Help with an Envy 14 purchase to Radiance or Not to Radiance

Hey all! I've been browsing the boards and have gotten some mixed signals on whether the Radiance is worth it or not.. Here's what I have the opportunity to purchase for about 1150.00 cash... Or I could get a similar one on ebay for about 975 without the radiance screen... Is it worth it? HELP I need to decide today :

HP Envy 14
• Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-580M Dual Core Processor (2.66GHz, 3MB L3 Cache) with Turbo Boost up to 3.33GHz
• 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 5650 switchable graphics [HDMI] - For Dual Core Processors
• 6GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
• 500GB 7200RPM Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
• No Additional Office Software
• 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (standard) - Up to 6.0 hours of battery life +++
• 14.5" diagonal HD+ HP Radiance Infinity LED Display (1600x900)
• SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
• HP TrueVision HD Webcam and Dual Digital Integrated Microphones [For Radiance Display]
• Intel Wireless-N Card with Bluetooth
• Backlit Keyboard
• Adobe(R) Photoshop(R) Elements 8 & Adobe Premiere(R) Elements 8
• HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

 

Radiance is worth every penny, and people would def buy that new for 1150. Make sure it doesn't have any defects though, I heard the newer models that were just released had some dead pixels and the like.

I paid 900 for my refurb model with the i450m and 160ssd and have been extremely pleased, and actually returned the replacement BV I got from HP.

 

If you get one without any screen defects, then it is a fantastic investment. People that got good Radiance panels swears by them (well most of them at least).

However, if you got a defective Radiance panel, then HP is really out of replacements to repair it so in that case, you are taking a gamble. If you are lucky, then the Radiance is great. If you aren't, then you felt you would of wasted $175.

 

If you're comfortable with disassembling your laptop then buy the radiance and if you don't like it for whatever reason sell the radiance panel and get a BV panel. Just a possibility.

 

It's actually not new he got it Feb 2 and wanted a bigger monitor.. (it's a craigslister! .. he did respond that it has no dead pixels) Thanks for all the responses.. Also do you guys know is the 500GB HD with smartsense.. is that the Hybrid SSD or is that another option?

 

Be very careful when it comes to craigslist. Even though I have an envy 14 on craigslist right now I don't think i'd have the nuts to buy one off of there. I'd gladly sell you the one in my signature if it interests you but be careful with craigslist.

 

I hear you.. He's going to transfer the warranty while I'm there.. Anything I should worry about I'm going to check for dead pixels and such..

 

Are buying it in person or online and he ships?
Basically don't let your want for the laptop lead you to make a stupid decision that could screw you. I only say that because i have done this myself.

 

Meeting at the Craigslist headquarters (starbucks) ... doing the transfer and everything there. No shipping I'm nuts but not crazy

 

Ok going to meet him now.. I'll let everyone know what happens.. Thanks for the help all!

 

Ok got the laptop! So far so good.. there is 1 little dead pixel in the bottom right of the screen right above the time .. hard to notice unless you look.. Question? Does anyone notice a "Flicker" on the screen with certain mouse moves or clicks? Is that normal or a sign of issues..

 

I've never had the flicker issue and that sucks about the dead pixel. I'm ocd about that kind of thing. Glad you got a radiance.

 

That just doesn't sound bad enough to be a significant problem, but if you can provide more info it will be easier to say, and for some of us to try to replicate it on ours.Is the flicker there at all brightness levels? If it is not there at high brightness and intermittently at lower levels, I think that is within the range of "normal" for any LED display, though that doesn't mean they all do it. What are you doing when you see it, is it only there for the fraction of a second of the mouse move or click? At all brightness levels? With all programs? Is it a mouse or the touchpad? If the former, check another mouse or see if it does it with the touchpad as well. I do find my Radiance does a quick freeze/unfreeze when you adjust the brightness, and certain other video controls. That may be an ATI thing, as might your issue. More info and you can probably get to the bottom of it.

Oh, and, one stuck pixel is not even covered by 95% of the new computer wttys out there (Asus is the exception). Spencer was kind enough to acknowledge being "OCD" about that stuff ; I wouldn't give it another thought - especially given where it is located.

Good luck, but write back if you want more help. I'm thinking yours is fine, but it pays to work it through.

 

Hey thanks for the reply.. I think the flicker is a minor thing that I'm noticing and might be my OCD (lol).. The pixel is not bad but I did for the heck of it chat with someone on HP Tech support and they said they replace screens when there are more then 2 pixels (thats there policy).. He said we could replace your screen... I replied can you replace my RADIANCE screen and he said "We would replace your screen with exactly the specs of the screen you got" .. I'm not sending it out for 1 dead pixel so I'm good.. Loving it so far too.. Just bought the Hybrid Momentus XT so I'm waiting to put that in.. Thanks again for the reply.

 

My pleasure (a rep pt would be nice; haven't gotten one for, like 9 months!)

As for the tech's doublespeak about replacing you Radiance screen, do not, do not, fall for that bait. I had a brand new Radiance model in the service depot for over a month with a defective Radiance. The ETA for the screen replacement went from one week to three, to two months - and the display hasn't been manufactured since August (sole source went out of business last year). From all indications, HP's boneheaded decision to offer Envys with Radiances in January at a loss (after $500 coupon) caused them to exhaust all inventory they had for wtty replacements of the 10,000+ Radiance units in service under warranty. If they can't replace a screen (ie, mine) that was DOA when it arrived, 2 weeks after [what turned out to be] a three day promotion on them, they are not going to replace older models.

Take care of your great computer you got at a fine price. The screen is the first and last you will have, so treat it like the rare "first edition" that it is.

 

How much for that 8540w, lovelaptops?

 

Is this a serious inquiry? If so, please PM me; It is apparently not kosher to talk "turkey" on this thread.

But while were or the subject,
if I have a choice between an 8540 or the new 8560, should I wait for the latter? I can have the 8540 by 3/24, and the 8560 will take a month or so more. The 8560 has SB hardware but everyone seems to hate the new design. No value to the better integrated GPU Cause it has discrete and no switching, but more powerful CPU and allegedly much better battery life. I know what I would choose, but this is not for ME, it's for you-out there somewhere