HP Envy 15 and 17: new designs and Radiance displays, start at $1,100 on December 7th (hands-on)
By Joanna Sternon November 16, 2011 12:01 am110Comments
It's been a long time since HP gave some tender loving care to its Envy line — new processors and trackpads don't count — but that all changes today. The new Envy 15 and 17 have been completely redesigned, and while they keep their stellar brushed aluminum core, the chassis now have black lids, silver palmrests, and more prevalent Beats branding with a logo on the new volume dial and red border around the backlit keyboard panel. Just as before, the line comes in 15.6- and 17.3-inch variants, but these aren't just normal LCD screens: the very bright Radiance Infinity displays are making a big comeback and are now standard across the lineup. Unfortunately, the base model is saddled with a 1366 x 768 resolution, but you can upgrade to a 1920 x 1080 panel. And even better the 17.3-inch model comes with that full HD display standard.
They're the most premium laptops HP offers in its consumer lineup, and that continues on with the internals. The base $1,100 Envy 15 has a Core i5-2430M processor (though there's a variety of CPU options, including a quad-core i7), 6GB of DDR3 RAM, a 500GB 7,200RPM drive, and AMD Radeon graphics with 1GB of VRAM. (Neither AMD nor HP are revealing the specific GPU at the moment.) It also has an onboard DVD drive (no Blu-ray option on the 15 sadly) and deeper Beats Audio integration with six speakers and a subwoofer. The base 17-inch version has the same specs, but starts at $1,250. Lastly, there's the Envy 17 3D, which at $1,599 buys you the same specs as the entry-level 17, but brings along a full HD Radiance 3D, 120Hz display, a pair of active shutter glasses, and a Blu-ray player. How about battery life? HP is promising nine hours with the 15 and 9.5 with the 17.
As I stated, it's one monster rig, and in my short time with it, I came away wholly impressed. The Envy 15 has been one of my favorite laptops since I reviewed it last year, but the new design is a welcome change, even if it does look quite a bit like Apple's laptop line. And I'm not sure I will ever be able to stop playing with the Beat-branded volume dial once I get one of these in for review. I didn't get to spend too much time with it at HP's press event, but I did think the improved single-button touchpad was much more responsive than the previous version. Naturally, the displays looks great, though quite glossy, and the build quality is incredibly solid. The new Envys ship on December 7th, but until then you've got a bunch of hands-on shots below and this handy chart of all the new Envys compared.
Gorgeous. Always wanted an Envy and these look even better. 1100 isn’t bad for the base but at 1100 they can toss in a better screen than that. . . . . either way… My next laptop is going to be a thin and light of some sorth… AIR or Ultra . . .
I’m sorry but the HP Designers need to be fired ASAP…
I won’t blame apple this time if they decide to sue. So tired of companies being unoriginal. I don’t think anyone will deny the fact that the laptop looks exactly like a Macbook Pro.
The previous Envy wasn’t under an inch thick either… This model is THINNER than the previous Envy… The previous Envy was 1.16 inches and this new model is 1.10 inches, according to TheVerge.
There’s no doubt in mind that this new HP Envy, and arguably the previous models also, are heavily inspired on the Macbook Pro. However, if you look at the construction quality between the two, the small details, I feel that they are still years apart. This is more akin to a KIRF than to Apple’s coveted MBP.
The speaker and power lights in the front, the fan grid at the back, the way all the ports have at least one of them that is completely misaligned (the DVD bay compared to the USB ones. The two monitor hinges…
This laptop isn’t horrible, by any means, but it is a pig with lipstick compared to the Macbook Pro.
From page 228 of Walter Isaacson’s biography of Steve Jobs:
…he pulled out a device that was about the size of a desk diary. “Do you want to see something neat?” When he flipped it open, it turned out to be a mock-up of a computer that could fit on your lap, with a keyboard and screen hinged together like a notebook. “This is my dream of what we will be making in the mid- to late eighties,” he said. They were building a company that would invent the future.
That was Steve Jobs in September 1982 at a retreat with the Macintosh team. Steve Jobs had invented the laptop 1.5 years before shipping the Mac.
Someone fire this poster ASAP…
Most unoriginal posting in comments. Yeah Yeah we get it and knew it was coming too.
If it has any class at all forget it… must be a Mac wannabe.
The screen on the stock Envy 15 is HP’s 1366×768 Brightview Display, and you can upgrade it as high as a 1920×1080 Full HD Display. IPS panels. I’d say that’s pretty good…
so aesthetically you would rather have a black or silver lid like everyone else? Dell actually does a really good job with their custom painted lids. There’s a nice gloss to the paint and it’s a durable coat.
