Review HP Elitebook 2570p-B6Q10EA Notebook

HP calls their series of laptops designed for professionals "Elitebook". Superb build quality and upscale materials do not come cheap, however - the price of admission starts at 1000 Euro. The range encompasses systems from 11.6-inch (2170p) to 12.5-inch (2560p and 2570p), and 14-inch (8460p and 8470p ) to 15.6-inch (8560p and 8570p). HP MT06 We should also include the Elitebook 2760p in this list - a 12.1-inch tablet PC.

Most Elitebooks now feature Intel's Ivy Bridge hardware. Our review system, the 12.1-inch 2570p, is the successor to the (already reviewed) 2560p. This time around, we check out a top-of-the-line configuration featuring mobile broadband, Core i7-3520M dual core CPU, integrated Graphics 4000 graphics card, 4 GB RAM, and 256 GB SSD.

Case

As far as the chassis is concerned, HP stayed with the tried and true. The Elitebook 2570p looks like its predecessor - and sports the same substantial weight of 2 kilogram (4.41 pounds), as well as chassis thickness. HP MTO3

The hefty construction has its benefits: the chassis is very sturdy, does not deform when pressure is applied, and resists twisting forces extremely well. HP outfitted the notebook with a very rigid bottom cover, which can be removed in its entirety without unscrewing a single screw. The display resists pressure well, is torsionally very rigid, and does not deform when the notebook is lifted at a corner. We have no issues with the overall sturdiness of this notebook. HP MTO6

In addition, all materials are of very high quality. The aluminum surfaces (both brushed and painted) feel cool to the touch and resist scratching. The keys of the keyboard, for example, are made from matte, slightly rough plastic and feel pleasant under the fingertips.

The hinges are metal and hold the display securely with minimal back-and-forth movement after an adjustment of the display angle. Because of the weight of the base unit, the display lid can be opened with one hand without issues. HP TPN-Q101

HP decided to forgo the massive display lock featured on the predecessor. The hinges of the 2570p, even though quite stiff, don't manage to hold the display lid securely closed when the notebook is turned upside down and held by just the base unit. It might be advisable to use a sleeve for transport to prevent items from wedging themselves between the lid and the base.

Performance

HP TPN-Q102 The Elitebook 2570p is based on Intel's QM77 (Panther Point) chipset. Our version features the fast Intel Core i7-3520M dual-core processor. For this particular Elitebook, this is the top CPU. System RAM is four Gigabyte - part of which is shared with the integrated Graphics 4000.

Our test system is the top-of-the-line configuration. Other models come equipped with a slower Core i5 Ivy Bridge CPU and (in some cases) only two Gigabyte of RAM. We consider four Gigabyte to be the current standard. For simple office tasks and Internet browsing, the less expensive model with he Core i5 processor should be sufficient. More complex applications like databases or virtual machines will take advantage of the more powerful Core i7 processor. HP 2000-350US

Processor
The Intel Core i7-3520M is manufactured using the 22 nanometer process with 3D transistors and has a core frequency of 2.9 GHz. If cooling permits, Turbo Boost allows the Ivy Bridge CPU to overclock to 3.6 Ghz (one core) or 3.4 GHz (two cores). Since the processor features hyperthreading, the two physical cores can execute four threads simultaneously. For a detailed look at the processor, please check here. Our mobile processor benchmark list allows a comparison of the CPU performance. HP HSTNN-IB2P

To determine processor performance, we conduct a series of CPU-specific benchmarks. SuperPi only tasks one core. The calculation of 32 million digits took 612 seconds - last place in our comparison of laptops with the same CPU. Lenovos 14-inch ThinkPad T430 is a bit quicker with 608 second. Two direct competitors - the FujitsuLifebook P772 (Core i5 3320M, Graphics 4000) and the Lenovo ThinkPad X230 (Core i5 3320M, Graphics 4000) achieve the same result or are only marginally slower. HP VH08

