Hasta La Gadget!

The last time we reviewed the Envy 14, we concluded, by and large, that HP got it right. The company succeeded in delivering good performance and graphics punch, all while correcting a teensy overheating problem and adding an optical drive and backlit keyboard. Then there was that rock-solid, engraved metal chassis that made it one of the most attractive notebooks on the market — a distinction it still holds to this day. So as you can imagine, when HP refreshed the Envy 14 this summer, there wasn’t exactly a lot to improve. What we have here is a nearly identical machine, with the same stunning design — not to mention, $1,000 starting price. Now, though, HP is selling it with Sandy Bridge processors and USB 3.0 — the kind of tweaks laptop makers have been rolling out for the better part of this year.

Normally, that kind of speed bump wouldn’t warrant us re-reviewing a laptop. In fact, we probably wouldn’t be revisiting the Envy 14 if it weren’t for two things. For starters, we’ve received an unusual number of emails, tweets and comments from readers, imploring us to weigh in on the Sandy Bridge version before they pull the trigger. Secondly, in addition to that processor swap, HP has fine-tuned the touchpad drivers, and assures us the trackpad isn’t the flaky mess it was the last two times around. So how much better is the Envy 14 in the year two thousand and eleven? Let’s find out.

Continue reading HP Envy 14 review (2011)

HP Envy 14 review (2011) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Intel already showcased the future of solar-powered computing, but if you’re wondering what silicon from 2013 looks like today… well, have a gander! The chip shown above (and in the gallery / videos below) is Intel’s Haswell microarchitecture, a platform that is destined to slip into slimmer-than-slim laptops and Ultrabooks of the future. As mentioned yesterday, it’s built on 22nm process technology, relies on the company’s 3D Tri-gate transistors and should lead to over ten full days of connected standby battery life in mobile devices. So, now you know what it feels like to be in The Twilight Zone.

Continue reading This is what Intel’s Haswell microarchitecture looks like (video from IDF)

This is what Intel’s Haswell microarchitecture looks like (video from IDF) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The majority of first-gen Ultrabooks aren’t on sale yet — not even with Windows 7 — but Microsoft’s already showing off tomorrow’s best and brightest with Windows 8. We already knew that Windows 8 would theoretically run on a now-ancient Lenovo S10, but if you’re concerned about “futureproofing,” it looks as if the thinnest and lightest in the Wintel world will be good enough to run a developer build of Win8. You know — when the files hit the wild tonight at 8PM PT.

Microsoft shows Windows 8 on existing Ultrabooks, acts like it’s never seen a thin laptop before originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eight months is dog years in the world of consumer electronics and yet, we still have a soft spot for the HP Pavilion dm1, a dirt-cheap 11.6-inch ultraportable that ushered in AMD’s long-awaited Fusion chips. HP just announced the second-gen model, a refresh that includes some spec bumps, as well as a new design and some software add-ons (because we loved the bloatware load so much in the original!). Getting the performance boost out of the way, it’ll now be offered with an ultra-low voltage Core i3 processor, while the Fusion options now include the E-300 and E-450 chips (until now, it’s been sold with the E-350). The AMD versions will start at $399 with the Core i3 model fetching $599 and up. For some reason even HP doesn’t seem able to explain, the Intel version will come with an external optical drive, but the AMD models won’t. At least you know you’ll be getting more than Intel’s brand name for those extra two hundred bucks. The version with the black, non-reflecting lid will go on sale October 30, with a glossier charcoal number available September 21. Until then have a gander at our hands-on shots and walk-through video.

Continue reading HP refreshes the Pavilion dm1 with a new design, optional Intel ULV Core i3 CPU (video)

HP refreshes the Pavilion dm1 with a new design, optional Intel ULV Core i3 CPU (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Continue reading Acer Aspire Ultrabook S3 officially announced, starts at 799 euros

Acer Aspire Ultrabook S3 officially announced, starts at 799 euros originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 05:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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