Confused: HP Envy 14 vs HP dv6t Select Edition

**Note - I was going to post this in one of the many HP Envy 14 threads, but an admin already closed them, and I didn't want to hijack the owners thread**

Ok so I'm new here (after stalking the forums for several months I decided to make an account ) and I have a few questions regarding the HP Envy 14 and the dv6t Select edition. I'd appreciate it if someone could help me out so I don't go and waste all my money. I'm a poor college student...

The HP Envy just came out today (June 27th). Originally I was going to order this laptop, despite it being on the very edge of my budget (around $1000) because I believed to to be the best deal (core i5, ati 5650, 1600x900 display, etc) for the price.

However, apparently HP decided to bump the price to $1099, and downgrade the processor to the core i3 370m (I dont care about the screen - thats what an external monitor is for right?). Because of this, I decided to take a look at HP's pavilion product line since I heard they were refreshed and used a metal chassis like the Envy.

After fiddling around for some time, I was able to configure a HP dv6t Select Edition for around $900, with better specs than the Envy I spent 2 months following on the availability thread (heartbreaking isn't it?).

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HP dv6t Select Edition

Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-430M
*FREE Upgrade to 6GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
*FREE Upgrade to 500GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive
1GB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 5650 switchable graphics
15.6" High Definition LED HP Brightview Widescreen Display (1366x768)
No TouchScreen (includes HP TrueVision Webcam)
SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
Intel Wireless-N Card
Full-size island-style backlit keyboard with HP TrueVision Webcam + Fingerprint Reader
High Capacity 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (standard)

Total price: $1,119.99

Final Price: $902.79 After education discount and instant rebate, no taxes (yet)
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So after this huge speech my main question is: Whats going on? This laptop is only an inch bigger than the base ENVY 14, yet is several hundred dollars cheaper! Plus it comes with free upgrades - 6 GB OF RAM, a bigger hard drive, fingerprint reader, and so much more. I don't get it - whats the point of buying a slightly smaller laptop for hundreds of dollars more when this one can have the same GPU, Processor, more ram, for CHEAPER?

I mean besides the screen resolution, which I don't really care about, what does the ENVY 14 have over the dv6t? I'm no computer expert, but I feel like I'm getting more "stuff" for my money than if I bought the ENVY 14.

After following the ENVY 14 thread for so long,I feel like I'm (laugh if you want) betraying someone, or something by literally changing my mind hours after the laptop I've been waiting for came out. Should I still get the ENVY 14? What advantages does it have over my configured dv6t?


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On a side note - as I mentioned before, I'm a college student, so I'd like to get this laptop as cheap as possible without sacrificing its awesomeness (I can't help myself ). I used an instant rebate for $150, and the student discount took off $67.20. (Why isn't this 10%?? I thought the student discount was more than this.) Are there any other deals/coupon codes you guys know of so I can get this laptop cheaper? Any special deals? Maybe a Forth of July event or something? thx

 

It has a much more beautiful screen in terms of color, resolution, and (maybe) viewing angles. It is more slim for portability and it offers option of slice battery for battery life extention. It is more stylish. That's pretty much it.

 

Haha, funny question, because I just got a dv6SE and it made me wonder why anyone would ever buy an Envy. I disagree with itcomic, I think the new SE's look better than the Envy's in person, HP paid a lot of attention to detail and the pictures on their site don't do it justice. You're basically paying twice as much for the screen -- no way in my book.

If you're a student and don't care about the screen, I'd go with the dv6SE. HP has some 4th of July sale that started today, so create an account on their site and you should be able to see the deals. I don't know if the dv6SE is included.

 

You are not comparing comparing laptop of equal playing field. Envy 14 is a smaller size laptop vs DV6T. If you want to level the playing field, with equivalent size, do compare it to Envy 15 and you'll see a major difference.

 

well I must say, I was also looking at the dv6tse a few days ago, I came across it looking at the online costco store. After reading this thread I decided to customize myself, and see what came out.

* Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
* Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-450M Dual Core processor (2.40GHz, 3MB L3 Cache)with Turbo Boost up to 2.66 GHz
* FREE Upgrade to 6GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
* 160GB (Solid State Drive Flash Module)
* 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 5650 switchable graphics
* 15.6" diagonal High Definition LED HP Brightview Widescreen Display (1366x768)
* No TouchScreen (includes HP TrueVision Webcam)
* SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
* Intel Wireless-N Card with Bluetooth
* Full-size island-style backlit keyboard with HP TrueVision Webcam + Fingerprint Reader
* 50% OFF! One 6 Cell (standard) and One 9 Cell (over-sized) Lithium Ion Battery
* Microsoft(R) Office Starter 2010
* HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

All this for $1,264.69 (10% student discount + other offers)

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I did a similar configuration with the Envy 14:

* Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
* Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-450M Dual Core processor (2.40GHz, 3MB L3 Cache)with Turbo Boost up to 2.66 GHz
* 4GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
* 160GB (Solid State Drive Flash Module)
* 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 5650 switchable graphics - For Dual Core Processors
* 14.5" diagonal HD+ HP Radiance Infinity LED Display (1600x900)
* SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
* HP TrueVision HD Webcam + Dual Digital Integrated Microphones
* Intel Wireless-N Card with Bluetooth
* Corel(R) PaintShop Photo(TM) Pro X3 + Corel(R) VideoStudio(R) Pro X3
* Full-size island-style backlit keyboard
* 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
* Microsoft(R) Office Starter 2010
* HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

All this for $1,340.99 (10% student discount)

===================================

After comparing the two, I noticed that the dv6tse had more RAM, but a smaller 6 cell li-ion battery. Yet I got that 50% off deal to get the 6 cell + 9 cell batteries, which eliminated that comparison. The only + I noticed that the Envy had was the HD Radiance screen. This has definitely made my decision much harder, but I hear the dv6tse has heating problems, which I hope the Envy 14 has fixed. I'll wait for a review before I buy either.

 

Unless a coupon comes out in the next month that reduces the Envy's cost by a couple hundered then Im going to get the dv6tse, just too many upgrades that you can get for less in exchange for a better screen... Especially since they switched the blu ray for 6gb of ram finally a free upgrade I can utalize.

 

The difference between 14.5" and 16" diagonally is a lot. The difference between 900p and 720p is arguably even greater.

You may not find value in paying for the Envy 14, but there are others (many others, if you look at the Envy 14 screen choice poll) who do.

(ps to whom it concerns: I was right about the Envy 14 screen options although that $100 bump in base price kinda makes the "victory" tasteless)

 

Screen resolution is a big deal to me. I use 1440x900 14.1" laptop at work and I already feel cramped with that thing. I can't imagine even using 1366x768 in a bigger screen.

 

try 1440x900 on a 17 inch laptop.


(good 'ole ancient ancient clevo/alienware thing. that burnt to a crisp)

 

According to HP's Website, the new dv6t SE is a 15.6in notebook, right? So it's not that much bigger than the ENVY...

 

I doubt it. Even with having tons of processes, windows, tabs, etc running you probably won't even come close to using that 6GB.

 

yeah it's only an inch bigger.

if 1366x768 dun bother you and you can get the dv6t:se for cheap.

go for it.

thing's pretty damn good.


only thing envy has going for it over the dv6t is a stronger battery (8-cell compared to 6-cell) and the higher quality screen.

...maybe a bit better build quality or something but *shrugs*

 

I find it hard to believe there is a better build quality than the dv6: SE. This thing is super sturdy.

 

Nobody can find any differences between them besides the screen. I am in the same situation myself, as I'm looking to buy a laptop under $1000 for school. abaddon4180, I just saw you live in J-Ville, same here!

 

Cool. I rarely ever come across anyone online from here. We're a big city but most people here would never be found on a computer message board. I'm assuming you're a Georgia fan?

 

Is the dv6t made of aluminum/magnesium too? or what's it made out of. maybe that has something to do with the price difference? i have a dv5t or something (i think) and it's all cheap-looking and made of plastic.

 

dv6t. plastic.

dv6t: select edition. aluminum

 

no matter how much ram you have, windows 7 will take advantage of it. i read a good study and commentary about both sides of the argument but i can't find it right now. if i do i will make sure to post it.

