*HP ENVY 14 & ENVY 14 Beats (2XXX series) Owners Lounge*

Yeah I just got it this morning, I'm super happy with it, the low resolution doesn't even bug me and I hardly notice it at times, I will also be hooking it up to a display however when needed

btw, this is a must have: TwoFingerScroll_1_0_6.zip - two-finger-scroll - TwoFingerScroll 1.0.6 - Two finger gestures for Synaptics TouchPads on Windows - Google Project Hosting

The two finger scrolling isn't too bad however I'm never looking back after this install, it really is day&night, at least for me.

I set the scroll mode to smooth and speed to about 45 percent, 50 was a bit too fast for me, and it works flawless, funny how HP can't get it right themselves yet the last time this piece of freeware was updated was February of '09

you can also use a two finger tap to right click instead of the somewhat stiff clickpad button cheers

 

bummeerrrr, things were prefect until i used a 3d application, anyone getting a black or gray border on the right of the screen using such app's?

 

Is the mSATA slot soldered on for those of you who have ordered the ENVY 14-2000 without a SSD?

 

I'm looking at pulling the trigger soon on the SB Envy 14, and I had some concerns:

1) The Envy will be my primary driver for when I go to college in the Fall, and I'm really looking at having a nice and portable machine. I definitely didn't realize how big/heavy it is. According to this comparison, http://forum.notebookreview.com/7585042-post4052.html, the Envy 14 is right up there with a lot of 15.6" laptops in terms of size and weight. Do any of you guys have issues with that?

2) How is the battery life on the SB Envy? I'm really looking at hopefully around 6 hours--maybe 3-4 hours in class/library with mostly just some word processing and maybe some music (low brightness--my eyes don't like really bright screens). Also, I've considered the slice battery, which is think is a really awesome idea, but for the price and for the added size/weight (which I've already noted as an issue before the slice), I'm reconsidering it.

3) Are there any reviews out there? I've been checking out YouTube everyday since the SB dropped, and I haven't found a single unboxing or review, but maybe I've just missed them all.

Thanks guys--my brother is trying to pull the MBP card on me, but I'm really trying to stick the Envy .

 

Lets see If I can help.

1) I to got the envy SB for college also, looking to maybe upgrade in 3 years or so, but reguardless, great laptop so far. Going into the weight...seriously...people think 5.3-5.5lbs is heavy?? I mean this thing weighs less then my Economics binder that I had to drag around if thats saying anything. No, weight is not a problem at all. I did get a good backpack and could notice a weight increase, but hell, I havent carried a backpack around in like 3 months so that means nothing.

2) I promised myself that I was going to get something that is a total beast with power. My 6 year old desktop needed to be upgraded and I hated running games at low, and not even that, THE VIDEO LAG KILLED ME. So I went ahead and upgraded to the i7 2630qm which should get things done in the near future and the 6630 is nice and good, not to crazy and not to crappy. the first gen i5s where getting record 5-6 hours with low tweaks on the first envy, I think (dont take my word for it) with the new i5 2410 it will go up to 7-10 hours w/o slice, you do the math for the slice on it lol. My i7 get 5 hours with itunes up, youtube video on repeat and 3 tabs open so I am happy with that, and I got 1 more 8 cell battery with purchase. The slice does pack on some weight though, so try to find some reviews or ask around.

3) its 2011, and I still dont have a good cam to film stuff with or I would have done something by now.

Quick sum ups of the Envy 14 SB, its pretty powerful, get good battery life with i5s and i7s(no more than 5). Now quickly review of the Beats Audio that comes with it. First off, I am an audiophile, so sound means a lot to me. And hands down Beat Headphones where the biggest joke ever, biggest PILE ever, biggest waste of your money. When I found out about beats audio in this laptop, I rolled my eyes and was like what ever, dont care blah blah. Well I was wrong. For some reason Mr Dre decided to make a pair of 300$ headphones crappier than its own Audio interface for a PC. BEATS is pretty sick to mess around with, you have multiple sound options, can increase or decrease bass (first time I have seen an option like this, and BASS matters a lot to me) You can do things for recordings and set up mics and all sorts of things, so def props to that. Now why did the headphones fail and the software didnt, I dont know.

