The HP Envy is a nightmare to service. Why?

Hello,
This is my first post here, and m sorry if I'm posting in the wrong section..

I am a long-term HP user, and my current computer is a ProBook 4530s.
Configuration:
2nd generation core i3 2310M @2.1GHz
Intel HD graphics 3000 (no dedicated graphics).
8GB DDR3@1333MHz (4GB x 2, dual channel)
500GB WD Blue HDD.

This computer is 4 years old, and I am purchasing a new computer next week- I won't throw this away, instead keep it as a backup computer- if one computer dies, I will have another to use until i get it fixed..

The computer I really like to purchase is THIS
But take a look at the " service manual" from HP.
It's a nightmare to service.
To replace the HDD, you'll need to remove about 30 screws.
To replace the RAM, you'll need to take apart the whole computer and take the motherboard out of the case to access the memory slots.
THIS IS PROBABLY THE UGLIEST INTERNAL DESIGN I HAVE EVER SEEN!
Why on earth would someone build a system with such weird internal architecture?

My other option is THIS
HERE's the service manual for this computer.
It's a ProBook 450 G2.
It has a far simpler internal design, and things like HDD, RAM, Keyboard etc, are so easy to replace a child can do it.
BUT THE CONFIGURATION IS FAR INFERIOR at almost the same price....

I'm really confused now. I LOVE what the Envy offers, but I also like the flexibility of easy DIY repair options available on the ProBook. I DON'T want to call up HP support for a simple HDD replacement or RAM replacement or keyboard replacement. But I'd also love to have a powerful multimedia experience on a Full-HD screen and 4GB dedicated graphics that the Envy offers.
Which one shall I get? I know the ultimate decision is going to be mine and no one else is going to get affected by what laptop I purchase, but I'm hoping someone here will help me decide....
I really really REALLY want to have the ability to change the HDD and RAM at home, gives me more confidence on the system--the HDD will very often fail after a couple of years, and purchasing one from a local computer store to replace myself at home is the fastes, easiest, and the most cost effective solution...

 

Simple answer is you will maybe once or twice deal with the servicing of the system in the disassembly of the machine but possibly deal with it multiple times per day in its use. Per your decision here you apparently will be slightly disappointed with one system or the other in the opposite times of usage. Decide then how much time in a state of disappointment/inconvenience you wish to live with.

 

Consumer end computers any more aren't meant to be serviceable easily. Unfortunately they're designed for the sake of manufacture, period. Business end products are usually a bit more accessible to RAM and HDD/SSD. But with BGA everything, even RAM and SSD's are soldered on motherboards in some instances. You can say good bye to user customization and end up over paying for those upgrades from the OEM. The problem is too, even if components are replaceable with some effort there's always the issue of warranty void or not.

Regarding your laptop, the 850m they list has 4GB of DDR3 video RAM. For one the 850m isn't a very powerful chip, and secondly 4GB is far from necessary for that kind of GPU. 1GB is more than adequate for its performance, and GDDR5 is better if you can find an option with 850m GDDR5.

 

class1laserproduct, given the weakling gpu of ProBook, get the Envy over it without any doubts or second thoughts. However, as HP user to HP user - you sure want another one, really? It may be wiser to create a thread in What notebook should I buy? forum and consider other options.

 

Envy is basically today a Pavillion. Baby it, and you might get 3-4 years out of it. But upgradable and durable it is not. And if you like ProBook, you'll love EliteBook even better.

 

I had an envy 17 3200 and it blew out a motherboard gaming. GPU and CPU were within normal temps, but it couldn't handle gaming. Same with a pavilion before it, blew 2 motherboards. I would never recommend HP for gaming.

 

Want to game, buy proper hardware. And build muscles carrying it. And don't gripe because it does not blend in. Want upgradable and more durable, buy business class and be done with it.

 

Thanks everyone.
I kinda liked the way the Envy looks.
Unfortunately, it looks like i'll make a mistake if i purchase it.
M posting a new thread on the "What notebook should I buy" section.
Your suggestions will shape my computing experience for the next 4 or 5 years, please suggest.
Thanks again..
PS: Here's the LINK to my new thread.

