(Likely) Good news for the envy 14 refresh

HP has not updated the envy 14 yet, but it has updated the pavillion line with sandy bridge chips. The interesting part comes when you see the graphics options offered.

HP Pavilion dv6 and dv6t Select Edition series | HP Official Store




radeon 6770m


Seeing as that the previous high end pavillion option was included in the envy 14 by default, there is a very strong chance this will end up in the next envy 14. Nice upgrade if it holds, and still a bit ahead of the mbp curve, as it should be.

 

Yep the 6770m is real nice. Hopefully the Envy 14 can retain its small and relatively slim factor while having this mid-high end GPU. It will be a challenge.

 

Lower power SB CPUs might make this possible, and if HP takes out the ODD, it's definitely possible.

 

Looks like the dv6 & dv6t are i5 (dual-cores) only... I guess this means that the Envy line will get the same graphics options, but add i7 quad cores.

EDIT: Turns out that there are quad-core options for the Dv6t

 

Considering the difficulty of sourcing 14.5" 1600x900 screens (which made the E14's success), I would not be surprised if they move to a 14.1" or a 15"

 

One thing makes me think otherwise. I noticed the radiance screens released in jan were different than those from the intial release. I almost think it was a test run to see how they turned out and how many would get sent back. I compared the picture of both. The older model (initial release) was a bit crisper and hd pics had more detail. It wasn't like comparing it to a average screen so don't take it that way. Unless you had them side by side viewing the exact same picture you'd never be able to see the difference. I'm just saying they were not the exact same screens and maybe hp found a new manufacturer and did a test run. What better way to release the updated version of their best selling computer than with the re-release of the radiance (many that got the brightview would have more of a reason to go ahead and upgrade and those new buyers as well). Just speculation but hopefully i'm not wrong.

 

that is a valid point too

 

quad core not available on their dv6 line? doesn't make sense...

 

Good signs.

Now if we could get an update on the time frame, that'd be pure awesomeness.

 

Anyone notice that the dv6 SE pictures are a bit wrong? They have 2 pictures of the right side... both of which are different?!?!

 

Let's just hope they are not gonna downclock the 6770 like they did with the 5650. In which case a downclocked 6770 will basically be a stock clocked 6750 on the $2200 MBP. Not that I'm complaining, we're still getting way more bang for the bucks compared to that over priced fruity , I just like to squeeze every last mhz of performance out of my gfx cards.

 

Guys, the new-refreshed ENVY 14 (with SB, new GPU, but I think same design) will probably be released on or after 03/21.
I know that because I just ordered ENVY 17 using $400 coupon code on 03/12, bc all sites said that it must be expired on 03/13. Thus, on 03/14, they refreshed it with SB, new Graphics Card, and the coupon code was no more applied.
I think it's how they run their business, they spread out the coupon code for people buying their "clearance-old feature" PC, then release the refresh one.

 

Cool, thanks for the info. Calender marked.

 

Hmmmm. With finals winding down and an Asus that just got repaired recently, I could do without my Envy for a while. 3/21 sounds awfully close. I think HP would've at least made an announcement or leaked some kind of rumor. I wouldn't be surprised if 3D displays weren't to be available for the Envy 14, not that most of us would shed a tear if it weren't.

That's why I foresee one of perhaps 3 scenarios

1. March or early April for an Envy 14 refresh. We won't see anything majorly different. Same low-res display with SB processors and a new GPU.

2. Summer release time. Same upgrades as above, but with an external architecture that's changed. USB 3.0 available. Possibly a high-res display option available. New clickpad with vastly improved scroll/click fluidity....and without the need for reil's ingenius touchpad software

3. Summer release date, but with all the features mentioned in #1.

 

I just made a phone call about 20 minutes ago to HP. The guy i talked to kind of giggled when i asked if they were going to release them when the coupons run out. I also asked him when the coupons expired and they don't have an expiration date just 175 uses. Another interesting thing is that he said the reason the envy 14 is lagging is because of the motherboard going into a 14.5" laptop was different than anything they've done with a sandy bridge motherboard so that was taking time. He also said that he went through training yesterday about the new ENVY 14's he would not tell me what the specs would be but he did say before or during the first week of april... I have a feeling that they are ready and they are just waiting until the 175 coupons run out. What do you all think?

the reason i think they are ready even though i mentioned he just had training is because he is a sales associate and they are usually the end of the line when it comes time to offer a new product.

