HP ENVY m6 - Pls help me review

[afam4eva]

I have perused round the internet seeking for a laptop that's good for programming and possible gaming(not necessary) and also considering a laptop that the cost hovers around $750 and i came up with HP ENVY m6 as it fits the price description that i was searching for but i want to know if it's a good laptop for programming. I'll also like you guys to suggest any other laptop that fits my description. Preferably HP or DELL. Thanks in advance.

 

[CraigN]

Long as it has a fast processor and a good amount of RAM storage, you should be able to program on it just fine.

 

[jaguarskx]

It's an older laptop and I guess it could be okay. But I would not buy it simply due to the fact it has a low resolution screen (1366x768). I multi-task a lot so I have many windows open at a single time plus a higher resolution also means you can see more things at once on the desktop.

I have a Lenovo Y470 and while the 1366x768 screen is fine for playing games, using it for productivity is rather limiting. Personally, I am looking for a laptop with a 1920x1080 screen (1920x1200 to match my desktop, but they don't any exist in laptops other than maybe Macbooks).

I would get something like the HP ENVY TouchSmart 15t-j100 Select Edition Notebook PC for $651 from the link below. I would customize it with a 1920x1080 screen for $50 and $30 for a backlit keyboard which brings the total to $731. Unfortunately, that configuration does not have dedicated graphics chip (GT 740m = $85 / GT 750m = $155)


HP ENVY TouchSmart 15t-j100

 

[jaguarskx]

You might also want to consider the Dell Latitude 3540 for $779. It is a business oriented 15.6" laptop with a 1080p screen and a Radeon HD 8850m graphics chip (listed as Radeon Venus Pro). However, it does not have a backlit keyboard so if you want to use it in the dark you would need to buy one of those USB laptop lights.

http://www.dell.com/us/business/p/latitude-3540-laptop/pd

I actually have the Dell Latitude 3540 in my possession since I did a clean install of Win 8 'cause he was having some issues. I'm just waiting for him to return from an extended vacation so I can give it back.

It's a pretty decent laptop, but somewhat basic. As I stated there is no backlit keyboard and there is no mSATA of M.2 port to install a SSD. If you want a SSD, then you need to replace the hard drive. The keyboard feels slightly stiffer compared to my old IBM ThinkPad T40 and my Lenovo Y470 which mean I need to apply just a little more force on the keys when typing. Not as much force as a desktop keyboard though.

The Radeon HD 8850m is rated between a GT 750m and GT 755m. The only game I tested on it is Star Trek Online since it does not write anything to the Windows Registry. I just copied the directory from my desktop to the laptop. I want to keep the registry as clean as possible since it is not my laptop. It plays smoothly enough at full resolution and high graphic settings. However, in large battle there is lag which is at least partially due to the server.