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

Being that those 3.5mm jacks are unbalanced (but at least well-isolated on the Beats branded products) they are not going to be your best option for signal output audio wise.

However, even a cheap $100 USB interface from the prosumer audio world would solve all of your problems in one shot. You would, depending on what model you chose, gain digital (SPDIF) and/or optical outs, balanced outs, and possibly better D/A conversion than your current system.

With that interface and your laptop you can quite literally link up to any audio system in the world. Even the top tier Skywalker Sound/Oceanway multimillion dollar studios that connect everything with AES/EBU.

I think the audiophile world, particularly companies marketing products to it, don't like to let on to the fact that even bottom-tier pro audio gear can match and exceed it for comparatively tiny amounts of money.

Just as an example, look up the EMU 0404 USB interface.

It can easily be had for around $125 or less, gives you balanced stereo outs, S/PDIF in both coaxial and optical varieties, the option to switch either of those to AES/EBU, A/D and D/A conversion capable of doing 24 bit / 192khz, and the random ability to not only output but also record high quality audio should you ever wish to.

Admittedly that's overkill, Blueray only outputs at 96khz sample rate wise, but it should show how cheap an interface/converter of this kind can be if you go the route of the pro-audio market rather than the audiophile market.

If all you want is digital out and don't need preamps and A/D conversion like on that unit, you can get a USB interface for around the $50 mark.

 

I have suspected this for a few days now, but the 15in may come with a 7690m whereas the 17in may come with a 7690m XT, this could account for the difference in performance that the HP blogger saw, ATI used to use these monikers to denote different performance levels within each level (x800, x800Pro, x800XT) of their series and at least from the code names for the next series they have yet again adopted the Pro and XT moniker.

It might make sense that the 17in manages the same battery life about as the 15in when the 15in has an IPS panel (IPS uses quite a bit more power, I think I read somewhere at some point that it used double the power of a normal panel, but don't quote me on that) and the 17in gets a more powerful gpu. We will know soon enough though

 

Wow, you guys are very detailed in the help and I dont complain so thx!!

But just to simplify it to the basics this is what I would have to do to get audio out of the HP Envy 17 3000 (that hasn't have a S/PDIF) to my 5.1 Logitech system: connect the HP to a USB interface that has a digital out, connect that USB inteface with a coaxial or optical cable to my Logitech system?

So bacially I have to work with an extra piece of hardware between the laptop and my sound system...

If so, I wonder why HP didnt make 1 of the audio outs a S/PDIF, they already had 2 audio outs, it absurd to have 2 identical audio outs to me...
And its even more absurd that this laptop is very much advertised as a premium sound system with all that "Beats audio" marketing surrounding it.

Why oh why didnt they just made a S/PDIF out of 1 of the 2 audio outs.


Enough compaining, but basically this is the kind of harware you were refering too right?

Doesn't look so bad, its basic and simple and its more like a cable with some extra's. I was afraid of a system that would took a fairly amount of space

 

Yeah an extra peice of hardware seems liek what you need.
The annoying this is that there are very few DAC only out there that are USB fed ( and dont cost 1k+).
The Udac is a good option, but if youve got the courage you can go for DIY stuff

 

As much as I'd like for the pdf to be true I think that the website is correct. The date on the pdf is nov 11 whereas the australian store site has been updated dec 7. Sigh....I guess 7670 for sure then?

 

First of all, I'd like to say thanks for all that info Loading... I've wanted to pick up learning about audio and music for a while now, and with this information, I'm going to try again just learning the fundamentals of music production. It will help me more in my day job.

As for ADNOH question, yeah, I do wish that one of the audio jack had SPDIF. I actually took it for granted that this laptop had it and didn't even think about it until you brought it up.

The only reason that I could think of why they just had two plain 3.5 jacks (instead of one) is for travelers. I know that I always carry a splitter with me so that I can listen to music with my girlfriend. Now when it comes to listening to it on the plane, at least that is one less item I would need it for.

But I now know that I have an option for if I want to hook up a 5.1 system up.

Also, remember that this laptop has Kleernet system. Basically a better wireless audio system than Bluetooth is by a long shot. I've been reading about Kleer the last couple of years, and it's cool that HP is adding that to the Envy.

