HP Envy 14 versus Sony Vaio Z

Hi everyone,

I am contemplating buying either the HP Envy 14 or the Sony Vaio Z.

HP Envy 14 configuration ($1599.64 including taxes)

• Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-460M Dual Core Processor (2.53 GHz, 3MB L3 Cache) with Turbo Boost up to 2.8GHz
• 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 5650 switchable graphics [HDMI] - For Dual Core Processors
• 4GB DDR3 System Memory (1 Dimm)
• 256GB (Solid State Drive Flash Module)
• 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (standard) - Up to 6.0 hours of battery life +++
• 14.5" diagonal High Definition HP BrightView Infinity LED Display (1366x768)
• SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support (Slot Load)

Sony Vaio Z configuration ($2033.10 including taxes)

• 128GB (64GBx2) Solid State Drive with RAID 0 Technology
• Standard Capacity Battery
• 4GB (2GBx2) DDR3-SDRAM-1066
• CD/DVD Player/Burner
• Intel® Core™ i5-460M processor (2.53GHz) with Turbo Boost up to 2.80GHz
• 13.1" VAIO Full HD Premium Display (1920x1080)

OK. Both have similar specifications save for the major difference in screen resolution 1920x1080 Sony vs. 1366x768 HP (and 128 GB extra SSD capacity for HP). My question is if this difference is worth the $400 price difference between the two units. Obviously, I would have liked to put an extra hundred or so into the HP for the Radiance 1600x900 screen, but this is no longer an option. I will be using the machine for my research (computational physics), which relies heavily on programs like materials studio, mathematica, matlab, etc... Additionally, I will use it for office, internet, videos, and light gaming. Lastly, is the extra $100 a good deal for the upgrade to the i5-580M processor?

I appreciate any feedback.

 

Hello there,

The 1920x1080 res might be a little too much for the 13.1" screen? Besides, for a bigger spaced SSD, you can get the E14 for 400bucks less.

If it were me, I'd go with the Envy 14.

 

i bought the z137gx for $2100. it has the 1600x900 and 256SSD. its much smaller, lighter and convenient to carry than the envy. the matte screen is absolutely BEAUTIFUL, imo perfect resolution for the size. i agree the 1920x1080 may be overkill but each to their own and some may just like that.

the only thing the envy has over the z is the 5650. having said that i've oc'd the gt330 and its a ripper, 87C at peak but the notebook never ever gets hot and its 3dMark06 score destroys my old asus gaming brick (gt9700) which ran at 109C peak!!

 

Go look at them in person if you can, or the screen size. Doing that work on a 13 inch screen just seems, well...dumb. But hey thats your preference. I've got good eye sight, but that 13 inch screen with that resolution is just too tiny.

 

If your willing to go with the 1600x900 screen theres a pretty good deal at the Microsoft store on the Z. $1779.00 + a free Zune HD.

Buy a Zune HD 16 GB, get $199.99 off the Sony VAIO VPCZ133GX/B

 

Thank you for your input everyone.

I ended up going with the HP Envy 14. Plus, I was able to get another $160 off for student discount after talking to HP Customer service for about 2 hours. In the end, the now $600 price difference was what sold me. As a note, don't settle for what the first round of customer service tells you. Push until they transfer you to the "special care" or something like that. Then, they will be able to add more discounts and credit your account.

Hope everyone has a happy holidays!

 

Thanks for the link. Hopefully, people will take advantage of the deal.

 

I was wondering, did you use the $300 off $1299 coupon and additionally get the $160 off?

 

No only used the $100 off code: NBF884527 (Non-Beats edition)

Try the $300, but hurry up they both expire today!

 

AHHHHHHHHHH.....

You're right, the $300 coupon does apply to my system!

I'm trying to get that as we speak.

 

Got it!

So, I think my total discounts are $300 coupon + $160 student = $460 total

Thanks for the link dn00, I would never have looked myself!

 

where are you guys getting the 300 dollar coupon? I am going to be purchasing a HP Envy soon and would really like to use that.

 

Just use google.

 

Seriously trying and looking but not finding one that will work. Can you hit me up on a PM with the code you used?

 

Code was NB1269. But, I think it expired last night.

 

Bummer, you missed a sweet $500 off coupon on the Vaio Z . Got the one in my sig for $1749 (pre-tax).

 

Not bad. The Sony Vaio Z had the most pull next to the Envy 14, but the system specs to price tag ratio was just too far in HP's favor. I hope I am able to live with the 1366x768 screen on the Envy 14. Though, I am used to a 1680x1050 on my old Dell laptop.

So, just curious. What was the screen resolution on the Vaio Z you bought? And, I assume that the $1749 is with coupon ($2249 w/o), correct? It's funny, when I was trying to get the $300 coupon instated, the rep asked where I got it from. I was tempted to tell her that I inherited it from a dead uncle

My total for the HP Envy 14 (as spec'd above): $1594.99 - $300 coupon - $160 student + 6.25% tax (OH) = $1205.93

 

Yes it is a huge price jump, for me it mostly came down to the screen. That being said the DV6 was 15.6" and there were a few other minor problems, each a nail in its coffin (regardless, I still love and highly recommend the DV6- but since I was willing to up my budget, I had to do it).

