This is the first full blown Windows 8
All-in-One (AiO) we've had the pleasure of reviewing. The fact that it comes
from HP is a completely different matter. Yes, we were also wondering where
their big launch was. If this is a sign of what is to come, then maybe they
don't need all the pomp and splendor. Before we begin, there is something to
acknowledge. The Envy 20 isn't going to be the awesome gaming computer we all
hope it will be. This is a working man's device, like much of the HP line.
Yes, it has its own graphics card; but that's only a GeForce 610. Something we
will get into later.
The
HP ENVY 20 TouchSmart gives you the power you need to be a multitasking marvel
or a photo editing whiz
Extra-large order
The chassis of the Envy 20 is quite a
block. It's not exactly heavy or very big. There is just a sense of largeness
about it. I suspect that this is caused by the extra-large bezel. Extra-large
in the sense that you get the idea that this chassis could easily accommodate a
much bigger screen. Somewhere around the 23-inch mark wouldn't be too far off.
It takes a little getting using to after being spoilt by so many devices which
are pretty much all-screen and nothing else. The large black border isn't all that
intrusive though since after a while it all just fades into the background. It
just takes some getting used to at first.
Fancy feel
As
the Envy 20 comes with a touchscreen, the display is wonderfully reflective
The stand allows for an adjustable angle
for the AiO. Something that is much appreciated and taken for granted these
days. As the Envy 20 comes with a touchscreen, the display is wonderfully
reflective. It's good to be able to angle it away from any ceiling lights. I
personally prefer matte displays but I will concede this point as a necessary
evil of incorporating the touch interface.
Massive touch
It is good to know that massive touch
capable displays are great for information counters and not so great for home
computing. This is because one has to sit up close near the machine to
touch/use it, something that works for NBA players and Plastic Man. The rest of
us will end up seeing only a portion of the screen at that distance. And forget
proper ergonomics while you're at it. With the smaller display, the Envy 20
alleviates some of the problem. It's not quite there but it is a decent
compromise. The smaller footprint also helps, somewhat.
At the heart of the matter
The idea that less is more also continues
on from within. At the heart of the Envy 20 is an Intel Core i3 processor,
which lies at the lower end of the power spectrum. This is both a cost saving
measure and a piece of hardware that tells you precisely what this particular
AiO is meant for: work! Even so, a little recreation isn’t really out of the
question. In terms of performance, it does have some bite to it. Keyword: Some.
There’s 4GB of DDR3 RAM, which is about the bare minimum to get anything done.
It’s quite ample for most but nothing really spectacular even when combined
with the i3. Well, you get the idea. Rounding up the specs is the NVIDIA
GeForce 610M – a low end graphics card that appears to be there just so HP
doesn’t have to go with the integrated Intel HD 4000 option. It’s a step up but
not by much.
Razor sharp
Colors
leap out of the screen, to the point where you might cut yourself on them if
you aren’t careful
All the specs are hidden beneath a bright
20-inch display, which is, in fact one of the best reasons to buy the Envy 20.
Colors leap out of the screen, to the point where you might cut yourself on
them if you aren’t careful. It’s that sharp and vivid. I recommend bandages to
be kept nearby. This brilliance is also its downfall. The colors actually hurt
to look at for long periods. It’s like staring into a series of multi-colored
light bulbs; the ones that you cannot look away from because it’s so pretty.
Watching HD movies on this is a pleasure that shouldn’t be missed.
I mention dubstep
While watching movies is a great
experience, listening to them might leave you wanting for something. Sound is
provided by Beats Audio, which, for many, sounds amazing. However, as one of my
esteemed colleagues will attest, it is more like listening to dubstep. Some may
like it but once you get past the novelty you begin to notice your ears
bleeding. Most of you out there will have your own trusted sound system vendor
so I recommend you visit them after purchasing this machine.
Sound
is provided by Beats Audio, which, for many, sounds amazing
To be honest
Frankly, I can recommend this to people and
mean it. It’s not a bad machine but it works well in its chosen environment. A
small home office would be greatly enhanced by one of these. Not so for a
whining teenager.
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Specifications
§ Price:
$799
§ Dimensions
(HxWxD): 200.21 x 512.9 x 415.3mm
§ Weight:
9.45kg
§ Processor:
Intel Core i3-3220
§ Memory:
4GB DDR3 RAM
§ Storage:
1TB SATA HDD
§ Operating
system: Windows 8
§ Display:
20-inch Touch Flush Chassis
§ Graphics:
NVIDIA GeForce 610M
§ Ports:
2x USB 3.0, 4x USB 2.0, 1x USB 2.0 back bottom wireless dongle
§ PCmark:
2711
§ 3Dmark:
647
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