Look here for more information on Kleernet.

And here is some info for a receiver they are release as well: HP Wireless Audio streams audio from your PC, arrives next month for $100 (video) -- Engadget

 

Well IMO web-pages are notoriously wrong, especially between different regions. And then again, sometimes there are subtle differences between products in different regions. So I guess none of this confirms anything until we see an actual review or get the product in our own hands.

If you are familiar with the Samsung Galaxy Nexus then that is a prime example (pun intended )

 

Just contacted HP and she kinda dodged the question about the graphics cards, here's a log:

... showed her the two conflicting websites

7:16:27 PM Jim Karenskin
thanks, both are hp sites
7:16:34 PM Jim Karenskin
one says 7670 other says 7690
7:16:43 PM Jim Karenskin
both are talking about the envy 15
7:17:03 PM Janna S.
HP Home and Home Office Store aspires to provide a pleasurable shopping experience in our store. Hence, I am delighted to give you the assistance you need tonight, and check this link to give you the information you need.
7:18:37 PM Janna S.
Jim, I am checking on the two links now.
7:18:42 PM Jim Karenskin
thank you
7:19:28 PM Jim Karenskin
lots of people on the forums are confused about this
7:19:37 PM Jim Karenskin
thought id ask hp directly
7:23:24 PM Jim Karenskin
and if interested another link
7:23:26 PM Jim Karenskin
HP Communities - Hands On: New Envy 15, 17 ? And A New Look - HP Communities
7:23:54 PM Jim Karenskin
this one the hp employed blogger says most likely 7690 but sounds unsure
7:24:34 PM Janna S.
Jim, this computer are exactly of different model. The 7690 graphics is for our customizable HP ENVY 15 series, however the 7670 is for our HP ENVY 15-3005tx Notebook PC.
7:25:12 PM Janna S.
The HP ENVY 15-3005tx Notebook PC is only available at our SMB store.
7:25:22 PM Jim Karenskin
ok so if I were to order one it will be the 7690 for sure?
7:25:50 PM Jim Karenskin
I just want to clarify as this is going to be posted online to help out all those confused
7:26:52 PM Janna S.
Jim, we appreciate your suggestions, and I am going to forward your suggestion to my supervisor.
7:26:58 PM Janna S.
Do you have any other questions that I can help you with? I want to make sure that I have completely addressed your concern today and are satisfied with my service.
7:27:17 PM Jim Karenskin
well you didn't answer my last question
7:27:38 PM Jim Karenskin
are you 100% sure that this is the case for this laptop?
7:27:44 PM Jim Karenskin
or more just your opinion
7:29:47 PM Janna S.
I am sorry, if I was not able to answer your question. I actually have other customer on the other line with you. Jim, if you are going to customized the Evy 15, you can get the 7690 graphics.
7:30:15 PM Jim Karenskin
hmmm
7:30:21 PM Jim Karenskin
ok well thanks for your help

 

One last thing on the SSD.

I reordered the Envy 15 with a 160g SSD for $228.00 more that the 500g HD.

It is for my wife that has an old laptop with 40g HD and WinXP.

What will be nice is how much faster everything will load overall.

This will be plenty of storage space for her so for the overall increase in cost verses speed I think it is well worth it.

I do not think you can find the Intel any cheaper at this time on the web so why not just go for it.

The GPU still bothers me a little but worst case if she does not like it is to return both.

They are both in production now.

 

So your saying I could run perpetual defragging on my INTEL SSD without cutting into it's life?

 

SSD's don't get defragged (by windows 7). They don't really need it either.

The reason you defrag a mechanical drive is so access time isn't increased. If you have a chunk of data on the inner part of the plater, and the rest on the outer, then the drive has to move the heads from point A to point B. That doesn't apply to SSD's.

 

Shout Out / General Notes:
Thanks to everyone who has posted here with such valuable insight, from Rubenstein / Rebenstein to the Musician posting daily songs as a tribute to the Envy and Envy-seeker forum. I had / have been waiting for info & reviews like so many others (beyond the initial hands on from Joanna at the verge which is about the best preview thus far), and this is about the best vehicle for the up to date facts. I found an original coupon code here, and followed some advice on customizing my 17" 3D Envy. While the 15" IPS was very attractive as well, I have other smaller laptops and tablets and needed more of a mobile workhorse. Anyway, I pimped out the 17" to my liking and clicked purchase.

