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

can someone explain to me if without turbo boost, do the single cores run at 2.4ghz (and if so..dude that's still better than my poor old core2duo t7200's 2ghz stuff)

asking this because dual core, quad core, yadda yadda stuff still confuses me sometimes.


miss the good old days of "Higher ghz is better" and "dude that p4 is aweso-OH GOD MY LAP"

 

I know. Student discount is also 10%, which is why I said it doesnt make a difference to me

 

Its still twice as good as old core 2 duo anyway (core 2 duo = one thread per core, i5 and i3 370m = 2 thread per core).

And for anyone wanting an extra snappy system and not a "encoding machine of doom" you'll get 10x more daily use performance for your buck by putting the money of cpu upgrade into that 300$ 160 go SSD offer.
Personally I was going to get a 150$ momentus XT but in the end I'll go for i3 370 + that 160gig ssd... I bet my left nut that this will be faster than a 7200 rmp envy running on quad core 840QM for everything that doesn't come to coding decoding large files.
160 go is really an optimal balance between storage space and speed for the ssd choice... provided you have an external sata 2.5" usb powered drive to store heavy stuff I can't see how you'll run out of space on that.
Remember that SSD also improves battery life by nearly 5% and makes your computer totally ninja SILENT. (You may aswell knock out people for self defense with your envy without worrying damaging your hard drive ! Awesome)

 

Reps have no idea when coupons or discounts are coming out, maybe they'll have a day or two advance warning is all. Only the management of sales and marketing will probably know.

 

160gb is far too small of a hdd

 

With turbo boost, let's take for example, the i5-520M. The standard operating frequency is 2.4GHz (though when idle it will clock down much lower, any processor does this). Therefore, both cores are guaranteed to operate at 2.4GHz if they're both maxed out. However with turbo boost, if one core is under heavy load, the other core can actually be shut down entirely, and then the single core will be overclocked to the max turbo frequency, which with the i5-520M is 2.93GHz.

So, if you're playing a game or using an application that can only utilize one core, that single core can overclock the 2.93GHz to increase performance, while the other is shut down.

It's just a nice feature to have, and I would choose the 2.26GHz Core i5 over the 2.4GHz Core i3 any day. The vast majority of applications and all but more recent games utilize only a single core. Plus, the .14GHz between the Core i3 and the Core i5 is negligible.

 

What is the consensus on the Amazon HP Envy 14, do we think the screen is actually 1366 x 768?

 

Check this page: Compare Intel® Products,

Essentially there are two clock speeds for i5 / i7 processors - base clock speed, and turbo boost speed. Turbo boost kicks in when your processor is only using fewer than max cores (so, for example, 1 out of 2 cores is being used); the core in use is clocked higher to help single-threaded performance, while the other core is shut off to lower heat and power consumption in the mean time.

i3s DO NOT have turbo boost, so they run at whatever speed they're initially set at, and IIRC, do not turn off any cores. In the end, the i3 is probably slightly more power efficient, unless you get the i5 430M and turn off turbo boost (and then, who knows).

 

Ah. I see.


also amazon consensus is "yes it has a 1366x768 unless someone actually gets one and it has the bigger screen"

 

Just a thought:

I already have an Intel X25-M G2 160GB that I'll be installing in the unit myself. The OS and a few applications will go on the SSD, while I'll be using the power-over-eSATA connection and an external, 500GB, 7200 RPM hard drive for my games and documents. That might be one possibility.

 

Ok I am about to order this baby but...I know people on the Envy 17s were saying that the HDD were causing the heating issues. Would there be a difference in heat output from a 320GB and a 500GB HDD? If not I will order the 500GB since it is only $40 more.

 

No, Turbo Boost is engaged when it needs the power regardless of number of cores used. It is just " binned" in 133MHz increments, depending on how much power is needed. You can get up to max speed with 1 or 2 threads on a single core, or slightly less on both cores.

In the case of the 520m, it has base speed of 2.4GHz, binned at 2/4 which means +266MHz / +533MHz above base speed of 2.4GHz so it can reach as high as 2.67GHz for two core operation (three or four threads) or 2.93GHz for single core operation (one or two threads). 430m and 450m are binned at 2/2 which means it will only max out at +266MHz over base speed (2.26GHz and 2.40GHz respectively) regardless of how many threads are running.

