NOW AVAILABLE - Updated ENVY 15, ENVY 17 / ENVY 17 3D

3rd gen Envy 17 looks fine, i guess the heat problems should be fixed by now so i think i will pull the trigger (i had the 1st gen Envy 17 when they were released but the chassis warped and then it died).

 

ditto, after a spat with rude customer service a few years ago I swore off all HP products entirely

 

My HDX16t has been in and out of the shop a few times during its warranty period and had minor issues that I have worked around (like bad screen bleed by now and the left touchpad button stopped working).

The only reason I am considering HP again was the level of service I got on the HDX16t, with the HDX and Envy having a dedicated US support line for tech support with intelligent staff and when I needed to send something in to be repaired, they paid all the costs and it never took more than 5 days to get back to me, usually got it back repaired by Thursday when I sent it Monday. Also I know the new HP's are far better built now (especially the Envy's) and thought out/designed better than my HDX (which I still love regardless of the shortcomings)

Edit: This was all with the default 1 year warranty on it at the time 2.5 years ago (end of life product with great deals on it when I bought it) when I got the HDX16t

 

Very disappointed with the HDD options. Figured they would have the mSSD/HDD combo like in the Envy 14. Man, if they added that in the 15, it really would be perfect.

 

agreed. though you can always take out the ODD and drop in a regular disk/ssd.

FWIW I ordered the 15 yesterday with the 33% coupon - tracking now says "order accepted". I don't believe anyone should be holding their breath for these to be shipped any faster than what's listed (if not a later date), im sure they're shipping many hundreds of thousands of these.

 

I swore them off too after problems with a laptop I bought a few years ago. I had to send it in to get serviced. They sent a replacement with a power cord chewed halfway through. I knew it would not last and that I would soon have a short and no way to charge the laptop so I called and asked them to send a replacement ASAP. They claimed they had none in stock. So I said considering that they sent a faulty replacement they should send me a new one since I would soon have no ability to charge my laptop (which I needed for school). The CSR and even manager refused. I had to go out and spend money on a new one. Also, that laptop died after just a year and a half.

The only reason I'm looking at the Envy is because of the build quality (which was lacking in HPs other notebooks). I was holding out for the series 7 from Samsung but after serious delays and a subpar screen I decided to go the Envy route. The only thing I'm apprehensive about is the size (15") and the lack of Bluray is disappointing. Otherwise on paper it looks like a solid notebook.

 

Been thinking about the Envy 15 but is there any reason to go with the i7 processor over the i5? I will only use it for general surfing, videos, no gaming. Would rather save the money and put it toward the Radiance screen and SSD. Also less and slower ram to save money--6Gb 1066 or something like that. Have sort of lost track of processors since I got the Envy 14. Thanks.

 

Even if you don't think you will do intensive stuff the upgrade to the base level I7 is very much worth it. You get a quad rather than a duel core and a significantly faster architecture and clock speed. It really is a pretty significant difference for the small amount of money.

If you are concerned enough with performance for an SSD then you should get at least the normal speed ram and the i7. It is silly to get one $300+ upgrade and then sacrifice performance in other areas to save $20-$100.

 

Sounds like i5 would be perfect for you (heck, even an i3 would've saved you money and served you well, if it were an option).

EDIT: Accidentally hit "post" prematurely. I would add that if your PRIMARY concern is saving every penny possible, i5. If you're concerned at all about future-proofing, go w/ base i7. In the end, for your purposes, you'd be very hard pressed to notice any real-world differences between the two.

 

Given your usage, I would stick with the i5. You'll get (slightly) better battery life and less heat than you would with a quad, though the difference isn't what it used to be. The i5 is a 35 watt TDP versus 45 on the i7.

I have an older i5 on my (2nd gen) Envy 15 and I use it for more stuff than you do - and it's more than adequate.

 

I'd still go i7, as it will last you longer. It's the only part that really defines how long the laptop will last you (if you don't game). Everything else can be replaced (like the battery) or upgraded (like RAM, HD, DVD).
Or think about other laptops anyway, like an Ultrabook or so, depends on your needs.

sorry but this is wrong. this is the maximum tdp. your battery (76Wh) would be empty after less than 2h if this was true...
the idle tdp is pretty much equal.

edit: maybe you just ment that anyway, I just thought I might have sounded a bit harsh, that was not my intention. I just wanted to make the difference clear.

 

@YodaGoneMad and byunnbi--thanks for your quick replies. Both have valid points. Realize the i7 is the newer, better architecture but doubt it is anything I really need. Could be good for resale down the road; future-proofing not a concern really as I will probably give it away or sell it when I tire of it. Still loving the Envy 14 and hoping they'll refresh it; the size is really nice and portable. I never stressed it in any way with the i520 and 4gigs ram. The Radiance is a must and don't think I can ever do computer again without SSD for OS; not a big file saver so 160 Gb has been perfect for laptop and desktop. Not so much worried about money, just getting things I don't need/won't use; also think the i7 is a bit more power-hungry. Core i3 would be an option for me if offered! You have helped clarify any decision I'll make when the time comes. Waiting to see what the people who get and use the new version think about them--also, just exactly what GPU they decide to use. Thanks.

