New Envy 15 with i5 and HD5830!!!

14 usb ports on a laptop? That is still insane! lol

BTW, for those interested, the body, palmrests and lid are all magnesium.

 

14 is a bit much and come to think of I don't even think those 18in+ laptops have more than 6-8 usb ports. Hell, not even my home PCs have 14 usb, nor can I think of any uses for 14 usb ports. One has 5 usb and the other has 7 usb ports.

 

That number is the maximum supported by the chipset. Again, the motherboard manufacturer decides how many to use.

 

And in the Envy's case, there are 3 USB ports (1 is a esata combo).

 

Intel specs dont mention USB 3.0 support, and Intel said in Dec 09 that they wouldnt support/manufacture/sell USB 3.0 until late 2010-beginning 2011...only third party ones.

 

My guess is that HP is using the NEC USB 3.0 controller in the Envy (if it does have USB 3.0).

 

So i5 model's RAM is upgradable to only 8 GB. But i7 Model's RAM is upgradable to 16GB? Is it true?

So. it's impossible to get i5 Model with 16GB of RAM? How about i7-620M Arrandale ?

 

Depends on the chipset, but apparently if using the same as i5, it would find the same limitations. I wish to be corrected here though.

 

Are people forgetting the memory controller is on the CPU not the chipset?

Quads can use up to 1333Mhz RAM while the dual-cores can either use 800Mhz or 1066Mhz so there are differences in each's memory controller. The data sheets for Clarksfield and Arrandale do state that both only support a max of 8Gb of RAM over 2 channels though.

 

usb 3 is appealing.
I hope we can have one in envy 15 although there are not many device now.

 

Should I upgrade to Ultra Bright screen +100 or anti glare +75 or get an external dvd rom +50, i have only 1 option

 

when is the delivery date for these new i5 model? Can't wait to see some feedback.

 

I'd do the bigger screen. You can't add more pixels later... you can always buy an external DVD or Blu-Ray drive afterward. You can even pick up a decent one at Best Buy for around $50.

Wish I knew. Mine's scheduled to be built on the 19th, and I did the free delivery, so probably arrive the last week of January. I can't wait for it, either

 

ditto.

ME SO EXCITE!

 

Can we be certain that the Envy 15 now has switchable graphics? I haven't seen any official info on that yet.

 

Nothing official AFAIK, but given that they're limiting the i5 to 4GB of RAM, they're likely using a mostly reference board that will allow it. Not a whole lot of reason to even offer the i5 otherwise.

 

I doubt the i5 has a 4GB limit. I think it is an HP Envy thing. The Sony CW is i5 and it allows 8GB. It has two dimm slots too.

 

Just because the HP configurator only allows 2GBx2 doesn't mean that the system is limited to 4GB.

I'll bet my Envy (when it gets here ) that it will support 4GBx2.

 

I didn't mean to imply the system didn't support it. Just that HP isn't giving that option.

 

not sure if it's posted already.

seems like usb 3.0 will only be available for Quad core configuration.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13924_3-10433273-64.html?tag=newsEditorsPicksArea.0

 

I can confirm that after talking to a CSR; USB 3.0 is i7 only. The CSR had no info regarding whether the i5 version has switchable graphics.

I can also confirm that they may still honor the $300 off deal even though the coupon has expired. The CSR said he applied a discount that had the same effect.

 

or the USB 3.0 on i7 thing is a marketing gimmick to get you to buy the upgraded laptop and they don't want to tell you

 

Anti-glare and Ultrabright are both 1920x1080. He's basically asking whether he should go glossy vs. matte. It's really up a personal preference, but I'd go anti-glare for the less reflectiveness.

 

That would be very lame on HP's part if they only offer USB3 with the i7 config. I am actually a little pissed off that they don't have the integrated GPU with the i7. I know its older tech now, still wish the i7 had it. I reckon I'll go with the i7. Can't see myself being away from a power point for more than 2 hours. Plus I often play some pretty CPU dependant games (Supreme Commander anyone?), I reckon the extra grunt will be worth it. Now I just need to find out when Australia will be getting the refresh models...

 

Supreme Commander can only do up to 4 threads... the i5 will run all the threads that SC can throw at it, and it'll run at a faster clock speed than the i7, and in a lower thermal envelope so the battery will last a lot longer. Just something to think about...

 

I hope you're right if you're implying USB 3.0 may be available on both i5 and i7 configurations. I went with the i5 with the anti-glare screen. As I mentioned before, they did honor the $300 off!