The results of the Cinebench tests show our model to perform at the same level as other notebooks equipped with the same CPU. Single-Core rendering resulted in 1.47, Multi-Core rendering in 3.38 points. The ThinkPad T430 is slightly slower. Fujitsu's Lifebook P772 (Core i5 3320M, Graphics 4000) and Lenovo's ThinkPad X230 (Core i5 3320M, Graphics 4000) received 3.10 and 3.06 points, respectively (during the same Multi-Core test). The P772 achieved 1.32 points during the Single-Core test; we don't have any data for the X230 here. HP VH08XL

Unfortunately, CPU performance decreases significantly while the notebook is running on battery. Cinebench R10 64-Bit Single-Rendering now resulted in only 5.164 points (6.203 points while on external power). That means that the laptop is about 20% faster while it's plugged in. The Multi-Rendering test shows an even larger difference of 22%.

We never experienced any significant latency even when the wireless modules were turned on.

System Performance
HP QK641AA To evaluate overall system performance, we normally use the two PCMark benchmark tests. Unfortunately, PCMark 7 did not finish, so we don't have any results. Let's take a look at PCMark Vantage instead. The Elitebook 2570p achieved an overall score of 13123 points - an excellent result, owing mostly to the speedy storage drive (SSD). The Vaio SV-S13A1Z9E/S (GeForce GT 640M LE, 3520M CPU, and RAID 0 with two Samsung MZRPC512HAFU-000SO SSDs) scores 10% better (14496 points). Lenovo's ThinkPad T430 (NVS 5400M, 3520M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630) is quite a bit slower since it features a conventional hard drive (8385 points - our review system is 57% faster). HP HSTNN-LB2P Fujitsu's Lifebook P772 (3320M, Graphics 4000) also features a standard hard drive (7200 RPM) and isn't able to keep up (only scores about half the points). Lenovo's ThinkPad X230 (3320M, Graphics 4000) also has a 7200 RPM conventional hard drive and achieves 8503 points - better than the 6747 points the P722 could muster, but still a far cry from the performance of the 2570p with SSD.

Programs and data load speedily and the daily workload is a breeze. System boot and wake-up are significantly faster than those posted by systems equipped with a regular hard disk drive. HP HSTNN-IB2Q

Storage Devices
Our review system comes equipped with a Micron RealSSD C400 (MTFDDAK256MAM-1K12) SSD. The drive features a nominal capacity of 256 Gigabyte and comes partitioned: 20.98 Gigabyte are reserved for system recovery, while a partition called "HP_TOOLS" takes up 2 Gigabyte. The advantages of a SSD compared to a conventional hard drive with mechanical platters are the very low access times and the silent operation. For a detailed comparison of SSDs and regular HDDs, please take a look at this dedicated page. HP HSTNN-I93C

In order to compare performance of the SSD to other SSD models, we use CrystalDiskMark. Intel's SSD 520 Series as well as the OCZ Vertex 3 are a bit faster. The Micron RealSSD is able to outperform Intel's SSD 320 series by a fair margin, however. For a detailed comparison please check here.

Considering this is only a 12.5-inch system, we appreciate the integrated optical drive on the left side. The HP CDDVDW TS-U633J writes and reads all current CD and DVD formats. HP HSTNN-F10C

Graphics Card
Even though this is the top model of the 2570p, the customer still has to make due with the integrated Intel Graphics 4000. Depending on the processor, the clock speed of the Intel HD Graphics 4000 changes and the available cache amount varies. In addition, Turbo Boost is able to overclock the graphics card. Fast CPU versions, like our Core i7-3520M start with a core frequency of 650 MHz and are supposed to overclock to 1.1 to 1.25 GHz. Our review model behaves as we expected - see the section on temperature (stress test). HP 632425-001

