HP Envy 4-1043cl

The HP Envy 4 - 1043cl ( $ 1,034.99 direct ) takes aptly named Envy line of premium laptops HP further into the fast -growing ultrabook category , joining other HP Ultrabooks like the HP envy the glass - Armored 14 Spectre ( $ 1,399.99 direct , 4 stars ) , or the business thinking Editors' Choice HP folio 13 - 1020us ( $ 899.99 list , 4 stars ) . It is an ultrabook with all the usual trimmings envy , such as Beats Audio , a backlit keyboard , and a unique stylish look , including a new third - generation Intel Core i5 processor , but not the tour de force that we can hope for from the newest member of the premium line of HP .

Design
Measuring 0.78 by 9.28 by 13.38 inches ( HWD ) , the Envy 4 - 1043cl are about the same size as the Dell XPS 14 ( Summer 2012) ( $ 1,499 direct , 3.5 stars ) . At £ 3.86 , it is a little heavier than other 14 - inch Ultrabooks , such as the Lenovo IdeaPad U310 ( 3.75 pounds ) , and noticeably heavier than the 13 - inch competitors , such as Apple MacBook £ 2.85 Air 13 - inch ( Mid 2012) ( $ 1,199 direct , 4 stars ) .

The red and black color scheme stands out in a category that is still heavily influenced by the bare aluminum look of the Apple MacBook Air 13 - inch , and HP adds more texture with woodgrain - like brushed pattern running perpendicular to both black metal lid and palmrest . The underside of Envy 4 - 1043cl has a soft - touch finish and it was a deep metallic red .

The full - size keyboard is not familiar to anyone who looked at current HP laptop , using the same key square tiles , even with shallow typing action seen in most every ultrabook . The only quirks regarding the keyboard is two half - sized up and down arrow keys and an extra long shift key on the right side of the keyboard . Clickpad This is covered with a mild radial spin finish, which adds a little texture to the surface . It is obviously not as smooth as the glass - topped trackpads see Lenovo IdeaPad U310 ( $ 799 direct , 4 stars ) , or Apple Air 13 - inch (Mid 2012) , but its accuracy and responsiveness just took awhile to trained to grow .

The 14 - inch display offers 1366 -by - 768 resolution , which is high enough to let you enjoy the 720p video and use multiple windows tiled side by side . Seeing as this is part of the HP Envy line , we expect to see a slightly better display , something like display resolution 1600- by- 900 found in the Dell XPS 14 ( $ 1,499 direct , 3.5 stars ) , so a boilerplate display is a bit of a letdown .

Beats Audio is included , however , will live up to expectations . When tested with streaming audio ( selections from Pedro the Lion ) , integrated stereo speakers and subwoofer produced crisp , clear sound , with enough bass to keep many observers movies and music - lover you are satisfied . While the sound quality is impressive , this is one area where HP heard facing stiff competition - we've equally amazing sound from Zenbook Asus UX31 - RSL8 ( $ 1,049 list , 4 stars ) , which where Bang & Olufsen speakers easily fill a room with sound .