HP Envy 15-1060ea 15.6in Notebook
December 2, 2009 | Computer, Notebook | 2 CommentsTaiwanese ODM makers and lower level have long tried to mimic the design ethic in hopes of generating some publicity for Apple. Larger entities, such as HP, have been known to take some inspiration as well, but they generally avoid the more overt imitation of fear of being made to look a little ridiculous. With its range Envy, however, HP has been more brazen.
There are two models, envy 15.6in 15 and envy 13in 13, square off against the respective models of Apple of similar size. Today, we’re looking at the Envy 15 which, apart from looking very nice, packs a serious punch. The interior of the shell smooth hides not only a quad-core Intel Core i7 processor, but also an ATI Mobility Radeon 4830 which should be more practical for games. This instantly gives HP an advantage in performance, although it stresses that the 15 is like a slightly different proposal to Apple hers.
Before getting too bogged down in these technical details, however, how envy Compare 15 as a piece of design? Well, the resemblance is obvious, but the HP has much to differentiate. Most obviously, when it is manufactured using aluminum or envy machine has a monocoque chassis.Even without this innovation, manufacturing, however, envy 15 is not lacking for quality assurance of construction or design catchy. While the base is silver aluminum regular cover the keyboard and the palm of the other regions have a autumn brown hue. This is further reinforced on the lid and palm rest designs laser-etched, whose variety of points of different shape as interesting optical illusions. It’s a neat trick and certainly gives something unique to HP’s ranks.
A more significant difference is the absence of an integrated optical drive. This helps maintain a thin and lightweight form-factor: Envy 15 measures only 26.5mm thick and weighs a mere 2.35 kilograms, but it could be a deal breaker for some. However, you do get an external drive carefully in the box also includes two additional USB ports, so all is not lost. Overall, a purely aesthetic, like the 15 treads the fine line between imitation and originality rather well. If the inspiration is there for everybody, HP has added enough of his own flare to give the wanted 15 a sense of exclusivity – an idea extended to the minimalist packaging. [via trustedreviews]