 

Hi, i've been looking to get a nice portable laptop for awhile. I wanted a switchable graphics that's able to play sc2, bc2, HoN, as well as play blu-rays. I was looking at the asus n82jv, acer 4820tg, and envy14. However, I noticed that you currently cannot configure the envy14 with blu-ray drives? Anyone know if there'll be a blu-ray upgrade similar to the dv6t-se types?

 

at the moment, probably not.


maybe in the distant future.


sure hp also sells an external blu-ray drive but...eh.

 

I doubt it. Honestly, your best bet would be to ask an Envy 17 owner to swap drives (and give him some cash).

I'd assume the Envy 17's Blu-ray drive is compatible with the Envy 14.

 

Should I go for two 8 cell's or the slice? Wouldn't two 8cells last longer since the slice is 6 cell?

 

I ordered 2 envys. Amazon one and one from HP. I have a $500 gc to amazon, and I need the laptop before I leave for a vacation on July 11th. I paid for 1 day shipping on Amazon and 2 day on HPs website...

However, if my HP order ships before my amazon order, I will be cancelling my Amazon order, to get my shipping cost back, but may order from them again with free super saver if i find out it is the better screen for sure.

 

Nope. They didn't add the blu-ray because they couldn't find one slim enough to fit in the Envy 14.

 

Should. Except you'd have to swap out the batteries, with the slice you just leave it plugged in.

 

For some reason, I assumed the Envy 14 and the Envy 17 were the same thickness. I suppose I stand corrected.

Oh well. I don't think many would have opted for a Blu-ray drive, as I'm sure it would have been something like $150 more.

 

They're so cute when they're young.

 

This is my first post on the forum, but ive been following the Envy 17&14 threads for a while.
I ordered the Envy 14 through HP + EPP
i5-520 + 500GB + Slice. All the rest is stock. I'll be making a review as soon as I get it...

 

Yea that's true turboboost is designed to overclock all cores by a few bins but that's only IF and only IF the cpu is under the power and temperature maximum limits. If a single threaded app requires full power one core will practically get shut down to fuel the other one without crossing temperature and TDP limitation.

 

Yes, yes, please do. Almost no one has to date put out any kind of thorough Envy 17 review, so I think we're all hoping someone will take a couple hours to evaluate the Envy 14 thoroughly.

If you can, a video review on YouTube would be absolutely stellar.

 

If I created a normal account on HP is there a way to modify it so that I get the student discount?

OR do I have to create a whole new account and just enter in a different email address?

I wasn't sure how to do it at the time of registration so I assumed I could change my account afterward.

 

Hello all. I've been lurking for a couple of years and just now registering. I had a dm3z for a few months but sold it recently to a family member whose laptop died from jumping off a table. I just ordered theEnvy 14 an hour or so ago and look forward to sharing info. I stuck with the base config but substituted the 500GB drive and thru in the Targus Zip Thru bag. I'm on the lame side i know I'm not a heavy user but like solid built machines and have been waiting on an envy this size with a backlit keyboard.

 

I only use about 80gb of my 320gb hard drive. I'd be fine with a 120 or 160gb SSD.

I really want one of these, they look incredible... but I'm going to wait for A) Reviews B) Increased options C) Coupons or other discounts. I can't afford to spend 1500 (-150 from student discount) on a laptop I don't really need. With the Acer 3820tg out of the picture, I'll guess I'll have to wait quite some time.

 

I'm pretty sure you just modify it to be an HPA account. Search something like "education store" or "student discount" on HP's website.

The base model is still great, honestly... If there were no other options other than the base model, I'd still go with it. The Envy 14 just seems to be balanced in all aspects.

 

For the past year there have been coupons codes nearly every week. If not weekly then bi-weekly. The rep doesn't know what they're talking about.

 

I know, Ive suffered myself from the complete lack of information on the 17. It's quite stupid on HP's part not to have given access to the computer to at least some reviewers.

=> More than the 10% BCB.

