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Envy 14 vs. XPS 14

T

TSDible

Golden Member
Now that Dell has updated the XPS line and they seem to be getting good reviews... Also, you can no longer get the radiance display with the Envy, so that selling factor seems to be gone. I'm wondering which I should go with.

As of right now, here is what I have specc'd out:

-------------------------------

Envy 14 - $1049 + tax

• Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-460M Dual Core Processor (2.53 GHz, 3MB L3 Cache) with Turbo Boost up to 2.8GHz
• 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 5650 switchable graphics [HDMI] - For Dual Core Processors
• 4GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
• 500GB 7200RPM Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
• No Additional Office Software
• 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (standard) - Up to 6.0 hours of battery life +++
• 14.5" diagonal High Definition HP BrightView Infinity LED Display (1366x768)
• SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support (Slot Load)
• HP TrueVision HD Webcam and Dual Digital Integrated Microphones
• Intel Wireless-N Card with Bluetooth
• Backlit Keyboard
• Adobe(R) Photoshop(R) Elements 8 & Adobe Premiere(R) Elements 8
Accessories

------------------------------

Dell XPS 14 - $850 (no tax or shipping)

XPS 14 XPS 14 edit
Operating System Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English edit
Processor Intel® Core™ i5-460M (2.53GHz, 4 threads, turbo boost up to 2.8GHz, 3M cache) edit
Memory 4GB Shared Dual Channel DDR3 Memory edit
Keyboard Backlit Keyboard - English edit
Video Card NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 420M 1GB graphics with Optimus edit
Hard Drive 500GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive edit
System Color and LCD Silver Anodized Aluminum 14.0" HD (720p) WLED Display edit
CD ROM/DVD ROM 8X Tray Load CD/DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive) edit
Anti-Virus/Security Suite (Pre-installed) McAfee Security Center with VirusScan, Firewall, Spyware Removal, 30-Day Trial edit
Sound JBL 2.0 Speakers with Waves Maxx Audio 3 edit
Wireless Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 1000 edit
Battery 56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery edit
Office Productivity Software (Pre-Installed) No Productivity Software edit
Mobile Broadband No Mobile Broadband Selected edit
Bluetooth Dell Bluetooth 3.0 edit
Service 1 Year Basic Service Plan edit

-----------------------------

So clearly the Dell is a much greater value for the price. I'm a little worried about the battery life with the 6-cell battery, and really don't want the 9-cell sticking out of the bottom.

Anybody have any thoughts on these?
 
to make it a bit more confusing...

I can actually get the Dell XPS 15 for about $55 more with the new 1080p display. But I have myself convinced that I would rather have the portability of the 14".

Thoughts?

Dell XPS 15 - $905 (no tax or shipping)

XPS 15 XPS 15 edit
Processor Intel® Core™ i5-460M (2.53GHz, 4 threads, turbo boost up to 2.8GHz, 3M cache) edit
Memory 4GB Shared Dual Channel DDR3 Memory edit
Keyboard Backlit Keyboard - English edit
Video Card NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 420M 1GB graphics with Optimus edit
Hard Drive 500GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive edit
Operating System Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English edit
System Color and LCD Silver Anodized Aluminum 15.6" FHD (1080p) B+RGLED Display with Facial Recognition edit
CD ROM/DVD ROM 8X Tray Load CD/DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive) edit
Anti-Virus/Security Suite (Pre-installed) McAfee Security Center with VirusScan, Firewall, Spyware Removal, 30-Day Trial edit
Sound JBL 2.1 Speakers with Waves Maxx Audio 3 edit
Wireless Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 1000 edit
Battery 56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery edit
Office Productivity Software (Pre-Installed) No Productivity Software edit
Mobile Broadband No Mobile Broadband Selected edit
Bluetooth None edit
Hardware Support Services 1 Year Basic Service Plan edit
 
I would say 4 hours battery under light load would be nice.

Nothing will match the all day computing of the netbook I gave up, but I decided it was a bit underpowered for me.
 
I'm pretty happy with the Envy - a non-Radiance version, a fixed spec that we have over here - as a 'around the home' audio-centric notebook which I can shift around - mainly being used as a mobile media client to listen to Spotify and to access the DLNA media around the house, and also as a 'side utility PC' when I'm working on my main machnes.

The Envy life is what you'll get without too much in the way of more extended power optimisation. Being primarily Mactards I don't think engadget staffers have figured out the Windows and manufacturer specific power optimisations exist - at least that has been my experience in using things that they've 'reviewed'.

