*HP ENVY 14 (1XXX series) Owners Lounge, Part 1*

It was already in production. The rep told me Id have to cancel my order and make a new one, and asked me why I wanted to cancel it. I explained the whole 450/520 thing and how a SSD would be better for me than a HDD (props to the rep who didn't know what a SSD was...)
Eventually he told me I could go ahead with a cancellation and a re-order, but that in case I changed my mind he'd offer me a 100$ rebate. I didn't push for it or anything, he just offered it...

 

Were you using a student discount? My mind is teeming with ways I can try this XD

 

Im using EPP...

 

Operating system Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-430M Dual Core processor (2.26GHz, 3MB L3 Cache) with Turbo Boost up to 2.53GHz
Memory 4GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
Hard drive 256GB (Solid State Drive Flash Module)
Graphics card 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 5650 switchable graphics - For Dual Core Processors
Display 14.5" diagonal HD+ HP Radiance Infinity LED Display (1600x900)
Primary optical drive SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
Personalization HP TrueVision HD Webcam + Dual Digital Integrated Microphones
Networking Intel Wireless-N Card with Bluetooth
Included Software Bundle Corel(R) PaintShop Photo(TM) Pro X3 + Corel(R) VideoStudio(R) Pro X3
Keyboard Full-size island-style backlit keyboard
Primary battery One 8 Cell Lithium Ion (standard) +One 6-Cell Extended-Life Lithium-Ion Polymer Battery (over-sized)
Office software Microsoft(R) Office Starter 2010
Security software $1! SAVE NOW!! Norton Internet Security(TM) 2010 - 15 Month Subscription (activation required)

For someone that wont be storing movies or a ton of songs on my computer...for fast and long lasting battery life would you recommend keeping this configuration or go to the 160 GB SSD and increase the i5 model?

 

this thread is growing too fast lol.

 

I would go to the 160 GB SSD and keep the processor the same. Unless you are doing something CPU intensive, the i5 430 is sufficient.

 

I'd say go for the 160 gb SDD.

I've realized its best to just see what all the fuss is about. Here, if you are REALLY having doubts about its cost,

Intel 160 GB Internal hard drive

This is what convinced me. This google search.

If you don't want it, take it out and sell it. Lol.
If you do like it, which people have told me I will, then you don't have to change anything

 

I just wanted to chime in on the short Mac vs PC debate. I do feel the Envy line is competitive against the Macbook line and from a simple cost to hardware comparison the Envy 14 beats a MBP 13/15/17" any day. Is it all about that though? Often times, yes, you want more bang for the buck. Well look at the Envy 13, it's a high priced machine and sure as hell does not compare to any 13" Macbook, not even the specs.

Anyway, I've owned a Unibody MacBook before and I loved it. It wasn't until I became hooked on PC gaming again that I yearned for a more powerful machine in which Apple could not offer. But to call it a crappier machine is silly. You haven't even used an Envy 14 to compare it. Making that "crappier" statement based on other Envy lines? I've heard more issues coming from those than any MacBook Pro. I have no problem with HP copying the MBP design but the trackpad is laughable compared to the MBP's. The unibody design is superb and the EXTREMELY accessible customer/tech support is top notch. No other company have I been able to speak to a person directly and discuss my issues. Just last month my GF's white macbook had an issue with it, they took it in, replaced nearly everything including other issues we did not know about and returned to our door in 3 business days. I've been on the phone with Dell/Alienware regarding my M11x for probably a total of ten hours just to get a fix for various fan/hinge problems. At least 2 of those hours included waiting times in the middle of troubleshooting!

Enough ranting, but yes the Envy 14 is a great cost to performance but seriously, there's a reason Apple's products are extremely popular. You can't just say people do it for the cool factor, not that many people are naive. Not to mention I have yet to see anyone at my University with an Envy 13/17. I just found it funny you say it's a crappier machine.

 

That should sort out the Mac v PC side topic.

 

Let's stay on topic please.

 

Ok dad.

 

Sorry XD

I just think that the price involved in getting a machine that (in theory) is less powerful is overly high,

But more importantly I think I just dislike Mac owners (sorry, not to stereotype)

I actually love mac's regardless of being overpriced they are (to me) the best looking laptop available, they're really slick looking.