To evaluate graphics performance, we run a series of 3DMark benchmarks. The 2570p reached 4949 points running 3DMark06, 2995 points running 3DMarkVantage, and 612 points running 3DMark11. Considering this is a speedy Core i7 dual-core CPU, the results are all a little below what we would have expected. The difference to the only system with identical hardware that we have evaluated before (One M73-2O) is between 20 and 30%, depending on the test. HP 632114-141 Some laptops with Graphics 3000 outperform the HP here - for example the Asus N53SV (15.6-inch, 2720QM, HD Graphics 3000, +7%). Same is true for systems with ULV processors: the Samsung 900X4C-A04DE (15-inch, 3317U, HD Graphics 4000, +7%). The Elitebook 2570p doesn't stand a chance when we compare it to the systems with dedicated graphics card we mentioned in our section about the processor: Lenovo's ThinkPad T430 features a NVS 5400M and Sony's Vaio SV-S13A1Z9E/S comes equipped with a GeForce GT 640M LE. Let's look at the direct competition: Fujitsu's P722 does better in all 3DMark tests; Lenovo's Thinkpad X230 offers the same performance. HP 632113-151

We couldn't detect any changes in frequency when we ran the stress test. That means that throttling due to excessive heat does not occur.

Battery Life

Our review system uses a 55 Wh battery, which protrudes in the back. A 9-cell (100 Wh) and a 6-cell (62 Wh) battery are also available.

We determine the maximum battery life with the display on its lowest setting, energy saving profile enabled, and turned off WiFi modules. The BatteryEater Readers Test simulates reading text. The 2570p lasted almost 11.25 hours before we needed to plug it in. HP 628369-421

With the display set to a brightness of 150 cd/m² and energy savings profile enabled, the user can expect about 6 hours while surfing the Internet. For this WLAN test, we run a script which simulates surfing the web and hitting pages with different content. With the energy saving profile enabled and the display turned up to maximum brightness (only one step above the setting for the WLAN test), the system was able to play DVDs for 4.5 hours. HP 630919-421

The minimum battery life is fairly short (2 hours).

Sony's 13-inch Vaio SV-S13A1Z9E/S (equipped with a 49 Wh battery, the same CPU and a GeForce GT 640M) fares a bit worse. Lenovo's 14-inch ThinkPad T430 (much larger capacity 94 Wh battery, 3520M, NVS 5400M) doesn't do much better than the Elitebook. The Lenovo Thinkpad X230 (which has a much brighter display) also features a larger battery (63 Wh), but lasts about an hour less during the WLAN test. Same is also true for the Fujitsu Lifebook P722. HP HSTNN-F08C

Verdict

HP's Elitebook 2570p has the same strengths and weaknesses as the predecessor. Our main point of criticism remains the display - even though it is now slightly brighter, it is still too dark and consequently mobility (outdoor use) suffers.

Plus points are the very comfortable keyboard and the touchpad / point stick combination. Build quality, sturdiness, port selection, and security features all support the status of the little Elitebook as a serious business laptop. We especially appreciate the inclusion of an optical drive in this small 12.5-inch subnotebook. HP HSTNN-OB2G

Equipped with a speedy SSD, the notebook is capable of convincing performance. The hardware components (Core i7 3520M CPU, Graphics 4000, and 4 GB RAM) are certainly sufficient for the typical office and Internet tasks. Even the top model of the 2570p is not suited for graphics intensive applications.

The Elitebook 2570p appeals to business travelers who have high demands as far as sturdiness and connectivity options are concerned. Many potential buyers are not going to like the dark display with its low contrast. Those who travel a lot, might consider the Thinkpad X230 with its much brighter IPS display instead. HP HSTNN-F11C

HP Envy 15-3040nr Laptop Review

The Envy series is HP's most revered lineup of notebooks, and for good reason. Every model thus far has left us good impressions here on Notebookcheck due to the Envy's combination of high-end looks, build quality, features and of course, the occasional high resolution IPS screen that HP has appropriately dubbed "Radiance".

While the Envy family now comes in a range of sizes starting from 14-inches all the way up to 17-inches, the last Envy 15 we reviewed was over two years ago when the premium lineup was still in its infancy. HP HSTNN-OB2H The new 2012 Envy 15 under review starts at $1099 USD and has been given the much-needed spec update with Sandy Bridge CPU configuration options (base 2.5GHz i5-2450M up to a 2.5GHz i7-2860QM), a Radeon 7690M GPU and a much sleeker design. The Beats Audio integration first found in the 2010 Envy 14 makes its return and will likely append itself to most if not all upcoming Envy notebooks down the pipeline.

