HP - ENVY 15.6" Laptop - Intel Core i5 - 8GB Memory - 750GB Hard Drive - Natural Silver

Me: I am a .Net programmer. I need to run 3 different version of MS visual studio and SQL server on my local environment(i.e this laptop) to develop some web-based software. As a part of this, I had to upgrade the stock OS to Pro version (i.e. Windows 8 Pro) using my pro license key to properly run IIS web server. No issues when upgrading to Pro. Just for your information, I barely use touchpad, camera and finger print recognition, so I won't review them in this posting. Performance (5/5): Fully satisfied with great CPU clock and RAM. Wifi (4/5): OK till now. I also had to install VPN program to connect our development server exclusively and I think there hasn't been any problems so far. After upgrading to 8.1 pro, I had to replace MS default wi-fi driver with RealTek one and I guess this solved some signal issue a little bit. Sound (2/5): With the Beats audio controller (HP announce it so "proudly" though), my volume level kept being adjusted automatically and that made me so annoying. I googled HP forums regarding this issue and found out there have been some similar issues in other HP envy series laptops. As a solution for this, I uninstalled the current sound codec (IDT HD audio codec) and installed the old codec (HD audio codec). That changes made the Beat controller disabled though, such annoying audio issue seems to be gone. Device connections (USB, audio jack etc.)- (3/5): The locations of USB port are fine with me. But, audio jack is currently located at the right side and this makes me (right-handed person) uncomfortable to move my mouse freely. Overall(4.5/5): Even though this laptop has some "minor" issues, it has a great Cost/Efficiency to compensate for those issues.

Sadly, for being an engineer, I don't know much about computers so really don't have much to compare this too. My old hp is 5+ years old and although still usable, is ready to be retired. With this purchase, I upgraded my RAM, CPU, etc., so I am happy with its performance. I was very hesitant to get this laptop (I thought the screen looked weird although it had a high resolution, and I didn't like the silver finish at first, and Windows 8, UGH, did not want to get involved with that), but I have fallen in love with it. Good battery life for a student lifestyle. I now love the keyboard shortcuts that are used with Windows 8. Runs my programs great. I just hope it lasts. Oh and one last thought... On my lazy, procrastination days, I may be on my laptop for 12 hours straight (I'm on winter break, don't judge. Please send cats and chocolate.) and the laptop doesn't become too hot and fan remains quiet.

Overall, it is a great laptop. One of the best laptop of this holiday season. I mean for the price it's tough to find a 8gb, 750gb, i5 laptop. All in all, it is a great machine. It's also lighter than a lot of the laptops I tried out at the store. And this has one of the best speakers that I have seen on a laptop. Also it doesn't heat up as much or as fast and relatively quiet machine. Additionally, it has dedicated numeric keys. The only bad thing is the touchpad. But honestly if you install something like Classic Shell and set it to completely skip Windows 8's metro screen you're pretty much back to Windows 7 and just use a traditional mouse with it. Not a big deal. Other that that, great machine. At this price, can't beat this machine. Buy it before they sell out.

No problems so far for the past two days. well-built and well-designed laptop. The battery life is decent, sound system is great. I researched and found out that some HP Envy products have WIFI connection issues. I have yet to experience WIFI problems with this product yet. 499 dollar seems fair IMO. The only thing that i would complain is that there's no keyboard light. Other than that everything is fine so far.

I needed a new computer because my old one was slowly dying. I wanted something super fast with the features I needed at a reasonable price. This computer is exactly that. At first I was a bit skeptical of this laptop because it doesn't have a CD/DVD drive built in, but I haven't needed it yet because everyting can be downloaded from the internet, so it really just makes the computer lighter and slimmer. It has a nice design and great sound (Beats Audio), and it's lightning fast. Switching between applications is very smooth and quick. I also love the finger scanner. It makes it easy to sign onto the computer and different websites. Another plus is the keypad on the right of the keyboard. It's really convenient. Another thing I was surprised about is Windows 8. I thought I would hate it, but honestly it's been absolutely amazing. I love that I can put all of my most-used programs and applications up front and arrange everything the way I want. Plus, even if you don't like it, you can still use it with the desktop display and it looks just like Windows 7. Something else that I like is the touchpad. I read reviews that said it wasn't good, but I have had no problems with it. I like the different touchpad gestures to scroll and open sidebars. It does take a little bit of getting used to, but it works fine for me. This computer is absolutely great for the price. I use this computer for school and internet, and I would highly recommend this to anyone.

Got this laptop on Black Friday at Best Buy. I'm really happy with it. Performance wise, it works very smoothly (relatively quick / nice and quiet etc). Screen seems absolutely fine (although not brilliant by any means). Sound system is great, so can actually watch a movie and hear it. Only couple of bad points... The touchpad is poor - very hard to click left or right. Also, I now realize that a touch screen is pretty much necessary for Windows 8. This is sorely missed... But overall, good laptop.

I've had the computer for a few days and I love it. Amazing sound, and its super fast. Not a big fan of windows 8 but I'm sure I will get used to it. My only complaint is that the battery life isn't the greatest. Its not bad by any means, but i wish it was a little bit better. Also, the touch pad is a little difficult to use, but I bought a mouse so not a big deal. Still definitely worth it, amazing for the price I paid

I was looking for a laptop or a tablet for my daughter. She wanted something fast and plans on doing a lot of artsy stuff so she needed something with a pretty robust graphics card. The laptop was on sale during December and it was $200 off. That put this higher spec laptop within our budget. The Beats Audio seems gimmicky...it's a laptop, not a boom box, but I guess if you're 13 that's considered cool. The selling feature for me was the 8GB of Memory and the i5 Intel processor. That will get her through high school and into college before I have to buy something else. It might even be faster than the new laptop I bought myself 1.5 years ago. It came loaded with Windows 8...which I'm not in love with but I'm not using it. All in all, we could have gone with a lower spec 'touchscreen' HP, but with a good mouse the faster processer and memory are a better overall experience. I'll always take fast vs touch. Lol, unless you can have both!