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    HP Envy 14 Beats Edition - Buy or Pass?

    Discussion in 'HP' started by gunny5821, Sep 15, 2011.

  1. gunny5821

    gunny5821 Notebook Evangelist

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    I'm considering an HP Envy 14 Beats Edition purchase, but wanted to come here and get some solid feedback prior to purchasing. Here are the specifications on the Laptop:

    HP Envy 14-1260SE, eight-cell lithium-ion battery & AC adapter:
    2.66GHz Intel Core i5-480M processor, up to 2.9GHz with Turbo Boost
    14.5" diagonal HD HP BrightView Infinity LED display, 1366x768 resolution
    6GB DDR3 RAM
    750GB 5400 RPM SATA hard drive, ProtectSmart hard drive protection
    Slot-loading SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW drive, double-layer support
    802.11a/g/n WiFi
    Bluetooth technology
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5650 switchable graphics with 1024MB DDR3 RAM, 3738MB total RAM
    Beats Audio
    HP TrueVision HD webcam, integrated mic
    Backlit keyboard
    10/100/1000 ethernet
    Energy Star-qualified
    SD, MMC card reader
    Two USB 2.0 ports
    HDMI, USB 2.0/eSATA, RJ-45, mini display ports
    Headphone/mic combo jack
    Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium, 64-bit
    Microsoft Office Starter 2010
    HP MediaSmart 4.0
    Adobe Photoshop Elements 8
    Adobe Premiere Elements 8
    Measures approximately 14"L x 9-3/8"W x 1-1/8"H; weighs 5.69 lbs
    Leather deluxe carrying case
    McAfee for 4 years
    COST - $1129.99

    I will be using it for gaming (DAO, DA2, ME2, Battlefield 3, Elder Scrolls V, etc..) and everything else in between. It looks to be a really quality item! So, what should I do, buy it or pass on it?

    Gunny
     
    gunny5821, Sep 15, 2011
    #1
  2. cam121

    cam121 Notebook Evangelist

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    Sounds expensive for a last gen Envy without a radiance display. If the brightview display is accetable to you, then you should look at the second generation SB versions. With coupons, you can get a similarly priced system brand new.
     
    cam121, Sep 15, 2011
    #2
  3. ironman

    ironman Notebook Evangelist

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    If you are in the US, no way.
     
    ironman, Sep 15, 2011
    #3
  4. zeth006

    zeth006 Traveler

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    Even in this recession, your dollars still go a much longer way.


    Go for a Samsung Series 7. More bang for buck.
     
    zeth006, Sep 15, 2011
    #4
  5. gunny5821

    gunny5821 Notebook Evangelist

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    Thanks for the input, but I don't understand what you mean by getting a "2nd Edition". Can you provide a link that will point me to what you are referring to..

    Thanks!
     
    gunny5821, Sep 16, 2011
    #5
  6. cam121

    cam121 Notebook Evangelist

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    Just go to HP's website and check out the current Envy models. They start with 2xxx in the model number. The CPU model numbers also start with ix-2xxx instead of ix-xxx (like i5-480).
     
    cam121, Sep 16, 2011
    #6
  7. lvckldfsakoakoa

    lvckldfsakoakoa Notebook Enthusiast

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    I agree about the Samsung.

    It does look great really, it's almost perfect to be honest. That's if it has good cooling and a high quality screen anyway.

    Either way it would be a lot better than the Envy.
     
    lvckldfsakoakoa, Sep 16, 2011
    #7
  8. ironman

    ironman Notebook Evangelist

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    I say buy a tablet pc for windows 8..
     
    ironman, Sep 16, 2011
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  9. cam121

    cam121 Notebook Evangelist

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    Haha.... that won't be a viable option for at least a year and more than likely much longer.
     
    cam121, Sep 19, 2011
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  10. jaman1020

    jaman1020 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Whoever listed that PC is definitely trying to rip you off.
    You can get better specs at FULL PRICE on the HP website. This isn't even counting the student/EPP discount.

    I agree you should wait a couple weeks for the Series 7, but if you're dead set on the envy, get one! just buy one that has the Sandy Bridge processor. You also get a marginally improved touchpad, USB 3.0, and just a generally newer machine. Save your money man.
     
    jaman1020, Sep 19, 2011
    #10