*HP EliteBook 8740w Owners Lounge - PART 1*

[PhatCat]

Hi all

I recently received my Envy 15 with dual SSDs. A pretty nifty little machine, but I will be sending it back to HP because they managed to screw up the Bing 20% promotion which has cost me over $500. Also it has G1 SSDs, meaning no TRIM, which is important because I will be doing some heavy database work on it.

I currently have a McBook Pro 17" and while the screen of the Envy is very crisp, I prefer 17" when I'm reading programs. I've been waiting on the rumored Envy 17 but from what I see here, I think the 8740w better suits my needs.

I see mention of 20% discounts on the new Elitebooks. Can someone point me to the right coupon code? I am interested in ordering the 8740w as soon as I return the Envy when I get back to the US next week. TIA.

[Walter K]

Okay!! so 10 Bit fro Dreamcolor display is true!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But no word about IPS... Maybe HP marketing forget...

Best, Walter

[SecretAsianMan]

I see mention of 20% discounts on the new Elitebooks. Can someone point me to the right coupon code?

Don't know any coupon code. I obtained the discount by calling HP's small business sales line and asking a sales rep for a discount.

EDIT: Added to FAQ.

[YiannisS]

Through a single GPU, the mobile workstation can simultaneously support up to four independent display outputs, plus the native notebook panel, for a total of five displays."

Do you know what screen sizes and at what max resolution will simultaneously support? This is really a nice feature to have availabe.

[Thecla]

Is the DreamColor display the original DreamColor or the DreamColor 2?[/U]
Unknown. One HP sales rep stated that the display was the "same as the 8730w", or DC1. However, the line item on that same order reads: VG322AV LCD 17.0 WUXGA+WVA DC2 f/CAM 8740w.

FWIW here's what the description reads on the quote I got:

VG322AV Display - 17.0-inch diagonal LED-backlit DreamColor® WUXGA WVA anti-glare (1920 x 1200) with camera

So no mention of DC2. The public sector pricing was about 10% off the price of the same configuration (with SSD, i7-820 and FX 3800) on the small business web site, so maybe I would've been better off haggling with them myself.

[JEA152]

Do you know what screen sizes and at what max resolution will simultaneously support? This is really a nice feature to have availabe.

I don't quite know how to reconcile the earlier comment with the commentary in the 8740w QuickSpecs. But here's what it says in the QuickSpecs for external display:

"Up to 32-bit per pixel color depth
DisplayPort supports resolutions up to 2560 x 1600, 30-bit color depth at
60 Hz, and full HD (1920 x 1080) monitors, 24-bit color depth at 120 Hz
VGA port supports resolutions up to 2048 x 1536 at 75 Hz, and lower
resolutions at up to 100 Hz
DVI-D (single link) video signal available through DVI port in optional HP
Docking Station (sold separately)
supports resolutions up to 1600 x 1200 at both full and reduced
blanking, and 1920 x 1200 at reduced blanking"

- J -

[Aikimox]

Amazing. I want one too! Sob...

[Aikimox]

Even though it's still early for this thread to get busy, - BUMP!
It's too exciting to stay patient!
I'm saving money for this beast, and personally, don't really like HP looks, but for those specs, bells and whistles - I'm game!

[PhatCat]

...and personally, don't really like HP looks...

I think the 8740w is sleek and understated, as befits a business laptop. I have a MacBook Pro and I would say the HP is comparable as a design for professionals. I don't see most businesses buying Alienware or Envy type machines. Just curious, what do you prefer?

[freedom16]

Damn this notebook is professional and freaking powerful! I got to sell my alienware for this!! lol This is what i was waiting for, i don't see an option though for a backlit keyboard though, this machine is going to have amazing build quality, military grade. Also can you get the drivers from ATI or only from the HP support page?