If its something different or elegant, it HAS to be amazing; if not, then it’s just looked at as a half assed attempt and it ends uP looking the worst out of the bunch.
That’s why, with cases for my phone (IPhone), I am using a clear acryllic or a white ad clear silicone.
No way! They brought back the radiance displays??? Damn you HP, I only bought my Envy 17 6 months ago. while ultrabrightview is great and all, I wanted the radiance.
Seriously the Envy 17 is THE best laptop I have ever used insofar as all around contruction, design and raw performance. Damnit this is seriously too awesome. I wonder if they have upgrades to radiance for existing Envy’s… I’d pay $700 for that.
Don’t know about that red stripe around the keyboard, but I’m glad to see the trend continue of putting the Windows and Intel logos on the bottom instead of the palm rest.
15" I don’t remember anyone doing comparison. I do remember that the MBP perform faster on some processor heavy tasks tasks due to faster processer but lose out overall to the graphical powers of the Envy. But that was Envy 17.
To be honest, I think it looks much better. The 15" is essentially the perfect laptop design-wise for me to get, and yes, the Apple offerings didn’t cut it.
I absolutely love the design of the 13" MBP, but it will not be my next laptop unless they put decent switchable graphics in there. The larger Pros actually look pretty awful in my opinion – the keyboard looks miniature and lost in the larger shell while the speakers on the sides are impractical as well as distasteful.
Like I SAID! In the DM4 thread
“"Unprofessional?" who do you think the market is for the Envy? . . . Its about being Sexy/Flash… You want professional you can have my ThinkPad t410”
That red outline is… weird. At least HP did away with the childish logo on the lid so it looks much sexier.
The keyboard/screen design sorta looks like that of a MBP… I hope Apple doesn’t come around to sue.
Somebody for the love of god tell me what GPU will be in the 15in, the decesion I had just made for the Series 7 Chronos may have just gotten more difficult if a GPU more powerful then the 6750m is present.
OOoooo the Radiance Display is awesome! I have the Envy 13 with Radiance @1600x900 13-inches.
Now I have to decide if I want a replacement Envy, one of those super thin laptops, or that new Sony Vaio-Z.If they could get the Envy (with radiance) in a super thin form factor they’d have a real winner.
there are ports on both sides as far as I am aware. my current hp 17 has 2 usb on the right, SD card slot and blue ray drive. On the left are display ports, USB port and eSata port + ethernet port.
to trick it out that much, you pretty much have to use both sides.
Memo to self – never go back to Engadget. People here actually seem capable of not being shocked and appauled at HP for using a similar design to Apple on a 3rd gen product. It’s like the people over there have the memories of goldfish.
That said, my 2010 build E14 is ripe with…ahem…Envy. I really like the changes to the design. It’s less curvy than the last gen models or a macbook and personally I love sharper angles. Also, I should be finding the Beats volume wheel disgustingly gaudy but for some reason I really like it.
Anyone wanna buy a gentley used Envy 14?
engadget’s post on this subject was just flame baiting. When you read the announcement here then read it there, there is a world of difference. blatant flame bait is blatant!
Shocked? No. Actually I take the attitude : “Bring it on!” Match the mbp, then start thinking about how you can make something even better. Its good training for hp, Dell and good for people like myself who would rather not mess around with bootcamp in order to get a nice-looking laptop running Windows..
The only exception are ex-IBM Lenovo, who know how to build a solid laptop without any remote possibility of it being mistaken for something from Cupertino.
Disclaimer: I’m a satisfied Thinkpad user, X series mostly.
Pretty common for HP. They started doing it a couple of years ago on some of these systems. I always thought it was for watching a movie next to someone on a plane…
So what’s up with the Beats? Are they licensing it from HTC or …?
And it seems pretty weird for them to be releasing these things a year after Sandy Bridge came out. Ivy Bridge is just a few months out. I wouldn’t be buying a high end notebook right now.
Um, no. HTC does not own Beats Audio. And HP has had Beats in their computers for a couple of years now.
As for Ivy Bridge, I completely agree. I find extremely odd that HP would refresh the Envy line right before the new generation of Intel chips release. While these new Envy’s are tempting, I’m definitely going to wait until after early next year when Ivy Bridge drops. Hopefully HP is quick to roll those out to the Envys.
Read my post below. The reason they are doing the refresh, I think, is to use AMD’s brand new video cards.
