NOW AVAILABLE - ENVY 14 Spectre

Want...

... way too heavy*.


*And IMO at this time not as sexay as the Adamo to offset that weight

I was briefly hoping for yet another high-style machine with a different take which wouldn't be a bomb. Something tells me this ain't it...

 

The spectre in my opinion isn't even that good looking. It looks tacky to me.

 

I think the Spectre looks great when it's clean. But I know how quickly unsightly smears and fingerprints appear on my Fire's screen...I'm afraid the same would be true of the Gorilla-Glass-coated-black lid of the Spectre. I don't want to have to wipe down a laptop twice per day to make it look good, and I think you might have to do that with a Spectre.

Shame, because otherwise, I really do think it's the best ultrabook on the market right now (unless you're extremely oriented on weight, in which case the Toshiba Z830 is the obvious answer).

 

I would of jumped all over this if it had GPU.. I guess I am wait out until IVY bridge..April isn't too far off ...

 

You don't need to be extremely orientated. The fact that a VAIO SA - a GPU'd notebook with a high-res screen and an optical drive - weighs a tad less pretty much says it all.

 

I am surprised that a notebook below 4 pounds is now way too heavy. I want one of these, and if the coupon is worthwhile, will purchase one as a companion for my Envy 17 3D. I don't mind the shortcomings. It's an ultrabook. I don't need an optical drive in it. I also don't mind a 128 GB SSD. If it were my primary notebook, I'd raise hell. Currently, I have 2.128 TB in my notebook. I want something in between my tablet and main prize, something I can walk around a large city with all day without being weighed down. Something that offers more performance and comfort than a tablet when I want to do more. I think this is it. Plus, I think it's one sexy beast. That said, I need it at about $1,000.

 

Did anybody who saw this at CES happen to test out the screen to see if it suffers from the same issues as the Envy 15?

 

Would I be able to replace the SSD with an HDD?

SSD's are cool but I need storage.

 

The hp envy 14 refresh is now available on hp website for order.

Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk

 

Exactly....I'm really shocked that people consider it to be "heavy" but whatever floats your boat.

It looks drop dead sexy to me and it wouldn't hurt to have it as a 2nd laptop/back up unit for when I'm too lazy to go and get my 17 3D....

Can't wait for the unboxings/reviews....

 

Where? I don't see anything like that anywhere.

 

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/s...odexp/hhoslp/psg/notebooks/ENVY/ENVY14_series

Surprised that they don't keep the name Spectre. And there is a 30% off coupon for those who want to try out this machine.

Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk

 

Isn't that the old version of the Envy 14?

I don't think it's the spectre.

 

I am confused too. The picture is obviously of the spectre....

Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk

 

No, this is not the ENVY 14 Spectre. The Spectre will be available on February 8.

 

I don't know what the heck that guy was posting but its not on HP's website anywhere. As justin just said its not going to be available until Feb 8 according The Verge and other websites....

That picture isn't even of the Spectre and it doesn't even say "Spectre" in the main product page so there's nothing to see here folks...

 

Worldwide launch or just US launch on Feb 8?

 

lol! It's Envy 14 (2gen)

Such a feeling that you first saw this Envy 14 and didn't see new "Envy Spectre"

 

I would say the picture is obviously NOT of the Spectre...

Not to mention the specs don't match the Spectre, and there is no mention (or visual) of Gorilla Glass.

 

Now I'm debating whether to go for i5 or i7, you think there will be concern for overheating in the smaller chassis with i7?

 

Interesting point....I would ask the folks over in the Envy 15 crowd and see what they are getting? Especially since 14 vs 15 there isn't that much of a difference I suspect.

I just realized though that this Spectre doesn't have an optical drive....dunno how I feel about that yet...

 

About the drive - I thought about just getting a external USB DVD drive from Samsung or asus if I really needed it.

This may be a basic question but I've never used ssd before - with adding a second 128 gb ssd, does it all appear as one big 256 gb drive or are they separate and is there a way to combine them?