Dec 23rd est. ship, currently "In Production" like everyone else. Amazing deal on a great laptop, and while I normally go business class, this is just too nice to wait around for Ivy / Windows 8 / etc. Yeah great things are around the corner (as always), but I think a nice Win8 Ultrabook / Convertible Metro Tablet will be the best bet around then as a complement to the Envy 17. (But probably stick with ICS for the phone and 7" tablet still).

OK - so my questions / contributions are:

0) If you are unsure, don't be. If you are thinking about waiting for something better, good luck. If I were you I would buy the new envy and get the best coupon code I could still find, and I did. Either get the 15" IPS or 17" 3D w/ Bluray etc. 2760QM with 8GB 1600MHz RAM / Huge HDD or HDD + SSD. So many options, you can't go wrong really.

a) Video Card - from general searches and PR spin, it seems to be it is the 7690XT in the 17" 3D and 7690M in the 15" which again is not the 28nm we all were hoping for but that may explain the hush marketing campaign (and could be bigger with the next AMD chip rollout). It is very common for HP and several other companies to delay large campaigns until the 'kinks' are out of the system when everything is shipping and under control with no or limited complaints. It won't be amazing, but it will be pretty great (especially with the 15" IPS or 17" 120hz radiance. 3 monitor desk setup plus that screen when mobile = booyeah.

2) Reviews - I am guessing there is an embargo until probably Dec 15 or 20. Joanna at the verge knows what she is talking about though and should give it a fair review (despite its brief bashing "on the verge" as a mac book clone), although the review will probably just the 15" focus. Engadget is going to give it a 7.5 like they give to everything else these days and complain it is bigger and heavier than a MBP and call anything it has over the MBP a gimmick. Maybe they will prove me wrong and be more than an RSS headline feed. Here is your review - it is the best full featured yet semi affordable Windows laptop you can find. it looks like a MBP but does a lot to differentiate also, and for the money, blows the MBP away. it shows great things are still coming in the computer industry, and it will only get better from here. should have had 28nm video cards, bluray on the 15, IPS on the 17, and always lighter / more battery, but then what we would have to look forward to?

b) Audio - Maybe the video won't be the best in the world, but the audio will be hard to beat(s). And this goes beyond the obvious beats hype (some of which are possibly the biggest 'professional' knocks against this line) to the simple number of speakers and adjustments included, but moreso the raw audio technology behind the scenes. It is a tool for pretty serious yet fairly mobile audio and video.

3.5) KleerNet - Great that it is integrated, but like the 3D platform, it seems HP is going against the grain in some areas of industry standardization. That is fine as long as it works, is accessible, and doesn't lock us into Accessor-Opoly, which is one of the reasons we don't buy Appleverything (followed somewhat by Sonything). So 3D glasses and KleerNet speakers are two areas I am not excited about, but the biggest question is:

Where can you find or buy KleerNet speakers?

Conclusion) Bags - there is a shortage of good bags for 17" laptops. HP has a couple that are OK (simple black leather/other material) or Wenger brand, the Timbuktu Commute is fine just not very business-like, Thule has cool bags for 15" models max, there are neat leather bags for macs but are sold out, and Haliburton has great but expensive bags / cases. I may end up going with a hard case, as I am getting sick of expensive leather or canvas bags that don't last with regular (ab)use and have cheap straps that can't hold the weight the bags are intended for.

P.S.) HDD vs. SSD debate can go on and on, and yeah I really like the SSD option, but in this case HP made a convincing case for 2 Huge Hard Drives plus the technologies for further safeguarding that data, so you run a less likely risk of losing data, and have incredible storage. Plus they have optimized startup and wakeup times, which is another usual advantage of the SSD. So again, you can't go wrong here, and this new Envy lineup plus the first TouchPad fire sale (I got 6) could keep HP on the map and allow them to compete with ASUS for Windows PC dominance in the years ahead.

