*HP EliteBook 8740w Owners Lounge - PART 2*

@jessestacy:

Have you seen this pre-configured model from China?. It's the only pre-configured model with a backlit keyboard so far. Its specs are good and is well equipped. You can read the review for this model HERE.

Notice this model has no DreamColor screen, but if you're fine with the normal WUXGA screen, it may be suitable for you (you probably can save $$$ if you go with a pre-configured model).

 

Thanks. I'll call them tomorrow; how to go to school and walk around a lot today.

For me, this cheap model is enough:
HP EliteBook 8740w mobil arbetsstation (WD938EA) specifikationer produkter - HP Små och medelstora företag

I'm a student, and the only reason I'm looking at Elitebook is its matte WUXGA screen. I'll buy in Sweden since I live here at the moment. This model is surprisingly cheaper than US CTO price. Still, I think it's possible to get at least 25% to offset the ridiculous VAT Swedish government collects to encourage laziness. (Sweden is got to be the most comfortable country to be unemployed.)

 

No... just the latest drivers from HP's site.

 

But you don't need to waste too much money to get a decent laptop with a matte screen. Asus or Dell laptops with WUXGA matte screens are available for a much less price. Even I think Sager have a few models too. Have you seen another alternatives?

EliteBook 8740w's, 8540w's and 8440w's are not generally affordable, since they're top notch mobile workstations (mainly for professionals), MIL-STD-810G compliant for added rudgeness. Also they're certified for intensive graphics works (CAD/CAM/DCC) and they use magnesium alloy and anodized aluminum for its construction. This stuff does have a (expensive) cost. Do you really need all of these goodies? I recommend you first see another alternatives and save a LOT of money for anything else.

Well, here you GO. A Dell Latitude E6510 with 15.6" WUXGA Anti-Glare (aka "matte") screen for less than $1000. If for you 17" screen size is NOT mandatory and you only need WUXGA and matte requirements, you'd go this way. I think a 8740w will be an overkill for you...

 

Thanks, but I don't think 15.6" can be WUXGA, that's Full-HD at most. I want to have a 17" screen: Most likely 8740w is the last generation 16:10 notebook one can get. Besides, E6510 also has magnesium body, if I'm not mistaken. Still, thanks. I've been looking for several months, and now in Sweden E6510 is also offered with Full-HD screen (in the past it was HD+ at most); however, it's only 5000 kr cheaper without tax (that's about 25% cheaper). You see, my current computer is 5-year-old and still working fine, never had any problem at all. This is why I want to get something really solid and use for five years. I don't want to have a plastic toy which needs to be changed every other year. 8540p would be nice, but it's only offered with HD+.

There is a cheaper alternative, Sony E, but it's plastic with glossy screen, and full-hd has to be ordered from the UK for about the same price as E6510.

Frankly, there's nothing affordable in Sweden. You'd have to pay the same price for MBP 17, which is of course immensely over-priced.

I'll try to make some phone calls and see where I can get a good price. That 8740w is surprisingly cheap (the same configuration from Dell would be 10000 kr more expensive; even lower spec'ed 8740w's are more expensive. I don't know why, but they have 'NYHET' meaning 'NEW' model next to it. I suppose it's some kind of special deal.

 

-post removed-

 

If you're very picky (as I see) then, yes, the screen has 16:9 aspect ratio. I didn't know that 16:10 aspect ratio is a priority for you. Then, things change quite a bit. On this scenario, your options are very limited. The old EliteBook 8530w had a real WUXGA screen, but as you can see, 16:10 screens are almost gone. I still recommend you first read some manufacturer threads of this forum, such as Sager or Clevo. I think they have some models with 1200P matte screens. After all, it's your money.

 

Thanks. I'll just call them and get some info first; then I'll check some others. I think Latitude E6510 is a viable option as well, because after all I'm not rich. Actually 16:10 isn't that important, but it's sweet besides, 17.1" 16:10 easier to carry than 17.3" 16:9, which is like a chocolate bar.

I think if anyone still makes UXGA 15", it would be the perfect for me as I use my computer primarily for writing and reading, then a little Photoshop and CAD.

 

My 8740w had two loose buttons on its non-lit keyboard when I got it and the lid didn't close completely on the left side, so it was picked up to be repaired last week. I got it back today and the keyboard is raplaced, but to a backlit version! I guess I should be happy because it's an "upgrade" but I think the non-backlit keyboard was much better. This keyboard has ALOT of flex and worse feeling on the keys. On some places it sits loose and sticks out, especially on the upper left corner. When i type on a key there the whole keyboard taps down to the bottom and makes an annoying klick sound, and then bounces back up again to its wierd convex position.