I got the 1600 x 900. I figure it is going to really pay off in the end since I will be doing my design on it when I move and am without a desktop .

 

Hi guys,

Does anyone know of a store that has Envy's on display? I went to Best Buy, but the worker said that they were only available online. By the way, I saw the Vaio Z and was not too thrilled about how small the screen was. Maybe it's because I am so used to a 15.4" screen on my Dell.

The anxiety is starting to set in, and my Dell is continuing to fall apart. I just want my Envy or at least be able to see one in person. Hopefully, no one considers me stupid for buying something I've never actually seen in person yet. How many of you actually see and get your hands on a laptop before you buy it?

 

Envy will be available at select Best Buys probably, they should have a kiosk in-store that will allow you to search inventories. Some Staples have really good selections, others are bust.

I bought my DV6 without seeing it. Seeing the Vaio Z in person is what made me change my mind. That being said, had I not been willing to bump my budget up considerably, I would have kept the DV6 in a heartbeat.

 

Same here. If possible, I definitely like to see, feel, and use a laptop
before purchasing it. If I don't like the laptop, I'd like to be able to return it
with no restocking fee.

I choose a retailer that has a great return/exchange
policy. J&R has an excellent 30-day return/exchange policy
with no restocking fee. Staples allows 14 days with no restocking fee.

HP has an awesome return policy with no restocking fee.
Unlike Dell and Lenovo that charges a 15% restocking fee.

Same feeling here on the 13" screen size.
I have passable eyesight (no glasses) but that 13" screen size
gives me eyestrain and headaches.

The HP Envy's 14.5" screen is a perfect
size and compromise for portability/performance.

I have no problems viewing the 14.5" screen (with various applications)
for extended periods of time.

If you're in the New York City area, you can definitely try J&R's retail location
to view the HP Envy 14.

I agree with JVRR about Staples. There are some Staples locations that might still have it
on display and in stock.

I've noticed less Staples stores having the HP Envy 14-1110NR
in stock and classified now as a clearance item. Hmmm, a sign
that a new HP Envy 14 with different specs will be available soon?

Another store you can try, if there's one near you, is Micro Center.

Good luck!

EDIT:
Just noticed in your previous post that you're located in Ohio?
Sorry about that. J&R in New York City is not an option for you then. Hehe!

 

Thanks for the suggestions.

I tried another Best Buy again tonight, no luck. I could understand that they don't display the Envy, since it may be too expensive for the average buyer. But the thing is they have MacBook Pros on display, so affordability surely cannot be an issue. The guy I asked looked at me kind of funny when I asked, like he was surprised I would even ask. So, maybe I'll try Staples tomorrow, because there really is no other computer/electronics store I can think of near where I live.

Whether or not there is an amazing return policy doesn't bother me too much. I usually don't buy something I am going to take back and, if for some reason, it breaks then fixing it is usually not too much of a hassle within the warranty period. My experience owning a Dell laptop was fine during the warranty period, but went downhill after it expired. The two screws holding the plastic bevel to my screen were supported by another piece of flimsy plastic and, sure enough, the plastic eventually gave in after opening and closing the screen for a few years. I reordered a bevel from a parts store but it quickly broke too. Now, the screen struggles to stay upright and cannot close.

I am looking forward to having a solidly-built machine that I can open and close without worrying about breaking the plastic washer that holds the screen together. Hopefully, I will be pleased once I get my HP in the mail. If not, then I'm with you, amdornvidia, and I'm glad HP has such a good return policy. By the way, nice catch on the OH tax. Actually, I live in FL, but am going to be in OH with my family for X-mas, which is the same time my Envy is going to be shipped.

I try not to think about new, updated machines, since it is inevitable that by the time I place my order my system will already be outpaced by something better. Overall, I am happy with my purchase.

 

I think it just varies by store, without rhyme or reason. Here, where kids drive BMWs to school, they did not have a Vaio Z in store, Bellevue nearby had 5+ in inventory. Bellevue is just as well off, but I think it may just be random or what the store manager(s) decide to order.

 

If you want to get an ENVY get the radiance. I have now seen both and thats quite a difference.. Get a refurbished one or search the net for radiances.

 

Thanks for the input.

I will wait and see how much I like/dislike the 1366x768 screen resolution. I am not going to cancel my order before I see for myself.

 

I do not think it will be too bad on the 14" screen. Honestly it was tolerable on the 15.6" screen (DV6 went back because of many minor issues, one of which was resolution).

 

JVRR is right, the 1366x768 is fine on the 14.5".
The LG 1366x768 LCD screen on my Envy 14 is quite nice.

I totally agree with JVRR that the 1366x768 resolution is tolerable also on the 15.6" screen.
The LG 1366x768 LCD screen on my dv6 is quite nice also.

BTW, thank you JVRR for your excellent dv6 review.

I just noticed now, it was your review I read.
Your review is one of the main reasons I purchased a dv6.

I'm currently using/testing/comparing an Envy 14 and a dv6.
I'm still deciding which one to keep.

If it wasn't for the 13" screen, I might be persuaded and follow JVRR
as a Sony Vaio Z owner. Hehe!

 

Can u tell me what 3dmarks u're getting with the overclocked gt330 vs reference clock?