dv7t vs Envy 17

I know a similar thread exists in the Envy forum, but I wasn't getting much feedback from dv7t owners, so I wanted to ask the question here.

I keep going back and forth between the dv7t and Envy.

This is the dv7t config I am looking at ($1,077 pre-tax using the 30% coupon):

• i7-2630QM (2.0 GHz, 6MB L3 Cache) w/Turbo Boost up to 2.9 GHz
• 1GB GDDR5 Radeon(TM) HD 6770M Graphics [HDMI, VGA]
• 8GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
• 640GB 7200RPM Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
• 17.3" diagonal Full HD HP Anti-glare LED Display (1920 x 1080)
• Blu-ray player & SuperMulti DVD burner

OR, I could get the Envy ($1198 pre-tax with 30% coupon) with the following specs:

• i7-2630QM (2.0 GHz, 6MB L3 Cache) with Turbo Boost up to 2.9 GHz
• 1GB GDDR5 Radeon(TM) HD 6850M Graphics [HDMI]
• 8GB 1333MHz DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
• 750GB 7200RPM Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
• 17.3" diagonal Full HD HP 3D Ultra BrightView Infinity LED Display (1920x1080)
• Blu-ray player & SuperMulti DVD burner
• Backlit Keyboard with numeric keypad

I just keep going back and forth because often I can get very similar systems to be about the same price (difference with the Envy +$130). On the Envy you get a better GPU, slightly larger HDD, backlit keyboard, 3D screen, and better build quality/chasis. So why not got for the Envy?

My only guess is that there is some difference in the 3D screen on the Envy (glossy or matte)? Maybe heat (with the i7) and battery life issues on the Envy when compared to the dv7t?

I actually don't care about the 3D, but oddly enough, with the coupons, it seems cheaper to order a Envy 17 3D base config than to spec up an Envy 17 non-3D to as close as possible to the base 3D config. (And I guess the screen on the 3D is 120Hz refresh whereas the non-3D is only 60Hz?)

So please tell me: Why did you / would you choose the dv7t over the Envy given those specs and prices above? I understand those prices and versions haven't always been available, but I would sincerely be interested in anyone's advice or perspective.

THANKS!

 

It's cheaper. That's really the only reason you wouldn't get the Envy 17 over it.

 

I think you should go for the envy. If you're going to get a 17" the additioonal $130 is well worth it imo.

It's a steal considering the better build quality, better graphics, backlit keyboard, 3d, etc. You probably paid more for the screen upgrade in the dv7t than all of the upgrades you'd get with the envy 17.

 

Exactly. The screen upgrade in the dv7t was $150.

Although, do you happen to know the difference between the 3D screen and the anti-glare HD dv7t screen? I know the hz is better, but is the 3d screen anti-glare?

Thanks for the input!

 

No it isn't anti glare - I also believe that the display is brighter (300 vs. 400 nit).

I just ordered that same Envy + the extra 9 cell. Returned my DV6T and can't wait for it to come in.

 

If anyone chose the dv7t over the Envy for a reason other than price (which in my case is a very small difference for what you seem to get), I would really be interested in hearing that.

Otherwise, I am really leaning towards the Envy at this point.

 

The only thing I can think of is that you could upgrade to the 2720QM for the price difference. I paid about the same ($1300) for the DV6T with just about everything the 17 3D sans the 3D + a 2720QM. The DV7T would be similar.

 

I can only think of two advantages for the dv7. First, it's quite a bit lighter: HP lists it at 6.72 lbs as opposed to 7.35 lbs for the Envy so the difference is about two thirds of a pound. Second, the display is matte rather than glossy (and it's a very good matte display). Other than that, the Envy wins on all counts (unless you count really obscure things like the dv7t having UDV3.0 vs. UDV2.2 for the Envy).

 

I went for the DV7 rather than the Envy 17 due to
1. There was talk about it heating up
2. It looked a bit too big to lag around (weight)
3. I dont like the flowery styling on it
4. It didnt have a fingerprint reader
5. 3D is still in its birth stage

But I do love the more powerful graphics card and the backlit keyboard...