Students and professionals adore the raw processing power and sleek aesthetics of the HP ENVY. This premium product ships with top-end specs and a slew of potent productivity tools, making it the go-to computer for users with demanding needs.
With a myriad of models to choose from, there's an HP ENVY computer for you. But before you pinpoint the perfect PC, take a minute to ask yourself, "Should I get a laptop or desktop?"
This post will analyse the crucial desktop-versus-laptop considerations, compare two similarly priced PCs, and cover the pros and cons. Finally, to streamline the shopping process, we'll review four of our favourite ENVYs on the HP UK Store.
Understanding your needs
There's no set-in-stone superior option regarding an ENVY laptop and desktop PC. The ideal choice boils down to your specific needs. The first step is to evaluate whether to prioritise power, portability, or price.
Power
Need a beefy machine to cruise through high-demanding tasks? An ENVY desktop might be the best bet. While laptops cram sophisticated hardware into a tiny, lightweight case, the desktop has abundant excess real estate. This extra legroom mitigates potential overheating issues, making desktops especially effective for graphically intensive tasks (animation, video editing, etc.)
Nonetheless, HP ENVY laptops still offer ample grunt. A late-generation processor and stacks of RAM give you more than enough power for everyday use and some high-intensity tasks.
Portability
Portability is the key deciding factor between a laptop and a desktop PC. If you work or study in multiple locations, a nimble little laptop is the obvious choice. Desktops are generally too cumbersome to lug between classrooms or meetings (though portable desktops now exist).
On the other hand, users who never (or rarely) relocate their computers are better off with a desktop, as they get more power for a lower price.
Price
A common concern for all consumers (except private island-dwelling billionaires) is price. The HP ENVY, like all other PC products, offers better-value hardware in desktop form, especially when you want a dedicated GPU. As HP doesn't have to invest in complex cooling systems or negotiate tiny size constraints, it's more cost-effective to manufacture a desktop PC.
As such, an HP ENVY desktop PC will have superior hardware specifications to a similarly-priced ENVY laptop.
An HP ENVY desktop versus laptop comparison
Curious about how an HP ENVY desktop stacks up against an HP ENVY laptop? Here's a comparison of two popular models on the HP UK Store. ThisHP ENVY desktop andHP ENVY laptop retail at a similar (though not quite identical) mid-range price point.
The processors inside these ENVYs are similar at first glance - both have the latest 13th Generation Intel Core i7. However, dig a little deeper, and you'll learn the desktop's 13700 processor has 16 cores and 24 threads. These specs represent a significant performance boost compared to the laptop's 1335U CPU with only 10 cores and 12 threads. Our desktop also sports a larger L3 cache (30MB versus 12MB), resulting in quicker inter-core communication and data sharing.
Moreover, this HP ENVY desktop boasts double the RAM (32GB vs 16GB), making it vastly superior for multitasking, gaming, and rendering high-resolution video files. While the SSD storage is identical, our desktop has an enormous 2TB HDD, perfect for users storing a sizeable file library.
Finally, the desktop model comes with a superior CPU. Video editors, animators, and gamers will notice a massive difference when using the 12GB RTX 3060 compared to the 4GB RTX 3050.
Of course, this isn't a perfect apples-to-apples comparison. Our chosen desktop doesn't come with a webcam or monitor, while the ENVY laptop stocks these by default. Desktop users must purchase the peripherals separately or bring them from a previous PC.
Most importantly, the HP ENVY laptop weighs a minuscule 2.49 kg compared to the tower PC's cumbersome 13.75 kg (plus its peripherals and display). This portable design makes all the difference for users on the move.
Note: You can snag an even lighterHP ENVY laptop weighing just 1.34 kg by opting for a 13-inch model.
The pros and cons of an ENVY desktop and laptop
Still unsure which computer type is the best option for you? Let's examine the pros and cons of an ENVY laptop and desktop PC.
ENVY desktop PC advantages
Available in tower PC and all-in-one PC variations
Better specs compared to a similarly-priced ENVY laptop
Superior performance for graphically intensive tasks like gaming and 3D modelling
All-in-one PCs offer slick, streamlined aesthetics and use minimal room
Numerous upgradability options to future-proof your PC
ENVY desktop PC disadvantages
Generally too cumbersome to be moved around regularly
Tower PCs don't include peripherals like a webcam or monitor (all-in-one desktops have these features built-in)
Require much more desk space, especially true for tower PCs
ENVY laptop advantages
Available in conventional laptop and 2-in-1 convertible models
Solid performance to suit most business and home users
Lightweight design makes it easy to carry each day
High battery life for lengthy work sessions without a nearby power socket
Includes most necessary peripherals and accessories
ENVY laptop disadvantages
Inferior hardware specifications compared to an ENVY desktop of the same price
Limited upgradability options
Smaller laptop screens may be too difficult to comfortably read during long-term use
Battery will eventually degrade and require replacement
The best HP ENVY desktops and laptops in the UK
Now you've got a handle on the laptop versus desktop debate, it's time to choose the perfect HP ENVY. We've summarised four of our favourites on the HP UK Store.
HP ENVY x360 (15-fh0010na) Convertible Laptop
An excellent all-rounder, the HP ENVY x360 (15-fh0010na) is a powerful and portable option at a mid-range price. A potent Ryzen™ 7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a speedy 1TB SSD storage drive make it suitable for many user types. Students and professionals alike will make good use of this convertible, 15-inch device.
