A prior inquiry about improving Bluetooth (wireless audio) reception on the unit prompted a reply:
"The PCI express half-length mini card has a single band 2.4 GHz antenna. I suggest checking to see if it can be placed differently to increase the reception." [emphasis mine]
Seems no antenna encased in metal will provide any significant range (<8') -- Ian Paul, PCWorld Feb 20, 2012 <<Range may be limited if the antenna is mounted within a metal cabinet. Note: A laptop cannot be in a docking station when using Bluetooth>> (I know it's kind of old as a reference and probably predates Bluetooth 4.0) But it's amazing how little reliable techref is out there. I purchased an aftermarket "Dongle" a USB Bluetooth adapter; however, it won't work if the machine already has Bluetooth installed, and disabling Bluetooth in Win 8 Services turned off everything. I've pitched the Dongle and am back to trying to get HP's native Bluetooth reception to reach beyond my desk area. Has anyone else had similar experience? More important, did you find a solution?