SCREEN: No radiance will be on it, so you will be left with the native 1368x1200 (something like that) To me its fine, I have no problem doing anything. A lot of people say it makes a difference, and I guess it does if you multitask a lot (a lot of tabs open, lots of windows side by side) other than that it still is totally fine (I am coming from a 1900x1200 LCD 24'' monitor so. But once again its me not you, and that is why I recommend for you to visit a bestbuy or some other computer outlet to see the screens or screen for yourself.

trying to think of what else I was gonna say...Oh ok, this will either apply to you or it will not, currently I am geting a lot of help from one of NBRs best, unclewebb in figuring out Throttling issues with the i7, heating and preformance things. Currently the i7 for me is spiking hella high while under an hour prime95 test (measuring around 80-90C when prime is ran for about 1 min then it goes down and hover between 70-79 and then tanks to 50-60.) While gaming, and CoolSense running either on Auto or "ON" I never go over 70C, but I am near that mark. As for the i5 2410 no clue what it runs games at. I kind of wish I got it instead of the i7, not sure if I can get a return, but I do enjoy this i7 a lot, for all its power, it runs games like a joke. I am scoring 140 fps on css stress tests (I know its only css but what ever) and geting around 90+ fps in L4D2.

If you have any questions just PM me, Hope this sorta helped

 

Hi @dcheng11. I have the previous version of the Envy 14 (1095) but perhaps my observations can be useful to you.

1) The form factor of this machine is the best part of its design. Its really hard to explain: using it you feel you are in front a 15" desktop replacement, but when you close it, the size shrinks to a pretty portable machine. The weight is OK, you "feel" by its size its more on the heavy part, but its not a brick like some Dells. For something more portable, you need to go to the 13", like a Sony Vaio Z.

2) Using the old Arrendale chipset I'm able to reach 4 hours of Internet usage. On a SB chipset you can expect 4:30 or 5, but HP really need to improve this part of the design, and many people have different experiences. The slice battery looks handy but some people complains about its weight.

@supfresh: I'm also very sensible to sound quality, and besides the integrated speakers that are crap, I'm having problems with the chipset in general. For me, the sound peaks too much on the treble and hurts my ears.
Hows your experience using the default values?

 

mmm...laptop speakers are never a good way to test anything, no matter what laptop you get, the speaker will be by far horrible and I agree with you. I pretty much wear headphones (ATH m50 and also use steelseries gaming headset) and I am getting amazing sound repercussion, you definitely can tweak the audio in the beats program. As for the default settings, I went back last night and hit default and just laughed at how mediocre the sound is, the beats audio on the other hand really brings the sound out (increases the color of it).

About the treble, is there anyway you can config it on the program? maybe decrease some other values to equalize the sound as a whole?

 

Thanks Supfresh. I'm testing using a pair of Panasonic clip-on headphones that I know are not the best (I'm planing to test using better hardware) but anyway, my point is: I have 4 notebooks at home, one of them a Netbook with some tiny speakers, none of them hurt my ears like the Envy and its high pitched tones, using both the internal speakers and the headphones.
Looks like the trebles are intended to tone down due to the powerful bass effect on the Beats thing, but because the speakers lack any bass, high tones just ramp up.

Yes, I don't have the Beats edition, but Window's properties allows you to control both bass and trebles. Anyway I was very curious about the effect and how others perceive it.

 

Thanks for all the replies! I'll keep on reading and most likely post a few questions back on here just cause I tend to be pretty paranoid (especially now, since I already had to RMA a dv6tqe). But thanks again and I hope all of you guys are enjoying your rigs!

 

Somnio it's your cheap crappy panasonic clip on headphones that's making it sound bad.

I have Grado RS1's as my open air headphones and I have my beloved JH Audio JH-13 custom in ear monitors. One of the biggest reasons I went with the envy series was because I wanted a laptop that put audio quality output as a priority. Even though the envy's headphone output is better then most I still use a USB dac and a headphone amp. The HeadRoom Micro DAC and micro amp are really nice and small and compact and really take audiophile sound to the next level. I spend more on sound reproduction then anything else in my life though.

