*HP ENVY 17 & 17 3D (1XXX series) Owners Lounge*

[mobilezila]

Ok, with all the talk about the new Seagate Momentus XT drives, I was wondering if anyone would chime in to let me know if there would be a huge difference in performance between these two set ups. In both setups, the OS and Programs are installed on the 160GB SSD while data files are stored in the secondary HDD.

1) 160GB SSD + 1 TB Western Digital 5400rpm drive(Secondary Drive)
2) 160GB SSD + 500GB Seagate Momentus XT drive(Secondary Drive)

I would assume the difference in performance would not be too great.

As with the nature of data storage drives, where the XT is used as a Secondary data drive in this case, where different files are being called up all the time, I would think the advantages of the XT drive would be lost since it requires the same file to be accessed a couple of times before speed benefits are realized (Like OS and program files).

What do you guys think?

[johnnobts]

i dunno. I mean you're right about the files needing to be accessed several times for a speed boost. I think 2 of the 500GB momentus XT drives in Raid 0 config would obviously not be as fast as a 160GB SSD, but would be pretty darn fast and much bigger, and cheaper to boot.

I think hybrid drive technology is pretty compelling. Would like to see a hybrid drive sometime soon that does read and write off the flash memory, and has a little extra memory to boot. Could still be 1/3 the price of SSDs, and and larger capacity.

[Mike415]

Eh, if I get a 14 Ill probably just skip the SSD for now and go with Momentus XT. Momentus XT (for storage) + SSD (OS) seems like a waste on the Momentus. Really I would only want some programs or the OS on the M-XT. Files just seem like a waste.

[Koshinn]

What I want to ask people here is this- did the three display ports+eyefinity play a primarily role in you deciding to get the Envy 17? I ask because this particular feature was about the only key feature the HP reps talked about in the previews.

Nope, I'll probably never use it either.

I got it because it has 2 HDDs, a bluray drive, 5850, good CPU, a big trackpad, eSATA, and USB3 in a thinish package. The screen is also pretty nice, from what I hear.

[a3r0x]

Is Intel going to release an i7 quadcore with intergrated graphics which will be offered in the Envy 17? Maybe they will implement IGP in the second generation.

[nohm]

Nope, I'll probably never use it either.

I got it because it has 2 HDDs, a bluray drive, 5850, good CPU, a big trackpad, eSATA, and USB3 in a thinish package. The screen is also pretty nice, from what I hear.

Me either. I can see it coming in handy for massive multi-task jobs or just showing off to friends, but I'm fine w/ a reliable dual monitor setup. I also got it for most of the reasons you mentioned as well. Another reason was for the 17" screen. I've always used 17" for notebooks, and my stint with the Envy15's didn't go too well- my eyes couldn't handle the same 1920x1080 resolution on a smaller 15" viewable size (would've been hell if the res was x1200 @_@). I am amazed at how some of you can slave away on a 15" or smaller with WUXGA and have no eye strain... give me your eyes

Is Intel going to release an i7 quadcore with intergrated graphics which will be offered in the Envy 17? Maybe they will implement IGP in the second generation.

I just took a look at the roadmap again and it looks like the i7-620UM-680UM will be ULV. I'm not sure if these are quad-core (kinda doubt it), but if they were, it would be awesome to have integrated graphics since ULV is all about saving power and all.

[johnnobts]

I'd like to think I'll get to use the eyefinity triple display some day.

[yukstin]

I can't see using all three monitor options myself. Only have one 23 inch monitor and will use HDMI for that.

[johnnobts]

Monitor prices have fallen so far though, you can get 3 full-hd 20-21" lcd screens today for $400. That's really amazing. I would want 3 with thin bezels though, those cost more.

[Jaerb4]

Eyefinity has never impressed me as a consumer. Technologically, yes, but I don't think the experience is any better than using a larger monitor or TV, because the bezel of the monitors takes you out of the experience.