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

Welcome Darren! We all appreciate the good fight to do for us at HP and your Bog is always a site for solid HP information! Keep up the Great job!!!

 

Guys, I'm looking to purchase the 15 inch with the upgraded display today/this evening. Can ANYONE please tell me if there are ANY coupon codes that work for the 15 inch? Otherwise I'm looking at 1400+ here... You will have my eternal gratitude

 

NBH7589 =33% be happy

 

May try it myself later also. This was posted by a member a few pages back and thanks to him.

Envy 15 = 33% NBH7589

Gary

 

Extra special welcome to GizmoGladstone from HP's Next Bench. I stumbled upon it from this thread and it is great to see HP interact directly with us and in the blog.

I think what most of us just want to see is GPU-Z data. The HD 7690M XT stands out for just adding the suffix.

 

NBH7589 saved over $800 on mine. I decided to get the 300gb SSD since it was only a ~ $400 upgrade with the coupon, not sure what OEM it is (anyone know?) but if it isn't a good one I can resell it.

 

I have to agree as well. I was orginally looking for a gaming laptop. Either the MSI GT780 or the Asus G74. All the other gaming laptops were way over my budget of around $1,600 (which went up to this range when I really started looking at gaming laptops).

I wasn't going to get everything I wanted, which were:
Processor: Intel 2630 or above
Hard Drive: At least 1Tb HD and 1 SSD drive (which I didn't even know about when I started searching a month ago.)
Graphics Card: good to great!
Keyboard with illumination and a great sound system (either loud speakers for a laptop, or great audio when I put on my headphones).

When first caught my eye about the Envy was the Beat's by Dre branding. Yes, the branding does help, even though that isn't necessarily important for a laptop. But it caught my eye. Then I started reading up on it and it had almost everything I wanted but for two things. Not knowing anything about the graphics card and the price.

To make a long story short, I was going to buy the Asus G74 on Dec. 8th, when I saw that the new version of the Envy was released for pre-order and the 33% discount still worked. So after thinking about for another hour or two, I finally pulled the trigger.

Here are the important highlights:

Envy 17 3D
• Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• System Recovery DVD with Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• 2nd generation Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2670QM (2.2 GHz, 6MB L3 Cache) with Turbo Boost up to 3.1 GHz
• 1GB Discrete Graphics AMD Radeon(TM) [HDMI, DP]
• 8GB 1600MHz DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
• 2.128TB Multiple Drives (128GB mSATA SSD + 2x1TB 5400 rpm HDD)
• No Additional Office Software
• 6-Cell Lithium-Ion Battery
• 17.3-inch diagonal Radiance Full HD 3D Infinity LED-backlit Display (1920x1080)
• Blu-ray player & SuperMulti DVD burner
• HP TrueVision HD Webcam
• Intel 802.11a/b/g/n WLAN and Bluetooth(R) with Wireless Display Support
• Full-size Radiance backlit keyboard
• Adobe(R) Photoshop(R) Elements 9 & Adobe Premiere(R) Elements 9
• HP Pavilion additional 120W AC Adapter
• 2 year limited warranty included
• HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

I got way more than I was hoping to get and it only went over my budget by $40 (which is why I didn't get an even faster processor). I still saved over $800 which was amazing. And all that was because of this thread.

So thanks everyone for the input, information and questions (started reading when this thread only had 30 pages). I can tell we all have the same passion and excitement for this laptop. Even though we don't/didn't even know what we were buying. Which, by the way, is the first time I've ever done that with something this expensive.

So thanks again everyone!

 

New ENVY is IPS - confirmed.

Darren Gladstone
HP's TheNextBench.com

 

I really like the various multiple drive possibilities in the 17 3D but how much battery life would I lose compared to the Envy 15 and thanks.

Gary

 

The 17 is IPS as well? Or is it just a regular screen? I remember reading somewhere that it was a regular screen on the 17 and 17 3D.

 

I've heard this as well. If so, I'd like to know why? As the 17 is supposed to be more of a premium?

 

I am almost absolutely certain it is Intel, I know the 80GB msata SSD is since Intel is the only one that makes one in that size of storage space.

 

I presume it's because of manufacturer availability. I'd like to know as well since I ordered a 17-3D. I would be disappointed if it wasn't IPS, but it's not a deal breaker for me (anything is better than my 2007 Sony S series, which is on its last leg ).

 

Currently asking with some of the team members about your additional ENVY questions (like IPS on the 17 and thermals). I just wanted to give you guys one big caveat for now:

A bunch of folks around here are starting to disappear for vacations. I'll do my best to follow-up with folks, but considering the time of year, I wanted to give you a head's up that answers may come a little slower than I'd like. BUT, when my machine shows up, I'll do my best to dig into it for answers.

