Laptop-Review.eu

Construction & Design

First impression


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You do not need to look long at this model before noticing the similarities between the MacBook Pro and the HP Envy. Though spokespersons from HP have noted that kind of design is used widely these days and the similarities are only a coincidence, the first impression is that such would be an incredible and, dare we say, freak coincidence. In many ways it might be irrelevant that another product looks like this model, but since they are so similar and made for pretty much the same consumer segments, I will compare and contrast the two throughout the review. Still, this hot little piece of machinery makes a great first impression.


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The exterior is aluminium, giving the computer an extremely compact look and a great feeling of durability. The surface is more faded blackish-grey, although it has the same colour as the MacBook Pro at the bottom. It generally has smooth, downward-sloping edges, but a fairly sharp edge by the keyboard and display surfaces. The difference in material choice by HP and Apple is found in the amount of aluminium. Where Apple has decided on a unibody aluminium shell, HP only made the outer layer of aluminium. That does solve a lot of issues with the necessary assembly steps, but also results in a huge difference in quality.


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Click to enlarge

Around the display we have what HP calls a BrightView surface. This surface supposedly ensures the contrasts are there and the colours are clear. That makes it highly susceptible to glare, however, which is something you will find out quickly on a summer day. This surface is based on a black background around the display, which goes edge to edge.


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The metal surface around the keyboard has tiny laser-engraved texture holes. That gives it a feeling of quality and makes it seem very professional. The keyboard is black, as is the touchpad. The touchpad buttons are unibody, where left and right are separated by a thin, grey line. Elegant. The keyboard feels great and the keys are of adequate size. They are soft squares and reminds one of – well, you probably guessed it already – a MacBook Pro, both in colour and feel, which is very positive.


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The hinges on this 13” model are made of aluminium. When the lid is closed, the hinges are kept in place by tiny magnets along the edge of the display, a solution we very much appreciate.


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The HP logo is cast in silver on the lid and looks very elegant. The model has no stickers either, so I guess they realized it does not come across as particularly smart.

All in all, HP have raised the bar for all other manufacturers besides Apple. They deserve some praise for their choice of materials and design – there are definitely no feelings of plastic on this model. In many ways I find this model is better than many of the other business models from HP, and it certainly is a product they can be proud of.

The lid


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The lid is nice and thin, and very light. We have already gone through the design but to refresh your memory, we are dealing with a reflexive surface which is black along the inside with the well-known HP logo in the middle. On the outside we have the HP logo in silver, cast against a dark and matte grey surface. It works well and looks really good.


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Click to enlarge

There are two small hinges – one on either side – with a light, silvery colour. It is different on the 15” model – actually there are several differences – so do be aware of that before you go out and buy yourself the 15 incher. The solution with the hinges is elegant and goes well with the design and the overall functionality.


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