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My use of the HP Envy 16’ i9-13900H RTX 4060 Laptop (2024)

My thoughts on the HP Envy 16’ i9-13900H RTX 4060 Laptop: a powerful tool for gaming, school, and work
Author
Affiliation
Brad Cheston

Cartesian Mathematics Foundation

Published

November 30, 2023

Introduction

I recently got my hands on the HP Envy 16 with an i9-13900H and RTX 4060 and have been putting it through its paces. This laptop promises a lot, with top specs that speak to gamers and professionals alike.

Specifications

Property Value Property Value
Brand HP Model Name ENVY
Screen Size 16 Inches Hard Disk Size 1 TB
CPU Model Intel Core i9 Ram Memory Installed Size 16 GB
Operating System Windows 11 Pro Graphics Card Description Dedicated
Graphics Coprocessor NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 8GB GDDR6 CPU Speed 2.6 GHz

Photos

Click on photos to enlarge them:

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Prices

Performance Powerhouse - Gaming and Multitasking Capabilities

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When hunting for a laptop that can juggle my demanding gaming sessions, heavy-duty school projects, and daily work tasks, I hit the jackpot with the HP Envy 16’ i9-13900H RTX 4060 model. The specs on this machine are a tech enthusiast’s dream, but how does it really fare when push comes to shove?

Key Powerhouse Features:

  • CPU: 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900H, offering both high-performance cores and efficient cores to manage different types of workloads.

  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060, which translates to superb gaming quality and graphic design capabilities.

  • RAM: 16GB DDR5 Memory, ensuring smooth multitasking and quick application response times.

  • Storage: 1TB PCIe NVMe TLC M.2 SSD, which guarantees lightning-fast data access and ample space for all my files and games.

The processor is the heart of this beast, and the dual nature of performance (P) cores and efficiency (E) cores is a masterpiece of balance. The P-cores blaze through intense tasks, while the E-cores handle background activities, keeping the system cool and responsive. Switching between my 3D modeling software and multiple browser tabs is seamless, with no discernible lag. It’s impressive how the 16GB DDR5 RAM complements the processor, ensuring that none of my creative flow is interrupted by the dreaded hourglass or spinning wheel.

The 1TB SSD is a game-changer for accessing my extensive library of files and software swiftly. Moreover, the RTX 4060 doesn’t shy away from graphics-intensive games. I experienced eye-popping visuals and smooth frame rates that kept me glued to the screen.

Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The absence of an optical drive is barely noticeable in this age of digital downloads, though some might see it as a drawback. The struggle with the visibility of the keyboard buttons took some time to adjust to, but it was a minor hiccup in an otherwise stellar experience.

Gaming aside, the HP Envy 16 performs admirably during work and school tasks. On full throttle, I’ve run simulations and compiled code without any hitches. However, it can feel like overkill for simple word processing or web browsing. It’s like owning a sports car but only driving it in the city at legal speed limits.

As a nod to practicality, the weight of 5.91 lbs makes it a tad cumbersome for daily commutes. I wouldn’t call it the most travel-friendly laptop, but it’s a small price to pay for the power it packs. Plus, the sturdy build gives me confidence that it can handle occasional movement.

In the world of high-performance laptops, the HP Envy 16 is a formidable contender. It efficiently balances gaming, work, and school, making it a versatile choice for power users like me who need a machine that can keep up with a dynamic lifestyle.

Visual and Audio Feast - Display and Sound Review

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The HP Envy 16 inch laptop is a feast for the eyes and ears, and after spending substantial time using it, I’ve got a pretty good handle on both its high points and the few niggly bits that could be improved. Here’s my take, specifically on the display and sound aspects.

First off, the display is something to behold. With a 16-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) screen that’s multitouch-enabled and boasts 120 Hz refresh rate, I’ve found it to be crisp and smooth whether I’m flicking through web pages or immersed in the latest game release. The colors pop, courtesy of the 100% sRGB color gamut, and the 400 nits brightness keeps everything visible even in a well-lit room.

On the flip side, even with the Low Blue Light feature, extended sessions did leave me rubbing my eyes a bit. It’s not a dealbreaker, but something to be mindful of if, like me, you’re prone to marathon sessions.

Now, onto the sound. The audio by Bang & Olufsen, paired with quad speakers, brings a clarity and depth to music and gaming that’s impressively rich for a laptop setup. It’s been a delight for both background tunes during work and the all-important game soundtracks and effects that are so key to immersion.

Visual and Audio Features:

  • Impressive Display: WQXGA, multitouch-enabled, 120 Hz, 400 nits

  • True-to-Life Colors: 100% sRGB color gamut ensures vibrant visuals

  • High-Quality Audio: Bang & Olufsen speakers provide immersive sound

  • Eye Strain: Despite Low Blue Light feature, prolonged usage can be tough on the eyes

As for the drawbacks, well, they aren’t many but they’re worth noting. The buttons on the keyboard can be hard to see in certain lighting conditions, which took some getting used to. And while it’s not directly related to the display or sound, it’s part of the overall visual experience — something to consider if you often find yourself working in dimly lit environments.

