The HP ENVY 14 is a slim gaming notebook powered by the ATI Radeon HD 5650 graphics card. The new 14.5-inch model is the successor to the older 13-inch ENVY, offering a similar size but way more power. Read on to see what we think of the new ENVY 14.
Our HP ENVY 14 Specifications:
14.5" LED-backlit HD+ 1600x900 Display
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Intel Core i5 450M processor (2.40GHz, 3MB cache)
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5650 with 1GB VRAM and Intel GMA HD Switchable Graphics
4GB DDR3 RAM (2x 2GB)
500GB 7200RPM hard drive (Seagate 7200.4)
Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6200AGN
Built-in Bluetooth v2.1+EDR
8X slot-loading DVD burner
Two-year limited warranty
8-cell Li-ion battery (14.8v, 3800mAh)
Weight: 5.57lbs
Dimensions: 14.01 x 9.33 x 1.11-inches
MSRP: $1,049
Build and Design
The HP ENVY 14, like the previous ENVY 13 and 15 before it, has a very MacBook-esque look and feel. The body is comprised of a slick machined metal shell, covering the top and bottom of the notebook. The screen cover and palmrest are both etched with a unique pattern to enhance the look as well as increase traction for your hand while you carry it around. On the inside the ENVY 14 has an all-glass display that enhances the look of the screen, keeps dust off the LCD, and gets rid of the common recessed screen border. The bottom is designed with both form and function, hiding any separate access panels or battery, in favor of a single spring loaded panel to improve its appearance. The battery is hidden under this cover, as well as screws to gain access to system components.
Build quality of the HP ENVY 14 is well above average. The metal chassis feels rock-solid, which the same could be said about the Apple MacBook Pro as well. The upper and lower shells tie the system together to prevent flex and make the system feel very rigid. The metal screen cover gives excellent protection to the LCD-with some help from the front all-glass surface-and limits screen distortion from impacts to both sides. The screen hinges keep the lid tightly shut when the notebook is closed and limit screen wobble when the display is open, although tension isn't strong enough to warrant two hands for tilting the screen back. The palmrest and keyboard are very solid, showing no flex under strong pressure. Even areas above the slot-loading optical drive are flex-free thanks to the metal body.
Users looking to upgrade or tweak the HP ENVY 14 shouldn't be alarmed by looking at the clean design of the bottom of the notebook. Under the latched metal cover HP stores the primary system battery and hard drive for easy access. To get at other system components, like the wireless card, CMOS battery, processor, system memory, or even both heatsinks, you just remove five screws and take off the remaining bottom panel.
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Our HP ENVY 14 Specifications:
14.5" LED-backlit HD+ 1600x900 Display
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Intel Core i5 450M processor (2.40GHz, 3MB cache)
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5650 with 1GB VRAM and Intel GMA HD Switchable Graphics
4GB DDR3 RAM (2x 2GB)
500GB 7200RPM hard drive (Seagate 7200.4)
Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6200AGN
Built-in Bluetooth v2.1+EDR
8X slot-loading DVD burner
Two-year limited warranty
8-cell Li-ion battery (14.8v, 3800mAh)
Weight: 5.57lbs
Dimensions: 14.01 x 9.33 x 1.11-inches
MSRP: $1,049
Build and Design
The HP ENVY 14, like the previous ENVY 13 and 15 before it, has a very MacBook-esque look and feel. The body is comprised of a slick machined metal shell, covering the top and bottom of the notebook. The screen cover and palmrest are both etched with a unique pattern to enhance the look as well as increase traction for your hand while you carry it around. On the inside the ENVY 14 has an all-glass display that enhances the look of the screen, keeps dust off the LCD, and gets rid of the common recessed screen border. The bottom is designed with both form and function, hiding any separate access panels or battery, in favor of a single spring loaded panel to improve its appearance. The battery is hidden under this cover, as well as screws to gain access to system components.
Build quality of the HP ENVY 14 is well above average. The metal chassis feels rock-solid, which the same could be said about the Apple MacBook Pro as well. The upper and lower shells tie the system together to prevent flex and make the system feel very rigid. The metal screen cover gives excellent protection to the LCD-with some help from the front all-glass surface-and limits screen distortion from impacts to both sides. The screen hinges keep the lid tightly shut when the notebook is closed and limit screen wobble when the display is open, although tension isn't strong enough to warrant two hands for tilting the screen back. The palmrest and keyboard are very solid, showing no flex under strong pressure. Even areas above the slot-loading optical drive are flex-free thanks to the metal body.
Users looking to upgrade or tweak the HP ENVY 14 shouldn't be alarmed by looking at the clean design of the bottom of the notebook. Under the latched metal cover HP stores the primary system battery and hard drive for easy access. To get at other system components, like the wireless card, CMOS battery, processor, system memory, or even both heatsinks, you just remove five screws and take off the remaining bottom panel.
notebookreview.com