 

Why not another ProBook or EliteBook, I love them. One of the best two laptops I ever owned in recent memory was a HP ProBook 4440s. I loved this laptop. I still use it, as my employers bought it from me.

 

Kent T, pardon my insolense, but: terrible usb port layout and quality, bad keyboard, over 8gb RAM problems, no mSATA, no full-voltage i7. Did I miss something?

 

I have the Envy Rove 20, a 20" 7kg tablet/notebook and it took me a couple of hours to just get inside, 50 screws a 1" cover around the edge even after removing all the screws, using all my strength and a spludger to work my way around the edge until i could get it off, and that is only the start, and i just wanted to upgrade the memory and install an ssd, and i was reading from the service manual.

I absolute love my Rove Envy 20, but it`s a pain to service when i need to clean the cooling system, I have just been vacuuming the vents on the outside, until i hear the fan sound change or the cpu temp goes up, then i will have to go in again, hopefully the cover should be a bit slacker to remove this time.

John.

 

Tinderbox, it's the same with the Envy K201tx laptop. You have to rip the whole thing apart to change the hard drive.
If you want to add a second mSATA disk, the connector is UNDER the motherboard, so you won't just have to open the case, but you'll need to take the whole motherboard out of the computer. The RAM slots are ALSO under the motherboard. It comes with 8GB of RAM and I don't use things which require more than 8GB of RAM- but if some day I want to upgrade, I'll need to take the whole motherboard out of the computer.
The chances of damaging something exponentially increases with the number of components you remove, if I take the motherboard out, I'm not sure I'll have a working computer the next time I put it back in.
So, with a lot of effort, patience and time, I'll probably be able to swap the HDD if it goes bad- but for adding RAM or mSATA, I'll have to call up HP tech support
I can't believe a paid professional with university degrees and working for a brand as big as HP, came up with this design concept. HP should fire the internal design team responsible for these Envys.

 

For the Probook, the configuration is sub-par at the same cost.
I pay the same amount ($1000) and get NO discrete graphics, 4GB of RAM, a smaller screen with 1366*768 resolution, no backlit keyboard, no subwoofer, and no mSATA.
For the Elitebook, they are beyond my budget.
They really are easy to service if something goes bad. If I could find a probook with a configuration similar to Envy and at the same price, I'd pick that up with no second thoughts
I love my Probook 4530s too, but it doesn't let me play games like FSX. The screen is not very good (washed out, bad viewing angles). They are designed to run business oriented applications, not good as a home entertainment system.. IMO

 

I had a full size notebook, I cannot remember the brand, It had no access panels at all, I had to take the entire thing to part to fit my SSD, the HDD was under the motherboard, the funny thing is a lot of this model had HDD failures, serves the manufacturer right, when they have to strip them all down, to replace the HDD, poetic justice.

John.

 

You won't find a business model with the same configuration for Envy prices. And I would not have an Envy either for my use. And no laptop has a real subwoofer inside either. To me, all laptop sound is no better than low end TV speaker or audio console cue speaker grade either. If I want good computer audio, I must use external quality speakers and amplifier. I'll take a used EliteBook over a new Envy for the price. And get a quality audio interface and proper line out. But I don't game. Want to game and want upgrade friendly, I recommend a good Clevo/Sager custom gamer.

 

The best part about the HP elitebooks are that you can get them very cheap on ebay and still come with over 2 years warranty. I have had lots of elitebook for myself and some small business'. All under $450-500 and still 2 years warranty remaining on the 3 years warranty. You have to ask the sellers for the serial number to see if it does come with the 3 year warranty, not all come with it, some are 1 year.

 

Yes, and I buy my business class machines for personal use used anyway. And buy 2 year old models anyway as by then I know which hold up in heavy, rugged use. By that time, used parts and accessories tend to be cheaper too on ebay.