Sincerely Yours,
Randy Squirrels (as seen on TV)

 

As someone else said you wouldn't want to, but yea, with all the write spreading features on the 300 Gig model it is rated at 1.2 million hours of constant use including reads and writes. That is over 130 years. Even if you did something like constant torrents with no write cache just to maximize the wear the NAND would still have enough rewrites to last for 5+ years. That is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, constant rewriting as much as you possibly can for more than 5 years, probably more than 10 years, it is such a giant number it is all theoretical, and that is just the guaranteed rewrites of the NAND, they may go much higher. There are not any modern SSDs (with the write spreading, trim, etc) that have yet hit their write limits, and some of them have been in servers and mission critical systems for 4+ years.

There is a reason Intel gives these a 5 year warranty, they know that if there isn't any defect out of the gate like a bad controller that these will last 5+ years no matter what you do to them. Stick them in servers, run torrents, setup a BS application that just writes and erases all day, they have enough life to last 5+ years no matter what you do.

Just for reference most consumer grade laptop HDDs have a 2 or 3 year warranty. No one expects them to last much longer than that, and the manufacturer will not warranty them longer.

 

This really is the best laptop of this kind at this time. I wrote a much longer post a few pages back, but according to the AMD press conference the 7690 is a 6770 with higher speeds. Something like 800 core 1000 memory. That should give around a 5 FPS boost over the 6770, and will make the 7690 the best thin-performance graphic chip available right now. Nvidia is still using the GT 555M for thin-performance (Razer Blade) and that chip was about even with the 6770, the 7690 will beat it across the board.

As for the Kleernet sound, you can buy an adapter that has outputs in all the standard formats. You can then hook this up to almost any sound system. Someone posted a link to it in the last few pages.

I personally like the TriDef 3D solution a lot more than the Nvidia Vision solution. With Nvidia you either turn 3D on or off and it will launch every game or application with 3D or not. Personally I will want to play in 3D one time and the next just want 2D. With Nvidia this is a pain, you have to go in and enable it or disable it each time. With TriDef you launch through the application for 3D, launch normally for no 3D. It is clean, simple, and easy. They also have a lot of nifty features that Nvidia does not.

I will be getting the Wenger Ibix 17 inch backpack for mine, I have the 15 inch version of their backpack and it is incredible.

 

The 7690m and 7690XT are the same thing.

 

Edit: ^Beat me to it^

i may be wrong but it's my understanding that there are no such things as a separate 7690M and 7690XT, only the 7690M (Which has been called XT presumably because it is based on the Thames XT GPU). So it is likely both the Envy 15 and 17 will contain identical 7690M/XT cards (HP's Blogger Gladstone confirmed a "7690XT" would be in the Envy 15)

 

Now, how is the touchpad? Go to mouse control panel, and check out the stuff it lets you do. Also, if you press alt-shift-i, you should be able to find out how many fingers it'll track independently.


Another question, inspired by this thread:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-envy-hdx/616664-new-hp-envy-17-3000-a.html

Those 3 audio jacks: am I correct in assuming that there's one mic, one headphone, and one TRRS headphone+mic? Does the audio control panel let you use those as analog surround?

Actually, if you want super-high-quality audio output, try an HDMI audio extractor. I think there are some that'll give you very high bitrate analog surround.

 

I do realize this is a marketing gimmick, but HP seems to have given a few Envy 15 laptops away to a few musicians and recording industry professionals. Obviously with it being an advertisement made by HP for that crowd, but it means that HP is focused on and targeting that demographic, maybe it means there will be some surprises in the audio features in the new ones here.

The completely redesigned HP ENVY 15 - YouTube

(Disclaimer I don't know any of the musician or artist, I just don't follow those things, maybe you guys do know them)

 

There have been several companies that have been using Kleer technology for high quality wireless audio.

Sennheiser: Link goes to their wireless page that mixes both Kleer and Bluetooth headsets.

Sleek-audio: Audiophile quality in-ear wireless solutions.

AKG by Harmon

And there are a couple other companies that have mentioned they are looking into/want to use Kleer.

Do they all work together? I don't know. But I'm going to look into it. If anyone else knows, that would be great.

But I do know that the HP wireless system will once it's released. Here is the link for convenience:
Engadget: Has videos
The Verge: Has more pictures.

 

HP's hong kong site showing the graphics card as the radeon 7690m in the envy 15: Bundle Details - HP Online Store

 

Thanks everyone; you guys work faster than Google search results.
Serve me well your notes do, Yoda.