In summary, the HP Envy 16 is a pretty solid choice for anyone looking for a device that delivers quality visuals and sound within a laptop form factor. Sure, there are a few minor downsides, but the pros far outweigh the cons, especially when it comes to multimedia experiences.

Connectivity and Portability - Balancing Work and Play

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In the realm of modern laptops, the ability to combine work, school, and play into a single device is a tall order. My HP Envy with its robust 13th Gen Intel Core i9 and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 handles these diverse demands quite efficiently. However, it’s not just about raw power; how you connect and navigate between tasks is equally crucial. That’s where the connectivity options and the portability of the device come into play.

Here’s a quick rundown of the connectivity features that I found noteworthy:

  • Wi-Fi 6E: A real game-changer for online gaming and video conferencing, offering gigabit data rates.

  • Bluetooth 5.3: Ensuring my peripherals connect seamlessly with minimal lag, making work and play more convenient.

  • Thunderbolt 4 ports: These are perfect for fast data transfer and connecting external displays – great for multitasking.

  • USB Type-A and Type-C ports: HP includes both, which is a lifesaver when I have various devices to plug in.

  • HDMI 2.1 port: An added bonus for when I need to present on a larger screen or kick back with some high-quality streaming content.

These features have given me the flexibility I need to move from work to play and back again without a hitch. On top of that, the 16-inch WQXGA display is a boon for both detailed spreadsheets and high-res gaming after hours.

Portability-wise, the HP Envy weighs just under 6 pounds. It’s not the lightest but reasonable given the power packed inside. And the 6-cell, 83 Wh Li-ion polymer battery pushes through a good part of the day. This means I’m not constantly searching for an outlet, though I do carry the 200W charger for heavy-use days.

Yet, it’s not all smooth sailing. The backlit keyboard looks sleek but took me a bit to get used to; the keys were harder to see in dim lighting than I would have liked. This was a minor issue, though, and after some adjustments, I’m back to typing at full speed.

Carrying this laptop from home to the classroom, then to the café, and back again, I have appreciated its versatile connectivity and fairly portable form. Despite the minor inconvenience with the keyboard visibility, I would say the connectivity features alone make the HP Envy a standout choice for anyone looking to balance the demands of work, school, and entertainment.

Overall User Experience with the HP Envy 16 Laptop

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Having spent a considerable amount of time with the HP Envy 16 laptop, my thoughts on it have been largely positive, with a few minor hiccups along the way. My overall user experience has been impressive, fitting into my lifestyle which pivots between gaming, school assignments, and work tasks. Here’s a rundown of my takeaways:

  • Performance: The combination of the 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processor and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card make for blazing fast operations and stunning visuals. Whether I’m crunching data or running high-end games, this machine doesn’t break a sweat.

  • Build Quality: The build is sleek with a natural silver finish that feels premium to the touch. Although it leans on the heavier side at 5.91 lb, it’s a trade-off I’m willing to accept for the performance it delivers.

  • Display: The 16-inch WQXGA screen is an absolute treat, making every visual come to life with vivid colors and sharp detail. The 120 Hz refresh rate is a boon for gaming and smooth scrolling.

  • Keyboard: The full-size, backlit keyboard has a nice feel to it but the visibility of buttons can be tricky in certain lighting conditions. It required a bit of an adjustment period.

Even though the laptop is heavy on features, two aspects do stand out as potential drawbacks. The visibility of the keyboard under low light isn’t ideal, which bothered me until I got used to the layout. Also, there’s no optical drive, but that’s more of a nod to modern design since I mainly use cloud storage or USB drives.

With Wi-Fi 6E and a variety of ports including Thunderbolt 4, staying connected with peripherals and the internet is a breeze. The bonus of the BROAGE 3 In 1 Design Stylus was a nice touch—it became a companion for my creative spurts and note-taking during lectures.

To cap it off, the HP Envy 16 has left a strong impression on me. It excels in the areas that matter most: power, display, and connectivity. While the quirks with the keyboard did give me a moment’s pause, they were quickly overshadowed by the sheer quality of the rest of the hardware. For a laptop that can leap from resource-intensive applications to casual web browsing without missing a beat, the HP Envy 16 finds a commendable balance. It’s been more than capable of handling my diverse needs—gaming, school, and work—making it a reliable hub of my digital life.

Having shared my experience, I hope it helps others looking for a solid all-in-one laptop that doesn’t compromise on power for portability. The HP Envy 16 certainly lives up to its high-performance expectations while still managing to look good on my desk. The little inconveniences are just that—little—in the grand scheme of this device’s capabilities.