 

[System Information]
SysId01=0x1688
SysName01=HP ENVY Envy 15
SysId02=0x17CA
SysName02=HP ENVY 14
SysId03=0x1689
SysName03=HP ENVY Envy 17
SysId04=0x168A
SysName04=HP ENVY Envy 17

The new ENVY 14 comes with system board model number 17CA.

 

Is that a good thing?

 

The screen on the Spectre is incredible for a TN display. Being a Z owner, looking at them next to one another. I'd call it quite comparable. The radiance display finally returns...could do without the tacky red beats logo that lights up under the glass palmrest though.

 

The screen does seem like the highlight. Sad that the runtime, weight and the rest of the styling (which IMO makes it look quite blocky and not in a good way) doesn't make the grade.

 

One of HP's strengths in the notebook computer market is a willingness to break new ground on styling and it has often won high praise for its designs, which are not infrequently adopted by others after the designs have been highly successful in the marketplace. Being bold on styling inevitably risks both creating polarization and laying a few eggs that are universally panned - the pink-toned metallic covering with the etched paisley design on the TM2 comes to mind! Thank goodness someone - other than at times Sony - takes industrial design seriously or Apple will have a 60% share of the laptop market pretty soon too.

Personal opinion: from photos and videos this machine looks very classy and is light enough (3.8 lbs, while not "ultrabook" compliant, is not exactly heavy) and performs well enough to be a second laptop, even one I would travel with. It appears that the Radiance screen is as good as/the same as the wonderful screen in the early Envy 14s, of which I owned 2; I agree with Beaups, that screen was pretty much the equal of the Z's 900p screen. One significant downside of the Raidance, though, is that it is full gloss.

As for the glass on the lid and palm rests, I happen to like the look very much, though I can see how this might be one of those polarizing designs. My concern would be with the black lid and the constant fingerprint grime it undoubtedly accumulates. But unlike glossy plastic, gorilla glass is extremely easy to clean, even with a dry cloth, certainly with a slightly damp one and since it is scratch resistant you don't even need to use microfiber. That black glass lid when clean is extraordinarily elegant looking "in person" (reminds me of a brand new Steinway Grand!) and I think I would be willing to wipe it down a few times a day. Since the glass palm rests are light colored, I would not expect the fingerprints to show as quickly, but these would require maintenance as well.

I don't know, it may be age, may be that I'm really not such a power user, but lately I've been really attracted to computers that look great, even if they are not the best performers in the price class. I know I will buy one; jury is out whether I'll keep it.

 

The Envy Spectre has been posted up for sale on HP's US website.
The price starts at $1399

HP ENVY 14 Spectre series | HP Official Store

 

So where do we look for 30% off coupons?

 

"the pink-toned metallic covering with the etched paisley design on the TM2 comes to mind! "

A know a few ladies that LOVED that design!

 

so what's the real resolution of the display?

it shows on the overview its a

"HD+ Radiance Infinity LED-backlit display§ (1600 x 9000)"

but on the specs and when you customize it..it says

"High Definition HP BrightView Infinity LED Display (1366x768)"

 

Yes, for some reason it is only showing the lower resolution as an option for display.

Also, there is no option to upgrade ram to 8 gb. I think they still have to workout some kinks in ordering but I guess gives us time to wait for the coupons.

 

The current 30% off coupon for the Envy line doesn't work on the Spectre for some reason. It just comes back as "expired" even though the website says that they expire at the end of February. I just tried configuring one and it wouldn't apply the coupon.

Also the 1600x900 screen upgrade isn't available on the website last I checked. But at least the laptop is up there for people to go look at. Can't wait to see people's first thoughts as they unbox it and play around with it....

 

I emailed Customer Support about the issues on the order so hopefully those will be revised soon. And I was looking forward to place my order today...

 

I want the 1600 x9000 screen, what a joy for office work and long webpages.

 

I'm totally confused by the display thing. I thought the 900p screen was going to be the only screen, and that would be part of the $1,399 price point. Now I'm seeing that $1,399 gets you a 720p screen, and there's currently no option to customize it with a 900p screen, and even if they add that later, it'll cost even more for an already extremely-expensive ultrabook?

WHAT THE HELL, HP?!