Now, does if anyone have 33% off coupon codes for wireless KleerNet speakers?

 

Thank you very much for the heads up Yoda !

 

Well I'm all set - just got 50% off on a brand new Chrome Buran Messenger bag.

It says it fits a macbook pro 17" - so it should fit this no problem. I got it in a grey/black/red style to match the envy - can't wait for everything!

My wallet is in pain though...

 

TL : DR

 

Dude that rocks. +1 Internetz for you!

 

How about finding it for 17"

 

Ordered my ONA messenger back a few days ago.

ONA | DSLR Camera and Laptop Bag | Waxed Canvas Messenger Bag

So excited I hope my Envy 15 will fit. I need a bag that can fit my DSLR and lenses too.

 

Seems the chinese forums were completely right
7690M is a rebranded Whistler core at 40nm still. Traditionally desktop GPUs were launched before notebook derivatives. I wouldn't be surprised.

HP ENVY15 AMD Radeon HD 7690M | VR-Zone

 

nope, wrong

look 1 page back before your own post...I posted a link to the manual and some here say its definately not a s/pdif, just 2 identical headphone out

 

HP Wireless Audio - YouTube

So if I got this straight, the Envy has the transmitter already build in, so no need for a usb dongle and the only thing you need is that Transmitter?

And that transmitter you can connect to your existing surround sound system using digital or analoge connection:


So you will need for each system (surround in my room, the box in my kitchen, the system in my bedroom for example) 1 of those transmitters?

What confuses me is they speak about "kleernet enabled system"
Or do they just mean a system that is connected to their receiver box, since it seems you can use there wireless solution for your existing system...

 

Does anybody have a specs on the dimensions of the 15 inch? like width, depth, length. Just wanted to know for a new case purchase.

 

NEVER MIND FOUND IT!
15 inch = 14.9”W x 9.6”D x 1.1”H
17 inch = 16.37”W x 10.67”D x 1.28”H

 

Y U No Finish Production and Ship to me HP Envy

I imagine that if not already, in the next couple of days, the first ones will get finished building and be shipped to us. I have only order CTO from HP twice, one time I got the laptop while it still said in production, it wasn't until two days after I got it, that it left production according to the site and HP gave it a tracking number that showed it got delivered a few days earlier (granted, this was 3-4 years ago, processes change, etc)

 

Dunno if there are Belgians here, but its available in the Makro and you get a free Beats headset with it that has a value of 200 euro (thats about 260 USD).



Would like to love to hear user experiences, thx!

 

they'd better give you a free beats headset if they're charging you 2000 euros for it...geez. surely theres a better way? you don't know anybody in the states that could order it for you then ship it to you? you'd save 1000 euro

 

There's not a shortage. The availability is in line with demand, which isn't nearly as high for 17"+ screens.

Try eBags website and use the laptop finder. Use the Dell XPS M1730 (I have this thing, and it's a behemoth) and work your way down. I have the Targus City Messenger Miami and use it often. It fits everything pretty nicely. I'm considering the LeDonne Leather Vertical.

The Envy 17 will be smaller than this Dell model.

EBags has 30% off today on their site too. I've purchased almost all my bags from them because they constantly have/run specials. The code for free shipping and discount to be added at checkout is EBOHGLT6WD.

 

Thanks for the detailed response. I probably won't do anything until my new laptop gets here, but I will give it a try after. I never knew it was so easy to make electronic music (as in you don't need to play an instrument), and I definitely want to try it for myself.

It sounds like I should have everything I need with the Envy to get started, I already have a pair of DT 880s and a headphone amp that I use for my gaming sound, looking forward to getting one of those programs and giving it a go.

 

I've just done exactly the same thing. Getting really really excited now.

 

I had a hard time choosing between the Buran and the Soyuz, but I prefer messenger bags over backpacks.

I can't wait for a proper review of the envy though..

 

Oooh well I ordered a ONA messenger bag but now I might just get a Tenba..

 

LOL of course they screenshot GPU-z when the thing is at idle so we still have no idea of clock speeds. Looks like GPu-z isnt able to detect what the set speeds should be either judging by the 0 down there.