 

That's silly. People are providing coupon codes and ways to shave as much as 25% off a $1,000+ purchase. Seeing as how it takes all of five seconds to use them, that's a no-brainer.

Exactly what I'm waiting for. I'm just really curious to see how that touchpad and battery life is going to turn out; if it compares to the MacBook Pro, I'm interested.

 

would a 320gb hdd put off less heat than a 500gb ? Or does it have no connection to heat at all

 

Really no connection. Going to a 5400RPM drive would likely lower heat, noise, and vibration, though. Power consumption, too, I believe.

 

it does not, i guarantee it. dm4t and envy 17 owners, both of which share the same touchpad, complain about the touchpad (& heat) the most. nothing can match the macbook pro in terms of touchpad fluidity

 

What does the "slice" battery look like? The config page only said it was "oversized", but does it look like the one in the picture of the oversize battery or is it something different?

 

I also bought the amazon version with 1 day shipping (it was like 10$ ! STEAL)!

Im hoping to be the first to actually get it (seeing as these are prebuilt models, and they can ship any day now).

il also let you guys know if the screen is 1600x900 or not. Im not getting my hopes up, i dont even need such a high resolution.

 

It doesn't, its a flat battery that attaches to a port on the bottom of the laptop and spans the size of the laptop. Basically, it allows you to run your computer off two batteries rather than one without messing with the overall size too much.

 

images.google.com search "envy slice battery". Welcome to the internets.

 

I like how on the 4th of July sale it says "save up to $365 on all i5 laptops", and then they make the envy 14 base an i3 so it doesnt qualify and they also make the 15 and 17 only i7s, so the whole envy line doesnt qualify for that sale.

Sometimes HP you just know how to push my buttons

| HP® Official Store

 

Wait.....

Is the 6-sell "oversized" battery they are offering for $200 the slice? If so, thats ridiculous!

 

Ok, im gonna buy the envy from US and ship here to Canada.

How does warranty work? is it only for US residents because i bought from HP US or it just follow the computer worldwide?

 

Ordered. 1300 bucks. I am thinking if the i520 was worth the +175, maybe should have not opted for it. Hope it will be worth it in 3-4 years though.

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

 

Oh, that's actually pretty cool. I thought it meant it would go in and just be more like an oversized battery but instead of being thicker, it would have a thin part that sticks out to the bottom of the laptop. Good to know.

I didn't realize that the other Envys had the slice battery too, because people have been talking about it so much I figured it was something new... I'm seeing the pics now

 

ordered!

•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
•$1! SAVE NOW!! Norton Internet Security(TM) 2010 - 15 Month Subscription (activation required)
•HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

$1209 with 10% academic discount July 7 build date

 

NP. Sorry, I've been following this thread and the previous one pretty closely and know not everyone has, considering how fast its moving. Only seen a half dozen questions about 20 times is all.

 

does anyone have an idea or guesses as to the noise and heat that these laptops will have? this is a major sticking point for me

(assume i have the ATI switched off at all times)

how were the 13s and 15s for noise?

 

hoping we get a range if i3, i5-430m, i5-520m orders.. how's the HP community with benchmarking 3dmark, gaming etc? I'm coming from the AW NBR community and yeah, we bench a LOT. Maybe by the time I'm set on getting the envy14 there will be some solid benchmark numbers to determine which is best bang for the buck.

Second note, people mentioned that it took a month for Envy 17's from order date to doorstep. Did the build by date show a month or was it just delayed? Dell EDD for me has always arrived ahead of schedule. Thanks!

 

Is the i3-370M sufficient for photoshop, deamweaver, and flash development?

 

the i3 is sufficient for almost anything out there. Is it as snappy as i5's? It will really depend on how hard you push it. I know that is not a clear answer, but really the answer comes down to your expectations. You can run all of those different software programs easily with an i3.

 

Do you think there will be quick-ship E14 models like the E15 has? I know Amazon has one, but that setup isn't the greatest. I'm also hoping they will lower the upgrade cost of the 520m. $175 upgrade is ridiculous and the fact that the base system starts $100 more than they orginally told us. I wonder if you complained enough, maybe they would stand behind their $999 price?