 

So I spoke with 3 HP representatives and received an email from support. The display listing is an ERROR. The RADIANCE display 1600 x 900 is the only option available with the spectre and is display that comes with every order. They will fix it online soon.

Also 4 gb RAM is the only option available and it will stay that way - but i guess that's not too disappointing because we can always buy ram on our own.

I am planning on ordering this machine with i7, 256 gb SSD and i will upgrade to 8 gb RAM but I will wait for a reasonable coupon to appear.

 

Thanks for the feedback from HP support. This will be my first HP computer purchase ever .. I've been a stanch Lenovo and periodic Vaio user for many years. This machine is too good to pass up. So, being new to HP, what can I expect for coupons/education discounts, especially on a new product?

 

I'm on the hunt for coupons for this thing, too. I know I just bought my 173D, but this would complete my tablet-laptop-ultraportable family. I'd be set. I am really excited about owning one of these. I just refuse to pay $1,400.

 

The HP Spectre specs page at
HP ENVY 14 Spectre series | HP Official Store
says:

Maximum Memory Expansion: Memory slot non-accessible

So, you may not be able to access the slot to upgrade memory.

 

HP Envy 14 Spectre ? Extraordinary Ultrabook

says 4GB or 8GB

 

This is what HP Support emailed me about the display Nd ram

"Thank you for contacting the HP Home & Home Office Sales Center.

I am excited to know that you are considering purchasingthe HP ENVY 14 Spectre customizable Notebook PC (A1A53AV)at the HP Home & Home Office Store, but you are concerned on the display and the RAM options.We appreciate your effort of directly consulting this matter to us who know HP products well.

Based on my resources, the "14.0-inch diagonal High Definition HP BrightView Infinity LED Display (1366x768)" option is just an error. I am very sorry for the confusion. I assure you that you will still get the "14-inch diagonal, super-thin (20mm) HD+ Radiance Infinity LED-backlit display§ (1600 x 900)" as the HP ENVY 14 Spectre customizable Notebook PC is only available on the said display. The information that we have right now is just a website content error. It will be corrected tomorrow.

As for your RAM concern, I am very sorry, but we ran out of the 8GB RAM. Unfortunately, we are not aware of when the inventory will be replenished until shortly before the information is available to our customers, and as such, cannot provide an exact date.With this regard, I recommend that you check our website regularly for product arrival, or for future reference, our newsletter would provide this information in a timely manner before its release. It will also provide you with exclusive information on other new products, price drops, and promotions. To be enrolled, please reply with your first and last name. You can also refer to this URL (subscription is free):
www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/newsletter.do?destPage=news_sub

 

Question is if the RAM is soldered on or there is a dimm socket.

 

Word to the wise from many, many HP purchases: their inventory management has got to be record-setting [ly terrible!]. It would not surprise me if they don't get the 8GB modules in for months! I am fairly certain you cannot do your own upgrades, but it is well worth checking carefully on that before buying an 4GB system that you assume you can upgrade. 4GB is more than enough for basic uses, but not for all and, as I understand it, Windows 8 is going to be a memory hog, as it will be built with the expectation that 8GB is nearly ubiquitous (given it's cost as low as $25) and 16GB RAM will soon be widely offered at decent prices.

I do hope I'm wrong (about the delay); I am salivating for one of these!

But to temper even that ^ statement, any here who have purchased many new HP models know that for the first 6 months the RMA rate is 50% and above. To HP, the concept of "beta test" is "sell them commercially and let buyers tell you where the bugs are!" (And if you don't believe me, check out yknyong1's sig line!) At least you get some time to try it and return for full refund.

 

Something that will be also interesting ist when will it be available with an Ivy Bridge processor. Why not get the newest when it is only a month away?!

 

good point, but I think many laptops won't have them closer to late Spring

 

Guess I'm not one who knows this. I don't recall seeing this fact posted anywhere either. Do you have a source?

Not trying to be argumentative, but as I've said several times during my time on these forums, the people who post here are not representative of the entire group of HP customers at all. They tend towards tech savvy and proactive (in the way of seeking solutions to problems rather than ambivalence). Also, people generally look for forums like this as a place to look for help... The majority of posters here did not come to these forums for anything other than general information (again, proactive) or to look for help. That being said, the demographic here is skewed towards people who have problems and need help solving them. Thus, unless you've got a factual source for the 50% RMA rate statistic, I will wait to believe it.