The hinges was changed but it still leaves a gap on the left side when the lid is closed.

Would you keep the backlit keyboard even though it's lower quality? Is it acceptable that the lid doesn't close completely and leaves an around 3 mm gap on the left side?

 

you can try to unscrew the keyboard screws on the bottom and try to screw them back in maybe this helps.

Customer Self-Repair Steps (videos/animations)

 

My 8740w/DC2 so far was unable to run aero in 10-bit color mode. Today HP Support Assistant installed some updates to CCC and then onwards I see I have Aero re-enabled *and* 10-bit color mode checked. Anyone else noticed this?

 

Damn. If I were you I'd ask a complete refund. That kind of quality in Sweden?

 

^^ It's everywhere nowadays. I too think that the regular keyboard is of a much higher quality than the backlit one.

 

@Aikimox:

Have you already asked our questions to HP technicians in their forums? The last day is tomorrow... Thanks

 

there was a person on this board who was quite adamant that Aero uses DirectX which is only 8-bit. (I'm dumbing that down a good deal, I know)

Me, personally, I'm still skeptical 10-bit is working, period. The only program I have that would uses it fails the test that proves it works. Personally, I'm more likely to think that 'fix' disabled everything but the 10-bit check-box. That's my story and I'm sticking to it until I apply whatever you are talking about and finally see ramp.psd doing what it's supposed to in PS CS5.

However, I'm also sure next time I update the drivers like I did just a few days ago, I'll be subjected to a series of boots to black screen, and boot to de-sync'ed screen. If I sound bitter, I am. I'm getting well beyond the point of being 'ok' with that happening intermittently, because it's happening too often at this point off cold boot, and warm re-boot fails 100% of the time.

...thanx for listening...

 

That reminds me, Aikimox, please add to the list (if you end-up being our proxy):

"Some DC2 owners have tried the ramp.psd 10-bit test and fail to see the smooth gradient that is supposed to be displayed. The visible banding clearly occurs on the 8-bit color division lines. We can't help but feel like we did not get what we paid for. When will this be corrected?"

And I'm sure you also have "when will the 2D drivers be updated to provide acceleration. As it stands, the 2D performance is slower than 3-4 year old processors with integrated graphics."

 

I hear you -- so far my laptop has been a-ok after this update (knockonwood)

BTW where can I get a copy of this ramp.psd file that everyone is talking about?

 

If anyone else lost track of the "ask HP" announcement:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-compaq-voodoo-pc/517084-hp-support-forum-expert-day.html


Thinkpadded, you can get it, and the instructions, from here:
Professional Graphics Tools and Technologies

 

Yes, and the answer wasn't too clear. And since some owners don't really see any problem with the backlit keyboard, there's not much we can do. I can see a huge difference in quality between the two, but many are not that picky and wouldn't ever notice.

Anyway, I added this to our list of questions along with the question posted by M8o.

 

I subscribed and posted a thread covering all my display issues. Let's see what comes of it:

Itemized 8740w DC2 display issues - HP Support Forum

 

I PM'ed Sanchertx but no reply so far. If you happen to stumble upon someone from these guys - let me know please. Alternatively, in case I'm busy - here is the list.

 

I'm very angry with HP. My rep mailed to me today, and he said that the backlit keyboard is not available in Spain yet. I had 2 options: either cancel the order or continue with the normal keyboard. I chose the 2nd one.

But HP Spain is making deceitful advertising. They say the backlit keyboard is only available on "select locations", but on the disclaimer they don't tell you which are these locations.

@Aikimox:
I've already posted my complaint HERE. There is no need to include my question into your list. Thank you anyway.

 

Hello again Mighty!

Thanks a bunch for pointing me to ramp.psd. I do not have Photoshop, but I use Lightroom 3. The ramp.psd file appears smooth (no banding) in LR3! I do get banding when I turn off 10-bit from CCC. What am I doing right/wrong?

Hey have you tried asking Support Assistant to look for updates and see if it applies the latest CCC update? Maybe give it a chance once more?