Having said that, the majority of people I know who own mac books in orange county frequently tell me "My mac is better than your computer" (an Asus N50v-n) which is not only untrue but they paid more for it than I did marginally.

Then, when I inform them the specs of my $900 laptop being better than their $1400, they persist to inform me mac is just better anyways, having no idea what they are talking about and say THEN WHY IS IT MORE EXPENSIVE (in disbelief they paid too much)... its really obnoxious.

Sorry to anyone who is a Mac user who isn't smug like that,

These are just people I know, anecdotal maybe even.

EDIT*
Oh yeah, and then people tell me that the reason they have a Mac is the only computer capable of using their graphic editing. They have no idea what a video card is, but they heard this back in 2005 and are 100% bull true on it.

 

i've never seen a 14.5" laptop before. Would it be difficult to find a case for it? I couldn't find one on amazon. Any ideas?

 

[pooring oil]

 

A 15'' case.

*or a MBP case *

 

Excellent question. Cases for Envy 14 anyone?

 

Whoop! You used up your off topic credits. Going to have to charge you on your next.

And once you get in ol' Bricktop's pocket, you never get out.

BTW, a Mac is more than the sum of it parts. Or something like that.

So... about that Envy 14...

 

besides saving money is there any benefit of getting the 450 over the 520? also, if i will be dual booting windows 7 and linux/using VMWare to run both at once how much RAM should I get?

 

Pulled the trigger on Sunday night, haven't got a chance to post yet.

Seems like not many owners yet in the owners forum - everyone is just waiting for coupons still I suppose (or holding out for the off chance they start offering the i5 540m or the i7 620m). My plan is to just reorder/return if any crop up here in the next month or so.

The price jump didn't bother me much, it was the lack of higher-powered dual-core processing options that really bugged me. I REALLY wanted the i7 620m in this thing and would have paid a pretty penny for it too, but I guess HP doesn't want my cash... Not sure what their thought was on that one, when the less prestigious dm4t offers a Core i7 620m option. I talked to customer support and they said they don't speculate about future offerings - go figure.

Anyways, here's my spec - I'm regretting the i5 520m decision over the i5 450m, but whatever. I'll pay my stupid tax. I could've put that towards an SSD instead.

Came out to $1205.99, or $1281.36 after IL tax.

HP ENVY 14 customizable Notebook PC
• Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-520M Dual Core processor (2.40GHz, 3MB L3 Cache) with Turbo Boost up to 2.93GHz
• 4GB DDR3 System Memory (1 Dimm)
• 500GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
• 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
Estimated build date: July 7, 2010

 

First post of this thread has a link to a comparative of the CPUs. That should give you some guidance as to what, if any, benefits there may be.

As for running Win7 and Linux Via WM, 4GB might be enough depending on what you are doing in each environment. But I've run VMs on 4GB and was fine. Ran Linux(Ubuntu) and Win XP in VM on both Vista and Win7 with 4GB and never ran out of RAM.

 

If you're gonna use the slice battery, you'll need to make sure there is enough room for it. Besides, the Envy 14 looks a bit porky to me to start with (compared to the thin & light 14'' variety). Hopefully HP will provide us with a good sleeve / case that can accommodate the Envy 14's characteristics. Then again, maybe not.

 

Thanks but won't it wiggle around a lot? I will look into the MBP cases.

 

There's a 14.5 inch notebook sleeve on the accessories page when you're building the envy. should be perfect.

 

Just ordered my Envy 14! Everything stock except the i5 430m, came out to 1106 after tax, just over the starting price (care of HPA). I have to ask, what is this I hear about a $100 rebate? That would certainly sweeten this deal up quite a bit, I'd get the exact machine they advertised (radiance, i5) for the cost they advertised AFTER tax. What the win?

 

Do you guys really think there is going to be a 25% BCB? That would be amazing if there was, and I would buy the envy in a heartbeat if the 25% discount was available, but 25%??? That seems so high...

 

SLIGHTLY off-topic question:

Ok, I'm thinking about ditching the 3-year warranty from HP. What do you guys recommend doing in the event that my laptop experiences a hardware failure? Should I look up a laptop repair center in my area??

 

I really hope one comes back soon! I'd jump on the Envy 14 in a heartbeat as well It was 25% a few days before release, so here's hoping to it going back up again.

 

If you have an AMEX of platinum level Visa/MC, they have extended warranties for free. Various names for the program. But either call them or look at the literature that came with your card.