 

They may announce the refresh is coming in the future in early april but i think the actual refresh will be closer to summer time. The envy 14 is their prize computer so they aren't just going to update the processor and graphics card and send it out (not if it is to remain laptop of the year). I'd think they will totally change it up internal and external since there is much more competition with the MPB and others. Just my opinion.

 

14.5" is a nice size, but if it made it easier to get the radiance display I'd be fine with 14.1".

Has anyone considered buying the new DV6tqe?
I don't know how long I can wait for the envy...

Oh and hey spencer,
how much are you looking to get for the envy that you have for sale?

 

I'm skeptical. It's once in a blue moon when an HP rep claims to know anything. If they're keeping the 14.5," I guess HP will be the odd man in this industry.

But let's say this tech is correct. Personally I'm thinking we'll see an April announcement, initial reviews by major mags, and then a late spring or summer release.


EDIT: What did he mean before or during the first week of April?

I hope we get early notice of the release date.

 

I doubt they'd change the external if they know that Apple will redesign the mbp in 2012. If they redesign the envy now, they'll have to do it again next year if they're competing.

 

keep in mind this is the sixth person from HP i've talked to... most of the others just said they didn't have the information i was looking for. felt like a "these are not the droids you're looking for" moment.

 

They may not but i'm betting on some serious upgrades. They want those reviews again this year since thats what gets many people to even know the envy exists.

 

since you can't pm me i'm not sure what the legal way to answer your question is? i'm asking a G

 

As far the Graphics card is concerned for the envy 14, I think they are going to put 6630M as all the other similar 14" SB laptops have this one.

Dell Vostro -
Dell Vostro 3000 updated with Sandy Bridge processors, affordable prices go untouched -- Engadget

Sony S -
VAIO S Series PC | Sony | SonyStyle USA

Also notebookcheck says that 6630 is successor of 5650.
AMD Radeon HD 6630M - Notebookcheck.net Tech

I really hope they put the 6770M in there but the envy form factor says otherwise.

 

i honestly think we are gonna get something like a 6650 or a 6750 because i mean think about it the envy has always been a step up from other 14" laptops.. always.

 

So there's no chance for the 6770 like they just put in the dv6se? because if not I might just order that now... i'd like to be able to do some gaming, and while I don't want to deal with the extra inch on size/no slot load I'm willing to make some compromises if the Envy can't keep up with the dv6se spec wise...

 

there is probably no chance... if you want a good gaming machine honestly the envy 17 is pretty nice.


/e

i just called hp again and asked them a few questions. the guy i talked to this time told me a few things.


the 14" is delayed because of figuring out the sb in the 14.5" laptop. and it will be available soon.
there is a sandy bridge delay on the 14" beats edition, he said this is because they will probably offer the beats edition again for 1,199.99
the ram will probably be 1333 mhz
the graphics card will have 1G GDDR5, wouldnt tell me exactly which card
the manufacturer of the radiance screen no longer produces that screen so it will probably not be back unless hp found an alternative manufacterer.

He said all of his info came directly from his manager.

 

I'm pretty sure the gpu will be the 6770m.

 

A lower-res screen, $1,199.99 price tag(HINT HINT before people start fuming, this is before coupons), an upgraded GPU, RAM at 1333. Hmmmmm.


I'd love to keep my radiance display if possible It allows me to multitask and not have to zoom as much.

On second thoughts, I'm probably going to just keep my Envy 14 for the next couple of years and reward myself with a new one once I have a job. By then, I'll probably be gaming only on a desktop and lugging around a super thin ultraportable. In 3 year's time, we'll see more around.

 

I wish for an Envy 15 with i5-2520M/2540M and Full HD screen.

 

Sorry HP, but a low-res screen on a (supposedly) premium laptop series is absolutely a dealbreaker. Hopefully there's an upgraded screen option, or I'll have to look elsewhere.

 

So basically the beats edition will be updated as well right? Not just the reguler ones?

*fingers crossed

 

That is a possibility.

If there is a beats edition with a higher res screen option i am buying it.

 

I'm pretty sure they will. Beats is a potentially important trademark to HP. I've come across a couple of current Mac users who said it piqued their interest.

HP just needs to market it better. Stop releasing ambiguous commercials with kendo martial artists and horseback riders. Emphasize WHAT Beat means.