While I've not had an XPS 14 (I have had a 16) to compare, comparing like for like with other HP vs Dell machines in similar classes I've had, I'd make a sweeping generalisation and say that as of late, I prefer the look of the stuff Dell cranks out in such a like-for-like comparison, but I prefer the way an equivalent HP is built.

From what I've seen of the Dell, I'd say that the HP is a slightly higher-tier product in starting, while Dell offers more bang for the buck. I would still choose the Envy in a toss-up between the two machines.
 
I can wait for a bargain...

But I'm guessing that the Dell will be a big bargain as well. Those prices above are just the normal prices through AAFES.

They normally have sales during the holidays too.
 
I'm in the same boat. I'm leaning toward the Envy 14 because of the visual appeal and the better battery life, but the XPS 14 has a higher res panel. And being that they are about the same price, that isn't much of a differentiator.

FYI, if you still want the higher res panel on the Envy, there are still a couple refurbs on HP's site. Also, if you are a student, knock off $100 off the Envy and ~$75 off the XPS.

Regardless, I'm following this thread. OP, please report back with what you decide to get?
 
I don't think that the XPS 14 has a higher res panel than the Envy 14.

The higher res panel is only available in the XPS 15.

Dell is just sidestepping the resolution debate by going with 720p and 1080p instead of the traditional resolutions.

HP could also call their 1366x768 display "720p".
 
Another note on the Envy 14's battery life - there's an extended "slice" battery available. It's nearly $200, but it does give you another 6 cells to play with, and it fits snugly against the entire bottom of the notebook. It essentially makes the notebook a bit thicker and heavier, but doesn't extend out from the back or the sides like some manufacturers do with their bigger batteries. Without the slice, 3.5-4.5 hours seems normal. With the slice attached, people are reporting 8+ hours without breaking a sweat.

Again, it's a fairly expensive option and it does add weight / bulk to the notebook, but the fact that it's readily available to sweeten the pot if needed, and it doesn't detract from the notebook's aesthetics is a good plus in my book.
 
CurseTheSky said:
Another note on the Envy 14's battery life - there's an extended "slice" battery available. It's nearly $200, but it does give you another 6 cells to play with, and it fits snugly against the entire bottom of the notebook. It essentially makes the notebook a bit thicker and heavier, but doesn't extend out from the back or the sides like some manufacturers do with their bigger batteries. Without the slice, 3.5-4.5 hours seems normal. With the slice attached, people are reporting 8+ hours without breaking a sweat.

Again, it's a fairly expensive option and it does add weight / bulk to the notebook, but the fact that it's readily available to sweeten the pot if needed, and it doesn't detract from the notebook's aesthetics is a good plus in my book.
Click to expand...

Yup... it was mentioned in my link -

A little over 9 hours with slice: Envy 14 Battery Life Log

i5-520m
500GB HDD
Standard battery + Slice
Wifi On/Bluetooth Off
HP Recommended Power Plan:
- switch to 56% screen brightness when unplugged
- switch to integrated GPU when unplugged
- keyboard backlight off when unplugged
Usage: web browsing, some light office application work, some PDF creation and editing

From 100% charge (both primary and slice), yields a little over 9 hours.

In case people don't bother to read links...
 
TSDible said:
I don't think that the XPS 14 has a higher res panel than the Envy 14.

The higher res panel is only available in the XPS 15.

Dell is just sidestepping the resolution debate by going with 720p and 1080p instead of the traditional resolutions.

HP could also call their 1366x768 display "720p".
Click to expand...

You are correct sir. I'd typed 14 when I'd actually meant 15. I've been comparing the XPS 15 and the Envy 14 since the size and weight difference isn't that big in my opinion. The fact that the 15 is $50 cheaper than the 14 does't hurt either. :biggrin:

I'd seriously like to know why people go crazy over monitors that have "HD" resolutions. Computers have been having that and higher for many, many years.
 
I have the Envy 14 and the Slice battery. It adds about a pound and does not make it that bulky. However battery life is doubled. The Slice holds about as much as the 8 cell due to its capacity. As Im writing this, Ive been on the comp since about 11am, using it non stop wifi, charging my phone, 80% brightness, on balanced power settings and according to battery bar I have about 3:38 left. So its hitting around 9 hours.

Ive been able to get 4+ hours of non stop gaming on it with the slice, max performance.

I got the Slice for about $170 after tax and shipping with a coupon from HP.

