New HP and Compaq AMD-Based Notebooks Released

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Today HP released a refresh to the HP and Compaq consumer notebook lines on models equipped with AMD processors. The new models include the HP Pavilion dv9500z and dv6500z, as well as the Compaq Presario v6500z.

All models have the NVIDIA GeForce Go 7150M integrated graphics chipset as their baseline graphics, with the dv9500z an dv6500z having the higher NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS option. The Imprint finish on both lines of notebook computers has changed as well. The HP lineup previously had a Zen garden style finish, which has now changed to a &quot;Radiance&quot; design. The Compaq notebooks previously used an unnamed imprint finish, now changing to the &quot;Trace&quot; design.

The Previous HP Zen Garden design:

(view large image)

The Updated HP Radiance design:

(view large image)

The processor lineup for both notebook lines has changed, with faster baseline processors across the board, as well as faster top end processors for the HP dv9500z and Compaq V6500z.

All models are currently available through the HP.com website, with an estimated shipping date of September 13^th.

 

its about time! I wish they would can the compaq models, its just the same laptop with a different name. I thought they were making compaq go away but it just keeps coming back.

 

Glad to see that, at least on the 6500z model, HP is finally offering the same GPU upgrade as is available on the "t" model. Wish the 9500z had the 8600 but at least we are making progress in the AMD arena.

 

yeah, the 8400 GS isn't anything to write home about, but it IS about 3x better than integrated graphics. Plus it will allow people to break into the DX10 games.

 

What about the TX1000 tablet PC series?

 

I was equally surprised that HP didn't refresh the tx1000 series. Among tablet users the tx1000 series is a VERY popular tablet.

My best guess is that since 12.1" displays are in short supply HP might be delaying that update. I don't think HP wants to end up in the same position as Dell is with shipping delays.

 

I'd personally like to see a tx1000t model with Intel processors, and an X3100 chipset. That's my wish. And an 8400m gs if it would fit. xD Probably won't.

 

They aren't updating the tx because more than likely they are waiting for hybrid digitizers that have good battery life.

 

good news! finally AMDs with decent graphics options!

though i wonder if we will see updated CPUs once the new desktop CPUs come out soon-ish

 

Excellent news. It's about time. It's nice to see an upgrade to 7150 graphics and availability of some semi-nice 8400GS graphics.

As far as the TX1000Z, they probably decided against a refit this soon since it already sports a fingerprint reader, and higher end graphics aren't all that important for a ultra-portable/tablet convertible class notebook anyway.

 

YES! Proper GPUs in AMD notebooks! I'd prefer an 8600-series too but the 8400 will at least make games playable.

Now if only the 64-bit Vista Ultimate option weren't so expensive... or they could offer 64-bit Home Premium. I'd like to upgrade to 4GB RAM at some point and I might as well run a 64-bit OS from the get-go.

Oh well. Still looks like a very worthwhile upgrade.

 

Hmm... A bit disappointed that the dv2500z didn't get pulled into the fold.

But it's nice to see AMD getting a proper or at least equal graphics solution for once from a mainstream brand.

 

Hmmm... Isn't Turion fairly inferior to Core 2?

 

Not anymore. http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=123570 (For the newer processors that is)

But it's still the graphics that matters the most, for processors, you really can't choose wrong for dual core.

 

Both base units with 2GB come to 1099$ . I noticed HP playing pricing games , with different pricing on same components , too bad we won't be able to play games on those .

Even though the C2D is considered better I'll not hesitate to buy an AMD based 9500 should it have a decent GPU like the 8700GT or above . I don't understand HP for not getting it right .

 

I want to see benches of the 7150M, and compared to the Intel X3100. It would be interesting if Intel got superior integrated graphics as well as processors, AMD will be in real trouble.

 

YES! I have been saying this ever since they started offering Vista! 64-bit isn't just for Ultimate!

 

I have not been following the tech news for a while so this may be a dumb question: but are AMD processors not supposed to be optimized when paired with ATI graphics?

 

Not really. That only happens with their "Fusion" platform, which has is scheduled to hit market in 2009 or so.

 

With a coupon code from cheapstingybargains.com for 20% off a laptop 899 or higher, I managed to put together a 6500z with 1.8 ghz dual core, 2 gig memory, 120 gig HD, and 8400M GS video card. Just the standard wi-fi card (didn't upgrade to bluetooth) and the DVD burner (8x) super multi, but not the lightscribe one, for $751 before tax.

It seemed like the best deal, for the specs, I could find on any brand or model.

I recommended it to a friend and he went ahead and bought it yesterday.