When I bought my Envy 15, they had just refreshed it to use Arrandale and the HD 5830. During CES week, the HD 5830 was announced on Thursday, Arrandale on Tuesday, the Envy on Friday and I bought it on Saturday. Then it shipped 2 months later (thanks for the longest wait of my life, HP).
The lack of GPU is really interesting. This is definitely going to have a 28nm AMD GPU, which means,
1) We now know that the 28nm GPUs are coming out on Dec 7th (I don’t think anybody had said that information publicly before)
2) It could be seriously awesome. My Envy 15 was decent at gaming, it could handle Bioshock 2 at 1080p, but a nice big bumg in GPU performance could make this laptop particularly compelling.
The 6+ pound weight of it is pretty ridiculous though. I think I’ll be sticking to my Macbook Air, no matter how jealous I get of these specs.
No doubt it will be an AMD 7000 series GPU. I think I will wait for an Ivy Bridge Envy line though before the upgrade. Should gain some more battery life once you get the 28nm GPU and 22nm CPU combo. Perhaps even a reduction in weight or size too as less cooling should be needed.
Portability and weight aren’t really the aim of these laptops, they are desktop replacements.
most people are basing it off of just the whole keypad and palmrest area and mostly because chicklet keyboards were inveted by Apple…particularly black chicklet keys … /s
No, it’s that it’s silver with a black screen bezel, a backlit chiklet keyboard, and a squared-off look that makes the shape and colours absolutely identical to the Macbook Pro.
The keys are becoming standard (due to Sony and Apple using them a lot) and are only icing on the cake.
It looks a LOT like a Macbook Pro, the question is whether or not HP could have made a prettier/better design instead and be unique, or that they wanted to somehow fool the Apple crowd.
It confuses me why companies want to look like Apple, when a few seconds of use can tell you they’re nothing like them, for better or worse.
I just bought my Envy 17 3 months ago. These new models look pretty great though I’m not sure about that red trim around the keyboard and all the beats branding in general. I will be looking forward to the reviews as soon as these are released.
Another HP Envy 14 owner here ripe with envy …. until I noticed how heavy the 15" is going to be. Laptopmag has it at 6.3 lbs … That’s about a pound too heavy in my books.
Your Envy 14 weighs ~5.7 lbs, which makes it half a pound lighter with a 1.1" screen size difference (14.5" vs. 15.6"). I’d say that’s a fair trade off, and not that much heavier considering the benefits. Even if you have the old Radiance 1600×900, the 1080p IPS panel option on the Envy 15 is much better.
Just got my Envy 14 beats edition back in the summer. Normally I might get a bit upset at this but I’m just glad to see that HP is still in the PC business and not just making printers.
It’s similar, but I don’t think its a copy. For one, the macbook is a minimalist design and it wasn’t the first to do so. I give Apple all the credit for sticking to that, while everyone else went crazy, but I can’t give them orginallity points for it.
Also, when the Dell 15Z came out, everyone said that was a copy of the MBP, even though it had completely different shapes and colors. The reasoning was that it had similar design cues. like batt. indicator. If that’s the standard, then this is the exact opposite, it has completely different design cues. The only thing similar are the colors.
Ya know, not a fan. And I really like HP. I have a EX470, DM3T and an Envy 14 with the Radiance display. I love the look of my daily driver, the Envy 14. The original Envy line was a mimic of MBP, but with enough different design queues to stand on its own. The inverted bezel and textured lid and palm rest really set the Envy lineup apart. This new line up just looks so close to the MBP. Not that that is a bad thing, I just prefer more origanality.
Are there things I don’t like about my Envy 14? Sure, the trackpad sucks and the MDP has never been able to display a resolution over 800×600. But a Bluetooth mouse and HDMI to DVI converter fixed both of those issues and it runs like a champ everyday.
That power button is ugly. That black top and bottom is fugly. That red light trim around the keyboard and on the front edge is bloody bufugly. Envious?
Love the red accents, especially that red stripe. When you OPEN it, it indeed looks like a macbook, well, nothing wrong with stealing great ideas :). Would like for them to keep doing that just so to see buthurt fanboys spewing their wrath and amuse me with their comments.
The 15"-er has an IPS display rather than TN on the 17". Both are Radiance but clearly the one on the 15" Envy is better.
