Apple’s laptops have come of age with many of their laptop models reaching the top of the market share. They have excelled especially in terms of design with beautifully thin laptops that seem more of a lifestyle product than a technical one. As the one to beat in terms of design, it was only a matter of time before another laptop manufacturer would try to match Apple, which is what HP have done with their HP Envy line of laptops against Apple’s MacBook Pro. For this match-up we’ll take a look at the HP Envy 15 and 17 against the Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch and 17-inch laptops for a head-to-head analysis of both contenders.
Design:
Apple is without a doubt the originator of the aluminium unibody chassis school of design. The advantages have been discussed by many as the better rigidity makes the Apple MacBook Pro laptops lighter, tougher and thinner than the usual plastic. In short, both the Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch and 17-inch laptops look like high-end lifestyle pieces of art, rather than computers. However, after several generations of the same look, this can get rather dated and there are no other options asides from the usual silver or white lid. The black bezels do bring a bit more contrast but its nothing that hasn’t been seen before.
HP’s revamped Envy 15 and 17 laptops on the other hand take on exactly the same aluminium uni-body chassis but now offer black and gray colored lids. Apart from this everything else looks to be almost a carbon copy of the Apple MacBook Pro. This includes the placement of the LED backlit keyboard and the trackpad to the chiclet style keys and the black bezels around the screen. The Envy 15 is a bit heavier at 5.7lbs compared to the Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch’s 5.5lbs.
Features and Specifications:
The HP Envy 15 starts off with a dual-core Intel Core i5-2430M processor running at 2.4GHz while the base model for the Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch has a quad-core Intel Core Core i7-2675QM processor running at 2.2GHz. Both feature a 500GB hard disk drive but the HP Envy 15’s hard disk drive spins at a faster 7200RPM. The HP Envy 15 also packs in a 15.6-inch screen with 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution against the Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch’s 15.4-inch screen and 1440 x 900 resolution. Both have slot loading super multi DVD drives for ecording and playback.
However, going up the model scale the highest-end HP Envy 17 sports a full HD Radiance 3D display along with a Blu-ray drive and the ability to display stereoscopic 3D using active shutter glasses. Apple have made it clear that they will never put in a Blu-ray drive while the specifications for the Apple MacBook Pro 17-inch laptop are not that different from the higher-end Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch model. The HP Envy 15 also puts in two speakers with a subwoofer along with integrated Beats audio compared to the Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch’s standard speakers. Connection-wise the Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch still has an edge over the HP Envy 15 with its Thunderbolt port but the HP Envy 15 makes up for this with support for Intel’s Wireless HDMI or WiDi along with HP Wireless Audio so you can connect up to compatible wireless audio speakers.
Performance:
Starting out from the base models, the Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch easily trounces the HP Envy 15 laptop but this is to be expected from the better Intel quad-core processor. On the higher-end models, the HP Envy 17 does a much better job compared to the 17-inch Apple MacBook Pro. However, the HP Envy 15 does offer smooth playback of full HD 1080p video something that the Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch laptop cannot do despite its more powerful hardware. The HP Envy 15 also sounds better, as the Beats audio and built-in subwoofer help to elevate the audio quality. While both trackpads look the same, the glass-covered trackpad on the Apple MacBook Pro is by far more comfortable and responsive. Battery life is also much better on the Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch laptop with a battery life on a single charge of more than 7 hours compared to the HP Envy 15 laptop which only gets about 4 hours or so.
Operating System and Software:
Unlike the HP Envy laptops, the Apple MacBook laptops are all using the latest incarnation of Apple’s operating system: OS X Lion, which offers new levels of intuitive computing, better support for the hardware and enhanced overall performance. It also comes with award winning software to help make movies, manipulate multimedia and do more with less. The HP Envy laptops on the other hand are using Windows 7 operating systems and are usually loaded to the brim with HP branded software that are more generally known as bloatware. There is also no guarantee that the HP Envy laptops will be able to run Microsoft’s upcoming Windows 8 operating system that will debut with laptops designed to run the operating system at maximum efficiency. While you can do more with an Apple MacBook Pro laptop out of the box, you have fewer choices in terms of software, especially in games. With the HP Envy 15 on the other hand you can get a copy of the latest game and run it with ease. You can run these games off the Apple MacBook Pro using a Windows emulator but you can also expect a drop in performance as well.
Price:
Apple’s products are generally more expensive than the norm and this also applies to the Apple MacBook Pro laptops. Even the base model Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch laptop retails at $1799.00 from the Apple Store while the HP Envy 15 can be had at $1249.99 or so (depending on where you buy it). This $500 price difference is nothing to sneeze at and can go quite a long way to making up for the lack of good software out of the box. On the other end of the spectrum, the highest-end HP Envy 17 3D retails for about $1599.00, which looks like chicken feed, compared to the Apple MacBook Pro 17-inch laptop’s $2499.00 price tag.