Please reassure us both that this is as good a deal as we thought and that he's going to be very happy with his laptop? He doesn't do a ton of gaming... mostly World of Warcraft.

Krista

 

WoW will run very well on there. Nice laptop.

 

Good to know Unfortunately we didn't see how long they were going to take to build it before shipping! So we're both impatient to see what he gets. I figured it'd handle WoW just fine but wanted something that would play a little bit newer games too, but I think this will handle things fine.

Krista

 

DV2500Z's are now out, but I don't think they are available as CTO's. There are a few retail models floating around out there. I've noticed them on Meijer.com and NewEgg.com.

DV2610US (DV2500Z)

http://www.meijer.com/catalog/produ...tegoryId=122&categoryId=135&subCategoryId=362

* AMD Turion 64 X2 Dual-Core Mobile Technology TL-58
* Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium
* 14.1" WXGA high-definition BrightView widescreen display (1280x800)
* NVIDIA GeForce Go 7150M (UMA) with up to 287MB total available graphics memory
* 1024MB DDR2 system memory (2 Dimm)
* 160GB (5400RPM) hard drive (SATA)
* 802.11b/g WLAN and Bluetooth
* LightScribe Super Multi 8X DVD±R/RW with double layer support

I can't find them with dedicated graphics yet, only the new integrated 7150M.

 

This email is a follow-up to our recent Chat interaction.

This is Shannon from HP Total Care.

HP does not recommend downgrading of the Operating system from Vista to XP. However, I personally understand the importance of XP Operating system for you and will surely try to help you with the XP drivers for your notebook.

Here are the compatible drivers that is needed for your notebook with XP operating system.

1)Microsoft Universal Audio Architecture (UAA) Bus Driver for High Definition Audio (sp33867):

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp33501-34000/sp33867.exe

Note: Click on above link (or) Copy and paste the entire web link in a new Internet Explorer Window. As soon as you open the web site a small window will pop up with RUN, SAVE and CANCEL options. Please select the SAVE option and save the file on the desktop. After this please Run it from the desktop by double clicking on the downloaded driver icon and restart the Notebook.

2)Conexant High Definition Audio Driver:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp34001-34500/sp34200.exe

Note: Click on above link (or) Copy and paste the entire web link in a new Internet Explorer Window. As soon as you open the web site a small window will pop up with RUN, SAVE and CANCEL options. Please select the SAVE option and save the file on the desktop. After this please Run it from the desktop by double clicking on the downloaded driver icon and restart the Notebook.

3)NVIDIA nForce Chipset Driver and Network Controller:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp33001-33500/sp33411.exe

Note: Click on above link (or) Copy and paste the entire web link in a new Internet Explorer Window. As soon as you open the web site a small window will pop up with RUN, SAVE and CANCEL options. Please select the SAVE option and save the file on the desktop. After this please Run it from the desktop by double clicking on the downloaded driver icon and restart the Notebook.

4)NVIDIA GeForce Series Video Driver:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp33501-34000/sp33537.exe

Note: Click on above link (or) Copy and paste the entire web link in a new Internet Explorer Window. As soon as you open the web site a small window will pop up with RUN, SAVE and CANCEL options. Please select the SAVE option and save the file on the desktop. After this please Run it from the desktop by double clicking on the downloaded driver icon and restart the Notebook.

5)HP Quick Launch Buttons drivers:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp38001-38500/sp38171.exe

Note: Click on above link (or) Copy and paste the entire web link in a new Internet Explorer Window. As soon as you open the web site a small window will pop up with RUN, SAVE and CANCEL options. Please select the SAVE option and save the file on the desktop. After this please Run it from the desktop by double clicking on the downloaded driver icon and restart the Notebook.

6)Synaptics Touchpad drivers:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp35001-35500/sp35444.exe

Note: Click on above link (or) Copy and paste the entire web link in a new Internet Explorer Window. As soon as you open the web site a small window will pop up with RUN, SAVE and CANCEL options. Please select the SAVE option and save the file on the desktop. After this please Run it from the desktop by double clicking on the downloaded driver icon and restart the Notebook.

7)HP Pavilion Webcam Driver:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp33501-34000/sp33544.exe

Note: Click on above link (or) Copy and paste the entire web link in a new Internet Explorer Window. As soon as you open the web site a small window will pop up with RUN, SAVE and CANCEL options. Please select the SAVE option and save the file on the desktop. After this please Run it from the desktop by double clicking on the downloaded driver icon and restart the Notebook.