 

Thanks laststop311, its good to know is not a problem in the Envy's hardware/drivers. I truly can hear that it sounds quite different from anything I have, but I'm not an audiophile to put my finger on.
BTW: I've found this thread on the official HP forums with several settings to improve the audio: Beats Audio EQ Setting/ Sound Advice - HP Support Forum

 

DV6tqe...for me, prob one of the worst laptops that HP has to offer, so I feel your pain

pretty much game over when you use those, You wont ever want to put on a pair of 50$ headphones ever again haha +1 to you Last

 

Hello,

I'm French, new on this forum, and I hope I'm not at the wrong place ;-)

So, I'd like to buy a notebook (14" or 15"), not heavy (less than 2,5 kg), thin (about 2,5 cm), with a Core i5 and a screen with 1600x900.

It seems that the new Envy 14 can be a good choice. I hesitate too with the ProBook 4530s.
Someone, here, said that the Envy 14 is like a 15" notebook when you use it and like a 13" when you carry it. Is it true ? Because if it is, it is exactly what I'm looking for ;-)

I have some more questions, but, please, tell me if it's not the right place...
So, besides your advices on these two models, do you have another ones to recommend me ?
And is it possible to buy an HP notebook on the US site when you're french ? Because all models are not the same...

Thank you very much (and sorry for my bad English).

David.

 

Hi,
I have written a review on the SandyBridge Envy 14. I hope it helps people looking to get one.
HP Envy 14 Sandy Bridge Review

Also, dbercot I would suggest either trying to find an HP envy 14 with a radiance screen, or getting a Macbook 15 with the 1680x1050 screen if you are willing to spend that much.

Stanley

 

Hello Stanley,

I've read your reviews (SandyBridge Envy 14 and the radiance screen one) and it seems that Envy 14 is a very good notebook ;-)

But there will be a SandyBridge model with the radiance screen, no ? I think I've seen informations about this on Internet...

And what about the ProBook 4530s ? Did you test it ? Is it very different from the Envy 14 ? I thought it has a similar form factor with metal pieces...

Thank you very much.

David.

 

Hi,
There won't be a sandybridge model with the radiance screen in the near future. If you need a decent graphics card then don't get the ProBook, however I have never tested it.

 

I think was me And yes, I feel this way using the notebook, but bear in mind that I have the 1600x800 radiance screen model. Closed, fits perfectly on my backpack, and its hard to notice you're carrying a Notebook this size, but feels a bit heavy. Its a shame you can't see one for yourself and feel the size and the weight.

Check with your local HP warranty before doing this, sometimes they force you to send the notebook back to the original country for support.

 

Are you sure about the Envy 14 ??? I don't understand why HP would do such a thing...

About the ProBook, the graphics card is not my priority. I'm looking for a thin and "beautiful" (solid ? metal ?) model. So, differences between these two models are not quite obvious to me.

David.

 

Well, I'd like to see and test it, but it is not quite easy...

OK. I'm going, first, to look for "good" models in France ;-)

David.

 

Stanley is correct. The maker of the Radiance display went out of business awhile ago and HP cannot get the screens anymore. This is quite a sore subject amongst Envy 14 users and has been for a long time. It's also one of the major letdowns of the Envy 14 SB refresh and the main reason why a lot of users won't spend the premium dollars for this laptop. HP's competitors have better SB 14" laptops in specs, but not looks; then again, "looks" is a matter of opinion.

 

OK. So, if I understand, I should give up the way "Envy 14" :-(

Do you know if, for the ProBook 4530s, there is a 1600x900 screen ? And with the same quality than the radiance display ?

You're talking about HP's competitors with better SB 14" laptops. Do you have some examples ?

Thank you.

David.

 

I wouldn't say give up, just determine if the Envy is right for you. Some people are perfectly happy with the brightview resolution and the other pluses of the laptop convince them it's worth the cash.

I never checked into any 14" laptops because I can't stand such a small screen; I'm an Envy 17 SB owner.

However, I've heard Dell, IBM, and Sony have comparable 14" laptops with better displays, though I hear that Dell and IBM are not as aesthetically pleasing and Sony is expensive. YMMV.

 

...and today, the SB Envy FINALLY showed up on the HP webpage in my country.. and after comparing the retail models, it looks like I will be getting the 2090eo (i7-2630/8gb/750gb)... when the HP partners gets stock

 

Does the new beats edition come with the slim travel charger?
And does it come with a sleeve like it used to?

