The difference in Envy 17 and HP Pavilion dv7t Quad Edition series

Can someone please explain the difference in these two at the very high level? I think I have a feeling that I went for the expensive option when I would have been fine with pavilion dv7t series.

From specs, it looks like the differences are:

1. radiance display (not sure what that means: glossy vs anti-glare?) I prefer anti-glare of pavilion.
2. free adobe and NSI software for envy. no need for it really.
3. the build. granted, envy wins hands down. But the defects discovered so far give me a bad taste.
4. the weight. pavilion seems lighter by half a pound
5. battery. replaceable in dv7t easily. envy would need lot more work.
6. don't know what EPEAT is... gold vs silver.
7. finger print reader in pavilion

My main requirements were 1080p display, core i7, keeping cool and longer battery life. Being thin and beautiful is a desirable plus. pavilion dv7t is not that much thicker than envy.

So, folks, I am now confused, conflicted and on the edge. Please help.

 

Envy also has Backlit keyboard. Envy offers the 3D version of the 17", where the screen refreshes at 120 HZ and you can convert DVD/BD-R and games to 3D using the shutter glasses. Envy 17 2nd Generation came with HM67 chipset...where the new gen comes with HM65...thus no more RAID, from what I am reading here. Blu Ray/DVD drive in Envy is slot loading vs drawer on the Pavillion. The differences are not as great now. Configure both to what you want. Get the one that best serves you. Pavillion will win the price point...

 

I've said it a few times here already, but I don't regret sending the DV7t back for the ENVY.

I had the silver version, and although it was nice, it was no ENVY. The price difference was well worth the backlit keyboard, slot load BD-ROM, 120Hz display, and overall better build quality.

I think I paid around $300 more for the ENVY, but that also included the 300GB SSD option.

 

The backlit keyboard was the big deal for me. I had also hoped to be able to do hardware RAID-1 with twin disk drives, but HP's nasty little surprise of stealth downgrading the mobo chipset down to the HM65 screwed me out of that. But the 120hz HD screen is really stunning. It eats away some battery life however, I just started with a 100% charged battery and have been surfing with the screen brightness turned down a little, and graphics set to low-power, and will get around 4:20 on battery if the tray icon is accurate. And that's not too bad of battery life for a big bright 17" screen.

I may pull one of my hard drives out since I don't really need it now, and that will save some battery too. No need to keep an idle hard drive powered up. If you opt for an SSD, that'll stretch battery life a little longer too.

 

backlit keyboard is no big deal for me. The screen reflects enough light on the keyboard and I typically don't look at the keyboard when I type anyway. In fact, the backlit keyboard is disabled on my laptop right now and so is the proximity sensor. I haven't missed either as yet.

I think slot loading drive is nice.

Does anybody know what chipset does the dv7t use? Is it HM67?

 

A Google search on the dv7tqe seems to suggest the HM65.

 

Oh, forgot to mention I absolutely hated the lit trim ring around the touchpad on the DV7t. It was annoying as **** and served no purpose at all. It can be disabled, but you have to do it everytime you turn the laptop on.

 

2011 Envy17 also use HM67, RAID0 feature is disabled by default.

 

Got proof? All indications are its HM65.

 

Everywhere i looked the 2011 envy has an HM65 chipset. For example take a look here http://www.msystems.gr/files/product/13383.pdf (it's in Greek but still it clearly states that the chipset is HM65)

 

Seems really HM65, i need double check.

 

From March to December 2011, the Envy 17 / 17 3D contained the HM67 chipset. With the remodel, new version has TWO USB 3.0 ports vs ONE...and HM65 chipset. New version has consistently been stated to have HM65...which is Intel's value chipset

 

Granted all of the differences listed so far are significant, BUT the one HUGE difference is SUPPORT! HP Envy line uses their "CONCIERGE SUPPORT"! That was one of the biggest deciding factors when I chose to purchase my Envy back on Oct 3rd of this year. And since I actually had a chance to put it to the test just 30 days after buying my Envy, I can say the "CONCIERGE SUPPORT" is second to none! Matter a fact, that aspect alone was enough for me to decide on buying a 2nd Envy Laptop (For my Mobile and Backup Needs).. So if your on the fence and no sure which way to go, go with the ENVY hands down, because I can almost guarantee, at some point you will need to call HP Support and it is a lot more reassuring to talk to a well versed American in TN, than to speak to someone reading off a script page in India.. BUT if your sure you won't ever need to send in your laptop for support, go for the other model..

Now regarding some of the QC issues rolling out of China on the new 3rd Gen models.. Well all new roll outs always have some sort of little QC issue that needs to get fine tuned out. But again, look at HP Support.. 21 days to check out the unit and if you need to return it or exchange it, HP pays for ALL S&H and does NOT charge anything for it! No hassles what so ever! I do NOT know of any other company (Well actually I do, just one other, APPLE) that does what HP does in this regard!!!

Just my 2 cents worth!!!!

 

When I checked the specs for the New Envy 17 both the non-3D and 3D had THREE USB 3.0 ports. Is that a mistake on there webpage?

That would be the most that I have seen on any notebook (there may be others that I don't know of)

 

I doublechecked that...my oversight! Yes...there are three USB 3.0 ports on the machines