Envy 14 wasn’t updated, it was killed off in lieu of resurrecting the Envy 15 from 2009. Poor choice as 14" really differentiated the device— something that Dell ran with and really got right in the 14z. 1600×900 is less impressive on a 15" screen than it is on a 14" one, so I’m gad they’re casing dell’s 1920×1080 res on the 15. I miss the etching and want to know if the 15’ form factor is truly larger or approximate to 2010’s line, despite the screen change. I’m a little disappointed.
okay guys, I need to know this, but does this so called top laptop from HP have an SPDIF audio out?
Because I see 1 microphone and 2 headphone connections…2!! what the hell :) So I at least hope 1 of those audio connections is an spdif out?
I would like to know if I could use my 5.1 surround system and connect it with my digital audio cable.
My 4 year old Qosmio has this option, so I hope this HP also does have spdif?
Actually, the Envy is nothing like the MacBook Pro. It’s much more powerful. It’s for people who actually need processing power and a decent video card. It’s also for adults that need to do actual computing. The MacBook is lovely, but it’s a toy.
Doesn’t it say everything you need to know about Mac fans that they get so seethingly angry at the mere fact that there might be a better laptop out there? So angry that they need to write scathing comments about a computer that they purportedly don’t care about? Doesn’t it just confirm what everybody suspects — that Mac fans see their tech products as avatars of themselves — and that they absolutely must be considered the coolest kids in the room, lest they lose the very meaning of their lives?
okay guys, I need to know this, but does this so called top laptop from HP have an SPDIF audio out?
Because I see 1 microphone and 2 headphone connections…2!! what the hell :) So I at least hope 1 of those audio connections is an spdif out?
I would like to know if I could use my 5.1 surround system and connect it with my digital audio cable.
My 4 year old Qosmio has this option, so I hope this HP also does have spdif?
thx!
Comments
Gorgeous. Always wanted an Envy and these look even better. 1100 isn’t bad for the base but at 1100 they can toss in a better screen than that. . . . . either way… My next laptop is going to be a thin and light of some sorth… AIR or Ultra . . .
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 12:07 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
I’m sorry but the HP Designers need to be fired ASAP…
I won’t blame apple this time if they decide to sue. So tired of companies being unoriginal. I don’t think anyone will deny the fact that the laptop looks exactly like a Macbook Pro.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 10:51 AM EST reply Recommend (13) Flag actions
Loos like they tried it to achieve it…doesn’t look quite the same though….this looks cheap for some reason :S (and i know they are great laptops)
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 11:07 AM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
As an owner of the Envy 14, I must say this definitely is a step back in terms of design. NOW, it’s a replica of the MBP.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 12:14 PM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
The previous models looked way better.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 1:18 PM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
I prefer the redesign personally; of course I have a MacBook Pro so that weighs in on my decision as well.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 1:53 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Exactly my point. The older model looks way better. It wasn’t even close in my opinion of being a macbook pro rip. I loved the original ENVY design
But like you said, this is a huge step back for HP. Its not even under an inch thick.
Thats kinda ridiculous.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 3:05 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
The previous Envy wasn’t under an inch thick either… This model is THINNER than the previous Envy… The previous Envy was 1.16 inches and this new model is 1.10 inches, according to TheVerge.
Posted on Nov 20, 2011 | 6:15 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
There’s no doubt in mind that this new HP Envy, and arguably the previous models also, are heavily inspired on the Macbook Pro. However, if you look at the construction quality between the two, the small details, I feel that they are still years apart. This is more akin to a KIRF than to Apple’s coveted MBP.
The speaker and power lights in the front, the fan grid at the back, the way all the ports have at least one of them that is completely misaligned (the DVD bay compared to the USB ones. The two monitor hinges…
This laptop isn’t horrible, by any means, but it is a pig with lipstick compared to the Macbook Pro.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 11:24 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
The Macbook Pro looks like a laptop. Every other laptop manufacturer should sue.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 1:03 PM EST reply Recommend (7) Flag actions
Good one.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 2:47 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
I wonder if you’re joking?
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 4:29 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
From page 228 of Walter Isaacson’s biography of Steve Jobs:
That was Steve Jobs in September 1982 at a retreat with the Macintosh team. Steve Jobs had invented the laptop 1.5 years before shipping the Mac.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 5:30 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Someone fire this poster ASAP…
Most unoriginal posting in comments. Yeah Yeah we get it and knew it was coming too.
If it has any class at all forget it… must be a Mac wannabe.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 2:23 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
No no no…This is a blatant copy.
And i’m someone who thinks the Samsung Series 7 Laptop was a great ORIGINAL design. But that up there is a clear KIRF.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 2:47 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Apple troll… It’s not a blatant copy. There are numerous design elements that separate this from the Macbook Pro.