 

As far as I know, Lightroom only supports display of 8-bit color but I may be wrong (I don't see any equiv to the 'Advanced' rendering OpenGL option in Lightroom). So that may just be dithering. I see a smooth gradient too when I drop the active color bit depth within PS CS5 to 8-bit while my driver is set to 10-bit, as CS5 will down-sample the ramp.psd image on that action to create a smooth gradient. But when I zoom-in to 400%, I can clearly the reason for that is dithering (I can see the radomized 'spray' of subtely different shades of gray to simulate the in-between color steps). PS CS5 is available for free download & trial. So even if you don't buy it, you can try the test using it.

But on the other hand, the fact that you don't see banding when in 10-bit mode, but do in 8-bit mode is definitely something that shouldn't be ignored. So I'll cross my fingers that a) The drivers work right now, and b) Lightroom will render 16-bit to th native rez of the adapter. That would be fantastic!

I haven't had time to turn the machine on this week (I often only have time to use if on the weekend). I did apply an update to the bios and display drivers over the weekend but I only saw the 3D driver was updated, slightly. 2D driver value remained the same.


On a different note. It's past noon and the techs are no longer on-line and noone answered any of my questions.

 

I posted the list of our questions on HP Support Forum @6:21am and still got no answer. In addition, yesterday PM'ed the rep who told us about this Support Day and got no answer there as well.
Boring....

 

Maybe I'll join in too over there on your thread at HP support site. We have a common cause it seems -- without being able to leverage the 10-bit in PS/LR, about 40% of what I paid for the 8740w/DC2 is plain wasted.

Hang on in there -- we'll unravel the mystery (or expose the scam, if it comes down to that).

Another thing that I find irritating is that even SRGB looks way too saturated on the DC2 in a relative way. What looks "right" on the DC2 looks plain drab on most-folks' TN panels and somewhat better than drab on my T43 FlexView S-IPS panel. Makes me wonder -- should I have gotten a screen fit for mere mortals instead?

 

Way too saturated?? Are you sure you're using the sRGB and not User sRGB or even Native/Full?

I'd say the opposite - sRGB is perfect.

 

@Thinkpadded

Really? You think that? I recently processed all these on the 8740w using AdobeRGB and sRGB (I look at them with both to ensure they look good) and they look just fine to me on a regular TN 6-bit display. Would like to know what you think on the screens you use.

http://public.fotki.com/m8o/dogs-life/atthebeach/ (not the 1st two; those were from some time ago)
http://public.fotki.com/m8o/kar_krazy/1st-annual-eatons-n/

Altho I process to be pretty 'bold' knowing what you describe, so maybe that's it. Also, I spent time doing processing using Rec.609 (or is it 601?), which 'simulates' 6-bit TN screen on the a crappy-end of the quality curve pretty well, So I imagine what an image will look like with that gamut. Further, I often look @ my photos in that gamut too to ensure they look good.

 

Poseidon, I wanted to send you a message but it's not possible.

I just wish you could tell me how did you get the deal from HP. The guy I've been talking with (I've made so many calls, but he's so far the other one picking up; I don't know how many reps they have here in Sweden.) can only give 12.5% discount.

Because I'm not buying a high-end config, I'm not expecting a huge concession, but 20% is expected.

 

FYI:

I've PM'ed vasbinde, an HP employee as many of you already know, about our list of questions and my personal inquiry about the spanish backlit keyboard. This guy is very nice, he told me when the 840QM processor would be available in my country, so I expect some feedback from him

One question, please: Is the normal keyboard easily upgradeable to the backlit version? This is important for me, because my order is being already processed and I will have the computer with the normal keyboard.

 

^^ It should be (I don't think that HP would use different mobo's for normal and backlit keyboards). But to verify, we need someone with a regular keyboard to remove it and look at the fan connector, there should be another one (unoccupied) very close to it.

 

Thanks, Aiki, and if it were complicated, I guess you can always send your unit to HP in order to do the replacement for you, right? If it's possible to replace a graphics card, or a CPU, I think it should be possible to replace the keyboard too...

On Dell forums, M6500 owners had a similar problem. M6500 was launched without USB 3.0 ports and 1 month later, they upgraded the model with an USB 3.0 daughter card (with 2 ports, the same as the 8740w). Then Dell engineers started to study how to upgrade systems already sold and they got it. You have to send your unit to Dell in order to place the daughter card if you doesn't have one.

Did HP replace entirely your computer or only the keyboard? Thank you

 

I'm certain there will be no problem to replace the keyboard.
And also, generally, the system is very DIY friendly.