PS. You should get it off Amazon. Their price fluctuates and there's no tax depending on where you live. If you have Prime, its free 2 day air as well. Thats where I got mine.
 
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AznAnarchy99 said:
I have the Envy 14 and the Slice battery. It adds about a pound and does not make it that bulky. However battery life is doubled. The Slice holds about as much as the 8 cell due to its capacity. As Im writing this, Ive been on the comp since about 11am, using it non stop wifi, charging my phone, 80% brightness, on balanced power settings and according to battery bar I have about 3:38 left. So its hitting around 9 hours.

Ive been able to get 4+ hours of non stop gaming on it with the slice, max performance.

I got the Slice for about $170 after tax and shipping with a coupon from HP.

PS. You should get it off Amazon. Their price fluctuates and there's no tax depending on where you live. If you have Prime, its free 2 day air as well. Thats where I got mine.
Click to expand...

That seems almost too good to be true... But, if I get this straight, we are talking a 6 (53Whr?) cell + 8 (84Whr?) cell, so probably a combined rating of 137 watt hours. If we divide that by 4 hours, we are looking at a load average power consumption of 34.25. That seems a bit on the low side for a Core i5 + 5650.

The closest competitor I could come up with quickly was an Acer 13" with an i5 + 5650 and its realistic load power consumption was 49.8 watts. If you turned on vsync, and made sure that you were not running too high of settings, I could see load power being ~40 watts with a mid brightness level. Regardless, that would be a solid 3+ hours of gaming. I think 4 might be stretching it though... Unless we are talking about using Intel Integrated Graphics.


edit ** I did not mean to hijack the thread without giving my opinion.

I would go for the Envy 14 any day over the Dell XPS 14. Not even in the same class, IMO. The 5650 alone is worth the price difference.
 
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ArchAngel777 said:
That seems almost too good to be true... But, if I get this straight, we are talking a 6 (53Whr?) cell + 8 (84Whr?) cell, so probably a combined rating of 137 watt hours. If we divide that by 4 hours, we are looking at a load average power consumption of 34.25. That seems a bit on the low side for a Core i5 + 5650.

The closest competitor I could come up with quickly was an Acer 13" with an i5 + 5650 and its realistic load power consumption was 49.8 watts. If you turned on vsync, and made sure that you were not running too high of settings, I could see load power being ~40 watts with a mid brightness level. Regardless, that would be a solid 3+ hours of gaming. I think 4 might be stretching it though... Unless we are talking about using Intel Integrated Graphics.


edit ** I did not mean to hijack the thread without giving my opinion.

I would go for the Envy 14 any day over the Dell XPS 14. Not even in the same class, IMO. The 5650 alone is worth the price difference.
Click to expand...

The stock 8 cell battery is only 59Wh (part of the reason why it "only" gets 4-4.5 hours on the stock battery alone). NotebookCheck reported 11.4W draw at idle, and 48.1W / 79.2W draws at load (depending on the task / graphics card selected) - http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-HP-Envy-14-1010eg-Notebook.34788.0.html.

I don't remember the exact specs on the slice battery, but I think it's something like 6 cells, 56Wh. It's roughly equal to the internal battery capacity wise, so whatever you get with one battery, you'll get about the same with the other, effectively doubling your total battery life.

Finally, your figure of 137Wh / 4 hours of total time would not be correct anyway - the 4 hour run time that most people are reporting (idle or under light load) is for the stock internal battery only, WITHOUT the extra slice 6 cell. You're looking at roughly 8 hours or more of total battery life at idle or light load with both batteries attached.
 
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CurseTheSky said:
Finally, your figure of 137Wh / 4 hours of total time would not be correct anyway - the 4 hour run time that most people are reporting (idle or under light load) is for the stock internal battery only, WITHOUT the extra slice 6 cell. You're looking at roughly 8 hours or more of total battery life at idle or light load with both batteries attached.
Click to expand...

I think you misread my post. I referenced LOAD power. Load Average refers to the fluctuation that takes place with say, even running something like 3DMark. At different points the load will jump up or down a bit, maybe a few watts. So using a load average allows me to extrapolate how long this would run in that environment.

That seems almost too good to be true... But, if I get this straight, we are talking a 6 (53Whr?) cell + 8 (84Whr?) cell, so probably a combined rating of 137 watt hours. If we divide that by 4 hours, we are looking at a load average power consumption of 34.25. That seems a bit on the low side for a Core i5 + 5650.