 

I agree with everything you've said, and understand your doubt on the statistic I quoted, (see below) and people who post on forums do disproportionately post when they have problems, though many of the forums on NBR do not have nearly the ratio of complaints to questions, or even praises. And I do think the picture changes after the first 6 months or so of a product run. They just take a long time to get production run working well (build quality) and to manage the supply chain (B and C grade components, infinite delays) and to get decent drivers up. Though not all surveys showed 50% RMAs on new products none I've seen was less than 25% and some were over 50%. If you sincerely doubt it, I will try to find some. Google it, and check old NBR polls, and you'll get an idea.

Then there's the experiential factor. I have purchased enough varied HP laptops, consumer and business in the past 3 years for business, family and home that I think I qualify as a statistically significant sample myself, and if anything I have a pro-HP bias. I have purchased (Consumer or Small Med Bus.), all of these within 0-5 months of first release):

2 HDX16 (C)
3 DV8t (C)
3 DV7t (C)
2 8540w (SMB)
5 2740p (SMB)
3 Slate (not Touchpad) (SMB)
2 Envy 14 (C)
1 DM1 (C)
2 DM4 (C)
1 G62 (C)
1 DV4T (C)

(these have all been in my sigs over time and I have posted to each of the forums many times)

In all cases except the 2740p I was only seeking ONE unit! The multiple numbers are returns/replacements to get me to one good one, or in some cases to give up and move on.

You might well ask why I bought so much of their gear if the QC was so bad (in most cases the machines were awesome and great values, once you got a good one!). The answers are, well, what they are:

1) In most cases their model was my runaway first choice compared to competition at the price

2) HP was so friendly and accommodating and so generous, it was hard to say "take it back and refund my money. I would say on average they gave me $200 per product in price cuts and (useable) coupons each time I called with problems, and the same problems, etc. The high was $1,200 a $2,100, current model 2740p.

3) I did have similar problems with other companies' new products, but they were much, much more difficult to deal with

4) I finally stopped! I realized it was taking too much of my time and it wasn't worth even a few thousand in savings for all those machines. I haven't purchased an HP product for a year now. But the Spectre is like to be my "reunion" because, well, it's so damn sexy looking and I love the 14" Radiance screen I had on both of my Envy 14s.

Whew, sorry I just get carried away. I just really wanted to know I was not ranting, trolling or even spouting manufactured statistics. I mean, hell, it's been published everywhere that 48% of all Amazon Fires have been returned, so it's not hard to believe my numbers.

And I have given this "warning" to many people in forums past and some have heeded, some not (including me!) and many have thanked me, some have cursed me (for not telling them earlier!)

It is what it is. This is one elegant machine, worthy of a little extra work for. The other advantage of waiting at least 3 months is by then they will have some early bugs out and will have bigger sales, the now-famous $450 discounts.

Takin a break....(the crowd cheers!)

 

They already have the Folio. This seems like a Folio with a better CPU and a nicer screen. I was a bit surprised to see no discrete graphics options at all.

A bit too much $$$ to ask for in my book.

 

I mean honestly I think the poster is close to being right about the 50% RMA rate....

As someone who has bought and owned the HDX 18t within the first few weeks I know what hell HP put us thru with that lineup of laptops.

I also had issues when buying my mom's old dv5t (which I'm currently using until the Ivy Bridge Envy 173D comes out).

I purchased the Envy 17 3D (2000 Series) last year and had to return it TWICe already before finally just giving up and deciding to wait for the Ivy Bridge version....

And just recently I bought my little brother a dv6t Select Edition so that he would have a laptop as well. It came with the CD tray jutting out juts a little bit. A closer look revealed that there was some connection which hadn't been made properly. By pushing it in with a little force it was fixed and now the laptop looks normal.

Bottom line is that HP has issues when it comes to laptops. I'm not at all sure what the true rate is but I do know that its frustrating ordering something multiple times and still seeing absolutely atrocious hardware problems and build quality issues....