Posted on Nov 20, 2011 | 6:17 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Looks pretty generic to me. I don’t think I would take the case and risk rule 13 (frivolous suit) sanctions.
Posted on Nov 19, 2011 | 6:32 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
The screen on the stock Envy 15 is HP’s 1366×768 Brightview Display, and you can upgrade it as high as a 1920×1080 Full HD Display. IPS panels. I’d say that’s pretty good…
Posted on Nov 20, 2011 | 6:12 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Wow, This makes me kinda want to skip on the current ultrabooks offering until the next revisions and hop on one of these.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 12:17 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
looks better then the dell laptops
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 12:18 AM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
I disagree. This is a lid a friend of mine got when she got her Dell XPS 15. Pretty nice to have customizable lids.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 12:36 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
lids aint for everyone. looks ugly to me.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 1:33 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
I also did say it was for a girl…
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 2:17 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Skinning just a lid is like getting a fancy cover for the back of your phone. Turn it on an angle and it doesn’t work together aesthetically.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 6:47 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
so aesthetically you would rather have a black or silver lid like everyone else? Dell actually does a really good job with their custom painted lids. There’s a nice gloss to the paint and it’s a durable coat.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 12:52 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
If its something different or elegant, it HAS to be amazing; if not, then it’s just looked at as a half assed attempt and it ends uP looking the worst out of the bunch.
That’s why, with cases for my phone (IPhone), I am using a clear acryllic or a white ad clear silicone.
But that’s just me.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 1:55 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
what in the shit how THICK is that thing? seven inches? twelve?
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 8:28 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
that is the ugliest goddam laptop in the world. i threw up in my mouth a little.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 8:29 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
1.1 inches THICK.
Posted on Nov 20, 2011 | 6:19 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
No way! They brought back the radiance displays??? Damn you HP, I only bought my Envy 17 6 months ago. while ultrabrightview is great and all, I wanted the radiance.
Seriously the Envy 17 is THE best laptop I have ever used insofar as all around contruction, design and raw performance. Damnit this is seriously too awesome. I wonder if they have upgrades to radiance for existing Envy’s… I’d pay $700 for that.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 12:20 AM EST reply Recommend (3) Flag actions
My Envy 14 is all of a sudden super jelly. All well, at least I got one with a Radiance display back then, so I’m not missing much.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 12:25 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Don’t know about that red stripe around the keyboard, but I’m glad to see the trend continue of putting the Windows and Intel logos on the bottom instead of the palm rest.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 12:26 AM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
Agreed. Those ugly stickers are an abomination. And they just get uglier as you use the laptop and they begin to wear off.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 1:49 PM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
Just pull ‘em off when you buy the laptop, that’s what I always do.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 3:25 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Why did they move the trackpad off center? It was in a much better position before.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 12:31 AM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
It’s still in the center for the 15. The 17 is offset because it’s got a numpad.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 12:40 AM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
Always wondered what a MacBook Pro would look like with HP branding.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 12:32 AM EST reply Recommend (11) Flag actions
http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc454/prodo123/performance_hero20110224.png
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 12:52 AM EST reply Recommend (5) Flag actions
This new Envy looks a lot closer to the mbp than the previous envy. My mid 2011 envy 17 looks more like the compaq presarios line.
That said, In this case, the Envy’s blow away the mbp as a computer. I’m assuming since my mid 2011 Envy is a better computer than the mbp.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 12:58 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
You or someone else has proven that the 15" HP is better than the 15" MBP for speeds, geek bench etc etc?
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 1:02 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
15" I don’t remember anyone doing comparison. I do remember that the MBP perform faster on some processor heavy tasks tasks due to faster processer but lose out overall to the graphical powers of the Envy. But that was Envy 17.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 2:34 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
I’d expect similar performance maxed up at a more reasonable price.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 6:51 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
maxed out*
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 6:52 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
To be honest, I think it looks much better. The 15" is essentially the perfect laptop design-wise for me to get, and yes, the Apple offerings didn’t cut it.
I absolutely love the design of the 13" MBP, but it will not be my next laptop unless they put decent switchable graphics in there. The larger Pros actually look pretty awful in my opinion – the keyboard looks miniature and lost in the larger shell while the speakers on the sides are impractical as well as distasteful.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 6:50 AM EST reply Recommend (3) Flag actions
This simply does NOT look better than a macbook pro. Common now!