Also, there is squaretrade warranty. Not free but cheaper than most Manufacturer extended warranties.

Lastly, the service manual should be available in a few days. It's well documented and has illustrations for disassembly. You may find that you can do the repairs yourself with this manual. I've done a number of mods/upgrades and repair work using these manuals for myself and others.

 

HP has a nice simple comparison of processors in a PDF. Might be decent for the FAQ.

http://www.hp.com/sbso/solutions/pc...-business-gbb-guide.pdf?jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN

 

Here's the dicey part... it could come back but at 15%

Worse possible thing because some would wager that it might still go to 25% and end up missing the 15% as the program expires.

So my advice... if it goes to anything over 10%, take it. If it subsequently goes to 25%, cancel the order and reorder with the 25%.

As me papa used to say, "a bird in the hand is better than a thousand in flight."

 

Yeah, but I'm not counting on AMEX after hearing stories about what they've been doing since 2009. I hear they've been regularly issuing then canceling CCs right before the rebate is due. Some say it's because they're taking on more stringent credit requirements and banking on not having to give rebates.


Squaretrade is great and all, but without discounts, the price really isn't low enough for me.


Do most people on NBR fix their own problems?

 

Does anyone know if the printers listed on the printers tab are the only ones you can get a combo discount on? I wanted a high-en all-in-on they sell, but it doesn't appear under the Envy's "Printer" tab.

EDIT: Added it to my cart and got the discount. Boy is it a discount when you add in the EDU discount!

 

I was planning on getting this Costco warranty after I got my Envy 14, but I don't have a Costco membership, so I was just going to have a family member pick it up and mail me the box. This should work ok because HP warranties are activated online, correct?

 

True, but with just one month remaining, that's a slim window for HP Direct's BCB to rise and stay at to 15% for a few days, then rise again to 25%. All we'll need to do is order in July, keep an eye out for a BCB promotion or a coupon, then just return/re-order or call HP for a discount of the difference if/when BCB rises again. Then again, there's a slim window in between July 1st-10th in which if we buy, we'd get screwed if BCB were to rise anytime between the 22th and 31st. But that's a real worst case scenario. I'm no math major, but I'm going to assume for now that BCB won't fluctuate that much. I wouldn't be too surprised if BCB were to rise just once during the next month.

 

Too right about AMEX. I went on holiday a few years ago and they froze my account asking for stubs and tax returns. I told them, "right, just as soon as I get back from .... HOLIDAY ya muppets!" Never leave home without it? Yes, the "it" being a backup Visa. Got it sorted but I never bought more than booze and gas with it afterwards.

Anyway, I don't think most do their own repairs but the trend may start seeing as there's been a steady uptick in HP repair horror stories. Some have resorted to filing small claims against HP. (There's a thread on that here somewhere.)

I'm just full of gloom and doom.

Happy thoughts? I never had a reason to send a notebook back to HP. I own 5 on them currently. That should lift your spirits.

(BTW, I have no pets or kids and I have OCD so I'm tidy. )

 

Hey guys, I paid the extra $25 to get the 4gb 1 stick, because I have no idea whether or not I'll add in another later. But after reading this thread a bit more, I realized that I probably won't add an additional stick, are there any downsides to having 1 stick as opposed to two 2gb sticks?

 

The 1 stick will be lonely and might develop a complex.

Ha! No seriously though, it will mean a slight imperceptible loss in performance. 0-5%. So no worries.

 

we should get the turtle and bunny going again to July 7th lol

 

Just wanted to let any 520m owners with the same dilemma as me (that is, would rather have the $100 savings for the 450m) know, if you call HP and tell them you want to cancel your order because you wanted a 450m instead, they will ask you if getting that processor changed is really important, or if you would accept an $100 credit to your order instead.

Here's the steps to an easy $100 off:

1. Call HP at 1-888-650-1544 (this is their CTO PC cancellation line)
2. Tell them you ordered the 520m processor option, but would like to know if you can change that to the 450m processor option.
3. They will tell you that once you place an order, it is final, however you can attempt to request a cancellation, otherwise you will have to return it.
4. Tell them you understand and this is okay.
5. They will ask for your order number, give this information to them (can be found by clicking on order status at hp.com and logging in). You will also need to verify billing/shipping address info
6. Right before they process the cancellation, they will first ask how important making the change to your processor is.
7. Ask them what they had in mind instead.
8. They will offer the $100 credit for not cancelling your order
9. Accept the offer.
10. Enjoy your $100 credit!!

