Would an Envy dv4t last 2 years for a frequent traveler? and battery life question.

Hi,

I'm considering a dv4t because I want a 14" or smaller laptop with a blu ray drive. I've given up gaming so I'll probably just get one with an i3 and use the integrated graphics.

My questions: do you think this laptop will last 2 years for someone who lives out of a suitcase? Granted I never check my laptop and treat them as gingerly as possible, but it won't be sitting on a shelf.

Also, do you think I can get enough battery life out of it to watch a 2 hour movie on a single charge? Is the i3/integrated graphics the best option for battery life (vs more powerful processors and dedicated graphics)?

I'm coming from a Sony Vaio which was expensive, yet spontaneously became a complete brick after 16 months of ownership (including a 2 month AWOL stint due to a failed hard drive at the 10 month mark). I'd like to get a laptop that will last at least 2 years this time.

There seem to be a 50/50 split of positive/negative reviews on HP's which scares me; then again it seems like no one is getting overwhelmingly positive reviews these days.

Thanks!

 

Maybe, maybe not. No one can really tell if a laptop series has issues that may affect lifespan. However, due to HP's lower product quality in the past years, you may not want to get a HP for a laptop you would keep for two years.

 

I'd say they've improved on quality having used their products for a few years, the overheating issues of 5-years ago much reduced, they have focused on reducing heat and having a better cooling system. You can see some of their QA and testing processes they use these days: How HP Tests Elitebook Laptops. The dv4t uses an aluminum build body so it should offer good protection for traveling.

You can also get a 2-year warranty for a reasonable price, better yet is to buy with an American Express card that offers a 1-year warranty extension free that matches the manufacturer warranty (or card that does a similar thing) and you're assured if you have hardware problems within 2-years it's covered by either HP or Amex.

As far as Intel Core i3 for your needs, I'd say that's just fine. Just make sure you get the 3rd generation Intel. And yes you'll have enough battery life for a 2-hour movie on one charge.

That all said, if you can spend $200 - $300 more I'd push you towards getting either a Lenovo ThinkPad X230 or T430s, those are portable 12.5" and 14" laptops designed specifically for business people that'll be on the go and have a more rugged design than the dv4t-5200.