Stuck trying to decide between the Envy 15 and 17

I'm a student and not much of a PC gamer at all, but I do play poker and like to play with multiple tables on the screen. Since They both go up to the same resolution would it really matter which one I choose since they will both hold the same amount of screens?? I also do a lot of multitasking I like to have multiple Browser Windows, IM's, music/movie, etc. I write a lot of papers as well sometimes I bring my computer to the library (I used to have a Toshiba Qosmio G35 I brought that with me a bunch of places so the weight of a machine doesn't bother me) I really love the look of the Envy 15 Beats Limited, but I hear that it doesn't get updated like the other versions (such as not having USB 3.0, build quality not as good[Using plastic in some parts of the keyboard]) I also don't need dj equipment since all I do is listen. I also like the options for backpacks for smaller laptops than the larger version which is ap lus so I dont have to buy more than one bag for my books/laptops especially since I can find a lot better selection at 15 than 17 inches

I like the larger screen of course to accomodate my multi tabling, browsing. I hear the 17 is the only one with a subwoofer which will enhance my music, podcasts, videos. I also like the number pad on the side. Very convenient when I'm writing down formula notes for my classes. Also like the power of the machine (you get a lot more for only 200 more base price)I would like a machine to last a while years before replacing and the 17 seems like a ferrari compared to a lot of computers


SOrry for everything being so jumbled, I'm just hoping to get a diallogue with more experienced computer users than I to help me make a decision

 

The envy17 is great, get that one if you want a 1080p screen and a numpad.

But if you want a smaller one, then I say get the 14, it has a 14.5" screen so its not as small as it sounds, its a very nice intermediate size, it also has a resolution of 900p which is perfect for that screen size. It doesn't have a numpad, no bluray, no usb3.0 (nothing uses 3.0 yet, no big deal). An advantage the 14 has is the slice battery option, 17 hasn't got one.

Envy14 is better than the envy15 in many ways, I think they might be getting rid of the envy15 model because it is basically obsolete. They added a slotload dvd drive and a backlit keyboard to the e14, made it easier to upgrade, improved the cooling system... and on the HP store they removed all the CPU upgrades for the e15 except for a couple quadcores, looks like it is going bye-bye, same as the 13.

 

have you tried out the 15's keyboard?

they have special shortcut buttons on the far left side, and may bother the hell out of you if you're used to using the cap lock / shift / ctrl / tab buttons with any regularity

 

you really think they would get rid of the 13? i could understand the 15....

 

HP went on record saying they are getting rid of the 13, but they had "no comment" when asked if theyre getting rid of the 15. Which is kind of backwards, I think people liked the 13 better, the 15 is the one that got the real bad reputation for overheating and having all the problems.

 

well the 15 is obsolete with the 14.5" out now, but the 13 still has a home for those who want portability

 

Reading through the 17's owners lounge they just make it seem so bad lol. Like I feel like Ill get burned if I buy it. Is the heat that bad on the 17???I I also really want a 1080 screen. I really want a top notch screen on my new laptop. I really don't need a drive though because I pretty much exclusively stream movies online That was another plus tot he 15 that made me like it. The slice seems cool but usually anywhere i use my laptop I have some sort of outlet near me.

 

The e13 has to compete against the vaioZ now, I don't see anyone talking about the e13 anymore, they all want the Z. The e14 is a good mix of performance and portability, if you don't mind a slightly bigger size then the e14 beats the Z when looking at a feature to feature comparison. The e14 is the most powerful laptop in its size/weight class right now.

 

What are they saying is bad about the 17? I have only seen some minor complaints about little gaps in the metalwork and some rubber feet that were put on wrong and made a wobble. The envy15 has had numerous problems, and not all of them were addressed or fixed. You should be scared of your webcam showing only purple images or the laptop screen going blank or freezing, or it overheating... they fixed the trackpad drivers, but some people still don't like it.

 

i'm with you on the 1080, i reallllly wish they made the 14s dispaly 1080p and not 900...

 

I've read a lot about the overheating which I don't know if it'll be bearable. Which is a main concern of mine because I would be pretty angry If I have to wait a month to get a laptop only to gt burned, literally. Some said the speakers arent all they are cracked up to be. A whining noise from the fans. The screen isn't all that nice considering he didn't see the 1080p one.

 

Whoa now I think that is going a bit far. Maybe the envy 15 is obsolete for you but it depends on what you're looking for.

As far as I can tell, the envy 15 is the only pc laptop with a 1080+ resolution resolution AND a matte screen option, AND a decent gaming video card. Some people like me use a laptop as more than just a toy to play games on though, and really can't stand those reflections. I like to game as much as anyone, but I also have to work on my laptop too, and it's really a pain to use glossy screens in a coffee shop, library, or any office.

 

With the current comments on the battery life of the e14 there is a great doubt that the e15 is outdated.

and in any way this could be possible, since the e14 can't provide the power that the e15 have, the portability is about the same, since the e14 is big for a standard 14.1 screen.

aside that they would have to rebuild the e13 from the scratch if they wanted to compete with the vaio z....


so for me the e14 has to work real hard, actually really really really hard to compete with the e15.


The problem is that HP fails at all points in the marketing dept. They rarely give pcs for people to review... and when they gave to everyone (the e15 and e13) what they got is:

- hey they are mac clones
- the e15 is going to cook my eggs, and those won't be scrambled.
- hey they could have at least the decency to copy the battery life of macs
- hey the build quality is tolerable, since there is so many Q&S issues with my suppliers, and this can't happen in a premium laptop
- it is too darn expensive.

Now what you see here in the forums is praise for the e15 2nd gen. The bash on the e17 cooking capabilities (probably some people with, hey my laptop is hot, my desktop is so cool) and the e13 being the least visited or even posted of all.

So far I call the e13 the fail, the e17 going straight to that path, and the e14 an unknown quality at this point, the e15 2nd gen? great laptop with a terrible bezel, and terrible customer service, but the latter is generalized.

btw, from 2 owned pavillion laptops, yes the bezel is of the same quality, crap.

 

So mr MM are you sayin the best Envy is the 15???? Im really concerned about the webcam on it tho

 

Can anyone tell me if there is a difference in the webcam between the 15 and 17???

 

The one on the 17 doesn't freak out and turn everything purple... lol ...
YouTube - HP Envy Webcam Purple

 

lol i read about that and saw that video prior to me asking but is that a widespread problem??? is the camera a good one???

 

its just a more localized issue, check the envy 15 gen 2 thread.

And yes I think that the e15 is better

 

AH Mr MM -- what has happened to our beloved TWC ?

On topic... I would get the Envy 15. The E17, which I returned a week ago, gets very hot and is very large (too large for university)!

 

Dunno... I'm sad here as well.... and the org is not so fun... they don't have the drama that TWC has.

My best bet is that the old raptor that was acting up failed, and there are no backups...


I think that they are going to move to the new server and step away from thor.

 

You guys have convinced me Ill get the 15 it makes more sense for what I want to do. Couple more questions

When will we know the 3rd gen 15 comes out? Also is there a speakers difference between the beats edition and the regular. Or is the 200$ increase solely based on cosmetics??

 

if the 15 had radiance i'd get it, assuming they are quieter/cooler now

i haev no need for an optical drive and prefer more display real estate

 

What do u mean by radiance??

 

The display of the e14 is a radiance display... although the 1080p glossy display of the e15 is one of the good displays out there

And since the size is not so different, and the weight is basically the same, I would go for the e15

now for the 3rd gen.... there is only speculation at this point