HP HSTNN-I90C As impressive as the Envy models have become, we've always found certain issues and drawbacks that have thorned an otherwise solid series. Our reviews on previous models have noted the occasional high noise, ultra-glossy display and even the sudden exclusion of the IPS panel on particular models. Has HP patched up these leaks with the 2012 Envy 15? Or have they opened the door to even more unfortunate design choices? In this full review, we investigate the ins and outs of the early $1299 2012 Envy 15-3040nr.

HP HSTNN-W81C The 2012 Envy introduces to the series a brand new chassis design similar to the one used for the recently reviewed 2012 Envy 17 3D. We hate to be drawing comparisons to the MacBook Pro so early, but the redesigned Envy 15 practically parallels the Apple in many areas from the flat surfaces, leveled thickness from front-to-back (28.2mm) and even the gray coloring scheme used for the shiny but matte aluminum alloy base. Fortunately, HP has thrown enough curve balls on the overall design to prevent it from being a 1:1 replica of a MacBook. HP HSTNN-I91C For example, the unique orange lining around the perimeter of the keyboard and the volume control knob are both new to the Envy series and can definitely stand out if seen from afar.

When compared to the 2009 Envy 15 or even the 2010 Envy 14, the 2012 refresh sports less stubby edges and corners with a more minimalistic design. Gone is the long monitor hinge from the original Envy in favor of two smaller hinges nearer each end, but they thankfully still perform solidly in holding the monitor portion in place. The oddly textured case and surfaces of previous models have also been tossed in favor of a more uniform and smoother design. HP QK639AA

In terms of stability, the Envy 15 is first class. The palm and keyboard areas are very resistant to finger depressions and both the dense base and light monitor mean users can safely open the notebook with just one hand. Even the outer center of the lid, which is a usual weak point in most notebooks, is quite resistant to depressions. The base is difficult to flex from side to side as well, but the monitor portion is predictably less resistant to this sort of twisting. HP HSTNN-LB2F Edge-to-edge glass covering would have likely increased monitor stiffness and construction quality (the 17.3-inch Acer Aspire Ethos AS8951G and HP Spectre come to mind), but probably at the cost of increased weight.

Speaking of the display, the plastic protecting the flush screen is so glossy and vibrant that any sort of dust, fingerprints, blemishes or scratches (gasp!) would easily and clearly show up. In fact, the monitor portion in its entirety is quite the fingerprint magnet in contrast to the rest of the notebook. Get ready to clean the lid and display often if you plan on keeping the Envy 15 looking good as new. HP QK640AA

When taken as a whole, the chassis redesign is a surefire improvement over previous models both superficially and internally. It's most definitely a design that we can see HP utilizing for future Envy notebooks to come, at least throughout 2012.

Performance

HP CC06 The model under review has been pre-configured with the high-end and relatively new Core i7-2670QM rated at a base clock rate of 2.2GHz. This quad-core Sandy Bridge CPU is normally found in gaming or high-performance notebooks (e.g., MSI GT780DX or Acer Aspire 5755G) and is quite similar to the i7-2630QM that it supplants, down to the substantial 45 Watt TDP, 32nm lithology and 6MB cache size. The take home difference between the two is that the newer i7-2670QM can support Turbo Boost up to 200MHz faster than the i7-2630QM for a theoretical maximum of 3.1GHz. HP CC09 The powerful processor is guaranteed to run everyday applications and even modern high-end games flawlessly. In this case, any sort of slowdown would more likely be the fault of a bottleneck elsewhere in the system.