I was originally planning on getting something much smaller, but the Envy 15 is too good to pass up since the refresh and price drop. However, if it turns out to not have switchable graphics, I may change my mind. I suppose it will all depend on the battery life of it in comparison with other i5 notebooks.

 

Anyone know if I can get this machine specs in Canada? Or when it will be available over here?

 

The 1-inch thin, 5.18-pound laptop is powerful with the Core i5 processor, has a 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5830 discrete graphics and can handle up 16GB DDR3 memory. The full metal case features a sleek, laser-etched metal design on the lid & palmrest.

Looks like the i5 can handle 16 gigs.

 

^^

Nope.

8GB max according to HP.

 

I can't see HP limiting the RAM in the i5 models, I just can't. I am sure you will be able to put as much in as you want up to 16 gig. Also, I am sure they will come with USB3 (if the i7 model does as well).

 

Well it doesn't look like the Envy i5 is going to support switchable graphics which kind of defeats the object.

 

We've gone through this in the Owner's Lounge. They only have 2 RAM slots in the i5 version, and no USB3 from what anyone can tell.

We'll see. Lots of conflicting info I've seen out there. If it doesn't I'm returning it for an i7 model, no doubt.

 

How reliable is this FredFrenzy chap as he has stated they will not be switchable in multiple posts. He seems pretty sure on the fact.

 

How would the Envy perform while gaming?
Could it handle GTA4 with an i7?

 

Yes, it will play GTA4 quite easily.

 

He seems to know what he's talking about most of the time. Where did you see that?

 

FredFrenzy is not someone you can take seriously....

 

Seems like its only on the i7 models atm. http://news.cnet.com/8301-13924_3-10433273-64.html?tag=newsEditorsPicksArea.0

 

I don't even care about USB3 (does it even support USB 1.0 and 2.0?) .

But The switchable GPU is important! Because the feature is there, and it is up to the manufacture to use the feature or not!
I can see that many will only enable this option of switchable GPU in very very pricy machines though it's a feature of Intel.

Also what gets me on my nerv is that here in Europe (EU currency) not, only it's 1:1 , but it is even being sold more expensive.
Well, the i5 and HD5830 is not avaible here yet.

But for around 1200-1400€ , i would buy it.

However i can forget it. HP is total sh$% in Germany. Total overpriced with minal options. You can't even get a fullhd-display here.

 

Same over here in Canada...$2199 still for the first version released.

 

yeah but you get free healthcare.

 

Hey guys, couple questions.

What's the battery life approx on these?

Also, what exactly is the switchable graphics for? Is it the user-switchable that's in question? As opposed to letting the OS do it depending on what you are running?

Also, do any B&M stores sell the Envy? I'd really like to put my hands on one.

 

1. i7 Envy 15 models get about 2 hours from the standard 6-cell battery. The newly released i5 models should get somewhat better results while also putting out less heat.

2. Switchable graphics (as currently stated by an HP represenative via the Official HP Envy forums) are not implemented in the HP Envy 15. There's been no word on whether or not it's something that may change in a future revision or via Bios update.

3. Fry's electronics should have them if they're in your area. Best Buy as well.

 

I hear you, here in France we got screwed too with WXGA...that is why mine is the US model with FHD...and waited an eternity to get it...totally worth it

 

i have been planning to change my laptop, after having a 17" for 3 years, i thought its time for something lighter.. the envy 15 looks good.

is the anti-glare 1080 screen good? or should i go for the 1080 bright screen?

how durable is it? many differing opinions about the quality of construction specially on the first version. is the updated one any better? (in terms of construction/heating issues/flexing)

love to hear the answers from u guys.

 

hello there smanne, and welcome to the NBR Forums!

I suggest yours questions to be better posted in the HP Envy 15 Owners Lounge, where people already own Envy's and can tell you a little more, perhaps.

I can tall you that mine is from the first batch, the screen is extremely niece and bright (too bright for my eyes some time) and beautiful color reproduction.

I find no flex at all, besides the center of the lid, which is natural due to the large surface to cover. My only gripes are battery life which is very low, and the bezel does not seem on-par with the rest of the BQ.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the anti-glare screen is a new option. I think someone posted elsewhere that the glossy version is slightly brighter than the anti-glare option. (270 vs 300 nit IIRC) I opted for the anti-glare, because I can't stand reflective screens. I'll post impressions when I get it.

 

There is already an Owners Lounge dedicated for this laptop, both the 1st Gen and 2nd Gen. I suggest using that thread to keep things organized and in a single place.

 

Continue discussion at the official owner's lounge linkded below. Thread closed

Thanks,
Johnny T - NBR Moderation Team