Envy 14 SB vs dv6t-6190

I'm finding the system in my signature to be quite impractical when I travel. I'm also using it on battery far more often than I was anticipating, so the 2 hours I'm getting with it is far from ideal. Since HP has fixed the switchable graphics issue on the dv6 and is in the process of updating the Envy 14, those are the two models that are highest on my list.

I really like the Envy's form factor, smaller AC adapter, potentially better battery life, and backlit keyboard. Those positives are countered by the Core i5 CPU, 1366x768 screen, and lesser GPU.

I like the dv6 for all the power it has for gaming and available 1080p matte screen. I'm less enthralled with the possible lower battery life (and I don't like the 9-cell battery), heavier AC adapter and larger form factor for when I travel and will be carrying the system around the house (which is something I'm doing more of these days).

I won't be doing a ton of gaming, and I have no problem with lowering the resolution to get better performance.

Don't suggest the dv6z (AMD Llano) as its hybrid Crossfire graphics are going through some teething pains at the moment.

Any insight from owners of one or both of these machines will be appreciated.

 

It really depends on what your doing on the laptop. If just basic browsing and word processing I would just go with ENVY. The dv6 might be overkill but then again it might last you longer doing those tasks since in a few years it will still be able to compete.

I went through the same problem but with the ENVY 17 and the dv7. I just got the dv7 since I do play games and CAD and a whole bunch of stuff and plus the ENVY was a lot more money haha

 

Well - is there a third-party manufacturer that produces a 90-120 watt slim adapter that is compatible and you could use with the dv6?

I find mine to be quite light. The build is solid (no creaks or stress noises) and I can manuver it around with one hand and easily and can get at least four hours off of the standard 6-cell battery. I also use the 9-cell and I don't believe it to be that bad. Not as obtrusive as you might think.

 

What Nero said. Choose the Envy if all you are doing is basic tasks.

The dv6t is a better spec'd machine though and it's fairly portable.

 

TBH, I think the Dell XPS 15z might be a good choice...

I bought a refurb fully loaded 15z (1080p, dual core sandy bridge i7, 8gb, 750gb7200rpm, 2gb 520m, built in 8 cell) for $1150-ish shipped. The design, weight, size, and performance was amazing for the price I paid. I returned it only because the display sucked for designing in illustrator/photoshop but probably wont be noticed by someone who doesn't do that type of work.

It's more powerful than the Envy 14 but better designed than the DV6T, significantly so. Has a backlit keyboard and battery life was around 5-6 hours. Build issue with the outer rim around the body but most computers have a build fault. Other than that it's great if you buy the refurb and can get a hold of a dell outlet coupon.

 

If you order the XPS 15z from the outlet before the 18th, or any other Dell for that matter, you can get 20% off with a coupon. I ordered a 15z with i5-2410, 6GB Ram, 750GB HDD, 1080p for 799 (840 w/tax)

 

Not an option because that system, as well as the Alienware M11x I was also considering, use NVIDIA Optimus. I've been burned by that setup before. Since HP has released a fixed graphics BIOS for the Envy 14, I elected to go with that. The smaller overall form factor, compact AC adapter, and backlit keyboard pushed it over the top of the dv6.