 

I would like to see that if you find it. I have never seen my RAM use go above ~3GB, personally.

 

after 30min of googling i can't find it. basically, win 7 and vista use a percentage of your ram to cache system files. so while your laptop isn't using more than 1 or 2gb with 4gb installed, it might use 3 or 4 gb with 6gb installed during non intensive use. during more intensive use, cached system files removed to make room for your intensive applications. this management of ram was new to vista if i'm thinking correctly.

you can take this with a grain of salt because i can't find the numbers.

 

I reconfigured my dv6t SE and the price came in at about $880 - an amazing price considering what I'm getting in it.

 

Yep. I got the configuration in my signature for $690 after BCB.

 

Good deal but still not an Envy.

 

I people are more enamored with the fact that its an "envy" so it therefore must be inherently superior - even though alot of people are buying cheaper laptops with the exact, if not better specs...

IMO the select edition looks like an envy anyway (brushed aluminum) - plus, the effect will wear out after a week when the excitement from the laptop dies down lol...

 

Not sure what this means but...once I saw the Envy and DV6t SE in person...the Envy didn't seem as flashy as it is online while the DV6t SE with the metal lid was surprisingly nice.

Agreed.

 

With the current $450 off of the Dv6t, there really is no reason not to get it other than the missing high-res screen. You can configure an amazing Dv6t with upgraded processor, RAM, an SSD, the same 5650 and 9-cell battery, with tax, and still come out to less than the base price of the Envy. It would be silly not to jump on this.

 

Stuff's so cheap...Screw this, I'm moving to the US.

 

I have got to get off this forum because its making me regret purchasing my Envy... STOP BASHING MY FUTURE LAPTOP!!!!

*Goes in the corner and starts crying*

 

heheheh.


though seriously I need to take a break from this place too. Can't do much but wait now.

 

DV6T: SE is my backup laptop if the Envy fails me..which I am hoping and hoping it doesnt

 

I ordered both the Envy 14 and dv6tse. The $300 coupon on top of $150 instant savings is probably the best deal yet on the dv6t. HP's return policy is pretty good so I'll just return the one I don't like within 21 days.

 

I was considering the envy 14 and the Dv6z/Dv6t for a new laptop. I decided to go for the envy 14 for the better portability.

I went down to Staples to get a better idea of the size difference between the different laptops. The Dv6 series was a little too bulky for my taste and there was some slight flex in some areas of the case, but over all it was pretty solid.

If the envy 14 doesn't live up to expectations then I'll have to give the Dv6 another look.

 

I hate to throw another choice into the mix but I'm considering between these two AS WELL AS the dm4t. I know it has the same screen size (approx.) as the Envy 14 but the lesser resolution. It doesn't have a backlit keyboard, but other than that... I tried it in-store today and it felt/looked great. Any ideas on that one? I can get some excellent prices for the dm4t and dv6t:se.

 

For me, biggest issue with DM4T is the discrete GPU more so than lack of backlit keyboard.

If DM4T came with Nvidia 330M or ATI 5650, it would be very competitive.

 

Agreed. I wouldn't consider the dm4t unless you don't plan on gaming.

 

Just out of curiosity, how does Flight Simulator X rank in the gaming scheme? I don't play any of the recent intensive games like Crysis or BF2 etc. but I'd like to have decent graphics for video/photo editing/viewing. Would you choose the dm4t over the dv6tse if you weren't gaming?

 

You'll be fine. The Radeon 5450 on the dm4t will handle Flight Simulator X no problem. I would definitely choose the dm4t over dv6tse if I wasn't gaming.

 

Okay, hang on a second. I have a HUGE stiffy for the Envy 14 and am anxiously awaiting a review. But I just configured the following dv6tse on the HP site for exactly the normal config starting price of Envy 14 ($1099). I live in the UK at the moment and won't be home to get a physical look at either of them before this -$300 deal expires for the dv6tse.

Look at the specs difference: apart from slot-load, Brightview screen and 1 extra pound.... am I missing anything. SE has the aluminum body same as Envy..right? I think the Envy 14 is SO sexy... but how could this not be the better pick right now? Am I missing someting about durability (obviously an issue with HP...)

Thanks for the help! A good dilemma to have...

•Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
•Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-720QM Quad Core processor (1.6GHz, 6MB L3 Cache) with Turbo Boost up to 2.8 GHz
•8GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
•FREE Upgrade to 500GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
•1GB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 5650 Graphics + HDMI and VGA ports - For Quad Core Processors
•15.6" diagonal High Definition LED HP Brightview Widescreen Display (1366x768)
•No TouchScreen (includes HP TrueVision Webcam)
•Blu-ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
•Intel Wireless-N Card
•Full-size island-style backlit keyboard with HP TrueVision Webcam + Fingerprint Reader
•6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (standard)
•Microsoft(R) Office Starter 2010
•HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

 

Only the upper lid has the aluminum on the dvt6 SE. The bottom piece is hard plastic which seems put together well.

 

Am I right in thinking that I could order the dv6tse now and I have 21 days to send it back for a full refund? Is it 21 from when it ships or when I complete the order? If either is true, I'll go for it and change to the ENVY 14 when I'm back if I like it better.

 

I'm pretty sure the Dv6 in stores is not the select edition; as in, the Dv6t uses plastic, whereas the Dv6t Select Edition uses metal (magnesium/aluminum I think). The black version is regular Dv6, silver is Select.

Envy 14 weighs 5.2lbs. Dv6t weighs 5.5lbs.. so it's certainly not 1 extra pound. Regarding coupons, they keep coming in cycles.. so I'm sure some deal will be available when you arrive in the US.

IMO both laptops are sexy; the main selling point of the Envy is its higher resolution screen + purported better battery life. But you can get a 9-cell on the Dv6 if you really need it... which would match/surpass the Envy battery life.

21 days from when it arrives... by then, you could read reviews and see if it is worth switching.

 

It was the Select Edition. The palm rests and lid were a metal finish and the bottom panel was plastic. It had a decent build quality but still some slight flex in some areas. the screen was ok as well.

 

Wow this is tempting. The config I'd be interested in (450M, bluetooth, backlit keyboard, 160 SSD, 5650) comes to 1144.99 before tax. That is cheap for what you are getting. They sell a non-customizable in Best Buy in Canada, so I'll look at one on person before getting an Amerifriend to order for me.. on one condition:

Any reason you can't swap out the standard 15.6" brightview for an aftermarket 1080p lcd panel? Typically, swapping LED backlit panels are fairly easy, with the only issue being the location of the connector and maybe disabling it in the drivers.

 

The size of both computers are very similar as well:
Envy 14: 14.01" x 9.33" x 1.09-1.11", 5.2 lb
DV6t: 14.88" x 9.65" x 1.21-1.37", 5.5 lb
compare to my work DV6000 I'm using now: 14.05 x 10.12 x 1.0-1.69", 6.09 lb

Other minor differences: How to the internal speakers compare between the two (Beats vs Altec Lansing)?

I guess it all comes down to build quality. If I get this, I'll definitely try upgrading the screen to 1080p. I'll try to look at it in person today

 

Seriously? That easy? Please elaborate, because the only thing I don't like about the dv6 is the crappy resolution.

 

Well, compared to CCFL backlit screens, LED backlit screens are fairly standard, in that they all use a 40 pin LVDS connection. The 15.6 size is very common, and there's many options for 1080p (to make sure that the connector is in the right place). So basically, remove a bunch of screws, unplug the connector, swap the screen, put everything back together.

Will it work? The video card is obviously not a limiting factor. The BIOS may be hard-set at a resolution, I don't know.

 

That's the only way the Dv6 is held back... I'm hoping for the best

 

DV6T SE with 1080p (even 900p) screen would be a killer for sure.

 

Ain't that the truth. But I think HP left it off because then it would be competing with the Envy 15

 

True - although ENVY 15 still has the 5830 vs the 5650. Maybe they could have upgraded DV6 to 900p in DV6 SE and 1080p in ENVY 15 to keep ENVY the top model. Any idea how much 900p 15.6" screen cost?

But you are right, at it's present form missing backlit keyboard and all that, ENVY 15 isn't going to blow doors of DV6 SE as soon as it gets a screen upgrade. Even 1440x900 wouldn't be that shabby.