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 10:52 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Why did they add the red outline on the keyboard for the Envy? It looks incredibly unprofessional
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 12:38 AM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
Like I SAID! In the DM4 thread
“"Unprofessional?" who do you think the market is for the Envy? . . . Its about being Sexy/Flash… You want professional you can have my ThinkPad t410”
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 12:43 AM EST reply Recommend (4) Flag actions
That red outline is… weird. At least HP did away with the childish logo on the lid so it looks much sexier.
The keyboard/screen design sorta looks like that of a MBP… I hope Apple doesn’t come around to sue.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 12:42 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
doubt it. The chiclets were in Sony Vaios before the macbooks.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 12:52 AM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
What are they going to sue over? Copying some one’s design language is not illegal.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 1:52 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Somebody for the love of god tell me what GPU will be in the 15in, the decesion I had just made for the Series 7 Chronos may have just gotten more difficult if a GPU more powerful then the 6750m is present.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 12:46 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Yeah, pretty insane that HP and AMD aren’t saying yet.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 1:24 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
The 15 inch Envy will have IPS displays while the 17 inch regular TN. Both Radiance displays but the 15"-er has IPS tech.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 4:23 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
OOoooo the Radiance Display is awesome! I have the Envy 13 with Radiance @1600x900 13-inches.
Now I have to decide if I want a replacement Envy, one of those super thin laptops, or that new Sony Vaio-Z.If they could get the Envy (with radiance) in a super thin form factor they’d have a real winner.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 12:57 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
I really like the design, wish they would stop this beats branding is tacky, there are too many logos in those beauties.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 12:57 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Oh good lord, ports on the right side?! Sweet laptop slightly ruined for me.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 1:01 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
there are ports on both sides as far as I am aware. my current hp 17 has 2 usb on the right, SD card slot and blue ray drive. On the left are display ports, USB port and eSata port + ethernet port.
to trick it out that much, you pretty much have to use both sides.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 1:19 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Memo to self – never go back to Engadget. People here actually seem capable of not being shocked and appauled at HP for using a similar design to Apple on a 3rd gen product. It’s like the people over there have the memories of goldfish.
That said, my 2010 build E14 is ripe with…ahem…Envy. I really like the changes to the design. It’s less curvy than the last gen models or a macbook and personally I love sharper angles. Also, I should be finding the Beats volume wheel disgustingly gaudy but for some reason I really like it.
Anyone wanna buy a
gentleyused Envy 14?Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 1:17 AM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
engadget’s post on this subject was just flame baiting. When you read the announcement here then read it there, there is a world of difference. blatant flame bait is blatant!
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 1:21 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
I wouldn’t know. I’ve not been back to check engadget since the Verge went live.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 10:27 AM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
I haven’t went back to Engadget since I got tired of DaHarder’s trolling, and those biased mods.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 10:54 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Shocked? No. Actually I take the attitude : “Bring it on!” Match the mbp, then start thinking about how you can make something even better. Its good training for hp, Dell and good for people like myself who would rather not mess around with bootcamp in order to get a nice-looking laptop running Windows..
The only exception are ex-IBM Lenovo, who know how to build a solid laptop without any remote possibility of it being mistaken for something from Cupertino.
Disclaimer: I’m a satisfied Thinkpad user, X series mostly.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 10:35 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Never seen two headphone jacks on a notebook before.
http://cdn2.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/2281435/HPEnvy24_gallery_post.jpg
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 1:19 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Pretty common for HP. They started doing it a couple of years ago on some of these systems. I always thought it was for watching a movie next to someone on a plane…
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 1:25 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
The m14x has two ports along with a mic port. You can actually use the three together to plug a in 5.1 speaker system.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 10:34 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Joanna, how was the flex on these notebooks? :)
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 10:55 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
My older Envy 17 has the same although one of the ports doubles as the mic port as well.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 12:40 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
So what’s up with the Beats? Are they licensing it from HTC or …?
And it seems pretty weird for them to be releasing these things a year after Sandy Bridge came out. Ivy Bridge is just a few months out. I wouldn’t be buying a high end notebook right now.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 1:26 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Um, no. HTC does not own Beats Audio. And HP has had Beats in their computers for a couple of years now.
As for Ivy Bridge, I completely agree. I find extremely odd that HP would refresh the Envy line right before the new generation of Intel chips release. While these new Envy’s are tempting, I’m definitely going to wait until after early next year when Ivy Bridge drops. Hopefully HP is quick to roll those out to the Envys.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 1:33 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Read my post below. The reason they are doing the refresh, I think, is to use AMD’s brand new video cards.
