*HP EliteBook 8740w Owners Lounge - PART 2*

[knight427]

It seems Customer Relations is currently back logged. My tech can't even get through to them. So she ordered some more parts late today and will try messing around on Tuesday.

Just to eliminate some possibilities, she had me re-seat the RAM. No luck, but I did notice that the backlit keyboard looked different than my previous one. They have added a thin metal backing behind everything but the number pad. So they have made at least one modification to help the BL keyboards since first release. I'd encourage everyone to look under you BL keyboard, and complain about flex if it is all white (no metal backing). They should just mail you a new one, those are user serviceable.

[allbald]

Anybody fit the Extended Life Li-Ion battery ( AJ359UT HP Extended Life Battery - Smart Buy [Add $159.00] )on this and see what the battery life is like? It looks like it should double battery life.

What are people's experiences with refurb versions of this laptop? I can't tell which (if any of the refurb configs) have this option with the Dreamcolor screen.

[Aikimox]

It seems Customer Relations is currently back logged. My tech can't even get through to them. So she ordered some more parts late today and will try messing around on Tuesday.

Just to eliminate some possibilities, she had me re-seat the RAM. No luck, but I did notice that the backlit keyboard looked different than my previous one. They have added a thin metal backing behind everything but the number pad. So they have made at least one modification to help the BL keyboards since first release. I'd encourage everyone to look under you BL keyboard, and complain about flex if it is all white (no metal backing). They should just mail you a new one, those are user serviceable.

What's your impression on the KB? Is the modded BL KB of a much better quality or is it still full of flex?

[knight427]

What's your impression on the KB? Is the modded BL KB of a much better quality or is it still full of flex?

I think it's better, but there is still a bit of flex. It's been so long since I felt the non-BL keyboard (which I hardly used) that it's hard to make a meaningful comparison with that. But my first BL keyboard had more flex and sometimes even made very tiny rattle sounds. This one is noticeably more solid and free from any odd noises, yet it still flexes noticeably in the middle function keys, and middle number-row keys. I think what it really need is an extra support under the 6 key.

[oltsa555]

Wohoo, I pulled the trigger on this beast as well and so far I'm in love with it. I've had it for 4 weeks now and I've practically had zero problems with anything so far. Fingers crossed...

I had to get one of them pre-configured models as those are the only ones that are available in Finland. Unfortunately I couldn't find one with DC2-display for a reasonable price but it's all right since I have 8740w hooked to external monitors 80% of the time (and main display has a 10-bit IPS-panel) and the non-DC display looks to be v v good anyway.

So I got one with:
- 17" WUGXGA (non-DC)
- i7 640M @ 2.80 Ghz
- Ati M7820
- 4 Gb
- 500 Gb 7.2k
- Bluray
- 230W 2010 Advanced docking station

Afterwards I purchased separately a 4 GB RAM module and a 256Gb SSD. I swapped the SSD into Primary HDD bay, 500Gb spinner into Upgrade Bay and Bluray into Upgrade bay of the docking station.

My main concern before buying 8740w was whether it is capable of driving my 30" monitor @ 2560x1600 resolution. No worries, it turned out that it's capable of driving my ZR30w AND my Dell 2007FP for a combined desktop of 3760x1600 pixels. Sweet.

[Sotton]

very nice setup

[oltsa555]

Thanks Sotton. The only thing I dislike about it is the color difference between 30" and 20"...but that's sooo off-topic so let's not discuss about that in this thread.

[Charles P. Jefferies]

I'm wondering if i could live with a M6500, calibrated with my Spyder 3 Elite. What difference would I see versus the 8740w ??
(for the same configuration - except screen - the dell is 1000 euros cheaper, and it comes with a 4 years warranty)... Argghhh

As noted the DC2 screen is going to be a lot better one way or another, the viewing angles make a big difference.

Is the 8740w with the DC2 screen worth that much extra over a comparable Dell M6500? Even though I am very fond of my 8740w, there's no way I could tell you it is worth 1000 Euros extra. I'd get the M6500 without thinking in your case. It's a very nice laptop, I almost bought one myself. I blame Aikimox for posting pictures of the DC2 screen in his review for my purchase decision. Then again, here in the US the Dell M6500 is almost identically priced compared to the 8740w.

Thanks Sotton. The only thing I dislike about it is the color difference between 30" and 20"...but that's sooo off-topic so let's not discuss about that in this thread.

Nice setup indeed -- very clean and organized. You know your resolutions . . . higher resolution equates to higher productivity.

[m8o]

Charles, are we going to see an 'official' 8740w review from you on NBR? ...biased or not given you're an owner.

[lee_kamichi]

Hi!
I just got my new Elitebook with the DC2 panel (and Nvidia FX 3800M). The display is really impressive, however I'm finding a bit of a challenge to calibrate the color spaces. I feel each of the factory presets have a slight color hue and I would like to get the most out of this great panel.

If you have any suggestions/experiences regarding the calibration, I'd be very grateful

And sorry in advance if there's already a thread somewhere about this topic