 

Have to disagree with Rubenstein - the CPU is by no means the only that defines how long your laptop will last you. Chipset/motherboard and GPU play a huge role here, and if your usage is basic as it is in this case, you won't even max out an i5.

In other words: if you're going to use your laptop for some higher-end stuff, you may want to consider the i7, but then you will be using more juice as well (the max TDP). If your usage is as described, the i5 will be more than adequate.

The most significant upgrades on the 15 would be the screen, which I think most everybody would agree is well worth it, and then an SSD, which you can (with some effort) do yourself for a lot less.

 

Well maybe I'm in the middle of doing an application for grad school and googling a review isn't exactly high on my "priority list". But hey if you want to be an go right ahead.

And yes I have read all the last few pots. I check on this thread every so often but I don't go back and read the last 5 pages each and every time to see if I missed something earth shattering. If you have nothing helpful to say then why even bother? Oh wait thats right you want to be an online jerk for no reason....

Anyways I'll go back to reading the posts made by more respectful member of this community.

 

Yeah, I figure the i5 and 6Gb of ram will work. The only reason I got the Envy 14 was the marvelous screen. Had been holding to see if they were going to do Radiance again. I don't know about now, but the SSD price from HP on the 14 was way cheaper than I could have gotten to do my own install; maybe prices on the 160 Intel are cheaper now; that is an option. Also, I've tried to follow the threads but does anyone know if the trackpad is going to be better on the new version? I hate all trackpads but the Envy 14 was ridiculous. Almost always use a mouse with it. Would be nice to know I could carry the thing around and use the trackpad without having to carry a mouse along! Thanks.

 

I am sorry if you take it that way. I thought some criticism is ok here, but I guess I was wrong. I'll tune out of here for some time as I don't want to offend people and to keep the discussion focussed on the Envy instead of fighting.

Have fun with the Envys, and I'll let you know if I hear something important!

 

The trackpads are supposed to be pretty good now, the last refresh had good trackpads and this is hopefully even better.

If you order soon and use the 33% off coupon then you can't beat HP in terms of any upgrades. I got the 300gig SSD and it was $600 to upgrade, they have said it is an Intel 320 series SSD which is about $520 online. With the coupon it was only $400 from HP.

 

Thanks for the info. Yeah, HP can buy in much bigger quantities than we can so they could offer the Intel SSD lots cheaper than I could have bought it and installed. How/where is the 33% coupon? HP website? Online? Thanks.

 

Man, I wish I used that same logic when I was looking at HDD options as I probably would have opted for the SSD as well.

Ah well, I guess I'll have to upgrade later down the road

 

NBH7589

Was working yesterday for both the 15 and 17 inch models.

 

Yoda thanks! Off to do a configuration with HP!!!

 

Be sure to check the price right before you submit, it is generally believed these coupons are not supposed to work on the new Envy line, and they tend to disappear right before you submit. Just back out again, put the coupon on, and go through all the checkout steps fast. It took me 3 tries a few days ago using a different coupon but I did finally got it to stick and my order is now in production.

 

Only works for 3d model and it looks like It's same deal as before with addition of free 2 day delivery

 

i ordered the 15 yesterday. same problem with checkout price going back to no discounts...redo it, all good

 

thats exactly why i got the i5. much more than i and most others will ever need, and it'll hopefully use a bit less battery than a quad.

 

Yeah, I just ordered the Envy 15 with the i5 and minimal ram--ram prices so cheap an upgrade there would be easy; doubt I'd ever use the i7 cores. The coupon worked but I did the transaction by talking to a real human; she figured it all out for me and also said they were doing the two-day free shipping. About $1300 with tax; almost less than the Envy 14 when it came out! Said the thing could ship before the 27th so here's hoping. Thanks again Yoda for the coupon.

 

Question regarding the HDD bays in the 17" Envy...

Does the 17" model have 3 HDD bays? I assumed it was only 2, but then I saw the option for a SSD and 2xHDD. 2 normal bays and one for an SSD?

 

What was your exact setup? I ordered the 15" for my wife and I got an i7 (2670), 8GB ram, 1080P Radiance screen, 750GB 7.2Krpm HDD for a little under $1300 after taxes.

I hope you mean $1300 before coupon...

 

I got the 160Gb SSD which I think upped the price.

 

yeh that would be it. i was wondering why your price was so high as well considering i paid less for the 17 3D.

 

I would assume that the 17 has 3 bays - 2 HD bays and an ODD bay, anyway, that ought to be replaceable.

 

I think the problem everyone is having is the coupon code is removed after login (step 2 of checkout). This is really just an oversight on HP's checkout process, which I have experienced on other products I've ordered from them. To avoid the issue, login to your HP account before you begin configuring your ENVY.

 

I considered the 17 but just too big; was really hoping they might refresh the 14 and they might later but the buying bug was biting now. The SSD is worth the price to me especially for a laptop. Once you go SSD it is hard ever to go back to the spinning platters. It did add about $300 to the price.