 

But would it be possible to add in the same 4gb stick by buying one from newegg? This being once we find out what module it is, unless its proprietary?

I apologize, I'm a novice at this.....first and only laptop I'll have for the next 8+ years, so I just want to make sure what I do now won't hurt me down the road.

 

Sorry why is it again that you would want the 450 over the 520?

 

HP uses several different vendors. Elipida and Samsung as an example. You'll know when you open it up and take a peak.

Let's say you want to get the RAM years from now. You could probably get (2) 4GB sticks for the price on 1 today. This is in case you can't find the exact match in the future. SO there's nothing to worry about. You can get RAM from many sources.

 

about to order:

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)
320GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
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
$1! SAVE NOW!! Norton Internet Security(TM) 2010 - 15 Month Subscription (activation required)
FREE Upgrade to Computrace LoJack for Laptops, Four Years from One Year
$10 OFF! Cyberlink DVD Suite Premium 7
HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope
Estimated build date: July 9, 2010


any suggestions/thoughts? i decided to forgo an additional warranty. they're just too expensive, and I figure I can always add one on over the next year if I have to.

 

When do you think this will be stocked by other retailers or quick ship models will be introduced (besides Amazon's) ? With such a good base configuration, minus the processor, there might be even more to save on those models. I like customized computers but not as much as I like the money saved in mass produces models.

 

Do you think that $100 credit will work if everyone on the board starts doing it?
I'll try lol.


Oh no I completely forgot about the engraving on the Envy 14 that I personally am not a fan of.

I will have to look into a good skin that will cover it and is easily taken off, does anyone have any suggestions for a good skin/ skin site??

 

great, thanks 2.0, I thought I'd have to cancel the order-re-order tomorrow with 2-Dim and have my built date pushed back to July 12, but I'm at ease now knowing it won't make that much of a difference.

 

Since the envy is basically a macbook pro ripoff, talking about mac vs pc issues is somewhat on topic, heres my 2 bits.

Mac's used to be great back in the 80s and everyone had one, I had several of the first models and also an apple2gs. They are only now coming back into style because of the success of the ipod, they have become a fashion statement for the web 2.0 generation who just yesterday discovered the internet and love the looks of these new innovative i-products! Everyone who talks about a mac, the first thing they mention is how it looks, how it functions is only an afterthought to them apparently. Old macs were ugly as sin, we just wanted it to run our programs! I'm not saying Mac's suck today, but using a computer as a fashion accessory is kind of retarded, the rest of us need a real reason to use a mac, especially when they are so expensive. The macs I had in the 80s costed around 3k to 5k each, same as they do today, but back then you had a lot fewer choices than you do today and there's really no excuse for them to continue charging so much.

 

Sorry for my poor assumptions - I'd want the 450m over the 520m solely for the price to performance savings. The 520m doesn't seem to be worth the $100 upgrade for my purposes, so the $100 credit takes care of that.

 

Yeah...the holiday cancellation is no surprise--no need to have a statistics expert tell you that's when spending and thus rebates are at their highs. I know AMEX is a business, but still!


Small claims, eh? A notebook's a notebook. I'm surprised at that notebooks even hold up nicely considering how they get carried around regularly and the brittleness of their components. I buy them with the understanding I'm incurring a risk.

I may just opt to save the usual $150-$200 and just get after-warranty service in the event something happens. I always have the chance to buy the warranty later on in the year. No kids or pets either and I'm personally mildly OCD myself. My Dell and Asus despite numerous trips to coffeeshops and libraries never got any noticeable nicks on them. The beauty of having a notebook as your primary productivity machine is you never get annoying requests to lend them out.\


My only fear is a repeat of what happened to the Dell. After 1 year and 9 months of regular usage and good treatment, the screen just died. Everything else functioned properly as I could plug an external monitor and see everything ok.

 

So the 21 day return window starts the day you recieve it right? Well if I were to order today, I wouldnt get my laptop until at LEAST the 15th. So thats a full 36 days that I can either cancel my order or return it. So if a good coupon does come up this month, couldn't i just return/cancel my current one and reorder with BCB or whatever coupon comes up?