Here we are again with another laptop review and this time its the HP Envy, from HP. It’s one of those ultrabooks that’s got the right amount of computing power, entertainment value and style. And because it’s HP, you can expect it to go double or nothing. Check out my HP Envy review below…

HP Envy Specs

• CPU: 2.5GHz Intel Core i7-6500U (dual-core, 4MB Cache, turbo boost up to 3.1GHz)
• Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520
• RAM: 8GB DDR3L SDRAM
• Screen: 13.3-inch diagonal IPS Anti-Glare WLED-backlit 1920 x 1080 resolution
• Storage: 256GB M.2 SSD (plus 25GB of free online Dropbox storage for six months)
• Optical drive: No
• Ports: 3 x USB 3.0 (1 x HP USB Boost), 1 x HDMI, 1 x headphone/microphone combo, 1 x multi-format SD card reader
• Connectivity: 802.11ac (2×2) and Bluetooth 4.0 combo (Miracast compatible)
• Camera: HP TrueVision HD Webcam (front-facing) with integrated dual array digital microphone
• Weight: 1.36kg / 3lb
• Size: 12.85 x 8.90 x 0.50-inches / 326 x 226 x 12.9mm (W x D x H)

Design

The Envy speaks volumes when it comes to elegance and appeal. Its got this silver color scheme wrapped around a small frame. Because theres no fuss with the material for the product, you don’t have to worry about leaving fingerprints with the Envy.

Speaking of fingerprints, the HP Envy also comes with a fingerprint scanner, thats very intuitive.

There’s also two USB ports on the left side as well as the headphone or earphone slot. There’s also a built-in SD card slot in you still use that for work or study.

Because its such a compact laptop (with damn good audio), its easy to store it inside any backpack and bring it with you.

And its so light that you can just clutch it like a notebook…

This totally makes it an ideal laptop for students and young professionals. Hell, I’d wager even Bloggers can get a kick out of using this.

Display

I’m happy to report for this HP Envy review that the display works beyond expectation. It’s sturdy and bright enough to be used whether for gaming or for casual social networking.

The 13.3-inch diagonal IPS Anti-Glare Wed-backlit with 1920 x 1080 resolution is also perfect for those dim rooms where you watch horror flicks or for casual gaming.

Sound

One of the biggest selling points for the HP Envy would be the Bang & Olufsen speakers built into the laptop.

It’s definitely a good additional incentive if you want more bang for your buck. The whole set up feels like having a miniaturized high quality sound bar built into the product.

Additional props that it helps accentuate the general look for the laptop.

Performance

We did a quick benchmark on the HP Envy using NovaBench and here’s the result

Here’s the benchmark results from Basemark.com

HP Envy Review – Verdict

So far here are what I truly liked about the HP Envy.

• The design is minimalist with small details only revealing the finer quality. That design at the back sure sums up what the HP Envy is, a thing of beauty that’s small yet attractive
• The sound was so good. It makes you want to blast the laptop to full volume while working.
• The display is satisfying with good resolution and vivid colors
• Typing on the HP Envy is so nice. Every button press feels light. You barely need effort to actually get those letters down on whatever you are typing.
• The processing power of this laptop is good. I barely got any hiccups while using it.

Negatives

• The limited amount of USB ports could be a thing especially if you’re using it outside and extra ports aren’t readily available
• Still on the USB ports, I like that they made it look sleeker, but there’s moving parts just to accommodate the design. There’s a chance that these “flaps” could fall or by accident and you got yourself a ruined laptop.

9.5/10