(and on that note, I might be a little slow responding to comments as well, but I am checking what you guys say)

 

IPS panels are expensive the bigger they go and they use a lot more power (HP had a budget, higher performing laptops while being significantly cheaper than Apple). Wonder why the 15 gets the same battery life as the 17 when the 17 has a bigger screen, more powerful graphics, blu-ray, and more hard drive bays, it is the IPS panel that dramatically effects the battery life on the 15. HP was probably wanting to stay competitive with Apple in battery life. If the new Envy Lineup gets as good of battery life as HP claims they get, then I would say HP has made more efficient laptops than Apple due to better and more powerful parts with matching battery life to the MacBook pro.

 

Well the 17 3d is almost certainly not IPS. AFAIK, there is no such thing as a 120 Hz IPS panel.

 

According to Anandtech (this article was quoted earlier in the thread), HP claimed that the 17-inch panels are not IPS because of "a difficulty in sourcing good notebook displays." See: AnandTech - HP's Winter Refresh, With Business-Class Ultrabook.

 

As long as manufacturing doesn't slow down due to holidays I'll be happy. I can't wait to get my Envy!

I'm assuming you'll get your Envy before us. In which case, an un-boxing video on your blog would be great lot's of people will want to see.

 

its made in china. there is no christmas.

 

Anyone know which OEM HP sources their 300gb SSDs from ?

Edit: I see there are drivers on the HP website for the Intel SSDSA2BW300G3H, guess that's it.

 

just wondering for my own curiosity, who got what processor and for what reason, i got the 2.5 GHz i7 for music production, ps i just ordered a mushkin chronos deluxe 120GB sata3 ssd (huzzah).

 

SO what type of screen are people hoping for when it comes to the 17 3D? IPS or not? And then this whole radiance display thing is also confusing me. Lets not even mention the LED.

Why can't HP juts make it clear?

 

I think I can speak for everybody when we just want to know what GPU is going into each model, what they are clocked too, and maybe some legit performance benchmarks from HP.

 

Hello Gizmo & NBR Posters!
Welcome to NBR! (Gizmo)

I ought to introduce myself as this is my first time posting in the threads.
I myself have been a member since the launch of the MUSE 2.0 line up this past winter/spring. This forum was a great resource in learning of users experiences with the Dv6s & Dv7s launched back then. I follow the forums whenever a new product launches as they are typically launched first in the US.

I live in Norway & work at an HP Store In Store. While I'm employed by an HP partner, my sole responsibility is to inform people about HP products & guide customers through an entire purchase process.

I try to follow these threads as members are everything from highly knowledgeable to eager to learn! A great resource of information.

I think it is great to see you in these forums & I look forward to the great info to come from people like yourself, theoptimusdime, killa joe & bob mitch to name a few among many great posters!

 

i5, i just cant justify the 100 premium to bump to the i7 considering i just browse the web/listen to music and watch movies/light gaming.

 

IPS is for Envy 15 1080p display only. Radiance Displays are supposed to be significantly brighter with better contrast than most panels that come on laptops (that is the marketing line at least). I would research the Envy 14 in its thread since they already had Radiance displays for a limited time offered on their laptops, over at that thread they can give you a better idea since some of them actually have used and experienced them.

 

Hi everyone, I've been following this thread for a while and have been thinking about purchasing a 17 3D model. Only thing is, I'm in the UK, and here we only have the basic configuration 17 model, and it's a lot more expensive, so I'd like to get on from the US. Heard a few people mention they'd use a parcel forwarding company. I've made my own thread, but I still haven't had any answers, and I'd like to order it before the 33% coupon expires, does anyone have any advice? I'm just a bit anxious using a company like this for an expensive purchase.

Thanks.

 

So far I'm following you.....but I guess my question is a "Radiance Display" not an IPS display then?

 

From what I understand, the Radiance Display is a high gamut display, but does not use as much power as an IPS display. It also does not have the same viewing angles and contrast as an IPS display.

 

The IPS has to be a radiance display. There is no non-radiance option that i'm aware of.

The reviews need to start coming out for this thing so we can put these questions to bed.

 

Probably not too reliable but

AMD shipping 28nm GPUs

wonder if these will make it to the Envy 14

 

I think you are on the right track. Radiance display is HP's name for a display that achieves at least a certain level of brightness, contrast, color gamut, and quality. Basically its HP's way of advertising a premium display. So it probably doesn't matter the panel type (TN, PVA, IPS), but if the display achieves the right specifications to be considered industry leading and premium quality.

It is like DreamColor for HP's business notebooks, which are IPS only at the moment, but it is telling the user it is a premium display.

 

What I meant is, they're both Radiance Displays, but the IPS on the 15 has the features I spoke of.

 

It is reliable, the question is when will they be released and in what quantity will they be available at on release day. Release day is rumored for Dec 22nd at this time and in limited quantity (we will have to wait to find out if this is true).

