HP Envy 17 vs. HP dv7se. Your thoughts?

I know this should probably be filed under 'what should I buy?', but I probably wouldn't get a good response from both sides. Why should I spend the extra money on the E17, when the I can get the dv7se with better specs, better battery, and cheaper? I'll take any feedback and take all things into consideration. Thank you all for the help.

 

Comparing the Envy 17 3d and a similar spec dv7se there is a difference of ~$85 or 1950ish vs 2034ish. That includes the $150 off running on the dv7se. for those configs, the envy 17 3d has advantages in screen resolution (1920x1080 vs. 1600x900), gpu (5850 vs 5650), 120hz screen vs. 60hz screen, eyefinity support (up to 3 monitors). For the lower gpu performance you will gain battery life on the dv7se. For me the eyefinity support was the big draw, but my use is probably more unique. Imoatiently waiting its arrival.

 

Yeah, I mean I'm not looking to break the bank with this purchase, but still get a well built laptop, which both obviously will give me. Just trying to be like everybody else, and find the best deal. Thanks for the insight.

 

I am sure most will say "it all depends on what you want to use it for" For most users the dv7se would be plently of laptop. How do you use it?

 

I'm known to play some Starcraft II and other games, video/photo editing, other than that just general use (Word processing, music, internet, etc.) I currently have and HDX 16, that I love. It could do everything, but it's time for me to upgrade. In your opinion would you choose and i7 w/ 4 GB of RAM or go with a mid-range i5 and 6-8GB of RAM?

 

Tough call. That was my question as well. I ended up ordering the 3d with the quad because most of my time is plugged in at my desk. The i5 will probably be cooler and be better on battery. I am not a gamer so I don't know. I would think the video editing would like the quad, but I don't do that either. I run stock trading software and multitask a lot of windows. I plan on running two external 1920x1080 23" screens on my envy 17 3d. With the multitasking, multiple monitors and trading software, I am hoping the quad helps when the market gets crazy. I am hoping the heat won't be horrible, then again my office is cold in winter so maybe my heating bills will be lower.

 

Hahahah, too true. Well, I haven't really looked at too many numbers of how much better the E17's GFX card is than that of the dv7's, but I have heard that the mid-range i5's can handle gaming just fine. Right now, I'm leaning towards the i5-560 (2.66GHz boost to 3.2GHz) with 6 or 8 GB or RAM and save myself some money and battery life.

Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-560M Dual Core Processor (2.66 GHz, 3MB L3 Cache) with Turbo Boost up to 3.2GHz
1GB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 5650 switchable graphics [HDMI, VGA] - For Dual Core Processors
8GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
FREE Upgrade to 640GB 7200RPM Dual Hard Drive (320GB x 2) with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
No Additional Office Software
No additional security software
High Capacity 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (standard)
17.3" diagonal HD+ High-Definition HP LED BrightView Infinity Widescreen Display (1600 x 900)
SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
HP TrueVision Webcam and Fingerprint Reader [For BrightView Infinity Display]
Intel Wireless-N Card
Standard Keyboard
HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

w/ $150 instant rebate and an extra $250 off coupon = $1,107 (tax included)

 

So for similar specs the envy 17 would be 1550 before tax assuming the 250 coupon doesn't work. for that you get a better gpu, backlit keyboard, better audio, bluetooth. Probably not worth the extra $ in my opinion.

 

After playing around with the Envy 17 and the dv line, the dv line feels very cheap and plastic while the Envy 17 is sturdy and metal.

 

That's what I was thinking too. $400 extra for those few things you listed imo aren't enough to justify that price.

aznanarchy, I have a friend who got the dv7se, and I would beg to differ. While the E17 is obviously of great craftmanship, I would by no means call the dv7 a 'cheap plastic feel'. It felt well built and far from a plastic sony vaio style of laptop.

 

I own a Dell Latitude (have always had business class notebooks for the superior build quality). I love the style of the new HPs but have to agree, I had a look at a Pavilion DV6 and DV7 in Currys and the keybord flexed in the middle and the glossy plastic around the screen looked cheap and tacky. The rest of the chassis looked sturdy and stylish, however. I expect ultimately what you are getting with the Envy is style and better build quality.

 

Yeah, I suppose so. May'be I didn't really notice what you all have been pointing out, but I really didn't think it to look / feel cheap. However, the Envy line is obviously a premium build. At this point, I still can't justify that $400 difference. Thanks for all the input everyone.

 

I have been using a dv9500 for 3 years. While I am hoping my soon to arrive Envy will be great. The dv9500 has been very good. There isn't significant flex to the keyboard, but I did "tweak" the front chasis with a little foam to fix a minor flex in the front of the chasis in between the touchpad and the wireless switch. Its plastic but not bad. I still have a Dell Latitude c610 from 12 or more years ago. Still being used by my kids. It was thick plastic and well built. I really hope when my Envy arrives I will think it would be worth $400 dollars more. Buyers remorse would stink.

 

Buyers remorse is never fun. The thing that usually drives people to feeling like they made the wrong decision is sitting on these forums and reading peoples rants and raves about why their certain computer 'sucks'. In the end, if you like what you got, keep it, and enjoy it.

 

Agreed.... but what if you're like me... you like what you've got but the grass is always greener and the newer, swankier machines on display in the stores make you want to 'upgrade' ;o)

 

Hahah, then you're like a lot of people (including myself). I don't think I could ever be one of those people that owns a laptop for more than 3+ years. I just couldn't do it. I always need the newest technology out there. I had my HDX 16, for over a year and a half, loved it, but am ready to move on. I'm sick of this super plastic, smudgy look and am ready to get a good looking metal (or metal looking plastic laptop )

 

From what ive read, the graphic card difference is kinda big. 5650 is a lot weaker than 5850. Also just a suggestion, if u really like the newer technology y not get envy17 3d? even the base model is pretty neat. for the extras, u get a 120hz screen full 1080p, 3d glasses(140$sold single), photoshop bundle(like 90$ i think), and a 3d transfer software(100$) with all the features on the envy 17. i7 720qm, 6gb, 500gb, 5850 gpu, and etc.
so i think if u wanna consider two ends(price vs higher spec) consider dv7 and envy 17 3d

 

I beg to differ, the envy 17 is going to give you better performance, not only due to the better construction, but due to the expanded possibilities that it delivers.

1) I have a 4670m that has basically the same power as the 5650 (actually its a little faster). And I can only game at 1366*768, there is simply no way that you can do with a 1600*900 res.

2) The higher res is going to be a good call , due to the better quality of the display, higher color gamut and all that stuff

3) there is the eyefinity option

 

noodle9527, I understand that the Envy 17 3D is going to give me great performance and it has new technology in it, 3D. However, that comes at a pretty high price, $1,599 starting out. And trust me I know it has a great screen, great GPU, and more, but I'm looking more at the $1000-1200 price range, and that is just too much for my taste.

 

Mr MM, I won't argue that the Envy 17 will get me better performance, but if I were to get the Envy 17 in my price range, it would have to be base specs. The base specs that outweigh the dv7se that I have customized are as follows: backlit keyboard, better gpu, better audio, and bluetooth. After tax and everything, I would pay around $1,350. For the dv7 that I have configured I have the same resolution screen, better CPU, more RAM, less weight, better battery life, switchable graphics and around $200 less.

But this is exactly why I wanted people to give there opinion, it really helps me make my decision