When I bought my Envy 15, they had just refreshed it to use Arrandale and the HD 5830. During CES week, the HD 5830 was announced on Thursday, Arrandale on Tuesday, the Envy on Friday and I bought it on Saturday. Then it shipped 2 months later (thanks for the longest wait of my life, HP).
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 3:35 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Do want. Transformer Prime or Envy 15?
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 1:31 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
The lack of GPU is really interesting. This is definitely going to have a 28nm AMD GPU, which means,
1) We now know that the 28nm GPUs are coming out on Dec 7th (I don’t think anybody had said that information publicly before)
2) It could be seriously awesome. My Envy 15 was decent at gaming, it could handle Bioshock 2 at 1080p, but a nice big bumg in GPU performance could make this laptop particularly compelling.
The 6+ pound weight of it is pretty ridiculous though. I think I’ll be sticking to my Macbook Air, no matter how jealous I get of these specs.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 1:32 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
No doubt it will be an AMD 7000 series GPU. I think I will wait for an Ivy Bridge Envy line though before the upgrade. Should gain some more battery life once you get the 28nm GPU and 22nm CPU combo. Perhaps even a reduction in weight or size too as less cooling should be needed.
Portability and weight aren’t really the aim of these laptops, they are desktop replacements.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 3:37 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Too similar in design to the Macbook Air, sadly.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 1:36 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Are you serious? How?
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 1:55 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
The Air. You know, the one with the square-ish shape and the slot-loading optical drive, and the black screen bezel.
That Macbook Air.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 4:21 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
I was ONE day away from deciding on a dv6 Quad. I’ll hold off to see what kind of GPU is in this model.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 1:37 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
So sick of the fanboy SPAM, This looks nothing like a MBA or MBP.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 1:56 AM EST reply Recommend (3) Flag actions
most people are basing it off of just the whole keypad and palmrest area and mostly because chicklet keyboards were inveted by Apple…particularly black chicklet keys … /s
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 2:39 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
No, it’s that it’s silver with a black screen bezel, a backlit chiklet keyboard, and a squared-off look that makes the shape and colours absolutely identical to the Macbook Pro.
The keys are becoming standard (due to Sony and Apple using them a lot) and are only icing on the cake.
It looks a LOT like a Macbook Pro, the question is whether or not HP could have made a prettier/better design instead and be unique, or that they wanted to somehow fool the Apple crowd.
It confuses me why companies want to look like Apple, when a few seconds of use can tell you they’re nothing like them, for better or worse.
The biggest profits are in individualism.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 4:26 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
I just bought my Envy 17 3 months ago. These new models look pretty great though I’m not sure about that red trim around the keyboard and all the beats branding in general. I will be looking forward to the reviews as soon as these are released.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 5:42 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Is it true that the 1080p display for the Envy 15 is an IPS panel? That’s what Engadget says.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 7:23 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Not a single leak on these new laptops. That’s how you know that laptops are on the decline.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 8:08 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Awww man. Want. Love my current HP Envy 14 but I decided not to go with the Radiance display to save some cash. I won’t make that mistake again.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 8:44 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
The 15" with a radiance display will be my next computer.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 9:41 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
This will look great next to my MacBook Pro on my desk. Thanks for sticking with the PC business, Meg.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 10:05 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Another HP Envy 14 owner here ripe with envy …. until I noticed how heavy the 15" is going to be. Laptopmag has it at 6.3 lbs … That’s about a pound too heavy in my books.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 10:29 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Your Envy 14 weighs ~5.7 lbs, which makes it half a pound lighter with a 1.1" screen size difference (14.5" vs. 15.6"). I’d say that’s a fair trade off, and not that much heavier considering the benefits. Even if you have the old Radiance 1600×900, the 1080p IPS panel option on the Envy 15 is much better.
Posted on Nov 20, 2011 | 1:11 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Oh man, I want the 15" with upgraded display so badly.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 10:51 AM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
envy whom? I guess you know the answer lol
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 11:05 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Why on god’s earth are glossy screens still produced? Who uses their laptop solely in a windowless closet?
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 11:10 AM EST reply Recommend (3) Flag actions
Did HP finally get rid of that stupid glowing logo?
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 11:10 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
I’m loving the Verge so far, and I absolutely love the layout and the quality of photos and stuff. But finger prints on the laptop look really ugly.
