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HP's newest Envy laptops are designed to run cooler, longer

The HPs of spring have sprung.

Lori Grunin Senior Editor / Advice
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Expertise Photography, PCs and laptops, gaming and gaming accessories
Lori Grunin
2 min read
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The Envy 17 has a redesigned hinge to lift the keyboard section for better airflow.

HP

HP sprinkled some fairy dust on its Envy laptops for the spring, endowing them with select features from their pricier Spectre siblings. 

These new features include an OLED screen option for the 15-inch clamshell model, a fancy-looking speaker grille, narrower bezels, a camera shutter ("Kill Switch"), Sure View privacy screen options and HP command center software to help manage the power and performance settings. Plus, the Envy 17 bumps from Nvidia MX150 discrete graphics to MX250.

HP claims to have improved battery life on all models and improved fingerprint readers. It's used a keyboard-lifting hinge design, similar to the one found in Asus' ROG Zephyrus gaming laptops, to enhance cooling for the clamshell laptops. There are also expanded options for second-gen  AMD Ryzen configurations on the 15-inch convertible.

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All are available in April via hp.com, while the Envy x360 15 and Envy 17 will land at Best Buy in early May. Pricing is as follows:

  • Envy 13 starts at $900 (which converts to about £680 or AU$1,270)
  • Envy x360 13 starts at $700
  • Envy x360 15 starts at $870 for Intel models and $800 for AMD
  • Envy 17 starts at $900

HP also announced a new headset, the Reverb VR, a Windows Mixed Reality headset that doesn't brand itself as such.

For secure-minded AMD fans, HP launched two new Ryzen-based models in its ProBook 400 series, the ProBook 445R G6 and ProBook 455R G6. The 445R is a new 14-inch model as well. One of the neat things here is active noise cancellation optimized for keyboard and touchpad.

They're shipping in June. Pricing details have not yet been announced.

Watch this: HP brings AMD to Chromebooks