 

Count me in as 50% off Buran bag buyer. black/black/black

 

Yea, I was thinking the same thing!

 

Seems like it's time for the FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU- image, right?

Anyway, it is rather annoying that we still haven't gotten any reviews or solid data on the internals.

 

2 things to say about that:

1. we in Belgium (as in France) use AZERTY keyboard layout, in the US and most parts of the world its QWERTY

2. I would not save 1000 euro. If I would save 1000 euro, than it means the same laptop would cost 1000 euro in the US wich is about 1300 USD;
And the 17 inch version doesnt sell for 1300 USD, I've seen the HP.com website.
In fact, when I customize an Envy 17 3000 to the same specs as the one sold in the Makro store advertisement, it costs 1,954.99 USD without that headset.
Adding the same Headset and the total is 2,254.98 USD

2000 euro is about 2600 dollars.
So yes, it would be about 400 dollars cheaper when I would order it in the US (with a keyboard layout I cant use) but there still are shipping costs + there are custom costs wich are 21% calculated on the total costs with shipping.
But you cant even ship to Europe, its an US only website.

You said 1000 dollars, but it was only 400 dollars and due to shipping + customs I would lose the 600 dollars advantage, in fact it would even be more expensive to import the same laptop here.

 

If it's your computer and you can use QWERTY, it's an option. It's more expensive to ship something there, but I see international travelers buying laptops and electronics here in the US (freqently in NYC) because they make a point to time purchases up with international travel. That's also one reason why you see Apples everywhere in the world. The lack of lots of customization means people walk into Apple stores, buy them, walk out, and fly back home.

I saw someone at one of the Apple stores in NYC buying multiple MBPs to take back to Europe just so he could sell them. Clearing customs wasn't an issue at all, and the shipping was 0 since the PCs were carried. Granted, he did have a few friends with him.

As to the extra costs, blame the bottomless pits of taxation, not the PC makers.

 

yeah, that would be awsome, if I had reason to be in the US in the first place

but a tourist vacation to the US would be tempting however, I dont know if they sell azerty layout keyboards in the US...there isnt the option on their website so I'd assume you cannot find them in stores too

 

This happens a lot and is technically tax fraud. Dunno if the mods care (I certainly don't) but you can get busted for it. Sort of thing you can probably get away with if you do it a few times but repeat trips with more laptops will probably get you in hot water!

 

So the item pictured there is the receiver. The transmitter would be the USB dongle or the Envy 15/17 that already has it built in. And yes, you would need a receiver for each system you would want to connect.

Right now, it looks like you can connect up to 4 of the receivers around the house, and you can transmit your audio to all four systems. Or the game/movie you're playing to annoy everyone in the house!

I believe when marketing is using the term "kleernet enabled system", it means two things to me. One is connecting that receiver to any audio system. And second is that they are going to release other audio integrated speaker systems, like this Boombox which shows up at 1:54 in the linked video. (I was actually looking for another video that showed a quick glimpse of it and found this one instead that shows the Boombox for a lot longer.) I don't know anything about the boombox yet, but I'll start looking for info right now. It looks like a Monster Beats by Dr. Dre Beatbox.

I hope this answers your question.

 

Hello to everyone in this forum!

First of all, I would like to thank everyone with their input. I am currently in the need for a new notebook, and while I was eying several other options (e.g. Samsung Series 7), after reading 120+ pages, I am almost convinced that this is my next "toy". But here is my problem:

I would like to take advantage of the coupon offers and place a customizable order, but I live in Germany (without any option to travel to the US... for now at least), and as far as I know, HP does not deliver outside the US. Does anyone know of a reliable service that would forward such a packet to Europe? I have found some companies that claim to be the best in this business, but since this is quite the fragile and valuable item, and not something expendable (e.g. clothes), I wondered if anyone in here had any personal experience with such services.

I don't know when the envy will be available here, or even if we will be able to configure it, and somehow I doubt that we will be able to use any 33% coupons (unless anyone knows something relevant). Even though we use the QWERTZ-layout in Germany, I would rather have the US-International one, which makes my US-based choice somewhat... more absolute .

Also, am I to understand that the 15" Envy will have GDDR5? I hope the PDF posted earlier is correct (Thanks to Luxferro for that!).