 

most likely only desktop chips. I wouldn't expect the 28 nm mobile chips for a while longer.

 

I agree with you, not till at least late March or early April close to Ivy Bridge release would be my guess (basically not anytime soon).

 

What do you guys think the odds are that HP will update the envy 15 in march/april with the new ivy bridge processors + 28nm gpus? Is it too close to this launch? I'm worried that I just bought something that will be instantly replaced by a newer model

 

Hi all,

I've been lurking these forums and reading up and down on the new Envys.. and am considering getting one. Quick question if anyone has come across it (I've tried searching to no avail ):

Will it be possible to replace the slot-loading ODD with an HDD? I want to swap the HDD into the ODD slot and put an SSD into the current HDD slot (so it's SATA 3). Anyone come across whether that's going to be possible or not...?

Thanks very much!

 

Hey the 28nm seem to be at least 4-6 months in the future and no matter when you buy something there will always be something faster or better 4-6 months in the future . I ordered my Envy 17 now because i want it now and not 4-6 months in the future .

 

This was going to be exactly my response.

I am buying this laptop in the hopes it will last me 4-5 years. Yes, Ivy Bridge would be nice and 28nm GPU. But nowadays GPUs are the unreplacable part of a notebook going out usually (CPU last much longer usually), the 40nm card in the current Envy lineup will probably outlast at least the first gen 28nm cards. Why you ask, it is because this is the 3rd/3.5 generation (the 4770 was also 40nm) on a very stable and mature process (AMD is very familiar with it)with the bugs and kinks mostly worked out, whereas the 28nm process might take a year or two to get to the same level of stability as the 40nm currently is.

 

Not to resurrect dead bunnies or anything, but I thought I'd add my two-cents to the PC manufacturers' business strategy discussion. Sure they're all over the place and it's pretty difficult to find what you're looking for most of the time, but I think the added flexibility and variation such an approach offers is a rare diamond in this case.

Take for example, the issue a friend faced two years ago; he needed a laptop quickly that would meet his small needs but would also be cheap and reliable. Due to the vast resources PC manufacturers use for their laptops, they have a host of designs going from premium, to newborn and it opens up a person's potential choice range.

However, I do agree that it has become a tad too complex. Maybe merge the two strategies and have a single marketed option for each product type?

Can't wait for my new 15 though. I have the first gen 15 from release and I've absolutely loved it. It was the first laptop I've had that I can honestly say I had no gripes about whatsoever. If HP can maintain that standard here, I'll support them till they die.

 

People on this forum are an exception - we'll buy laptops when we don't even need an upgrade. I agree that user's shouldn't wait for new technology if what is out now satisfies your needs, but GPU wise I'd say it's been underwhelming. This feels mostly like an aesthetics and speaker upgrade. Processor and screen aren't much different and graphics is an updated rebadge. But as a member of this place I admit I'm still tempted...

 

None of us talked about limiting the choice exactly, but we were meaning making it easier to differentiate between all the options. Most people don't understand the difference between a HP G6 and an HP dv6, neither name is descriptive or gives most people a clue at what they are looking at. We want to see PC makers cleanup their lineup and create a simple naming scheme for the different levels of their lineup that someone walking in a store with no previous knowledge can then easily tell the difference between a value laptop, media/entertainment laptop, performance laptop (new gen Envy would fit here), and gamer laptop just by the name of the laptop.

 

I'll 2nd that request! A video UNBOXING on the 3rd Gen's would be most welcome!!!

 

Sadly I believe 28nm will be reserved for high end GPUs and nothing lower than the HD 7700M Series. AMD already killed off the Wichita and Krishna APUs. The HD 7600Ms that showed up on HP's models are confirmed to be 40nm as well. The HD x6xx series is going to be where AMD draws the line between 40 and 28nm GPUs.

40nm is going to be for Brazos 2.0 and lower end GPUs. 32nm for Bulldozer/Llano/Trinity. 28nm is for GCN based ATI cards.

It is going to be a 40nm rebranding adventure.

 

Be sure to make it a 17 3D unboxing, since that one comes with all the extras. That way, anything extra can also be shown if someone orders one.

 

He'll get a ton of page hits

 

I kind of regret not choosing the 2 day shipping, when they finally do finish my envy it will take forever to get here. I called and they said once the order has been dropped for production the shipping method cannot be changed. I am going to call and ask again to verify if that is true, because that makes little sense. Seems so long as the item is not already in the process of being shipped or already shipped it would be a simple thing to add money to upgrade the shipping time.

 

Hey guys, I wrote to Johanna Stern from the Verge asking the usual questions about the Envy series (GPU, IPS,...)

Here is her reply:

 

@Rubenstein

At this point, as little as we know after 10 days from the official launch date, there's obviously something HP doesn't want us to know until we get the machines. Just can't figure out what or why.