Envy 6z Initial Impressions

UPDATED! Dual Channel Performance is here!

Guess what finally came in the mail!

So far I must say this is one beautiful machine. Wish they had a 14" version.


I'll have some benches up hopefully later this week, as far as a somewhat in deph review of the laptop. Mine was configured as follows:


HP ENVY 6z Sleekbook
• Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• AMD Quad-Core A10-4655M Processor (2.8GHz/2.0GHz, 4MB L2 Cache) + HD 7600G Discrete-Class Graphics
• FREE Upgrade to 4GB 1600MHz DDR3 System Memory (1 Dimm)
• 320GB 7200RPM Hard Drive
• Microsoft(R) Office Starter: reduced-functionality Word/Excel(R) only, No PowerPoint(R)/Outlook(R)
• No additional security software
• 4 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
• 15.6" diagonal High Definition HP BrightView LED Display (1366 x 768) SVA
• No Internal DVD or CD Drive
• Webcam with Integrated Digital Microphone
• 802.11b/g/n WLAN and Bluetooth(R)
• Backlit Keyboard
• HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

Hopefully I'll have a SSD and another 4gb to compare it to in the future. Sub for updates


SSD is here!


Now does this look like a match made in heaven? That Aluminum on Aluminum action is just sexy.


Here is what the inside looks like. Was very easy and straightforward to change out the hard drive. 12 screws to get the bottom off, then 4 to get the cage out, and another 4 to get the drive out.
Edited by kaivorth - 8/20/12 at 7:33pm

Overall Performance Review (More to come):

Unboxing the laptop was a treat when I opened the lid of the laptop. I was immediately greeted by a nice sleek laptop, with an oversize trackpad.

Display 7/10
Was actually surprised, it's a lot nicer than my old Toshiba L305. Viewing angles aren't the best, but a lot better than I was expecting. it is also very bright and clear. Still wish the resolution was 1600x900 at the least.

Keyboard 7/10
The backlit keys are amazing and I love them. Typing on them however, I do feel a bit of flex, especially toward the center of the laptop. I have my play/pasue and other media functions along the top which is nice. the flex is a little bothersome though

Trackpad 9/10
This is one sexy trackpad. The scrolling with 2 fingers is flawless, I love it. Wish it had the continuous scrolling when your finger is at the edge of it, although I'm sure this is a software limitation I can somehow get around. the touchpad is one big button it seems, although when I click on the right side of it, it does act like a right mouse button. Also you can just tap the touchpad instead of clicking it like a button to left click which is nice

Size/Weight/Portability 8/10
This is a little larger and heavier for a real mobile machine for me, but this is a standard for all 15.6" displays in my opinion. With that being said this is very sleek and slim for a 15.6" laptop. It is a little on the heavier side in my opinion.

Temperature 8/10
This is a pretty cool running laptop actually for the most part, I like. The hottest it has gotten was running 3DMark11, and that got up to 75C which I think isn't bad straight from the factory. Debating on replacing the TIM..trying to keep the warranty good lol..
Idle's around 45C, this is also on a flat surface. It does get warm, was not on my lap when running 3DMark11 though (It's such a slideshow I went and got a sandwich lol)

Customer Service 9/10
Their service has so far been outstanding for me. They sent me a black one instead of a silver one, and after asking, I was given a $25 discount. Every time I've called them with a question, I've had someone I could understand, and they've all been helpful. This is a big plus for them as their service in the past has been troublesome according to a lot of people.

Bloatware 8/10
There was a decent amount of bloatware, took me about 20minutes to uninstall everything from the Add/Remove programs, wasn't too bad. There was a bunch of games that was pre-installed as well. I didn't really know most of them, I skimmed through them, erased all of them, and noted Torchlight was one of them? Already owned on Steam, so I uninstalled that as well

Memory Installation 8/10
The bottom had 12 screws that came out easy, but to pop off the bottom, I had a realllly hard time putting my nail under the edge to pop it off. What's the point of having it snap on if your going to have 12 screws?? Took about 20minutes to get the damn thing off. Much easier the 2nd time. Once open, memory slots easily accessible.

Audio

Battery Life

Performance:
3DMark06 Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show)
3DMark11 Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show)
Edited by kaivorth - 7/29/12 at 7:01pm

Your going to hate me. They sent me a black version of this laptop by accident. I actually wanted the silver. I called them and got a $25 credit to keep it some pictures tonight, will be off my cell though I don't have a decent point and shoot