The closest competitor I could come up with quickly was an Acer 13" with an i5 + 5650 and its realistic load power consumption was 49.8 watts. If you turned on vsync, and made sure that you were not running too high of settings, I could see load power being ~40 watts with a mid brightness level. Regardless, that would be a solid 3+ hours of gaming. I think 4 might be stretching it though... Unless we are talking about using Intel Integrated Graphics.
Click to expand...

Again, I am talking about gaming on this thing and battery life while doing so. It should be evidence by my constant comments towards gaming and load power. But if I was not clear in that post, I am clarifying that NOW. 😀

I have an Asus UL30VT - So I know that idle, light load, load, etc and the effects they have on battery life. I can baby my 8 Cell for a realistic 8 hours while surfing or doing something light. When moving to gaming I have about a 2.5 hours on my 84 Whr. But if someone wants to play a game unplugged, it would do them some good to figure out load power consumption and the total watt hours they have on their battery. They can extrapolate how long their battery will last. I'd give the Envy 14 with slice battery far less than 4 hours during a gaming session and would likely see it die right around the 3 hour mark. However, as I mentioned before, turning on vsynch reduces power consumption if you are frequently exceeding your refresh rate during the game and lower brightness would save a few watts. Which is why I'd sake that 48 watt load power to probably drop it to ~40 if you did enable vsynch and lowered brightness to 100 nits.
 
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My whole area had a power outage. I was living on my Macbook+AT&T tethering on my Android phone. As much as I hate the idea of inferior CPU/GPU the battery life is stupid.

If I am just using facebook+itunes it reports 12 hours of battery life. After 2 hours of cybering girls was still reporting over 11 hours of battery life.

Then again it will not "light game". Buying 2 copies for the PC then my Mac sucks. (for the games that do not have both on the CD).
 
Dice144 said:
My whole area had a power outage. I was living on my Macbook+AT&T tethering on my Android phone. As much as I hate the idea of inferior CPU/GPU the battery life is stupid.

If I am just using facebook+itunes it reports 12 hours of battery life. After 2 hours of cybering girls was still reporting over 11 hours of battery life.

Then again it will not "light game". Buying 2 copies for the PC then my Mac sucks. (for the games that do not have both on the CD).
Click to expand...

Mac OS is incredable for battery life... I sure with MS learned their tricks... Running the same MacBook on Windows results in average run time with other PC laptops. It is the OS that has the incredable power management... Then again, when you can pick your own hardware...
 
ArchAngel777 said:
I think you misread my post. I referenced LOAD power. Load Average refers to the fluctuation that takes place with say, even running something like 3DMark. At different points the load will jump up or down a bit, maybe a few watts. So using a load average allows me to extrapolate how long this would run in that environment.
Click to expand...

Ah, my bad. Well still, if you look at notebookcheck's review, they were getting between 48.1 and 79.2 Watts of draw at full load. In realistic situations (not Furmark + Prime95), I'd expect the draw to be around 50W.

So, I'd say with both batteries attached, you're looking at between 3 and 5 hours of solid gaming time. Again, it highly depends on the game and whatnot. I know with just the internal battery (no slice), I was getting around 3 hours playing "light" games like Plants Vs. Zombies and Trine.

Overall, though, the fact that you have the optional flush-mounted battery to add on, combined with the mid-range graphics card and decent CPU means it's a good middle-of-the-road gaming machine that can still be portable. Don't expect it to play most recent games on high / ultra settings, and don't expect it to rival a Macbook Pro or ASUS UL series in battery life, and you'll be very satisfied with the Envy 14. 🙂
 
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CurseTheSky said:
Ah, my bad. Well still, if you look at notebookcheck's review, they were getting between 48.1 and 79.2 Watts of draw at full load. In realistic situations (not Furmark + Prime95), I'd expect the draw to be around 50W.

So, I'd say with both batteries attached, you're looking at between 3 and 5 hours of solid gaming time. Again, it highly depends on the game and whatnot. I know with just the internal battery (no slice), I was getting around 3 hours playing "light" games like Plants Vs. Zombies and Trine.

Overall, though, the fact that you have the optional flush-mounted battery to add on, combined with the mid-range graphics card and decent CPU means it's a good middle-of-the-road gaming machine that can still be portable. Don't expect it to play most recent games on high / ultra settings, and don't expect it to rival a Macbook Pro or ASUS UL series in battery life, and you'll be very satisfied with the Envy 14. 🙂
Click to expand...


You do not have to sell me on the Envy 😀 I love it... It a very nice laptop and I think it would be accurate to say that I am envious of the one you have. 😀
 
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