I know you guys said ‘Hands On’ but cmon. :)
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 11:16 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Just got my Envy 14 beats edition back in the summer. Normally I might get a bit upset at this but I’m just glad to see that HP is still in the PC business and not just making printers.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 1:04 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
The Radiance display is quite brilliant. Also glad to see HP still using dual headphone ports .
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 1:09 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
This Is My Next Laptop! Well… probably
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 1:18 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
It’s similar, but I don’t think its a copy. For one, the macbook is a minimalist design and it wasn’t the first to do so. I give Apple all the credit for sticking to that, while everyone else went crazy, but I can’t give them orginallity points for it.
Also, when the Dell 15Z came out, everyone said that was a copy of the MBP, even though it had completely different shapes and colors. The reasoning was that it had similar design cues. like batt. indicator. If that’s the standard, then this is the exact opposite, it has completely different design cues. The only thing similar are the colors.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 1:23 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Ya know, not a fan. And I really like HP. I have a EX470, DM3T and an Envy 14 with the Radiance display. I love the look of my daily driver, the Envy 14. The original Envy line was a mimic of MBP, but with enough different design queues to stand on its own. The inverted bezel and textured lid and palm rest really set the Envy lineup apart. This new line up just looks so close to the MBP. Not that that is a bad thing, I just prefer more origanality.
Are there things I don’t like about my Envy 14? Sure, the trackpad sucks and the MDP has never been able to display a resolution over 800×600. But a Bluetooth mouse and HDMI to DVI converter fixed both of those issues and it runs like a champ everyday.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 1:45 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Envy?, Apple Envy?
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 2:59 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
What a revolutionary design. Oh wait.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 3:08 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
HP introduces the MacBook Faux.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 3:32 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
I think I prefer the last gen model TBH. Maybe this is a good opportunity to pick one up.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 3:40 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
That power button is ugly. That black top and bottom is fugly. That red light trim around the keyboard and on the front edge is bloody bufugly. Envious?
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | 5:09 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
can’t wait for the review on the new envy 17 ;)
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 1:08 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Love the red accents, especially that red stripe. When you OPEN it, it indeed looks like a macbook, well, nothing wrong with stealing great ideas :). Would like for them to keep doing that just so to see buthurt fanboys spewing their wrath and amuse me with their comments.
The 15"-er has an IPS display rather than TN on the 17". Both are Radiance but clearly the one on the 15" Envy is better.
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 4:29 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Here HP designers and marketers! I fixed the picture for you!
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 | 3:47 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Envy 14 wasn’t updated, it was killed off in lieu of resurrecting the Envy 15 from 2009. Poor choice as 14" really differentiated the device— something that Dell ran with and really got right in the 14z. 1600×900 is less impressive on a 15" screen than it is on a 14" one, so I’m gad they’re casing dell’s 1920×1080 res on the 15. I miss the etching and want to know if the 15’ form factor is truly larger or approximate to 2010’s line, despite the screen change. I’m a little disappointed.
Posted on Nov 18, 2011 | 9:37 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
okay guys, I need to know this, but does this so called top laptop from HP have an SPDIF audio out?
Because I see 1 microphone and 2 headphone connections…2!! what the hell :) So I at least hope 1 of those audio connections is an spdif out?
I would like to know if I could use my 5.1 surround system and connect it with my digital audio cable.
My 4 year old Qosmio has this option, so I hope this HP also does have spdif?
thx!
Posted on Dec 11, 2011 | 4:59 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Actually, the Envy is nothing like the MacBook Pro. It’s much more powerful. It’s for people who actually need processing power and a decent video card. It’s also for adults that need to do actual computing. The MacBook is lovely, but it’s a toy.
Doesn’t it say everything you need to know about Mac fans that they get so seethingly angry at the mere fact that there might be a better laptop out there? So angry that they need to write scathing comments about a computer that they purportedly don’t care about? Doesn’t it just confirm what everybody suspects — that Mac fans see their tech products as avatars of themselves — and that they absolutely must be considered the coolest kids in the room, lest they lose the very meaning of their lives?
Could anything be sadder, really?
Posted on Dec 11, 2011 | 11:59 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
okay guys, I need to know this, but does this so called top laptop from HP have an SPDIF audio out?
Because I see 1 microphone and 2 headphone connections…2!! what the hell :) So I at least hope 1 of those audio connections is an spdif out?
I would like to know if I could use my 5.1 surround system and connect it with my digital audio cable.
My 4 year old Qosmio has this option, so I hope this HP also does have spdif?
thx!
Posted on Dec 13, 2011 | 7:22 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
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