Need help deciding!

I'm stuck deciding between the HP Envy 14 and the HP DV6TSE... They both serve my needs and with the configurations I desire, the Envy 14 is $200 more than the DV6. The only question I'm left with is how do they compare in terms of durability? I've got my hands on a DV6TSE and was very impressed by the build quality, but I'm curious to know if the Envy has any significant durability advantages. Any input would be greatly appreciated! I've read through many of the different threads offering information concerning these two laptops, but no one, from my extensive research, has directly compared the durability of these two.

 

From what we've heard from owner's in the Envy 14 lounge (which you should check out), they seem to be quite similar. That is, they are both solidly built. Minimal keyboard flex. Almost no chassis flex.

 

Do you want a better screen? Then pick E14.
Do you want a smaller laptop? Then pick E14.
Do you want a Macbook clone? Then pick E14.
Do you want to save money? Then pick DV6TSE.

Some of things I've noticed from customizing between HP Envy 14 and HP DV6TSE:
1. You'll pay extra for backlit keyboard for DV6TSE, standard for HP Envy 14
2. You'll pay extra for ATI 5650 for DV6TSE, standard for HP Envy 14.
3. You'll pay extra for Intel Wireless N-Card with bluetooth, standard for HP Envy 14.
3. If there is an option to upgrade better screen for DV6TSE, you'll probably have to pay an extra $50-100 but of course 1600x900 is standard for HP Envy 14.

One exclusive feature that DV6TSE has is fingerprint reader, but do you really need it?

If there's a Best Buy near you, you can always check out DV6TSE. I know I did, it's pretty solid. Better than most laptops at Best Buy.

 

After having the fingerprint reader on my Toshiba the last two years one of my requirements this time around was to find one with another. It certainly is not a "need" but has proven to be very convenient for my own personal usage.

One other exclusive feature that swayed the dv6tse in my favor was the multi-touch screen. After seeing how responsive it was in video reviews I'm really looking forward to having it.

This is build I ordered on 7/3 using the $300/$150 coupon/rebate. There is currently a $400 coupon available using code NBG351962 on configurations $1299.99 and greater.

HP Pavilion dv6t Select Edition customizable Notebook PC

* • Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
* • Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-450M Dual Core processor (2.40GHz, 3MB L3 Cache)with Turbo Boost up to 2.66 GHz
* • FREE Upgrade to 6GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
* • 160GB (Solid State Drive Flash Module)
* • 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 5650 switchable graphics
* • 15.6" diagonal High Definition LED HP Brightview Widescreen Display (1366x768)
* • TouchScreen with HP TouchSmart's intuitive multi-touch applications (includes HP TrueVision Webcam)
* • LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
* • Intel Wireless-N Card with Bluetooth
* • Full-size island-style backlit keyboard with HP TrueVision Webcam + Fingerprint Reader
* • High Capacity 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (standard)
* • Microsoft(R) Office Starter 2010
* • $1! SAVE NOW!! Norton Internet Security(TM) 2010 - 15 Month Subscription (activation required)
* • HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

Instant discounts you received:
$300.00 Coupon
$150.00 Notebook instant rebate
Unit Price: $1,630.99 Order Total: $1,180.99

 

Touchscreen feels like a gimmick, and yes, I watched the video on youtube. Unless you can twist the screen and turn it into a tablet I don't see the point of spending an extra $150 for it.

I ordered dv6tse during 4th of July weekend sale only to find out that HP was holding out 520m and 540m processors after the sale ended. I canceled my order immediately. I'll just wait and see if BCB will go up to 25% and if it does I'll order E14 instead. If not, I'll just wait for the next coupon and order dv6tse again, hopefully next time HP won't repeat the same BS.

 

Guess I'll know for sure if it "feels" like a gimmick or not once I have it in my own hands next week to play with it. Then I can decide if it is worth sending back, it's $150 more for the 540m or $150 more for the touchscreen. Several of my operating rooms have touch screen monitors which get used more often than grabbing for the mouse. So far it appears from the tests online that the difference between a 450 and 540 isn't anything earth shattering and I probably wouldn't notice any difference with my usage.

Isn't BCB shutting down in 3 weeks?

 

Yes, BCB is shutting down at the end of this month. I'm hoping BCB will go out with a bang.

 

I appreciate all of your replies, and I am currently leaning towards the Envy 14. Can any Envy 14 owners attest to the claims I hear of heating issues and trackpad issues being dealt with? I would be getting the Envy 14 with an i5 if that helps anyone address my heating concerns. Also, does anyone know if any discounts or coupons will be available for the 14 any time soon?

 

There are already some owners that performed some stress tests with it. Check out the reviews on the first page of the Envy 14 Owners Lounge.

Verdict: Stays pretty darn cool. Even during the stress test it got only slightly warm. I suspect during gaming the same result.