8)HDAUDIO Soft Data Fax Modem with SmartCP:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp33501-34000/sp33742.exe

Note: Click on above link (or) Copy and paste the entire web link in a new Internet Explorer Window. As soon as you open the web site a small window will pop up with RUN, SAVE and CANCEL options. Please select the SAVE option and save the file on the desktop. After this please Run it from the desktop by double clicking on the downloaded driver icon and restart the Notebook.

9)Broadcom Wireless LAN Driver:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp36501-37000/sp36684.exe

Note: Click on above link (or) Copy and paste the entire web link in a new Internet Explorer Window. As soon as you open the web site a small window will pop up with RUN, SAVE and CANCEL options. Please select the SAVE option and save the file on the desktop. After this please Run it from the desktop by double clicking on the downloaded driver icon and restart the Notebook.

10)Ricoh 5-in-1 Card Reader Driver:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp33001-33500/sp33413.exe

Note: Click on above link (or) Copy and paste the entire web link in a new Internet Explorer Window. As soon as you open the web site a small window will pop up with RUN, SAVE and CANCEL options. Please select the SAVE option and save the file on the desktop. After this please Run it from the desktop by double clicking on the downloaded driver icon and restart the Notebook.

11)WinFlash for HP Notebook System BIOS (for Notebooks with AMD Processors):

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp38001-38500/sp38061.exe

Note: Click on above link (or) Copy and paste the entire web link in a new Internet Explorer Window. As soon as you open the web site a small window will pop up with RUN, SAVE and CANCEL options. Please select the SAVE option and save the file on the desktop. After this please Run it from the desktop by double clicking on the downloaded driver icon and restart the Notebook.

12)Software and Drivers for HP Integrated Module with Bluetooth Wireless(Download and install only if the bluetooth device is integrated in the notebook)

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp32501-33000/sp32883.exe

Note: Click on above link (or) Copy and paste the entire web link in a new Internet Explorer Window. As soon as you open the web site a small window will pop up with RUN, SAVE and CANCEL options. Please select the SAVE option and save the file on the desktop. After this please Run it from the desktop by double clicking on the downloaded driver icon and restart the Notebook.

13)Yuan EC680 Analog TV Tuner Driver(Download and install only If you have TV Tuner card)

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp32501-33000/sp32686.exe

Note: Click on above link (or) Copy and paste the entire web link in a new Internet Explorer Window. As soon as you open the web site a small window will pop up with RUN, SAVE and CANCEL options. Please select the SAVE option and save the file on the desktop. After this please Run it from the desktop by double clicking on the downloaded driver icon and restart the Notebook.

====================================

Note: If you are unable to install them and get any error message then perform below steps and try to install the drivers:

Step:1)Bios Reset:

1. Turn on or restart the computer.
2. Press the F10 key(continuosly) to enter into system utility message display on the HP Invent screen.
3. Under Exit menu, select the option "Load Setup Defaults."
4. Click Enter.

Step:2)Boot into safe mode:

1. Restart the Notebook
2. Press F8 key (more than once) once the HP Logo disappears, this opens startup list.
3. Select Safe Mode from the list and press Enter.

Step:3)Install the drivers that are giving the error message in safe mode.

Performing the above steps should resolve the issue if any...

============================
Additional Information:

1)Improving the Performance of Your Notebook PC

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/genericDocument?lc=en&cc=us&docname=c00034290

Note: Click on the above link (or) Copy the URL starting from "http" till "c00034290" and paste in the address box of the browser, then press Enter Key.

2)Hard drive maintenance basics :

http://h71036.www7.hp.com/hho/cache/390-0-0-225-121.html

Note: Click on the above link (or) Copy the URL starting from "http" till "121.html" and paste in the address box of the browser, then press Enter Key.

3)HP Notebook PCs - Cleaning your Notebook PC

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsuppor...c=us&objectID=c00292159&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN

Note : Click on the above link (or) Copy the URL and paste in the address box of the browser, then press Enter Key.

4)The following web page helps to maximize the life of your notebook battery:

http://h20239.www2.hp.com/techcenter/battery/Battery_max.htm

Note: Click on the above link (or) Copy the URL starting from "http" till "Battery_max.htm" and paste in the address box of the browser, then press Enter Key.

If you have any kind of query, please contact us by visiting the following Web site. We will be glad to assist you further.

http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/contact/chat_1.html

We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to serve you.

Note: Please do not reply to this email as this inbox is not monitored.

Regards,

 

Um... what?

 

Still having problems with the righrt chipset/network ;

3)NVIDIA nForce Chipset Driver and Network Controller:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp33001-33500/sp33411.exe
.

email ctops.legal(at)gmail(dot)com