 

I answered this question a long time ago (in thread far far away...included pics too). The laptop I currently have came with the regular keyboard. I uninstalled the BL keyboard from my 1st unit and installed it on this one, no problem.

 

Thanks for refreshing our memory
This time I'll try to remember

 

Lets say I upgrade my CPU and GPU sometime in the future. If something goes wrong, can I put my original parts back in and still have a valid warranty?

 

Of course, you don't have to tell anyone about those swaps.
As long as you don't destroy the system with your actions - warranty should be valid.
That's how it works with Dellienware. They honor the warranty as long as the original components are placed back before servicing it.

 

It's bought from eBay for a very good price so I would rather have it repaired than to get a refund. Im actually currently located in Germany and it's bought here.

Hp send a repair guy today even though I dind't pay for that service, I had the option to change the keyboard to a new backlit one or a non-backlit one, so I of course chose the non-backlit He also had a look at the case and called to order a new one, which he will come to install next week. I'm happy and willl definately spend the extra money to buy a business greade laptop next time too! The service is not even comparable!

 

After 5 months of lurking in the forums for this notebook I finally took the plunge and ordered my 8740W today. It took a bit of back and forth on the phone, but I was able to get a 28% discount on my unit which is configured as follows:

WinXP7 Pro with WinXP downgrade installed
840QM processor
DC2 display
Quadro FX 2800M GPU
4GB (2X2GB) mem
250GB 7200rpm HDD
BD re-writable drive
Regular (non-backlit) keyboard
Integrated Bluetooth and 6300N wireless
8 cell 68wh 3 yr battery
Win7 and WinXP driver-restore DVD/CDs
WinXP OS install disc
Win7 x86 and x64 OS install DVDs
230W docking station
UG843E - 5 NBD year warranty w/ADP
US467E - 4 year one time battery replacement service


This forum is just great for useful, informed postings. Everyone here roqs!

Wish me luck!

---EDIT: order was canceled by HP the next day (WinXP wasn't available after all)..

 

No problem, I wasn't trying to make ya feel guilty or anything. It was quite a long time ago, in the old thread.

 

Excuse me guys. Let's see if I understood correctly

You mean the BACKLIT keyboard is easily replaceable with the NON-LIT version, well, but is this also true the other way around? This is my doubt

On a side note, my rep mailed to the part department and they said him that is NOT recommended to install the backlit keyboard at this moment. Well, this is not surprising for you all, right? LOL I highly suspect this statement is due to quality issues

 

I installed a BL keyboard on a unit that came with reg keyboard. Aikimox installed a reg keyboard on a unit that came with BL keyboard. We got it covered both ways.

 

Run msconfig. Then go to Boot | Advanced Options and untick the Maximum Memory box.

 

Ok, did you install any additional part from the unit with the BL keyboard on the unit with the normal one? This is my concern, because my rep has ordered, separately, the backlit keyboard part "as is", and I'm afraid the lack of an "additional part" not found in the stock system with normal keyboard.

Thank you in advance

 

No, the laptop w/o the BL keyboard had the extra connector needed to power the lighting. It was plug-n-play.

 

Quick question:
HP8540w Win7
When I close the lid, the PC goes to sleep, but when I open the lid, I still have to press the power button after.
Is there a utility, setting somewhere that makes it turn on when you open the lid?

Olivier

 

So, I talked to my rep and he said that both 65W and 90W smart and travel adapters are compatible with 8740w.

I ordered one of each and strangely both of them work just fine. I have my system hooked up to the 90w right now and I have been doing my regular work which includes Cakewalk audio processing etc and it works perfectly fine.

 

Is HP's upgrade bay (part #: 613682-001) supposed to come with another drive guard caddy? I only received the plastic/metal enclosure. It even came with the screws you need to attach your hard drive to the drive guard caddy.

Luckily my main drive is SSD so I can leave it bare in the primary bay.

 

Have you noticed that HP is already offering pre-configured models with backlit keyboard?. Also the Quadro FX5000M is already compatible with the DreamColor screen, BUT still CTO models NOT

Damn!... and my rep has said to me that it's likely the backlit keyboard will not be available in my country until (at least) December!! Hopefully, I will be able to swap the normal keyboard for the backlit version

 

You may however, want to avoid changing the power profile to High Performance if you use the 65W one. I commonly see well over that being consumed when something is running that makes use of all un-throttled system resources so it would cause the draw to well exceed the rating of the adapter.