For RAM, the system is equipped with two Samsung 800MHz DDR3 modules for a combined 8GB. Two RAM slots total are available (and easily accessible) to the user for a maximum of 16GB. According to the DPC Latency Checker, the notebook suffers from no recurring high latency peaks even with WLAN and Bluetooth active. HP CC06XL

Processor

In the synthetic CPU-oriented benchmarks, the Envy 15 places itself alongside some of the top notebook performers. Results weren't as high compared to the higher-end i7-2760QM, of course, but the CPU scores from the HP are directly in line with other i7-2670QM notebooks we have tested. For example, CPU scores from 3DMark 06, SiSoft and Cinebench R10/R11 between the Envy 15, HP Pavilion dv7 and Acer Aspire 5755G are literally percentage points away from one another, suggesting very consistent performance of the Intel CPU between a variety of notebooks. HP HSTNN-CB2F

Raw single-core and multi-core performances of the CPU were also tested with Super Pi and wPrime (set to 8 threads), respectively. In theory, the slightly higher-clocked Turbo Boost of the i7-2670QM means either scores here should be marginally stronger or at least the same as the i7-2630QM when running those same tests. Indeed, this is exactly what we see with the Envy 15. The HP scored 11m15s and 5m28s in Super Pi 32M and wPrime 1024M during our tests, respectively, which are about the same or better than the average i7-2630QM according to our database. HP HSTNN-LB2G

System Performance

We turned to PCMark Vantage and PCMark 7 for gauging general system performance where the Envy 15 was able to score 10164 and 2612 points, respectively. For a notebook without a built-in SSD, these results are very impressive. The Acer Aspire 5755G and Pavilion dv7-6c07eg with the same Core i7 CPU, for example, scored thousands of points lower in PCMark Vantage with 7569 and 8488 points, respectively. HP QK642AA Even though both benchmarks have been known to heavily favor SSD-based systems, the Envy 15 still generally outscores less powerful systems with SSDs, such as the Asus UX31 and Toshiba Z830 Ultrabooks. An Envy 15 equipped with an SSD would potentially boost its PCMark Vantage score by thousands of points, putting it in the same ball field as the MSI GT780DX.

Mass storage

HP HSTNN-DB2H For internal storage, the Envy 15 can be pre-configured with up to a 1TB 5400RPM HDD or up to a 300GB SSD, but expect to pay a pretty penny ($580) for a solid-state drive that size. The review unit under our belt runs on a Hitachi 750GB 7200RPM HDD and delivers an average data transfer rate of 92.7MB/s on HD Tune, which is pretty much on par with the 7200RPM Seagate found in the Envy 17 3D. For a single 7200RPM HDD not in RAID formation or assisted by any SSD cache, this is practically as good as it gets without cashing out for a dedicated SSD. HP HSTNN-LB2H Other 7200RPM drives usually produce average transfer rates of around 80MB/s on HD Tune or even less when considering 5400RPM drives.

Out of the 750GB of space, 20.39GB is reserved for system recovery and 677.95GB is immediately available for the OS and end-user.

Gaming Performance

In terms of graphical prowess, the Envy 15 is powered by a moderately fast Radeon 7690M GPU (no other discrete cards are available for preconfiguring). Lying somewhere between the more common GeForce GT 555M and Radeon HD 6850M in terms of general performance, the discrete AMD GPU in the Envy shouldn't be taken too lightly. It's certainly no speed demon, but the 7690M was able to play everything we threw at it on at least medium settings. HP QK643AA This is especially important considering the 1080p display that the graphics card must render on. When the GPU is idle, GPU-Z reports a core clock speed of just 100MHz. See our dedicated page on the Radeon 7690M here for more technical information on the AMD graphics processor.

Unfortunately, it is worth noting that the 7690M in the Envy 15 is not the more powerful 7690M XT. As a result, only 1GB of GDDR5 VRAM is provided with core/memory clock speeds of just 600MHz/800MHz. HP HSTNN-E04C This is compared to the Pavilion dv7-6c07eg, which includes the fully-featured 7690M XT with 2GB of GDDR5 VRAM and core/memory speeds of 725MHz/900MHz. In other words, the GPU in the Envy 15 has the same 480 unified shaders and 128-bit memory bus width as its faster brothers, but with slower fillrates, slower memory bandwidth and reduced core and memory clock rates. Users who were expecting to get the definitive 7690M may be disappointed at this fact.