 

yes and yes. I just got mine today. Custom ordered and finally showed up. Don't have pics up and don't really feel like it at the moment (too busy messing with the new laptop :] )

 

Haha thanks..no need for pics, an answer was all i wanted!
Custom ordered mine on the 9th, and shipped on the 15th..expecting it to come by tomorrow or Thursday.
Thank god it delivered before the expected 26th ship date

 

Whatt!?! I ordered mine on July 9th too! And it says mine is shipping on July 26!! How did yours ship 11 days early???

*whines*

 

No idea LOL
I was confused at first when I got the email, so I thought it was just saying the xbox was delivered or something.
Guess I got lucky?
But it's been stuck in Anchorage for the past 4 days, so that's been starting to annoy me lolol

 

What is the "slim travel charger"? Could you provide any pictures/links? I've seen the charger that came with first-gen Envy's--the slim (in my eyes) one with the extra USB port to charge phones and stuff. Is that it, or is this new one even slimmer? And do you know if the charger/sleeve comes with the regular, non-Beats Edition SB Envy 14?

 

Looking forward to my ENVY 14-2006TX!
Hopefully I will get one that works after 4 defective 1200 series.

 

I'll let you know when i get mine..it comes in today!

Edit: Here's the pic; I think it's the one you were talking about..it's 90w fyi

And sorry, Idk about the non-Beats edition

 

It is confirmed the same adapter is used for both 1xxx and 2xxx series.

 

I really Envy you guys getting the new version of the laptop (pun intended).
I have only had mine for 10 months, so it is much too early to upgrade.

 

can I also post stuff here about the beats edition?

 

I have one of the 65W slim travel adapter , it looks like the one pictured above.

What I love about it is that it's slim, has a wall plug adapter and a USB port for charging devices or running a laptop cooler.

I have no issues with it even while gaming (I have an i5) , but some people reported having "stuttering" issues while gaming on an i7-720.

It would imply the 65w is not enough to power an i7 (45W) but is ok for an i5 (35W)

 

Wow, I didn't expect so many responses about just the AC adapter, but more is always better thanks! It looks really nice and slim, and the USB port is awesome. I'm getting an i5 most likely, so I guess I'm basically problem-free from this perspective .

 

note that I bought my 65w off of ebay for a much lower price than HP.. .

 

How much did you get it for?

The 90W is selling here in Singapore for SGD99 (about US$119) from HP.

 

Any news on when the envy is going to be available in Canada?

 

Woot mine shipped. ETA July 27.

 

are there any coupons out for the Envy......

i am looking for $100 one but can't find one....

and the NBY6198 $150 never really works for me...maybe cause i have $100 student discount

 

You can't combine EPP discounts with coupons - at least I haven't been able to

 

are you planning on customizing your envy? because my plan as of right now is to buy from amazon:

Amazon.com: HP ENVY 14-2020NR 14.5-Inch Notebook (Silver): Computer & Accessories

this one is $945 and comes with a 750gb 7200rpm hdd, which is a $80 upgrade from hp direct. you also don't need to pay for tax if you buy from amazon. couple that with an amazon prime account (not sure how all that works out...), and it's a good deal.

hp direct: $999 + $80 (hdd) + tax (7% for me)
amazon: $945

i still haven't pulled the trigger though...

 

well the amazon one has more HDD but 2gb less ram..

and if your a student the price goes down 10% in hp.....and then you can use a $50 coupon which they send through email to get it down to around $910.... i was looking for around $850

 

Got my Envy 14! I got it before the estimated SHIPPING time. lol
Updating a crap load of stuff.

I'll post a video later.

 

I got my laptop a week ago and i'm loving this computer. The screen resolution can be tough to adjust to but its really not too bad. One question I have is: what is that button on the keyboard in between the right side of "alt" and "ctrl" or under the "?" key?

 

^ I have no clue what that button is. Any1 know?

So I'm getting 4 hrs according to battery meter which is obviously wrong. Is the only way to get the right reading is to discharge the battery? Or is there some other way.

 

Is the SB envy 14 sata 3?

 

as far as i know its a button alternative to right clicking.

 

if you want a fat coupon, the dv6t quad edition has decent discounts. And you can get that real nice screen and video card upgrades.

Only downsides are the lack of backlit keyboard, slightly bigger (15.6 vs 14.5) and the build has more plastic.