Re-designed HP ENVY 15, 17 and 17 3D laptops available now
Posted on 08. Dec, 2011 by LaptopMan in Laptops, Laptops
Hewlett-Packard has released their new crop of ENVY branded premium aluminum notebooks for the high-end consumer. The available models include the new re-designed HP ENVY 15 series which starts at $1,099.99, there is the HP ENVY 17 series that starts at $1,249.99, and then the HP ENVY 17 3D series which starts at $1,499.99.
The new Envy laptops usher in new design ideas like solid Black color lids, Red color accents, aluminum analog volume control dial on the right-hand side of each notebook, Beats audio six speaker system with subwoofer, HP Radiance Backlit keyboards (each key has its own LED light), and a large trackpad with sectioned off right/left click buttons. Compared to previous Envy laptops the new models offer a considerable change in the physical appearance.
Technical specifications for the new Envy laptops are up-to-par with all the other high-end premium notebooks on the market today from companies like Apple and Sony. The processor options for all three new Envy notebooks come from Intel’s new for 2011 Sandy Bridge processor family, for either of the three notebooks you can configure a dual-core CPU or a higher performance quad-core CPU if you wish. Graphics get handled by discrete AMD Radeon HD mobile GPUs, the base models of either of the three models features a 1GB AMD Radeon HD DirectX 11 mobile GPU. Base configurations for the three new HP Envy notebooks come with 6GB of DDR3 RAM and 7200 rpm Hard Drives (500GB for Envy 15 and 750GB for Envy 17 and 17 3D).
HP has included HD BrightView LED-backlit displays with the new re-designed Envy notebooks, and specifically for the Envy 15 there is high-quality IPS panels are provided standard. The 15.6-inch Envy 15 comes with a 1366-by-768 (HD) resolution display, the non-3D Envy 17 notebook has a 17.3-inch 1920-by-1080 (full HD) resolution display and the 3D version has the same resolution with a 3D enabled LCD.
The 15-inch Envy notebook can come with a 1080p full HD resolution display like the bigger 17-inch Envy notebooks, but you’ll need to add $150 to your purchase price –having to pay an extra $150 isn’t too bad if you value screen real estate.
There is no telling how these notebooks really are at this time, nobody has published a real review of any of the re-designed HP Envy notebooks. HP says their new Envy laptops “exude power, performance, advanced technologies and precision craftsmanship”, but that’s marketing hype. If you’re really considering purchasing any one of the three Envy laptops I’d recommend holding off until reviews are released for the notebooks.
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POTUS Exec
14. Dec, 2011
MY BOTTOM LINE
PROS: For the foreseeable future and my regular heavy use, the Envy 17 does it all. The bright high-def screen resolution, upgradable memory capability (16 GB), and the Beats Audio sound system (with the sub-woofer) are priceless. Dollar-for-dollar and feature-for-feature, this is the one to buy or receive.
CONS: By comparison, I found nothing that wasn’t experienced or observed on similar 17-inch or smaller desktop-power PCs. The minor heat (for which I use a cooling pad and trackball mouse anyway) and battery life is as expected (I use the AC cord 90 percent of the time as well).
My full evaluation of the Envy 17 (without 3D — more about that below) can’t be contained to a few words. At the risk of my words sounding boastful, I still have to be totally honest. I really-really like my HP Envy laptop. Here’s the whole story on why. Simply, the HP Envy 17 is mostly the best of two worlds: genuine work and real fun. Being the fortunate recipient of this magnificent monster of a PC for my birthday, it has resolved all of my serious work related and down-time computer fun issues. My wife and others noticed me doing steady homework about 17-inch laptop PCs for work. Hewlett-Packard rightly should pump fists in the air for staying loyal to the Envy series’ continued production.
The HP Envy 17 is the portable desktop workhorse I’ve been waiting for, and at a truly fair price. In fact, it comes with the quality of built-in upgradable options that will give me my monies worth of real use over time. For me, I need at least five good years of regular use. I recommend getting 6 to 8 gigabytes of memory for fast processing and the newer software that’s coming in 2012 and beyond. Thankfully, I was given the 8 GB version I need for my heavy small business work, and weekend high-def games and movies, plus it has slots for 8 more GB of even faster RAM speed if I want it later.
The power and use quality of this very portable desktop PC replacement is durable, solid, stylish and clean. The Envy does not have the phony gimmicks and razzle-dazzle design or tools too many brands use to distract you from weak power and superficial features for a higher price. This is a REAL personal computer. The overall computing engine and user functions make the Envy 17 a genuinely enviable choice if you’re considering a strong, feature-rich, and truly affordable PC over the long term in these shaky economic times. I hope HP continues its loyalty and widely promotes this great product.
Inevitably, there will be the usual comparisons to other laptop computers, both Windows and Mac. No matter how hard anyone may want to churn the Apple marketing hype, feature-for-feature and dollar-for-dollar, the HP Envy 17 stomps MacBook Pros and anything similar to them. That’s fact and specifications over hype and spin. Fully compare as I did. It’s not a Mac killer or competitor. Having used a MacBookPro, I believe it out-classes them. Envy 17 is really a PC game-changer, period! Moreover, I like the freedom of choice, quality and quantity in all the software that the Envy can handle. Money is saved, which matters a whole lot these days and beyond.
I would not classify myself as a computer geek (I prefer professional hardworking stiff), but I do strongly believe that most PC complaints over time are solved by non-abusive use and basic maintenance, just like owning a well made automobile or home. Because of work and other responsibilities, I put my new Envy in those categories. Even so, for all the fun I’m having with the Envy 17, it’s truly not a fancy high-priced slacker toy.
For me, if I received a 3D version of the Envy 17 it would have not been a feature I wanted or used much. Visually, I’m still not that impressed with any brand’s 3D technology yet, or wearing overpriced 3D glasses. The Envy’s bright high definition screen suits me perfectly, especially when I use its HDMI connection to my 50-inch high-def TV screen. The HD resolution with the Beats Audio sound on a big screen is even better than my local movie theater complex. More money saved! – AKA: an investment.
Compare the actual specs, along with the many potential ways the HP Envy 17 can be used right out of the box and over time. I work in the federal government sector. Among my friends that now drool at my new birthday machine are a fine artist, gamer, architect, two musicians, an office administrator, a video hog, and one public official. If you’re like me and need to get some serious heavy-duty work done, and then have some outrageous entertainment fun, this very portable laptop PC is the one.
Moreover, the price is fair and affordable for its class, quality, list of features and user-friendly assets. Again, dollar-for-dollar, you get more than what you pay. For me, it was a birthday gift. Thankfully, I received my top PC wish for 2011-2012 and beyond: the HP Envy 17. I didn’t mention that it has a wrap-around Beats Audio sound system, and a bass-pounding sub-woofer on the bottom. OMG!!! My Hip-Hop classics, Jazz and Classical music collection has a new life, even without headphones.
Again, please-PLEASE do your homework, take a little time to compare the specs, overall costs and what’s in your wallet with other hot brands. You’re likely to spend your money wisely on an HP Envy. In stressful financial times (to use for night college, self-employment, personal finances, secure online shopping, bill paying, home entertainment, or better job searching), this will surely be your best computer investment over at least the next five years. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to receive yours as an unexpected birthday gift too.