HP needs to refresh their whole high-end line -New Envy or DV7(?)

So I am in the look for a high-end laptop. What I am basically looking for is quad-core CPU, good graphic card, Blu-Ray burner and 1080p display.

Base on my needs I checked up the so high rated HP Envy line and not a single computer meets my needs.

1. The Envy 15 is 1080p but it doesn't even have a Optical Drice. (and the external one is not even Blu-Ray burner). Plus it does not have a Numpad. TOTAL FAIL for me.
2. The Envy 17 Besides its unnecessary HUGE size for a 17'' laptop does offer build in Blu-Ray and 1080p screen but not a Blu-Ray Burner. Another FAIL for me.

so after the Envy line failed me in almost every aspect I went to check the Pavilion line. I had a DV9700 before and I was very satisfied with it so I went straight to the TOP Pavilion model the DV7.

3. The DV7 meets all my requirements even the Blu-Ray burner but it does not have a 1080p screen!! In fact my 2+ years old DV9700 has higher resolution than what they currently offer in their DV7 builds. Yet another TOTAL FAIL for me.

I am really disappointed from what HP is currently offer for their high-end computers. I want to buy my next high-end lappy from them and yet none of their models meet all of my simple needs at once. I feel the above situation is a lame and they need to do something about it fast.

So at this point. I like to ask if is there any rumors regarding upcoming Envy 15/15, Pavilion DV7 models?

 

The last time I put a disk in my desktop was to install windows. A year ago. I guess if you're into watching Blu Rays a lot then it'd be necessary, but I'm fine with standard def.

As for the numpad, it's got a fat layer of dust on my keyboard.

However, no switchable graphics yet? The 14's have it, so should the 15's. The battery life would suck so much less with that.

 

Here are my impressions based on your wishlist:

-Step back and re-evaluate your expectations.
-Learn to deal with an external Blu-Ray burner. It doesn't need to be an HP one.
-HP designs and markets their products for a majority of consumers. They don't need to refresh their whole high-end line to meet your highly specific needs.

 

numpads are stupid 99% of the time on a laptop. waste of space, and makes the actual typing part of the keyboard off center.

some advice, dont get an hp...pretty simple eh

 

the envy line and hp's business line are pretty much perfect laptops.... The only time for me too when i used a cd drive was when I reinstalled 7... Bdw You can get a slim portable blueray drive for around 130 from newegg and its powered by usb.... So any computer can use it

 

I don't think you will be needing a numpad much. Probably everyonce in a while if your working some spreadsheet. You can use a cheap USB numpad. That's what I did. Its a lot more relaxing too.
I also agree that having a numpad makes you type off-center.

As for the external bluray, you don't have to buy it from HP.

If I were you I would get an ENVY 15 and enjoy.

 

if you need a numberpad, the Microsoft bluetooth numberpad is a great option. I have remapped the keys for video editing apps and games. Also, with the E15, I'm able to use a 12x USB 3.0 blu-ray writer which is must faster than the internal blu-ray writer on my E-190t desktop.

 

since when was the envy and the DV's the high end?? I would go for a probook or elitebook and then just swap in a BD drive on my own if the model does not have it. its normally one or 2 screws and swap faceplates if necessary

 

They really need to refresh the E15 with switchable graphics, backlit kb, e2e screen, odd (optional).

HURRY HP AND MAKE THIS HAPPEN!

 

Don't forget battery life. It's otherwise the perfect machine.

Same with the 14, increase battery life, matte screen, dual HDD option and I'd be on it in a heartbeat. Even moreso if it had an even nicer GPU.

 

Battery life on the 14 is my only regret.

 

I'm also looking forward to an Envy 15 refresh with all of this. I think it also needs the new hinge-less Synaptics touchpad.

 

What kind of battery life are you guys expecting out of the Envy 14? It gets 4-5 hours regular web surfing. You'd have to go with a ULV CPU to get better. Granted, I think they could easily make a higher capacity internal battery, but maybe they will.

 

I've been seeing figures of 2-3 much more often than 4-5.

 

With i7 maybe, but i5 is typically 4-5 hours. See here:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-envy-hdx/501066-envy-14-battery-life-log.html

I got 4:42 with moderate web use.

 

I've heard of many users getting even less battery life with a clean install, which gives me pause.

As for me with an i5 450, my average full lifetime is 3:19 on basic web use, which irks me.

 

Also a Quad Core but twice the battery life, half as thick, have multiple numpads, 4 5870s and a time travelling machine thanks.

Oh, and cut the price by $800 while you're at it HP.

 

I ended up using the HP minimal install. Don't know if that matters or not. Granted I wasn't using my machine the whole time. I'd use it for 20-30 minutes, walk away, screen would blank after 10 minutes, come back later for another 15-20 minutes, etc... I didn't sleep the machine, just had the display turn off. For continuous use 3:30 sounds probably about right.

 

agreed, they do that and can break the 5 hour barrier with the standard internal battery and I'll get one for sure.

 

I'm so torn...I love the form factor of the 14 and the screen size vs resolution is great, but I want to be able to place SC2 and some games without dismal graphics.

The 15 almost fits my needs but the lack of a backlit KB and switchable graphics are the deal breaker.

....I know it's nit picky on the 15 but theres times I use my laptop and I need the keys illuminated (not always at a desk in home position!)

 

Well, you won't see much difference in graphics performance in SC2 between HD 5650 and HD 5730, and as is HD 5650 can manage mix of medium-high settings if you turn off reflections. I don't see the 5730 being able to pull off much higer settings or adding reflections. Plus I don't see much need for ultra graphics. You might admire it for like two seconds before you get your teeth bashed in by that Dark Templar you didn't see.