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I'm considering the following models, both price within $100 of each other:
Asus N55SL-DS71 *(nevermind, I just bought this one)*
HP Envy 15-3040nr


Similiar specs:
15.6" screen (1920x1080)
Intel Core i7-2670QM (2.2GHz)
8GB DDR3 1600
750GB 7200rpm HDD


Asus
--------------
Matte screen
2GB Nvidia GeForce GT 635M
Blu-ray burner
B&O audio


HP Envy
--------------
Glossy screen
1GB Radeon HD 7690M
slot-loading DVD burner
Beats audio


I'm leaning towards the Asus, but the HP is thinner and looks better. (and yes I care about how my laptop looks, I don't want a big ugly clunky brick) I do like the physical volume dial on the HP but the Asus seems a better spec'd machine. Thoughts? Maybe some of you heard someone about one these laptops?

um, well good choice.

I would suggest the HP Envy 15-3040nr.... o_O Just kidding. I think you made the right decision. I'm not a fan of glossy screens and it seems the Asus' specs are a bit better.

Asus is about as good of a brand as it gets. I'd trust Asus way over HP.

You made the right choice. I have a friend with an HP Envy, and we both hate it.

1) HP's installation of Windows has so many weird problems. He tried installing a regular version of Windows that HP hadn't messed with, but it didn't work. The laptop refused to let it install.

The first thing I did with my Asus laptop was format the disk and install a copy of Windows I already had.

2) The hard drive failed after the warranty expired. He replaced it himself, but it refused to use the new drive because it wasn't the same model as the original.

My Asus laptop had the same model of hard drive that the HP had originally. We took the drive from mine and installed it in his, which it accepted. My laptop accepted the new drive just fine.

3) It has major cooling problems. Despite having three cooling fans, it's almost always on the verge of overheating and very hot to the touch. He notices better performance in the summer when he uses it at my house because he doesn't have air conditioning; It has to slow itself down to prevent overheating.

My laptop only has one cooling fan and runs significantly cooler.

4) It's broken and required repair several times. I never would have thought a laptop could be suicidal until I saw this thing. Also, HP apparently taped the wire connecting the track pad in place during one repair. Eventually the tape came unstuck and that had to be fixed again. Quite the annoyance.

Mine has never had to be repaired.

Both of them have almost identical hardware specs. Mine has a slightly better GPU.

I'd also recommend avoiding glossy screens like the plague.

So everyone agrees. The website I bought it from (jr.com) had very cheap shipping prices. Free for standard, and only $20 for 1-day by 10:30am shipping. Since I ordered it Sunday night, it says it'll be here Tuesday morning.


It seems to me that most people prefer matte (non-glossy) screens. So then why do 99% of laptops come with them? (and a poor resolution at that) To me, anything less than 1080 is just unacceptable today, since it I feel it used to be a lot easier getting higher resolutions years ago.

Cuz they look great in the stores.