HP HSTNN-LB2I Subsequently in the synthetic GPU-benchmarks, the 7690M of the Envy 15 performs a bit below our 7690M database average in every single graphics benchmark. Results from 3DMark 05 all the way up to 3DMark 11 and OpenGL CineBench renders were at least several hundred points lower than the 7690M in the 2012 Envy 17 3D and HP dv7-6c07eg.

The synthetic results are bound to disappoint at least some gamers, but at least the GPU can handle most modern games on medium to high settings at respectable frame rates hovering above 30FPS. Fujitsu LIFEBOOK T580 Battery However, we do recommend turning down certain taxing features like FSAA and ambient occlusion if playing more demanding games at the full 1080p display resolution.

Temperature

So, how did HP manage to cool both a quad-core CPU and a Radeon GPU inside a relatively thin notebook base? By having a total of seven vents, of course. The rather copious number of exhaust outlets ensures that air circulation is at its optimum for maintaining internal temperatures. Fujitsu LIFEBOOK UH572 Battery

If left idle for hours and with no running tasks, all four cores eventually settle at 800MHz according to HWiNFO. This allows the notebook to stay close to room temperature throughout the chassis, at least when under ambient temperatures of 18 degrees C.

To test maximum potential temperatures, we stressed both the CPU and GPU with Prime95 and FurMark simultaneously for over an hour. Surface temperatures on all 18 quadrants predictably skyrocketed with the more intense changes nearest the processors. Fujitsu LIFEBOOK UH552 Battery Perhaps surprisingly, the left palm rest area can remain relatively cool, although users will definitely feel a temperature difference between their left and right hands while typing. The temperature gradient is more extreme on the underside, especially from the rear where it can feel uncomfortable to use unless if the notebooks is on a solid surface. Still, this torture test is more of a hardware analysis than a representation of real-world conditions – most users won't reach these temperatures under everyday browsing, word processing or video playback. Fujitsu LIFEBOOK A552/EW Battery

To investigate any hints of throttling, we again turn to Prime95 and FurMark. We first ran FurMark only to stress the GPU and confirmed with both GPU-Z and HWiNFO that the Radeon core tops off and maintains 600MHz instead of the typical 725MHz for a 7690M. We even checked our settings and some games to see if any changes could be made to reach the target 725MHz, but alas, 600MHz was all the GPU would offer.

Fujitsu LIFEBOOK A572/EW Battery With only Prime95 active, all four CPU cores were able to maintain clock rates between 2.4GHz and 2.5GHz, well above the base 2.2GHz. The promised 3.1GHz Turbo Boost can only be reached with a single core and for brief periods of time. Such a maximum is simply unattainable when all cores are under heavy load.

When both Prime95 and FurMark were active simultaneously, the CPU and GPU cores continued to hold up very well. During our tests, the GPU maintained its 600MHz ceiling while the CPU cores shifted by 100MHz to a stable 2.3GHz to 2.4GHz. CPU temperatures, however, reached unnervingly high ranges above 95 degrees C while the GPU core leveled at around 76 degrees C. FUJITSU LifeBook T901 Battery

3DMark 06 was initiated again immediately after stress testing was completed. Final CPU and GPU scores (5312 and 9627 points, respectively) were similar to pre-stress scores, confirming no throttling issues.

HP proudly displays the Beats Audio logo not just once or even twice, but thrice on the Envy 15 on three different locations. With such a strong focus on the Dr. Dre-approved brand, it wouldn't be so irrational for users to have high expectations from the notebook speakers. FUJITSU LifeBook T901/D Battery

All in all, the built-in 6 speakers and 2 subwoofers (or as HP calls it, the "Triple Bass Reflex Subwoofer") can produce balanced sounds during both music and movie playback. Bass and treble reproductions are acceptable enough that cheap external speakers wouldn't be necessary, at least in the short run. Overall sound quality is actually quite good given the diminutive size of the audio system. Distortions do not become noticeable until very high volumes, but even then the effects are much less discernible compared to speakers found in smaller notebooks. FUJITSU LifeBook T901 Tablet PC Battery

The analog volume knob on the right edge proves to be a much better and accurate controller compared to discrete +/- buttons because of the sensitivity gains. Pressing on the knob will also launch the pre-installed Beats Audio control panel, which will give users access to various sound settings such as noise cancellation, beam forming and the all-important equalizer.

