What is the best blu-ray burner that will fit in my HP Envy17, model = 17t-bw000.

[Huffer]

I have not seen any BD-UHD laptop drives that are 9mm sorry. Standard Blu-Ray is FHD and will look very very good even on a UHD screen. Do you intend to project the image onto a larger screen? The human eye likely cannot tell the difference between regular Blu-Ray and UHD Blu-Ray on a 17 inch laptop screen.

Max RAM is 32 gigs (2 x 16) but most people don't need 32. 16 (2 x eight) is plenty. Here is the Service Manual if it has not already been posted. 

Manual 

Pages 24-31 show memory and battery servicing. 

4 hours is about what is expected from a laptop battery on a 17 inch model with FHD or better resolution and a premium CPU and graphics card.

However, yes there are dropin batteries available and I would recommend a specific SSD if you wish. 

[jpmcmorrow]

Huffer,

I do; I have a 70" 4K Vizio to which I currently project using a Microsoft Display Adapter that has, lamentably, a maximum resolution of 1080p.  I planned to use either my current HDMI cord or purchase one of the next generation cords.  The time I used a stand-alone BD player with my previous 65" TV I was astonished at how much detail I had been missing from the up-conversion of a DVD standard resolution.  You are probably correct in concluding that my 58 year old eyes might too far along to benefit above a certain threshold.  Also, as much as I have enjoyed surround sound formats, I have opted for a high quality stereo setup and anticipate appreciable sound enhancements from upgrades I make.

In years past the saying was, "One can never have too much RAM."  It makes a lot of sense for those equipped with HDD's.  Thank you for the manual, and are there any retailers you prefer for this and SSD's.

I gave my previous HP laptop to my friend, and it offered the convenience of a battery that docked to the exterior.  In fact, she just replaced her battery.  Making changes that limit the user's serviceability of accessories is an odd trend and appears to discourage such action.  I understand I'm getting what I should from my present battery, but please provide some replacements and retailers for the day when I will require one.

Thank you,

jpmcmorrow

[Huffer]

You do not need to use a cord. Look into Chromecast or just using the project to external display option from Windows. If your Visio is a Smart TV it likely has the equipment built in to receive projection from your laptop. 

You can have too much RAM if you do not use it ever. Very few users even make full use of 16 gigs so 32 is really for content creation and other professionals who edit video, create CAD engineering drawings or compile large amounts of Code.

(15) Battery (3-cell, 52-WHr, 4.55-AHr, Li-ion, includes cable) L09281-855

https://www.ebay.com/itm/L09281-855-LK03XL-GENUINE-HP-BATTERY-11-55V-52-5WH-17M-CE-17M-CE0013DX-DE11...

Samsung 970 Evo Plus is my recommended NVME M.2 SSD:

https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-970-EVO-Plus-MZ-V7S500B/dp/B07M7Q21N7/ref=sxin_1_ac_d_pm?ac_md=2-0-VW...

[jpmcmorrow]

Huffer,

It is a smart TV.  So, you're representing that I can bypass the Microsoft Display Adapter that is plugged into the Vizio's HDMI port and USB port?  What input do I use on the Vizio to act as a projection screen then; Smartcast?

I had a Chromecast dongle and keyboard way back in 2014 and didn't like it.  I'm not a fan of Chrome either.  I found the Microsoft Display Adapter after that, and though it isn't perfect, it's better than a cord.  I'll investigate what I can accomplish using the Windows projection capability.  If all else fails, then I'm still within the 1080p limit with the BD and Display Adapter.

It may be somewhat dated wisdom in a time of 32G RAM and SSD, but was the surest way to speed up one's system.  If it will not be used, you're right.  One might ask why that capacity is available for a rather low to midrange machine.  Either way, thank you for your input.

JP

[Huffer]

Just go into the settings of the TV control panel and look for input/source options. On my Samsung its PC and then just screen sharing (wireless). On your laptop in the display console you will have a link to connect to external display. Select that let it search and see if your TV comes up. In Windows 10 it is pretty effortless now and the quality is very good...indistinguishable from a hard wired connection. The laptop and TV need to be connected to the same wireless network but SMART TVs have wifi cards in them, right?

32 gigs is an option for any Intel Core 6th gen or higher with 2 memory slots using DDR4 and its the Intel chipset allowing it. 

An NVME M.2 SSD is more important for performance these days than maxing the memory and really more important than the CPU as long as you have even an i3. Storage is the big bottleneck. An i3 with 8 gigs of RAM is really a very powerful computer and if you add in an NVME M.2 SSD you have a race car.  

[jpmcmorrow]

Huffer,

No, now we definitely ran into a dead end.  I've spent a lot of time exploring everything about the TV, the PC, the Android and how all three work together on the network.  If I could dispense with the Microsoft Display Adapter, I would, but I can't find that route.  Here is what I'll share with you resulting from my THOROUGH investigation:

Vizio Cast Mobile App

1. The first picture shows the Vizio Cast Remote display with the settings icon left of the power button near the top.  Click;

2. The second picture shows all settings available.  Click Input Settings;

3. The third shows that 4 HDMI and one COMP input are available;

4. The fourth shows that SmartCast, AirPlay, WatchFree and Display Adapter input apps are available;

5. The fifth shows the PC start menu with the Connect app highlighted;

6. The sixth shows that "JeffreysLaptop is ready for you to connect wirelessly."  Far out!  Press Ctrl + S;

7. The seventh shows Bluetooth and other devices including T&V Titan Bluetooth Speakers and JeffreysBigScreen.  Press F4;

8. The eighth shows the Connect to a wireless display function:

9. The ninth shows the results with the Microsoft Display Adapter removed;

10. The tenth shows the results with the Microsoft Display Adapter installed; and

11. The eleventh shows that a discussion of Intel processors in inapposite for an AMD laptop.

https://cdn.vizio.com/documents/e60e3/um-e60e3.pdf

I'm a resourceful and persistent man who's open to any and all useful advice.  At present, it appears that I cannot project from this PC to the TV without the display adapter.  The TV and Android are paired via WiFi, the PC and Android are paired via the network and via Bluetooth, the PC and Titans are paired via Bluetooth, and the PC and TV are paired ONLY through the connected Adapter.  That's all, folks.

JP

[Huffer]

This thread started out with a description of a laptop that has an Intel Core i7 processor. I see now that at some point I was apparently no longer in communication with the OP. I am not sure I was told exactly what hardware you have so my advice is all based on the laptop that was the original subject of the thread. That is why I always caution to start your own thread and do not jump in on someone else's no matter how much it looks like the same issue. Sorry I did not detect the change of screen name. 

[jpmcmorrow]

Huffer,

All is forgiven, but tell your handlers that following the Twitter trend of not allowing the upload of PDF's is a hassle.

JP

[Huffer]

They are not my handlers or at least I don't see it that way. Yes you have to do .jpg or other image. Good luck. 

[jpmcmorrow]

Huffer,

I'll need it since I was unable to project without the Microsoft Display Adapter.  Thank you for the SSD and SDRAM suggestions, assuming that they are for the correct machine.  I will also find out if 9mm is the correct size for my SPECIFIC machine.

I'm on pins and needles!

Good day

JP