Do you need a larger laptop, or will something a bit more modest get the job done? That's the decision if you're choosing between the two laptops we're reviewing today: the HP Envy 17 and the Asus N82JV-X1. Neither is for the faint of budget.
The HP Envy 17 is a desktop replacement laptop with a large 17.3-inch display. Equipped with several extra features and good all-around performance, it should gain the attention of those seeking a larger laptop. The Envy 17 starts at $1,299.99 and comes with a one-year warranty on parts and labor.
The base configuration of the HP Envy 17 is powered by a 2.53 GHz Intel Core i5-460M processor with 3 MB of L3 cache. This dual-core processor gives the laptop solid performance when completing common daily tasks. You can surf the net, instant message, view multimedia, and more without any trouble, and the multiple cores help with multitasking. You can also upgrade to a more powerful i7 processor for more money. Additional multitasking help comes from 6 GB of DDR3 SDRAM.
Graphics are supported by an ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 card that is good enough to allow you to play most modern games on the laptop. Standard storage on the Envy 17 comes at a capacity of 500 GB, which should be good enough for most casual users to store all their important data.
Unfortunately, the battery life on the Envy 17 is not that great. Its included six-cell battery provides around two hours of usage when fully charged, so this is not a laptop you want if you need a lot of time away from an electrical outlet. Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64-bit is the operating system that comes pre-installed.
The extra features of the Envy 17 start off with a DVD drive that can be used for entertainment. You can select a Blu-ray drive, but it will cost you an extra $100. An integrated HD webcam and microphone are included for video chatting through programs such as Skype. Internet connectivity is supplied via integrated 802.11n Wi-Fi. Bluetooth is also on board, so you can connect to other devices wirelessly. Last, but not least, is a card reader for transferring data quickly with other digital devices.
The Envy 17 has an attractive design which includes a distinctive pattern on the aluminum-colored lid. The area around the keyboard and touch pad is also finished in brushed metal. The laptop is quite large and appears to be very solid and durable. Its 17.3-inch display is also quite large, and makes the Envy 17 a great choice for viewing media. The display has a 1,600 x 900 resolution, although you can upgrade it to a full HD resolution of 1,920 x 1,080. The integrated speakers are excellent and provide a lot of volume on their own, so you won't need headphones to watch movies or listen to music.
The keyboard is large and features flat chiclet style keys. The right side of the keyboard has a number pad, and the keys are very comfortable to type on. The touch pad is also spacious, and supports multi-touch gestures. The connectivity options of the Envy 17 reside on its sides and are plentiful. There are four USB ports, one of which is USB 3.0. There is also a HDMI port, a VGA port, an Ethernet port, a DisplayPort, and microphone and headphone jacks.
The HP Envy 17, even in its base configuration, is a great laptop that can replace your desktop due to its size. Its performance is solid, and its combination of a great design plus plenty of features make it an attractive laptop for entertainment and productivity use.
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