Display: 39.6 cm (15.6"), FHD (1920 x 1080), touch screen
Weight: 1.79 kg
HP ENVY (17-cw0008na) Laptop
Fancy a bigger screen? This sizeable unit comes with similar specs and retails at a comparable price. The big difference is that the HP ENVY (17-cw0008na) has a roomy 17-inch display, so you can read the screen easily and reduce eye strain during those tiresome all-day sessions. Note that this model isn't a convertible and doesn't have a touch screen.
Remember when we said desktop PCs were too bulky to lug around town? There are exceptions to every rule. Weighing in at 4.1 kg, the 23-inchHP ENVY Move is light enough to whisk between worksites with ease. While you probably wouldn't want to move it every day (as you would a laptop), it's massively more portable than a standard desktop PC.
Display: 60.5 cm (23.8 "), QHD (2560 x 1440), touch screen
Weight: 4.1 kg
HP ENVY (TE02-1000na) Desktop
This thing is a beast. Boasting a late-generation Intel Core i9 and a whopping 64GB of RAM, it'll breeze through about anything you could throw at it. It also sports one of the most powerful graphics cards on the market, a 12GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti. Video editors, animators, and gamers need look no further than theHP ENVY (TE02-1000na).
So, should you snag a shiny new HP ENVY desktop or laptop? It depends on whether you value power, portability, or price.
Desktops offer superior performance at an equivalent price point, especially when undertaking GPU-hungry tasks. Laptops, on the other hand, offer more portability, making them suitable to carry between daily meetings and classes.
Once you've determined the ideal PC type, revisit our recommended options or see what otherHP ENVY desktops andlaptops are available in the UK Store. Should you fancy a middle ground between the two, consider theHP ENVY Move. Whichever you choose, the HP ENVY will make you the envy of your classroom or office.
About the Author
Harry Stewart is a Tech Takes contributor covering everything from how-to guides to laptop reviews.
Prices, specifications, availability and terms of offers may change without notice. Price protection, price matching or price guarantees do not apply to Intra-day, Daily Deals or limited-time promotions. Quantity limits may apply to orders, including orders for discounted and promotional items. Despite our best efforts, a small number of items may contain pricing, typography, or photography errors. Correct prices and promotions are validated at the time your order is placed. These terms apply only to products sold by HP.com; reseller offers may vary. Items sold by HP.com are not for immediate resale. Orders that do not comply with HP.com terms, conditions, and limitations may be cancelled. Contract and volume customers not eligible.
HP’s MSRP is subject to discount. HP’s MSRP price is shown as either a stand-alone price or as a strike-through price with a discounted or promotional price also listed. Discounted or promotional pricing is indicated by the presence of an additional higher MSRP strike-through price
The following applies to HP systems with Intel 6th Gen and other future-generation processors on systems shipping with Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 Pro systems downgraded to Windows 7 Professional, Windows 8 Pro, or Windows 8.1: This version of Windows running with the processor or chipsets used in this system has limited support from Microsoft. For more information about Microsoft’s support, please see Microsoft’s Support Lifecycle FAQ at https://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle
Ultrabook, Celeron, Celeron Inside, Core Inside, Intel, Intel Logo, Intel Atom, Intel Atom Inside, Intel Core, Intel Inside, Intel Inside Logo, Intel vPro, Itanium, Itanium Inside, Pentium, Pentium Inside, vPro Inside, Xeon, Xeon Phi, Xeon Inside, and Intel Optane are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries.
In-home warranty is available only on select customizable HP desktop PCs. Need for in-home service is determined by HP support representative. Customer may be required to run system self-test programs or correct reported faults by following advice given over phone. On-site services provided only if issue can't be corrected remotely. Service not available holidays and weekends.
HP will transfer your name and address information, IP address, products ordered and associated costs and other personal information related to processing your application to Bill Me Later®. Bill Me Later will use that data under its privacy policy.
Microsoft Windows 10: Not all features are available in all editions or versions of Windows 10. Systems may require upgraded and/or separately purchased hardware, drivers, software or BIOS update to take full advantage of Windows 10 functionality. Windows 10 is automatically updated, which is always enabled. ISP fees may apply and additional requirements may apply over time for updates. See http://www.microsoft.com.
Get Marvel’s Avengers when you purchase HP gaming PCs with qualifying 9th gen or 10th gen Intel® Core™ i5, i7 and i9 processors. Redemption code will be sent out by email within 60 days of purchase. Limited quantities and while supply lasts. Offer valid thru 12/31/2020 only while supplies last. We reserve the right to replace titles in the offer for ones of equal or greater value. Certain titles may not be available to all consumers because of age restrictions. The Offer may be changed, cancelled, or suspended at any time, for any reason, without notice, at Intel’s reasonable discretion if its fairness or integrity affected whether due to human or technical error. The Offer sponsor is Intel Corporation, 2200 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA. To participate you must create an Intel Digital Hub Account, purchase a qualifying product during the redemption period, enter a valid Master Key, and respond to a brief survey. Information you submit is collected, stored, processed, and used on servers in the USA. For more information on offer details, eligibility, restrictions, and our privacy policy, visit https://softwareoffer.intel.com/offer/20Q3-19/terms.