 

Beats is overhyped. They've made too big a deal of it already. I like having it, but I wouldn't ever let it be the determinant of my purchase decision.

 

vsherry, I'm with you on this. Although I have never experienced the BEATS Envy 14, Beats is installed even in HP's dv7 I bought from Costco...no big deal...

Now....I did go to Best Buy and try the Beats headphones from the cheapo (meaning quality, not price, they are still expenive!) Studio Beats headphones, to the Professional Beats headphones... let me tell you.... if you have the money, get the Professional Beats headphones....so so so good. Brilliant sound that covers your whole ear. Very little sound escapes, and you don't need silly batteries to make it work like in the Studio version! Too bad HP does not actually include the Professional Beats headphones with the higher end Envy line... I'm serious.

KJ

 

Overhyped in practice. Yeah.


But I'm talking in terms of recognition. Compare laptops to tablets. Apple is the one company that's been able to distinguish itself from the rest of the market in both tablets and notebooks. Everyone knows what an iPad is. Everyone knows what a MBP looks like. Silver unibody notebooks sporting a decent OS and the Apple logo. No other PC manufacturer pulls off such level of differentiation effectively.

I myself thought Beats was silly too. But as someone who recognizes the value of branding and trademarks, I think HP could do well in selling an aluminum/magnesium unibody notebook painted black with red LED backlit keyboards. When we think of "HP Beats edition," images of this notebook springs to mind.

 

Just bumping this.

So far that bolded part is true. The beats version just got re-offered at that price.
So is there any possibility that all of it would be true?
But all the other info is pretty general though. nothing surprising, right?

 

How does that have anything to do with sandy bridge?

 

I'm pretty much with you, KJ, but I think the credit goes to the phones, not to the "Beats" sound card or software or whatever it is. AFAIK, the Beats sound, only affecting the line out, not the internal speakers, is the same on the regular Envy 14 as the Beats Edition, the latter only having the coloring differences. That said, I have to tell you that I have a pretty awesome pair of Sennheiser headphones and while they sounded great through the headphone jack of my Envy 14, I did a comparo with two other notebooks I owned at the time (Even I need a scorecard and calendar to know which ones I owned on which days, lol!), and they all sounded about the same, all superb.

What drives me nuts (some say it's a very short trip ) is how many reviewers speak of Envy w/Beats like it's the second coming, especially the many who completely inaccurately suggest it affects the sound coming out of the external speakers and, for that matter, suggest that the standard E14 external speakers are anything but mediocre, which is about the highest praise they deserve. Then they plug the Beats Headphones into the headphone jack and sing praises to the Beats "sound" from the computer, when all they're hearing is 1) the excellent Beats headphones and, 2) the fact that all quality laptops have sound cards that produce excellent sound via headphones or external speakers.

Makes it so, so hard to believe anything else written by these people. For me, notebookcheck.net, anandtech.com and Tom's Hardware are the only sources I respect and trust.

Stepping down from soapbox now.

 

Actually the envy 14 beats edition has three 10 inch subwoofers built in with a 2000 watt amp so get your facts straight. Ha

 

I would have believed you, Spencer, were it not for the fact that you returned your Envy BE, lol. Besides, everyone knows the base is not large enough to hold 3 10" subwoofers - I think you mean 5, 3.5" subwoofers, don't you? Plus 25 samarium cobalt tweeters, one between each key on the first two rows of the keyboard, driven by not 2000 but 20,000 watt MacIntosh (no, not an Apple, moron!) vacuum tube amplifier.

What is getting to look really stupid - if it wasn't enough sole-sourcing an award winning display and being unable to get it made by someone else when you are the LARGEST COMPUTER MAKER ON THE PLANET and "accidentally" selling every last one out at below cost prices and then saying: "darn it; we forgot the 10,000 Radiance displays still under warranty. Guess we'll have to replace them all with $3,300 Elitebook 8540ws with $600 Dream Color 2 screens oh, never mind, we'll just sic our Executive Case Manager Department of Redundancy Department pod people on the dead-Radiance owners, promise a new Elitebook but NEVER DELIVER it, ahh, problem solved - ahem, getting back to the original point now, what is really, really getting to look stupid is when the DV7 has everything the Envy 14 had, SB processors, "Beats Audio" (with larger chassis, the 4X10" subwoofers become a reality, lol), better screens, all for - how much more than the previous vintage Envy 14? Not any more at all? But they don't have the laser stippling on the lid, or the pretty black box, or the owners manual on an SD card (good thing it's an SD card, since it's one of only two formats the E14's card reader can read......