 

But they show the system as still having the Blu-Ray drive...

 

Yes. Bluray drive = ODD (optical disk drive) + 2 HDDs. I don't know as much about the 2nd gen 17s to know if you could swap out the ODD for an HD though - obviously you can on the motherboard but I don't know if the ODD bay is a standard fit like the HDDs are.

 

So question out of curiosity. Would it be possible for Envy 14/17 to use reil's touchpad 2.0 software on the 3rd generation Envies?

 

Sorry for confusion... what I meant was I was able to configure the Envy 17 3D to have a SSD + 2 x HDD, plus a Blu-Ray drive. Which lead me to believe I could have 3 hard drives AND a Blu-Ray drive.

 

Exactly. Its not some nefarious plot on HPs part. Its just that their system isn't that smart or sophisticated.

So long as you long in FIRST and then add your coupon you're good to go.

 

Oh, I see. One of the options is for an mSATA SSD + two HDDs. That's not three full HD bays + an ODD but it does look like two full HD bays + an ODD + a small bay for an mSATA drive. That's a lot of drives though, easier to just put in a full size SSD and a full size HDD unless you really need four storage devices in there.

 

Thanks for the explanation. I wasn't aware of what a mSATA was until you brought it up and I did some googling.

Reason I brought it was was I already ordered a 2x750GB HDD setup in the Envy 17 3D. I'd like to get a SSD at some point, but I do love me the large storage offered by the 2x750GB HDD's.

I'm assuming mSATA's are more expensive and not as fast as a normal SSD though. I'll need to do some research.

Thanks

 

Does anyone have an idea how much these actually weigh? Im seeing reports on hp's site saying 5.8 lbs and from a few previews saying its in the range of 6.3 lbs.

 

5.8+ for the ENVY 15, and 6.3+ for the ENVY 17 & 17 3D. I say "+" because it depends on what you put in it.

Kind of on the same topic, does anyone know if the lid is also metalic/aluminium/magnesium? Also, does anyone know what laptop bag I should order for my ENVY 17 3D? I'd like something stylish (black or white in color), that protects the computer, doesn't add unnecessary weight, and can carry a book for college in addition to the computer and charger.

I've been having some troubles finding a good 17" bag.

 

My understanding was the whole body was metallic/aluminum/magnesium, except for keyboard of course.

 

Anyone have experience with the Oakley 'kitchen sink' bag? Obviously overpriced but my business is offering to buy one, though I've heard they don't actually hold a 17" laptop as advertised.

 

Ok that makes sense. Which types of components would add the most weight to it via upgrades and such?

 

PM me if you are interested in assistance...

 

The only thing I can think of would be adding additional HDD's. Depends on how many you start out with initially though. Other than that there's nothing else you can upgrade internally, other than RAM, which is insignificant in weight.

I could be wrong though...

 

You're mostly right. Things like going from a single hard drive to a dual hard drive setup will add the most weight of any change. Swapping an SSD in for a HHD would make the second biggest change in weight.

Outside of those changes, you won't be adding or taking much weight through customization - unless you're adding accessories.

Speaking of accessories, what's a good overall 17" laptop bag? I love the style of the HP Gear Messenger bag, but I wish they made it one size larger for 17" notebooks...

 

That's one sweet looking bag! I dig the canvas, style, and color.

 

Hey guys, been a lurker for the past few days (since the 7th) and finally decided I'd join in the conversation!

I'm an electronic musician/audio engineer and ordered two matching 17s on the 7th. I didn't use any of the coupon codes because our label is footing the bill, but now I'm considering grabbing a 15 out of pocket for my girlfriend. Any idea what the best coupon is (for a 15) at the moment?

Also, our current gigging laptops are first-gen Envy 14s, and I was thrilled to find that the on board sound on them could go up to 24 bit which let me compose/start projects on the road without having to plug in an interface on the plane/train/bus. Does anyone have any idea of what this generation is going to be using in the way of on on board sound? Surely it will be as capable as the first gens? Obviously we will be using outboard interfaces on stage, but it sure is nice to just plug in headphones and work when in tight situations space wise!

Also, a big giant thank you to HP for offering a PC with an outstanding exterior so that those of us in the music world who don't wish to deal with the high DPC latency and other audio related issues inherent to Macs but still want something stylish for public performance!!

I find it funny that most folks outside of the audio industry believe Macs to be the definitive music-computers when in reality even their own engineers acknowledge their flaws when it comes to handling audio processing and DAWs in general.

Last but not least, is there any truth to the fact that the shipping dates might be off? We will be on the road when they show up if the dates we've got hold true. This isn't a problem for one of the 17s we've ordered because its being shipped to the label, but the other is going to my house. If there is no one to sign for it is it going to be sent back?

Rambling aside, this place seems like an awesome community! I read but rarely join forums, but I felt compelled in this case because I didn't see a ton of the usual forum bickering/BS I usually do. You guys seem very cool.

Anywho, thanks for any info regarding my wonderings!