HP’s Envy line of serious fun notebooks (as opposed to serious business, bleh!) have always been a bit on the tacky side. I hate to say it, but they looked like expensive toys. Now they’re grown up, in and out. (Updated with Australian pricing).
The new Envy 15, 17 and, yes, 3D models borrow from Apple. But on the other hand, it’s great to see more handsome Windows laptops. Have a favourite laptop? Gizmodo Awards 2011: Best Laptop Nominations Now Open.
The new Envy line is sturdy, rid of corny ornamentation and clad in clean, smooth metal. They’re substantial without being bulky, offer nice touches like individually backlit keys and a nifty audio jog wheel, and displays that pop very well. Beats By Dre is baked in, for those who care, and the 17-inch 3D model will attract those for whom a 3D laptop makes sense. Inside, this is a mere refresh — you’ll have your choice of quad-core processors, Radeon graphics, and an SSD — but outside, a very nice upgrade.
The new lineup of 15, 17 and 3D 17 start at $1699 in Australia and are available from mid December. [HP]