Bottomline:
All things considered, the Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch laptop is a much better buy compared to the HP Envy 15 as it provides a better deal in terms of performance, usability and battery life. Most users buying a laptop at this price point are looking more for the usability and ease of use than pure performance. However, gamers or those looking for more features and performance would do better with a higher-end HP Envy 17 laptop as compared to an Apple MacBook Pro 17-inch laptop as the capability to display smooth full HD 1080p makes more sense with a Blu-ray
This article is brought to you by Ethan Simmons, a senior contributor at Honest-Laptop-Reviews.Com
Great comparison and very detailed. Apple is still number one for me. If price is not the basis for you then mac is still the best. I have always used mac and it all made the difference.
For students , HP should be choice anyday due to price issues and when you have enough money to flaunt ,you can always go for Macs.
Completely agree. HP is a good choice for students. Switch to Mac when you have enough money.
I always travel on the road and I need a longer battery life. Cases are saved on my Mac and it never failed me.
Thanks for the info. Haven’t heard so much of the topic but I have learned a lot from your post. Keep it up!
Brand of a gadgets is no longer than look into if the capacity itself doesn’t provide the expected things worth be… HP is the factor which provides a kind of net to choose to all of us…
I agree, sometimes consumers also need to look on its features and capacity.
I know several people who owned HP laptops. More often than not they have complaints about the quality of the build. I generally don’t here bad things about apple products. From my own experience, I’ve always been happy with apple products and would go with an apple laptop over an HP.
Very nice comparison. It also depends on preferences and affordability. There are a lot of advantage and disadvanatage for each. But I personally like to go with hp laptop because it has preloaded windows 7 which is my favourite.
Personally I’d still go with HP.
Been using it and already had 3 laptops from HP and I really see no problem with the ones I bought.
Plus, mac or apple products are so exclusively demanding when it comes to compatibility. Specially with projectors cause without the right cable, the video output doesn’t always come out as expected.
Apple is very expensive because of its great feature. But it has still a negative
or disadvantages and it is still depends to the needs of user.
Hi Lawmacs,
I have been a fan of hp laptops since past many years but these days apple’s mac latops have been my favorite mainly due to the looks and graphics used in apple’s laptop. I have laptops of both the brands andI have installed mac’s lion OS X in my hp laptop too. Its simply superb.
I am planning to buy a new laptop but I am not sure what brand and specs I have to consider…
Macs are kinda expensive but the quality is there. If you can afford a mac I would recommend it. If you are a college student use windows. Much cheaper 🙂
Currently i have HP laptop but would love to have a Mac.
I still Go for Apple. Though you have great comparison there, still Apple has its distinct mark and even if its costs that much- it satisfies.
Thanks for sharing detailed features about Apple Vs HP laptops. Great explanation which are expained right from the beginning of the post.
apple laptops always be on top list because these have the features,style,smoothness and the work reliability …i have a bit issue about hp laptop’s keypad…
Thank you for this complete review. HP is my choice.
Thanks for sharing a comprehensive comparison, Lawmacs. I currently own an HP laptop and it’s really durable. I’ve had it for quite sometime already and with my current needs, it has never failed me. I’ve never had a Mac and I’d love to try it if ever I get a new laptop.
The choice of laptop will still depend on the needs and preferences of the user. As long as it serves your requirements, then it is best for you.
It’s that age old question isn’t it – personally I’m a laptop man.
Everyone can not use Apple laptop, but HP or other companies provides Windows operating which if much easier than Apple and in the reach of everyone.
Very informative blog, I subscribed your blog for more important updates from you. Thanks for the wonderful post.
I just love the design of Apple laptops, they are so sleek and shiny and have an amazing OS.
I would vote Apple over HP everytime.
Can’t you tell I’m a bit of an Apple fanboy. Lol.
Last year I was in U.K and my nephew was only insistent on Apple Laptop despite its price was higher than other brands but because of operating system and quality of product, only Apple Laptop was bought.
Both companies have very stylish laptops and the are most top companies all over the world, I would say.
Macs win Hands down everytime for me. They last for ages!
Apple wins again!
Apple is the most desired in the whole world. But, thinkin about funcionalities, HP shows up at the top.
Apple is too much enclosed with their products…
Well thanks for the information but I think brand is not necessary on every gadgets. As long as it gives the consumer a proper and good convenience,whether they can get what exactly they want, it’s enough. The brand refers only it’s style but what’s important is the QUALITY of a particular gadget.
