled "1" and "2"  Opps!  There is no "3" and there is no "4"  In which of the unfilled three slots do I install the second 4gb module for correct functioning of dual channel memory?
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Nov 29, 2009
I am considering on purchasing the Hp Envy 15, however I was wondering if these componants are upgradable.
Is the cpu upgradable to Arrandale when it comes out?
Is the gpu upgradable mxm type, so I can upgrade to ATI 5000 series?
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Jan 7, 2010
Any news on the Envy 17?
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Mar 23, 2010
I've got a great offer for buying a used 1st generation Envy 15, dirt cheap.
However, I was wondering if heat management and battery life has improved with driver- and BIOS updates over time.
In short, has any of the points of criticism that the Envy originally received been improved with driver and BIOS updates?
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May 28, 2010
I'm shopping for laptops right now and I'm pretty much stuck between these two. My main question for the 14 is will it be able to do full hd? I know 1920x1080 is a bit much to ask for on a 14.5" screen but I haven't been able to find a solid answer for this question. The 14 has more features and the internal cd drive is a plus, but not a dealbreaker for the 15 since the cd drive isn't used too much. Taking out price, which one would be a better buy?
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Feb 13, 2010
I have a couple of questions about the Envy v2. I'm certain the answers are somewhere in the massive owner's thread but it's way too long to want to go through at this point.
My questions are:
1) Audio quality of external speakers. Is there enough bass in them? Do they sound "tin-y"?
2) Noise from the fan when the GPU is in high use. How loud is the fan? Has anyone put a decibel meter to it?
3) Temp of the GPU. My Studio 15 is hitting a high of 70c when running and was wondering how the newer ATI is.
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Apr 11, 2010
The first I heard about the Envy line was that it was a gorgeous laptop with a great display and above-average speakers. However, it was fundamentally flawed with a horrible trackpad and overheating issues(present in the 13, but further aggravated in the 15). After the spectacular fail of a release, I dropped the Envy out of consideration.
To the present, I've recently started looking at a huge array of laptops and have taken the Envy into consideration again. From what I've heard, the Envy 15 is in its second generation(I need a full-HD laptop and won't be considering the Envy 13). It now comes equipped with a i5 processor and the HD5830.............
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Jan 14, 2010
I pulled the trigger and purchased an envy with these specs,
• Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-720QM Processor (1.6GHz, 6MB L2 Cache, 1333MHz FSB) w/Turbo Boost up to 2.8 GHz
• 4GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
• 320GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
• 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 5830 Graphics - For i7 Processors
• 15.6" diagonal Full High Definition LED HP Ultra Brightview Widescreen Display (1920x1080)
• Webcam Only
• Intel Wireless-N Card with Bluetooth
• HP Color Matching Keyboard
• 6 Cell Lithium Ion Polymer Battery
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Sep 14, 2009
First shots here:
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Tech specs known at the moment:
- Intel CPU
- Windows 7 OS
- Lithium Polymer battery with optional extended external battery
- Interfaces: HDMI, 2xUSB, hybrid jack audio
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Sep 20, 2009
How does the 1/6 GHz processor stack up against the more traditional core duo? Is it roughly equal to a 2.53 GHz processor? I love windows 7 and might trade my Macbook Pro for one.
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Feb 20, 2010
I have been reading about the Envy 15 (as I'm getting closer to buying it). However, one thing that concerns me is regarding the temperatures.
So, how hot does it get?
Most likely, I'll be getting the dual SSD rig. For anyone who owns that, how hot does it get for you?
My setup is looking like the i7-820, 8GB RAM, 5830, dual-SSD. I have thought about going to the 16GB RAM option as well, though I doubt I need it.
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May 2, 2010
HP's envy 15 line with the ATI 5830 GPU (i7-720/820). I do have one big concern however, and that is heat. Could anyone post their max GPU / CPU / HD temps they usually get while running an intensive game / benchmark?
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Mar 8, 2010
I need to connect my HP Envy 15 to my TV`s VGA port, and I'm looking for the best alternative. This is because I only get a stretched picture when I connect it to the DVI port through a HDMI > DVI-adapter.
HP has an official HDMI -> VGA adapter. What's people experience with that? Perfect? Problems? I see that Envy 15 is not listed as a supported model for it, but does that matter?
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May 23, 2010
Can I Pre-Order the Envy 14 yet and if so, how do I do it? And if not, when can I?
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Apr 17, 2010
Is there a way to lock the Fn function in for when I am playing a game and need to use the function keys. I keep kicking myself out of a game because on instinct I use the function keys still.
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May 15, 2010
I came across an Envy, and it looked really light and cool.
The Envy 15 seems to have good specs, with the 5830 and i5's or i7's, 4 sodimms (right?) 1080p screen.
The Envy 14, however, seems to be a bit weak..
Is there a special feature in the Envy 14 that I better wait for? or, is the Envy 15 still a reasonable machine that I could aim for in my trade?
I can't really find the part that explains the refreshes of the Envy 15..
I really want to know if the Envy 14 is a different league than the Envy 15, or if they are in the similar league so that I should wait for the 14 model.
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Mar 18, 2010
I'm already playing with the clock speeds i didn't bother with a full reinstall. i got rid of all the bloatware, fixed the stupid fn key function keys thing, and it runs fine.
i didn't get the 10.3 preview driver due to a lot of instabilities i keep hearing about. gonna wait for it to come out. i'm still using the original driver version that came with the computer. i got amd gpu tools, and oced to 520/1050 just to start. so far my temps never went above 70C how do i keep this clock speed when i restart? also, i notice the default settings downclock the gpu when it's not doing anything intensive, and they go up to 500/800 when they need to. if i lock in my oc when i restart (if i can), will it still downclock when it doesn't need the speed?
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Jan 7, 2010
Check it out
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The prices of the Envy Line have dropped and the Envy 15 now features i5-520M + ATI HD5830. If that implies switchable graphics than the battery life problems of the Envy are gone
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Feb 24, 2010
Certain keys on the keyboard don't work and if they do they will type a couple of random letters. Anyone else have this? It most likely isn't software as they dont work even before I get to windows(recovery command prompt).
Sometimes it will work after so many reboots and BIOS resets, but generally it happens at random times. I already spoke to tech support and am sending it in as the lady I talked to had no idea what the problem and insists it's windows. The onscreen keyboard works fine which is how i typed all of the "P"s and ".
Anything I can do to avoid sending it in, as I really like the laptop aside from the malfunctioning keyboard.
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May 13, 2010
Im currently wading through the 500 page owners thread, but I thought I might be able to get an immediate response here.
Im looking for the i5 model of the Envy 15 with the 5830 video card - doesnt seem to be available here in the UK unless I use an importer on ebay, which I am not sure I want to go ahead and do (mainly warranty concerns).
If I cant Im goiing to go with a Sony Vaio F with the i5 Processsor, but my preference at the moment is for the HP if I can get it.
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Apr 8, 2010
I so wanted to like it because it does everything I need in such a portable package but whoever created the trackpad design should be freaking shot.
I've tried all of the various settings and the latest drivers but all of them freak out pretty badly if you leave you motion finger on the trackpad at the same time as clicking. God forbid you actually want to click and drag something (in the normal "hold down the button and move the pointer" method, not any custom gestures).
The limited tilting on the screen was really annoying (use thee laptop a fair amount at home standing up) but it would have been workable if it weren't for the trackpad issues.
Guess I'll be looking at the elitebooks and precision workstations instead (giving up on the portability for a better screen and usability)
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