FUJITSU Lifebook BH531 Battery The three audio jacks on the left edge allow for a microphone and two separate 3.5mm headphones or external speakers to connect to the Envy simultaneously. From the looks and sounds of the Envy 15, it's obvious that HP has put in a lot of effort in emphasizing and optimizing the notebook's audio quality and related features.

To power the thirsty quad-core CPU, discrete graphics and bright display, the Envy 15 includes an 8-cell li-ion battery capable of providing up to 72WHr. Although the battery is user-replaceable, no other sizes exist. Nonetheless, 72 watt-hours of power is substantially more than what many other 15.6-inch notebooks with discrete GPUs provide, such as the Packard Bell EasyNote TS13HR. FUJITSU Lifebook LH531 Battery

For maximum battery life, the Envy was tested with the Battery Eater Reader's Test under the Power Saver profile at the minimum brightness setting and with disabled WiFi/GPU/CoolSense. The notebook clocked in at 6 hours 46 minutes.

For minimum battery life, the Performance profile and the7690M GPU were enabled with full brightness and WiFi active. The Envy 15 clocked in at just 55 minutes under the Battery Eater Classic Test. FUJITSU Lifebook SH531 Battery

For a more reality-based test, we browsed the web at 150cd/cm3 screen brightness (about 60 percent brightness level) with only the integrated GPU. The backlight and proximity sensor were both switched off as well. Results will vary broadly between users, but we were able squeeze out 4 hours before the 5 percent battery warning popped up.

FUJITSU Lifebook LH532 Battery In general, the battery life of the HP isn't all that remarkable, but we weren't expecting it to be in the first place. The specs of the Envy 15 are essentially at the level of gaming notebooks – otherwise known as some of the most energy-demanding portables around. Compared to other notebooks with the same i7 CPU like the 15.6-inch Acer Aspire 5755G, 17.3-inch Pavilion dv7-6c07eg or even the Envy 17 3D, the Envy 15 is indeed quite similar in overall runtimes. We can only assume that the full HD IPS display here is at least partly to blame for drawing more power than what is normally required for standard and sub 1080p TN displays. FUJITSU Lifebook NH751 Battery

Verdict

The Envy 15 hits the mark in numerous areas and falters in only a few. Unfortunately, those few areas may be important enough to dissuade customers from the new 2012 refresh.

When considering the desktop replacement or multimedia notebook categories, the performance to weight ratio of the Envy 15 is one of the best. It is powerful without being too bulky, flashy without looking eccentric and stuffed with features without losing its multimedia focus. If you've ever wanted a jack of all trades notebook made to function as a primary indoor computer and for infrequent trips, then the Envy 15 should be more than fitting. FUJITSU Lifebook NH751 NH532 Battery

But as HP's premier consumer-oriented notebook, it is still far from perfect. The overly glossy screen is impossible to ignore, easy to smudge and is essentially the sole reason why the notebook can be so difficult to use outdoors. Clicking with the touchpad can be a pain if the user dislikes single-tap clicking and connected cables can easily accumulate and become a nuisance due to tight port placement. The stunted 7690M GPU could be a big concern as well, especially for hardcore gamers looking to get the most out of their systems. FUJITSU Lifebook N532 Battery

Perhaps our most significant criticism, however, would be the IPS display. As beautiful as it is, its highly inaccurate colors are downright unacceptable when the user has to put down well over one grand for the notebook. How HP managed to blunder on one of the key aspects of the Envy is really a mystery, especially when they've done almost everything else right in terms of hardware quality. FUJITSU Lifebook N532/E Battery

If it were not for the IPS display flaws, we would have easily recommended the 2012 Envy 15 as a multimedia home notebook. Of course, if you don't mind the imprecise colors or are satisfied with HP's TN panel option, then the Envy 15 would make for a slick-looking and exceptional performing notebook for all kinds of tasks and games.

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