Alright so next summer i will be going to college for Animation and Game Design and will need a computer that can handle that, along with gaming (playing games come with the job) and the works. I want it to last for at least 4 years. I know that I am going to be sticking with HP, because frankly i don't trust some of the off-brands and people like Dell and Lenovo just can't beat the prices atm. So basically I have narrowed it down to the Dv6 and Envy lines... but i have some concerns/questions about each and am looking for advice.
The Dv6t-7000 quad edition (7014nr)
-Heard a lot of horror stories concerning the heat; however, after doing lots of research it seems to only run a few degrees hotter than other high-end/gaming laptops? any input?
-Is there a work-around for the problem where the keyboard and mouse can't be used at the same time?
-I've heard the sound quality is lack-luster compared to the envy
-The build quality seems good through pictures, but unfortunately I'm nowhere close to a major electronics outlet to sample either. Is it sturdy? (excluding superficial QC problems)
-Is the TN screen significantly worse than an IPS?
The HP 15t-3200
-I'm scared about the performance of the 7750m gpu... how does it compare to the 650m?
-Is the plastic sheath underneath the aluminum-body also well built? It seems a little flimsy to me (from pics)
-How bad is the glare on the Glossy screen?
-Is the touchpad hard to control? I've haven't ever had experience with the all-in-one touchpad design
-Is the Dvd player Blu-Ray??? this could be a big downfall
-Is the ram easily replaceable?
-The Adobe software is a major plus
-How does the cooling compare to the Pavilion?
However, in concern to both I would also like to ask one last question... At this point, since most companies renew/refresh the line during the latter part of the year should I wait for a couple of months for some spec-upgrades since i need the high-performance AND will Black-Friday pricing most likely be lower than Instant-saving + Coupons + Student discounts???
*As a note, on either i will be getting a 3 year warranty so I'm not worried about QC in the least
*The laptop NEEDS to be mobile so I can't go 17 inch
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I'll try to answer these as best as I can based on the enourmous amount of time I've spent lurking this forum.
The Dv6t-7000 quad edition (7014nr)
Heard a lot of horror stories concerning the heat; however, after doing lots of research it seems to only run a few degrees hotter than other high-end/gaming laptops? any input?
The Dv6t does tend to get hot especially near the WASD area because I think the CPU or GPU is right under it, and the fan blows out the hot air on the right side. Basically, after an while, it would probably be uncomfortable to have your hands on the right side while using WASD keys.
-Is there a work-around for the problem where the keyboard and mouse can't be used at the same time?
Not sure about this one.
-I've heard the sound quality is lack-luster compared to the envy
I own a DV6t Quad but it is the previous model. From my laptop I can tell that the sound quality is pretty good, but its more on the quiet side. I think the Envy has better sound overall though.
-The build quality seems good through pictures, but unfortunately I'm nowhere close to a major electronics outlet to sample either. Is it sturdy? (excluding superficial QC problems)
Again, based on my previous gen DV6t, the build quality is pretty sturdy. There is some keyboard flex. The hinges are solid so far (owned it for about a year).
-Is the TN screen significantly worse than an IPS?
I've heard that the 1080P matte screen has really good color reproduction and near-IPS level viewing angles and contrast. Overall, I'd say its a pretty good screen.
The HP 15t-3200
I'm scared about the performance of the 7750m gpu... how does it compare to the 650m?
7750m GPU is a bit slower than 650m, but it can be overclocked to 650m levels and the laptop will still stay cool. Basically, it can run all your modern games at high settings with 1080P.
-Is the plastic sheath underneath the aluminum-body also well built? It seems a little flimsy to me (from pics)
Some people complain its not full secured in, but I don't know for sure about this.
-How bad is the glare on the Glossy screen?
Super glare
-Is the touchpad hard to control? I've haven't ever had experience with the all-in-one touchpad design
I think its a bit difficult to work with at stock settings. But there are mods that can make it a much more enjoyable experience.
-Is the Dvd player Blu-Ray??? this could be a big downfall
regular DVD player. No blur-ray.
-Is the ram easily replaceable?
Yes
-The Adobe software is a major plus
-How does the cooling compare to the Pavilion?
I'd say the cooling on Envy is much better than the Pavilion. The outside is always cool even during gaming, so your hand won't feel uncomfortable using WASD, unlike the Pavillion. Internal temps are great too because the Envy uses 2 fans so one is usually on all the time, but it shouldn't be too loud for you.
However, in concern to both I would also like to ask one last question... At this point, since most companies renew/refresh the line during the latter part of the year should I wait for a couple of months for some spec-upgrades since i need the high-performance AND will Black-Friday pricing most likely be lower than Instant-saving + Coupons + Student discounts???
I think the 33% coupons are the best you'll find for these laptops. The refresh would most likely be at the end of 2012, but I think this own can still suit all your needs.
*As a note, on either i will be getting a 3 year warranty so I'm not worried about QC in the least
*The laptop NEEDS to be mobile so I can't go 17 inch
Animation and Games (Envy 15 & Dv6)
Discussion in 'HP' started by KylePR, Aug 22, 2012.