Well for me both have its own strengths and weaknesses. And both are helping people to do the things that they are tasked to do. And they both give satisfaction to its users.
Both vendors are at top in the market and have good specifications, but Apple was a bit ahead of HP in laptop manufacturing. But apple products are very expensive, if you have enough money go for Apple. Nice post.
Accordingly both brands have good reputation and of good quality. but I still in favour of Apple. Thank you.
you have good idea in comparing on both gadget there’s Great comparison and very detailed. Apple is still number one for me. If price is not the basis for you then mac is still the best. I have always used mac and it all made the difference. it’s a big help for me for these kind of post cause it,s very informative and thanks for the post .
Apple is still number one for me. If price is not the basis for you then mac is still the best. I have always used mac and it all made the difference.
mortgage rates
Completely agree. HP is a good choice for students. Switch to Mac when you have enough money.
mortgage rates
Apple laptops include great features and it provides attractive items. Apple is the best choice over all laptops. If you can spend more money then get Apple laptop. If you require best system in normal rate then go for HP laptop because HP includes more specification in fewer prices.
As Apple is number one company due to it’s features and functionalities. It’s products are simply awesome. So who can afford, they prefer apple laptops. I personally prefer apple laptops because of it’s good functions. Especially it’s battery timings are very supportive.
I like the high quality of Apple products but really hate their pricing. I would prefer HP in between both of these.
mac is great for web designers, for their ability to perform this work
I think Apple travels in one route and HP travel in another..
Apple has some good issue over some high cost and other mac os.. HP has too costlier than other windows OS..
I love it that I can be in the best of both world. I uses a MAC, and can toggle to windows via parallels desktop. I am into web design, and having both platform is a big plus. I now have the flexibility to choose the best apps to support my web development. I will continue with this route – as that keeps you update to what is happening to the two most impt running OS in the computer world.
That was pretty good comparison. I was in dilemma which one to go for. I think I will end up with HP just because of Operating System Windows 7.
This is a great article! Very good comparison of Apple and HP. For me, Apple is pricey. HP comes with the quality for the price and it’s affordable. What else can you ask for?
Both manufacturers are very good in making laptops but Apple still ahead of HP. Nice analysis.
The Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch gets new hardware and software, including a quad-core Intel Core i7 processor, AMD Radeon GPU, and OS X Lion, while keeping everything that works well, like the thin and stylish unibody design.
I would say it needs to be an apple laptop, there so much better they are awesome for running both windows and OSX if you get an intel mac then that means you can run windows no problem i like hp laptops but there more cheaper and they only run windows i would prefer to have the option of both, also you can run ubunto on them which is great
Great comparison and very detailed. Apple is still number one for me. If price is not the basis for you then mac is still the best. I have always used mac and it all made the difference.
a very detailed comparison. . the difference is quite thin, but we think they have the advantages of each, apple with i7 may have speed and better data processing. . ,, But when talking about prices, envy 15 more affordable. . so what you want to choose? quality or affordable price?
thanks. .
The comparison between Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch laptop and HP Envy 15 and 17 laptop is vary clear but both are having advantages and disadvantages.My opinion is he envy 15 is better to students.
For those using the 2011 MacBook Air, there is now a “dock” that has a 27″ display built in. The Apple Thunderbolt display adds Firewire 800, Gigabit Ethernet, and 3 USB ports. It’s pricey at $999, but the display alone is worth that much.
Anyway, I use an Elitebook (an older, larger model) at the office. While it’s well built, the trackpad is a joke (just offer a model without the silly Thinkpad-style stick and with a bigger trackpad, already), and it is too thick. Unfortunately, the 2560p, while smaller, is just as thick. That really hurts its portability. I’d like to be able to throw it into a briefcase or front pocket of a small suitcase for traveling. With the Air, it’s easy, even when I have it in a neoprene sleeve for extra protection. With the Elitebook, it’s next to impossible because it is so thick.
The apple laptop is way more expensive than hp laptops. While both machine can do the same jobs , you can save a lot of money for the future by buying a HP laptop, especially if you are just a student.
The amazing and great information of laptops and related items.I really like it and have seen amazing collection of related items.
Both brands have pros and cons, support I choose Apple laptop then personally I don’t have any command on apple as compared to HP laptop but both are good in their work.
Which is the best laptop? It totally depends upon that who is user. I think for a student Hp is the best choice for performing all his tasks at very reasonable price comparatively. Otherwise Apple is also a good choice.
Such a great post. All the information on this blog is best for us. Thanks