Don't listen to me; I've become a bitter old man with nothing to show for my troubles but a happy owner of my magnificent Envy 14 refurb I gave away for $1,100, two extra Envy batteries (anyone want one, or two, good deal? - for real) and another email from my now 5th Exectutive Case Manager who said we're delayed again, this time for about a week, unless I want a Core i7-640 U-freakin-M cpu (that's UM, ULTRA low voltage, in a WORKSTATION! Because they have those chips available now, and NOTHING ELSE! No quad cores, no Core i5s, nothing but i7-640U-freakin-Ms for a WORKSTATION (am I starting to repeat myself, say the same thing over and over again...did I mention my 8540w will be further delayed unless I want an Intel Atom cpu and GMA 3100 in my WORKSTATION??? (men in white coats seen escorting him out of his house, clinging to his HP DV8t, the only notebook computer "LaptopLover" has left...scene fades to white...Curtain!

 

lolz

sue HP for emotional distress

 

Right I hope i didn't offend/annoy anyone with that post. i was just in a mood and after I read it and was about to delete it, I realized it was kinda funny (author's own opinion) and that it had to mirror many others' experiences. I have also posted in numerous appropriate places looking for REAL contact numbers or email addresses to get some help at HP, but so far, nothing. Wrote to all the publicly posted places, but again, no response.

Then again, yesterday the latest CM emailed that he got my order into "highest priority status" and that he felt confident it would ship by 4/5. I guess before it was in "lowest priority status," lol.

Thanks for indulging. I'll control myself in the future

 

What exactly is taking them so long? good lord i feel your pain and i'm not even going through it.

 

Thanks man. I think this little nightmare may be over by early next week. I'm hearing no less arrogance, but more hustle in the newest CM's delivery. Though the latest production schedule says 4/19, he's saying 4/5, and it's the first time a CM there has actually said he boosted the priority and move up the date. For now, I'm playing nice-nice with him (after some of the most aggressive emails I have ever written to a stupid computer company!) but you can be sure, as soon ask I have my 8540w in my hot little hands, I have a list of names and numbers I finally got from my sources of executives who are said to be likely to kick butt and take names. I'm pretty well convinced this is a rogue group that has been operating with impunity because they manage to keep people from going over their heads so well.

 

HA with all the horror stories you hear on here from CMs I hope you send them to #$%.

 

Just received an email response from HP asking when they would refresh the hp envy 14, seeing as dell's new line of xps all come with sandy bridge, for which you can pick up a second gen i7 xps15 for the same money as the current envy 14 ( at least in the UK).

The email I got was:
"I understand from your e-mail you would like to know more information on our laptops.

The envy 14 is not a new model, it has been on the market for a while now. We will be releasing new laptops/desktops with sandy bridge i7 processors in the next 4-6weeks.

Our products cannot be customized in the U.K. This is only available to do in the U.S

All our products and specifications are available on our website HP - United Kingdom | Laptop Computers, Desktops, Printers, Servers and more.

I hope this helps with your query."

I know this isn't hardcore evidence, but it is promising. The only thing that worries me is that here in the UK the envy 17 is still using the old intel chips, so it could be that they will just refresh that, although he doesn't mention if the 4-6 weeks is the UK or US. O'well.

 

"We will be releasing new laptops/desktops with sandy bridge i7 processors in the next 4-6weeks."

To me that mans the new Elitebook series, B series and s series machines.

 

I'm not so sure, I've been monitoring the UK HP website for the past 3-4 months and all of the envy laptops have been on 'Sale' since I first remember checking out the laptops HP have to offer. Hp have also got a bunch of new desktops out on their UK website.

If they don't release a newy envy in the next 4-6 weeks, I'm going to have to resort to getting an xps15, although I'm reluctant as my m1330 had its motherboard replaced 4 times ( 1. graphics card melted, 2.MB short circuited 3. no.2 not fitted correctly 4. plugged it in to the power supply and some vital component failed).

 

To me that mans they might again come with Envy 15 to fill the gap between 14 and 17
And by the time someone gets the new SB Envy 14 in hand, Intel would have come up with Ivy Bridge