HP DV6tse vs Envy 14

What is the difference between the two besides the screen size. It seems that they both can be config to have to same specs with DV6 being cheaper after HP's coupon codes.

 

Some models of the DV6 have alloy screen lids and palmrests, some are plastic. Overall, the choice comes down to size.

Don't put too much stock into HP coupon codes, since HP still lags at direct sales. You're better off looking for preconfigured models at big box stores.

 

that $300 off envy 14 code was pretty good this past monday~

 

What's the difference you ask...IMHO the dv6tse puts the Envy to shame; with optional Touch screen, Blu-Ray Burner and Backlit Keyboard, more options to select for the Graphics card. Not to mention it's cheaper and can be configured with similar CPU, HDD, Mem. etc. dv6ste

Now my gf is looking to outshine me by getting the dv6 spec'd. this is embarassing.

I don't know what HP was thinking...direct competition for the Envy. Which is supposed to be their cream of the crop notebook I would think.

 

Do not underestimate screen size. In addition Envy has way better keyboard and touchpad. But DV6 wins in battery life I believe, and depending on which coupons are available at the time, the specs and price can really go either way.

Envy has backlit keyboard option as well I believe.

Supposedly HP underclocks the 5650 in the Envy so you may not get quite as good graphic performance, but how noticeable that would be, no idea.

Envy used to stand apart with Radiance screen option (do not think that was available in DV6?) but that is gone now.

 

I too was faced with this dilemma when I was searching for a new notebook. I ended up purchasing the dv6tse first and then returning it due to a faulty keyboard and bought the Envy instead.

My primary reason for the switch was build differences. Although some may disagree, in my honest opinion the build differences between the two models are significant, with the Envy being the victor.

Things about the dv6tse which I did not like:
- It has an additional row of Quick Launch buttons on the far left side of the keyboard which are very succeptible to being pressed by accident.
- It has a fingerprint reader which I knew I would never use.
- It has a tray rather than slot-load DVD drive, which may seem insignificant, but on the dv6tse that I had it didn't seem to lock tight and had a significant rattle.
- The keyboard of the dv6tse seemed mushy and soft. Granted I returned mine because one of the keys would not work unless pressed in a very specific spot, so it may just have been my machine, but the differences in the keyboard of the two devices seemed significant.
- The overall build quality of the dv6tse didn't feel as sturdy as the Envy. This is probably a very subjective and un-scientific comparison, I know, but truly the Envy just seems like a more solid machine because of its exterior components and design.

All of that being said, the differences between the dv6tse and the Envy which existed when I returned my dv6tse and purchased my Envy are no longer the same as the current line of the machines.

As noted by JVRR, the Envy used to have the Radiance (which I purchased on mine) and no longer does. In addition, the Envy used to be configureable with a 160 GB Intel SSD (which I also purchased on mine) but that is no longer an option either. To add insult to injury, the current dv6tse still offers the 160 GB Intel SSD for its configurable models and at a cheaper price than when it was being sold with the Envy. Also as makaveli72 mentioned, the dv6tse can be configured with a touch screen and with blue-ray, neither option of which is available for the Envy. I personally was not interested in either of these options, however, so they in no way swayed my decision.

It is a tough decision. The dv6tse does in fact have a higher clocked ATI 5650 graphics card, essentially the same screen as the Envy, and options for bluetooth and a backlit keyboard similar to the Envy, all for a cheaper price.

Even with the Radiance gone and the 160 GB Intel SSD option gone, however, I would still buy the Envy again over the dv6tse. But that is because I really care about differences in build quality and exterior details like no annoying Quick Launch keys, no fingerprint reader, and no rattling DVD drive. If you are wholly or primarily concerned with what is inside of the machine and/or price, the dv6tse may very well be the choice for you. It is certainly an impressive machine and its exterior really isn't that bad when compared with the majority of other laptops out there in my opinion, it just isn't quite up to par with the Envy.

As a final note, I have read some posts in which users suggested that overheating was more of a problem in the dv6tse than the Envy, but I can't verify any of that first hand and have not frequented the dv6tse forums enough to see if they were having significant issues with it.

Good luck in making your decision!